0001108134bhlb:ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesGuaranteedByUSGovernmentMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2020-12-31
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
ýANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 20172020
 
oTRANSITION 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
bhlb-20201231_g1.jpg
BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware04-3510455
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
60 State Street Boston, MassachusettsBostonMassachusetts02109
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 773-5601, ext. 133773(617) 641-9206,
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of Exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per shareBHLBNew 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 ý
No o
 
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. o

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one)
 
Large Accelerated FileroAccelerated Filerx
Non-Accelerated FileroSmaller Reporting Company
Large Accelerated Filer x
Emerging Growth Company
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
Smaller Reporting Company o
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of
the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15
U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

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 $1.4 billion,$548 million, based upon the closing price of $35.15$11.02 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 23, 201825, 2021 was 45,369,422.51,035,606.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.





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INDEX
 
























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TABLE INDEX

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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.Commission, including the Risk Factors in Item 1A of this report.

Further, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the related local and national economic disruption may result in a continued decline in demand for our products and services; increased levels of loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures; an increase in our allowance for loan losses; a decline in the value of loan collateral, including real estate; a greater decline in the yield on our interest-earning assets than the decline in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities; and increased cybersecurity risks, as employees continue to work remotely.

Because of these and other uncertainties, Berkshire’s actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, Berkshire’s past results of operations do not necessarily indicate Berkshire’s combined future results. You should not place undue reliance on any of the forward-looking statements, which reflect our expectationsspeak only as of the date of this report. We dodates on which they were made. Berkshire is not assume anyundertaking an obligation to reviseupdate forward-looking statements, even though its situation may change in the future, except as may be required under federal securities law. Berkshire qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by law.these cautionary statements.


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


The Bank profiles itself as follows:


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Berkshire’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “BHLB.” At year-end 2017, Berkshire’s closing stock price was $36.60 and there were 45.290 million shares outstanding. Berkshire is a regional bank and financial services company providing2020, 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 - results driven
Focused on long-term profitability goals and shareholder value
Acquisition disciplines a strength in a consolidating market

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


The Bank has 113had 130 full-service banking offices in its New England, New York, and Mid-Atlantic footprint. The Bank also owns mortgage bankinghas an agreement to sell its 8 Mid-Atlantic branches and specialty equipment finance subsidiaries which serve markets nationwide. Additionally, it ishas announced a leading providerplan to consolidate another 16 offices in its New England/New York footprint.The actions are targeted to be completed by mid-year 2021, and the Bank has a target of SBA loan solutions in targeted markets. 106 branches as a result of these actions.The Company offers a wide range of deposit, lending, insurance, and wealth management products to retail and commercial customers in its market areas. Its business goal is to expand and deepen market share and wallet share through organic growth and acquisition strategies.

The Bank serves the following regions shown below:

Greater Boston, where the Company has relocated its headquarters inalso operates 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 Englandsocially responsible platform, Reevx LabsTM, with 23 branches, includes the Company’s traditional Berkshire County 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 2016 MSA GDP totaled $6 billion.

New York, with 39 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 2016 MSA GDP was $52 billion, and the Rome/Utica/Syracuse total 2016 MSA GDP was $38 billion.

Hartford/Springfield, with 24 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. The Hartford/Springfield combined 2016 MSA GDP was $114 billion.

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 Princeton, New Jersey area and its acquisition of the business assets and operations of 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 Philadelphia MSA 2016 GDP was $431 billion, while the Trenton 2016 MSA GDP was $27 billion.


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Shown below is information about total loans and deposits within the Company’s banking footprint, by region, as of year-end 2017 (wholesale deposit and loan balances are excluded).


These regions are viewed as having favorable economic 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 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 incomesemerging entrepreneurs, artists, 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 andsmall non-profit organizations 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 Bank’s positioning as a leading regional bank in its marketsproviding them with the abilityresources and connections needed to serve retailpower them today and commercial customers with a strong product set and responsive local management. The Company has acquired and is developing targeted national lending operations to support its strategic growth and profitability. The Company also pursues organic growth through ongoing business development, de novo branching, product development, and 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 withfar into the right people, attitude, and energy providing an engaging and exciting customer and team member experience. This brand and culture statement is viewed as driving customer engagement, loyalty, market share, and profitability. The Company utilizes Six Sigma tools to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency. It focuses on the recruitment and acquisition of teams with established market reach and experience to support its overall growth and development.21st century.


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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.

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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 generally originates loans for investment except for residential mortgages, which are generally originated for sale on a servicing released basis. Additionally, the Bank also originates SBASmall Business Administration ("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 isinformation discussed below describes the common charter for Massachusetts chartered commercial banks. Company’s ongoing lending activities.The majority ofCOVID-19 pandemic conditions that affected the Bank’s held for investment loansCompany’s activities in 2020 are commercial loans. The Company’s strategy is to be a leading regional bank commercial banking providerdiscussed in its regional markets,Management’s Discussion 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 developmentAnalysis in Item 7 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 has focused on team recruitments to establish its market prominence and deliver revenue synergies in new markets entered by acquisition.report.


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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 Consolidated Financial Statements.


Item 1 - Table 1 - Loan Portfolio Analysis
20202019201820172016
(In millions)AmountPercent of TotalAmountPercent of TotalAmountPercent of TotalAmountPercent of TotalAmountPercent of Total
Loans:
Construction$455 5.6 %$449 4.7 %$371 4.1 %$385 4.6 %$351 5.4 %
Commercial multifamily483 6.0 632 6.7 552 6.1 495 6.0 349 5.3 
Commercial real estate owner occupied552 6.8 673 7.1 562 6.2 646 7.8 595 9.1 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied2,119 26.2 2,190 23.0 1,849 20.4 1,700 20.5 1,253 19.1 
Commercial and industrial1,943 24.0 1,844 19.4 1,954 21.6 1,740 21.0 1,044 15.9 
Residential real estate1,932 23.9 2,853 30.0 2,727 30.2 2,264 27.3 2,047 31.3 
Home equity294 3.7 379 4.0 377 4.2 409 4.9 362 5.5 
Consumer other303 3.8 483 5.1 651 7.2 660 7.9 549 8.4 
Total$8,081 100.0 %$9,503 100.0 %$9,043 100.0 %$8,299 100.0 %$6,550 100.0 %
Allowance for credit losses (1)
(127)(64)(61)(52)(44)
Net loans$7,954 $9,439 $8,982 $8,247 $6,506 
(1)    Beginning January 1, 2020, the allowance calculation is based on current expected loss methodology. Prior to January 1, 2020, the allowance calculation was based on the incurred loss model.

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  2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
    Percent   Percent   Percent   Percent   Percent
    of   of   of   of   of
(In millions) Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total
Commercial real estate $3,264
 39% $2,617
 40% $2,060
 36% $1,612
 35% $1,417
 34%
Commercial and industrial loans 1,804
 22
 1,062
 16
 1,048
 18
 804
 17
 687
 16
Total commercial loans 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 1,128
 14
 978
 15
 802
 14
 768
 16
 692
 17
Total loans $8,299
 100% $6,550
 100% $5,725
 100% $4,680
 100% $4,180
 100%
                     
Allowance for loan losses (52) 

 (44) 

 (39) 

 (35)  
 (33)  
Net loans $8,247
  
 $6,506
 

 $5,686
 

 $4,645
  
 $4,147
  

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. Commercial real estate loans are provided on owner-occupied properties and on investor-owned properties. The portfolio 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 2530 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 together with its commercial and industrial loans as constituting the primary relationship based component of its commercial lending activities.participations.


Commercial real estate loans are among the largest of the Bank’s loans, and may have higher credit risk and lending spreads. Because repayment is often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of commercial real estate loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. The Bank seeks to manage these risks through its underwriting disciplines 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 are 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 FDICFederal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") supervisory limits, up to a maximum of 85 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.Loans ("C&I"). C&I loans are managed through the Bank’s commercial middle market banking organization. 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 AdministrationSBA 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 loans

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originated through the Company’s participation in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) lending program in 2020 were classified as C&I loans.These loans were viewed as zero credit risk due to the related SBA guarantee.

Asset Based Lending. The Asset Based Lending Group serves the commercial middle market in New England, as well as the Bank’s market in northeastern New York. In 2017, this group expanded intoYork and in 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 generally 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,Small Business Banking. This group is also referred to as Business Banking, and handles most business relationships which are smaller than the Bank created the new Specialty Lending Group to oversee its equipment lending, SBA lending, and smallmiddle market category. Additionally, some smaller business lending activities. The specialty equipment lending operation is conducted by Firestone Financial Corp. ("Firestone"), which was acquired in 2015. Firestone originates loans secured by business-essential equipmentneeds are handled through over 160 equipment distributors and manufacturers and directly via the end borrower in all 50 states. Key customer segments include the fitness, carnival, 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,retail branch system. Berkshire acquiredBank also owns 44 Business Capital, a dedicated SBA 7(A)7A program lending team based in the Philadelphia area. This team originates loans primarily in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic area.and nationally. 44 Business Capital also works with business banking and small business teams to provide SBA guaranteed loans to business Banking Customers in Berkshire’s footprint. 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.loans. 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 tooperations. Berkshire Bank also owns Firestone Financial Corp. ("Firestone"), which is located in Needham, MA. Firestone originates loans secured by business-essential equipment through over 160 equipment distributors and manufacturers and directly via the market served by Firestone. Berkshire also originates SBA loansend borrower in its regional markets. The SBA’s annual report of SBA originators forall 50 states. Key customer segments include the year-ended September 30, 2017 ranked Berkshire 17th in the nationfitness, carnival, gaming, and entertainment industries.


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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 originates construction loans which generally provide 15-month construction periods followed by a permanent mortgage loan, and follow the Bank’s normal mortgage underwriting guidelines.

Most of the Bank’s mortgages are originated by commissioned mortgage lenders. With the First Choice Bank acquisition in December 2016, the Company acquired First Choice Loan Services Inc. ("First Choice Loan Services"), which now operates its mortgage banking business as a 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 First Choice Loan Services, Berkshire is now one of the top 50 bank originators of mortgages 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 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 are centrally underwritten and processed by its experienced consumer lending team based in Syracuse, New York. The Bank’s primary consumer lending activity isin recent years has been indirect auto lending. In 2019, the second halfCompany decided to end the origination of 2015,indirect auto loans.This decision reflects the Bank recruited new leadership to expand this activity fromCompany’s heightened emphasis on community banking in 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.local markets. 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
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prime based home equity lines with a maximum combined loan-to-value of 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. At year-end 2017, home equity loans totaled $410 million.


Maturity and Sensitivity of Loan Portfolio. The following table shows contractual final maturities of selected loan categoriesloans at year-end 2017.2020. The contractual maturities do not reflect premiums, discounts, deferred costs, or prepayments.
 
Item 1 - Table 22A - Loan Contractual Maturity - Scheduled Loan Amortizationsloan amortizations are not included in the maturities presented.
Contractual Maturity One Year One to More Than  
(In thousands) or Less Five Years Five Years Total
Construction real estate loans:  
  
  
  
Commercial $59,909
 $206,427
 $
 $266,336
Residential 2,717
 124
 2,569
 5,410
Commercial and industrial loans 307,577
 918,136
 578,226
 1,803,939
Total $370,203
 $1,124,687
 $580,795
 $2,075,685
Contractual MaturityOne YearOne toMore Than 
(In thousands)or LessFive YearsFive YearsTotal
Loans:
Construction$80,625 $206,398 $167,490 $454,513 
Commercial multifamily32,296 191,876 259,178 483,350 
Commercial real estate owner occupied49,176 171,991 331,246 552,413 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied187,556 1,062,087 869,620 2,119,263 
Commercial and industrial218,898 1,404,958 319,308 1,943,164 
Residential real estate12,308 37,218 1,882,155 1,931,681 
Home equity3,207 6,077 284,697 293,981 
Consumer other10,022 229,877 63,255 303,154 
Total$594,088 $3,310,482 $4,176,949 $8,081,519 
 
For the $1.7 billion ofItem 1 - Table 2B - Total loans above which mature in more thandue after one year $0.5 billion of these loans are fixed-rate- fixed and $1.2 billion are variable rate.interest rates

(In thousands)Fixed Interest RateVariable Interest RateTotal
Loans:
Construction$2,969 $370,919 $373,888 
Commercial multifamily135,881 315,173 451,054 
Commercial real estate owner occupied165,731 337,506 503,237 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied600,778 1,330,929 1,931,707 
Commercial and industrial1,042,474 681,792 1,724,266 
Residential real estate1,450,034 469,339 1,919,373 
Home equity6,100 284,674 290,774 
Consumer other288,582 4,550 293,132 
Total$3,692,549 $3,794,882 $7,487,431 
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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.


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, 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 loan approvals in accordance with these standards and procedures. Generally, pass rated secured commercial loans can be approved jointly up to $7 million by the regional lending manager and regional credit officer. Loans up to $15$10 million can be approved with the additional signature of the Chief Credit Officer. Loans in excess of this amount, and designated lower rated loans are approved by the
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Executive Loan Committee. These limits were expanded in 2016. The Bank tracks loan underwriting exceptions and exception reports are actively monitored by executive lending management.


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 interest rate derivatives to larger commercial borrowers desiring to fix their interest rates, and includes these derivatives in its underwriting and administrative procedures.

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 pre-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 and Capital Committee. The Bank also actively monitorshas heightened monitoring of 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 construction loans. At year-end 2017, non-owner occupied commercial real estate totaled 270% of Bank risk based capital and outstanding construction loans were 40% of Bank risk based capital. The Bank has hold limits for severalnumerous 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 outstandingsoutstanding loans in each monitored category.



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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. Loan collections are managed by a combination of the related business

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units and the Bank’s special assets group, which focuses on larger, riskier collections and the recovery of purchased credit impaireddeteriorated loans.


Real estate obtained 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 2017,2020, if non-accruing loans had been current
according to their original terms, amounted to $1.2$6.8 million. Included in the amount is $181$64 thousand related to
troubled debt restructurings. The amount of interest income on those loans that was recognized in net income in 2017
2020 was $0.7$4.8 million. Included in this amount is $362$27 thousand related to troubled debt restructurings. Interest
income on accruing troubled debt restructurings totaled $1.6$1.1 million for 2017.2020. The total carrying value of
troubled debt restructurings was $42.0$20.5 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)20202019201820172016
Non-accruing loans:
Construction$— $— $150 $159 $— 
Commercial multifamily757 811 474 263 363 
Commercial real estate owner occupied4,509 15,389 16,555 3,747 2,841 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied29,572 1,031 2,056 2,023 2,136 
Commercial and industrial12,441 11,218 6,003 7,314 7,523 
Residential real estate9,711 6,411 3,394 4,062 4,468 
Home equity2,654 1,798 1,662 3,645 3,192 
Consumer other5,304 2,982 2,131 1,686 1,717 
Total non-performing loans$64,948 $39,640 $32,425 $22,899 $22,240 
Other real estate owned149 — — — 151 
Repossessed assets1,932 858 1,209 1,147 — 
Total non-performing assets$67,029 $40,498 $33,634 $24,046 $22,391 
Total non-performing loans/total loans0.80 %0.42 %0.36 %0.28 %0.34 %
Total non-performing assets/total assets0.52 %0.31 %0.28 %0.21 %0.24 %
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Non-accruing loans:  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate $7,267
 $5,883
 $4,882
 $12,878
 $13,739
Commercial and industrial loans 7,311
 7,523
 8,259
 1,705
 2,355
Residential mortgages 2,883
 3,795
 3,966
 3,908
 7,868
Consumer 5,438
 5,039
 3,768
 3,214
 3,493
Total non-performing loans 22,899
 22,240
 20,875
 21,705
 27,455
Real estate owned 
 151
 1,725
 2,049
 2,758
Repossessed assets 1,147
 
 
 
 
Total non-performing assets $24,046
 $22,391
 $22,600
 $23,754
 $30,213
           
Troubled debt restructurings (accruing) $36,172
 $28,241
 $12,497
 $12,612
 $8,344
Accruing loans 90+ days past due $16,480
 $9,863
 $5,229
 $4,568
 $9,223
           
Total non-performing loans/total loans 0.28% 0.34% 0.36% 0.46% 0.66%
Total non-performing assets/total assets 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 Note 7 - Loan Loss Allowance ofnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. financial statements.Impaired loans acquired in
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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.Credit Losses on Loans. The Bank’s loan portfolio is regularly reviewed by management to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. ThePrior to 2020, the allowance representsrepresented management’s estimate of inherent incurred losses that are probable and estimable as of the date of the financial statements. The allowance includesincluded 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 iswas assigned to loans acquired in business combinations. These loans are carriedwere initially recorded at fair value, including the impact of expected losses, as of the acquisition date. An allowance on such loans iswas established subsequent to the acquisition date through the provision for loan losses based on an analysis of factors including environmental factors.

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the new loan loss allowance standard based on Current Expected Credit losses (“CECL”). Under this standard, management makes estimates of future economic conditions over the life of the loan portfolio and other future conditions and arrives at a reasonable estimate of expected loan losses. The basis of the allowance changed from an incurred model to an expected model based on this standard. As a result, the amount of the loan loss allowance and the loan loss provision in 2020 is not comparable to prior years. Also, since different banks may use different estimates and arrive at different expectations, comparisons between banks are more difficult. Further, since the accounting is based on future projections our estimates may change significantly from period to period, the amounts of the allowance and provision may be more volatile than under the previous model. Further information about the allowance is discussed further in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Management believes that it uses the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses.allowance. 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, thereThere 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 the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Suchdeteriorate. Regulatory agencies may require the Bank to make additional provisions for estimatedcredit 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.
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The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the five years indicated:


Item 1 - Table 4 - Allowance for Loan LossCredit Losses
(In thousands)20202019201820172016
Balance at beginning of year$63,575 $61,469 $51,834 $43,998 $39,308 
Impact of ASC 32625,434 — — — — 
Charged-off loans:
Construction$834 $— $— $— $— 
Commercial multifamily100 837 32 86 50 
Commercial real estate owner occupied8,686 5,342 4,441 1,041 841 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied11,653 934 3,007 3,181 2,152 
Commercial and industrial19,328 24,370 4,795 4,219 5,714 
Residential real estate2,285 1,180 1,481 2,033 2,926 
Home equity347 742 1,103 1,112 498 
Consumer other2,562 3,149 3,152 2,912 1,845 
Total charged-off loans45,795 36,554 18,011 14,584 14,026 
Recoveries on charged-off loans:
Construction$— $— $— $— $— 
Commercial multifamily100 — 11 59 60 
Commercial real estate owner occupied1,053 160 68 109 211 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied307 1,094 289 52 33 
Commercial and industrial4,285 1,425 874 432 386 
Residential real estate1,359 186 191 321 306 
Home equity292 47 307 15 10 
Consumer other609 329 455 407 348 
Total recoveries8,005 3,241 2,195 1,395 1,354 
Net loans charged-off37,790 33,313 15,816 13,189 12,672 
Provision for credit losses76,083 35,419 25,451 21,025 17,362 
Balance at end of year (1)
$127,302 $63,575 $61,469 $51,834 $43,998 
Ratios:     
Net charge-offs/average loans0.41 %0.35 %0.18 %0.19 %0.21 %
Recoveries/charged-off loans17.48 8.87 12.19 9.57 9.65 
Net loans charged-off/allowance for credit losses29.69 52.40 25.73 25.44 28.80 
Non-accrual loans/total loans0.80 0.42 0.36 0.28 0.34 
Allowance for credit losses/total loans1.58 0.67 0.68 0.62 0.67 
Allowance for credit losses/non-accruing loans196.01 160.38 189.57 226.36 197.83 
(1)    Beginning January 1, 2020, the allowance calculation is based on current expected loss methodology. Prior to January 1, 2020, the allowance calculation was based on the incurred loss model.



12
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Balance at beginning of year $43,998
 $39,308
 $35,662
 $33,323
 $33,208
Charged-off loans:  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate 4,646
 3,104
 7,546
 5,684
 5,026
Commercial and industrial loans 4,217
 5,715
 3,110
 3,010
 2,917
Residential mortgages 1,603
 2,865
 1,857
 2,596
 2,426
Consumer 4,118
 2,342
 2,175
 2,563
 2,467
Total charged-off loans 14,584
 14,026
 14,688
 13,853
 12,836
Recoveries on charged-off loans:  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate 235
 303
 582
 270
 549
Commercial and industrial loans 424
 389
 458
 228
 211
Residential mortgages 313
 304
 205
 365
 399
Consumer 423
 358
 363
 361
 414
Total recoveries 1,395
 1,354
 1,608
 1,224
 1,573
Net loans charged-off 13,189
 12,672
 13,080
 12,629
 11,263
Provision for loan losses 21,025
 17,362
 16,726
 14,968
 11,378
Balance at end of year $51,834
 $43,998
 $39,308
 $35,662
 $33,323
           
Ratios:  
  
  
  
  
Net charge-offs/average loans 0.19% 0.21% 0.25% 0.29% 0.29%
Recoveries/charged-off loans 9.57
 9.65
 10.95
 8.84
 12.25
Net loans charged-off/allowance for loan losses 25.44
 28.80
 33.28
 35.41
 33.80
Allowance for loan losses/total loans 0.62
 0.67
 0.69
 0.76
 0.80
Allowance for loan losses/non-accruing loans 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 LossCredit Losses by Category (as of year-end)
 20202019201820172016
(Dollars in thousands)Amount
Allocated
Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each CategoryAmount
Allocated
Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each CategoryAmount
Allocated
Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each CategoryAmount
Allocated
Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each CategoryAmount
Allocated
Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category
Construction$5,111 1.1 %$2,713 0.6 %$2,030 0.6 %$1,993 0.5 %$2,104 0.6 %
Commercial multifamily5,916 1.2 4,413 0.7 4,312 0.8 3,389 0.7 2,790 0.8 
Commercial real estate owner occupied12,380 2.2 4,880 0.7 5,083 0.9 4,847 0.8 4,865 0.8 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied35,850 1.7 16,344 0.8 12,940 0.7 10,000 0.6 8,690 0.7 
Commercial and industrial25,013 1.3 20,099 1.1 17,558 0.9 14,975 0.9 10,597 1.0 
Residential real estate28,491 1.5 9,970 0.4 11,659 0.4 10,466 0.5 8,906 0.4 
Home equity6,482 2.2 1,470 0.4 1,772 0.5 1,224 0.3 1,776 0.5 
Consumer other8,059 2.7 3,686 0.8 6,115 0.9 4,940 0.8 4,270 0.8 
Total (1)
$127,302 1.6 %$63,575 0.7 %$61,469 0.7 %$51,834 0.6 %$43,998 0.7 %
  2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
(Dollars in thousands) 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
Commercial real estate $20,699
 0.63% $18,801
 0.72% $16,494
 0.80% $15,539
 0.96% $16,112
 1.13%
Commercial and industrial loans 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 6,142
 0.54% 6,015
 0.61% 5,510
 0.69% 6,321
 0.82% 3,879
 0.56%
                     
Total $51,834
 0.62% $43,998
 0.67% $39,308
 0.69% $35,662
 0.76% $33,323
 0.80%
(1)    Beginning January 1, 2020, the allowance calculation is based on current expected loss methodology. Prior to January 1, 2020, the allowance calculation was based on the incurred loss model.


Item 1 - Table 5B - Allocation of Allowance for Loan LossCredit Losses (as of year-end)
 20202019201820172016
(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
Construction$5,111 5.6 %$2,713 4.7 %$2,030 4.1 %$1,993 4.6 %$2,104 5.4 %
Commercial multifamily5,916 6.0 4,413 6.7 4,312 6.1 3,389 6.0 2,790 5.3 
Commercial real estate owner occupied12,380 6.8 4,880 7.1 5,083 6.2 4,847 7.8 4,865 9.1 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied35,850 26.2 16,344 23.0 12,940 20.4 10,000 20.5 8,690 19.1 
Commercial and industrial25,013 24.0 20,099 19.4 17,558 21.6 14,975 21.0 10,597 15.9 
Residential real estate28,491 23.9 9,970 30.0 11,659 30.2 10,466 27.3 8,906 31.3 
Home equity6,482 3.7 1,470 4.0 1,772 4.2 1,224 4.9 1,776 5.5 
Consumer other8,059 3.8 3,686 5.1 6,115 7.2 4,940 7.9 4,270 8.4 
Total (1)
$127,302 100.0 %$63,575 100.0 %$61,469 100.0 %$51,834 100.0 %$43,998 100.0 %
(1)    Beginning January 1, 2020, the allowance calculation is based on current expected loss methodology. Prior to January 1, 2020, the allowance calculation was based on the incurred loss model.
13
  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
Commercial real estate $20,699
 39.33% $18,801
 39.95% $16,494
 41.96% $15,539
 34.43% $16,112
 41.26%
Commercial and industrial loans 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 6,142
 13.59% 6,015
 14.93% 5,510
 14.03% 6,321
 16.41% 3,879
 16.55%
                     
Total $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, consisting principally of collateralized mortgage obligations (generally consisting of planned amortization class bonds)bonds and pass-through securities). Other than securities issued by the above agencies, no other issuer concentrations exceeding 10% of stockholders’ equity existed at year-end 2017.2020. The municipal portfolio provides tax-advantaged yield, and the local economic development bonds were originated by the Company to area borrowers. The Company invests in investment grade corporate bonds and Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities. Purchases of non-investment grade fixed-income securities have 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 and in community reinvestment projects.institutions. 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, equity security purchases after that date have been conducted at the holding company level.funds financing community reinvestment projects. The Bank 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 Company generally designates investmentdebt securities as available for sale, but sometimes designates longer-duration municipal and other 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’sCompany's securities, by type of security, for the three years indicated.


Item 1 - Table 6A - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities
202020192018
(In thousands)Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Securities available for sale
Municipal bonds and obligations$90,273 $97,803 $104,325 $110,138 $109,648 $111,207 
Mortgage-backed securities1,452,526 1,483,608 1,037,205 1,043,652 1,182,552 1,160,130 
Other bonds and obligations111,178 113,821 155,809 157,765 129,073 128,310 
Total securities available for sale$1,653,977 $1,695,232 $1,297,339 $1,311,555 $1,421,273 $1,399,647 
Securities held to maturity
Municipal bonds and obligations$246,520 $266,626 $252,936 $266,026 $264,524 $264,492 
Mortgage-backed securities214,907 221,472 86,291 89,191 89,273 88,442 
Tax advantaged economic development bonds3,369 3,462 18,456 17,764 19,718 18,042 
Other bonds and obligations295 295 296 296 248 248 
Total securities held to maturity$465,091 $491,855 $357,979 $373,277 $373,763 $371,224 
Trading account security$8,655 $9,708 $9,390 $10,769 $10,090 $11,212 
Marketable equity securities18,061 18,513 37,138 41,556 55,471 56,638 
Restricted equity securities34,873 34,873 48,019 48,019 77,344 77,344 
  2017 2016 2015
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $113,427
 $118,233
 $117,910
 $119,816
 $99,922
 $104,561
Mortgage-backed securities 1,142,656
 1,130,403
 948,661
 945,129
 960,907
 959,865
Other bonds and obligations 131,167
 132,278
 78,877
 79,051
 57,742
 56,064
Marketable equity securities 36,483
 45,185
 47,858
 65,541
 30,522
 33,967
Total securities available for sale $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 $270,310
 $278,895
 $203,463
 $204,986
 $94,642
 $97,967
Mortgage-backed securities 92,115
 92,242
 95,302
 95,495
 68
 71
Tax advantaged economic development bonds 34,357
 33,818
 35,278
 36,874
 36,613
 38,537
Other bonds and obligations 321
 321
 325
 325
 329
 329
Total securities held to maturity $397,103
 $405,276
 $334,368
 $337,680
 $131,652
 $136,904
             
Trading account security $10,755
 $12,277
 $11,387
 $13,229
 $11,984
 $14,189
Restricted equity securities $63,085
 $63,085
 $71,112
 $71,112
 $71,018
 $71,018


Item 1 - Table 6B - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities
 2017 2016 2015202020192018
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
(In thousands)Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
U.S. Treasuries, other Government agencies and corporations $1,271,254
 $1,267,830
 $1,091,821
 $1,106,165
 $991,497
 $993,903
U.S. Treasuries, other Government agencies and corporations$1,685,494 $1,723,593 $1,160,634 $1,174,399 $1,327,296 $1,305,210 
Municipal bonds and obligations 428,849
 443,223
 368,038
 374,905
 243,161
 255,254
Other bonds and obligations 194,573
 195,684
 150,314
 150,488
 129,089
 127,411
            
Municipal bonds and obligations and tax advantaged securitiesMunicipal bonds and obligations and tax advantaged securities348,817 377,599 385,107 404,697 403,980 404,953 
OtherOther146,346 148,989 204,124 206,080 206,665 205,902 
Total Securities $1,894,676
 $1,906,737
 $1,610,173
 $1,631,558
 $1,363,747
 $1,376,568
Total Securities$2,180,657 $2,250,181 $1,749,865 $1,785,176 $1,937,941 $1,916,065 


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

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The following table summarizes year-end 20172020 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 LessMore than One
Year to Five Years
More than Five Years
to Ten Years
More than Ten YearsTotal
(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
Municipal bonds and obligations$4.1 4.0 %$7.0 4.0 %$37.6 5.0 %$288.1 4.0 %$336.8 5.0 %
Mortgage-backed securities— — %11.2 2.0 %154.6 2.0 %1,501.6 2.0 %1,667.4 2.0 %
Other bonds and obligations31.1 — %4.4 5.0 %53.3 5.0 %26.0 3.0 %114.8 3.0 %
Total$35.2 0.6 %$22.6 3.5 %$245.5 3.3 %$1,815.7 2.2 %$2,119.0 2.3 %
 One 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
Municipal bonds and obligations$1.6
 3.6% $28.7
 3.8% $26.4
 4.8% $327.0
 5.0% $383.7
 4.9%
Mortgage-backed securities0.1
 3.0% 4.1
 2.4% 45.8
 2.3% 1,184.6
 2.5% 1,234.6
 2.5%
Other bonds and obligations0.3
 4.7% 29.8
 5.0% 57.6
 5.4% 78.4
 3.5% 166.1
 4.4%
Total$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 and mobile 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 transactions 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 and governmental depositors and a fee income source to the bank. With the Commerce acquisition, theThe Bank acquiredalso operates 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 Bank is also gradually deploying its MyTeller video tellers to complement and extend its service capabilities in its branches.

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 utilizes brokered time deposits to broaden its funding base, augment its interest rate risk management vehicles, and to support loan growth. The Bank also offers brokered reciprocal money market arrangements 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. Brokered deposits are sourced through selected 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.

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.


Item 1 - Table 8 - Average Balance and Weighted Average Rates for Deposits
 202020192018
(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
Demand$2,324.6 23 %— %$1,745.2 18 %— %$1,622.4 19 %— %
NOW and other1,216.6 12 0.3 1,053.9 11 0.6 824.7 0.5 
Money market2,713.6 26 0.6 2,542.6 26 1.2 2,432.2 28 0.9 
Savings914.1 0.1 798.2 0.2 740.8 0.2 
Time3,102.9 30 1.7 3,754.2 37 2.0 3,075.5 35 1.7 
Total$10,271.8 100 %0.7 %$9,894.1 100 %1.2 %$8,695.6 100 %0.9 %
  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
Demand $1,296.4
 18% % $1,081.0
 19% % $972.6
 19% %
NOW 591.0
 8
 0.3
 487.8
 8
 0.1
 462.9
 9
 0.2
Money market 1,935.8
 27
 0.6
 1,470.3
 26
 0.5
 1,444.1
 28
 0.4
Savings 680.1
 10
 0.1
 610.8
 11
 0.1
 582.4
 11
 0.2
Time 2,581.1
 37
 1.2
 2,094.8
 36
 1.1
 1,684.8
 33
 0.9
Total $7,084.4
 100% 0.6% $5,744.7
 100% 0.5% $5,146.8
 100% 0.5%


At year-end 2017,2020, 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>$100,000
Maturity Period Amount Weighted Average RateMaturity PeriodAmountWeighted Average Rate
(In thousands)  
  
(In thousands)  
Three months or less $656,814
 1.10%Three months or less$458,997 1.46 %
Over 3 months through 6 months 350,824
 1.31
Over 3 months through 6 months337,721 1.14 
Over 6 months through 12 months 395,429
 1.39
Over 6 months through 12 months359,777 1.13 
Over 12 months 753,353
 1.72
Over 12 months565,266 1.26 
Total $2,156,420
 1.40%Total$1,721,761 1.26 %
 
The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank utilizes brokered time deposits to broaden its funding base, augment its interest rate risk management vehicles, and to support loan growth. The Bank also offers brokered reciprocal money market arrangements to provide additional deposit protection to certain large commercial and institutional accounts. These balances are viewed as part of overall relationship balances with regional customers. Brokered deposits are sourced through selected 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.

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 hashad a $15 million trust preferred obligation and a $7 million trust preferred obligation outstanding, as well as $74 million in senior subordinated notes.notes at year-end 2020. 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 or private placements. TheIn 2020, the Company maintains arenewed its universal securities shelf registration with the SEC to facilitate potential future potential capital issuances.


The Company has maintained a shelf registration as part of its routine capital management for many years.
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DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company 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, interestInterest 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.exchanges. The Bank has designated a national financial institution as its clearing agent.


The Company’s mortgage banking activities result in derivatives. Commitments 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 designated as economic hedges. Commitments on applications intended to be held for investment are not accounted for as derivative financial instruments. 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 beginhas begun 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.


LIBOR BASED INSTRUMENTS
The Company’s floating-rate funding, certain hedging transactions and certain of the Company’s products, such as floating-rate loans and mortgages, determine the applicable interest rate or payment amount by reference to a benchmark rate, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or to an index, currency, basket or other financial metric. LIBOR and certain other benchmark rates are the subject of recent national, international, and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. In July 2017, the Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) announced that the FCA intends to stop persuading or compelling its panel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021.

The Company has approximately 950 commercial loans with a total balance of $2.6 billion with the contract interest rate tied to LIBOR. Additionally, the Company has approximately 500 interest rate swap contracts with a notional value of approximately $3.8 billion, including customer, dealer, and risk participation agreements. Many of these interest rate swap contracts are associated with the LIBOR based commercial loans.

The Company established an enterprise-wide LIBOR transition committee in 2019. The committee has assessed the on and off-balance sheet products that will be impacted with the LIBOR transition. The areas with the most impact are LIBOR based interest rate swaps and commercial loans that utilize LIBOR as the indexed rate. During 2019 revised LIBOR fallback language was added to all new Commercial loan contracts that contemplated the use of LIBOR as an index rate. An impact assessment has been completed to identify further exposures, such as systems, processes, and models affected by the discontinuation of LIBOR. The Company continues to develop and execute plans to transition products associated with LIBOR to alternative reference rates.
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Table of Contents
WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The Company’s Wealth Management Group provides consultative investment management, trust administration, and financial 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. 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 2017, assets under management totaled $1.5 billion, including $1.0 billion in the Bank’s traditional wealth/trust platform and the remainder is managed through its investment services and financial advisory teams. The Bank is integrating with its growing private banking and MyBanker teams to further develop wealth management 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 expandingalso provides 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.

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Berkshire’s people are the core of its ability to deliver on its strategic objectives, just as they have been for 175 years. The Company’s approach to human capital management is grounded in its Be FIRST values. It focuses on strong oversight, talent acquisition, development, engagement, retention, and offering a competitive benefits package. The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for the strategy of the Company. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors oversees executive compensation matters and the Corporate Responsibility & Culture committee oversees company culture, diversity, and employee engagement. The Company may consider acquisitionsfurther enhanced this oversight in 2020 by appointing an experienced human resources leader to Executive Vice President Chief Human Resources & Culture Officer.

Talent acquisition is the first step to ensuring Berkshire has employees with the right mix of insurance agenciesskills and experiences. The Company leverages internship placements, affinity group relationships, and the use of experienced recruiters for key management and specialized positions. After hiring, employees’ undergo an onboarding journey including attending a virtual new hire orientation. Throughout an employees’ career Berkshire focus on development as the Company believes it’s a critical factor to long-term retention. In 2020, the Company launched a new mentoring program to pair high potential junior employees with senior staff to build on existing development opportunities. The Company reskilled and upskilled employees from across the bank to assist in supportgovernment relief programs such asthe SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (“ PPP") and for employees looking to expand their professional experience in the classroom, the Company offers an education assistance program.

Berkshire continually evaluates its strategies and looks at best practices to provide competitive pay and benefits packages. All of Berkshire’s benefits are available to married same-sex or different-sex couples as well as domestic partners. In 2020, the Company completed a salary survey to ensure pay and performance measures aligned with the markets it serves and a pay equity analysis to ensure that all employees, regardless of gender and ethnicity, in comparable roles are compensated equitably. Berkshire was listed in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the second consecutive year in recognition of its growth strategy.work and achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for the first time.


Berkshire employees' health, safety, and economic stability has and continues to be a priority as the Company continues to navigate the global COVID-19 pandemic. Berkshire suspended non-essential business travel and accelerated its ongoing Work from Home initiative to swiftly, safely and securely move 86% of non-branch staff to a fully remote environment. The Company provided protective equipment to front-line employees, including masks and gloves, and offered all additional paid sick time, paid quarantine/isolation leave, job protected personal leave, flexible work schedules for remote employees, premium pay for onsite employees and maintained full pay for employees with reduced schedules, as a result of the pandemic. Berkshire enhanced support through its Employee
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PERSONNEL
At year-end 2017,Assistance Program and launched the You FIRST Fund to help employees impacted by personal financial hardships. As a result of Berkshire’s collective actions, there were no bank related pandemic layoffs in 2020 and the Company had 1,992 full time equivalentinstituted a special compensation program for employees assisting with government relief programs.

Human Capital*Total Full Time Equivalent1,505 
Voluntary Retention Rate85 %
*All metrics reported are as of or for the year-ended December 31, 2020.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Berkshire’s journey to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive company is grounded in its Be FIRST values. The Company’s goal is to build a workplace that reflects its communities' unique diversity and creates wealth in underrepresented neighborhoods across its footprint. The Company focuses on its governance practices, employee positions --education, talent acquisition & workplace culture, supplier diversity, and product and service offerings. A collection of governance practices serve as the foundation, ensuring the appropriate oversight. The Corporate Responsibility & Culture Committee of the Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program performance and ensuring Management creates a workplace culture consistent with its Be FIRST values. The Company’s Diversity & Inclusion Employee Committee, which reports up to the Corporate Responsibility & Culture Committee, focuses on the diversity and inclusion strategy. The committee consists of employees from throughout the business and works to develop and execute goals, strategies, and tactics and monitor progress.

The Company offers seven Employee Resource Groups each of whom play an increase of 261 since the end of 2016, including positions added through the Commerce business combinationintegral role for employees and the impactculture of the First Choice integration in 2017. Commerce reported FTE staffcompany. Each Employee Resource Group provides a safe space for dialogue, education, and collective action on topics relevant to their mission. These groups continue to help the company facilitate important cultural shifts, update policies, host important cultural heritage events, and attend affinity group job fairs. In 2020, the Company rolled out a new suite of 226 positions shortly before the merger date. BerkshireDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion trainings. In addition, it continues to develop it’s staffing, including staff for new branchesdeeper partnerships with colleges, affinity groups and hires relatednon-profit organizations to team development.expand its networks beyond those traditionally touched by the banking industry. The Company has also developed staff with targeted skillsleverages internal expertise and experienced external recruitment professionals to deepenensure it receives candidate pools that reflect the rural and urban communities where it operates. In addition, the Company regularly reviews the gender and ethnic diversity of its workforce at the employee, manager and executive management level.

Diversity & Inclusion*Percent of women in workforce68 %
Percent of ethnic minorities in workforce14 %
Percent disabled in workforce%
*All metrics reported are as of December 31, 2020.

Additional information on Berkshire’s Culture, Human Capital and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion practices can be found in the Company’s infrastructure. The Company’s employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit.annual Corporate Responsibility Report at www.berkshirebank.com/csr, which details the company's environmental, social, governance, and cultural programs.



SUBSIDIARY ACTIVITIES
The Company wholly-owns two active consolidated subsidiaries: the Bank and Berkshire Insurance 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.corporations and other subsidiary entities. The Company also owns all of the common stock of a Delaware statutory business trust,trusts, Berkshire Hills Capital Trust I.I and SI Capital Trust II. The capital trust istrusts are unconsolidated and itstheir only material asset is a $15 millionassets are trust preferred securitysecurities related to the junior subordinated debentures reported in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Additional information about the subsidiaries is contained in Exhibit 21 to this report.



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REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
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 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 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.

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.
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 expectation 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. 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.regulations.A summary of the regulatory requirements referred to below is as follows:


Massachusetts Banking Laws and Supervision
Federal Regulations
Enforcement
Holding Company Regulation
Mergers and Acquisitions
Other Regulations
Taxation

Massachusetts Banking Laws and Supervision
General. As a Massachusetts-chartered depository institution, the Bank is subject 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. There is a 30-day notice procedure to the Commissioner in order to engage in such activities. Massachusetts law also authorized Massachusetts institutions to engage in activities determined to be “financial in nature,” or incidental or complementary to such a financial activity, subject to a 30-day notice to the Commissioner.


Dividends. Under Massachusetts law, 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. An institution with outstanding preferred stock may not, without the prior approval of the Commissioner, declare dividends to the common stock without also declaring dividends to the
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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 profits,” as defined, of the preceding two years. The approval of both the Commissioner and the FDIC is required for the Bank to pay a dividend from its surplus account, which would currently be the case as to any Bank dividend to the Company.


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.


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, 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 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 depositorsdepositors’ 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 1capital)1 capital) 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. Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.regulations, including adjustments for goodwill and other intangible assets.


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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 beingwas 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. TheAs of December 31, 2020, the Bank operatesoperated branches in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, and 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, the Connecticut Commissioner of Banking, the New Jersey Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, and the Pennsylvania Secretary of Banking and Securities, and the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation 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 that federal bank regulatory authorities take “prompt corrective action” with respect to banks that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For this purpose, the law establishes three categories of capital deficient institutions: undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. The FDIC regulations implementing the prompt corrective action law were amended to incorporate the previously discussed 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. A bank’s compliance with such plans must 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,” requirements to
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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, 2017,2020, 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 the 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. 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.


Federal 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.


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Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured by the Deposit 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.


The FDIC charges insured depository institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to revise its procedures to base its assessments upon each insured institution’s total assets less tangible 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, 2016, assessmentsAssessments for most institutions with $10 billion or more of assets are primarily based on financial measuresa scorecard approach by the FDIC, including factors such as examination ratings and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimatingmeasuring the probability of failure within three years.institution’s ability to withstand asset-related and funding-related stress and potential loss to the Deposit Insurance Fund should the bank fail. The assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) was reduced to 1.5 basis points to 30 basis pointsadjustments specified by the regulations) for institutions of lesswith greater than $10 billion inof total assets also effective July 1, 2016.is 1.5 to 40 basis points. The Dodd-Frank Act required that banks of greater than $10 billion inof assets bear the burden of raising the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35%. Such institutions are nowwere subject to an annual surcharge of 4.5 basis points of total assets exceeding $10 billion. This surcharge will remainbillion, effective July 1, 2016. The FDIC announced in place untilNovember 2018 that the 1.35% reserve ratio had been reached so that the surcharges would cease. In 2019, the FDIC distributed premium rebates to the Company and other bank peers as a result of having collected excess premiums in earlier of theperiods. The Deposit Insurance Fund reachingratio fell to 1.30% as of June 30, 2020 due to extraordinary deposit growth resulting from economic conditions and government initiatives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The FDIC had adopted a restoration plan for the fund to again achieve a 1.35% ratio within eight years. The current plan does not involve increased assessments or December 31, 2018, at which point a shortfall assessment would be applied.surcharges on insured institutions.


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
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Table 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, 2017, the Financing Corporation assessment amounted to 0.54 basis points of total assets less Tier 1 capital.Contents

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 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.


Enforcement
The FDIC has primary federal enforcement responsibility over state chartered banks that are not members of Federal Reserve System, which includes the Bank. The FDIC 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 or, in extreme cases, as high as $1.0 million per day.

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Holding Company Regulation
General. The Company is 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.


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. The Federal Reserve Board has allowed by regulation some exceptions based on activities closely related to banking 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; and (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” as defined in the regulations, to opt to become a “financial holding company” and thereby engage in a broader array of financial 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 requirements for bank holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act 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. The previously discussed final rule regarding regulatory
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capital requirements implemented the Dodd-Frank Act as to bank holding company capital standards. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the Bank applied to the Company, effective January 1, 2015. As is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer is beingwas phased in betweenbeginning in 2016 and was fully effective on January 1, 2019.


Federal Reserve Board policy 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 and nonobjection of the Federal Reserve Board with respect to dividends in certain circumstances, such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends’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. Such Federal Reserve Board consultation and nonobjection was required for certain dividends paid by the Company during 2020. 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 Federal 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 under specified circumstances regardless of the applicability of the previously referenced notification requirement.

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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,for this purpose, 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.



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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 requirements under Massachusetts law. Approval of the Massachusetts regulatory authorities is 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 Company and the Bank 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 located in a state other than Massachusetts, 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 parties, the convenience and needs of the 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 waiting period of 15 to 30 days following approval by the federal banking regulator within which the United States Department of Justice may file objections to the merger under the federal antitrust laws. Massachusetts law requires the Commissioner (or Board of Bank Incorporation in 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 merger will result in net new benefits).

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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. These include the 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. Since the Bank has exceeded $10 billion of consolidated assets, compliance with such federal consumer protection statutes and regulations is examined for and enforced by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau rather than the FDIC.


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.
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.”



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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 ofa note to the Consolidated Financial Statements.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 the Company's business, financial condition, strategic objectives, 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 the Company or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial that could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, strategic objectives, 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 actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.


The COVID-19 global pandemic affected all aspects of the company’s business in 2020. The event of the pandemic is discussed in the Operating risk factor below, but it should be understood as affecting the overall risk environment and risk factors of the Company.

Risk Factors Summary

Lending Risks
Deterioration in the Housing Sector, Commercial Real Estate, and Related Markets May Adversely Affect Business and Financial Results.
The Company’s Emphasis on Commercial Lending May Expose the Company to Increased Lending Risks, Which Could Hurt Profits.
As a Participating Lender in the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program, the Company is Subject to Additional Risks of Litigation from Its Customers or Other Parties Regarding Its Processing of Loans for the Paycheck Protection Program, Which Could Have a Significant Adverse Impact On Its Business, Financial Position, Results of Operations, and Prospects.
The Company is Subject to a Variety of Risks in Connection With Any Sale of Loans it May Conduct.
The Company is Exposed to Risk of Environmental Liability When It Takes Title to Property.

Operating Risks
The COVID-19 Pandemic is Adversely Affecting, and Will Likely Continue to Adversely Affect, the Company’s Business, Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Results of Operations.
The Company is Subject to Security and Operational Risks Relating to the Use of Technology that Could Damage the Company's Reputation and Business.
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.
Counterparties and Correspondents Expose the Company to Risks.
The Company’s Business is Reliant on Outside Vendors.
Development of New Products and Services May Impose Additional Costs on the Company and May Expose It to Increased Operational Risk.
The Discontinuation of LIBOR and the Emergence of One or More Alternative Benchmark Indices to Replace LIBOR Could Adversely Impact the Company’s Business and Results of Operations.


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Liquidity Risks
The Company's Wholesale Funding Sources May Prove Insufficient to Replace Deposits at Maturity and Support Operations and Future Growth.
The Company's Ability to Service Our Debt, Pay Dividends, and Otherwise Pay 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. The Company’s Stock Repurchase Program is also Dependent on These Distributions.
The Loss Recorded in 2020 May Have an Adverse Effect on Future Dividend Payments to Common Shareholders.
Secondary Mortgage Market Conditions Could Have a Material Impact on the Company’s Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Interest Rates
Market Interest Rate Conditions Could Adversely Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

Securities Market Value Risks
Declines in the Value of Certain Investment Securities Could Require Write-Downs, Which Would Reduce Earnings.

Regulatory Matters Risks
Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives May Affect Business Activities and Increase Operating Costs.
Provisions of the 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.

Significant Accounting Estimates Risks
If the Company Determines Intangible Assets to be Impaired, the Company’s Financial Condition and Results Would Be Negatively Affected.
Various Factors May Cause Our Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans to Increase.

Trading of the Company's Common Stock
The Trading History of the Company’s Common Stock is Characterized By Low Trading Volume. The Value of Shareholder Investments May be Subject to Sudden Decreases Due to the Volatility of the Price of the Common Stock.

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 the Company's market areas could reduce growth rates, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans, and generally affect the 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.
The Company emphasizes commercial lending, which generally exposes the 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 susceptible to delinquency, default, and loss during economic downturns. Commercial lending involves larger loan sizes and larger relationship exposures, with 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. factors, as well as risks specific to individual properties and property types. Geographic expansion may result in new risks not identifiedpreviously
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experienced by the Company or which it is unfamiliar with monitoring or resolving. Recent expansion has been focused on the Greater Boston market, where the Bank may be financing projects with larger loan amounts and where the Bank has less experience than in its traditional market areas and where competition may result in different lending structures.


Commercial lending activities pose higher risk of fraud. In 2019, the Company wrote-off the $16 million balance of a secured commercial loan in circumstances involving alleged borrower fraud. This asset was a participating interest in a commercial loan managed by another financial institution. Such participating interests involve risks related to counterparty performance, as further described in a later risk factor. In the case of this loan, the Company has filed legal claims against the agent bank in pursuit of the recovery of some of the loss recorded by the Company. The outcome of such legal proceedings is subject to uncertainty, and the Company has not recognized any such potential recoveries in its financial records.

As a Participating Lender in the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program, the Company is Subject to Additional Risks of Litigation from Its Customers or Other Parties Regarding Its Processing of Loans for the Paycheck Protection Program, Which Could Have a Significant Adverse Impact On Its Business, Financial Position, Results of Operations, and Prospects.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy have led to actions including the enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which established the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) administered by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). Under the PPP, small businesses and other entities and individuals can apply for loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved lenders that participate in the program, subject to numerous limitations and eligibility criteria. The Company is participating as a lender in the PPP and may be exposed to the risk of litigation. Since the initiation of the PPP, several banks have been subject to litigation or threatened litigation regarding the process and procedures that such lenders used in processing applications for the PPP. If any such litigation is filed or threatened and is not resolved in a manner favorable to the Company, it may result in significant cost or adversely affect our reputation. Any financial liability, litigation costs, or reputational damage caused by PPP-related litigation could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.

The Company is subjectSubject to a varietyVariety of risksRisks in connection with any saleConnection With Any Sale of loansLoans it may conduct.May Conduct.
In connection with the Company’s sale of one or more loans or loan portfolios, it may make certain representations and warranties to 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 may be required to refund premiums, indemnify the purchaser for any related costs or losses, or it may be required to repurchase part or all of the affected 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 it 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 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 Company may be required to reduce the value of any loans it marks as held for sale, which could adversely affect its results of operations. As a result of the Company’s strategic initiatives, the Company sold certain loans which were previously held for investment and conducted sales with buyers who it had not previously transacted with.


The Company is exposedExposed to riskRisk of environmental liability when it takes titleEnvironmental Liability When It Takes Title to property.Property.
In the course of its business, the Company may foreclose on and take title to real estate. As a result, the Company could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. The Company

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may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property.



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Operating
Expansion, Growth,The COVID-19 Pandemic is Adversely Affecting, and Acquisitions Could Negatively Impact Earnings If Not Successful.Will Likely Continue to Adversely Affect, the Company’s Business, Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Results of Operations.
The Company plansCOVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the U.S. and global economy; disrupted U.S. and global supply chains; lowered equity market valuations; created significant volatility and disruption in financial markets; contributed to grow organically, by geographic expansion, through business line expansion,a decrease in the rates and through acquisitions. Successful expansion dependsyields on U.S. Treasury securities; resulted in ratings downgrades, credit deterioration, and defaults in many industries; increased demands on capital and liquidity; and dramatically increased unemployment levels and decreased consumer confidence. In addition, the maintenance and developmentpandemic has resulted in temporary closures of an adequate infrastructure. Success also depends on customer acceptancemany businesses and the long-term recruitmentinstitution of social distancing and retentionsheltering in place requirements in many states and communities, including those in our footprint. The pandemic has caused us, and could continue to cause us, increases in the Company's allowance for credit losses and subsequent increases in credit losses in our loan portfolios. Some of key personnelthe risks the Company faces from the pandemic include, but are not limited to: the health and acquired customer relationships. Profitability dependsavailability of our colleagues, the financial condition of our clients and the demand for our products and services, falling interest rates, recognition of credit losses and increases in the allowance for credit losses, especially if businesses remain closed or restricted, unemployment continues to rise and clients and customers draw on whethertheir lines of credit or seek additional loans to help finance their businesses, and a significant deterioration of business conditions in our markets. Furthermore, the income generatedpandemic has caused us to recognize impairment of our goodwill and there could be impairment of our financial assets. Sustained adverse effects may also increase our cost of capital, prevent us from satisfying our minimum regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory requirements, or result in downgrades in our credit rating. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations will offsetdepend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the increased operating expenses. The Company implemented certain expense restructuring activities, relatedscope and duration of the pandemic, the continued effectiveness of our business continuity plan, the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic on our customers, colleagues, counterparties and service providers, and actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in partresponse to the rationalizationpandemic.

Governmental authorities have taken significant measures to provide economic assistance to individual households and businesses, stabilize the markets, and support economic growth. The success of acquired operations. Changesthese measures is unknown, and they may not be sufficient to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic. Additionally, some measures, such as a deferment of loan payments and the significant reduction in operations may result in inefficiencies or control deficiencies.

Merger and acquisition activities are subjectinterest rates to a number of risks, including lending, operating, and integration risks. Such growth requires careful due diligence, evaluation of risks, and projections of future operations and financial conditions.  Adverse developments couldnear zero, will have a material adverse effectnegative impact on the Company'sour business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations. Acquisitions often involve extensive merger agreements, which may leadWe also face an increased risk of litigation and governmental and regulatory scrutiny as a result of the effects of the pandemic on market and economic conditions and actions governmental authorities take in response to litigation risks or operating constraints.those conditions.


The Company has recruited executivelength of the pandemic and business line managementthe effectiveness of the measures being put in place to support its growthaddress it are unknown. Until the effects of the pandemic subside, we expect continued impacts on liquidity, reduced revenues in our businesses, and expansion,increased customer defaults. Furthermore, the U.S. economy experienced a recession as a result of the pandemic, and it has absorbed managementis probable that our business would be materially and adversely affected if current conditions do not improve sufficiently. To the extent the pandemic adversely affects our business, financial condition, liquidity, or results of acquired operations. This involves retention risks, operating risks, and financial risks. Such recruitment can affectoperations, it may also have the retentioneffect of new and old business, and can also be affected by competitive reactions and other relationship risks in retaining accounts. The relocationheightening many of the Company’s headquarters may affect operational functioning.other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Regulatory examinations may identify matters requiring attention. 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. The Company has crossed the $10 billion threshold for additional Dodd Frank regulatory requirements. These regulations affect revenues and operating costs, and introduce additional compliance requirements. If targeted earnings accretion is not achieved, some profitability metrics may be reduced. The Company may also face additional acquisition approval requirements, and growth plans could be slowed if expected approvals are 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 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 the Use of Technology that Could Damage the Company's Reputation and Business.
Security breaches of confidential information in our technology platforms could expose the Company to possible liability and damage its reputation. Any compromise of data security could also deter customers from using the

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Company's services. The Company relies on industry standard internet security and authentication systems to effect secure transmission of data. These precautions may not protect the Company's security systems from compromises or breaches and could result in damage to its reputation and business. The Company utilizes third party core banking software, in addition to other outsourced data processing. If third party providers encounter difficulties or if the Company has difficulty in communicating and/or transmitting with such third parties, it could significantly affect its ability to adequately process and account for customer transactions, which could significantly affect its business operations. The 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 is subject to certain state and federal regulations regarding how the Company manages data security. The Company's enterprise governance risk and compliance function includes a framework of controls, policies and technologies to
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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 its operating systems, which could affect its reputation. The 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.
Banking institutions face increased cybersecurity risks due to the number of employees that are working remotely in regions impacted by stay-at-home orders. Increased levels of remote access create additional opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities, and employees may be more susceptible to phishing and social engineering attempts due to work responsibilities at home. In addition, technological resources may be strained due to the number of remote users. Banking institutions should evaluate their cybersecurity risks in light of these issues and update their existing risk factors for any material changes or developments

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 may be subject to similar attacks in the future. Hacking and 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 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 privacyCounterparties 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 CounterpartiesCorrespondents Expose the Company to Risks.
The Company's use of derivative financial instruments exposes us to financial and contractual risks with counterparties. The Company maintains correspondent bank relationships, manage certain loan participations, engage in securities and funding transactions, and undergo other activities with financial counterparties that are customary to its industry. The Company also utilizes services from major vendors of technology, telecommunications, and other essential operating services. There is financial, reputational, and operatingoperational risk in these relationships, which the Company seeks to manage through internal controls and procedures, but there are no assurances that the Company will not experience loss or interruption of its business as a result of unforeseen events
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with these providers. The Company's expanded 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, reputational, and operational risks are inherent in these counterparty and correspondent 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.Company’s Business is Reliant on Outside Vendors.
The Company's successCompany’s business is highly dependent on the use of certain outside vendors for its day-to-day operations. The Company’s operations and reputation are exposed to risk that a vendor may not perform in accordance with established performance standards required in its agreements for any number of reasons including a change in their senior management, their financial condition, their product line or mix and how they support existing customers, or a simple change in their strategic focus. While the Company has comprehensive programs, policies and procedures in place to mitigate risk at all phases of vendor management from selection, to performance monitoring and renewals, the failure of a vendor to perform in accordance with contractual agreements could be disruptive to its business, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, strategic objectives, and results of operations.

Development of New Products and Services May Impose Additional Costs on the Company and May Expose It to Increased Operational Risk.
The Company’s financial performance depends, in large part, on its ability to attractdevelop and market new employees, retain and motivateinnovative services and to adopt or develop new technologies that differentiate its existing employees,products or provide cost efficiencies, while avoiding increased related expenses. This dependency is exacerbated in the current “FinTech” environment, where financial institutions are investing significantly in evaluating new technologies, such as “Blockchain,” and continuedeveloping potentially industry-changing new products, services and industry standards. The introduction of new products and services can entail significant time and resources, including regulatory approvals. Substantial risks and uncertainties are associated with the introduction of new products and services, including technical and control requirements that may need to compensate employees competitively. Competition forbe developed and implemented, rapid technological change in the best peopleindustry, the Company’s ability to access technical and other information from its clients, the significant and ongoing investments required to bring new products and services to market in a timely manner at competitive prices and the preparation of marketing, sales and other materials that fully and accurately describe the product or service and its underlying risks. The Company’s failure to manage these risks and uncertainties also exposes it to enhanced risk of operational lapses which may result in the recognition of financial statement liabilities. Regulatory and internal control requirements, capital requirements, competitive alternatives, vendor relationships and shifting market preferences may also determine if such initiatives can be intensebrought to market in a manner that is timely and attractive to the Company’s clients. Products and services relying on internet and mobile technologies may expose the Company may not be able to hire or retain appropriately qualified individuals. As a result of restructuring activities, the Company could experience challengesfraud and cybersecurity risks. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the retentiondevelopment and implementation of existing employees.

Controls and Procedures May Failnew products or Be Circumvented.
Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal controls, disclosure requirements and practices, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can only provide 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 proceduresservices could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and reputation, as well as on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.


The Discontinuation of LIBOR and the Emergence of One or More Alternative Benchmark Indices to Replace LIBOR Could Adversely Impact the Company’s Business and Results of Operations.
The Company’s floating-rate funding, certain hedging transactions and certain of the Company’s products, such as floating-rate loans and mortgages, determine the applicable interest rate or payment amount by reference to a benchmark rate, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or to an index, currency, basket or other financial metric. LIBOR and certain other benchmark rates are the subject of recent national, international, and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. LIBOR may be discontinued as early as December 31, 2021.

Regulators and various financial industry groups have sponsored or formed committees (e.g., the Federal Reserve-sponsored Alternative Reference Rates Committee) to, among other things, facilitate the identification of an alternative benchmark index to replace LIBOR, and publish consultations on recommended practices for transitioning away from LIBOR, including (i) the utilization of recommended fallback language for LIBOR-linked financial instruments, and (ii) development of alternative pricing methodologies for recommended alternative benchmarks such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-based
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repurchase transactions. At this time, it is still not possible to predict whether these recommendations and proposals will be broadly accepted in the market, whether they will continue to evolve, and what the effect of their implementation may be on the markets for floating-rate financial instruments.

The discontinuation of LIBOR could result in changes to the Company’s risk exposures (for example, if the anticipated discontinuation of LIBOR adversely affects the availability or cost of floating-rate funding and, therefore, the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates) or otherwise result in losses on a product or having to pay more or receive less on securities that the Company has issued or owns. A substantial portion of the Company’s on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments are indexed to LIBOR, including interest rate swap agreements and other contracts used for hedging and trading account purposes, loans to commercial customers and consumers (including mortgage loans and other loans), and long-term borrowings. In addition, such uncertainty could result in pricing volatility and increased capital requirements, loss of market share in certain products, adverse tax or accounting impacts, and compliance, legal and operational costs and risks.

Liquidity
The Company's Wholesale Funding Sources May Prove Insufficient to Replace Deposits at Maturity and Support Operations and Future Growth.
The Company must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. As a part of its liquidity management, the Company uses a number of funding sources in addition to deposit growth and cash 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. The Company uses brokered deposits both to support ongoing growth and to provide enhanced deposit insurance to support large dollar commercial relationships. The Company's financial flexibility will be severely constrained if the Company is unable to maintain access to wholesale funding or if adequate financing is not available to accommodate future growth at acceptable costs. Turbulence in the capital

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


The Company's Ability to Service Our Debt, Pay Dividends, and Otherwise Pay 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 holding company income is the receipt of dividends from the Bank, from which the Company services debt, pay 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, the Company may not be able to service debt, pay debt obligations, or pay dividends on its common stock.


The Loss Recorded in 2020 May Have an Adverse Effect on Future Dividend Payments to Common Shareholders.
Due to the loss in the first half of 2020 and its impact on retained earnings, the Bank will require the approval from the Massachusetts Division of Banks in order to continue to be a source of dividend income to the Company. Over the long term, these dividends are a source of funds to the parent to support dividend payments to Company shareholders. Also due to the loss, the Company requires nonobjection from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for future shareholder dividend payments. Future payments of dividends will also depend on the Board’s holistic assessment of the Company’s operating, risk, and financial situations and current circumstances, as well as regulatory assessments of these factors.

Secondary mortgage market conditions could haveMortgage Market Conditions Could Have a material impactMaterial Impact on the Company’s financial conditionFinancial Condition and resultsResults of operations.Operations.
In addition to being affected by interest rates, the secondary mortgage markets are also subject to investor demand for residential mortgage loans and 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
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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
Market Interest Rate Conditions Could Adversely Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
Net interest income is the 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 and is the primary market risk to its condition and 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 assets, all of which ultimately affect earnings.


Securities Market Values
Declines in the Value of Certain Investment Securities Could Require Write-Downs, Which Would Reduce Earnings.
Declines in the value of investment securities due to market conditions and/or issuer impairment could result in losses that can reduce capital and earnings. The Company’s investment in equity securities and non-investment grade debt securities present heightened credit and price risks. Under new accounting standards, equity gains and losses are recorded to current period operating results. The Company has an investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston ("FHLBB") which could result in write-down in the event of impairment.

Taxation
Changes in Tax Preference Items May Affect Results of Operations.
Higher tax expense due to planned or unplanned changes in tax preference items may result in lower profitability. Quarterly results may vary significantly from annual results.

Changes 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 Matters
Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives May Affect Business Activities and Increase Operating Costs.
New federal or state laws and regulations could affect lending, funding practices, capital, and liquidity standards. New laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes may also increase compliance costs and affect business and operations. Moreover, the FDIC sets the cost of FDIC insurance premiums, which can affect profitability.


Regulatory capital requirements and their impact on the Company may change. ItThe Company may need to raise additional capital in the future to support operations and continued growth. The Company's ability to raise capital, if needed, will depend on its condition and performance, and on market conditions. If 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.


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 its loans and investments, and ongoing operations, costs and profitability. For more information, see “Regulation and Supervision” in Item 1 of this report.


In 2017, the Company crossed the $10 billion asset threshold established by the Dodd-Frank act.Act. The Company and the Bank are now subject to closer supervision by their primary regulators and, as to compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Company and the Bank are subject to new capital stress testing requirementsexpectations which require significant new resources and infrastructure. If the Company’s compliance with the enhanced supervision and requirements is insufficient, there can be significant negative consequences for its operations, profitability, and ability to further pursue its strategic growth plan.


Provisions of the 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 the 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 stockholders, or otherwise adversely affect the price of its common stock. These provisions include: limitations on voting rights of beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of common stock; supermajority voting requirements for certain business combinations; the election of directors to terms of one year; and advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the Company's Board of Directors and for proposing matters that stockholders may act on at stockholder meetings. In addition, the Company is subject to Delaware laws, including one that prohibits 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
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discourage potential takeover attempts, discourage bids for the 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, its common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for stockholders to elect directors other than the candidates nominated by the Board.


Significant 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 may 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.


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Mergers and Acquisitions
Acquisitions may disrupt the Company’s business and dilute stockholder value.
The Company completed its acquisition of Commerce Bancshares Corp. in October 2017. The Company regularly evaluates merger and acquisition 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 scale 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 risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things:
difficulty in estimating the value of the target company
payment of a premium over book and market values that may dilute the Company’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 responses 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 Determines Intangible Assets to be Impaired, the Company’s Financial Condition and Results Would Be Negatively Affected.
When the Company completes a business combination, a portion of the purchase price of the acquisition is unableallocated to successfully integrateidentifiable intangible assets. If the Company determines that the fair value of the intangible assets is less than the carrying value, the Company will be required to write down these assets. Any write-down would have a negative effect on the financial statements.

Various Factors May Cause our Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans to Increase.
The Company has an acquired company,allowance for current expected credit losses on loans maintained through a provision for credit losses charged to expense. This represents our estimate of current expected credit losses based on an evaluation of risks within the anticipated benefitsportfolio of loans. The level of the allowance represents management’s estimate of current expected credit losses over the contractual life of the existing loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance inherently involves a degree of subjectivity and requires that we make significant estimates of current credit risks and current trends and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, all of which may not be realized fully orundergo frequent and material changes. Changes in economic and other conditions affecting borrowers, along with new information regarding existing loans other factors, may take longer to realize than expected. A significant decline in asset valuations or cash flows may also preventindicate the attainment of targeted results. Additional discussion about the risk of acquisitions is included aboveneed for a future increase in the discussion of Operating Risk.allowance.


Trading of the Company's Common Stock
The Trading History of Thethe Company’s Common Stock Isis Characterized By Low Trading Volume. The Value of Shareholder Investments May be Subject Toto Sudden Decreases Due Toto the Volatility of the Price of the Common Stock.
The level of interest and trading in the Company’s stock depends on many factors beyond the Company's control. The market price of the 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 its common stock; changes in economic conditions in the marketplace, general conditions in the U.S. economy, financial markets or the banking industry; and other developments. These factors may adversely affect the trading price of the Company's common stock, regardless of 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. The Company could be the target of similar litigation in the future, which could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources.

36
35






ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.




ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company's headquarters are located at 60 State Street in leased property in Boston, Mass.MA. The Bank's headquarters are located in owned and leased facilities located in Pittsfield, Mass.MA. 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; NorthernCentral and Eastern Connecticut; andSouthern Rhode Island; and Princeton area, New Jersey.As of December 31, 2017,2020, the Company had 113130 full-service branches in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Central New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania.Based on its branch optimization plan, the Bank is targeting to sell its eight New Jersey and Pennsylvania branches and to consolidate 16 branches in its New England/New York footprint, reducing total branches to a target of 106 offices by midyear 2021. The Company opened a commercial banking office in Providence, Rhode Island in the beginning of 2021.

The Company also has regional locations which are full-service commercial offices located in Boston, MA.; Pittsfield, MA.; Springfield, MA.; Albany, N.Y.; East Syracuse, N.Y.; Hartford, Conn.CT.; Willimantic, CT. Worcester, MA.; Burlington, MA.; and Lawrenceville, N.J. In addition, the Company has eight 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 stand-alone premises as well as in rented space located in the Bank’s premises.

The Company acquired Commerce Bancshares ("Commerce") in October of 2017, obtaining 13 branches in and around the Worcester, MA area. The Company also assumed Commerce's three branches and three lending offices in the Boston metro area.

The Company acquired First Choice Bank in December of 2016, assuming eight full-service branches in the Princeton, N.J. and greater Philadelphia areas. As a part of the acquisition, First Choice Loan Services Inc., headquartered in East Brunswick, N.J., became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. As a national mortgage lender, the Company acquired its 12 loan production offices across six states. In 2016, the Company sold two existing branches that management determined to have redundancy with its current footprint.


Berkshire continues to enhance 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.


The Bank has made its workplace more flexible as certain designated functions are approved for telecommuting arrangements. As a result of its merger and efficiency initiatives, the Bank has excess facilities space in various locations which is some cases is owned or subject to lease.The Bank is considering alternative uses or dispositions of excess office space, including uses in support of providing community benefit.The Bank opened a Reevx Labs community workspace in 2020 to increase its presence and service to underbanked urban communities.

Access to most Company properties was restricted during periods of 2020 due to the pandemic, and special cleaning and safety protocols were instituted.Drive-up teller facilities, automated teller machines, and interactive teller machines were relied on to maintain ongoing customer access, in addition to the Bank’s internet, telephone, and mobile banking channels.Most back-office staff used home environments and telecommunications capacities to accommodate the shift out of the office due to the pandemic.
36
37






ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


As of December 31, 2017,2020, 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 thanA summary of certain legal matters involving unsettled litigation or pertaining to pending transactions are as follows:

On February 4, 2020, the items noted below, neitherBank filed a complaint in the Company norNew York State Supreme Court for the County of Albany against Pioneer Bank (“Pioneer”) seeking damages of approximately $16.0 million. The complaint alleges that Pioneer is liable to the Bank for a credit loss of approximately $16.0 million suffered by the Bank in the third quarter of 2019 as a result of Pioneer’s breach of loan participation agreements in which it served as the lead bank, as well as constructive fraud, fraudulent concealment and/or negligent misrepresentation. Pioneer has filed a motion to dismiss aspects of the Bank’s complaint, to which the Bank is a defendant party to any pending legal proceedings that it believes, in the aggregate, would haveprocess of responding. The Company wrote down the underlying credit loss in its entirety in the third quarter of 2019, but recognized a material adverse effectpartial recovery of $1.7 million early in the second quarter of 2020. The Company has not accrued for any additional anticipated recovery at this time.

On September 11, 2020, the Company received notice of a demand letter served on the financial condition or operationsCompany and the Bank by a former mortgagee 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 claimspursuant 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, M.G.L Ch. 93A (“Chapter 93A). The demand letter alleges that a mortgage payoff statement tendered by the Bank to the mortgagee included a mortgage discharge preparation fee that is purportedly impermissible under Massachusetts law.The demand letter also claims that the Bank failed to provide a copy of the recorded mortgage discharge to the mortgagee in a timely manner. The demand letter further purports to state claims on behalf of a putative class of similarly situated Massachusetts mortgage customers of the Bank, who allegedly may have suffered similar violations of Massachusetts law. The demand letter seeks monetary damages for the original mortgagee claimant and the putative class, plus double or treble damages and reasonable attorneys’ fees, as may be allowed under Chapter 93A. The Company and the Bank have retained outside litigation counsel, who has responded to the demand letter and denied all claims on behalf of the Company and the Bank. No class action or other lawsuit has been served on the Company or the Bank as of the date of this filing.

On or about August 10, 2020, a former employee of the Bank’s subsidiary First Choice Loan Services Inc. (“FCLS”) filed a complaint in the courseCourt of performingCommon Pleas, Bucks County Pennsylvania against FCLS and two of its dutiesformer senior corporate officers generally alleging wrongful termination as trustee. a result of purported whistleblower retaliation and other violations of New Jersey state employment law.The complaint seeks compensatory, statutory,also purports to name the Bank and punitive damages. Berkshire Hillsthe Company as additional defendants, even though neither entity ever employed, paid wages to or contracted with the plaintiff.On November 16, 2020, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Complaint reiterating the same claims against the same defendants. The Company's liability insurer has provided outside litigation counsel to defend the Company and Berkshirethe Bank denyin this matter, as well as FCLS and its former senior corporate officers. On December 7, 2020, defense counsel filed Preliminary Objections on behalf of the allegations containedCompany, the Bank, FCLS and FCLS’s former senior corporate officers denying the plaintiff’s claims and seeking dismissal of the case and an order that the plaintiff’s claims must proceed through arbitration in the complaint and are vigorously defending this lawsuit.accordance with contractual obligations set forth in plaintiff’s previous employment agreement with FCLS.




ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Not Applicable.

38
37




PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER 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 20172020 and 2016.2019.
2020HighLowDividends
Declared
First quarter$33.04 $11.43 $0.24 
Second quarter18.79 9.15 0.24 
Third quarter11.26 8.55 0.12 
Fourth quarter19.24 9.80 0.12 
2017 High Low Dividends
Declared
First quarter $37.45
 $32.90
 $0.21
Second quarter 38.65
 33.55
 0.21
Third quarter 39.00
 32.85
 0.21
Fourth quarter 40.00
 35.10
 0.21
2016      
20192019  
First quarter $28.93
 $24.71
 $0.20
First quarter$31.81 $26.02 $0.23 
Second quarter 28.18
 24.80
 0.20
Second quarter31.60 27.35 0.23 
Third quarter 28.37
 25.90
 0.20
Third quarter33.33 28.20 0.23 
Fourth quarter 37.35
 27.25
 0.20
Fourth quarter33.72 27.99 0.23 
 
The Company had approximately 3,6464,107 holders of record of common stock at February 23, 2018.25, 2021.


Dividends
The Company intends to pay regular cash dividends to common 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. Dividends from the Bank are currently subject to approval by the Massachusetts Division of Banks. Further information about dividend restrictions is disclosed in Note 18 - Shareholders’ Equity and Earnings per Common Share of the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
The Company occasionally issues unregistered shares of common stock to vendors or as consideration in contracts for the purchase of assets, services, or operations. TheDuring 2020, there were no shares transferred. During 2019, the Company issued 30,478 shares in 2017 and 8,014 shares in 2016.transferred 1,936 shares.


Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases
On December 2, 2015,In the Company announced that its Boardfirst quarter of Directors authorized a new2020, stock repurchase program, pursuant to whichrepurchases were suspended as 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.pandemic emerged. 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 2017, no shares had been purchased under this program.

38





effect on December 31, 2019 expired on March 31, 2020 and was not replaced.
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, 20172020
$

500,000— 
November 1-30, 20172020


500,000— 
December 1-31, 20172020


500,000— 
Total
$
— 

— 
500,000
— 



39

Table of Contents

Common Stock Performance Graph
The performance graph compares the Company’s cumulative shareholder return on its common stock over the last five years to the cumulative return of the NYSE Composite Index and the PHLX KBW NASAQ Regional BankBanking Index. Total shareholder 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 shareholder return over a five-year period is based on an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2012.2015.


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.


bhlb-20201231_g2.jpg


 Period Ending
Index12/31/1512/31/1612/31/1712/31/1812/31/1912/31/20
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.100.00 130.39 132.53 99.95 125.63 68.83 
NYSE Composite Index100.00 111.94 132.90 121.01 151.87 162.49 
PHLX KBW Regional Banking Index100.00 139.02 141.45 116.70 144.49 131.91 

Source:S&P Global Market Intelligence
40
  Period Ending
Index 12/31/12 12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/16 12/31/17
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. 100.00
 117.53
 118.35
 132.76
 173.10
 175.94
NYSE Composite Index 100.00
 126.06
 134.62
 129.40
 144.72
 171.66
PHLX KBW Regional Banking Index 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.

39




ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The following summary data is based in part on the Consolidated 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, At or For the Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013(In thousands, except per share data)20202019201820172016
Per Common Share Data:  
    
  
  
Per Common Share Data:    
Net earnings, diluted $1.39
 $1.88
 $1.74
 $1.36
 $1.65
Net (loss)/earnings, diluted - continuing operationsNet (loss)/earnings, diluted - continuing operations$(10.21)$2.05 $2.36 $1.24 $1.88 
Net (loss)/earnings, diluted - discontinued operationsNet (loss)/earnings, diluted - discontinued operations(0.39)(0.08)(0.07)0.15 — 
Net (loss)/earnings, dilutedNet (loss)/earnings, diluted$(10.60)$1.97 $2.29 $1.39 $1.88 
Total book value per common share 32.14
 30.65
 28.64
 28.17
 27.08
Total book value per common share23.37 34.65 33.30 32.14 30.65 
Dividends 0.84
 0.80
 0.76
 0.72
 0.72
Dividends0.72 0.92 0.88 0.84 0.80 
Common stock price:          Common stock price:
High 40.00
 37.35
 30.40
 27.28
 29.38
High33.04 33.72 44.25 40.00 37.35 
Low 32.85
 24.71
 24.32
 22.06
 23.38
Low8.55 26.02 25.77 32.85 24.71 
Close 36.60
 36.85
 29.11
 26.66
 27.27
Close17.12 32.88 26.97 36.60 36.85 
Performance Ratios: (1)  
  
  
  
  
Performance Ratios: (1)     
Return on assets 0.56% 0.74% 0.68% 0.55% 0.78%Return on assets(4.15)%0.75 %0.90 %0.56 %0.74 %
Return on equity 4.45
 6.44
 6.14
 4.87
 6.09
Return on equity(37.50)5.75 6.84 4.45 6.44 
Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent (FTE) (2) 3.40
 3.31
 3.34
 3.30
 3.67
Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent (FTE) (2)2.72 3.17 3.40 3.40 3.31 
Fee income/Net interest and fee income 29.41
 22.80
 21.18
 23.02
 23.04
Fee income/Net interest and fee income18.10 23.86 23.36 29.41 22.80 
Growth Ratios:  
  
  
  
  
Growth Ratios:     
Total commercial loans 37.79%
 18.39% 28.65% 14.80% 4.51%Total commercial loans(4.58)%9.19 %6.17 %37.79 %18.39 %
Total loans 26.71
 14.41
 22.32
 11.96
 4.81
Total loans(14.95)5.08 8.96 26.71 14.41 
Total deposits 32.13
 18.48
 20.08
 20.95
 (6.14)Total deposits(1.16)15.07 2.66 32.13 18.48 
Total net revenues, (compared to prior year) 41.05
 11.18
 18.40
 (0.23) 14.96
Total net revenues, (compared to prior year)(14.73)4.53 11.59 41.05 11.18 
Earnings per share, (compared to prior year) (26.06) 8.62
 27.21
 (17.58) 10.74
Earnings per share, (compared to prior year)(638.07)(13.97)64.75 (26.06)8.62 
Selected Financial Data:  
  
  
  
  
Selected Financial Data:     
Total assets $11,570,751
 $9,162,542
 $7,831,086
 $6,501,079
 $5,671,724
Total assets$12,838,013 $13,215,970 $12,212,231 $11,570,751 $9,162,542 
Total earning assets 10,509,163
 8,340,287
 7,140,387
 5,923,462
 5,085,152
Total earning assets12,089,939 11,916,007 11,140,307 10,509,163 8,340,287 
Securities 1,898,564
 1,628,246
 1,371,316
 1,205,794
 870,091
Securities2,223,417 1,769,878 1,918,604 1,898,564 1,628,246 
Total loans 8,299,338
 6,549,787
 5,725,236
 4,680,600
 4,180,523
Total loans8,081,519 9,502,428 9,043,253 8,299,338 6,549,787 
Allowance for loan losses (51,834) (43,998) (39,308) (35,662) (33,323)
Allowance for credit lossesAllowance for credit losses(127,302)(63,575)(61,469)(51,834)(43,998)
Total intangible assets 557,583
 422,551
 334,607
 276,270
 270,662
Total intangible assets34,819 599,377 551,743 557,583 422,551 
Total deposits 8,749,530
 6,622,092
 5,589,135
 4,654,679
 3,848,529
Total deposits10,215,808 10,335,977 8,982,381 8,749,530 6,622,092 
Total borrowings 1,137,075
 1,313,997
 1,263,318
 1,051,371
 1,063,032
Total borrowings571,637 827,550 1,517,816 1,137,075 1,313,997 
Total shareholders’ equity 1,496,264
 1,093,298
 887,189
 709,287
 678,062
Total shareholders’ equity1,187,773 1,758,564 1,552,918 1,496,264 1,093,298 
40
41




At or For the Years Ended December 31,
 20202019201820172016
Selected Operating Data:     
Total interest and dividend income$409,782 $509,513 $465,894 $355,076 $280,439 
Total interest expense93,000 144,255 109,694 64,113 48,172 
Net interest income316,782 365,258 356,200 290,963 232,267 
Fee income69,990 76,824 74,026 71,356 68,606 
All other non-interest (loss)/income(3,683)7,178 298 2,888 (2,755)
Total net revenue383,089 449,260 430,524 365,207 298,118 
Provision for credit losses75,878 35,419 25,451 21,025 17,362 
Total non-interest expense840,239 289,857 266,893 252,978 203,302 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes(533,028)123,984 138,180 91,204 77,454 
Income tax (benefit)/expense from continuing operations(19,853)22,463 28,961 42,088 18,784 
Net (loss)/income from continuing operations(513,175)101,521 109,219 49,116 58,670 
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations before income taxes(26,855)(5,539)(4,767)8,545 — 
Income tax (benefit)/expense from discontinued operations(7,013)(1,468)(1,313)2,414 — 
Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations(19,842)(4,071)(3,454)6,131 — 
Net (loss)/income$(533,017)$97,450 $105,765 $55,247 $58,670 
Basic (loss)/earnings per common share:
Continuing operations$(10.21)$2.06 $2.38 $1.24 $1.89 
Discontinued operations(0.39)(0.08)(0.08)0.16 — 
Total basic (loss)/earnings per share$(10.60)$1.98 $2.30 $1.40 $1.89 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per common share:
Continuing operations$(10.21)$2.05 $2.36 $1.24 $1.88 
Discontinued operations(0.39)(0.08)(0.07)0.15 — 
Total diluted (loss)/earnings per share$(10.60)$1.97 $2.29 $1.39 $1.88 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic50,270 49,263 46,024 39,456 30,988 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted50,270 49,421 46,231 39,695 31,167 
Dividends per preferred share$1.20 $1.84 $1.76 $0.42 $— 
Dividends per common share$0.72 $0.92 $0.88 $0.84 $0.80 
Asset Quality and Condition Ratios: (3)     
Net loans charged-off/average loans0.41 %0.35 %0.18 %0.19 %0.21 %
Allowance for credit losses/total loans1.58 0.67 0.68 0.62 0.67 
Loans/deposits79 92 101 95 99 
Capital Ratios:     
Tier 1 capital to average assets - Company9.38 %9.33 %9.04 %9.01 %7.88 %
Total capital to risk-weighted assets - Company16.10 13.73 12.99 12.43 11.87 
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets - Company14.06 12.30 11.57 11.15 10.07 
Shareholders’ equity/total assets9.25 13.31 12.73 12.93 11.93 
42

  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
Table of Contents

(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 ofperiods prior period interest income earned on loans acquired in bank acquisition.
(4)  Generallyto 2020, 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.
(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.
43

41




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
 2017 2016 2015202020192018
(Dollars in millions) 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
(Dollars in millions)Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Yield/
Rate
Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Yield/
Rate
Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Yield/
Rate
Assets  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Assets         
Loans: (1)  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Loans: (1)         
Commercial real estate $2,789.8
 $130.0
 4.66% $2,239.6
 $95.8
 4.28% $1,881.2
 $81.1
 4.31%Commercial real estate$3,958.6 $151.5 3.83 %$3,789.5 $188.6 4.98 %$3,283.6 $167.7 5.11 %
Commercial and industrial loans 1,259.9
 65.7
 5.21
 1,019.7
 51.2
 5.02
 932.4
 41.8
 4.48
Commercial and industrial loans2,049.4 87.7 4.28 1,983.9 111.2 5.60 1,867.9 107.6 5.76 
Residential loans 1,962.4
 71.5
 3.64
 1,808.8
 66.1
 3.66
 1,622.8
 62.6
 3.86
Residential loans2,324.3 87.8 3.78 2,719.8 100.7 3.70 2,353.1 86.3 3.67 
Consumer loans 1,032.6
 39.4
 3.82
 873.3
 29.9
 3.42
 802.5
 26.1
 3.25
Consumer loans828.1 31.3 3.78 1,038.4 46.5 4.48 1,115.3 47.2 4.23 
Total loans 7,044.7
 306.6
 4.35
 5,941.4
 243.0
 4.09
 5,238.9
 211.6
 4.04
Total loans9,160.4 358.3 3.91 9,531.6 447.0 4.69 8,619.9 408.8 4.74 
Investment securities (2) 1,757.3
 60.3
 3.43
 1,260.5
 41.4
 3.28
 1,300.9
 38.9
 2.99
Investment securities (2)1,845.2 54.6 2.96 1,846.9 62.6 3.39 1,931.7 64.4 3.33 
Short-term investments and loans held for sale(3) 134.5
 4.6
 3.38
 51.6
 0.9
 1.70
 62.2
 0.7
 1.10
767.2 4.8 0.64 335.3 13.4 4.01 146.3 5.4 3.72 
Total interest-earning assets 8,936.5
 371.5
 4.16
 7,253.5
 285.3
 3.93
 6,602.0
 251.2
 3.81
Total interest-earning assets11,772.8 417.7 3.55 11,713.8 523.0 4.47 10,697.9 478.6 4.47 
Intangible assets 449.7
 0
  
 347.7
  
  
 311.5
  
  
Intangible assets316.1  578.1   554.6   
Other non-interest earning assets(3) 428.4
 0
  
 357.9
  
  
 341.0
  
  
772.3  669.1   516.9   
Total assets $9,814.6
  
  
 $7,959.1
  
  
 $7,254.5
  
  
Total assets$12,861.2   $12,961.0   $11,769.4   
                  
Liabilities and shareholders' equityLiabilities and shareholders' equityLiabilities and shareholders' equity
Deposits:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Deposits:         
NOW $591.0
 $1.5
 0.25% $487.8
 $0.7
 0.14% $462.9
 $0.7
 0.15%
NOW and otherNOW and other$1,216.6 $3.5 0.29 %$1,053.9 $6.5 0.62 %$824.7 $4.0 0.49 %
Money market 1,935.8
 11.2
 0.58
 1,470.3
 7.0
 0.48
 1,444.1
 5.9
 0.41
Money market2,713.6 15.3 0.56 2,542.6 31.4 1.23 2,432.2 21.9 0.90 
Savings 680.1
 0.9
 0.14
 610.8
 0.7
 0.12
 582.4
 0.9
 0.15
Savings914.1 0.9 0.10 798.2 1.2 0.15 740.8 1.1 0.15 
Certificates of deposit 2,581.1
 30.3
 1.17
 2,094.8
 22.5
 1.07
 1,684.8
 15.5
 0.92
Certificates of deposit3,102.9 52.6 1.69 3,754.2 76.1 2.03 3,075.5 51.3 1.67 
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
Total interest-bearing deposits7,947.2 72.3 0.91 8,148.9 115.2 1.41 7,073.2 78.3 1.11 
Borrowings and notes (3)(4) 1,373.8
 21.6
 1.57
 1,218.2
 17.3
 1.42
 1,212.5
 10.2
 0.84
841.6 20.7 2.46 1,115.5 32.4 2.91 1,409.0 33.4 2.37 
Total interest-bearing liabilities 7,161.8
 65.5
 0.91
 5,881.9
 48.2
 0.82
 5,386.7
 33.2
 0.62
Total interest-bearing liabilities8,788.8 93.0 1.06 9,264.4 147.6 1.59 8,482.2 111.7 1.32 
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits 1,296.4
  
  
 1,081.0
  
  
 972.6
  
  
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits2,324.6   1,745.2   1,622.4   
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities(3) 112.6
  
  
 85.2
  
  
 89.1
  
  
326.4   257.1   119.3   
Total liabilities 8,570.8
  
  
 7,048.1
  
  
 6,448.4
  
  
Total liabilities11,439.8   11,266.7   10,223.9   
Total shareholders' equity 1,243.8
  
  
 911.0
  
  
 806.1
  
  
Total shareholders' equity1,421.4   1,694.3   1,545.5   
Total liabilities and equity $9,814.6
  
  
 $7,959.1
  
  
 $7,254.5
  
  
Total liabilities and equity$12,861.2   $12,961.0   $11,769.4   
Net interest-earning assets $1,774.7
  
  
 $1,371.6
  
  
 $1,215.3
  
  
Net interest income   $306.0
     $237.1
     $218.0
  Net interest income$324.7 $375.4 $366.9 
42
44




 2017 2016 2015202020192018
(Dollars in millions) 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
(Dollars in millions)Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Yield/
Rate
Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Yield/
Rate
Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Yield/
Rate
Net interest spread  
  
 3.25%  
  
 3.11%  
  
 3.19%Net interest spread  2.49 %  2.88 %  3.16 %
Net interest margin (4)  
  
 3.40
  
  
 3.31
  
  
 3.34
Net interest margin (5)Net interest margin (5)  2.72   3.17   3.40 
Cost of funds  
  
 0.77
  
  
 0.69
  
  
 0.52
Cost of funds  0.84   1.34   1.11 
Cost of deposits  
  
 0.62
  
  
 0.54
  
  
 0.45
Cost of deposits  0.71   1.16   0.90 
Interest-earning assets/interest-bearing liabilities  
  
 124.78
  
  
 123.32
  
  
 122.56
Interest-earning assets/interest-bearing liabilities  133.95   126.44   126.12 
                  
Supplementary data  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Supplementary data         
Total non-maturity deposits $4,503.3
  
  
 $3,649.9
  
  
 $3,462.0
  
  
Total non-maturity deposits$7,168.9   $6,139.9   $5,620.1   
Total deposits 7,084.4
  
  
 5,744.7
  
  
 5,146.8
  
  
Total deposits10,271.8   9,894.1   8,695.6   
Fully taxable equivalent adjustment 11.2
  
  
 8.1
  
  
 6.4
  
  
Fully taxable equivalent adjustment6.4   7.5   7.4   

Notes:
(1) The average balances of loans include nonaccrual loans, and deferred fees and costs.
(2) The average balancesbalance of loans include nonaccrual loans, and deferred fees and costs.investment securities is based on amortized cost.
(3) Includes discontinued operations.
(4) The average balances of borrowings and notes include the capital lease obligation presented under other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
(4) Purchased loan(5) Purchase accounting accretion totaled $14.8$9.9 million, $8.1$14.5 million, and $7.6$23.1 million for the years-ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively. The effect of purchased loanpurchase accounting 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%0.09%, 0.11%0.12%, and 0.12%0.22%.

45
43




Rate/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
 2017 Compared with 2016 2016 Compared with 2015  2020 Compared with 20192019 Compared with 2018
 (Decrease) Increase Due to (Decrease) Increase Due to (Decrease) Increase Due to(Decrease) Increase Due to
(In thousands) Rate Volume Net Rate Volume Net(In thousands)RateVolumeNetRateVolumeNet
Interest income:  
  
  
  
  
 

Interest income:     
Commercial real estate $9,145
 $25,080
 $34,225
 $(591) $15,335
 $14,744
Commercial real estate$(45,193)$8,096 $(37,097)$(4,367)$25,271 $20,904 
Commercial and industrial loans 1,999
 12,457
 14,456
 5,294
 4,120
 9,414
Commercial and industrial loans(27,008)3,561 (23,447)(2,978)6,558 3,580 
Residential loans (259) 5,595
 5,336
 (3,427) 6,920
 3,493
Residential loans2,017 (14,907)(12,890)901 13,571 14,472 
Consumer loans 3,698
 5,839
 9,537
 1,416
 2,379
 3,795
Consumer loans(6,575)(8,592)(15,167)2,630 (3,357)(727)
Total loans 14,583
 48,971
 63,554
 2,692
 28,754
 31,446
Total loans(76,759)(11,842)(88,601)(3,814)42,043 38,229 
Investment securities 1,985
 16,978
 18,963
 3,667
 (1,238) 2,429
Investment securities(7,945)(57)(8,002)1,098 (2,863)(1,765)
Short-term investments and loans held for sale(1) 1,405
 2,271
 3,676
 324
 (132) 192
(16,924)8,297 (8,627)455 7,544 7,999 
Total interest income $17,973
 $68,220
 $86,193
 $6,683
 $27,384
 $34,067
Total interest income$(101,628)$(3,602)$(105,230)$(2,261)$46,724 $44,463 
            
Interest expense:  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest expense:      
NOW accounts $627
 $165
 $792
 $(39) $35
 $(4)NOW accounts$(3,835)$882 $(2,953)$1,217 $1,265 $2,482 
Money market accounts 1,698
 2,506
 4,204
 1,000
 109
 1,109
Money market accounts(18,043)1,985 (16,058)8,411 1,036 9,447 
Savings accounts 122
 88
 210
 (212) 42
 (170)Savings accounts(409)156 (253)86 91 
Certificates of deposit 2,205
 5,561
 7,766
 2,861
 4,140
 7,001
Certificates of deposit(11,486)(12,093)(23,579)12,250 12,562 24,812 
Total deposits 4,652
 8,320
 12,972
 3,610
 4,326
 7,936
Total deposits(33,773)(9,070)(42,843)21,883 14,949 36,832 
Borrowings 1,981
 2,338
 4,319
 7,008
 48
 7,056
Borrowings(4,553)(7,206)(11,759)6,695 (7,722)(1,027)
Total interest expense $6,633
 $10,658
 $17,291
 $10,618
 $4,374
 $14,992
Total interest expense$(38,326)$(16,276)$(54,602)$28,578 $7,227 $35,805 
Change in net interest income $11,340
 $57,562
 $68,902
 $(3,935) $23,010
 $19,075
Change in net interest income$(63,302)$12,674 $(50,628)$(30,839)$39,497 $8,658 


(1) Includes discontinued operations.
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 adjustedoperating revenue and expense. These measures exclude amounts which the Company views as unrelated to its normalized operations, includingoperations. These items primarily include securities gains/losses, gains on the sale of business operations, losses recorded for hedge terminations, merger costs, restructuring costs, goodwill impairment, and discontinued operations. Discontinued operations are the Company’s national mortgage banking operations for which the Company completed the wind down of operations in 2020. Merger costs consist primarily of severance/benefit related expenses, contract termination costs, systems conversion costs, variable compensation expenses, and certain dispute settlement costs. Non-GAAP adjustmentsprofessional fees. There were no merger costs in 2020 and merger costs in 2019 are presented netprimarily related to the acquisition of an adjustmentSI Financial Group, Inc. in May 2019. Restructuring costs generally consist of costs and losses associated with the disposition of assets and liabilities and lease terminations, including costs related to branch sales. Restructuring costs also include severance and consulting expenses related to the Company’s strategic review. They also include costs related to the consolidation of branches. Restructuring expense and other for income tax expense. In 2017, there was2020 primarily related to executive separation expense as a large adjustment for the write-downresult of the deferred tax asset at year-end dueCEO transition. Restructuring expense and other for 2019 primarily related to the passage of federal tax reform. There was also an adjustmentbranch consolidations. Restructuring expense and other for investments in employees2018 primarily related to a core systems contract restructuring charge and communities which were made by the Company in recognitionexecutive separation expense as a result of the future benefits of federal tax reform. The Company also measures adjusted revenues and adjusted expenses which result from the above adjustments.CEO transition.


The Company calculates certain profitability measures based on its adjusted revenue, expenses, and 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.


ChargesDue to the anticipated earnings volatility resulting from loan loss provisions reflecting changes in estimates of uncertain future economic conditions under the new CECL accounting standard, many users of bank financial statements are focusing on Pre-Provision Net Revenue (“PPNR”). This is a measure of revenue less expenses, and is calculated before the loan loss provision and income tax expense. This measure gives clearer visibility of the operations of the company during the periods presented in the income statements, without the impact of period-end estimates of future uncertain events. This measure also enhances comparisons of operations across different banks, which might have significantly different period-end estimates of uncertain future economic conditions that affect the loan loss provision. Consistent with its previous practices measuring results on an adjusted basis before the impacts of acquisitions, divestitures, and other designated items, the Company has introduced the measure of Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue (“Adjusted PPNR”) which measures PPNR excluding adjustments for items not viewed as related to merger and acquisition activity consist primarily of severance/benefit related expenses, contract termination costs, and professional fees. Systems conversion costs relate primarilyongoing operations. This measure is now integral to the Company’s core systems conversionanalysis of its operations, and related systems conversions costs. Restructuring costsis not viewed as a substitute for GAAP measures of net income. Analysts also use this measure in assessing the Company’s operations and in making comparisons across banks. The Company and analysts also measure Adjusted PPNR/Assets in order to utilize the PPNR measure in assessing its comparative operating profitability. This measure primarily consistrelies on the measures of adjusted revenue and adjusted expense already used in the Company's continued effort to create efficiencies in operations through calculated adjustments to the branch banking footprint.  Expense adjustments include variable rate compensation related to non-operating items.Company’s calculation of its efficiency ratio.


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 indicated:
 At or For the Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
GAAP Net (loss)/income$(533,017)$97,450 $105,765 
Non-GAAP measures  
Adj: Loss/(gain) on securities, net7,520 (4,389)3,719 
Adj: Goodwill impairment553,762 — — 
Adj: Net gains on sale of business operations(1,240)— (460)
Adj: Acquisition, restructuring, conversion, and other related expenses (1)5,839 28,046 10,752 
   Adj: Legal settlements— — 3,000 
   Adj: Systems vendor restructuring costs— — 8,379 
Adj: Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes26,855 5,539 4,767 
Adj: Income taxes(29,342)(7,799)(7,102)
Net non-operating charges563,394 21,397 23,055 
Total adjusted net income (non-GAAP)$30,377 $118,847 $128,820 
GAAP Total revenue from continuing operations$383,089 $449,260 $430,524 
Adj: Loss/(gain) on securities, net7,520 (4,389)3,719 
Adj: Net gains on sale of business operations(1,240)— (460)
Total adjusted operating revenue (non-GAAP)$389,369 $444,871 $433,783 
GAAP Total non-interest expense from continuing operations$840,239 $289,857 $266,893 
Less: Total non-operating expense (see above)(5,839)(28,046)(10,752)
Less: Goodwill impairment(553,762)— — 
Less: Legal settlements— — (3,000)
Less: Systems vendor restructuring costs— — (8,379)
Adjusted operating non-interest expense (non-GAAP)$280,638 $261,811 $244,762 
(in millions, except per share data)
Total average assets$12,861 $12,961 $11,769 
Total average shareholders' equity1,421 1,694 1,546 
Total average tangible shareholders equity1,105 1,116 991 
Total average tangible common shareholders equity1,088 1,076 950 
Total tangible shareholders’ equity, period-end1,153 1,159 1,001 
Total tangible common shareholders’ equity, period-end1,153 1,119 961 
Total tangible assets, period-end12,803 12,613 11,660 
Total common shares outstanding, period-end (thousands)50,833 49,585 45,417 
Average diluted shares outstanding (thousands)
50,308 49,421 46,231 
(Loss)/earnings per share, diluted$(10.60)$1.97 $2.29 
Plus: Net adjustments per share, diluted11.20 0.43 0.50 
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted0.60 2.40 2.79 
Book value per common share, period-end23.37 34.65 33.30 
Tangible book value per common share, period-end22.68 22.56 21.15 
Total shareholders' equity/total assets9.25 13.31 12.72 
Total tangible shareholders' equity/total tangible assets9.01 9.19 8.59 
 At or For the Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
Performance Ratios
GAAP return on assets(4.15)%0.75 %0.90 %
Adjusted return on assets0.24 0.93 1.12 
GAAP return on equity(37.50)5.75 6.84 
Adjusted return on equity2.14 7.01 8.33 
Adjusted return on tangible common equity3.18 11.35 13.48 
Efficiency ratio (2)68.53 55.63 53.64 
Supplementary Data (in thousands)
Tax benefit on tax-credit investments$4,699 $7,950 $5,876 
Non-interest income charge on tax-credit investments(3,645)(6,455)(4,822)
Net income on tax-credit investments1,054 1,495 1,054 
Intangible amortization6,181 5,783 4,934 
Fully taxable equivalent income adjustment6,402 7,451 7,423 

(1)Acquisition, restructuring, conversion, and other related expenses included no merger and acquisition expenses for the year-ended December 31, 2020. For the year-ended 2019, these expenses included $18.7 million in merger and acquisition expenses and $9.3 million of restructuring expenses. For the year-ended 2018, these expenses included $8.9 million in merger and acquisition expenses and $1.8 million of restructuring, conversion, and other expenses.
(2)Efficiency ratio is computed by dividing total core tangible non-interest expense by the sum of total net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis and total core non-interest income adjusted to include tax credit benefit of tax shelter investments. The Company uses this non-GAAP measure to provide important information regarding its operational efficiency.
46
  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 included $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, conversion, and other expenses.

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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 readers in understanding the financial condition and results of operations Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (“Berkshire” or the “Company"), the changes in key items in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements (“financial statements”) from year to year and the primary reasons for those changes.

The objectives of this section are:
To provide a narrative explanation of the Company. Company’s financial statements that enables investors to see the company through the eyes of management;
To enhance the financial disclosure and provide the context within which financial information should be analyzed; and
To provide information about the quality of, and potential future variability of, the Company’s earnings and cash flow.

This discussion includes the following sections:
Summary of recent events and strategic initiatives
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2020 and 2019
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Liquidity and Cash Flows
Capital Resources
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Discussion of accounting policies and pronouncements

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements "financial statements"Company’s financial statements and accompanyingthe notes containedthereto appearing in Item 8 of this report.

SUMMARY
2017 was a transformationaldocument. In the following discussion, income statement comparisons are against the previous year for Berkshire. Major accomplishments included:
Growing revenue by more than 40%
Gaining a major position in Worcester - an important regional market
Movingand balance sheet comparisons are against 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 componentsprevious fiscal year-end, unless otherwise noted. Operating results discussed herein are not necessarily indicative of the year’s progressresults for the year 2021 or any future period. In management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, certain reclassifications have been made to make prior periods comparable. Tax-equivalent adjustments are the result of increasing income from tax-advantaged loans and securities by an amount equal to the taxes that would be paid if the income were fully taxable based on a 26% marginal rate (including state income taxes net of federal benefit). In the acquisitiondiscussion, unless otherwise specified, references to earnings per share and "EPS" refer to diluted earnings per common share, including the dilutive impact 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. convertible preferred shares.

Berkshire is now the largest regional banking companya Delaware corporation headquartered in Boston and the third largestholding company for Berkshire Bank (“the Bank”) and Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc. Established in New England. 1846, the Bank operates as a commercial bank under a Massachusetts trust company charter.

BE FIRST CULTURE & CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
Berkshire Bank is a purpose and values-driven community bank. We believe that everyone, from every neighborhood, should be able to bank with dignity. We're committed to providing an ecosystem of socially responsible financial solutions to meet our customers’ needs, engaging with communities to ensure access and upward economic mobility, addressing racial equity and fostering a workplace culture where everyone belongs. Our Be FIRST values of Belonging, Focusing, Inclusion, Respect, Service, and Teamwork guide us as we evolve and navigate our environment to create long-term sustainable value for our stakeholders.

The Company views itselfspirit and work ethic that began 175 years ago when Berkshire Bank first opened its doors to meet the working class and entrepreneurs’ financial needs is still at the core of our company today. As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged communities and shuttered businesses, we answered the call to assist our neighbors. We ensured our employees, customers, and communities' health, safety, and economic resiliency was the priority.We created the You FIRST employee assistance fund to help employees impacted by unexpected financial hardships. We assisted small businesses and consumers with loan forbearances and government assistance programs and we launched a
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fund to assist black and brown owned businesses most impacted by the pandemic.We also faced the stark reality that systematic racism continues to exist throughout the country. While many companies that had been on the sidelines stepped-up, Berkshire leaned in and responded with continued focus, commitment, and intentionality.

We continue to build on our Be FIRST Commitment, our roadmap for purpose-driven, socially responsible community banking. Our strong foundation of governance systems, including our Corporate Responsibility & Culture Committee of our Board of Directors, Diversity & Inclusion Employee Committee, Responsible & Sustainable Business Policy, and Social & Environmental Responsibility Risk Management practices collectively integrate social, environmental, cultural, and reputational considerations through all aspects of the company. Berkshire Bank continues to offer services to the underbanked through the Reevx Labs™ platform at reevxlabs.com.

We engage directly with our stakeholders and populate several communications channels with strategic content including our Corporate Responsibility website www.berkshirebank.com/csr, annual report, and proxy statement to highlight our commitment to disclosure, transparency and socially responsible performance. Our annual Corporate Responsibility Report, which is aligned with Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”) commercial bank disclosure topics, details the company's environmental, social, governance, and cultural programs as well positionedas our progress on The Be FIRST Commitment. We are also incredibly proud to servebe recognized for our leadership and performance, including local, regional, national, and international awards. Among these honors The North American Inspiring Workplaces Award, Communitas Award for Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility, Listing in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and achieving a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index.

SUMMARY
The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic dominated the Company’s activities and results in 2020.Berkshire adjusted its business model to manage pandemic related impacts to its operations, its customers, and its operating profitability.The Company’s markets became a national and global disease hotspot early in the pandemic, in the second quarter.Government authorities shut down much societal and economic activity in March. Conditions improved in the third quarter, but another wave of disease incidence slowed further improvement, and economic conditions remained stressed through year-end.During the year, unprecedented federal fiscal and monetary stimulus was deployed nationally.The Federal Reserve Board of Governors lowered short-term interest rates by approximately 1.50% in the first quarter, and further actions by the Federal Reserve resulted in rates coming down across all maturities, resulting in a parallel downward rate shock of approximately 1.50%.Following an unprecedented economic contraction in the second quarter, the economy had partially recovered by the end of 2020.
The rollout of vaccinations and further federal and monetary support were expected to gradually further normalize conditions in 2021.

The Bank initially closed its branches except for drive-through tellers, and most back-office staff moved to work from home status. The Bank was able to resume most branch activities in the third quarter, while back-office staff continue to telecommute. Business activities shifted during this period to provide expedited support for supporting stimulus programs and servicing the needs of customers and communities arising from the emergency conditions. Numerous programs were developed to provide support and assistance to the growthBank’s staff and communities, including granting of Greater Boston,loan payment modifications pursuant to government guidelines and the sixth largest combined statistical area inorigination of commercial Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) SBA guaranteed loans to support employment during 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 millionshutdown.Branch access restrictions were reintroduced in the fourth quarter which includedand some government restrictions were resumed due to worsening public health.


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Changes in the newly acquired Commerce operations. FullCompany’s financial condition and results were primarily due to the pandemic and the related changes in financial market conditions and economic expectations. Due to these downturns, the Company recorded large non-cash charges for goodwill impairment and the current expected credit loss provision during the year. These charges resulted in losses for the first and second quarters, but did not materially affect most regulatory capital measures, cash flows, or liquidity. Among the most significant financial impacts from the pandemic were the following:

Goodwill impairment: In the second quarter, the Company recorded a $554 million noncash expense representing the full impairment and write-off of the carrying value of goodwill due to the impact of the COVID-19 disease on economic and financial market conditions resulting in a lower fair value of the Company’s equity.

Credit Loss Provision: A $65 million noncash credit loss provision expense was recorded in the first half of 2020 primarily representing projected pandemic related current expected credit losses in future periods under the new Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) accounting standard.The full year pre-tax earnings increasedprovision was $76 million.

Reduced Revenue: Net revenue from continuing operations decreased year-over-year by 29%15% due primarily to $100 million. Federal income tax reform near year-end lowered the future statutory tax rate but necessitated a write-downcompression of the net deferred tax asset. interest margin resulting from the near zero interest rate policy implemented by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and reflecting the Company’s asset sensitive interest rate risk profile.The margin change also reflected a change in asset mix from loans and into lower yielding short-term investments and investment securities.

Loan Modifications: Short-term loan payment deferrals were granted in accordance with terms established by bank regulators to lessen borrower hardship.Initial payment deferrals totaled $1.6 billion. The balance of active and in-process deferrals declined to $350 million at year-end.

Balance Sheet Changes: A pandemic related deposit surge was primarily invested in short-term investment reserves held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The Company originated $708 million in PPP loans to support employment, and these loans partially offset reductions in other loan categories due to reduced economic activity, liquidity from government stimulus, and accelerated prepayments. Demand deposits increased as borrowers stored liquidity resulting from government stimulus and reduced economic activity. Total equity decreased but most regulatory capital ratios improved, and measures of liquidity improved due to reduced usage of wholesale funding and due to higher short-term investment balances.

Reflecting the above activity, the Company recorded a loss of $569 million, or $11.33 per share for the first six months of 2020.This resultedloss was a result of noncash charges for goodwill impairment and the provision for current expected credit losses on loans. Results returned to profitability in an $18the second half of the year, with second half earnings totaling $36 million, provisional non-cash chargeor $0.73 per share. Full year results were a loss of $533 million, or $10.60 per share.

In conformance with the industry guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve at the outset of the pandemic, the Company ceased repurchases of common stock in the first quarter, and let its outstanding repurchase authorization expire at the end of 2017 whichthe first quarter. Also, the Company reduced income after taxesits shareholder dividend by 50% in the third quarter of 2020. This reduction was made to $55better align the dividend payout and dividend yield with the reduced level of operating earnings in the current environment.

In October 2020, the Company announced the launch of best-in-class digital account opening technology.This platform provides benefits to the customer experience, to revenue generation, and to the Company’s operating efficiency. The company also enhanced its customer experience by upgrading its call center and rolling out its e-signature platform. These enhanced capabilities are significantly more valuable in today’s environment as a result of the customer needs and accelerated digital transformation resulting from the pandemic.


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Also in October 2020, the Company announced a strategic goal to pursue expense management initiatives, due in part to the long-term revenue impacts of the near zero interest rate environment.Expense management also recognizes long-term changes in customer behaviors and the Bank’s operating model based on the accelerated transition to the digital economy resulting from the pandemic. In December 2020, as part of these initiatives, the Company announced a branch optimization plan. The Company announced that it had entered into an agreement for the sale of its 8 Mid-Atlantic branches, including the transfer of more than $600 million in 2017 from $59deposits and $300 million in loans. Additionally, the prior year.

Company announced a plan to consolidate 16 branches in its New England/New York footprint. Both of these initiatives are targeted for completion in the first half of 2021. The Company usesexpects to recognize a net gain on the non-GAAP measuresale of adjusted earnings, and related metrics, to evaluate the results of its operations. Mid-Atlantic branches, as well as charges in conjunction with the branch consolidations.

In addition to charges relatedreshaping the branch office network, the Company is pursuing possibilities for identifying and releasing surplus corporate real estate, and making other operational adjustments to tax reform, adjusting itemsits business model. The Company also plans to formalize cost save opportunities arising from work from home as well as changes in 2017 included merger costs, securities gains,procurement processes in the current environment.The Company’s goal is to streamline its business model in its core markets and leverage organic growth around that foundation. Two critical enablers are the technology that the Company has invested in and its personalized banking services program, MyBanker. Berkshire has been successfully deploying these mobile personal bankers for a number of years to bring service to customers where and when they need it and they remain integral to the distinctive customer experience that the Bank is developing as a 21st century community bank.

On August 10, 2020, the Company announced that, pursuant to a separation agreement, Richard M. Marotta had stepped down from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and CEO of the Bank, as well as from his role as a Director to pursue new opportunities. Working within its leadership succession planning process, the Board appointed Sean A. Gray, to serve as Acting President and CEO for the Company. The Board initiated a CEO search process to consider a national search for candidates inside and outside of Berkshire.The Board established a working committee to oversee the search process and retainedthe firm of Spencer Stuart as its executive search consulting firm.On January 25, 2021 the Board announced the appointment of Nitin J. Mhatre as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the terminationBank effective January 29, 2021.With the appointment of contracts relatedMr. Mhatre, Mr. Gray resumed his ongoing duties as President and Chief Operating Officer of Berkshire Bank and Senior Executive Vice President of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

Mr. Mhatre is a senior banking executive with 25 years of community and global banking experience. Most recently, as Executive Vice President, Community Banking at Webster Bank, Mr. Mhatre was a member of Webster Bank's executive team and led its consumer and business banking businesses. In this role, he was responsible for profitable growth of the Community Banking segment at the $31 billion bank and led a diverse team of more than 1,500 employees. Previously, he spent more than 13 years at Citi Group in various leadership roles across consumer-related businesses globally. Mr. Mhatre served on the Board of the Consumer Bankers Association headquartered in Washington D.C. since 2014 and was Chairman of the Board from 2019 to premises2020. He also serves on the Board of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England headquartered in Hartford, CT.

The Board and interest rate hedges. GAAP earnings per share declinedmanagement team are fully aligned on the Company's long-term strategic direction.That strategy focuses on improving core operating performance with a relationship banking model that serves Berkshire’s communities and clients in its footprint. Berkshire’s brand name and franchise in its markets, its differentiated customer service and culture, and its purpose-based values are all targeted to $1.39support meaningful improvement in 2017shareholder returns.The Company has five current key initiatives:
Optimizing Berkshire’s branch footprint through the announced branch sales and consolidations
Rationalizing the balance sheet to maintain strong liquidity and capital metrics and support improvedprofitability and shareholder return
Further implementing digitization and automation to improve customer engagement and operational efficiencies
Focusing on core products and services to enhance customer relationships and the customer experience while exiting non-strategic products & business lines
Continuing proactive management of asset quality through the pandemic cycle

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Berkshire continues to pursue its ongoing transformation into an innovative 21st century community bank, which has gained heightened relevance to stakeholders and the Company’s long-term opportunity as a result of this year’s events. Guided by its Be FIRST principles, the Company continues to foster a more inclusive, innovative and supportive culture, which is positioning Berkshire to deliver a differentiated and compelling community banking experience to everyone in its communities, including those who have been traditionally underbanked. Following its principles, the Company’s COVID-19 response included:
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COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND DECEMBER 31, 2019
Summary: The major balance sheet changes were the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on the economy and federal fiscal and monetary policy. Total loans decreased and demand deposits increased due to the slowdown in economic activity, resulting in less credit demand and the accumulation of customer liquidity – both of which benefited from $1.88federal stimulus. The funds from loan payoffs were primarily invested into short and long-term investments and demand deposit growth was primarily used to reduce wholesale funding sources and for short-term investments. The Company’s operating focus was on meeting customer needs and further strengthening its capital and liquidity in the priorface of unknown pandemic impacts on its markets.

Anticipated higher credit losses from the economic impacts of the pandemic resulted in higher loan loss provisions in the first half of the 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 primaryalthough traditional metrics of loan performance did not begin to significantly worsen until the fourth quarter.Loan performance was aided by loan modifications and SBA guaranteed PPP loans which were implemented pursuant to federal bank supervisory guidelines in an unprecedented response to supporting the economy and financial condition generallysystem.

The long-term impacts of the pandemic drove bank stock prices sharply lower, and in the second quarter the Company wrote-off the full $554 million balance of goodwill which had been accumulated over the past decade principally from bank acquisitions when stock prices were higher.This was the principal reason for the $378 million, or 3%, decrease in total assets to $12.8 billion in 2020.Excluding this write-off, total assets increased by $176 million, or 1%, due to demand deposit growth invested into short-term investments. Largely due to this impairment charge, shareholders’ equity decreased by $571 million, or 32%, to $1.19 billion.The goodwill impairment charge was non-cash and had no material impact on the Company’s tangible equity or regulatory capital metrics, which improved duringcontinuously through 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.

Duedue to the shares issued as merger consideration for Commerce, together with shares issuedreduction in a public offering for general corporate purposes in May, total year-end common shares outstanding increased by 27%risk weighted assets resulting from the proportional shift from loans 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 bookinvestments. Book value per common share measured $23.37 at period-end and the non-GAAP measure of tangible book value per share increasedmeasured $22.68 per share.

The Company's goal is to provide a strong foundation for supporting growth in its customer accounts and revenue drivers across its major markets and business lines based on improvement in forecasted public health and market conditions.The majority of the $633 million of year-end PPP loans is expected to be forgiven by 5%the SBA in 2021, contributing to a potential decrease in total loans during the year including the benefit2021.The sale 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,branches is also expected to result in a decrease in interest bearing assets and seasoned specialists in international and government banking. Berkshire continuesliabilities.

Investments: Due 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 runoff 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, withgrowth, total assets of $11.6 billion at year-end. Total assetsshort-term investments increased by $2.4 billion, or 26%, including $1.8 billion acquired with Commerce. Most categories of assets$992 million in 2020, 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.

Totaltotal investment securities increased by $270 million, or 17%, to $1.9 billion in 2017, including a $114 million balance contributed by$454 million.Most short-term investments were held at the Commerce acquisition. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.The portfolio increase included a $199 million increase in availableinvestment securities was concentrated in Available for saleSale ("AFS") agency collateralizedmortgage-backed securities and agency commercial mortgage-backed securities. There have been accelerated prepayments of mortgage obligations andrelated securities as a $74 million increase in held to maturity municipal bonds, as these remain the primary componentsresult of the portfolio, balancinglow interest rate sensitivity and yield.environment. The Company purchased $894 million in AFS securities in 2020, accepting lower yields in order to maintain and increase the size of the portfolio.In the current environment of low interest rates, a generally flat yield curve, and low credit spreads, the Company has been judicious about redeploying short-term investments into longer term structures while also increasedmaintaining balance sheet flexibility due to the general uncertainties of the current environment. The fourth quarter securities portfolio yield decreased year-over-year by 0.62% to 2.69%, reflecting ongoing rolldown of asset yields due to low rates.

The Company managed down the size of the corporate bond portfolio and has carefully monitored its investmentexposure to credit risk in available for sale corporate bonds by $55 million, withand municipal obligations during the growth concentrated in financial institution subordinatedpandemic induced recession. At period-end, there were no delinquent or non-accruing debt securities.

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The Company soldliquidated most of its portfolio of corporate equity securities producing a $20 million net reduction in theseduring the fourth quarter.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 realizedits capital gains contributedmanagement strategy related to the Company’s tax management objectives. credit investments; this strategy was no longer operative in 2020.The Company’s available for sale equities portfolio totaled $45 millionremaining equity securities 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. were primarily bond mutual funds targeted toward Community Reinvestment Act eligible investments.The Company is assessing its strategiesrecorded $8 million 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 thenet securities portfolio would decrease by approximately 0.15% in future periods. This islosses during 2020 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 yearsdecline 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 bank stocks which were a significant component of its equities portfolio.The portfolio of investment securities with unrealized losses exceeding one year was 13%had
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Table 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 netContents
an unrealized gain on investment securities decreased to $11of $68 million, or 0.6% of cost,3.2%, 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 primarilyperiod-end due to the Commerce portfolio of taxi medalliongain in debt security fair values resulting from the decrease in interest rates.

Loans: Total loans locateddecreased by $1.42 billion, or 15%, to $8.08 billion in Boston and Cambridge and reflects2020.During 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 toyear, the discount.

Excluding the Commerce acquisition, loans increased by $509 million, or 8% in 2017. This growth included $223Company originated $708 million in commercial PPP loans, of which $633 million remained outstanding at year-end.The Company also reclassified $301 million in loans to assets held for sale, due to the pending agreement for the sale of the Mid-Atlantic branches.Excluding these loans and industrialthe PPP loans, $72 milliontotal loans decreased by $1.80 billion, or 18%.This included a 5% reduction in commercial real estate, a 39% reduction C&I loans, a 30% reduction in residential mortgages, and $162a 26% reduction in consumer balances.In the commercial markets, borrower demand decreased significantly due to the pandemic and the Company adjusted its business solicitation during the height of the economic shutdowns, while focusing its resources on the operational demands of supporting the PPP program and managing requests for loan modifications pursuant to government guidelines in support of its markets.Slower business activity led many borrowers to reduce C&I borrowings and to instead build liquidity.The Company curtailed business solicitation in certain COVID-19 sensitive industries, and trimmed its exposure to commercial wholesale and participation balances, while also allowing non-relationship exposures to runoff.The Company continued to see activity in its commercial lending channels and it remained disciplined in its selection, pricing, and underwriting processes.Based on market activity and forecast market conditions, the Company is targeting to grow its middle market commercial business, with a focus on asset based lending and small business banking, and selected opportunities in commercial real estate.The Company expects overall commercial borrowing demand to improve as pandemic conditions subside and forecast economic growth emerges.

The decrease in residential mortgages reflected heightened loan prepayments and refinancings due to the drop in interest rates.Additionally, the Company focused on completing the disposition of discontinued national mortgage banking operations, and also the supply of secondary market mortgages from area correspondent banks decreased as all banks coped with higher runoff.Home equity loans outstanding decreased due to reduced borrowing demand and the portfolio of indirect auto loans continued to runoff in accordance with the Company’s strategy.The fourth quarter yield on the loan portfolio decreased year-over-year by 0.90% to 3.62% in 2020 from 4.52% in 2019.This decrease reflected pandemic related impacts, including the decrease in market interest rates, higher prepayments of higher yielding loans, and the effect of the lower yielding PPP loans.Loans repricing within one year totaled $3.8 billion, or 46% of total loans at year-end 2020.

The majority of PPP loans were originated in the second quarter to existing borrowers to provide payroll support during the pandemic shutdown. These loans bear interest at 1% and most were primarily written with two year maturities. They are guaranteed by the SBA and most are expected to be repaid by the SBA as loans are forgiven.The PPP fees received from the SBA approximated 3% of the loan amounts. At year-end, the Company had a balance of $13 million in net growthdeferred PPP loan fees paid by the SBA which is being amortized into net interest income based on the approximate two year expected lives of the loans. The unamortized deferred balance is recognized in residential mortgages. Totalnet interest income at the time each loan is forgiven.The Company originated $708 million of PPP loans in 2020, of which $633 million remained outstanding at year-end.With the issuance of additional forgiveness guidelines around year-end, the Company expects that the majority of PPP loans will be forgiven in the first half of 2021.

Based on its experience with borrowers during the pandemic, the Company has thoroughly assessed its commercial loan portfolio to determine the most significant sensitive industries based on exposure, risk rating, and use of federally supported lending and loan modification programs. The Company has focused on hospitality, Firestone (specialty equipment lending), restaurants, and nursing/assisted living facilities, which collectively totaled $868 million at year-end. The Company has evaluated the loans in these industries and has expanded its review of other commercial loans increased organically by 8%to broaden the scope and frequency of risk assessments. The Company initially identified a larger group of borrowers as potentially COVID-19 sensitive, including retail, arts and entertainment, medical, and construction.Based on its experience during the Commerceyear, the Company has narrowed its focus of COVID-19 sensitivity to the four groups mentioned above. The Company views these COVID-19 sensitive loans as generally conforming to its longstanding financial disciplines for loan/value, debt service coverage, and recourse in conformity with customary industry practices. Based on its longstanding disciplines, the Company believes its exposures within these industries are reasonably diversified and structured to accomplish overall risk management objectives. The
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Company also monitors its outstanding loans to small business borrowers. Loans with balances of $1 million or less totaled $773 million at year-end. Some smaller balance commercial loans increasedare monitored primarily based on payment status, with less availability of current borrower financial information. Small businesses and SBA borrowers have benefited from various government support programs and may be more vulnerable in future periods if government support programs are not continued.

Asset Quality: Most asset performance measures remained within risk ranges viewed by the Company as moderate during the first nine months of 2020, including charge-offs, delinquencies, non-accruals, and troubled debt restructurings. Some measures moved adversely in the fourth quarter as pandemic impacts on loan performance emerged more clearly, particularly in COVID sensitive commercial industries. It is anticipated that some measures will remain elevated in 2021 as some borrowers experience impairment of their liquidity and capital resulting from accumulating economic impacts of the pandemic. Due to 61%loan payment modifications granted pursuant to government guidelines, many borrowers did not make a full year of scheduled loan payments during 2020 but continued to accrue interest and were not reported as delinquent at year-end.

Asset quality benefited in 2020 from the PPP loans, which are intended to support payrolls and therefore support business operations and employment despite the contraction in the economy. Other federal stimulus measures included one-time payments issued to most taxpayers and supplemental unemployment insurance. Monetary actions drove interest rates to near zero, reducing debt service costs and supporting asset values in the public equities and credit markets. Under year-end legislation approved by Congress, further fiscal economic support was approved for disbursement in 2021.

Additionally, federal bank regulatory authorities encouraged banks to work with affected borrowers to provide loan payment modifications to protect liquidity and support solvency. Forbearances made before year-end in accordance with CARES Act guidelines are not reported as delinquencies and are not required to be analyzed as troubled debt restructurings. In 2020, loans with conforming loan modifications totaled $1.6 billion, with the majority of modifications consisting of payment deferrals to commercial customers. The Bank was initially proactive in reaching out to commercial customers to offer conforming modifications within regulatory guidelines. Most initial deferrals were 90 day deferrals of principal and interest payments, with deferred payments often added to the end of the loan term. While the majority of customers returned to scheduled payments during the year, some customers were provided additional deferrals during the year. In the fourth quarter, the majority of commercial loans receiving additional deferrals beyond 2020 agreed to pay current period interest during the deferral period. In most cases, commercial customers requesting further deferrals were individually underwritten, negotiated, and approved. Many in the hospitality segment and the Firestone segment were provided with fourth quarter deferrals beyond 90 days to reflect seasonal and specialty operations.Many hospitality modifications included interest reserves established by project sponsors.At year-end, loans with payment deferrals (including in-process deferrals) totaled $350 million, of which $331 million were commercial loans.Year-end deferrals measured 4.7% of total loans excluding PPP loans.

In part because of the loan deferral program, accruing delinquent loans did not increase during the year, reaching a quarterly low of 0.34% of total loans at year-end 2020, compared to 0.54% at year-end 2019.The deferral periods for the majority of deferred loans were scheduled to expire in the first four months of 2021.Under revised legislation passed by Congress at year-end 2020, banks can continue to provide qualifying loan modifications including payment deferrals throughout 2021 without reporting these loans as delinquent or as troubled debt restructurings.Under accounting principles, loans cannot be maintained as accruing interest if the bank does not expect to collect the full contractual amount of principal and interest from 56%a borrower.Non-accruing loans remained little changed during the first nine months of the year, but increased to 0.80% of total loans as of year-end 2021, compared to 0.42% at the start of the year. TheThis increase was largely due to two commercial relationships which were identified as substandard prior to the pandemic.One of these was a purchased credit deteriorated credit to a nursing/assisted living facility acquired in the 2019 bank merger, and one was a hospitality relationship in a market that became overbuilt.During the fourth quarter, the Company views its commercialsold $22 million in hospitality loans which deteriorated during the pandemic.The Company continues to evaluate potential opportunities to sell deteriorated loans. Net loan charge-offs totaled $38 million in 2020 and industrial$33 million in 2019. Charge-offs in 2020 included $12 million in hospitality loans and its owner occupied commercial real estate loans as an important element of itswritten down in the fourth quarter due to pandemic related weaknesses. Charge-offs in 2019 included a $16 million charge in the third quarter for one 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.


alleged fraud.
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DueDuring 2020, the Company identified certain commercial segments which were determined to its asset management strategiesbe COVID-19 sensitive.The Company refined this group during the year.The two primary segments deemed COVID-19 sensitive were hospitality loans and loans in recent years, Berkshire has been positionedthe Company’s Firestone Financial specialty equipment lending group.Borrowers in both of these segments were more at risk of significant revenue declines due to support its markets while also managing well within regulatory guidelinesmandated reductions in travel and social activity.Hospitality loans totaled $301 million and Firestone loans totaled $246 million at year-end.These two segments accounted 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$225 million of the year$331 million in total commercial active and compared to the 300% regulatory monitoring guidelines (based on regulatory definitions). Construction loan exposure was 40% of bank regulatory capitalin process deferrals at year-end both2020. They accounted for $158 million of the $338 million in 2017year-end commercial criticized assets.For the hospitality loans, 91% of the year-end deferrals were scheduled for current interest payments and 2016, compared tomany of these were supported by interest reserve accounts.For the 100% regulatory guideline. Berkshire monitors its commercial real estate lendingFirestone loans, the business lines with the most demonstrated COVID-19 risk usingwere fitness ($71 million year-end balance) and location based entertainment such as bowling alleys and family oriented arcades ($44 million year-end balance).Together, these business lines comprised 68% of the enhanced processes required for banks exceedingFirestone deferrals and 58% of 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 (primarilycriticized loans.Most of the borrowers 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 counthospitality and it placed 32nd nationally for total amount loaned. Most earnings relatedFirestone segments were expected 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 operationbe able to resume operations and are generally held for salescheduled debt service if public health and social conditions allowed more normal revenue production 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 generallyresume 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%half of total assets. At year-end, the total contractual balance of purchased credit impaired2021.Non-accruing 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 $87these segments totaled $18 million at the start of the year, and the carrying balance more than doubled from $47 million. Includedyear-end.

Year-end criticized loans increased 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, compared2020 to 0.21% in the prior year. Year-end 2017 non-performing assets totaled $24$359 million, or 0.21%2.8% of total assets, compared to $22$237 million or 0.24% of total assets,1.8% 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 measureyear-end 2019.This increase 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 appropriatemainly due 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 estimatedthe pandemic on the commercial loan losses for the lifeportfolio.Approximately half of the portfolio, including subjective assessments of risk. A loan loss allowance is recorded by$331 million in commercial deferred loans was rated criticized at year-end, and the Company forpandemic impacts on these loans were the emergence of new probable and estimable losses relating to acquired loans which were not impaired asmain driver 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 acquiredgrowth in total criticized loans. Because of the accounting for acquiredFor similar reasons, classified loans some measures of the loan loss allowance(which 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 includesthose criticized loans rated special mention and classified (substandard andsubstandard or lower). These increased to $250 million from $162 million, including growth in non-accruing loans are referred to $65 million from $40 million.Loans rated as criticized loans. Including acquired loans,before the pandemic remained criticized despite any deferrals 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. may have been granted.The Company viewshas traditionally viewed 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. ClassifiedAccruing classified loans acquiredtotaled $185 million at year-end 2020.Due to the circumstances of the pandemic, the Company also views deferred special mention loans as having elevated risk of becoming substandard due to uncertainties related to public health. These loans totaled $49 million at year-end 2020.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans: The Company implemented the Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) accounting standard on January 1, 2020. The standard changed the basis of loss recognition from incurred to expected, and expanded the covered financial instruments. The allowance for credit losses on loans replaces the previous allowance for loan losses. The allowance balance increased by $63 million from $64 million at year-end 2019 to $127 million at year-end in business combinations2020.

The allowance increased by $25 million to $89 million on January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of CECL. The Company established a $15 million reserve related to loan credit marks, and the amortized cost basis of purchased credit deteriorated loans was increased by this same $15 million amount. The remaining implementation increase was due to the recognition of additional expected losses over the life of the loan portfolio compared to those already incurred under the previous method.The allowance measured 0.94% of total loans at the adoption of CECL.
Excluding the impact of purchased credit deteriorated loans, the allowance measured 0.78% of total loans.The Company viewed this as its reasonable supportable estimate of expected credit losses over the expected future life of the portfolio.The estimate is based on a methodology which considers historic loss rates for loans by collateral type and includes components for the impact of forecast economic conditions on loss rates, as well as an evaluation of qualitative factors including current period loan performance metrics and consideration of the benefit of expected future government support in reducing possible loss rates.The economic forecast utilizes third party base case projections and estimates credit loss impacts for the next seven quarters.The allowance does not include reserves for interest receivable.An allowance for losses on credit commitments is included in other liabilities, and measured $8 million at year-end 2020.

The allowance increased by $38 million from January 1, 2020 to $127 million at December 31, 2020.The allowance at year-end measured 1.58% of total loans and 1.71% of total loans excluding the PPP and mid-Atlantic loans.The 0.77% increase from 0.94% at the date of CECL adoption primarily reflected the projected economic
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impacts of the pandemic on estimated future loan losses and was driven both by the changed economic outlook and by the qualitative impact of the emergence of higher non-accruing loans.At year-end, the economic baseline expected confirmed COVID-19 cases to reach 47 million in 2021, with the daily case rate peaking in December 2020 and abating by September 2021.GDP was projected to increase by 4.1% in 2021 after declining by 3.5% in 2020.Unemployment was expected improve to 6.9% in 2021, supported by a $2.8 trillion federal deficit spending projection. The 0.77% increase in the allowance from the CECL adoption date is equivalent to approximately $60 million in net loan losses as the Company’s general estimate of future pandemic related loan losses in addition to the annual net loan loss rate when the economy is healthy. If conditions were to remain unchanged, the Company would anticipate that charge-offs would reduce the balance of the allowance as they emerge, and that the ratio of the allowance to total loans would move towards the level before the emergence of the pandemic. Future loan loss provisions could result from adverse changes in conditions or from loan portfolio growth. No allowance is provided for PPP loans which are guaranteed by the SBA. Additionally, no allowance is provided on the loans held for sale as part of the pending mid-Atlantic branch sale.

Goodwill and Other Assets:The sustained decrease in the price of the Company’s stock in the first half of 2020 was a basis for triggering an analysis of goodwill for impairment. Additionally, the annual impairment analysis was scheduled for the second quarter. Berkshire’s stock price was $11.02 at midyear, compared to $32.88 at year-end 2019. A goodwill impairment analysis was completed according to Accounting Standards Codification Section 350. Based on this analysis, the Company recorded ata $554 million impairment charge during the second quarter to fully write-off the carrying balance of goodwill. This analysis was based on an estimate of the fair value of the company’s equity as one reporting unit. Fair value was estimated based on an income approach and are classified as performinga market approach, which were equally weighted in the analysis. Both valuation approaches supported a conclusion of full impairment. The goodwill balance had resulted primarily from a series of bank acquisitions which consisted primarily of an exchange of shares recorded based on stock market valuations at the time of acquisitionacquisition. Over this time, bank stocks were generally valued at a premium to the net fair value of assets, resulting in the recording of goodwill for these premiums. Due to the pandemic recession and therefore are not generally viewed as potential problem loans. In 2017, potential problem loans decreasedfederal monetary actions reducing interest rates, the outlook for banking industry earnings contracted in 2020, and a number of bank stocks were trading at a discount to $37 million from $51 millionbook value at midyear.The impairment analysis concluded that the startfair value of the year.Company’s equity was lower than its carrying value, indicating a goodwill impairment.


As discussed in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesThe assets held for sale at year-end 2020 consisted mainly of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in June 2016,loans and fixed assets tied to the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurementpending agreement for the sale of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The ASU requires companiesthe Mid-Atlantic branches. This sale is targeted 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 iscompleted in the processfirst half of identifying and implementing required changes to loan loss estimation models and processes and evaluating the impact2021. The carrying amount 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 investmentsAssets increased by $116$98 million primarily due to the overnight liquidity neededincreased net fair value of commercial loan interest rate swaps and related economic hedges, reflecting the market value changes resulting from the pandemic impact on market interest rates.

Deposits:Total deposits decreased by $120 million, or 1%, to $10.2 billion in 2020.Due to the pending agreement for the acquired Commerce payroll processing business. Bank owned life insurancesale of the Mid-Atlantic branches, the Company reclassified $617 million in deposits as liabilities held for sale.Adjusting for this reclassification, total deposits increased by $52$497 million, or 5%.This included a $302 million increase in the year-end balance of payroll deposits, which fluctuate daily.Total brokered deposit balances decreased by $597 million to $611 million in 2020 as the Company continued to reduce wholesale funding with proceeds from loan runoff and demand deposit growth. There was growth in demand deposits, as customers maintained higher liquidity during the pandemic, including the impacts of federal support and lower spending.Additionally, some funds shifted from higher rate maturing time deposits into money market balances as customers focused on shorter maturities due to the purchase of additional policies, together with the Commerce acquisition. Total goodwilllow 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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relatively flat yield curve.The cost of deposits increaseddecreased to 0.66%0.47% in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 0.56%2020 from 1.11% in the fourth quarter of 2019.This reflected the prior year. While all majorpronounced decrease in short-term market interest rates, together with the unusual growth in demand deposit categories had increases,balances and the total increase was primarily driven by a 0.18% increasereduction in thehigher cost brokered time deposits.


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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.

Liabilities:Total borrowings decreased by $177$256 million, or 13%31%, in 2017, due2020 as part of the Company’s strategy to increased utilizationdeleverage and reduce reliance on higher cost wholesale funding sources.Including brokered deposits, total wholesale funding sources decreased by $854 million, or 43%, to $1.18 billion during 2020.The fourth quarter cost of better priced brokered time depositsborrowings decreased to provide wholesale funding. Most borrowings are short term. The weighted average rate on borrowings was 1.81% in2.50% from 2.77%, while the fourth quarter cost of 2017, comparedall funds decreased to 1.63% in0.60% from 1.23%.As previously noted, the fourth quarter of 2016.Mid-Atlantic deposits were reclassified as held for sale, and total liabilities held for sale related to this pending transaction measured $630 million at year-end 2020. The Company terminated itsexpects to settle this sale with loans and 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.from short-term investments.


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. Instruments: 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$3.9 billion period-end notional balance of derivative financial instruments increased to $2.5 billion at year-end 2017, compared to $2.2was down slightly from $4.1 billion at the start of the year. The increaseThis notional balance includes $1.7 billion 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. Thewith commercial loan interest rate swap derivatives includecustomers and an equal balance of offsetting back to back hedgesswaps with national bank counterparties, along withfinancial counterparties.The Company also has $0.3 billion in risk participation agreementsparticipations with dealer banks. This represents a 43% increasebanks 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. swaps where another bank is the lead.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.

Theestimated net fair value of derivatives improvedthe derivative financial instruments increased from a $3approximately zero to $94 million liability at year-end 2016 to a $3 million premium at year-end 2017. This was primarily due to the realizationhigher value 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 interestfixed 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 stockcustomer swaps as a result of the Commerce acquisition. These holdings are restricted pursuantdecrease in interest rates. This asset is included in other assets on the balance sheet. The Company delivered cash to an agreement filedthe clearing house as a result of its increased obligation to national swap counterparties which is reported as a use of cash from financing activities in the cash flow statement.

Shareholders' Equity: Total shareholders’ equity decreased by $571 million, or 32%, to $1.19 billion in 2020 due to the income impact of the noncash charges of $554 million for goodwill impairment and $76 million for credit loss provision expense recorded during that time. The balance of retained earnings decreased from $361 million to ($233) million.The $41 million year-end 2019 balance of preferred stock was converted to common equity in accordance 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 resultedterms these securities, resulting 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 million522 thousand common shares and 522 thousand shares of a new Series B non-voting conditionally convertible preferredfrom treasury 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%$31 million 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.$70 million.


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%, whilestood at 9.3% at period-end, and the non-GAAP measure of tangible equity to tangible assets increased to 8.5% from 7.7%stood at 9.0%.The Company generally targetsuses the non-GAAP measure of tangible equity which excludes goodwill and intangible assets and which is an important focus for the investment community.Tangible equity decreased by $6 million, or 1%, to operate with this ratio$1.15 billion for the year.

All of the Company's measures of regulatory capital in relation to risk weighted assets improved during the 7-8% range. year due to the runoff of non-PPP related loans and the zero risk weighting assigned to PPP loans because of the SBA guarantee, as well as due to the lower risk ratings of investments.The consolidatedCompany conducts equity stress analyses, including severe adverse pandemic loan loss scenarios based on forecasts provided by third parties. The Company believes that its capital is well cushioned above the Well Capitalized metrics in all of the adverse modeling scenarios based on the assumptions utilized.The Company’s total risk based capital ratio increasedmeasured 16.1% at year-end 2020, compared to 12.4% from 11.9% including the excess cash held at the holding company. 10% Well Capitalized standard for banks.The Bank’s risk basedCompany’s Tier 1 capital ratio remained unchangedstood at 11.2%. Book value14.1% at that date, compared to the 8% Well Capitalized standard for banks.

The Company repurchased $53 million of common stock in 2019.The Company’s plan had been to continue repurchasing shares to return capital to shareholders which was released by the balance sheet restructuring. The repurchase plan was suspended in the first quarter of 2020 as the pandemic emerged, and the existing authorization for share repurchases was allowed to expire at its March 31, 2020 maturity. During the first quarter, the Company filed a universal securities shelf registration for the routine purpose of renewing the shelf registration that expired in November 2019. The Company increased its quarterly dividend by $0.01 to $0.24 per common share increasedin the first quarter before the pandemic, in line with previous annual dividend increases. The Company decreased its dividend to $0.12 per share in the third quarter, to better align the dividend payout and dividend yield with its operating earnings as a result of the pandemic. Due to the loss recorded in 2020, any dividends intended by 5%the Bank’s board of directors are presently subject to $32.14regulatory approval by the Massachusetts Banking Department and tangible book value also increasedany shareholder dividends intended by 5%the Company’s board of directors are subject to $19.83 per common share.non-objection by the Federal Reserve.



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OneThe change in retained earnings due to the operating loss and the common dividend accounted for most of the requirements of the $10 billion Dodd Frank threshold is increased capital stress testing processes.net change in equity. The Company has investedrecorded a $19 million benefit to equity from other comprehensive income which mostly offset a $24 million reduction in staff and resourcesequity due to develop these processes. Basedthe adoption of CECL. The other comprehensive income benefit was due to after-tax unrealized gains in the bond portfolio due to lower interest rates. The CECL adoption impact on its most recent internal modelingequity was principally due to the increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans on the date of financial conditionadoption due to the recognition of expected future losses in addition to incurred losses, as well as the increase in the allowance to offset the increase in the gross carrying value 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.


purchased credit deteriorated loans.
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COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20172020 AND 20162019

Summary: Berkshire’s results in 2017Revenue and expense 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 ChoiceSI Financial operations acquired on May 17, 2019. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic Berkshire reported losses in December 2016, including the targeted efficiencies which resulted fromfirst half of 2020 due to non-cash charges of $554 million for goodwill impairment and $65 million for 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 measuresprovision for credit losses.As a result, many categories of revenue and expense income,are not directly comparable year-over-year for the first half of the year.Parts of this discussion focus on the second half of the year, where year-over-year results are more comparable and average balances increased in 2017 compared to 2016. Additionally, per share measures wereless affected by the issuancemerger and the pandemic.

Reflecting the above activity, the Company recorded a loss 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$569 million, or $11.33 per share when fully integrated,for the first six months of 2020.This loss was a result of noncash charges for goodwill impairment and the provision for credit losses on loans. Results returned to provide a long term double digit return on equity.profitability in the second half of the year, with second half earnings totaling $36 million, or $0.73 per share. For the year, the Company lost $533 million, or $10.60 per share.In 2019, the Company recorded earnings for the year of $97 million, or $1.97 per share.For the second half of 2019, the Company’s earnings were $48 million, or $0.95 per share.


As noted previously, Berkshire uses aThe Company calculates the non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted net incomeearnings to supplement its evaluation of its operating results. Adjusted net income excludes certain amounts not viewed asfocus on earnings related to normalized operations. Theseongoing operations and excluding items aredescribed in the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures which was set forth in an earlier section of this report.Second half adjusted earnings were $40 million, or $0.80 per share, in 2020 compared to $59 million, or $1.15 per share in 2019.Adjusting items after-tax in the second half of 2020 totaled $4 million and were primarily related to acquisition expenses. Berkshire views its net acquisitionthe loss on discontinued operations and the CEO separation.Adjusting items for the second half of 2019 totaled $11 million after-tax and were primarily related costs as part of the economic investment for its acquisitions. These investments are intended to contribute to long termmerger and restructuring expense.

The decrease in 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 valuewas primarily due to pandemic related impacts on net interest income, which declined sequentially over the reductionlast five quarters to $76 million in the federal statutory tax rate beginning in 2018. Berkshire also makes references to adjusted revenues and adjusted expenses in its discussionfourth quarter 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%2020, compared 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. million in the fourth quarter of 2019.The Company targets ongoing improvement in this measure to benefit from its investments in organic growth and acquisitions, and to improve profitability. Returnreturn 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 efficiencies0.48% from the Commerce integration are targeted to support further improvement in this measure in 2018.

0.78% for these respective periods.The return on equity decreased to 5.2% from 5.9%; this measure was impacted in 2020 by the write-off of goodwill, which measured 31% to 4.5% while the adjusted return onof 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.at year-end 2019.


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 evaluatinghas established a provision for credit losses on loans which it views as adequate to cover 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 revenuereasonable estimate of expected credit losses, 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 incomepandemic related losses, based on increased business volumes related to market share gainsforecast conditions at year-end.It is anticipated that net loan charge-offs will remain elevated in its markets. Pricing disciplines for2021 as predicted losses emerge and are recorded.Loan loss provision expense may be modest unless health and economic expectations change adversely. PPP 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 portfolioare expected 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 yearhalf of combined operations based on2021 but this benefit is expected to decline in the assumptions set forth therein. second half of 2021.Benefits from the Company’s branch initiatives are initially expected to mostly be offset by pandemic related loan workout costs and strategic investments in core operations.The Commerce pro forma estimated that it would add upCompany benefited from an income tax credit in 2020 due to $20 million per quarter in revenuethe large pandemic credit loss provision in the first year; the Company owned Commerce operations for mosthalf of the fourth quarter of 2017. Interest income also increased as a result of 8% organic increase in loans, funded primarilyyear.

Revenue:Revenue was adversely impacted by the 6% organic increasepandemic in deposits. 2020, including the impact of lower business volumes, fee waivers, and tighter margins.Net revenue from continuing operations decreased by $66 million, or 15%, to $383 million in 2020.Revenue in 2020 included a full year of revenue from SI Financial operations acquired in May 2019.The 27% increasefull year decrease included a $48 million decrease in net interest income, a $7 million decrease in fee income, and a $12 million adverse swing in net securities gains/losses.Second half revenue decreased by $37 million, or 16% to $196 million; this comparison fully includes acquired operations in both periods.

Net Interest Income:Net interest income from continuing operations decreased by $48 million, or 13% in 2020.This was attributable to the 23% increase in average earning assets and the 3% increaseresult of a 14% decrease in the net interest margin.

margin to 2.72% from 3.17%.The fourth quarter 2020 net interest margin increased throughout 2017was 2.61%. Quarterly net interest income peaked at $97 million in the third quarter of 2019, including the first full quarter of benefit from 3.21%the acquired SI Financial operations.Net interest income decreased to $91 million in the fourth quarter of 20162019 and then decreased sequentially in 2020 to 3.50%$76 million in the fourth quarterfinal quarter.
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The margin for the year improved to 3.40% in 2017 from 3.31% in 2016. Factors that contributedwas under pressure coming into 2020 due to the improvement in the margin included the mix shift towards higher yielding commercial loans, the increase in interest rates, the terminationanticipated loss 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, itspurchased 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 monitoringaccretion income, including the impact of the tax reform for any competitive impactsCECL accounting standard. The Company’s interest rate risk profile is asset sensitive, and is structurally sensitive both to the decrease in interest rates and to the low and relatively flat yield curve.The approximate 1.50% decrease in short-term interest rates resulting from the Federal Reserve Bank’s near zero interest rate policy response to the pandemic was adverse to the Company’s net interest margin.Additionally, the Company took on loan yields or deposit costs that might affecthigher cost funds at the marginstart of the pandemic to further strengthen liquidity in the future.national emergency as part of its risk management protocol.Also, the decline in higher yielding loans has reduced this yield as the primary source of interest revenue.


TheBased on conditions at year-end, 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 impairedis targeting that PPP loans which have significantly benefitedwill support 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. Mosthalf 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 million2021, including the First Choice and Commerce contributions. Deposit related fees decreased to 0.38%recognition of average deposits in 2017, compared to 0.43% in the prior year. This reflected the lower fee penetration of the acquired banksdeferred revenues 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. these loans are forgiven.The Company expects that its card fee incomethe majority of these loans will be reduced by $5-6 million per year based onforgiven in the Durbin amendment to the Dodd Frank Act, as a resultfirst half of crossing the $10 billion asset threshold. This reduction2021 and that earning assets will begindecrease in the second half of 2018.

Non-interestthe year.The sale of the Mid-Atlantic deposits and loans is also expected to contribute to a decrease in earning assets.Excluding the impact of PPP loans, the Company is targeting that, based on rate conditions at year-end, there will be further roll down of deposit costs in 2021 due to maturities of higher rate time deposits and of promotional rates previously offered on targeted money market deposits.The Company’s goal is that these lower costs will more than offset the margin impact of asset yields continuing to price down in the current low interest rate environment.Any margin benefit in the second half is not expected to offset the impact of lower earning assets, and therefore there may be continued pressure on net interest income in 2017the second half of 2021.

Non-Interest Income:Fee income decreased year-over-year $7 million, or 9% due to pandemic impacts on deposit and loan fees.Deposit related fees decreased by $3 million, or 11%, due to a decrease in overdraft fee income totaling $4 million or 33%.This decrease was due to pandemic impacts which resulted in less consumer spending and higher household liquidity.Additionally, overdraft fees and other deposit fees reflected increased fee waivers, which were granted programmatically by the Company as part of its support to its communities during initial lockdowns.The $8 million, or 31%, decrease in loan related fees included $13a $4 million reduction in commercial swap fee income due to lower demand, along with impacts from market value adjustments to the carrying value of commercial loan swaps.Other pandemic related market value adjustments affecting 2020 results related to charges against mortgage servicing rights and fair valued loans.The Company has $54 million in securities gains,contractual balances on taxi medallion loans which are carried at a $7$2 million charge for the lossfair value.Recoveries on the termination of hedges, and $3 millionthese assets are included in other income.Other non-interest income also includes securities gains/losses, which the Company does not view as related to its ongoing operations. The $10 million net charges. The securities gains wereloss in the first quarter of 2019 was due to the equity securities sales described previously inimpact of the investment securities section. The lossstock market selloff on the terminationcarrying value of hedges was described previously in the derivative securities section. The $3equity securities. Non-interest income is net of charges totaling $4 million in other net charges was due to a $92020 and $6 million chargein 2019 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 $4credits of $5 million and $8 million in accrued income on bank owned life insurance contracts.those respective years.


Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses is a chargeCredit Losses: In adopting the CECL accounting model, the Company moved from an incurred loss methodology to earnings in an amount sufficientexpected loss methodology.Due to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level deemed adequate by the Company. The levelemergence 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,pandemic, the Company recorded $3future expected pandemic losses as provision expense against current period operations.Accordingly, provision expense increased year-over-year to $76 million from $35 million.The provision in employee and community investment2019 included a component recognizing the incurred expense for initiatives undertakenrelated to a $16 million charge-off in a fraud related commercial situation.The provision expense in 2020 was primarily due to the federal tax reform. Total expenses excluded fromemergence of expected future loan losses as described in the measureearlier discussion of adjusted expenses totaled $35 million in 2017 compared to $16 million in 2016.the Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans.

Non-Interest Expense:Total non-interest expense increased by $96$550 million to $840 million in 2020 from $290 million in 2019.This was due to the $554 million second quarter write-off of goodwill described in the earlier discussion of financial condition.Second half non-interest expense increased by 2% to $145 million in 2020 compared to 2019. The Company utilizes the non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted non-interest expense to assess its expenses related to ongoing operations. These adjustments in 2020 were primarily related to the CEO separation, and in 2019 they were primarily related to merger and restructuring charges.

Second half adjusted non-interest expense increased by $7 million, or 47%6%, to $300$139 million.This included a $2 million increase in 2017. AdjustedFDIC insurance premium expense excluding items discussed above, increased by $77 million, or 41%,due to $265 million. The largest expense growth wascredits received in

the second half of 2019.Technology
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compensation (46%), premises andspending increased by $3 million to enhance the Company’s technology (30%), and marketing (276%). The compensation and marketing expense changes were affected byinfrastructure. Additionally, expenses in the mortgage banking expense structure, which has higher variable compensation expense and marketing paymentssecond half of 2020 included $3 million in charges related to designated business channels. Expenses benefited from the First Choice integration,a lending operations project 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 fromcompleted during 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. period.Full time equivalent staff in continuing operations at year-end totaled 1,7311,505, compared to 1,550 positions asat the start of year-end 2016.the year.The Company has announced strategic initiatives for the sale and consolidation of branches in the first half of 2021.The Company expects to recognize a noncore net gain on the sale of these operations and non-core charges in conjunction through these consolidations.


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

the results of operations. The Company recorded a tax benefit of $27 million in 2020 compared to a tax expense of $21 million in 2019. The Company recorded a $20 million benefit on 2020 continuing operations, resulting in a 4% benefit from the loss on continuing operations. The $20 million dollar benefit included a $15 million benefit from the $59 million deductible portion of goodwill related expense, as well as from $3.5 million in tax credit benefits. The tax rate on 2020 adjusted earnings was 8% due to the lower earnings. In 2019, the Company’s effective tax rate increased to 45% in 2017was 18% on pre-tax income 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%.

continuing operations. The Company also measures itsreceived tax benefits at an effective tax rate of 26% on adjusted income as a non-GAAP measure. pre-tax losses of $27 million and $6 million on discontinued operations in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Discontinued Operations: The Company excludedcompleted the $18 million deferred tax provisional write-downexit from its tax expensediscontinued national mortgage banking operations in this analysis.the final quarter of 2020.These operations recorded losses of $20 million and $4 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The adjusted effective tax rate on adjusted pre-tax income measured 29% in 2017. This adjusted rate exceededlosses included write-downs of related mortgage servicing rights which reflected the 26% GAAP rate beforeimpact of higher mortgage prepayments as well as lower market pricing for the deferred tax charge duesubject rights.Other factors contributing to the total net adjustments to GAAP income, primarilyloss in 2020 were severance, contract, and hedge termination costs.Discontinued operations are excluded 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 startmeasure of the year.adjusted income.
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. Income: Total comprehensive (loss)/income includes net (loss)/income together with other comprehensive income. Comprehensive income, totaled $50 millionwhich primarily consists of unrealized gains/losses on debt securities available for sale, after tax. Due to falling interest rates in 2017 compared to $72 million2020 and 2019, Berkshire recorded unrealized debt securities gains in the prior year. This $22 million decrease was mainly due to the $19 million change in otherboth years.As a result, comprehensive income toresults were a loss of $6 million in 2017 from income of $13 million in 2016. The $6($514) million loss is due to the realization in net2020 and $123 million 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.in 2019.


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 20172019 and 20162020 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 second2020.Second and third quarter included seasonallyresults are often the strongest quarterly results due to higher mortgage banking revenue. A lossbusiness activity during the spring and summer.In 2020, economic activity declined at an unprecedented rated due to the pandemic. This was recordedfollowed by a partial rebound in the third quarter, but disease resurgence resulted in further government restrictions in the fourth quarter.Third quarter results were the strongest in terms of operating income.Results in the first half of 2020 were a loss due to pandemic impacts on the provision for credit losses on loans and the goodwill write-down.Pandemic impacts contributed to fourth quarter 2020 results declining from the third quarter due to the $18 million chargelower operating revenue, higher operating expense, and a higher provision 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.credit losses on loans.



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COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20162019 AND 20152018
Summary: Berkshire’s 2016 results
Summary: Revenue and expense in 2019 included the 44 Business CapitalSI Financial 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.on May 17, 2019. As a result, most measuresmany categories of revenue expense, income, and average balancesexpense increased in 2016 compared2019 over the same period of 2018. Additionally, operations in 2019 included the benefit of restructuring actions in both years, and the benefit of the acquired Commerce Bank operations which were being fully integrated in the first half of 2018. Earnings per share reflected the shares issued as merger consideration for the SI Financial acquisition. References to 2015 -- includingrevenue and expense in this discussion are generally related to continuing operations unless otherwise noted. Year-over-year profitability declined primarily due to the $16 million charge related to the write-off of one commercial loan due to alleged fraud. Profitability was also adversely impacted by a lower net interest margin due to the decline in purchased loan accretion, which had been anticipated, as well as the impact of acquired operationslower interest rates on the Company’s asset sensitive balance sheet. Total purchase accounting accretion decreased to $14 million in both years. Additionally, per share measures2019 from $23 million in 2018. The Company undertook various initiatives following its strategic review to help mitigate these margin impacts. Results 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 fromalso 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 contributeddue to higher return on equity. Internal capital generation was viewed as providing support formerger charges related to the dividend payoutcompletion and organic business growth as well as contributing to improvement in capital metrics. In 2016,integration of the SI Financial acquisition.The Company’s return on equity measured 6.4% andwas 5.7% in 2019, compared to 6.8% in the prior year. Its non-GAAP measure of adjusted return on tangible common equity measured 12.5%.was 11.3% compared to 13.5% for these respective periods.


TotalRevenue: Net Revenue. Totalrevenue from continuing operations increased in 2019 by $19 million, or 4%, to $449 million in 2019 compared to the prior year, including acquired SI Financial operations.This increase was divided between net revenueinterest income and non-interest income.

Net Interest Income: Net interest income from continuing operations increased by $30$9 million, or 11%3%, in 2019 compared to $298 million in 2016, reaching $304 million annualized in the fourth quarter including the new First Choice operations. Revenue2018. This growth includedwas due to 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 andearning assets, which was partially offset by a 1% decrease in the net interest margin. The increase in average earning assets included the impact of approximately $1.48 billion in earning assets acquired from SI Financial on May 17. This was offset by a net decline in other average earning assets due to the Company’s strategic initiative to reduce less strategically important loans and investments in order to decrease expensive wholesale funding sources and related leverage. The net interest margin decreased year-over-year to 3.31%3.17% from 3.34%3.40%, and the contribution from purchase accounting accretion decreased to 0.12% from 0.22%. The decrease in margin during 2016 primarily reflected an increase in the cost of funds during the yeardecreased further to 0.73%3.11% in the final quarter of 2016the year, including a 0.17% contribution from 0.56%purchase accounting accretion. The benefit of purchase accounting accretion decreased primarily due to the seasoning of purchased credit impaired loans from prior bank acquisitions. Purchase accounting accretion also benefited from accretion related to acquired SI Financial time deposits, which are contributing approximately 7 basis points per quarter accretion benefit which matured in the second quarter of 2020.

Non-Interest Income: Non-interest income from continuing operations increased by $10 million, or 13%, in 2019 compared to 2018 due primarily to an $8 million swing in unrealized securities gains/losses which the Company views as non-operating in nature. Fee income increased by $3 million, or 4%, including the benefit of acquired operations.

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision increased year-over-year by $10 million, or 39%, including the impact of one fraud related commercial loan loss in the third quarter.

Non-Interest Expense: Non-interest expense from continuing operations increased year-over-year by $23 million, or 9%, including acquired operations. Merger related expense included the completion of the SI Financial merger.The Company focuses on its non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted expense which excludes merger charges and other items set forth in the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures. Adjusted expense increased by $17 million, or 7%.Expenses in 2019 benefited from $3 million in FDIC premium rebates as a result of a return of FDIC reserves to smaller U.S. banks. The full efficiencies from the merger were not achieved until the fourth quarter of 2015.2019.

Income Tax Expense: The effective tax rate measured 18% in 2019, compared to 21% in 2018. This includedreflected the fixed rate interest rate swaps that became activeproportionate benefit of tax advantaged income on lower pretax earnings, along with structural changes in the first halfCompany’s tax position, including the impacts of the year, the impactSI Financial acquisition.
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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%. Discontinued Operations: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 Choicenational mortgage banking operations became unprofitable in December. Deposit related fees were flat2018 as a result of depressed industry conditions due to lower market demand for mortgages as interest rates rose in that period. While industry conditions improved in 2019 as interest rates moved downwards during the year, these operations continued to operate at $25 million and decreaseda loss. The net loss was equivalent to 0.43% of average deposit balances$0.08 per share in 20162019, compared to 0.49%$0.07 per share in the prior year. Deposit fees in 2016 included $72018. Total revenue improved to $41 million in consumer overdraft income, $82019 from $39 million in card related fees, and $102018, but remained below the $55 million recorded during the profitable year of 2017. Most of the $5.5 million pretax loss 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. This2019 was due to charges for the amortization of tax credit related investments, which were more than offset by benefitsa $4.5 million charge 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 serviceswrite-down mortgage servicing rights 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.market indications at year-end.

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.


Total cash and cash equivalents increased to $1.6 billion at year-end 2020, compared to $0.6 billion at year-end 2019.Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations decreased slightly to $124 million in 2020 from $130 million in 2019.Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations increased to $104 million from a use of $19 million in 2019 as these operations were liquidated during 2020.

The primaryCompany’s liquidity needstrengthened substantially in 2020.A $1.4 billion reduction in loans was primarily reinvested in investments.Short-term investments increased by $1.0 billion and investment securities increased by $0.5 billion.A $0.6 billion increase in demand deposits was used primarily to reduce wholesale funds, which decreased to $1.2 billion from $2.0 billion.The ratio of wholesale funds to assets decreased to 9% from 15%.The ratio of loans/deposits decreased to 79% from 92%.

The Company has an agreement to sell its 8 Mid-Atlantic branches, which is expected to be completed by midyear 2021.The Company is expected to provide in excess of $300 million in funds to complete this sale, which is expected to be funded from short-term investments.The planned consolidation of 16 additional branches in the first half of 2021 is targeted to be completed with strong deposit retention and no material reduction in total deposits.The Company may see some outflows of demand deposit balances which have accumulated during the pandemic and which may be drawn down by customers if economic conditions improve as expected.Any net outflows would most likely be funded from the excess levels of short-term investments that were built up in 2020.The Company also expects to use these funds to pay down maturing wholesale funds from brokered deposits and borrowings if conditions remain as anticipated.Due to the decrease in market interest rates in 2020, loan prepayment speeds increased, maturing time deposits tended to roll into money market deposits, and generally interest sensitive assets and liabilities both trended towards lower expected average lives, and therefore increased the potential of larger movements in loan and deposit balances depending on future conditions.

The Bank had unused FHLBB borrowing capacity totaling $1.0 billion at year-end, compared to $1.6 billion at the holding company isstart of the year.The Bank also had available borrowing capacity of $816 million with the Federal Reserve Bank at period-end, compared 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$201 million at the Bank orend of 2019.There were no PPP loans pledged at year-end 2020, and the insurance subsidiary.Company did not make any material use of the Federal Reserve’s PPP Liquidity Facility during the year. The holding company primarily reliescombination of on-balance sheet liquidity and off-balance sheet liquidity described above are viewed as strong support for any emerging liquidity needs.

Subsequent to first quarter-end, KBRA (the Kroll Bond Rating Agency) reaffirmed the Company’s and the Bank’s existing bond ratings, including the Bank’s A- ratings on dividendsdeposits and senior debt. The ratings were affirmed with a negative outlook on the long-term ratings due to the uncertain economic impacts from the pandemic. The Company maintains ongoing relationships with correspondents and investment banks which provide further potential options for financial support to the Bank to meet its ongoingand the Company.At period-end, the Company had $84 million in cash needs.at the parent held on deposit in the Bank. 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. SourcesBeginning in the third quarter of 2020, the Company cut its cash dividend to shareholders in half, reducing the quarterly cash dividend
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requirement from $12 million to $6 million.Over the long-term, the Company relies on cash dividends from the Bank to provide operating cash and usescash for shareholder dividends.Due to the second quarter loss, the Bank was no longer in compliance with Massachusetts banking regulations which generally require positive retained earnings over the prior three years in order to pay cash dividends to the parent.The Company made application to the Massachusetts Division of cash atBanks near year-end 2020 to approve a routine bank dividend to the parent are reportedto cover the quarterly shareholder dividend, and this application was approved by the Division Banks after year-end.The Bank’s goal is to continue to apply for approval of routine quarterly Bank dividends to the parent in the condensed statements of the parent company included in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. There are certain restrictions on the payment offuture.Total cash dividends paid by the Bank as discussedto the parent 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 expected2020 were $44 million due 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 Bankamounts paid in the event that earnings are not sufficient to cover the dividend. There was no objection to the dividend declared on fourthfirst quarter operationsin anticipation of share repurchases, which resulted in a losswere suspended 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 startonset 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.pandemic.

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 monitorsmaintains a contingency funding plan based on its assessment of the loans/deposits ratio in assessing directional changes in its liquidity stress environment. Contingency funding information, reporting, and assessment were intensified in the past has allowed this metric to reach levels near 110% dependingfirst quarter when financial markets began signaling distress. Primary liquidity data is reported on the timing of business activity.daily, and thirty day stress analytics are maintained on an updated basis. The Company also monitorsmaintains monthly and quarterly cash flow forecasts. A one year forward liquidity stress test evaluates stress across a variety of stress scenarios, including severe adverse loan loss scenarios due to the levels of its wholesalepandemic. The Company has defined strategic options which allow it to meet funding needs 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.all stress scenarios.


The Company also monitors theCompany’s guidelines allow it to respond to liquidity of investment securities and portfolio loans and has increased its active management of the loan portfolio to accomplish Company objectives, includingstress by placing higher emphasis when necessary on 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

versus margin expansion.
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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 termlong-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.performing company.


Berkshire views its adjusted internal return on tangible capital as thea primary capital resource of the Company. The returnThis non-GAAP financial measure is based on tangible equity averaged over 12% for the three years 2015-2017.Company’s measure of adjusted earnings, which excludes net charges viewed as not related to ongoing operations. 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.report and in the Shareholders’ Equity note to the financial statements.


AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST, AVERAGE YIELDS/COST AND RATE/VOLUME ANALYSISThe Company has investment grade debt ratings and monitors capital market conditions. The Company views its regulatory capital as well cushioned above the “Well Capitalized” levels, and the Company believes that its plans are consistent with maintaining proper strong cushions above these levels. The Company conducts equity stress analyses, including severe adverse pandemic loss scenarios provided by third parties, in addition to Dodd-Frank stress testing. The Company believes that its capital is well cushioned above the Well Capitalized metrics in the adverse modeling scenarios based on the assumptions utilized.
Tables
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 in the current period or for the four trailing quarters.The holding company also requires such notice and non-objection in order to conduct stock buybacks in a quarter which would reduce outstanding shares below the balance at the start of the quarter.In the first quarter, due to the pandemic, the Company allowed its existing board stock repurchase authorization and the related regulatory approval to expire without repurchasing additional shares which were contemplated at the start of the year and which were funded to the parent from the Bank during the first quarter.Due to the second quarter loss, the Company initiated a quarterly application process to the Federal Reserve Bank for notice and nonobjection for the routine quarterly dividend beginning in the third quarter. The amount of the dividend was cut in half based on considerations of Federal Reserve supervisory guidance and based on adjusting the dividend yield and payout ratio as a result the reduction in earnings. The Company expects to continue to provide notice and seek non-objection from the Federal Reserve Bank on a quarterly basis until it achieves four trailing quarters of income sufficient to cover dividends in those quarters. As discussed in the preceding section on Liquidity and Cash Flows, dividends from the Bank to the holding company are currently also subject to a procedure with the above information are presented in Item 6Massachusetts Division of this report.Banks pursuant to state statute.



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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The year-end 20172020 contractual obligations were as follows:

Item 7-7A - Table 1 -4 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.
Less than OneOne to ThreeThree to FiveAfter Five
(In thousands)TotalYearYearsYearsYears
FHLBB borrowings (1)$474,357 $395,475 $69,405 $6,014 $3,463 
Subordinated notes97,280 — — — 97,280 
Operating lease obligations (2)63,894 9,214 16,086 11,258 27,336 
Total Contractual Obligations$635,531 $404,689 $85,491 $17,272 $128,079 
(1)     Consists of borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank. The maturities extend through 20272040 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 1211 - Borrowed Funds and Note 1716 - Other Commitments, Contingencies, and Off-Balance Sheet ActivitiesLeases 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.sheet.The Company’s agreement to sell its Mid-Atlantic branches is an off-balance sheet arrangement which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2021.


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, marketable equity securities, 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 certain corporate bonds, impaired loans, capitalized mortgage servicing rights, and other real estate owned. When measurement is required, these measures are generally based on Level 3 inputs. Acquired corporate bonds and industrial development bonds are valued based on Level 3 inputs.


Financial instruments comprise the majorityBerkshire provides a summary of the Company assets and liabilities. The net combinedestimated fair value of those instruments contributes to the economic value of the Company’s equity. The net premium valuevalues of financial instruments increased in 2017, reflectingat each period-end. The premium or discount value of loans has historically been the benefitmost significant element of the common stock offering plus the contribution of retainedthis presentation. This amount is a Level 3 estimate and reflects management’s subjective judgments.

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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 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policiesto the financial statements. Modifications to significant accounting policies made during the year are also described in Note 1 to the financial statements. The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Please see those policiesfinancial statements in conjunctionaccordance with this discussion. The accountingGAAP and reporting policies followed by the Company conform, in all material respects,practices generally applicable 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 Statesindustry requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts reported in the financial statementsof assets, liabilities, revenues, and accompanying notes. While the Company bases estimates on historical experience, current informationexpenses, and other factors deemed to be relevant, actualdisclose contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


The SEC defines “criticalManagement has identified the Company's most critical accounting policies”policies as thoserelated to:
Allowance for Credit Losses
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

These particular significant accounting policies are considered most critical in that they are important to the Company’s financial condition and results, and they require application of management’s most difficult, subjective orand complex judgments, oftenjudgment as a result of the need to make estimates about the effecteffects of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in future periods. Please see thoseuncertain. All of these most critical accounting 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 requiredwere significant 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 unrealizablecondition based on available evidence atevents in 2020.

ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
Following sections of this report on Form 10-K include discussion of market risk and risk factors. Risk management is overseen by the timeCompany’s Chief Risk Officer, who reports directly to the estimate is made. In determiningCEO. This position oversees compliance, information security, risk management policy, and coordinates with the valuation allowance,strategic services function which monitors most aspects of credit quality. Enterprise risk assessments are brought to the Company uses historicalCompany’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee, and forecasted future operating results, including a review ofthen are reported to the eligible carry-forward periods, tax planning opportunitiesBoard’s Risk Management and other relevant considerations. In particular, income tax benefitsCapital Committee. The high level corporate risk assessment focuses on the following material business risks: credit risk, interest rate risk, price risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, compliance risk, strategic risk, and deferred tax assets generated from tax-advantaged commercial development projects are basedreputation risk. The credit risk category has the highest weighting. Based on management's assessmentrecent review, all risks were within corporate appetites. Trends toward increasing risk were noted for credit risk and interpretation of applicable tax lawcompliance risk due largely to the pandemic; liquidity risks were declining due to elevated liquid assets. For all material business risks, the inherent risk was viewed as it currently stands. These underlying assumptions can change from periodheightened due to period. For example, tax law changes or variances in projected taxable ordinary income or taxable capital gain income could result in a changethe environment, but the residual risk was viewed as medium/low to medium due to mitigating controls functioning 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.Company.

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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.

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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 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer report trends and interest rate risk position to the Risk Management and Capital Committee of the Board of Directors on at least a quarterly basis. The manner and 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 accommodate customer demand for long termlong-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 thisits interest rate sensitivity primarily by evaluating models of net interest income over one year, two years, and three year time horizons.horizons. The Company generally models a base case assuming no changes in interest rates or balance sheet composition and then assuming various scenarios of 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 termlong-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,scenario where interest rates ramp up in the first year compared to a base case of flat interest rates, assuming a parallel shift in the yield curve. Loans, deposits, and borrowings wereare modeled 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. CashGenerally, cash flows from loans and securities are assumed to be reinvested to maintain a static balance sheet. Other assumptions about balance sheet mix are generally held constant. There were no material changes to the way that the Company measures market risk in 2017.2020. The model at year-end 2020 included two adjustments reflecting conditions at that date.The modeled balance sheet excluded the assets and liabilities related to the Mid-Atlantic branch sale, including loans and deposits held for sale, with a reduction in short-term investments sufficient to fund the sale.The model also assumed that the balance of PPP loans expected to be repaid were not reinvested and these funds are modeled to payoff the corresponding wholesale funding as it matures.Neither of these adjustments was viewed as material to the projection results, and both of these items are targeted to be substantially completed by midyear 2021.




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Item 7-7A - Table 2 - Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk
Change in
Interest Rates-Basis
Points (Rate Ramp)
    
1- 12 Months13- 24 Months
$ Change% Change$ Change% Change
(In thousands)    
At December 31, 2020    
+300$5,578 1.78 %$27,942 9.17 %
+200(108)(0.03)12,199 4.01 
+100(3,090)(0.99)(943)(0.31)
-1005,408 1.73 6,769 2.22 
At December 31, 2019    
+300$17,080 4.70 %$28,003 7.60 %
+20011,070 3.00 19,589 5.30 
+1005,107 1.40 10,289 2.80 
-100(6,559)(1.80)(13,611)(3.70)
Change in
Interest Rates-Basis
Points (Rate Ramp)
        
 1- 12 Months 13- 24 Months
 $ Change % Change $ Change % Change
(In thousands)        
At December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
+300 $9,806
 2.95 % $11,193
 3.40 %
+200 7,940
 2.39
 9,374
 2.85
+100 4,683
 1.41
 5,890
 1.79
-100 (6,424) (1.93) (12,532) (3.81)
         
At December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
+300 $9,904
 3.96 % $7,659
 3.07 %
+200 7,497
 3.00
 6,527
 2.62
+100 4,632
 1.85
 4,448
 1.78
-100 (5,853) (2.34) (10,100) (4.05)


There were no significant changes inBerkshire’s objective is 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.As a lookback on 2020 positioning and market events, the Company was positioned to expect a decrease in net interest income in the unexpected event of a downward shift in interest rates, which is what happened early in 2020.A downward shock of 100 basis points was expected to result in approximately a 4% decrease in net interest income in the first year.Following the downward shock of approximately 150 basis points near the end of the first quarter, net interest income decreased sequentially by 10% in the second quarter.

The Company’s asset sensitivity roughly doubled over the first nine months of the year. This was due to the influx of non-interest bearing demand deposit balances, the growth in short-term investments, the initial lengthening of wholesale fund maturities, runoff of higher rate fixed rate assets, and the assumed higher prepayment speeds of the remaining portfolio. Also, the reduction in base case net interest income increases the relative impact of changes due to interest rate sensitivity. In line directionally with this modeled sensitivity, at year-end 2017, compared to the start of the year. year, the sharp decrease in interest rates in the first quarter resulted in compression of the Company’s net interest margin in the first half of 2020. Also in line directionally with the model, the margin stabilized in the second half of the year as deposit pricing began to catch up with loan yield compression.

The Company’s interest rate sensitivity decreased significantly in the final quarter of the year, with net interest income sensitivity moving to nearly neutral at year-end.Contributing factors were the branch sale agreement, an increase in investment securities, and accumulating impacts of payoffs of LIBOR based loans and shortening of the liability maturity ladder. In the first year of the four modeled scenarios, the impact of the modeled change in net interest income was less than 2% in all four scenarios. In the second modeled year, the percentage change in net interest income was less than the sensitivity shown at year-end 2019 for all scenarios except the +300 basis point scenario. At year-end 2020, the greatest modeled sensitivity was in the second year of the +200 basis point and +300 basis point scenarios, where the positive interest sensitivity exceeded $10 million in annual net interest income based on the modeled parallel shifts in interest rates.

Due to the low level of interest rates, the modeled sensitivity of a downward shift in interest rates is affected by assumptions related to market influences on spreads and floors applied to zero rate indicates.Prime, mortgage rates, and deposits are floored. All other rates are zero bound. Measures of risk in an upward rate environment were close to neutral at year-end 2020 in both year one and year two of the 100 basis point upward scenarios, and in the first year of a 200 basis point increase.The Company is positionedalso models sensitivity to modestly benefit from parallel upward shifts inyield curve twists. A steepening of the yield curve inis more asset sensitive than the scenario of a ramped scenario. parallel shift.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,above sensitivities are compared to fourth quarter results including Commerce. This is due to some asset repricingsthe baseline static model 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 base case. The Company also analyzes its interest sensitivity based on the forward yield curve. At year-end 2017, the markets expected short termcurrent interest rates to increase more than long term rates in 2018, pushingand modeling assumptions. Further flattening of the yield curve up and flattening it. In this scenario, asset sensitivity remains positive, but closer to neutralalso presents the possibility of compressing the margin, including the impact of tighter market spreads due to competitive factors in such environments.

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In addition to modeling the more modest increase in long termsensitivity of net interest rates implied byincome, the forward curve.

The Company also evaluatesmodels the sensitivity of net income and of equity at risk in the event of rate changes.The dollar amount of net income at risk taking into account primarily changeswas modeled to generally be the same as the amount of net-interest income at risk 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.

two percent ramp up scenario.The Company’s equity at risk is normally modeled as liability sensitive, due to the overall shorter duration of its fundsfunding sources compared to its loansearning assets.This liability sensitivity had shifted to near neutral at year-end 2019, and investments. The Company estimated thatequity at risk was asset sensitive at year-end 2020, increasing by approximately 3% in the economic valueevent of its equity was 5% negatively impacted by a modeled 200 basis point upward shock.

Modeled interest rate shock at year-end 2017, which was not significantly different fromsensitivity depends on material assumptions. Additionally, market risk exposure is affected by the 4% risk estimated at the startlevel and shape of the year. The Company believes thatyield curve in markets for financial instruments including U.S. Treasury obligations, forward interest rate derivatives, the Commerce acquisition was beneficialU.S. prime interest rate, and LIBOR rates. Also, the economic impact on customer and market behaviors of the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain and may cause actual events 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 modelingdiffer from assumptions.

A critical component 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 sensitivitymodeling is the assumption of the Company’sdeposit interest rate risk analysis issensitivity, which the Company continues to model at a 40% beta level. Results in 2020 for non-brokered deposits were generally consistent with this assumption.The behavior of deposit costs as short term rates increase. The numerousmarkets under the historically unusual conditions currently prevailing may be different from modeling assumptions, aboutand the sensitivity of deposits resultCompany continues to monitor the markets and the assumptions 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 sensitivemodel.

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than its assumptions. Deposit activity in the banking industry is beginning to react to the trend of increasing short term rates following the prolonged time when rates were very low. Uncertainties also exist regarding the impact of lower federal income taxes on industry pricing competition. The Company believes that its diversified markets and sources may provide it with comparative benefit in managing its deposit pricing to achieve its market, earnings, and risk objectives.

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ITEM 8.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


The Consolidated 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


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.None.

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, 2017.2019. 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.

71
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PART III

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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“Proposal 1 - Election of Directors”Directors for a One-Year Term” in Berkshire’s Proxy Statement for the 20182021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Proxy Statement”) is incorporated by reference. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers of the Company.

NameAgePosition
Michael P. DalyNitin J. Mhatre5650President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; Chief Executive Officer - Berkshire Bank; Director of Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Berkshire Bank
Richard M. MarottaSean A. Gray5945Senior 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. Moses4144Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company; Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Berkshire Bank
George F. Bacigalupo6366Senior Executive Vice President, Head of Commercial Banking - Berkshire Bank
Michael D. CarrollTami F. Gunsch5658Senior Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking and Specialty Lending - Berkshire Bank
Tami F. Gunsch55Executive Vice President & DirectorHead of RelationshipConsumer Banking - Berkshire Bank
Gregory D. Lindenmuth5053Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer - Berkshire Bank
Allison P. O'RourkeDeborah A. Stephenson4250Senior Executive Vice President, FinanceRegulatory & Investor RelationsCompliance- Berkshire Bank
Jennifer M. Carmichael44Executive Vice President, Chief Internal Audit Officer - Berkshire Bank
Jacqueline Courtwright57Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Culture Officer – Berkshire Bank
Georgia Melas57Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer – Berkshire Bank
Wm. Gordon Prescott59Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary - Berkshire Bank
Jason T. White46Executive Vice President , Chief Information Officer – 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 employed pursuant to a three-year employment agreement which renews automatically if not otherwise terminated pursuant to its terms.


BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION


bhlb-20201231_g4.jpg
Michael P. Daly.Nitin J. Mhatre. Age 56. 50. Mr. Daly has served asMhatre was appointed to the role of 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.in January 2021. He has been an employee since 1986. He has servedwas also appointed as a Director of the Company and the Bank. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mhatre was Executive Vice President, Community Banking, at Webster Bank, since 2002.where he led consumer and business banking businesses. Before joining Webster in 2009, Mr. Mhatre spent 13 years at Citi Group in various leadership roles across consumer-related businesses globally.
bhlb-20201231_g5.jpg


Richard M. Marotta.Sean A. Gray. Age 59. 45. Mr. MarottaGray was promotedappointed to the role of Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 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.November 2018. 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.2015. Mr. Gray joined the Company in Januaryretail banking in 2007 as Firstand attained the positon of Executive Vice President, Retail Banking. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. GrayPreviously, he was Vice President and Consumer Market Manager at Bank of America, in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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bhlb-20201231_g6.jpg
James M. Moses. Age 41.44. 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.
bhlb-20201231_g7.jpg


George F. Bacigalupo. Age 63. 66.Mr. Bacigalupo was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President, Head of Commercial Banking, Berkshire Bank 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.
bhlb-20201231_g8.jpg


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 55.58. Ms. Gunsch is Senior Executive Vice President, & DirectorHead of RelationshipConsumer Banking, a position she was promoted to in January 2018. In this role,Berkshire Bank. 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.experience. Ms. Gunsch has previously held the positions of EVP, Retail Banking and Senior Vice President since October 2011.President. Ms. Gunsch joined Berkshire from Citizens Bank in 2009 as First VP of Retail Banking.
bhlb-20201231_g9.jpg



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Gregory D. Lindenmuth. Age 50.53. Mr. Lindenmuth is theSenior Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer of Berkshire Bank.the Bank, a position he was promoted to in October 2018. Mr. Lindenmuth is responsiblejoined Berkshire in 2016 from the FDIC where he was employed for Credit, credit/risk administration,24 years and loan workout. Mr. Lindenmuth previously served asheld multiple positions including Senior Risk Examiner for the Division of Risk Management Supervision withand Acting Regional Manager for the FDIC, where he was employed for 24 years.Division of Insurance and Research. With the FDIC, Mr. Lindenmuth was also a Capital Markets, Mortgage Banking, and Fraud SpecialistSpecialist.
bhlb-20201231_g10.jpg
Deborah Stephenson. Age 50. Senior Executive Vice President, Compliance and a memberRegulatory of Berkshire Bank. Ms. Stephenson joined the Company in 2014. She was previously Senior Vice President at Country Bank where she managed retail banking and human resources.
bhlb-20201231_g11.jpg
Jennifer M. Carmichael, Age 44. Ms. Carmichael was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Internal Audit Officer of Berkshire Bank in November 2020. She reports to the Audit Committee of the National Examination Procedures Committee.Board and administratively to the CEO. Ms. Carmichael previously served as Senior Vice President and Audit Manager. She joined the Bank in 2016 from Accume Partners where she served as Senior Audit Manager to several clients in the New York and New England regions, including Berkshire.

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bhlb-20201231_g12.jpg
Allison P. O’Rourke.Jacqueline Courtwright, Age 42. 57.Ms. O’RourkeCourtwright was promoted in September 2020 to Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Culture Officer at Berkshire Bank. She had been appointed as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer in July 2019. Prior to joining Berkshire in 2012, Ms. Courtwright was VP, Human Resources Business Partner at Citizen Bank and also held senior human resource roles during her 20 years at KeyBank.
bhlb-20201231_g13.jpg
Georgia Melas. Age 57. Ms.Melas is Executive Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations,Chief Credit Officer of Berkshire Bank, a position she assumedwas promoted to in January 2017, havingOctober 2018. Ms. Melas joined Berkshire as Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer in 2015 from Key Bank where she held multiple positions including Senior Credit Officer, Commercial Banking.
bhlb-20201231_g14.jpg
Wm. Gordon Prescott, Age 59. Mr. Prescott is Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Bank, a position he was promoted to in October 2018. Mr. Prescott joined Berkshire in 2008 as VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Prescott has 30 plus years of experience in the legal profession, including extensive experience as in-house corporate counsel, most recently with KB Toys Inc. prior to joining the Bank.
bhlb-20201231_g15.jpg
Jason T. White, Age 46. Mr. White was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer of Berkshire Bank in November 2020. He previously served as ExecutiveSenior Vice President, Investor RelationsChief Technology 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’Rourkesince May 2019 when he joined the Bank following the acquisition of Savings Institute Bank & Trust, where he served as Vice President in 2013 from the NYSE EuronextChief Information Officer and previously worked in securities brokerage with Goldman Sachs and Speer Leeds and Kellogg.Information Security Officer.



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Reference is made to the cover page of this report and to the section captioned “Other“Additional Information - Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers - Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”Reports” 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“Proposal 1 - Election of Directors for a One-Year Term", "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors for One Year Term - Corporate Governance - Committees of the Board of Directors”, and “Corporate Governance“Proposal 1 - Audit Committee”Election of Directors for a One Year Term - Board Committees and Responsibilities" in the Proxy Statement.

For information concerning the Company’s code of ethics, the information contained under the section captioned “Corporate“Proposal 1 - Election of Directors for a One Year Term - Corporate Governance - Code of Business Conduct and Anonymous Reporting Line Policy” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

A copy of the Company’s code of ethics is available to stockholders on the Company’s website atat:
http://ir.berkshirebank.com.




ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


For information regarding executive compensation, the sections captioned “Director Compensation”“Proposal 1 - Election of Directors for a One-Year Term”, “Compensation Discussion“Proposal 1 - Election of Directors of a One Year Term - Corporate Governance - Committees of the Board of Directors”, and Analysis,”“Proposal 1 - Election of Directors for a One Year Term - Board Committees and “Executive Compensation”Responsibilities” in the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference.


For information regarding the Compensation Committee Report, the section captioned “Compensation Committee Report”Discussion and Analysis” 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 SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
 
(a)Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock“Additional Information - 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“Additional Information - 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, 2017,2020, 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 categoryNumber 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 holders112,280 $22.95 898,483 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders— — — 
Total112,280 $22.95 898,483 
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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)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 75,589
 $13.59
 389,536
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders 
 
 
Total 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“Additional Information - Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers - Transactions with Related Persons”Persons" and “Procedures“Additional Information - Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers - Procedures Governing Related Persons Transactions” in the Proxy Statement. Information regarding director independence is incorporated herein by reference to the section “Proposals to be Voted on by Shareholders — Proposal“Proposal 1 - Election of Directors”Directors for a One Year Term” 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 Shareholders — Proposal 6“Proposal 3 — Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement.

77
78




PART IV


ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


(a)
The Consolidated 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

[2]    Financial Statement Schedules

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

7978




[3]     Exhibits
[3] Exhibits
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
4.1
4.2
10.14.3 
10.1 
10.2
10.3 
10.310.4 
10.410.5 
10.510.6 
10.6
10.7
10.810.7 
10.8 
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.1310.11 
10.12 
11.021.0 
21.023.1 
23.1
23.231.1 
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101

8079




(1)
(1)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.
(2)Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on 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 herein 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.February 22, 2019.
(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)(8)Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on September 23, 2016.
(10)(9)Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2010.
(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.
(13)(10)Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibit to the Form 8-K as filed on January 19, 2011.
(14)(11)Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-Q as filed on August 9, 2012.
(15)Incorporated herein by reference from the AppendixExhibit to the Proxy StatementForm 8-K as filed on March 24, 2011.August 13, 2020
(16)(12)Incorporated herein by reference from the AppendixExhibit to the Proxy StatementForm 8-K as filed on April 2, 2013.January 26, 2021.
(17)(13)Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on January 23, 2015.
(14)Incorporated herein by reference from the Appendix to the Proxy Statement as filed on April 6, 2018.
(15)Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-Q as filed on May 10, 2019.
(16)Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibit to the Form 10-K as filed on February 28, 2020.




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: March 1, 20182021By:/s/ Michael P. DalyNitin J. Mhatre
Michael P. DalyNitin J. Mhatre
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. DalyNitin J. MhatreDirector, President, & Chief Executive OfficerMarch 1, 20182021
Michael P. DalyNitin J. Mhatre(principal executive officer)
/s/ James M. MosesSenior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial OfficerMarch 1, 20182021
James M. Moses(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ J. Williar DunlaevyChairmanMarch 1, 2021
J. Williar Dunlaevy
/s/ William J. RyanBaye Adofo-WilsonNon-Executive ChairmanDirectorMarch 1, 20182021
William J. RyanBaye Adofo-Wilson
/s/ Rheo A. BrouillardDirectorMarch 1, 2021
/s/ Paul T. BossidyRheo A. BrouillardDirectorMarch 1, 2018
Paul T. Bossidy
/s/ David M. BrunelleDirectorMarch 1, 20182021
David M. Brunelle
/s/ Robert M. CurleyDirectorMarch 1, 20182021
Robert M. Curley
/s/ John B. DaviesDirectorMarch 1, 20182021
John B. Davies
/s/ William H. Hughes, IIIDirectorMarch 1, 2021
/s/ J. Williar DunlaevyWilliam H. Hughes, IIIDirectorMarch 1, 2018
J. Williar Dunlaevy
/s/ Cornelius D. MahoneyDirectorMarch 1, 20182021
Cornelius D. Mahoney
/s/ Sylvia MaxfieldDirectorMarch 1, 2021
/s/ Pamela A. MassadSylvia MaxfieldDirectorMarch 1, 2018
Pamela A. Massad
/s/ Laurie Norton MoffattDirectorMarch 1, 20182021
Laurie Norton Moffatt
/s/ Jonathan I. ShulmanDirectorMarch 1, 2021
/s/ Richard J. MurphyJonathan I. ShulmanDirectorMarch 1, 2018
Richard J. Murphy
/s/ Patrick J. SheehanDirectorMarch 1, 2018
Patrick J. Sheehan
/s/ D. Jeffrey TempletonDirectorMarch 1, 20182021
D. Jeffrey Templeton

81
82




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 Consolidated Financial Statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.


As of December 31, 2017,2020, 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, 20172020 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, 20172020 has been audited by Crowe 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, 2017.2020.


 
/s/ Michael P. DalyNitin J. Mhatre/s/ James M. Moses
Michael P. DalyNitin J. MhatreJames M. Moses
President & Chief Executive OfficerSenior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
March 1, 20182021March 1, 20182021



F-1


bhlb-20201231_g16.jpg


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To

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

Boston, Massachusetts


Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017,2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income,operations, comprehensive (loss)/income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the yearyears in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2020, 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, 2017,2020, 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 the Company as of December 31, 2017,2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the yearyears in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172020 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, 2017,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued in 2013 by COSO.


Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for credit losses effective January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification No. 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”). The Company adopted the new credit loss standard using the modified retrospective method such that prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable generally accepted accounting principles. The adoption of the new credit loss standard and its subsequent application is also communicated as a critical audit matter below.


Basis for Opinions


The Company’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’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our 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 PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
F-1

misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.


Our auditaudits 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 regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our auditaudits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and the significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial 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.


F-2



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 (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.


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.



Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Reasonable and Supportable Forecast

The Company adopted ASC 326 (“CECL”) on January 1, 2020 as described in Note 1 and referred to in the change in accounting principle explanatory paragraph above. The estimates of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology required under ASC 326 are based on relevant information about current conditions, past events, and reasonable and supportable forward-looking forecasts regarding collectability of the reported amounts. In order to estimate the expected credit losses for loans, the Company utilized a static loss closed pool model which calculated a historical loss rate for each of the identified loan segments. The historical loss rates were then adjusted, as necessary, for current and asset specific characteristics (also referred to as “qualitative adjustments”) and for expected changes to current conditions over the reasonable and supportable forecast period (also referred to as “forecast”).


The forecast methodology employed by the Company is complex and involves significant management judgement along with a high degree of data input and manual intervention.

F-2

Given that the estimation of credit losses significantly changes under the CECL methodology, including the application of new accounting policies, the use of new subjective judgments, and changes made to the loss estimation models, performing audit procedures to evaluate the implementation and subsequent application of ASC 326, in particular relating to reasonable and supportable forecast, for loans involved a high degree of auditor judgment and required significant audit effort, including the need to involve more experienced audit personnel and firm valuation specialists.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

Testing the effectiveness of controls over management’s allowance for credit loss forecast including controls addressing:

Testing the design and operating effectiveness of controls pertaining to the development of the reasonable and supportable forecast.
Testing the design and operating effectiveness of controls pertaining to the completeness and accuracy of the data utilized in developing the reasonable and supportable forecast.
Testing the design and operating effectiveness of controls pertaining to the key assumptions and expert judgments applied in the development of the reasonable and supportable forecast.
Testing the design and operating effectiveness of the controls around the mathematical accuracy of the forecast within the allowance for credit loss calculation.

Substantively testing management’s estimate, including evaluating their judgements and assumptions, for estimating the allowance for credit loss forecast:

We tested the reasonable and supportable forecast for compliance with ASC 326, which included the use of firm valuation specialist.
We tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data utilized in developing the reasonable and supportable forecast.
We tested the reasonableness of key assumptions and expert judgements applied in the development of the reasonable and supportable forecast, which included the use of firm valuation specialist.
We tested the mathematical accuracy of the forecast within the allowance for credit loss calculation.



/s/ Crowe Horwath LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 20172017.
New York, New York
March 1, 20182021

F-3


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
March 1, 2017


F-4

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except share data) 2017 2016(In thousands, except share data)20202019
Assets  
  
Assets  
Cash and due from banks $91,122
 $71,494
Cash and due from banks$91,219 $105,447 
Short-term investments 157,641
 41,581
Short-term investments1,466,656 474,382 
Total cash and cash equivalents 248,763
 113,075
Total cash and cash equivalents1,557,875 579,829 
    
Trading security 12,277
 13,229
Trading security9,708 10,769 
Marketable equity securities, at fair valueMarketable equity securities, at fair value18,513 41,556 
Securities available for sale, at fair value 1,426,099
 1,209,537
Securities available for sale, at fair value1,695,232 1,311,555 
Securities held to maturity (fair values of 405,276 in 2017 and $337,680 in 2016) 397,103
 334,368
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $491,855 in 2020 and $373,277 in 2019)Securities held to maturity (fair values of $491,855 in 2020 and $373,277 in 2019)465,091 357,979 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other restricted securities 63,085
 71,112
Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other restricted securities34,873 48,019 
Total securities 1,898,564
 1,628,246
Total securities2,223,417 1,769,878 
Less: Allowance for credit losses on investmentLess: Allowance for credit losses on investment(104)
Net SecuritiesNet Securities2,223,313 1,769,878 
    
Loans held for sale, at fair value 153,620
 120,673
Loans held for saleLoans held for sale17,748 36,664 
    
Commercial real estate 3,264,742
 2,616,438
Commercial and industrial loans 1,803,939
 1,062,038
Residential mortgages 2,102,807
 1,893,131
Consumer loans 1,127,850
 978,180
Total loans 8,299,338
 6,549,787
Total loans8,081,519 9,502,428 
Less: Allowance for loan losses (51,834) (43,998)
Less: Allowance for credit losses on loansLess: Allowance for credit losses on loans(127,302)(63,575)
Net loans 8,247,504
 6,505,789
Net loans7,954,217 9,438,853 
    
Premises and equipment, net 109,352
 93,215
Premises and equipment, net112,663 120,398 
Other real estate owned 
 151
Other real estate owned149 
Goodwill 519,287
 403,106
Goodwill553,762 
Other intangible assets 38,296
 19,445
Other intangible assets34,819 45,615 
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance 191,221
 139,257
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance232,695 227,894 
Deferred tax assets, net 47,061
 41,128
Other assets 117,083
 98,457
Other assets387,230 288,945 
Assets held for saleAssets held for sale317,304 
Assets from discontinued operationsAssets from discontinued operations154,132 
Total assets $11,570,751
 $9,162,542
Total assets$12,838,013 $13,215,970 
    
Liabilities  
  
Liabilities  
Demand deposits $1,667,323
 $1,278,875
Demand deposits$2,484,249 $1,884,100 
NOW deposits 673,891
 570,583
NOW and other depositsNOW and other deposits1,003,005 1,492,569 
Money market deposits 2,776,157
 1,781,605
Money market deposits3,371,353 2,528,656 
Savings deposits 741,954
 657,486
Savings deposits972,116 841,283 
Time deposits 2,890,205
 2,333,543
Time deposits2,385,085 3,589,369 
Total deposits 8,749,530
 6,622,092
Total deposits10,215,808 10,335,977 
Short-term debt 667,300
 1,082,044
Short-term debt40,000 125,000 
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances 380,436
 142,792
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances434,357 605,501 
Subordinated notes 89,339
 89,161
Subordinated notes97,280 97,049 
Total borrowings 1,137,075
 1,313,997
Total borrowings571,637 827,550 
Other liabilities 187,882
 133,155
Other liabilities232,730 267,398 
Liabilities held for saleLiabilities held for sale630,065 
Liabilities from discontinued operationsLiabilities from discontinued operations26,481 
Total liabilities 10,074,487
 8,069,244
Total liabilities11,650,240 11,457,406 
(continued)
December 31,
(In thousands, except share data)(In thousands, except share data)20202019
Shareholders’ equity  
  
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
Preferred Stock (Series B non-voting convertible preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding in 2020; 2,000,000 shares authorized, 521,607 shares issued and outstanding in 2019)Preferred Stock (Series B non-voting convertible preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding in 2020; 2,000,000 shares authorized, 521,607 shares issued and outstanding in 2019)40,633 
Common stock ($0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized and 51,903,190 shares issued and 50,833,087 shares outstanding in 2020; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,903,190 shares issued, and 49,585,143 shares outstanding in 2019)Common stock ($0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized and 51,903,190 shares issued and 50,833,087 shares outstanding in 2020; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,903,190 shares issued, and 49,585,143 shares outstanding in 2019)528 517 
Additional paid-in capital - common stock 1,242,487
 898,989
Additional paid-in capital - common stock1,427,239 1,422,441 
Unearned compensation (6,531) (6,374)Unearned compensation(6,245)(8,465)
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)
Retained (deficit) earningsRetained (deficit) earnings(233,344)361,082 
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)30,871 11,993 
Treasury stock, at cost (1,070,103 shares in 2020 and 2,318,047 shares in 2019)Treasury stock, at cost (1,070,103 shares in 2020 and 2,318,047 shares in 2019)(31,276)(69,637)
Total shareholders’ equity 1,496,264
 1,093,298
Total shareholders’ equity1,187,773 1,758,564 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $11,570,751
 $9,162,542
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$12,838,013 $13,215,970 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4

F-5

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMEOPERATIONS

  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Interest and dividend income  
  
  
Loans $308,099
 $242,600
 $211,347
Securities and other 52,159
 37,839
 35,683
Total interest and dividend income 360,258
 280,439
 247,030
Interest expense  
  
  
Deposits 43,855
 30,883
 22,948
Borrowings and subordinated notes 21,608
 17,289
 10,233
Total interest expense 65,463
 48,172
 33,181
Net interest income 294,795
 232,267
 213,849
Non-interest income  
  
  
Mortgage banking income 54,251
 7,555
 4,133
Loan related income 21,401
 16,694
 8,310
Deposit related fees 27,165
 24,963
 25,084
Insurance commissions and fees 10,589
 10,477
 10,251
Wealth management fees 9,395
 8,917
 9,702
Total fee income 122,801
 68,606
 57,480
Other (3,377) (3,289) (5,302)
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 (6,629) 
 
Total non-interest income 125,689
 65,851
 54,288
Total net revenue 420,484
 298,118
 268,137
Provision for loan losses 21,025
 17,362
 16,726
Non-interest expense  
  
  
Compensation and benefits 152,979
 104,600
 97,370
Occupancy and equipment 35,422
 27,220
 28,486
Technology and communications 25,900
 19,883
 16,881
Marketing and promotion 11,877
 3,161
 3,306
Professional services 9,165
 6,199
 5,172
FDIC premiums and assessments 6,457
 5,066
 4,649
Other real estate owned and foreclosures 44
 691
 833
Amortization of intangible assets 3,493
 2,927
 3,563
Merger, restructuring and conversion related expenses 31,558
 15,461
 17,611
Other 22,815
 18,094
 18,958
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
Preferred stock dividend 219
 
 
Income available to common shareholders $55,028
 $58,670
 $49,518
       
Earnings per common share:      
Basic $1.40
 $1.89
 $1.74
Diluted $1.39
 $1.88
 $1.73
Weighted average common shares outstanding:  
  
  
Basic 39,456
 30,988
 28,393
Diluted 39,695
 31,167
 28,564
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Net income $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:  
  
  
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale (15,142) 18,859
 (9,677)
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative hedges 6,573
 1,959
 (5,232)
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on pension (94) 515
 (1,177)
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 5,610
 (7,199) 3,640
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative hedges (2,589) (835) 2,094
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on pension 37
 (228) 468
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 $49,642
 $71,741
 $39,634
 Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)202020192018
Interest and dividend income   
Loans$358,015 $448,927 $406,222 
Securities and other51,767 60,586 59,672 
Total interest and dividend income409,782 509,513 465,894 
Interest expense   
Deposits72,715 115,193 78,364 
Borrowings and subordinated notes20,285 29,062 31,330 
Total interest expense93,000 144,255 109,694 
Net interest income316,782 365,258 356,200 
Non-interest income   
Mortgage banking income5,190 788 635 
Loan related income16,840 24,374 23,155 
Deposit related fees27,905 31,352 29,806 
Insurance commissions and fees10,770 10,957 10,983 
Wealth management fees9,285 9,353 9,447 
Total fee income69,990 76,824 74,026 
Other2,597 1,438 3,557 
(Loss)/gain on securities, net(7,520)4,389 (3,719)
Gain on sale of business operations and assets, net1,240 1,351 460 
Total non-interest income66,307 84,002 74,324 
Total net revenue383,089 449,260 430,524 
Provision for credit losses75,878 35,419 25,451 
Non-interest expense   
Compensation and benefits147,840 140,906 134,019 
Occupancy and equipment43,359 39,586 36,927 
Technology and communications32,364 26,523 27,147 
Marketing and promotion3,703 4,474 4,697 
Professional services11,907 10,798 7,343 
FDIC premiums and assessments5,876 3,861 5,734 
Other real estate owned and foreclosures125 154 68 
Amortization of intangible assets6,181 5,783 4,934 
Goodwill impairment553,762 
Merger, restructuring and conversion related expenses5,839 28,046 22,144 
Other29,283 29,726 23,880 
Total non-interest expense840,239 289,857 266,893 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes(533,028)123,984 138,180 
Income tax (benefit)/expense from continuing operations(19,853)22,463 28,961 
Net (loss)/income from continuing operations(513,175)101,521 109,219 
(Loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes(26,855)(5,539)(4,767)
Income tax (benefit) from discontinued operations(7,013)(1,468)(1,313)
Net (loss) from discontinued operations(19,842)(4,071)(3,454)
Net (loss)/income$(533,017)$97,450 $105,765 
Preferred stock dividend313 960 918 
(Loss)/income available to common shareholders$(533,330)$96,490 $104,847 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)202020192018
Basic (loss)/earnings per share:   
Continuing Operations$(10.21)$2.06 $2.38 
Discontinued operations(0.39)(0.08)(0.08)
Total basic (loss)/earnings per share$(10.60)$1.98 $2.30 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share:   
Continuing Operations$(10.21)$2.05 $2.36 
Discontinued operations(0.39)(0.08)(0.07)
Total diluted (loss)/earnings per share$(10.60)$1.97 $2.29 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:   
Basic50,270 49,263 46,024 
Diluted50,270 49,421 46,231 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5


BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME
 Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)202020192018
Net (loss)/income$(533,017)$97,450 $105,765 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:   
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale25,726 34,530 (16,923)
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on pension(489)(270)336 
Total other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax25,237 34,260 (16,587)
Income taxes related to other comprehensive income (loss):   
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale(6,471)(8,873)4,421 
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on pension112 76 (108)
Total income tax (expense) benefit related to other comprehensive income (loss)(6,359)(8,797)4,313 
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)18,878 25,463 (12,274)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income$(514,139)$122,913 $93,491 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-7
F-6

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 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.

Preferred StockCommon StockAdditional paid-inUnearnedRetained
(deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensiveTreasury
(In thousands, except per share data)SharesAmountSharesAmountcapitalcompensationearnings(loss) incomestockTotal
Balance at January 1, 2018522 $40,633 45,290 $460 $1,242,487 $(6,531)$239,179 $4,161 $(24,125)$1,496,264 
Comprehensive income:        
Net income— — — — — — 105,765 — — 105,765 
Other net comprehensive (loss)— — — — — — — (12,274)— (12,274)
Total comprehensive income— — — — — — 105,765 (12,274)— 93,491 
Adoption of ASU No 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities— — — — — — 6,253 (6,253)— 
Adoption of ASU No 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income— — — — — — (896)896 — 
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.88 per share)— — — — — — (39,966)— — (39,966)
Cash dividends declared on preferred shares ($1.76 per share)— — — — — — (918)— — (918)
Forfeited shares— — (65)— 90 2,189 — — (2,279)
Exercise of stock options— — 33 — — — (578)— 904 326 
Restricted stock grants— — 185 — 2,157 (7,011)— — 4,854 
Stock-based compensation— — — — — 4,759 — — — 4,759 
Other, net— — (26)— 279 — — (1,317)(1,038)
Balance at December 31, 2018522 $40,633 45,417 $460 $1,245,013 $(6,594)$308,839 $(13,470)$(21,963)$1,552,918 
Comprehensive income:0        
Net income— — — — — — 97,450 — — 97,450 
Other net comprehensive income— — — — — — — 25,463 — 25,463 
Total comprehensive income— — — — — — 97,450 25,463 — 122,913 
Acquisition of SI Financial Group, Inc.— — 5,691 57 176,655 — — — — 176,712 
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.92 per share)— — — — — — (44,147)— — (44,147)
Cash dividends declared on preferred shares ($1.84 per share)— — — — — — (960)— — (960)
Treasury stock purchased— — (1,726)— — — — — (52,746)(52,746)
Forfeited shares— — (65)— (251)2,160 — — (1,909)
Exercise of stock options— — 11 — — — (100)— 288 188 
Restricted stock grants— — 299 — 932 (8,843)— — 7,911 
Stock-based compensation— — — — — 4,812 — — — 4,812 
Other, net— — (42)— 92 — — — (1,218)(1,126)
Balance at December 31, 2019522 $40,633 49,585 $517 $1,422,441 $(8,465)$361,082 $11,993 $(69,637)$1,758,564 
Comprehensive income:        
Net loss— — — — — — (533,017)— — (533,017)
Other net comprehensive income— — — — — — — 18,878 — 18,878 
Total comprehensive income— — — — — — (533,017)18,878 — (514,139)
Impact of ASC 326 Adoption— — — — — — (24,380)— — (24,380)
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock(522)(40,633)1,043 11 10,395 — — — 30,227 
Cash dividends declared common shares ($0.72 per share)— — — — — — (36,251)— — (36,251)
Cash dividends declared ($1.20 per share)— — — — — — (313)— — (313)
Treasury stock purchased— — (14)— — — — — (473)(473)
Forfeited shares— — (91)— (1,570)2,727 — — (1,157)
Exercise of stock options— — 37 — — — (465)— 1,129 664 
Restricted stock grants— — 314 — (4,121)(5,234)— — 9,355 
Stock-based compensation— — — — 4,727 — — — 4,727 
Other, net— — (41)— 94 — — — (720)(626)
Balance at December 31, 2020$50,833 $528 $1,427,239 $(6,245)$(233,344)$30,871 $(31,276)$1,187,773 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-7
F-8

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)202020192018
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net (loss)/income from continuing operations(513,175)101,521 109,219 
Net (loss) from discontinued operations(19,842)(4,071)(3,454)
Net (loss)/income$(533,017)$97,450 $105,765 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Provision for credit losses75,878 35,419 25,451 
Net amortization of securities2,513 2,407 2,837 
Change in unamortized net loan origination costs and premiums21,856 12,759 (1,004)
Premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense11,919 10,921 10,442 
Stock-based compensation expense4,727 4,812 4,759 
Accretion of purchase accounting entries, net(10,377)(14,813)(24,000)
Amortization of other intangibles6,181 5,783 4,934 
Income from cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies(5,354)(5,349)(6,232)
Securities losses/(gains), net7,576 (4,389)3,719 
Net change in loans held-for-sale(4,267)(5,137)1,460 
Loss on disposition of assets327 3,443 152 
Loss on sale of real estate13 
Amortization of interest in tax-advantaged projects3,645 6,455 4,618 
Goodwill impairment553,762 
Net change in other(31,247)(23,418)30,601 
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations123,977 130,419 166,956 
Net cash provided/(used) by operating activities of discontinued operations103,664 (18,894)55,298 
Net cash provided by operating activities227,641 111,525 222,254 
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Net decrease in trading security734 701 665 
Purchases of marketable equity securities(17,631)(23,841)(24,538)
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities33,928 43,075 38,104 
Purchases of securities available for sale(885,182)(119,671)(257,547)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale69,337 136,229 499 
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and prepayments of securities available for sale457,586 240,586 188,076 
Purchases of securities held to maturity(144,651)(7,260)(15,391)
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and prepayments of securities held to maturity35,331 21,602 36,746 
Net change in loans1,054,029 694,657 (801,876)
Acquisitions, net of cash paid110,774 
Proceeds from surrender of bank-owned life insurance553 2,451 854 
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock(6,741)(112,208)(76,090)
Proceeds from sales of Federal Home Loan Bank stock19,887 149,455 61,831 
Net investment in limited partnership tax credits(7,280)(4,387)(4,724)
Purchase of premises and equipment, net(7,208)(10,565)(9,349)
(Continued)
F-8
  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:  
  
  
Net income $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
  
Provision for loan losses 21,025
 17,362
 16,726
Net amortization of securities 1,678
 4,052
 3,010
Net change in unamortized loan origination costs and premium 2,232
 (4,138) (961)
Premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense 9,916
 8,393
 8,594
Stock-based compensation expense 5,102
 4,621
 4,686
Accretion of purchase accounting entries, net (18,189) (9,407) (10,074)
Amortization of other intangibles 3,493
 2,927
 3,563
Write down of other real estate owned 10
 395
 480
Excess tax loss from stock-based payment arrangements 
 (105) (167)
Income from cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies (3,615) (3,913) (3,356)
(Loss) gain on sales of securities, net (12,598) 551
 (2,110)
Net (increase) decrease in loans held for sale (32,947) 5,185
 (3,212)
Loss on disposition of assets 912
 1,318
 3,514
(Gain) loss on sale of real estate (51) 40
 191
Amortization of tax credits 8,477
 8,882
 11,428
Remeasurement of deferred tax asset 18,145
 
 
Net change in other 19,254
 3,309
 4,458
Net cash provided by operating activities 78,091
 98,142
 86,288
       
Cash flows from investing activities:  
  
  
Net decrease in trading security 632
 599
 570
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale 188,921
 421,843
 41,169
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of securities available for sale 206,648
 166,736
 184,753
Purchases of securities available for sale (498,646) (400,053) (285,637)
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of securities held to maturity 12,600
 7,734
 8,534
Purchases of securities held to maturity (77,208) (7,115) (62,274)
Net change in loans (468,331) (334,347) (388,091)
Acquisitions, net of cash paid 374,611
 (48,180) 74,324
Net cash used for branch sale 
 
 (11,715)
Proceeds from surrender of bank-owned life insurance 310
 258
 554
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance (20,000) 
 
Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank stock 96,378
 19,461
 2,357
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock (88,351) (19,555) (10,706)
Proceeds from premises and equipment 
 226
 2,261
Purchase of premises and equipment, net (12,528) (9,101) (7,340)
Net investment in limited partnership tax credits (5,102) (7,616) (5,105)
Payment to terminate cash flow hedges 6,573
 
 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate 590
 1,515
 1,854
Net cash used in investing activities (282,903) (207,595) (454,492)
(continued)


F-9

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



 Years ended December 31, Years ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015(In thousands)202020192018
Proceeds from sales of seasoned commercial loan portfoliosProceeds from sales of seasoned commercial loan portfolios37,988 81,147 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate ownedProceeds from sales of other real estate owned171 150 1,600 
Net investing cash flows provided/(used) by discontinued operationsNet investing cash flows provided/(used) by discontinued operations252 (313)(377)
Net cash provided/(used) by investing activitiesNet cash provided/(used) by investing activities641,103 1,202,582 (861,517)
Cash flows from financing activities:  
  
  
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Net increase in deposits $418,550
 $140,730
 $475,823
Net increase in deposits$499,657 $23,996 $233,704 
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings 5,978,358
 9,364,599
 8,566,300
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings326,277 5,384,982 4,767,766 
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings (6,174,781) (9,365,159) (8,620,064)Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings(582,648)(6,228,780)(4,387,223)
Issuance of common stock, net of $7.1 million offering costs 152,985
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock 
 
 (550)Purchase of treasury stock(473)(52,746)
Exercise of stock options 329
 3,712
 239
Exercise of stock options664 188 326 
Excess tax loss from stock-based payment arrangements 
 
 167
Cash dividends paid (33,241) (24,916) (21,903)
Acquisition contingent consideration paid (1,700) 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities 340,500
 118,966
 400,012
Common and preferred stock cash dividends paidCommon and preferred stock cash dividends paid(36,564)(45,107)(40,884)
Settlement of derivative contracts with financial institution counterpartiesSettlement of derivative contracts with financial institution counterparties(97,611)
Net cash provided/(used) by financing activitiesNet cash provided/(used) by financing activities109,302 (917,467)573,689 
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 135,688
 9,513
 31,808
Net change in cash and cash equivalents978,046 396,640 (65,574)
      
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 113,075
 103,562
 71,754
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year579,829 183,189 248,763 
      
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $248,763
 $113,075
 $103,562
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$1,557,875 $579,829 $183,189 
      
Supplemental cash flow information:  
  
  
Supplemental cash flow information:   
Interest paid on deposits $43,133
 $28,777
 $22,130
Interest paid on deposits$82,319 $119,695 $74,565 
Interest paid on borrowed funds 21,336
 16,674
 9,974
Interest paid on borrowed funds21,277 33,406 32,274 
Income taxes paid, net 18,323
 16,229
 429
Income taxes (refunded)/paid, netIncome taxes (refunded)/paid, net(13,864)19,818 3,029 
      
Acquisition of non-cash assets and liabilities:  
  
  
Acquisition of non-cash assets and liabilities:   
Assets acquired 1,584,786
 1,169,086
 948,796
Assets acquired1,595,054 
Liabilities assumed (1,959,489) (965,529) (762,261)Liabilities assumed(1,530,010)
      
Other non-cash changes:  
  
  
Other non-cash changes:   
Other net comprehensive (loss) income (5,605) 13,071
 (9,884)
Other net comprehensive income/(loss)Other net comprehensive income/(loss)18,878 25,463 (12,274)
Impact to retained earnings from adoption of ASC 326, net of taxImpact to retained earnings from adoption of ASC 326, net of tax24,380 — — 
Mid-Atlantic assets reclassified to held for saleMid-Atlantic assets reclassified to held for sale317,304 
Mid- Atlantic liabilities reclassified to held for saleMid- Atlantic liabilities reclassified to held for sale630,065 
Reclass of seasoned loan portfolios to held-for-sale, netReclass of seasoned loan portfolios to held-for-sale, net14,845 120,307 
Real estate owned acquired in settlement of loans 490
 340
 2,085
Real estate owned acquired in settlement of loans224 1,600 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-9

F-10




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 20152018
 
NOTE 1.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The consolidated financial statementsConsolidated 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, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and the holding company for Berkshire Bank (the “Bank”), a Massachusetts-chartered trust company headquartered in Boston, Mass.Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc. 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.


The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these financial statements were issued.

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.


Refer to Note 17 – Other Commitments, Contingencies, and Off-Balance Sheet Activities for pandemic related risks and uncertainties.

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 had an original maturity within 90 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.

F-11F-10

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 debt 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. Equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net 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 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, without anticipating prepayments, except mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated, over the terms of the securities. Premiums on callable debt securities are amortized to their earliest call date. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.


The Company measures expected credit losses on held to maturity debt securities on a collective basis. Accrued interest receivable on held to maturity debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

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 Companysecurities in an unrealized loss position by first assessing whether it intends to sell the security; (2)or it is “moremore likely than not”not that the Companyit will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis;basis. If either the criteria regarding intent or (3)requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For available for sale debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of expected cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is not sufficient to recoverless than the entireamortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. For all impaired debt securitiesAny impairment that the Company intends to sell, or more likely thanhas not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTIbeen recorded through earnings. Credit-related OTTIan allowance for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Non-credit related OTTI for such debt securitiescredit losses 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.income.


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 non-interest income or non-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 non-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 non-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 changesdecreases in the fair value of the loan are recognized in non-interest income or expense, accordingly.expense.

F-11

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Loans
Loans are reported at their amortized cost. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses,net of 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

F-12

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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.


AcquiredPurchase Credit Deteriorated (PCD) Loans
Loans that the Company acquired in acquisitions include some loans that have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. PCD loans are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the relatedamount paid. An allowance for credit losses. Determininglosses is determined using the fairsame methodology as other loans held for investment. The initial allowance for credit losses determined on a collective basis is allocated to individual loans. The sum of the loan’s purchase price and allowance for credit losses becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision expense.

Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
The allowance for credit losses for loans involves estimating(“ACLL”) is comprised of the amountallowance for loan losses and timing of principal and interest cash flows initiallythe allowance for unfunded commitments which is accounted for as a separate liability in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The ACLL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans 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 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.

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. ASC310-30 loans that have 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 loans that cannot be aggregated into a pool are accounted for individually.

After we acquire loans determined to be accounted for under ASC 310-30, actual cash collections are monitored to determine 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 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

F-13

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 lossesLoans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the collectabilityuncollectibility of a loan balance is doubtful. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are creditedconfirmed. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

The level of the ACLL represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses over the expected life of the loans at the balance sheet date. The Company uses a static pool migration analysis method, applying expected historical loss trend and observed economic metrics. The level of the ACLL is based on management’s ongoing review of all relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past and current events, utilizing a 7 quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period with a 1 year reversion period. The ACLL reserve is overlaid with qualitative factors based upon:
the allowance. existence and growth of concentrations of credit;
the volume and severity of past due financial assets, including nonaccrual assets;
the institutions lending and credit review as well as the experience and ability of relevant management and staff and;
the effect of other external factors such as regulatory, competition, regional market conditions, legal and technological environment and other events such as natural disasters;
the effect of other economic factors such as economic stimulus and customer forbearance programs.

The allowance for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level by the Company to be sufficient to absorb expected lifetime losses related to unfunded credit facilities (including unfunded loan losses includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC 310, “Receivables,”commitments and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies.” letters of credit).

The allowance for loan lossesACLL is allocated to loan types using bothmeasured on a formula-based approach applied to groupscollective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company evaluates its risk characteristics 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 ofregulatory call report code with sub-segmentation based on underlying collateral for certain 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

types. Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

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Construction – Loans in this segment 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.

Commercial real estate multifamily, owner occupied and non-owner 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 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

Commercial and industrial loans Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business.business such as accounts receivable, inventory, marketable securities, other liquid collateral, equipment and other business assets. 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 inof this segment.

Residential mortgage —real estate 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.


ConsumerHome equity and other 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 real estate and commercial and industrial loansLoans that do not share risk characteristics 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 basedevaluated 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 thatan individual basis, which the Company willhas determined to 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 determined to be Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”). A and PCD loans. Loans evaluated individually are not also included in the collective evaluation. Estimates of 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 investmentamortized cost 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 consolidatedConsolidated Balance Sheets at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheets atsheet date which is the 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 statementsConsolidated Statements of operationsOperations and are not subject to income taxes.


Foreclosed and Repossessed Assets
Other real estate owned is comprised of real estate acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. 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 fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure or repossession, establishing a new cost basis. The

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shortfall, if any, of the loan balance over the fair value of the property or collateral (excluding taxi medallions), 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 lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell and periodically evaluated for impairment. The shortfall, if any, of the loan balance over the fair value of the collateral comprised of taxi medallions at the time of transfer from loans to repossessed collateral is charged to non-interest income. Subsequent impairments in the fair value of other real estate owned 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 statementsConsolidated Statements of income.Operations. 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
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realized on other real estate owned and repossessed collateral may differ from the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements.


Capitalized Servicing Rights
Capitalized servicing rights are included in “other assets” in the consolidated balance sheet.Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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's servicing rights accounted for under the fair value method are carried on the consolidated balance sheetConsolidated Balance Sheets 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, such as discount rates and prepayment speeds, and the collection and realization of expected cash flows.


The Company’s servicing rights accounted for under the amortization method are initially recorded at fair value. Under that method, capitalized servicing rights are charged to expense in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. Fair value of the 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 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 shorter of the lease term, plus optional terms if certain conditions are met, or the estimated useful life of the asset.

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Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a 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 non-interest expense to reduce the carrying amount to the implied fair value of goodwill.

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, the Company would perform a two-step impairment test through the application of various quantitative valuation methodologies. Step 1, used to identify instances of potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount, 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 the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the 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 at least annually or 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 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 have also been recognized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.


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. Policy cancellation is a variable consideration that is not deemed significant and thus, does not impact the amount of revenue recognized.

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
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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 determined as the difference between compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes and the deduction for tax, are recognized in the income statement as income tax expense or benefit in the 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 sheetsConsolidated
Balance Sheets because they are not assets of the Company. Fees

Wealth management fees is primarily comprised of fees earned from wealthconsultative investment management, activitiestrust administration, tax return preparation, and financial planning. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied over time and the resulting fees are amortized overrecognized monthly, based on the perioddaily accrual of the service performed.market value of the investment accounts and the applicable fee rate.


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. Changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income 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 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 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 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activitiesto the Consolidated Financial Statementsfinancial statements for more information on commitments to lend and forward commitments.



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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.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 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.


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Due to the SI Financial acquisition in 2019, the Company inherited a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. The plan was frozen effective September 6, 2013 and SI Financial recorded a contingent obligation to settle the plan at a future date, which was assumed by the Company. The plan is a single plan under the Internal Revenue Code and, as a result, all of the assets stand behind all of liabilities. Accordingly, contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers.

Operating Segments
The Company operates as one1 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 one1 reportable operating segment.


Recently Adopted Accounting Principles
Effective January 1, 2017, the following new accounting guidance was adopted by the Company:
ASU No. 2016-05, Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships;
ASU No. 2016-06, Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments;
���ASU No. 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting
ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments; and
ASU No. 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

The adoption of these accounting standards did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This ASU provides a revenue recognition framework for any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other accounting standards. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. This ASU impacts the Company’s wealth management fees, insurance commissions and 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 ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 was not material to 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 available-for-sale debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. The guidance provides an election to subsequently measure certain non-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. ASU 2016-01 became effective for the Company 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 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 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:Other (Topic 350): 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. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-04 did not impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU eliminates, adds, and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU No. 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Entities are also allowed to elect early adoption for the eliminated or modified disclosure requirements and delay adoption of the new disclosure requirements until their effective date. As ASU No. 2018-13 only revises disclosure requirements, it did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” ASU No. 2018-15 clarifies certain aspects of ASU No. 2015-05, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement,” which was issued in April 2015. Specifically, ASU No. 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU No. 2018-15 does not affect the accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. ASU No. 2018-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” and related subsequent amendments, which replaces the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The measurement of expected losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, as well as unfunded commitments that are considered off-balance sheet credit exposures at the reporting date. The measurement is based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to enhance their credit loss estimates. The update requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and
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other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. For available for sale debt securities with unrealized losses, Topic 326 requires credit losses to be recognized as an allowance rather than a reduction in the amortized cost of the securities. As a result, improvements to estimated credit losses are recognized immediately in earnings rather than as interest income over time. The current expected credit loss measurement will be used to estimate the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) over the life of the financial assets. The amendments in this update became effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019.

As previously disclosed, the Company assembled a cross-functional working group that met regularly to oversee the implementation plan which included assessment and documentation of processes and internal controls, model development and documentation, assessing existing loan and loss data, assessing models for default and loss estimates, and conducting parallel runs and reviews through December 31, 2019.

Under CECL the Company determines its allowance for credit losses on loans using pools of assets with similar risk characteristics. The Company evaluates its risk characteristics of loans based on regulatory call report code with sub-segmentation based on underlying collateral for certain loan types. Loans that no longer match the risk profile of the pool are individually assessed for credit losses. The Company’s lifetime credit loss models are based on historical data and incorporate forecasts of macroeconomic variables, expected prepayments and recoveries. Enhancements were made in the third quarter of 2020 to the Company’s economic adjustment calculation. The Company implemented segment-level loss calculations based on the equation of the fit line which replaced the previous calculation using a range. This allows the model to calculate a specific point estimate for the loss rate as compared to using a mid-point of a range. Additionally, the Company utilized actual loan runoff by segment whereas previously a calculation was utilized for the weighted average life period. The enhancements to the economic adjustment calculation were accounted for as a change in estimate and were not considered material to the overall calculation. Outside of the model, non-economic qualitative factors are applied to further refine the expected loss calculation for each portfolio. A seven quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period with a 1 year reversion period is currently used for all loan portfolios. When the risk characteristics of a loan no longer match the characteristics of the collective pool, the loan is removed from the pool and individually assessed for credit losses. Generally, non-accrual loans above a threshold deemed appropriate by management, TDRs, potential TDRs, and collateral dependent loans are individually assessed.

The individual assessment for credit impairment is generally based on a discounted cash flow approach unless the asset is collateral dependent. A loan is considered collateral dependent when repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Collateral dependent loans are individually assessed and the expected credit loss is based on the fair value of the collateral. The fair value is reduced for estimated costs to sell if the value of the collateral is expected to be realized through sale.

The Company has elected to present accrued interest receivable separately from the amortized cost basis on the balance sheet and is not currently estimating an allowance for credit loss on accrued interest. This election applies to loans as well as debt securities. The Company's non-accrual policies have not changed as a result of adopting CECL.

The Company adopted CECL on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance-sheet credit exposures. Results for the reporting periods after January 1, 2020 are presented under Topic 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. On the adoption date, the Company increased the allowance for credit losses for loans by $25.4 million and increased the allowance for credit losses for unfunded loan commitments by $8.0 million (in other liabilities). The increase related to the Company's acquired loan portfolio totaled $15.3 million. Under the previously applicable accounting guidance, any remaining unamortized loan discount on an individual loan could be used to offset a charge-off for that loan, so the allowance for loan losses needed for the acquired loans was reduced by the remaining loan discounts. The new ASU removes the ability to offset a charge-off against the remaining loan
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discount and requires an allowance for credit losses to be recognized in addition to the loan discount. The impact of adopting the ASU, and at each subsequent reporting period, is highly dependent on credit quality, macroeconomic forecasts and conditions, composition of our loans and available-for-sale securities portfolio, along with other management judgments. The FASB provided transition relief, allowing entities to irrevocably elect, upon adoption of CECL, the fair value option (FVO) on financial instruments that were previously recorded at amortized cost and are within the scope of ASC 326-20 if the instruments are eligible for the FVO under ASC 825-10. It is applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company elected the FVO for the taxi medallion portfolio resulting in a $15.3 million reduction in loan valuation. As of January 1, 2020, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $24.4 million decrease in retained earnings, net of deferred tax balances of $9.0 million.

The Company recorded an allowance for credit losses as of January 1, 2020 on its securities held to maturity of $0.3 million.

The Company adopted CECL using the prospective transition approach for financial assets purchased with credit deterioration (“PCD”) that were previously classified as purchased credit impaired and accounted for under ASC 310-30. In accordance with the standard, Berkshire did not reassess whether PCI assets met the definition of PCD assets as of the date of adoption. On January 1, 2020, the amortized cost basis of the PCD assets were adjusted to reflect the addition of $15.3 million to the allowance for credit losses for loans which is net of $11.9 million adjustment for confirmed losses. The remaining noncredit discount in the amount of $3.2 million will be accreted into interest income at the effective interest rate as of January 1, 2020.

The impact of the January 1, 2020, adoption entry is summarized in the table below:
(in thousands)December 31, 2019 Pre-ASC 326 AdoptionImpact of AdoptionJanuary 1, 2020 Post-ASC 326 Adoption
Assets:
Loans9,502,428 — 9,502,428 
PCD gross up— 15,326 15,326 
Fair value option— (15,291)(15,291)
Total loans9,502,428 35 9,502,463 
Allowance for credit losses on loans63,575 25,434 89,009 
Allowance for credit losses on securities— 309 309 
Deferred tax assets, net51,165 8,993 60,158 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
Other liabilities (ACL unfunded loan commitments)100 7,993 8,093 
Retained earnings361,082 (24,380)336,702 

In December 2018, the OCC, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the FDIC approved a final rule to address changes to credit loss accounting under GAAP, including banking organizations’ implementation of CECL. The final rule provides banking organizations the option to phase in over a three-year period the day-one adverse effects on regulatory capital that may result from the adoption of the new accounting standard. In March 2020, the OCC, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the FDIC announced an interim final rule to delay the estimated impact on regulatory capital stemming from the implementation of CECL. The interim final rule maintains the three-year transition option in the previous rule and provides banks the option to delay for two years an estimate of CECL’s effect on regulatory capital, relative to the incurred loss methodology’s effect on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period (five-year transition option). The Company is adopting the capital transition relief over the permissible five-year period.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act, which provides relief from certain requirements under GAAP, was signed into law. Section 4013 of the CARES Act gives entities temporary relief from the accounting and disclosure requirements for troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") under
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ASC 310-40 in certain situations. In addition, on April 7, 2020, certain regulatory banking agencies issued an interagency statement that offers practical expedients for evaluating whether loan modifications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are TDRs. The interagency statement was originally issued on March 22, 2020, but was revised to address the relationship between their original TDR guidance and the guidance in Section 4013 of the CARES Act. To qualify for TDR accounting and disclosure relief under the CARES Act, the applicable loan must not have been more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019, and the modification must be executed during the period beginning on March 1, 2020, and ending on the earlier of December 31, 2020, or the date that is 60 days after the termination date of the national emergency declared by the president on March 13, 2020, under the National Emergencies Act related to the outbreak of COVID-19. The CARES Act applies to modifications made as a result of COVID-19, including forbearance agreements, interest rate modifications, repayment plans, and other arrangements to defer or delay payment of principal or interest. The interagency statement does not require the modification to be completed within a certain time period if it is related to COVID-19 and the loan was not more than 30 days past due as of the date of the Company’s implementation of its modification programs. Moreover, the interagency statement applies to short-term modifications including payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or other insignificant payment delays as a result of COVID-19. The Company will apply Section 4013 of the CARES Act and the interagency statement in connection with applicable modifications. For modifications that qualify under either the CARES Act or the interagency statement, TDR accounting and reporting is suspended through the period of the modification; however, the Company will continue to apply its existing non-accrual policies including consideration of the loan's past due status which is determined on the basis of the contractual terms of the loan. Once a loan has been contractually modified, the past due status is generally based on the updated terms including payment deferrals.

Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” This ASU amends and modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans. The amendments in this update remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures, and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. ASU No. 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. As ASU No. 2018-14 only revises disclosure requirements, it will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” ASU No. 2019-12 removes specific exceptions to the general principles in FASB ASC Topic 740. It eliminates the need for an organization to analyze whether the following apply in a given period: (1) exception to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation; (2) exceptions to accounting for basis differences when there are ownership changes in foreign investments; and (3) exception in interim period income tax accounting for year-to-date losses that exceed anticipated losses. ASU 2019-12 also improves financial statement preparers’ application of income tax-related guidance and simplifies: (1) franchise taxes that are partially based on income; (2) transactions with a government that result in a step up in the tax basis of goodwill; (3) separate financial statements of legal entities that are not subject to tax; and (4) enacted changes in tax laws in interim periods. The amendments in this ASU become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01, “Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions Between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815 (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. ASU No. 2020-01 clarifies the interaction of the accounting for equity securities under Topic 321 and investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting in Topic 323 and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options accounted for under Topic 815. The amendments clarify that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with Topic 321 immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. In addition, this ASU provides direction that a company should not consider whether the underlying securities would be accounted for under the equity method or the fair
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value option when it is determining the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options, upon either settlement or exercise. The amendments in this ASU become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments are to be applied prospectively. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU No. 2020-04 provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as SOFR. For instance, entities can elect not to apply certain modification accounting requirements to contracts affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. An entity that makes this election would not have to remeasure the contracts at the modification date or reassess a previous accounting determination. Entities can also elect various optional expedients that would allow them to continue applying hedge accounting for hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. Finally, entities can make a one-time election to sell and/or reclassify held-to-maturity debt securities that reference an interest rate affected by reference rate reform. It is anticipated that this ASU will simplify any modifications that are executed between the selected start date (yet to be determined) and December 31, 2022 that are directly related to LIBOR transition by allowing prospective recognition of the continuation of the contract, rather than extinguishment of the old contract resulting in writing off unamortized fees/costs. The Company is in the process ofcurrently evaluating the impact of adopting the new accounting guidance but it is not expected to have a material impact.on the Consolidated Financial Statements.


In August 2017,January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope. 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 is2021-01 clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in ASC 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. ASU No. 2021-01 also amends the expedients and exceptions in ASC 848 to capture the incremental consequences of the scope clarification and to tailor the existing guidance to derivative instruments affected by the discounting transition. ASU No. 2021-01 was effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning afterupon issuance and generally can be applied through December 15, 2018, with early31, 2022. The adoption including adoption in an interim

of ASU 2021-01 did not significantly impact the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
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NOTE 2.           DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND HELD FOR SALE
period, permitted. ASU 2017-12 requires a modified retrospective transition method in which
During the first quarter of 2019, the Company will recognizereached the cumulative effectdecision to pursue the sale of the change on the opening balancenational mortgage banking operations of each affected component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet asFirst Choice Loan Services, Inc. (“FCLS”) – a subsidiary of the dateBank. The decision was based on a number of adoption. Whilestrategic priorities and other factors, including the competitiveness of the mortgage industry. As a result of these actions, the Company continuesclassified the operations of FCLS as discontinued under ASC 205-20. The Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows present discontinued operations retrospectively for current and prior periods.

On May 7, 2020, the Company completed a transaction to assess all potential impactssell certain assets and liabilities related to the operations of FCLS. During 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) Reclassificationfourth quarter 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

Commerce Bank
At the close of business on October 13, 2017,2020, the Company completed the acquisitionfinal wind-down of Commerce Bancshares Corp. (“Commerce”), the parent companyoperations of Commerce Bank & Trust Company (“Commerce Bank”). Commerce Bank also merged with and 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 catalystFCLS. Operating results for the Company’s decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to Boston and to expand its Greater Boston market initiatives. This acquisition also increased the Company’s total assets over the $10 billion Dodd Frank Act threshold for additional regulatory requirements.

As established by the merger agreement, each of the 6.328 million outstanding shares of Commerce common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.93 shares of the Company's common stock, plus 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 4.842 million common shares and 522 thousand preferred shares as merger consideration, pursuantyear ended December 31, 2020, include expenses related to the merger agreement. The valuewind-down of this consideration was measured at $188.6 million for the common stock and $40.6 million for the preferred stock based on the $38.95 closing price of the Company’s common stock on the issuance date.operations.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Commerce Bancshares 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan was terminated prior to the acquisition date and the holder of a phantom stock award, whether or not vested, received an amount of cash determined by multiplying (i) the excess, if any, of $34.00 less the applicable per share exercise price of that Commerce phantom stock award by (ii) the number of shares of Commerce common stock subject to that 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 the information available, and are subject to change for up to one year after the closing date of the 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 deferred tax asset.




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The following table providesis a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumedof the discontinued operations of FCLS at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Assets
Loans held for sale, at fair value$$132,655 
Premises and equipment, net1,073 
Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value12,299 
Mortgage banking derivatives2,329 
Right-of-use asset3,462 
Deferred tax(3,418)
Other assets5,732 
Total assets$$154,132 
Liabilities
Customer payments in process$$15,372 
Lease liability3,494 
Other liabilities7,615 
Total liabilities$$26,481 

FCLS funded its lending operations and maintained working capital through an intercompany line-of-credit with the Bank. Although the wind-down of FCLS resulted in settlement of these borrowings, debt was not allocated to discontinued operations due to the intercompany nature of the borrowings.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following presents operating results of the discontinued operations of FCLS for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202020192018
Interest income$1,525 $6,085 $5,267 
Interest expense391 3,372 2,131 
Net interest income1,134 2,713 3,136 
Non-interest (loss)/income(4,740)38,517 35,574 
Total net revenue(3,606)41,230 38,710 
Non-interest expense23,249 46,769 43,477 
(Loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes(26,855)(5,539)(4,767)
Income tax (benefit)(7,013)(1,468)(1,313)
Net (loss) from discontinued operations$(19,842)$(4,071)$(3,454)

FCLS also originated mortgages designated as held-for-investment. This component of FCLS’s operations was not considered discontinued, since the Company expects to continue to originate mortgages designated as held-for-investment in its footprint on a small scale through processes considered as continuing operations.

Mid-Atlantic Branch Sale

The Company has entered into an agreement to sell its 8 Mid-Atlantic branches to Investors Bank of Short Hills, New Jersey, subject to customary regulatory approvals. The transfer is targeted for completion in the first half of 2021. The branch sale includes loans with a total balance of $301 million and deposit accounts with a total balance of $617 million as of December 31, 2020. These balances are included in assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The buyer has agreed to pay a premium equal to 3.0% of the final deposit balance transferred. The sale includes all branch premises and equipment, and the agreement provides that the buyer intends to offer employment to all associated fair value adjustments as recorded bystaff. Berkshire expects to complete the Companynet transfer with funds from short-term investments. The branch sale will have no effect on Berkshire’s Mid-Atlantic specialized commercial lending operations, including SBA lending at acquisition:its 44 Business Capital Division and its asset-based lending relationships.

    Fair Value   As Recorded by
(in thousands) As Acquired Adjustments   the Company
Consideration Paid:        
Company 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       $229,233
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and (liabilities) assumed, at fair value:
Cash and short-term investments $374,611
 $
   $374,611
Investment securities 115,274
 (1,427) (a) 113,847
Loans, net 1,327,256
 (86,505) (b) 1,240,751
Premises and equipment 8,931
 5,346
 (c) 14,277
Core deposit intangibles 
 22,400
 (d) 22,400
Deferred tax assets, net 7,956
 26,580
 (e) 34,536
Goodwill and other intangibles 11,233
 (11,233) (f) 
Other assets 52,709
 (3,664) (g) 49,045
Deposits (1,710,872) (1,180) (h) (1,712,052)
Borrowings (19,542) 
 
 (19,542)
Other liabilities (5,086) 265
 
 (4,821)
Total identifiable net assets $162,470
 $(49,418)   $113,052
         
Goodwill       $116,181

ExplanationThe following is a summary of Certain Fair Value Adjustmentsthe assets and liabilities related to the branch sale at December 31, 2020:
(a)(in thousands)The adjustment represents the write down of the book value of securities to their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition.December 31, 2020
Assets
(b)LoansThe 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 with evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition are accounted for under ASC 310-30 and had a book value of $163.1 million and had a fair value of $71.1 million. Non-impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-20 had a book value of $1.18 billion and have a fair value of $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 premium that is amortized 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.$300,599 
Other assets16,705 
(c)The adjustment represents an increased fair value based on the appraised 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 furniture, fixtures, and equipment, to their estimated fair value and 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 (10 years).
(e)Total assetsRepresents net deferred tax assets resulting from the fair value adjustments related to the acquired assets and liabilities, identifiable intangibles, and other purchase accounting adjustments.$317,304 
Liabilities
(f)DepositsRepresents the write-off of goodwill and intangible assets from a prior Commerce acquisition.
$617,377 
(g)Other liabilitiesThe adjustment includes a $3.5 million write-down of repossessed assets based on market report data.
12,688 
(h)Total liabilitiesThe 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 over the estimated useful life of nine months.$630,065 



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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. Provisional information about the Commerce Bank acquired loan portfolio subject to ASC 310-30 as of October 13, 2017 is as follows (in thousands):
 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

Capitalized goodwill, which is not amortized for book purposes, is not deductible for tax purposes.

Direct acquisition and integration costs of the Commerce Bank acquisition were expensed as incurred, and totaled $17.8 million during the twelve months ending December 31, 2017 and there were none for the same period of 2016.


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Pro Forma Information (unaudited)
The following table presents selected unaudited pro forma financial information reflecting the acquisition of Commerce assuming the acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2016. The unaudited pro forma financial information includes adjustments for scheduled amortization and accretion of fair value adjustments. These adjustments would have been different if they had been recorded on January 1, 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 and the 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. The unaudited pro forma information is based on the actual financial statements of Berkshire and the acquired business for the periods shown until the dates of acquisition, at which time the acquired 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 twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, set forth below reflects adjustments related to (a) amortization and accretion of purchase accounting fair value adjustments; (b) amortization of core deposit and customer relationship intangibles; and (c) an estimated tax rate of 40 percent. Direct acquisition expenses incurred by the Company during 2017, as noted above, are reversed for the purposes of this unaudited pro forma information. Furthermore, the unaudited pro forma information does not reflect management’s estimate of any revenue-enhancing or anticipated cost-savings that could occur as a result of the acquisition.

Information in the following table is shown in thousands, except earnings per share:
  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 90 days or less. Short-term investments included $2.1$75.1 million and $0.9$96.3 million pledged as collateral support for derivative financial contracts at year-end 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The Federal Reserve Bank requires the Bank to maintain certain reserve requirements of vault cash and/or deposits. As of December 31, 2020, the reserve requirement was 0. The reserve requirement, included in cash and equivalents, as of December 31, 2019 was $20.4 million and $17.0 million at year-end 2017 and 2016, respectively.$18.3 million.




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 $10.8$8.7 millionand $11.4$9.4 million and a fair value of $12.3$9.7 million and $13.2$10.8 million at year-end 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. Unrealized (losses) gainslosses recorded through income on this security totaled ($0.3)$0.3 million, ($0.4)$0.3 million, and ($0.2)$0.4 million for 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively. As discussed further in Note 1615 - 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 debt securities in the trading portfolio at year-end 20172020 and 2016.

2019.
F-27
F-25

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”):, and marketable equity securities:
(In thousands)Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair ValueAllowance
December 31, 2020    
Securities available for sale    
Debt securities:    
Municipal bonds and obligations$90,273 $7,530 $$97,803 $
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations740,225 16,836 (235)756,826 
Agency mortgage-backed securities433,311 4,954 (133)438,132 
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities278,990 9,835 (175)288,650 
Corporate bonds59,098 942 (10)60,030 
Other bonds and obligations52,080 1,719 (8)53,791 
Total securities available for sale1,653,977 41,816 (561)1,695,232 
Securities held to maturity    
Municipal bonds and obligations246,520 20,106 266,626 64 
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations153,561 5,989 (171)159,379 
Agency mortgage-backed securities35,865 198 (29)36,034 
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities25,481 590 (12)26,059 
Tax advantaged economic development bonds3,369 93 3,462 40 
Other bonds and obligations295 295 
Total securities held to maturity465,091 26,976 (212)491,855 104 
Marketable equity securities18,061 767 (315)18,513 — 
Total$2,137,129 $69,559 $(1,088)$2,205,600 $104 
December 31, 2019    
Securities available for sale    
Debt securities:    
Municipal bonds and obligations$104,325 $5,813 $$110,138 $
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations742,550 6,431 (169)748,812 
Agency mortgage-backed securities146,589 1,515 (360)147,744 
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities148,066 176 (1,146)147,096 
Corporate bonds115,395 1,788 (607)116,576 
Other bonds and obligations40,414 780 (5)41,189 
Total securities available for sale1,297,339 16,503 (2,287)1,311,555 
Securities held to maturity    
Municipal bonds and obligations252,936 13,095 (5)266,026 
Agency collateralized mortgage-backed securities69,667 2,870 (50)72,487 
Agency mortgage-backed securities6,271 29 6,300 
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities10,353 51 10,404 
Tax advantaged economic development bonds18,456 218 (910)17,764 
Other bonds and obligations296 296 
Total securities held to maturity357,979 16,263 (965)373,277 
Marketable equity securities37,138 5,147 (729)41,556 — 
Total$1,692,456 $37,913 $(3,981)$1,726,388 $


F-26
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $113,427
 $5,012
 $(206) $118,233
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 110,076
 882
 (237) 110,721
Trust preferred securities 11,334
 343
 
 11,677
Other bonds and obligations 9,757
 154
 (31) 9,880
Total debt securities 1,387,250
 7,108
 (13,444) 1,380,914
Marketable equity securities 36,483
 9,211
 (509) 45,185
Total securities available for sale 1,423,733
 16,319
 (13,953) 1,426,099
Securities held to maturity  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 270,310
 8,675
 (90) 278,895
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 34,357
 596
 (1,135) 33,818
Other bonds and obligations 321
 
 
 321
Total securities held to maturity 397,103
 10,316
 (2,143) 405,276
Total $1,820,836
 $26,635
 $(16,096) $1,831,375
December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $117,910
 $2,955
 $(1,049) $119,816
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 56,320
 408
 (722) 56,006
Trust preferred securities 11,578
 368
 (59) 11,887
Other bonds and obligations 10,979
 195
 (16) 11,158
Total debt securities 1,145,448
 7,234
 (8,686) 1,143,996
Marketable equity securities 47,858
 19,296
 (1,613) 65,541
Total securities available for sale 1,193,306
 26,530
 (10,299) 1,209,537
Securities held to maturity  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 203,463
 3,939
 (2,416) 204,986
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 35,278
 1,596
 
 36,874
Other bonds and obligations 325
 
 
 325
Total securities held to maturity 334,368
 6,816
 (3,504) 337,680
Total $1,527,674
 $33,346
 $(13,803) $1,547,217

F-28

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At year-end 20172020 and 2016,2019, accumulated net unrealized gainsgains/(losses) on AFS securities included in accumulated other comprehensive incomeincome/(loss) were $2.3$41.3 million and $16.2$14.2 million, respectively. At year-end 20172020 and 2016,2019, accumulated net unrealized gains on HTM securities included in accumulated other comprehensive incomeincome/(loss) were $7.7$3.7 million and $9.0$5.0 million respectively. The year-end 20172020 and 20162019 related income tax (liability)/benefit of $4.0$(11.5) million and $9.6$(5.1) million, respectively, was also included in accumulated other comprehensive income.income/(loss).

The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses for debt securities held to maturity by security type for the year ended December 31, 2020:
(In thousands)Municipal bonds and obligationsTax advantaged economic development bondsTotal
Balance at December 31, 2019$$$
Impact of ASC 326 adoption83 226 309 
Provision for credit losses- reversal(19)(186)(205)
Balance at December 31, 2020$64 $40 $104 

Credit Quality Information
The Company monitors the credit quality of held to maturity securities through credit ratings from various rating agencies. Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security and are utilized by the Company to make informed decisions. Investment grade securities are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher and generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be of low credit risk. Conversely, securities rated below investment grade are considered to have distinctively higher credit risk than investment grade securities. For securities without credit ratings, the Company utilizes other financial information indicating the financial health of the underlying municipality, agency, or organization.

As of December 31, 2020, none of the Company's investment securities were delinquent or in non-accrual status.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale (AFS)AFS and held to maturity (HTM)HTM securities, segregated by contractual maturity at year-end 20172020 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 saleHeld to maturity
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
(In thousands)Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Within 1 year $622
 $623
 $1,261
 $1,261
Within 1 year$33,248 $33,265 $1,950 $1,952 
Over 1 year to 5 years 32,659
 32,972
 25,892
 26,422
Over 1 year to 5 years8,148 8,276 3,216 3,233 
Over 5 years to 10 years 75,261
 76,745
 8,752
 8,917
Over 5 years to 10 years67,952 69,619 23,050 24,026 
Over 10 years 136,052
 140,171
 269,083
 276,434
Over 10 years92,103 100,464 221,968 241,172 
Total bonds and obligations 244,594
 250,511
 304,988
 313,034
Total bonds and obligations201,451 211,624 250,184 270,383 
        
Marketable equity securities 36,483
 45,185
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities 1,142,656
 1,130,403
 92,115
 92,242
Mortgage-backed securities1,452,526 1,483,608 214,907 221,472 
Total $1,423,733
 $1,426,099
 $397,103
 $405,276
Total$1,653,977 $1,695,232 $465,091 $491,855 
 
At year-end 20172020 and 2016,2019, 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 1211 - Borrowed Funds.
F-27

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 2017 2016 20202019
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
(In thousands)Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Securities pledged to swap counterparties $24,410
 $24,240
 $51,292
 $51,290
Securities pledged to swap counterparties$37,532 $37,815 $25,728 $25,828 
Securities pledged for municipal deposits 210,382
 214,513
 147,950
 148,435
Securities pledged for municipal deposits156,047 166,570 168,740 175,719 
Total $234,792
 $238,753
 $199,242
 $199,725
Total$193,579 $204,385 $194,468 $201,547 
 
Purchases of AFS securities totaled $885 million in 2020 and $120 million in 2019. Proceeds from the sale of AFS securities totaled $69 million in 2017, 2016,2020 and 2015 were $188.9$136 million $421.8 million, and $41.2 million, respectively.in 2019. The components of net realized gains and losses onamounts for the sale of AFS securities are as follows. These amounts were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into earnings:earnings. The components of net recognized gains and losses on the sale of AFS securities and the fair value change of marketable equities are as follows:
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Gross realized gains $13,877
 $2,762
 $4,567
Gross realized losses (1,279) (3,313) (2,457)
Net realized gains/(losses) $12,598
 $(551) $2,110
(In thousands)202020192018
Gross recognized gains$4,602 $7,492 $3,256 
Gross recognized losses(11,133)(3,103)(6,975)
Net recognized gains/(losses)$(6,531)$4,389 $(3,719)
 

F-29F-28

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SecuritiesDebt securities with unrealized losses, segregated by the duration of their continuous unrealized loss positions, are summarized as follows:
 Less Than Twelve MonthsOver Twelve MonthsTotal
(In thousands)Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
December 31, 2020      
Securities available for sale      
Debt securities:      
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations$235 $77,898 $$$235 $77,898 
Agency mortgage-backed securities131 39,939 256 133 40,195 
Agency commercial mortgage-back securities175 51,435 175 51,435 
Corporate bonds10 4,875 10 4,875 
Other bonds and obligations1,030 1,030 
Total securities available for sale$551 $174,147 $10 $1,286 $561 $175,433 
Securities held to maturity      
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations171 25,048 171 25,048 
Agency mortgage-backed securities29 20,710 29 20,710 
Agency commercial mortgage-back securities12 10,216 12 10,216 
Total securities held to maturity212 55,974 212 55,974 
Total$763 $230,121 $10 $1,286 $773 $231,407 
December 31, 2019      
Securities available for sale      
Debt securities:      
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations$127 $52,623 $42 $6,267 $169 $58,890 
Agency mortgage-backed securities59 10,640 301 23,404 360 34,044 
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities1,097 116,324 49 11,250 1,146 127,574 
Corporate bonds607 42,823 607 42,823 
Other bonds and obligations1,239 29 1,268 
Total securities available for sale$1,287 $180,826 $1,000 $83,773 $2,287 $264,599 
Securities held to maturity      
Municipal bonds and obligations800 800 
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations50 9,778 50 9,778 
Tax advantaged economic development bonds910 6,925 910 6,925 
Total securities held to maturity55 10,578 910 6,925 965 17,503 
Total$1,342 $191,404 $1,910 $90,698 $3,252 $282,102 
  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
December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $
 $
 $206
 $8,985
 $206
 $8,985
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 1
 328
 236
 15,769
 237
 16,097
Trust preferred securities 
 
 
 
 
 
Other bonds and obligations 11
 1,096
 20
 2,004
 31
 3,100
Total debt securities 7,960
 770,082
 5,484
 211,750
 13,444
 981,832
Marketable equity securities 509
 3,731
 
 
 509
 3,731
Total securities available for sale $8,469
 $773,813
 $5,484
 $211,750
 $13,953
 $985,563
Securities held to maturity  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 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 1,170
 17,518
 973
 32,946
 2,143
 50,464
Total $9,639
 $791,331
 $6,457
 $244,696
 $16,096
 $1,036,027
             
December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
  
  
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $1,049
 $13,839
 $
 $
 $1,049
 $13,839
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 11
 4,780
 711
 19,655
 722
 24,435
Trust preferred securities 
 
 59
 1,204
 59
 1,204
Other bonds and obligations 15
 3,014
 1
 27
 16
 3,041
Total debt securities 7,887
 516,707
 799
 22,947
 8,686
 539,654
Marketable equity securities 157
 6,600
 1,456
 5,927
 1,613
 12,527
Total securities available for sale $8,044
 $523,307
 $2,255
 $28,874
 $10,299
 $552,181
Securities held to maturity  
  
  
  
  
  
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 3,504
 103,002
 
 
 3,504
 103,002
Total $11,548
 $626,309
 $2,255
 $28,874
 $13,803
 $655,183


F-30

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, 2017,2020, 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.positions.


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 did not maintain other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") at year-end 2017:2020:

AFS municipal bonds and obligations
F-29

Table of Contents
At year-end 2017, 6 out of the total 260 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS municipal bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 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. There were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2017. All securities are performing.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AFS collateralized mortgage obligations
At year-end 2017, 1792020, 12 out of the total 234225 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS collateralized mortgage obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.2%0.3% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), and Government National Mortgage Association ("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 2017.2020. All securities are performing.


AFS commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities
At year-end 2017, 582020, 17 out of the total 103125 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS mortgage-backed securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.8%0.3% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA guarantee 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 2017.2020. All securities are performing.


AFS corporate bonds
At year-end 2017,2020, 1 out of the total 2015 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS corporate bonds were in unrealized loss positions. The aggregate unrealized loss represents 1.5%0.2% 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.


AFS other bonds and obligations
At year-end 2017, 62020, 3 out of the total 97 securities in the Company’s portfolio of other bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.0%0.8% 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 2017.2020. All securities are performing.


HTM Municipal bonds andcollateralized mortgage obligations
At year-end 2017, 122020, 2 out of the total 23113 securities in the Company’s portfolio of HTM municipal bonds andcollateralized mortgage obligations were in an unrealized loss positions.position. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 0.7% of the amortized cost of securitiesthe security in an 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

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.position. 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 2017.2020. All securities are performing.

HTM commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities
At year-end 2017,2020, 2 out of the total 26 securities in the Company’s portfolio of HTM mortgage-backed securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 2.4%0.1% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA guaranteesguarantee 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 2017.2020. All securities are performing.

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 2017, 2 out of the total 20 securities in the Company’s portfolio of marketable equity securities were in unrealized loss positions. The unrealized loss represented 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 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-32
F-30

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 6. LOANS AND RELATED ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The Company’s loan portfolio is segregated intoUpon adoption of ASC 326, the following segments: commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, residential mortgage, and consumer. Commercial real estate loans include construction, single and multi-family, and other commercial real estate classes. Residential mortgage loans include classes for 1-4 family owner occupied and construction loans. Consumer loans include home equity, direct and indirect auto, and other consumer loan classes. These portfolio segments each have uniqueCompany evaluates its risk characteristics that are considered when determiningof loans based on regulatory call report code with sub-segmentation based on underlying collateral for certain loan types. Prior to the appropriate level foradoption of ASC 326, under the allowance for loan losses.

A substantial portionincurred loss model, the Company evaluated its risk characteristics of loans based on purpose of the loanloans. The composition of loans by portfolio is secured by real estate in Massachusetts, southern Vermont, northeastern New York, New Jersey,segment as of December 31, 2020 and in the Bank’s other New England lending areas. The abilityJanuary 1, 2021 follows:
(In thousands)December 31, 2019 Statement BalanceImpact of ASC 326 AdoptionJanuary 1, 2020 Post-ASC 326 Adoption
Loans:
Construction$448,452 $187 $448,639 
Commercial multifamily631,740 252 631,992 
Commercial real estate owner occupied673,308 3,185 676,493 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied2,189,780 6,540 2,196,320 
Commercial and industrial1,843,683 (12,212)1,831,471 
Residential real estate2,853,385 1,868 2,855,253 
Home equity378,793 10 378,803 
Consumer other483,287 205 483,492 
Total$9,502,428 $35 $9,502,463 
Allowance:
Construction$2,713 $(342)$2,371 
Commercial multifamily4,413 (1,842)2,571 
Commercial real estate owner occupied4,880 6,062 10,942 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied16,344 11,201 27,545 
Commercial and industrial20,099 (2,189)17,910 
Residential real estate9,970 6,799 16,769 
Home equity1,470 4,884 6,354 
Consumer other3,686 861 4,547 
Total$63,575 $25,434 $89,009 

F-31

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:loans by regulatory call report code with sub-segmentation based on underlying collateral for certain loan types:
(In thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Construction$454,513 $448,452 
Commercial multifamily483,350 631,740 
Commercial real estate owner occupied552,413 673,308 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied2,119,263 2,189,780 
Commercial and industrial1,943,164 1,843,683 
Residential real estate1,931,681 2,853,385 
Home equity293,981 378,793 
Consumer other303,154 483,287 
Total loans$8,081,519 $9,502,428 
Allowance for credit losses127,302 63,575 
Net loans$7,954,217 $9,438,853 
  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In thousands) 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 1,808,024
 289,373
 2,097,397
 1,583,794
 297,355
 1,881,149
Construction 5,177
 233
 5,410
 11,178
 804
 11,982
Total residential mortgages 1,813,201
 289,606
 2,102,807
 1,594,972
 298,159
 1,893,131
             
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 294,954
 115,227
 410,181
 313,521
 80,279
 393,800
Auto and other 603,767
 113,902
 717,669
 478,368
 106,012
 584,380
Total consumer loans 898,721
 229,129
 1,127,850
 791,889
 186,291
 978,180
             
Total loans $6,112,198
 $2,187,140
 $8,299,338
 $5,221,307
 $1,328,480
 $6,549,787


F-33

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Total unamortized net costsDecember 31, 2020, loans originated under the Small Business Administration ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") totaled $633.3 million. These loans are 100% guaranteed by the SBA and premiumsthe full principal amount of the loan may qualify for forgiveness. These loans are included in the year-end total loans for business activity loans were the following:commercial and industrial.
(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

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 2017 and 2016, the Company was servicing loans for participants totaling $1.8 billion and $0.5 billion, respectively.

In 2017,2020, the Company purchased loans aggregating $500.9$98 million and sold loans aggregating $514.5$415 million. In 2016,2019, the Company purchased loans aggregating $190.8$432 million and sold loans aggregating $307.7$310 million. Net gains (losses) on sales of loans were $11.7$10.6 million, $8.0$12.0 million, and $6.0$9.3 million for the years 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively. These amounts are included in Loan Related Income on the Consolidated StatementStatements of Income.Operations.


Most of the Company’s lending activity occurs within its primary markets in 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 $1.3$1.5 billion, or 15.8%19.0%, and $1.1$1.7 billion, or 16.8%18.1% of total loans in 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. There were no other concentrations of loans related to any single industry in excess of 10% of total loans at year-end 20172020 or 2016.2019.


As of December 31, 2020, the Company maintained foreclosed residential real estate property with a fair value of $149 thousand. As of December 31, 2019, 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 totaled $3.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively, including sold loans serviced by the Company.

At year-end 2017,2020, the Company had pledged loans totaling $350.7$925 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 1211 - Borrowed Funds.


At year-end 20172020 and 2016,2019, the Company’s commitments outstanding to related parties totaled $50.8$2.0 million and $38.7$1.8 million, respectively, and the loans outstanding against these commitments totaled $44.1$1.1 million and $25.6$1.0 million, respectively. Related parties include directors and executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as their respective affiliates in which they have a controlling interest and immediate family members. For the years 20172020 and 2016,2019, all related party loans were performing.


The carrying amount of the acquired loans at December 31, 2017 totaled $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 $97.3 million. These loans are evaluated for impairment through the quarterly reforecasting of expected cash flows. Of the $97.3 million, $53.3 million are Commercial Real Estate, $34.6 million are Commercial and Industrial loans, $7.0 million are Residential Mortgages, and $2.4 million are Consumer loans.

The carrying amount of the acquired loans at December 31, 2016 totaled $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 maintained a carrying value of $46.8 million. Of the $46.8 million, $34.8 million were Commercial Real Estate, $3.4 million were Commercial and Industrial loans, $7.3 million were Residential Mortgages, and $1.3 million were Consumer loans.


F-34
F-32

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
The Company’s activity in the allowance for credit losses for loans for the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows:
(In thousands)Balance at Beginning of PeriodImpact of Adopting ASC 326Sub-totalCharge-offsRecoveriesProvision for Credit LossesBalance at End of Period
Year ended December 31, 2020
Construction$2,713 $(342)$2,371 $(834)$$3,574 $5,111 
Commercial multifamily4,413 (1,842)2,571 (100)100 3,345 5,916 
Commercial real estate owner occupied4,880 6,062 10,942 (8,686)1,053 9,071 12,380 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied16,344 11,201 27,545 (11,653)307 19,651 35,850 
Commercial and industrial20,099 (2,189)17,910 (19,328)4,285 22,146 25,013 
Residential real estate9,970 6,799 16,769 (2,285)1,359 12,648 28,491 
Home equity1,470 4,884 6,354 (347)292 183 6,482 
Consumer other3,686 861 4,547 (2,562)609 5,465 8,059 
Total allowance for credit losses$63,575 $25,434 $89,009 $(45,795)$8,005 $76,083 $127,302 

The Company’s allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments is recognized as a liability (other liability on consolidated balance sheet), with adjustments to the reserve recognized in other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s activity in the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments for the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows:
(In thousands)Total
Balance at December 31, 2019$100 
Impact of adopting ASC 3267,993 
Sub-Total8,093 
Release of expense for credit losses(464)
Balance at December 31, 2020$7,629 

F-33

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Credit Quality Information
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, including 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 annually, 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. 


F-34

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table summarizes activity inpresents the accretable yield for the acquiredCompany’s loans by risk category:
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)20202019201820172016PriorRevolving Loans Amortized Cost BasisRevolving Loans Converted to TermTotal
As of December 31, 2020
Construction
Risk rating
Pass$38,374 $255,377 $114,690 $28,474 $9,519 $2,766 $1,000 $$450,200 
Special Mention313 313 
Substandard4,000 4,000 
Total$38,374 $255,377 $115,003 $32,474 $9,519 $2,766 $1,000 $$454,513 
Commercial multifamily:
Risk rating
Pass$31,438 $57,659 $74,932 $77,746 $81,066 $153,818 $20 $$476,679 
Special Mention
Substandard47 6,479 145 6,671 
Total$31,438 $57,659 $74,932 $77,746 $81,113 $160,297 $165 $$483,350 
Commercial real estate owner occupied:
Risk rating
Pass$58,327 $84,839 $104,797 $64,693 $44,300 $169,197 $1,194 $$527,347 
Special Mention535 2,569 1,136 1,009 800 2,579 8,628 
Substandard1,266 3,597 1,685 1,439 8,451 16,438 
Total$58,862 $88,674 $109,530 $67,387 $46,539 $180,227 $1,194 $$552,413 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied:
Risk rating
Pass$180,520 $292,386 $435,440 $223,935 $303,221 $497,066 $15,393 $$1,947,961 
Special Mention279 2,068 6,958 11,798 44,961 1,068 67,132 
Substandard7,804 3,529 4,235 19,632 2,124 66,651 195 104,170 
Total$188,324 $296,194 $441,743 $250,525 $317,143 $608,678 $16,656 $$2,119,263 
Commercial and industrial:
Risk rating
Pass$754,260 $159,046 $205,651 $130,985 $48,326 $148,222 $368,769 $$1,815,259 
Special Mention1,467 5,753 5,267 2,851 1,601 65 12,408 29,412 
Substandard7,392 39,822 24,951 7,765 3,504 5,630 9,099 98,163 
Doubtful330 330 
Total$763,119 $204,621 $235,869 $141,601 $53,431 $153,917 $390,606 $$1,943,164 
Residential real estate
Risk rating
Pass$150,583 $146,142 $272,399 $320,384 $333,159 $691,078 $3,281 $$1,917,026 
Special Mention384 454 1,430 362 2,630 
Substandard991 39 703 902 417 8,964 12,025 
Total$151,958 $146,181 $273,556 $322,716 $333,576 $700,404 $3,290 $$1,931,681 

F-35

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For home equity and consumer other loan portfolio that falls undersegments, Berkshire evaluates credit quality based on the purviewaging status of ASC 310-30, Loansthe loan and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality:by payment activity. The performing or nonperforming status is updated on an ongoing basis dependent upon improvement and deterioration in credit quality. The following table presents the amortized cost based on payment activity:
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)20202019201820172016PriorRevolving Loans Amortized Cost BasisRevolving Loans Converted to TermTotal
As of December 31, 2020
Home equity:
Payment performance
Performing$2,445 $1,960 $316 $1,859 $499 $1,882 $282,123 $$291,084 
Nonperforming2,896 2,897 
Total$2,445 $1,960 $317 $1,859 $499 $1,882 $285,019 $$293,981 
Consumer other:
Payment performance
Performing$15,193 $35,317 $101,730 $69,366 $35,421 $31,327 $9,339 $$297,693 
Nonperforming39 316 1,511 1,599 1,585 407 5,461 
Total$15,232 $35,633 $103,241 $70,965 $37,006 $31,734 $9,343 $$303,154 
F-36

(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Balance at beginning of period $8,738
 $6,925
 $2,541
Acquisitions 10,815
 6,125
 4,777
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference for loans with improved cash flows (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 (5,589) (3,597) (4,033)
Balance at end of period $11,561
 $8,738
 $6,925
Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a summary of loans by past due loansstatus at December 31, 2017 and 2016:2020:

Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)30-59 Days Past Due60-89 Days Past Due90 Days or Greater Past DueTotal Past DueCurrentTotal Loans
December 31, 2020
Construction$$$$$454,513 $454,513 
Commercial multifamily757 757 482,593 483,350 
Commercial real estate owner occupied809 631 4,894 6,334 546,079 552,413 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied315 168 38,389 38,872 2,080,391 2,119,263 
Commercial and industrial3,016 3,259 12,982 19,257 1,923,907 1,943,164 
Residential real estate2,068 2,630 11,115 15,813 1,915,868 1,931,681 
Home equity244 284 2,897 3,425 290,556 293,981 
Consumer other2,109 777 5,364 8,250 294,904 303,154 
Total$8,561 $7,749 $76,398 $92,708 $7,988,811 $8,081,519 
F-37
(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, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction $
 $
 $
 $
 $181,371
 $181,371
 $
Single and multi-family 
 
 451
 451
 216,632
 217,083
 
Commercial real estate 1,925
 48
 5,023
 6,996
 1,812,257
 1,819,253
 457
Total 1,925
 48
 5,474
 7,447
 2,210,260
 2,217,707
 457
Commercial and industrial loans  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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 2,412
 242
 2,186
 4,840
 1,808,361
 1,813,201
 520
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 444
 1,235
 1,747
 3,426
 291,528
 294,954
 120
Auto and other 3,389
 599
 1,597
 5,585
 598,182
 603,767
 143
Total 3,833
 1,834
 3,344
 9,011
 889,710
 898,721
 263
Total $12,201
 $4,036
 $17,027
 $33,264
 $6,078,934
 $6,112,198
 $1,368


F-35

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a summary of loans on nonaccrual status and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing as of December 31, 2020:
Business Activities Loans
January 1, 2020December 31, 2020
(In thousands)Nonaccrual Amortized CostNonaccrual Amortized CostNonaccrual With No Related AllowancePast Due 90 Days or Greater and AccruingInterest Income Recognized on Nonaccrual
Construction$$$$$
Commercial multifamily811 757 591 
Commercial real estate owner occupied15,389 4,509 2,290 385 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied1,031 29,572 13,912 8,817 
Commercial and industrial11,218 12,441 4,725 541 
Residential real estate6,411 9,711 5,739 1,404 
Home equity1,798 2,654 159 243 
Consumer other2,982 5,304 60 
Total$39,640 $64,948 $27,418 $11,450 $
(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
The commercial and industrial loans nonaccrual amortized cost as of December 31, 2020 included medallion loans with a fair value of $2.3 million and a contractual balance of $53.9 million.


Acquired Loans
The following table summarizes information about total loans rated Special Mention or lower at December 31, 2020. The table below includes consumer loans that are Special Mention and Substandard accruing that are classified as performing based on payment activity.
(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, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction $
 $
 $
 $
 $7,655
 $84,965
 $
Single and multi-family 671
 
 203
 874
 2,846
 206,082
 
Commercial real estate 816
 1,875
 2,156
 4,847
 42,801
 755,988
 109
Total 1,487
 1,875
 2,359
 5,721
 53,302
 1,047,035
 109
Commercial and industrial loans  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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 957
 2,581
 1,247
 4,785
 6,974
 289,606
 30
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 286
 40
 1,965
 2,291
 1,956
 115,227
 
Auto and other 346
 135
 430
 911
 483
 113,902
 38
Total 632
 175
 2,395
 3,202
 2,439
 229,129
 38
Total $4,328
 $4,899
 $7,440
 $16,667
 $97,344
 $2,187,140
 $200
(In thousands)December 31, 2020
Non-Accrual$64,948 
Substandard Accruing185,207 
Total Classified250,155 
Special Mention109,299 
Total Criticized$359,454 



A financial asset is considered collateral-dependent when the debtor is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral. Expected credit losses for collateral-dependent loans are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate. Significant quarter over quarter changes are reflective of changes in nonaccrual status and not necessarily associated with credit quality indicators like appraisal value. The following table presents the amortized cost basis of individually analyzed collateral-dependent loans by loan portfolio segment:
F-36
F-38

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Type of Collateral
(In thousands)Real EstateInvestment Securities/CashOther
December 31, 2020
Commercial multifamily$591 $$
Commercial real estate owner occupied5,714 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied30,950 
Commercial and industrial973 36 3,758 
Residential real estate5,081 
Home equity145 
Consumer other51 
Total loans$43,505 $36 $3,758 
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 2017 and 2016:
F-39
  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Business Activities
Loans
 Acquired  Loans (1) Total Business Activities
Loans
 Acquired  Loans (2) Total
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction 
 
 
 
 
 
Single and multi-family 451
 203
 654
 469
 437
 906
Other commercial real estate 4,566
 2,047
 6,613
 4,212
 765
 4,977
Total 5,017
 2,250
 7,267
 4,681
 1,202
 5,883
Commercial and industrial loans:  
  
  
  
  
Total 5,895
 1,333
 7,228
 6,285
 1,155
 7,440
             
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family $1,666
 $1,217
 $2,883
 $2,223
 $1,572
 $3,795
Construction 
 
 
 
 
 
Total 1,666
 1,217
 2,883
 2,223
 1,572
 3,795
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 1,627
 1,965
 3,592
 2,675
 517
 3,192
Auto and other 1,454
 392
 1,846
 952
 895
 1,847
Total 3,081
 2,357
 5,438
 3,627
 1,412
 5,039
             
Total non-accrual loans $15,659
 $7,157
 $22,816
 $16,816
 $5,341
 $22,157
(1) At year-end 2017, acquired credit impaired loans account for $83 thousand of 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.

F-37

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2017
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Loans receivable:  
  
  
  
  
Balance at end of year  
  
  
  
  
Individually evaluated for impairment $33,732
 $5,761
 $3,872
 $
 $43,365
Collectively evaluated 2,183,975
 1,176,808
 1,809,329
 898,721
 6,068,833
Total $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)
2017
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Loans receivable:  
  
  
  
  
Balance at end of year  
  
  
  
  
Individually evaluated for impairment $4,244
 $421
 $2,617
 $27
 $7,309
Purchased credit-impaired loans 53,302
 34,629
 6,974
 2,439
 97,344
Collectively evaluated 989,489
 586,320
 280,015
 226,663
 2,082,487
Total $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

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a summary of impaired loans at year-end 2017 and 2016 and for the years then ended:

Business Activities Loans
  At December 31, 2017
(In thousands) Recorded Investment (1) Unpaid Principal
Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
With no related allowance:  
  
  
Commercial real estate - construction $
 $
 $
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 1,077
 3,607
 
Other commercial real estate 18,285
 18,611
 
Other commercial and industrial loans 2,060
 2,629
 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 660
 1,075
 
Consumer - home equity 867
 1,504
 
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
Commercial real estate - construction $159
 $159
 $1
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 159
 171
 1
Other commercial real estate 14,321
 15,235
 227
Other commercial and industrial loans 3,716
 4,249
 66
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 1,344
 1,446
 130
Consumer - home equity 1,014
 999
 34
Consumer - other 17
 17
 1
       
Total  
  
  
Commercial real estate $34,001
 $37,783
 $229
Commercial and industrial 5,776
 6,878
 66
Residential mortgages 2,004
 2,521
 130
Consumer 1,898
 2,520
 35
Total impaired loans $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-39

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Business Activities Loans
  At December 31, 2016
(In thousands) 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 2,101
 2,101
 
Consumer - home equity 1,605
 1,605
 
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
  Commercial real estate - single and multifamily $179
 $181
 $2
Other commercial real estate 6,306
 6,462
 156
Other commercial and industrial loans 5,060
 5,324
 264
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 538
 674
 136
Consumer - home equity 942
 1,098
 156
Total  
  
  
Commercial real estate $25,390
 $25,548
 $158
Commercial and industrial 5,442
 5,706
 264
Residential mortgages 2,639
 2,775
 136
Consumer 2,547
 2,703
 156
Total impaired loans $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.

F-40

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans
  At December 31, 2017
(In thousands) Recorded  Investment (1) Unpaid Principal
Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
With no related allowance:  
  
  
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily $204
 $290
 $
Other commercial real estate loans 1,123
 2,794
 
Other commercial and industrial loans 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 166
 185
 9
Consumer - home equity 433
 540
 45
       
Total  
  
  
Commercial real estate $4,257
 $5,625
 $56
Commercial and industrial 420
 476
 1
Residential mortgages 824
 856
 9
Consumer 1,834
 2,221
 45
Total impaired loans $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.



F-41

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

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, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Business Activities Loans
  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
With no related allowance:  
  
  
  
    
Commercial real estate - construction $
 $
 $
 $
 $2,245
 $92
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 341
 214
 36
 1
 60
 
Other commercial real estate 20,867
 1,123
 6,463
 1,155
 12,487
 302
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 1,291
 30
 612
 5
 442
 13
Consumer-other 72
 3
 2
 
 
 
             
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
  
    
Commercial mortgages - construction $41
 $3
 $
 $
 $
 $
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 169
 12
 15
 6
 
 
Other commercial real estate 11,372
 520
 7,576
 349
 3,214
 132
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 1,007
 29
 999
 35
 83
 
Consumer - other 4
 1
 103
 4
 112
 4
             
Total  
  
  
  
    
Commercial real estate $32,790
 $1,872
 $14,090
 $1,511
 $18,006
 $526
Commercial and industrial 7,688
 532
 5,351
 356
 4,680
 214
Residential mortgages 2,417
 90
 3,085
 117
 3,057
 110
Consumer loans 2,374
 63
 1,716
 44
 637
 17
Total impaired loans $45,269
 $2,557
 $24,242
 $2,028
 $26,380
 $867

F-43

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans
  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
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 390
 28
 293
 12
 463
 6
Consumer - home equity 773
 22
 
 
 152
 5
Consumer - other 7
 1
 105
 1
 59
 5
             
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
  
    
Commercial real estate - construction $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 903
 47
 1,064
 115
 623
 33
Other commercial real estate 1,719
 91
 2,618
 165
 1,384
 96
Other commercial and industrial 47
 13
 369
 17
 31
 3
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 173
 9
 214
 25
 304
 9
Consumer - home equity 400
 21
 
 
 195
 7
             
Total  
  
  
  
    
Commercial real estate $3,451
 $459
 $4,203
 $300
 $6,187
 $283
Commercial and industrial 628
 56
 861
 26
 31
 3
Residential mortgages 563
 37
 507
 37
 767
 15
Consumer loans 1,180
 44
 105
 1
 406
 17
Total impaired loans $5,822
 $596
 $5,676
 $364
 $7,391
 $318

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

F-44

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)("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 includetable presents activity in TDRs for the recorded investment and number of modifications for modified loans identified during the years-endedyear ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 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, 2017 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, 2016 were attributable to interest rate concessions, maturity date extensions, modified payment terms, reamortization, and accelerated maturity.2020:
(In thousands)Balance at Beginning of PeriodPrincipal PaymentsTDR Status ChangeOther Additions/(Reductions)Newly Identified TDRsBalance at End of Period
Year ended December 31, 2020
Commercial multifamily$793 $(39)$$$$754 
Commercial real estate owner occupied13,331 (5,734)(5,884)18 1,731 
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied1,373 (1)1,719 10,593 13,684 
Commercial and industrial1,449 (289)(60)1,586 2,686 
Residential real estate2,045 (160)(361)1,524 
Home equity277 (22)(122)133 
Consumer other48 (12)36 
Total$19,316 $(6,257)$$(4,708)$12,197 $20,548 

F-40
  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
Troubled Debt Restructurings  
  
  
Commercial - Single and multifamily 1
 $235
 $235
Commercial - Other 15
 13,445
 11,718
  Commercial and industrial - Other 12
 3,507
 3,507
Residential - 1-4 Family 4
 331
 314
  Consumer - Home Equity 3
 122
 122
  35
 $17,640
 $15,896
  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
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 2
 5
 5
  Consumer - Home Equity 1
 117
 117
  17
 $17,765
 $17,765
  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
Troubled Debt Restructurings  
  
  
  Commercial - Construction 1
 $123
 $123
Commercial - Single and multifamily 2
 307
 307
Commercial - Other 4
 8,577
 7,274
Commercial and industrial - Other 6
 9,041
 8,904
Consumer - Other 1
 999
 999
  14
 $19,047
 $17,607

F-45

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents loans modified as TDRs that occurred during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:
(dollars in thousands)Total
Year ended December 31, 2020
TDR:
Number of loans16 
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment$12,197 
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment$12,197 
Year ended December 31, 2019
TDR:
Number of loans13 
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment$2,063 
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment$2,063 
Year ended December 31, 2018
TDR:
Number of loans10 
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment$2,685 
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment$2,685 

The following tables disclosetable discloses the recorded investment and number of modifications for TDRs for the prior years where a concession washas been made andwithin the borrower subsequentlyprevious 12 months, that then defaulted in the respective reporting period. There were 0 TDRs for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification during the year ended December 31, 2020. For the year ended 2017,2019, there were three loanswas 1 loan that werewas restructured that had subsequently defaulted during the reporting period. For

(dollars in thousands)Number of LoansRecorded Investment
Year ended December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial - other$195 
Total$195 

Beginning in March 2020, the period ended 2016, thereCompany has offered three-month payment deferrals for customers with a current payment status who were nonegatively impacted by economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These 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.not recorded as TDRs. Refer to Note 17 - Other Commitments, Contingencies, and Off-Balance Sheet Activities for more information regarding these modifications.

F-41

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  
Modifications that subsequently defaulted
for the twelve months ending December 31, 2017
  Number of Contracts Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings  
  
Commercial - Single and multifamily 
 $
Commercial - Other 1
 113
Commercial and industrial - Other 2
 492
Residential - 1-4 Family 
 
  3
 $605
Prior to the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, the Company calculated allowance for loan losses using incurred losses methodology. The following tables are disclosures related to loans in prior periods.


The following is a summary of total loans as of December 31, 2019:
 December 31, 2019
(In thousands)Business
Activities Loans
Acquired
Loans
Total
Commercial real estate:   
Construction$382,014 $47,792 $429,806 
Other commercial real estate2,414,942 1,189,521 3,604,463 
Total commercial real estate2,796,956 1,237,313 4,034,269 
Commercial and industrial loans:1,442,617 397,891 1,840,508 
Total commercial loans4,239,573 1,635,204 5,874,777 
Residential mortgages:   
1-4 family2,143,817 533,536 2,677,353 
Construction4,641 3,478 8,119 
Total residential mortgages2,148,458 537,014 2,685,472 
Consumer loans:   
Home equity273,867 106,724 380,591 
Auto and other504,599 56,989 561,588 
Total consumer loans778,466 163,713 942,179 
Total loans$7,166,497 $2,335,931 $9,502,428 
F-42

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  
Modifications that subsequently defaulted
for the twelve months ending December 31, 2015
  Number of Contracts Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings  
  
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
Total unamortized net costs and premiums included in the December 31, 2019 total loans for business activity loans were the following:

(In thousands)December 31, 2019
Unamortized net loan origination costs$13,259 
Unamortized net premium on purchased loans2,643 
Total unamortized net costs and premiums$15,902 


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)20192018
Balance at beginning of period$2,840 $11,561 
Acquisitions4,200 
Accretion(9,619)(23,109)
Net reclassification from nonaccretable difference7,430 17,347 
Payments received, net(837)(2,878)
Reclassification to TDR
Disposals(81)
Balance at end of period4,023 2,840 

The following is a summary of past due loans at December 31, 2019:
Business Activities Loans
(in thousands)30-59 Days
Past Due
60-89 Days
Past Due
>90 Days Past DueTotal Past
Due
CurrentTotal LoansPast Due >
90 days and
Accruing
December 31, 2019       
Commercial real estate:       
Construction$$$$$382,014 $382,014 $
Commercial real estate423 89 15,623 16,135 2,398,807 2,414,942 
Total423 89 15,623 16,135 2,780,821 2,796,956 
Commercial and industrial loans       
Total2,841 2,033 10,662 15,536 1,427,081 1,442,617 122 
Residential mortgages:       
1-4 family1,669 714 3,350 5,733 2,138,084 2,143,817 800 
Construction4,641 4,641 
Total1,669 714 3,350 5,733 2,142,725 2,148,458 800 
Consumer loans:       
Home equity149 1,147 1,296 272,571 273,867 52 
Auto and other4,709 990 2,729 8,428 496,171 504,599 
Total4,858 990 3,876 9,724 768,742 778,466 53 
Total$9,791 $3,826 $33,511 $47,128 $7,119,369 $7,166,497 $975 
F-43

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Acquired Loans
(in thousands)30-59 Days
Past Due
60-89 Days
Past Due
>90 Days Past DueTotal Past
Due
Acquired
Credit
Impaired
Total LoansPast Due >
90 days and
Accruing
December 31, 2019       
Commercial real estate:       
Construction$$$$$1,396 $47,792 $
Commercial real estate3,907 245 10,247 14,399 21,639 1,189,521 5,751 
Total3,907 245 10,247 14,399 23,035 1,237,313 5,751 
Commercial and industrial loans       
Total888 299 1,275 2,462 26,718 397,891 442 
Residential mortgages:       
1-4 family745 491 932 2,168 10,840 533,536 139 
Construction3,478 
Total745 491 932 2,168 10,840 537,014 139 
Consumer loans:       
Home equity346 222 789 1,357 540 106,724 72 
Auto and other120 22 265 407 286 56,989 
Total466 244 1,054 1,764 826 163,713 72 
Total$6,006 $1,279 $13,508 $20,793 $61,419 $2,335,931 $6,404 

The following is summary information pertaining to non-accrual loans at December 31, 2019:
 December 31, 2019
(In thousands)Business Activities
Loans
Acquired  LoansTotal
Commercial real estate:   
Construction$$$
Other commercial real estate15,623 4,496 20,119 
Total15,623 4,496 20,119 
Commercial and industrial loans:  
Total10,540 833 11,373 
Residential mortgages:   
1-4 family2,550 793 3,343 
Construction
Total2,550 793 3,343 
Consumer loans:   
Home equity1,095 717 1,812 
Auto and other2,728 265 2,993 
Total3,823 982 4,805 
Total non-accrual loans$32,536 $7,104 $39,640 
F-44

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Loans evaluated for impairment as of December 31, 2019 were as follows:

Business Activities Loans
(In thousands) Commercial
real estate
 Commercial
and industrial
 Residential
mortgages
ConsumerTotal
Loans receivable:     
Balance at end of year     
Individually evaluated for impairment$19,192 $9,167 $3,019 $630 $32,008 
Collectively evaluated2,777,764 1,433,450 2,145,439 777,836 7,134,489 
Total$2,796,956 $1,442,617 $2,148,458 $778,466 $7,166,497 
Acquired Loans
(In thousands) Commercial
real estate
 Commercial
and industrial
 Residential
mortgages
ConsumerTotal
Loans receivable:     
Balance at end of year     
Individually evaluated for impairment$4,241 $464 $372 $575 $5,652 
Purchased credit-impaired loans23,035 26,718 10,840 826 61,419 
Collectively evaluated1,210,037 370,709 525,802 162,312 2,268,860 
Total$1,237,313 $397,891 $537,014 $163,713 $2,335,931 

The following is a summary of impaired loans at December 31, 2019:
Business Activities Loans
 December 31, 2019
(In thousands)Recorded Investment (1)Unpaid Principal
Balance (2)
Related Allowance
With no related allowance:   
Other commercial real estate loans$18,676 $37,493 $— 
Commercial and industrial loans4,805 10,104 — 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family433 699 — 
Consumer - home equity32 238 — 
Consumer - other— 
With an allowance recorded:   
Other commercial real estate loans$550 $1,411 $20 
Commercial and industrial loans4,166 12,136 122 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family2,615 2,924 109 
Consumer - home equity594 614 42 
Consumer - other
Total   
Commercial real estate$19,226 $38,904 $20 
Commercial and industrial loans8,971 22,240 122 
Residential mortgages3,048 3,623 109 
Consumer634 860 43 
Total impaired loans$31,879 $65,627 $294 
(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-45

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Acquired Loans
 December 31, 2019
(In thousands)Recorded Investment (1)Unpaid Principal
Balance (2)
Related Allowance
With no related allowance:   
Other commercial real estate loans$3,200 $6,021 $— 
Other commercial and industrial loans437 532 — 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family292 293 — 
Consumer - home equity416 844 — 
Consumer - other— 
With an allowance recorded:   
Other commercial real estate loans$1,033 $1,050 $97 
Commercial and industrial loans28 30 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family84 110 
Consumer - home equity121 123 
  Consumer - other39 37 
Total   
Commercial real estate$4,233 $7,071 $97 
Commercial and industrial loans465 562 
Residential mortgages376 403 
Consumer576 1,004 12 
Total impaired loans$5,650 $9,040 $118 
(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-46

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, 2019 and 2018:
Business Activities Loans
 December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
(in thousands)Average  Recorded
Investment
Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
Average  Recorded
Investment
Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
With no related allowance:  
Other commercial real estate$19,805 $586 $24,078 $373 
Other commercial and industrial3,165 523 914 245 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family185 17 428 20 
Consumer-home equity148 107 10 
Consumer-other
With an allowance recorded:  
Other commercial real estate$374 $107 $555 $30 
Other commercial and industrial2,533 793 1,259 139 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family2,427 150 1,407 75 
Consumer-home equity349 32 98 
Consumer - other11 15 
Total  
Commercial real estate$20,179 $693 $24,633 $403 
Commercial and industrial5,698 1,316 2,173 384 
Residential mortgages2,612 167 1,835 95 
Consumer loans508 36 220 17 
Total impaired loans$28,997 $2,212 $28,861 $899 
F-47

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Acquired Loans
 December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
(in thousands)Average  Recorded
Investment
Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
Average  Recorded
Investment
Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
With no related allowance:  
Other commercial real estate$1,603 $117 $3,280 $263 
Other commercial and industrial441 51 428 68 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family241 11 290 
Consumer - home equity475 23 635 
Consumer - other13 
With an allowance recorded:  
Other commercial real estate$1,005 $59 $950 $53 
Other commercial and industrial29 197 41 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family88 26 
Consumer - home equity68 89 12 
Consumer - other41 11 
Total  
Commercial real estate$2,608 $176 $4,230 $316 
Commercial and industrial470 53 625 109 
Residential mortgages329 18 316 18 
Consumer loans584 31 748 20 
Total impaired loans$3,991 $278 $5,919 $463 

NaN additional funds are committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans.

The following table presents the Company’s TDR activity in 20172019 and 2016:2018:
(In thousands)20192018
Balance at beginning of year$27,415 $41,990 
Principal payments(6,086)(8,547)
TDR status change (1)
Other reductions (2)(4,076)(8,713)
Newly identified TDRs2,063 2,685 
Balance at end of year$19,316 $27,415 
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Balance at beginning of year $33,829
 $22,048
 $16,714
Principal payments (3,213) (5,870) (5,460)
TDR status change (1) 
 2,235
 
Other reductions (2) (4,522) (2,349) (3,160)
Newly identified TDRs 15,896
 17,765
 13,954
Balance at end of year $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.
(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.


F-46
F-48

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Allowance for Loan Losses
NOTE 7. LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCEPrior to the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, the Company calculated allowance for loan losses using incurred losses methodology. The following tables are disclosures related to the allowance for loan losses in prior periods.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for 2017, 2016,2019 and 20152018 was as follows:

Business Activities Loans

(In thousands)
2019
Commercial
real estate
Commercial and
industrial loans
Residential
mortgages
ConsumerTotal
Balance at beginning of period$21,732 $16,504 $10,535 $7,368 $56,139 
Charged-off loans6,577 23,799 635 3,322 34,333 
Recoveries on charged-off loans570 1,012 57 253 1,892 
Provision/(releases) for loan losses9,033 25,404 (1,417)458 33,478 
Balance at end of period$24,758 $19,121 $8,540 $4,757 $57,176 
Individually evaluated for impairment20 122 109 43 294 
Collectively evaluated24,738 18,999 8,431 4,714 56,882 
Total$24,758 $19,121 $8,540 $4,757 $57,176 
Business Activities Loans
Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2018
Commercial
real estate
Commercial and
industrial loans
Residential
mortgages
ConsumerTotal
Balance at beginning of period$16,843 $13,850 $9,420 $5,807 $45,920 
Charged-off loans5,859 4,275 157 3,187 13,478 
Recoveries on charged-off loans50 620 114 363 1,147 
Provision/(releases) for loan losses10,698 6,309 1,158 4,385 22,550 
Balance at end of period$21,732 $16,504 $10,535 $7,368 $56,139 
Individually evaluated for impairment49 128 11 197 
Collectively evaluated21,723 16,455 10,407 7,357 55,942 
Total$21,732 $16,504 $10,535 $7,368 $56,139 
Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
2019
Commercial
real estate
Commercial and
industrial loans
Residential
mortgages
ConsumerTotal
Balance at beginning of period$3,153 $1,064 $630 $483 $5,330 
Charged-off loans830 571 263 557 2,221 
Recoveries on charged-off loans672 438 116 123 1,349 
Provision/(releases) for loan losses1,111 126 365 339 1,941 
Balance at end of period$4,106 $1,057 $848 $388 $6,399 
Individually evaluated for impairment97 12 118 
Collectively evaluated4,009 1,056 840 376 6,281 
Total$4,106 $1,057 $848 $388 $6,399 
F-49
(In thousands)
2017
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $16,498
 $9,447
 $7,805
 $5,479
 $39,229
Charged-off loans 3,875
 3,373
 806
 3,470
 11,524
Recoveries on charged-off loans 170
 179
 270
 270
 889
Provision for loan losses 4,050
 7,597
 2,151
 3,528
 17,326
Balance at end of year $16,843
 $13,850
 $9,420
 $5,807
 $45,920
Individually evaluated for impairment 229
 66
 130
 35
 460
Collectively evaluated 16,614
 13,784
 9,290
 5,772
 45,460
Total $16,843
 $13,850
 $9,420
 $5,807
 $45,920

Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2016
 Commercial real estate  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $14,591
 $7,385
 $7,613
 $4,985
 $34,574
Charged-off loans 2,127
 4,620
 2,036
 1,722
 10,505
Recoveries on charged-off loans 243
 123
 159
 267
 792
Provision for loan losses 3,791
 6,559
 2,069
 1,949
 14,368
Balance at end of year $16,498
 $9,447
 $7,805
 $5,479
 $39,229
Individually evaluated for impairment 158
 264
 136
 156
 714
Collectively evaluated 16,340
 9,183
 7,669
 5,323
 38,515
Total $16,498
 $9,447
 $7,805
 $5,479
 $39,229

Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2015
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $14,740
 $5,246
 $6,864
 $5,945
 $32,795
Charged-off loans 6,865
 2,358
 1,215
 1,183
 11,621
Recoveries on charged-off loans 164
 169
 141
 285
 759
Provision for loan losses 6,552
 4,328
 1,823
 (62) 12,641
Balance at end of year $14,591
 $7,385
 $7,613
 $4,985
 $34,574
Individually evaluated for impairment 149
 21
 153
 103
 426
Collectively evaluated 14,442
 7,364
 7,460
 4,882
 34,148
Total $14,591
 $7,385
 $7,613
 $4,985
 $34,574



F-47

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans
Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
2018
Commercial
real estate
Commercial and
industrial loans
Residential
mortgages
ConsumerTotal
Balance at beginning of period$3,856 $1,125 $598 $335 $5,914 
Charged-off loans1,812 524 1,091 1,106 4,533 
Recoveries on charged-off loans294 286 51 417 1,048 
Provision/(releases) for loan losses815 177 1,072 837 2,901 
Balance at end of period$3,153 $1,064 $630 $483 $5,330 
Individually evaluated for impairment36 48 97 
Collectively evaluated3,144 1,060 594 435 5,233 
Total$3,153 $1,064 $630 $483 $5,330 
F-50
(In thousands)
2017
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $2,303
 $1,164
 $766
 $536
 $4,769
Charged-off loans 771
 844
 797
 648
 3,060
Recoveries on charged-off loans 65
 245
 43
 153
 506
Provision for loan losses 2,259
 560
 586
 294
 3,699
Balance at end of year $3,856
 $1,125
 $598
 $335
 $5,914
Individually evaluated for impairment 56
 1
 9
 45
 111
Collectively evaluated 3,800
 1,124
 589
 290
 5,803
Total $3,856
 $1,125
 $598
 $335
 $5,914

Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
2016
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $1,903
 $1,330
 $976
 $525
 $4,734
Charged-off loans 977
 1,095
 829
 620
 3,521
Recoveries on charged-off loans 61
 266
 144
 91
 562
Provision for loan losses 1,316
 663
 475
 540
 2,994
Balance at end of year $2,303
 $1,164
 $766
 $536
 $4,769
Individually evaluated for impairment 250
 59
 11
 114
 434
Collectively evaluated 2,053
 1,105
 755
 422
 4,335
Total $2,303
 $1,164
 $766
 $536
 $4,769

Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
2015
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $790
 $1,093
 $615
 $369
 $2,867
Charged-off loans 681
 752
 642
 992
 3,067
Recoveries on charged-off loans 418
 289
 64
 78
 849
Provision for loan losses 1,376
 700
 939
 1,070
 4,085
Balance at end of year $1,903
 $1,330
 $976
 $525
 $4,734
Individually evaluated for impairment 43
 
 30
 25
 98
Purchased credit-impaired loans 42
 
 
 
 42
Collectively evaluated 1,818
 1,330
 946
 500
 4,594
Total $1,903
 $1,330
 $976
 $525
 $4,734

F-48

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 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-49

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables present the Company’s loans by risk rating at year-end 2017 and 2016:December 31, 2019:


Business Activities Loans


Commercial Real Estate
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
 Construction Single and multi-family Real Estate Total commercial real estateDecember 31, 2019
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016(In thousands)ConstructionReal EstateTotal Commercial Real Estate
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Grade:   
Pass $181,371
 $253,302
 $214,289
 $189,310
 $1,775,091
 $1,434,762
 $2,170,751
 $1,877,374
Pass$382,014 $2,354,375 $2,736,389 
Special mention 
 
 504
 334
 12,999
 5,827
 13,503
 6,161
Special mention12,167 12,167 
Substandard 
 
 2,290
 2,175
 31,163
 40,598
 33,453
 42,773
Substandard48,400 48,400 
Doubtful 
 
 
 
 
 36
 
 36
Total $181,371
 $253,302
 $217,083
 $191,819
 $1,819,253
 $1,481,223
 $2,217,707
 $1,926,344
Total$382,014 $2,414,942 $2,796,956 
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

December 31, 2019
(In thousands)Total Commercial and Industrial Loans
Grade:
Pass$1,366,342 
Special mention50,072 
Substandard24,112 
Doubtful2,091 
Total$1,442,617 
Residential Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
 1-4 family Construction Total residential mortgagesDecember 31, 2019
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016(In thousands)1-4 FamilyConstructionTotal Residential Mortgages
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
Grade:   
Pass $1,805,596
 $1,578,913
 $5,177
 $11,178
 $1,810,773
 $1,590,091
Pass$2,139,753 $4,641 $2,144,394 
Special mention 242
 701
 
 
 242
 701
Special mention714 714 
Substandard 2,186
 4,179
 
 
 2,186
 4,179
Substandard3,350 3,350 
Total $1,808,024
 $1,583,793
 $5,177
 $11,178
 $1,813,201
 $1,594,971
Total$2,143,817 $4,641 $2,148,458 
Consumer Loans
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity
 Home equity Auto and other Total consumerDecember 31, 2019
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016(In thousands)Home EquityAuto and OtherTotal Consumer Loans
Performing $293,327
 $310,846
 $602,313
 $477,416
 $895,640
 $788,262
Performing$272,772 $501,871 $774,643 
Nonperforming 1,627
 2,675
 1,454
 952
 3,081
 3,627
Nonperforming1,095 2,728 3,823 
Total $294,954
 $313,521
 $603,767
 $478,368
 $898,721
 $791,889
Total$273,867 $504,599 $778,466 
F-50
F-51

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans

Commercial Real Estate
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
December 31, 2019
(In thousands)ConstructionReal EstateTotal Commercial Real Estate
Grade:   
Pass$46,396 $1,130,333 $1,176,729 
Special mention5,993 5,993 
Substandard1,396 53,195 54,591 
Total$47,792 $1,189,521 $1,237,313 
  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

December 31, 2019
(In thousands)Total Commercial and Industrial Loans
Grade:
Pass$373,744 
Special mention4,404 
Substandard19,743 
Total$397,891 
Residential Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
 1-4 family Construction Total residential mortgagesDecember 31, 2019
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016(In thousands)1-4 FamilyConstructionTotal Residential Mortgages
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
Grade:   
Pass $281,160
 $294,983
 $233
 $804
 $281,393
 $295,787
Pass$528,282 $3,478 $531,760 
Special mention 2,704
 343
 
 
 2,704
 343
Special mention592 592 
Substandard 5,509
 2,029
 
 
 5,509
 2,029
Substandard4,662 4,662 
Total $289,373
 $297,355
 $233
 $804
 $289,606
 $298,159
Total$533,536 $3,478 $537,014 
Consumer Loans
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity
 Home equity Auto and other Total consumerDecember 31, 2019
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016(In thousands)Home EquityAuto and OtherTotal Consumer Loans
Performing $113,262
 $79,762
 $113,510
 $105,117
 $226,772
 $184,879
Performing$106,007 $56,724 $162,731 
Nonperforming 1,965
 517
 392
 895
 2,357
 1,412
Nonperforming717 265 982 
Total $115,227
 $80,279
 $113,902
 $106,012
 $229,129
 $186,291
Total$106,724 $56,989 $163,713 
F-51
F-52

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table summarizes information about total loans rated Special Mention or lower.lower at December 31, 2019. 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, 2019
(In thousands)Business
Activities Loans
Acquired LoansTotal
Non-Accrual$32,536 $7,104 $39,640 
Substandard Accruing49,293 73,131 122,424 
Total Classified81,829 80,235 162,064 
Special Mention63,943 11,341 75,284 
Total Criticized$145,772 $91,576 $237,348 

  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Business
Activities Loans
 Acquired Loans Total Business
Activities Loans
 Acquired Loans Total
Non-Accrual $15,659
 $7,240
 $22,899
 $16,816
 $5,424
 $22,240
Substandard Accruing 36,846
 73,412
 110,258
 51,125
 44,177
 95,302
Total Classified 52,505
 80,652
 133,157
 67,941
 49,601
 117,542
Special Mention 28,387
 26,802
 55,189
 7,479
 4,323
 11,802
Total Criticized $80,892
 $107,454
 $188,346
 $75,420
 $53,924
 $129,344


NOTE 8.7.    PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
Year-end premises and equipment are summarized as follows:
(In thousands)20202019Estimated Useful
Life
Land$17,716 $17,816 N/A
Buildings and improvements113,853 116,997 5 - 39 years
Furniture and equipment (1)
63,590 64,044 3 - 7 years
Construction in process (1)
4,035 1,580  
Premises and equipment, gross199,194 200,437  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1)
(86,531)(78,966) 
Premises and equipment, net$112,663 $121,471  
Premises and equipment, net from discontinued operations1,073 
Premises and equipment, net from continuing operations$112,663 $120,398 
(In thousands) 2017 2016 Estimated Useful
Life
Land $14,177
 $10,563
 N/A
Buildings and improvements 99,821
 85,319
 5 - 39 years
Furniture and equipment 49,600
 42,693
 3 - 7 years
Construction in process 5,177
 4,084
  
Premises and equipment, gross 168,775
 142,659
  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (59,423) (49,444)  
Premises and equipment, net $109,352
 $93,215
  
(1)         Includes premises and equipment classified as discontinued operations. See Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for more information.
 
Depreciation and amortization expense including discontinued operations for the years 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 20152018 amounted to $9.9$12.5 million, $8.4$11.8 million,, and $8.6$10.8 million, respectively.

F-52
F-53

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 9.8.    GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES


Goodwill and other intangible assets are presented in the tables below. The Company completedhad 0 acquisition during 2020. There was one acquisition during 2017 which resulted in the capitalization of goodwill and other intangibles.2019. 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 were three acquisitions during 2016. The goodwill balance is allocated to the consolidated Company. The activity impacting goodwill in 20172020 and 20162019 is as follows:
(In thousands) 2017 2016(In thousands)20202019
Balance, beginning of the period $403,106
 $323,943
Balance, beginning of the period$553,762 $518,325 
Goodwill acquired and adjusted:    Goodwill acquired and adjusted:
Commerce Bank 116,181
 
44 Business Capital 
 15,892
Ronald N. Lazzaro, PC 
 5,492
First Choice Bank 
 58,036
SI Financial Group, Inc.SI Financial Group, Inc.36,379 
Adjustments (1) 
 (257)Adjustments (1)(942)
ImpairmentImpairment(553,762)
Balance, end of the period $519,287
 $403,106
Balance, end of the period$$553,762 

(1)In 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.

(1)In 2019, goodwill related to the SI Financial Group acquisition was adjusted to reflect new information available during the one-year measurement period.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that there may be an impairment. The Company tests goodwill impairment annually as of SeptemberJune 30 2017 using thirdsecond quarter data.

The resultsCompany compares the fair value of the qualitative assessment indicated it is more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value exceedsunit with its carrying amount, and accordingly,including goodwill. If the two-stepcarrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment testloss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The fair value of the reporting unit was not performed. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment is possible,determined using the guideline public company method. As a result of the assessment, the Company will perform additional reviews. Norecognized a full goodwill impairment during the year ended December 31, 2020. NaN impairment was recorded on goodwill for 2017, 20162019.

The primary causes of the goodwill impairment were economic and 2015.industry conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic that caused volatility and reductions in the market capitalization of the Company and its peer banks, increased loan provision estimates, increased discount rates and other changes in variables driven by the uncertain macro-environment that resulted in the estimated fair value of the reporting unit being less than the reporting unit’s carrying value.



F-54

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The components of other intangible assets are as follows:
(In thousands)Gross Intangible
Assets
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Intangible
Assets
December 31, 2020   
Non-maturity deposits (core deposit intangible) (1)
$77,213 $(45,257)$31,956 
Insurance contracts7,558 (7,558)
All other intangible assets7,866 (5,003)2,863 
Total$92,637 $(57,818)$34,819 
December 31, 2019   
Non-maturity deposits (core deposit intangible)$84,903 $(42,663)$42,240 
Insurance contracts7,558 (7,553)
All other intangible assets7,866 (4,496)3,370 
Total$100,327 $(54,712)$45,615 
(In thousands) 
Gross Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Intangible
Assets
December 31, 2017  
  
  
Non-maturity deposits (core deposit intangible) $66,923
 $(33,024) $33,899
Insurance contracts 7,558
 (7,526) 32
All other intangible assets 7,810
 (3,445) 4,365
Total $82,291
 $(43,995) $38,296
December 31, 2016  
  
  
Non-maturity deposits (core deposit intangible) $44,523
 $(30,099) $14,424
Insurance contracts 7,558
 (7,504) 54
All other intangible assets 7,866
 (2,899) 4,967
Total $59,947
 $(40,502) $19,445
(1)As of December 31, 2020, the Company reclassified $4.6 million of net core deposit intangible to held-for-sale related to the assets and liabilities associated with the Mid-Atlantic branch sale.


Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis over their estimated lives, which range from four to fifteen years.years. Amortization expense related to intangibles totaled $3.5$6.2 million in 2017, $2.92020, $5.8 million in 2016,2019, and $3.6$4.9 million in 2015.2018.


The estimated aggregate future amortization expense for intangible assets remaining at year-end 20172020 is as follows: 2018- $4.9 million; 2019- $4.7 million; 2020- $4.4 million; 2021- $4.2$5.3 million; 2022- $4.1$5.1 million; 2023- $4.8 million; 2024- $4.6 million; 2025- $4.5 million; and thereafter- $16.0$10.6 million. For the years 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015, no2018, 0 impairment charges were identified for the Company’s intangible assets.

F-55
F-53

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 10.9.    OTHER ASSETS


Year-end other assets are summarized as follows:
(In thousands)20202019
Capitalized servicing rights (1)
$16,348 $26,451 
Accrued interest receivable46,919 36,462 
Accrued federal and state tax receivable40,751 23,786 
Right-of-use assets (1)
60,018 76,332 
Derivative assets (1)
160,071 80,190 
Deferred tax asset46,370 51,165 
Other (1)
16,753 18,381 
Total other assets$387,230 $312,767 
Total other assets from discontinued operations23,822 
Total other assets from continuing operations$387,230 $288,945 
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Capitalized servicing rights $16,361
 $11,524
Accrued interest receivable 33,739
 26,113
Accrued federal and state tax receivable (1) 33,101
 19,076
Derivative assets 19,308
 21,617
Assets held for sale 1,392
 
Other 13,182
 20,127
Total other assets $117,083
 $98,457
(1)     Includes other assets classified as discontinued operations. See Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for more information.
(1)Accrued federal and state tax receivable as of December 31, 2017 includes $4.3 million of New York State refundable tax credits from investment in historical tax credit partnerships in New York State. This balance was $5.9 million at year-end 2016.


The Bank sells loans in the secondary market and retains the abilityright to service many of these loans. The Bank earns fees for the servicing provided. Loans sold and serviced for others from continuing operations amounted to $1.8$1.5 billion, $1.3$1.7 billion, and $1.4 billion at year-end 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Loans sold and serviced for others from discontinued operations amounted to $0.6 billion, $1.4 billion, and $0.8 billion at year-end 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015, respectively.2018. Loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.Consolidated Balance Sheets. The risks inherent in servicing assets relate primarily to changes in prepayments that result from shifts in interest rates. Contractually specified servicing fees from continuing operations were $4.6$5.5 million, $3.2$5.6 million, and $1.7$4.6 million for the years 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively, and included as a component of loan related fees within non-interest income. TheContractually specified servicing fees from discontinued operations were $2.1 million, $1.9 million, and $1.0 million for the years 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, and included as a component of other income in Note 2 - Discontinued Operations. Refer to Note 20 - Fair Value Measurements for significant assumptions and inputs used in the valuation at year-end 2017 included a weighted average discount rate of 10.4% and pre-payment speed assumptions ranging from 7.78% to 12.78%.2020.


Servicing rights activity was as follows:
(In thousands)20202019
Balance at beginning of year$26,451 $23,376 
Additions3,875 16,837 
Amortization(3,761)(3,240)
Change in fair value(9,266)(5,822)
Allowance adjustment(951)(4,700)
Balance at end of year (1)
$16,348 $26,451 
(1)As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the servicing rights included in the total balance accounted for at fair value were $3.0 million and $12.3 million, respectively.


F-56
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Balance at beginning of year $11,524
 $5,187
Acquired from 44 Business Capital 
 3,489
Acquired from First Choice Bank (1) 
 696
Additions 7,604
 4,116
Amortization (2,446) (1,964)
Change in fair value (221) 
Allowance adjustment (100) 
Balance at end of year $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.

F-54


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11.10.    DEPOSITS
 
A summary of year-end time deposits is as follows:
(In thousands) 2017 2016(In thousands)20202019
Maturity date:  
  
Maturity date:  
Within 1 year $1,790,056
 $1,316,973
Within 1 year$1,582,492 $2,734,870 
Over 1 year to 2 years 546,381
 582,764
Over 1 year to 2 years545,100 582,622 
Over 2 years to 3 years 268,897
 142,160
Over 2 years to 3 years171,810 145,976 
Over 3 years to 4 years 161,314
 150,388
Over 3 years to 4 years32,358 90,731 
Over 4 years to 5 years 121,400
 137,845
Over 4 years to 5 years51,073 33,754 
Over 5 years 2,157
 3,413
Over 5 years2,252 1,416 
Total $2,890,205
 $2,333,543
Total$2,385,085 $3,589,369 
Account balances:  
  
Account balances:  
Less than $100,000 $733,785
 $656,055
Less than $100,000$663,324 $905,190 
$100,000 or more 2,156,420
 1,677,488
$100,000 through $250,000$100,000 through $250,0001,219,210 2,027,717 
$250,000 or more$250,000 or more502,551 656,462 
Total $2,890,205
 $2,333,543
Total$2,385,085 $3,589,369 
 
Included in total deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are brokered deposits of $1.2$0.6 billion and $0.9$1.2 billion at December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively. IncludedAlso included in total brokered deposits are reciprocal deposits of $99.8$119.0 million and $113.4$91.7 million at December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Included in total deposits are2019, respectively, as well as related party deposits of $36.0$177.2 million and $17.2$63.9 million at December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively.

F-57
F-55

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 12.11.    BORROWED FUNDS
 
Borrowed funds at December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 are summarized, as follows:
 2017 2016 20202019
(in thousands, except rates) Principal Weighted
Average
Rate
 Principal Weighted
Average
Rate
(in thousands, except rates)PrincipalWeighted
Average
Rate
PrincipalWeighted
Average
Rate
Short-term borrowings:  
  
  
  
Short-term borrowings:    
Advances from the FHLBB $667,300
 1.48% $1,072,044
 0.71%Advances from the FHLBB$40,000 1.05 %$125,000 2.06 %
Other Borrowings 
 
 10,000
 2.42
Total short-term borrowings: 667,300
 1.48
 1,082,044
 0.72
Total short-term borrowings:40,000 1.05 125,000 2.06 
Long-term borrowings:  
  
  
  
Long-term borrowings:    
Advances from the FHLBB 380,436
 1.54
 142,792
 1.53
Advances from the FHLBB434,357 1.89 605,501 2.16 
Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility ("PPPLF")Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility ("PPPLF")
Subordinated notes 73,875
 7.00
 73,697
 7.00
Subordinated notes74,411 7.00 74,232 7.00 
Junior subordinated notes 15,464
 3.30
 15,464
 2.77
Junior subordinated borrowing - Trust IJunior subordinated borrowing - Trust I15,464 2.06 15,464 3.76 
Junior subordinated borrowing - Trust IIJunior subordinated borrowing - Trust II7,405 1.92 7,353 3.59 
Total long-term borrowings: 469,775
 2.46
 231,953
 3.35
Total long-term borrowings:531,637 2.61 702,550 2.72 
Total $1,137,075
 1.88% $1,313,997
 1.19%Total$571,637 2.50 %$827,550 2.62 %
 
Short-term debt includes Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) advances with an original maturity of less than one year. At year-end 2017,2020, the Company maintained a short-term line-of-credit drawdown through a correspondent bank.bank with 0 balance outstanding. 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 no0 outstanding balance on the FHLBB line of credit for the periods ended December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016.2019. The Bank's available borrowing capacity with the FHLB was $1.0 billion and $1.6 billion for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The Company iswas in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2017.2020.
 
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. NoNaN borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston took place for the periods ended December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016.2019. As a participant in the SBA Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP"), the Bank may pledge originated loans as collateral at face value to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for term financings. As of December 31, 2020, the Bank had no pledged PPP loans. The Bank's available borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve Bank was $815.6 million and $201.3 million for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.


Long-term FHLBB advances consist of advances with an original maturity of more than one year.year and are subject to
prepayment penalties. The advances outstanding at December 31, 2017 include2020 included callable advances totaling $10 million and amortizing advances totaling $1.4$5.2 million. The advances outstanding at December 31, 2016 include2019 included callable advances totaling $11.0$10 million and amortizing advances totaling $1.2$4.4 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.



F-58

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A summary of maturities of FHLBB advances at year-end 20172020 is as follows:
 2020
(In thousands)AmountWeighted
Average Rate
Fixed rate advances maturing:  
2021$395,475 1.80 %
202258,489 1.92 
202310,916 2.17 
202454 
2025 and beyond9,423 1.63 
Total FHLBB advances$474,357 1.82 %
  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%

F-56

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Company did not0t have variable-rate FHLB advances for the period ended December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016.2019.


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$215 thousand and $706$338 thousand for unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, 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 3.30%2.06% and 2.77%3.76% at December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, 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 shareholders 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 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.


The Company holds 100% of the common stock of SI Capital Trust II (“Trust II”) which is included in other assets

with a cost of $0.2 million. The sole asset of Trust II is $8.2 million of the Company’s junior subordinated
debentures due in 2036. These debentures bear interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.70% and had a rate
of 1.92% and 3.59% at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 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 shareholders 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. Trust II is considered a variable interest entity for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, Trust II is not consolidated into the Company’s financial statements.




F-59

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 13.12.    OTHER LIABILITIES


Year-end other liabilities are summarized as follows:
(In thousands)20202019
Derivative liabilities$65,758 $80,681 
Capital and financing lease obligations10,383 10,883 
Asset purchase settlement payable (1)
189 
Employee benefits liability38,830 44,781 
Operating lease liabilities (1)
63,894 80,734 
Accrued interest payable3,867 11,625 
Customer transaction clearing accounts11,261 4,310 
Other (1)
38,737 60,676 
Total other liabilities$232,730 $293,879 
Total other liabilities from discontinued operations26,481 
Total other liabilities from continuing operations$232,730 $267,398 
(1)     Includes other liabilities classified as discontinued operations. See Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for more information.

60
  December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Derivative liabilities $15,838
 $24,420
Capital lease obligation 11,323
 11,639
Asset purchase settlement payable 70,637
 29,158
Employee benefits liability 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 41,294
 36,789
Total other liabilities $187,882
 $133,155

F-57

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14.13.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
Pension 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, no0 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, 2017,2020, all minimum Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) funding requirements have been met.


Information regarding the pension plan is as follows:
December 31,
(In thousands)20202019
Change in projected benefit obligation:  
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$5,848 $5,669 
Service Cost66 72 
Interest cost178 228 
Actuarial loss519 542 
Benefits paid(337)(333)
Settlements(153)(330)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year6,121 5,848 
Accumulated benefit obligation6,121 5,848 
Change in fair value of plan assets:  
Fair value of plan assets at plan beginning of year5,799 5,522 
Actual return on plan assets740 940 
Contributions by employer
Benefits paid(337)(333)
Settlements(153)(330)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year6,049 5,799 
Underfunded status$72 $49 
  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 on Consolidated Balance Sheets
Other Liabilities$72 $49 
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet    
Other Liabilities $907
 $1,005


Net periodic pension cost is comprised of the following:
 December 31,December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016(In thousands)20202019
Service Cost $66
 $76
Service Cost$66 $72 
Interest Cost 237
 267
Interest Cost178 228 
Expected return on plan assets (346) (361)Expected return on plan assets(393)(373)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss 100
 163
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss94 117 
Net periodic pension costs $57
 $145
Net periodic pension costs$(55)$44 
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Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
December 31,
(In thousands)20202019
Amortization of actuarial (loss)$(94)$(117)
Actuarial (gain) loss171 (25)
Settlement charge(70)
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income77 (212)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost recognized and other comprehensive income$22 $(168)
  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 $1.3 million and $1.5$1.2 million in 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.


The Company expects todid not make noany cash contributions to the pension trust during 2018.2020 and 2019. The Company does 0t expect to make any cash contributions in 2021. The amount expected to be amortized from other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year is $83$103 thousand.


The principal actuarial assumptions used wereare as follows:
 December 31,December 31,
 2017 2016 20202019
Projected benefit obligation  
  
Projected benefit obligation  
Discount rate 3.510% 3.980%Discount rate2.35 %3.15 %
Net periodic pension cost  
  
Net periodic pension cost  
Discount rate 3.980% 4.170%Discount rate3.15 %4.16 %
Long term rate of return on plan assets 7.000% 7.000%Long term rate of return on plan assets7.00 %7.00 %
 
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-AFTSE Pension Discount 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’("LTGE"), 34% intermediate-term investment grade bonds via investment in the Long-Term Growth - Fixed-Income Portfolio (‘LTGFI’("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).


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The fair valuesvalue of the Plan’s assets by category and level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows at December 31, 2017:
  December 31, 2017
Asset Category (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2
Equity Mutual Funds:    
  
Large-Cap $1,820
 $
 $1,820
Mid-Cap 439
 
 439
Small-Cap 438
 
 438
International 893
 
 893
Fixed Income Funds      
Fixed Income - US Core 1,308
 
 1,308
Intermediate Duration 437
 
 437
Cash Equivalents - money market 111
 29
 82
Total $5,446
 $29
 $5,417

The fair values of the Plan’s assets by category2020 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
2019. The Plan did not hold any assets classified as Level 3, andnor were there were no transfers between levels during 2017 or 2016.any transfers.
December 31, 2020
Asset Category (In thousands)TotalLevel 1Level 2
Equity Mutual Funds:  
Large-Cap$1,996 $$1,996 
Mid-Cap519 519 
Small-Cap500 500 
International1,049 1,049 
Fixed Income - US Core1,403 1,403 
Intermediate Duration470 470 
Cash Equivalents - money market112 38 74 
Total$6,049 $38 $6,011 
December 31, 2019
Asset Category (In thousands)TotalLevel 1Level 2
Equity Mutual Funds:   
Large-Cap$1,900 $$1,900 
Mid-Cap453 453 
Small-Cap429 429 
International828 828 
Fixed Income - US Core1,535 1,535 
Intermediate Duration517 517 
Cash Equivalents - money market137 60 77 
Total$5,799 $60 $5,739 
 
Estimated benefit payments under the Company’s pension plans over the next ten10 years at December 31, 20172020 are as follows:
YearPayments (In thousands)
2021370 
2022382 
2023367 
2024357 
2025 - 20301,888 
Year Payments (In thousands)
2018 343
2019 380
2020 372
2021 361
2022 386
2023 - 2027 1,792


Multi-Employer Pension Plan
As a result of the Company's acquisition of SI Financial Group, Inc. (“SIFI”), the Company participates in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (the “Plan”), a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. The Plan operates as a multiple-employer plan under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, and as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes. The Plan was frozen effective September 6, 2013. The Company made contributions of $377 thousand in 2020. As of July 1, 2020, the Plan held assets with a market value of $4.5 million and liabilities with a market value of $7.9 million. The funded status (market value of plan assets divided by funding target) of the Plan, was greater than 80% as of July 1, 2020, as required by federal and state regulations. Market value of the Plan's assets reflects contributions received through June 30, 2020. There are no collective bargaining agreements in place that require contributions to the Plan by the Company. The Plan is a single plan under the Internal Revenue Code and, as a result, all of the assets stand behind all of the liabilities. Accordingly, contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers.
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Postretirement Benefits
The Company hasmaintains an unfunded post-retirementpostretirement 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 planpostretirement plans is as follows:
December 31,
(In thousands)20202019
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:  
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at beginning of year$4,039 $3,422 
Service Cost39 38 
Interest cost129 142 
Participant contributions
Actuarial loss507 565 
Benefits paid(73)(128)
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at end of year$4,641 $4,039 
Change in plan assets:  
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$$
Contributions by employer73 128 
Contributions by participant
Benefits paid(73)(128)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year$$
  December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:  
  
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at beginning of year $3,249
 $3,039
Service Cost 35
 32
Interest cost 131
 129
Participant contributions 46
 47
Actuarial loss (gain) 326
 130
Benefits paid (94) (128)
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at end of year $3,693
 $3,249
     
Change in plan assets:  
  
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $
 $
Contributions by employer 48
 81
Contributions by participant 46
 47
Benefits paid (94) (128)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $
 $
Amounts Recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheets  
Other Liabilities$4,641 $4,039 
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet  
  
Other Liabilities $3,693
 $3,249


Net periodic post-retirement cost is comprised of the following:
December 31,
(In thousands)20202019
Service cost$39 $38 
Interest costs129 142 
Amortization of net prior service credit84 83 
Amortization of net actuarial loss12 
Net periodic post-retirement costs$264 $263 
  December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Service cost $35
 $32
Interest costs 131
 129
Amortization of net prior service credit 83
 83
Amortization of net actuarial loss 
 
Net periodic post-retirement costs $249
 $244



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Changes in benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
 December 31,December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016(In thousands)20202019
Amortization of actuarial loss $
 $
Amortization of prior service credit (83) (83)Amortization of prior service credit$(84)$(83)
Net actuarial (gain) loss 199
 (126)
Net actuarial loss (gain)Net actuarial loss (gain)496 374 
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income 116
 (209)Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income412 291 
Accrued post-retirement liability recognized $1,918
 $1,718
Accrued post-retirement liability recognized$4,641 $4,039 
 
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,December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016(In thousands)20202019
Net prior service cost (credit) $1,576
 $1,659
Net prior service cost (credit)$1,325 $1,409 
Net actuarial (gain) loss 199
 (126)
Net actuarial loss (gain)Net actuarial loss (gain)869 374 
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $1,775
 $1,533
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income$2,194 $1,783 
 
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-AFTSE Pension Discount Curve as of the measurement date.


The assumed discount rates on a weighted-average basis were 3.44%2.16% and 3.91%3.06% as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively. The assumed health care cost trendCompany has fixed contributions, therefore, the annual rate of increase in healthcare costs is not used in measuring the accumulated post-retirement benefit medical obligation is expected to be 7.75% for 2018, and is gradually expected to decrease to 3.89% by 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, 2017.obligation.


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, 20172020 are as follows:
Year Payments (In thousands)
2018 103
2019 103
2020 102
2021 106
2022 109
2023 - 2027 548

YearPayments (In thousands)
2021123 
2022121 
2023118 
2024117 
2025 - 2030642 
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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$3.5 million in 2017,2020, $4.1 million in 2019, and $3.9 million in 2016, and $3.6 million in 2015.2018.


Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)
As part of acquisitionsthe SI Financial acquisition in 2015, 2012 and two during 2011,2019, the Company acquired an ESOP plansplan that werewas frozen and terminated prior to the completion of those transactions.the transaction. On the acquisition dates,date, all amounts in the plansplan were vested and the loansloan under the plans werewas repaid from the sale proceeds of unallocated shares.

Other Plans
The Company maintains a supplemental executive retirement planplans (“SERP”SERPs”) for a few select current and former 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. Somesum at the executive’s option. Most of these SERPs were assumed in connection with the Beacon acquisition in 2012. A SERP was acquired in connection with the Hampden Bank acquisition with an accrued liability of $1.4 million at acquisition date.acquisitions. At year-end 2017, the liability was $1.1 million2020 and $1.2 million at year-end 2016.

At year-end 2017 and 2016,2019, the accrued liability for these SERPs were $8.3was $20.1 million and $7.4$20.3 million, respectively. SERP expense was $968 thousand$2.0 million in 2017, $917 thousand2020, $0.9 million in 2016,2019, and $752 thousand$0.6 million in 2015,2018, and is recognized over the required service period.


During 2020, the Company released $0.9 million of accrued SERP liability, following a transition in the Company's Chief Executive Officer position. The Company assumed split-dollar life insurance agreements withseparation agreement did not entitle the acquisition of Hampden Bank with an accrued liability of $860 thousand at acquisition dateformer executive to any future benefits, including the associated SERP, other than those described in April 2015. At year-end 2017, the liability was $1.2 million and $1.2 million as of year-end 2016.agreement.

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 arrangements pertaining to certain current and prior executives.former executives and directors. Under these arrangements, the Company purchased policies insuring the lives of the executives and directors, and separately entered into agreements to split the policy benefits with the executive.individuals. There are no post-retirement benefits associated with these policies.

The Company also assumed split-dollar life insurance agreements from multiple prior acquisitions. The accrued liability for these split-dollar arrangements was $7.9 million as of year-end 2020 and $7.1 million as of year-end 2019.
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NOTE 15.14.    INCOME TAXES
 
Provision for Income Taxes
The components of the Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 20152018 were, as follows: 
(In thousands)202020192018
Current:   
Federal tax (benefit)/expense$(19,889)$16,576 $12,634 
State tax (benefit)/expense(3,976)5,323 4,114 
Total current tax (benefit)/expense (1)
(23,865)21,899 16,748 
Deferred:   
Federal tax expense2,048 908 8,443 
State tax expense/(benefit)1,964 (344)3,770 
Total deferred tax expense4,012 564 12,213 
Change in valuation allowance
Income tax (benefit)/expense from continuing operations$(19,853)$22,463 $28,961 
Income tax (benefit) from discontinued operations(7,013)(1,468)(1,313)
Total$(26,866)$20,995 $27,648 
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Current:  
  
  
Federal tax expense $11,686
 $6,758
 $4,696
State tax expense 1,112
 1,101
 (1,631)
Total current expense 12,798
 7,859
 3,065
Deferred:  
  
  
Federal tax expense 29,824
 9,438
 2,023
State tax expense 1,805
 1,591
 (24)
Total deferred tax expense (1) 31,629
 11,029
 1,999
Change in valuation allowance 75
 (104) 
Total income tax expense $44,502
 $18,784
 $5,064
(1)    On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was signed into law. The CARES Act includes several provisions that temporarily modify the corporate net operating loss (“NOL”) carryback rules for federal income tax purposes. Specifically, the CARES Act allows a five-year carryback of any NOL generated in a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2021. The Company recorded a $6 million federal income tax benefit in 2020 resulting from the carryback of its 2020 NOL to recover federal income taxes paid in 2015 through 2017 at a 35% federal income tax rate.
(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, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015:2018: 
 202020192018
(In thousands, except rates)AmountRateAmountRateAmountRate
Statutory tax rate$(111,936)21.0 %$26,037 21.0 %$29,018 21.0 %
Increase (decrease) resulting from:      
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit(1,589)0.3 3,641 2.9 7,081 5.1 
Tax exempt income - investments, net(3,184)0.6 (3,527)(2.8)(3,620)(2.6)
Bank-owned life insurance(1,283)0.3 (1,305)(1.1)(1,337)(1.0)
Goodwill impairment103,912 (19.5)
Non-deductible merger costs122 0.1 181 0.1 
Tax credits, net of basis reduction(1,812)0.3 (3,531)(2.8)(3,574)(2.6)
Tax rate benefit on net operating loss carryback(6,040)1.1 
Other, net2,079 (0.4)1,026 0.8 1,212 0.9 
Effective tax rate$(19,853)3.7 %$22,463 18.1 %$28,961 20.9 %
  2017 2016 2015
(In thousands, except rates) Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate
Statutory tax rate $34,912
 35.0 % $27,108
 35.0 % $19,104
 35.0 %
Increase (decrease) resulting from:  
  
  
  
  
  
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit 2,232
 2.2
 1,675
 2.2
 (974) (1.8)
Tax exempt income - investments, net (5,395) (5.4) (3,849) (5.0) (3,463) (6.3)
Bank-owned life insurance (1,556) (1.6) (1,364) (1.8) (1,284) (2.4)
Non-deductible merger costs 368
 0.4
 542
 0.7
 422
 0.8
Non-deductible goodwill on disposal operations sale 
 
 
 
 313
 0.6
Tax credits, net of basis reduction (4,656) (4.7) (6,225) (8.0) (8,308) (15.2)
Change in valuation allowance 75
 0.1
 125
 0.2
 
 
Impact of federal tax reform enactment 18,145
 18.2
 
 
 
 
Other, net 377
 0.4
 772
 1.0
 (746) (1.4)
Effective tax rate $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 LiabilitiesAssets and AssetsLiabilities
As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were, as follows:
(In thousands) 2017 2016(In thousands)20202019
Deferred tax assets:  
  
Deferred tax assets:  
Allowance for loan losses $14,578
 $17,747
Tax credit carryforwards 4,100
 4,100
Allowance for credit lossesAllowance for credit losses$35,650 $17,446 
Unrealized capital loss on tax credit investments 6,502
 6,999
Unrealized capital loss on tax credit investments2,360 6,195 
Employee benefit plans 4,983
 7,813
Employee benefit plans7,607 10,565 
Purchase accounting adjustments 37,843
 23,520
Purchase accounting adjustments8,843 39,359 
Net operating loss carryforwards 1,374
 2,643
Net operating loss carryforwards1,753 951 
Lease liabilityLease liability20,119 22,497 
Premises and equipmentPremises and equipment1,097 739 
Nonaccrual interestNonaccrual interest1,780 587 
Other 2,332
 4,997
Other1,733 501 
Deferred tax assets, net before valuation allowances 71,712
 67,819
Deferred tax assets, net before valuation allowances80,942 98,840 
Valuation allowance (200) (125)Valuation allowance(200)(200)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances $71,512
 $67,694
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances$80,742 $98,640 
    
Deferred tax liabilities:  
  
Deferred tax liabilities:  
Net unrealized gain on swaps, securities available for sale, and pension in OCI $(1,888) $(5,884)
Premises and equipment (1,126) (2,519)
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale and pension in OCINet unrealized gain on securities available for sale and pension in OCI$(10,602)$(4,244)
Loan servicing rights (2,174) (4,546)Loan servicing rights(1,674)(4,669)
Deferred loan fees (3,900) 
Deferred loan fees(368)(1,667)
Intangible amortization (15,001) (11,543)Intangible amortization(2,277)(18,557)
Other (362) (2,074)
Unamortized tax credit reserveUnamortized tax credit reserve(1,086)(1,142)
Right-of-use assetRight-of-use asset(18,365)(20,614)
Deferred tax liabilities $(24,451) $(26,566)Deferred tax liabilities$(34,372)$(50,893)
Deferred tax assets, net $47,061
 $41,128
Deferred tax assets, net$46,370 $47,747 
Deferred tax liabilities from discontinued operationsDeferred tax liabilities from discontinued operations$$(3,418)
Deferred tax assets, net from continuing operationsDeferred tax assets, net from continuing operations$46,370 $51,165 
 
The Company’s net deferred tax asset increaseddecreased by $5.9$1.4 million during 2017, including $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 an $18.1 million deferred tax expense to re-measure the net deferred tax assets as a result of the federal tax reform enactment. Refer to Note 2 - Acquisitions for more information about the acquisition of Commerce.2020.
 

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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.

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Valuation Allowances
The components of the Company’s valuation allowance on its deferred tax asset, net as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 were, as follows: 
(in thousands) 2017 2016(in thousands)20202019
State tax basis difference, net of Federal tax benefit $(200) $(125)State tax basis difference, net of Federal tax benefit$(200)$(200)
Valuation allowances $(200) $(125)Valuation allowances$(200)$(200)
 
The state tax basis difference, net of Federal tax benefit, was 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,There was 0 change in the valuation allowance increased by $75 thousand and the change was recorded as an increase to income tax expense.
during 2020. The valuation allowancesallowance as of December 31, 2017 are2020 is subject to change in the future as the Company continues to periodically assess the likelihood of realizing its deferred tax assets.


Tax Attributes
At December 31, 2017,2020, the Company has $6.5$4.5 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards, $3.3 million of New Jersey net operating loss carryforwards, and $13.9 million of Connecticut net operating loss 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 for 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 2024.2029. The related deferred tax asset is $1.4$1.0 million. In addition, the Company has alternative minimum tax credit

State net operating loss carryforwards of $4.0 million, which the Company expectsare expected to be monetized over the next two years.utilized in 2021. The related deferred tax asset is $803 thousand.


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, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015:2018:
(In thousands)202020192018
Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1$238 $467 $304 
Increase in gross amounts of tax positions related to prior years309 26 533 
Decrease in gross amounts of tax positions related to prior years(370)
Decrease due to settlement with taxing authority(185)
Decrease due to lapse in statute of limitations(31)(70)
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31$516 $238 $467 
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1 $460
 $307
 $553
Increase in gross amounts of tax positions related to prior years 
 270
 
Decrease in gross amounts of tax positions related to prior years (156) 
 
Decrease due to settlement with taxing authority 
 
 
Increase in gross amounts of tax positions related to current year 
 
 
Decrease due to lapse in statute of limitations 
 (117) (246)
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 $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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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 of income tax expense. The accrual for interest and penalties was not material for all years presented.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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. The Company is no longer subject to examination for tax years prior to 20142017including any related income tax filings from its recent acquisitions. The Company has been selected for audit in the state of New York for tax years 2013-2014.



2015-2017.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 16.15.    DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES


At year-end 2017,2020, the Company held derivatives with a total notional amount of $2.5$3.9 billion. The Company had economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives totaling $2.3$3.8 billion and $194.0$40.1 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 $1.9$3.5 billion, risk participation agreements with dealer banks of $142.1$326.9 million, and $276.6$11.5 million in forward commitment contracts. Forward sale commitments and commitments to lend are included in discontinued operations.


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, 2017.2020.


The Company pledged collateral to derivative counterparties in the form of cash totaling $2.1$75.1 million and securities with an amortized cost of $24.4$37.5 million and a fair value of $24.4$37.8 million at year-end 2017.2020. At December 31, 2016,2019, the Company pledged cash collateral of $0.9$96.3 million and securities with an amortized cost of $47.8$25.7 million and a fair value of $47.9$25.8 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, 20172020 follows:
 Notional
Amount
Weighted
Average
Maturity
Weighted Average RateEstimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
December 31, 2020ReceivedContract pay rate
 (In thousands)(In years)  (In thousands)
Economic hedges:     
Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond$8,654 8.90.52 %5.09 %$(1,778)
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers1,734,978 6.14.15 %1.95 %159,016 
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers1,734,978 6.11.95 %4.15 %(64,645)
Risk participation agreements with dealer banks326,862 8.0665 
Forward sale commitments11,544 0.2  320 
Total economic hedges3,817,016   93,578 
Non-hedging derivatives:    
Commitments to lend40,099 0.2  735 
Total non-hedging derivatives40,099    735 
Total$3,857,115    $94,313 
  
Notional
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Maturity
 Weighted Average Rate 
Estimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
December 31, 2017   Received Contract pay rate 
  (In thousands) (In years)     (In thousands)
Cash flow hedges:  
    
  
  
Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings $
 0 % % $
Total cash flow hedges 
    
  
 
           
Economic hedges:  
    
  
  
Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond 10,755
 11.9 1.73% 5.09% (1,649)
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers 943,795
 5.9 3.26% 4.25% (3,195)
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers 943,795
 5.9 4.25% 3.26% 3,204
Risk participation agreements with dealer banks 142,054
 8.4     (26)
Forward sale commitments 276,572
 0.2  
  
 (123)
Total economic hedges 2,316,971
    
  
 (1,789)
           
Non-hedging derivatives:  
    
  
  
Commitments to lend 193,966
 0.2  
  
 5,259
Total non-hedging derivatives 193,966
    
  
 5,259
Total $2,510,937
    
  
 $3,470




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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Information about interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative asset and liabilities at December 31, 20162019 follows:
 Notional
Amount
Weighted
Average
Maturity
Weighted Average RateEstimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
December 31, 2019ReceivedContract pay rate
 (In thousands)(In years)  (In thousands)
Economic hedges:     
Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond$9,390 9.92.08 %5.09 %$(1,488)
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers1,669,895 6.44.38 %3.28 %75,326 
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers1,669,895 6.43.28 %4.38 %(77,051)
Risk participation agreements with dealer banks315,140 7.5320 
Forward sale commitments (1)
237,412 0.2(227)
Total economic hedges3,901,732 (3,120)
Non-hedging derivatives:
Commitments to lend (1)
168,997 0.22,628 
Total non-hedging derivatives168,997 2,628 
Total$4,070,729 $(492)
  
Notional
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Maturity
 Weighted Average Rate 
Estimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
December 31, 2016   Received Contract pay rate 
  (In thousands) (In years)     (In thousands)
Cash flow hedges:  
    
  
  
Forward-starting interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings $300,000
 2.3 0.63% 2.29% $(6,573)
Total cash flow hedges 300,000
    
  
 (6,573)
  

 
 

 

 

Economic hedges:  
    
  
  
Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond 11,386
 12.9 0.98% 5.09% (2,021)
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers 668,541
 6.2 2.43% 4.21% (6,752)
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers 668,541
 6.2 4.21% 2.43% 7,077
Risk participation agreements with dealer banks 83,360
 11.6 

  
 5
Forward sale commitments 259,889
 0.2  
  
 722
Total economic hedges 1,691,717
    
  
 (969)
  

       

Non-hedging derivatives:  
    
  
  
Commitments to lend 208,145
 0.2  
  
 4,738
Total non-hedging derivatives 208,145
    
  
 4,738
  

       

Total $2,199,862
    
  
 $(2,804)

(1) Includes the impact of discontinued operations.
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Cash Flow Hedges
In 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 was reported in other comprehensive income. Each quarter, the Company assessed 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. Hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges was immaterial to the Company’s financial statements during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
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) 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)




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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Economic hedges
As of December 31, 20172020 the Company has an interest rate swap with a $10.8$8.7 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 loss adjustments arising from the difference in credit worthiness of the commercial loan and financial institution counterparties totaled $(316) thousand$1.5 million at year-end 2017.2020. 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. Forward sale commitments are
included in discontinued operations.
 
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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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Non-hedging derivatives
The Company enters into commitments 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. Commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for sale are considered derivative financial instruments under applicable accounting guidance. Outstanding commitments 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 commitments are free-standing derivatives which are carried at fair value with changes recorded in non-interest income in the Company’s consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of income.Operations. Changes in the fair value of commitments 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. Commitments to lend are included in discontinued operations.


Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of IncomeOperations related to economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives were as follows:
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015(In thousands)202020192018
Economic hedges  
  
  Economic hedges  
Interest rate swap on industrial revenue bond:  
  
  Interest rate swap on industrial revenue bond:  
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in other non-interest income $371
 $(75) $(344)
Unrealized (loss)/gain recognized in other non-interest incomeUnrealized (loss)/gain recognized in other non-interest income$(289)$(248)$409 
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:  
  
  Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:  
Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income 3,557
 1,312
 (4,852)
Unrealized gain/(loss) recognized in other non-interest incomeUnrealized gain/(loss) recognized in other non-interest income85,206 65,098 8,758 
(Unfavorable) change in credit valuation adjustment recognized in other non-interest income(Unfavorable) change in credit valuation adjustment recognized in other non-interest income(1,516)(1,214)(519)
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:  
  
  Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:  
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)
Unrealized (loss)/gain recognized in other non-interest incomeUnrealized (loss)/gain recognized in other non-interest income(85,206)(65,098)(8,758)
Risk Participation Agreements:  
  
  Risk Participation Agreements:  
Unrealized (loss) recognized in other non-interest income (31) (61) (36)
Unrealized gain/(loss) recognized in other non-interest incomeUnrealized gain/(loss) recognized in other non-interest income345 83 263 
Forward Commitments:  
  
  Forward Commitments:  
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in non-interest income (123) (1,176) (247)
Realized (loss) in non-interest income (1,764) (3,705) 45
Unrealized gain/(loss) recognized in discontinued operationsUnrealized gain/(loss) recognized in discontinued operations547 507 (611)
Realized (loss) in discontinued operationsRealized (loss) in discontinued operations(8,205)(9,195)(1,532)
      
Non-hedging derivatives  
  
  Non-hedging derivatives  
Commitments to lend:  
  
  Commitments to lend:  
Unrealized gain recognized in non-interest income $5,259
 $8,373
 $2,436
Realized gain in non-interest income 50,879
 3,650
 1,899
Unrealized (loss)/gain recognized in discontinued operationsUnrealized (loss)/gain recognized in discontinued operations$(1,893)$(1,299)$3,358 
Realized gain in discontinued operationsRealized gain in discontinued operations15,672 57,699 33,982 
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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.Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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$1.0 million and $49 thousand$0.6 million as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively. The Company had net asset positions with its commercial banking counterparties totaling $8.6$159.0 million and $11.5$76.4 million as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively.


The Company had net liability positions with its financial institution counterparties totaling $5.9$66.8 million and $15.4$78.8 million as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively. AtThe Company had no net liability positions with its commercial banking counterparties as of December 31, 2017, the2020. The Company had net liability positions with its commercial banking counterparties totaling $5.4 million and $4.4$1.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.2019. The Company has collateral posted by the Company that covered liability positions was $5.9 million and $19.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.pledged to cover this liability.
 
The following table presents the assets and liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016:2019:
 
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, 2020      
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties$1,124 $(78)$1,046 $$$1,046 
Commercial counterparties159,016 159,016 159,016 
Total$160,140 $(78)$160,062 $$$160,062 
  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, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties $2,692
 $(1,622) $1,070
 $
 $
 $1,070
Commercial counterparties 8,577
 
 8,577
 
 
 8,577
Total $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(in thousands)Net Amount
As of December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
As of December 31, 2020As of December 31, 2020      
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:Interest Rate Swap Agreements:Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties $(8,777) $2,835
 $(5,942) $3,982
 $1,960
 $
Institutional counterparties$(164,543)$97,740 $(66,803)$37,815 $75,070 $46,082 
Commercial counterparties (5,375) 2
 (5,373) 
 
 (5,373)Commercial counterparties
Total $(14,152) $2,837
 $(11,315) $3,982
 $1,960
 $(5,373)Total$(164,543)$97,740 $(66,803)$37,815 $75,070 $46,082 
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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
 Financial
Instruments
Cash
Collateral Received
 
(in thousands)Net Amount
As of December 31, 2019      
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties$640 $(54)$586 $$$586 
Commercial counterparties76,428 (22)76,406 76,406 
Total$77,068 $(76)$76,992 $$$76,992 
  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, 2019      
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties$(80,024)$1,219 $(78,805)$25,828 $96,310 $43,333 
Commercial counterparties(1,080)(1,080)(1,080)
Total$(81,104)$1,219 $(79,885)$25,828 $96,310 $42,253 
F-76
  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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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 16.LEASES

Substantially all of the leases in which the Company is the lessee are comprised of real estate property for branches, ATM locations, and office space. Most of the Company’s leases are classified as operating leases. At December 31, 2020 lease expiration dates ranged from 1 month to 19 years.

The following table represents the Consolidated Balance Sheets classification of the Company’s right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities:
(In thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Lease Right-of-Use AssetsClassification
Operating lease right-of-use assets (1)
Other assets$60,018 $76,332 
Finance lease right-of-use assetsPremises and equipment, net7,197 7,720 
Total Lease Right-of-Use Assets$67,215 $84,052 
Lease Liabilities
Operating lease liabilities (2)
Other liabilities$63,894 $80,734 
Finance lease liabilitiesOther liabilities10,383 10,883 
Total Lease Liabilities$74,277 $91,617 

(1)     There are 0 operating lease right-of-use assets classified as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2020. There are operating lease right-of-use assets classified as discontinued operations of $3.5 million as of December 31, 2019.
(2)    There are 0 operating lease liabilities classified as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2020. There are operating lease liabilities classified as discontinued operations of $3.5 million as of December 31, 2019.

Supplemental information related to leases was as follows:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (in years)
Operating leases9.810.3
Finance leases13.814.8
Weighted-Average Discount Rate
Operating leases2.81 %3.36 %
Finance leases5.00 %5.00 %

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For real estate leases, non-lease components and other non-components, such as common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, and insurance are not included in the measurement of the lease liability since they are generally able to be segregated.

The Company does not have any material sub-lease agreements.

Lease expense for operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $13.5 million, of which $1.2 million was related to FCLS and is reported as discontinued operations. Variable lease components, such as consumer price index adjustments, are expensed as incurred and not included in ROU assets and operating lease liabilities.

Lease expense for operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $14.4 million, of which $2.8 million was related to FCLS and is reported as discontinued operations. Variable lease components, such as consumer price index adjustments, are expensed as incurred and not included in ROU assets and operating lease liabilities.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
(In thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases (1)
$13,750 $14,731 
Operating cash flows from finance leases530 553 
Financing cash flows from finance leases500 435 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases (1)
7,083 88,079 
Finance leases
(1)    Includes operating cash flows from operating leases related to discontinued operations of $1.2 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

The following table presents a maturity analysis of the Company’s lease liability by lease classification at December 31, 2020:
(In thousands)Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2021$10,875 $1,023 
20229,990 1,031 
20238,752 1,037 
20247,508 1,037 
20255,668 1,037 
Thereafter31,215 9,223 
Total undiscounted lease payments74,008 14,388 
Less amounts representing interest(10,114)(4,005)
Lease liability$63,894 $10,383 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 17. OTHER COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ACTIVITIES


In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was reported to have surfaced in China and has since spread to a number of other countries, including the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid and continues to evolve,which isadversely affecting some of the Company’s clients. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated impacts on trade (including supply chains and export levels), travel, employee productivity, unemployment, consumer spending, and other economic activities has resulted in less economic activity, lower equity market valuations and significant volatility and disruption in financial markets and has had an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The ultimate extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations is currently uncertain and will depend on various developments and other factors, including, among others, the duration and scope of the pandemic, as well as governmental, regulatory and private sector responses to the pandemic, and the associated impacts on the economy, financial markets, and our clients, employees, and vendors.

The Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations generally rely upon the ability of the Company’s borrowers to repay their loans, the value of collateral underlying the Company’s secured loans, and demand for loans and other products and services the Company offers, which are highly dependent on the business environment in the Company’s primary markets where it operates and in the United States as a whole.

During the current year, the Company’s results of operations were negatively impacted by full impairment of the Company's goodwill, an increase in its provision for credit losses and related allowance for credit losses, a decline in the fair value of its equity portfolio, and a decline in valuation of assets. These circumstances could cause the Company to experience a material adverse effect on our business operations, asset valuations, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Material adverse impacts may include all or a combination of valuation impairments on the Company’s intangible assets, investments, loans, loan servicing rights, deferred tax assets, lease right-of-use assets, or counter-party risk derivatives.

Beginning in March 2020, the Company has offered three-month payment deferrals for customers with a current payment status who were negatively impacted by economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through December 31, 2020, the Company had modified 5,701 loans with a carrying value of $1.5 billion. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 746 active modified loans outstanding with a carrying value of $316.1 million, which excluded loans returning to payment or awaiting evaluation for further deferral. The Company continues to accrue interest on these loans during the deferral period. In accordance with interagency guidance issued in March 2020 and Section 4013 (Temporary Relief from Troubled Debt Restructurings) of the CARES Act, these short-term deferrals are not considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) unless the borrower was previously experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the risk-ratings on COVID-19 modified loans did not automatically change as a result of payment deferrals, and these loans will not be considered past due until after the deferral period is over and scheduled payments resume.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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.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)20202019
Commitments to originate new loans (1)
$211,485 $143,812 
Unused funds on commercial and other lines of credit944,678 850,761 
Unadvanced funds on home equity lines of credit371,080 384,723 
Unadvanced funds on construction and real estate loans226,736 440,599 
Standby letters of credit24,501 15,527 
Total$1,778,480 $1,835,422 
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Commitments to originate new loans $244,252
 $243,519
Unused funds on commercial and other lines of credit 678,567
 574,043
Unadvanced funds on home equity lines of credit 297,367
 281,621
Unadvanced funds on construction and real estate loans 360,472
 320,635
Standby letters of credit 13,613
 14,939
Lease obligation 11,323
 11,639
Total $1,605,594
 $1,446,396
(1)    As of December 31, 2020, there were no commitments to originate new loans related to discontinued operations. As of December 31, 2019, commitments to originate new loans include $132.7 million related to discontinued operations.


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.


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 20172020 and 2016.2019.


Operating Lease Commitments. Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases at year-end 2017 are as follows: 2018 — $12.8 million; 2019 — $10.8 million; 2020 — $9.3 million; 2021 — $8.3 million; 2022 — $7.6 million; and all years thereafter — $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 2017, 2016, and 2015 amounted to $12.0 million, $8.3 million, and $7.5 million, respectively.

Lease Obligations. Future obligations required under the capital lease at year-end 2017 are $647 thousand in 2018; $646 thousand in 2019; $644 thousand in 2020; $612 thousand in 2021; $583 thousand in 2022 and $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 2017 are $86 thousand in 2018; $86 thousand in 2019; $86 thousand in 2020; $86 thousand in 2021; $87 thousand in 2022; and $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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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. As of December 31, 2017,2020, neither the Company nor the Bank was involved in any pending legal proceedings believed by management to be material, that are not accrued for, 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 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 asAs of December 31, 2017.

On April 28, 2016, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank were served with a complaint filed in2020, the United States District Court, DistrictCompany had litigation accrual of Massachusetts, Springfield Division. The complaint was filed by an individual Berkshire Bank depositor, who claims to have filed$110 thousand. As of December 31, 2019, the complaint on behalfCompany had litigation accrual 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.


$2.0 million.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 18.    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.Consolidated 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 20172020 and 2016,2019, 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, 2017,2020, 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, 20172020 also exceeded the minimum capital requirements including the currently applicable BASEL III capital conservation buffer of 1.25%1.875%.


As of year-end 20172020 and 2016,2019, the Bank met the conditions to be classified as “well capitalized” under the relevant regulatory 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:
Minimum
Capital
Requirement
Minimum to be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 Actual
(Dollars in thousands)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
December 31, 2020      
Company (Consolidated)      
Total capital to risk-weighted assets$1,337,008 16.10 %$664,239 8.00 %N/AN/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets1,145,329 13.79 373,634 4.50 N/AN/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets1,167,512 14.06 498,179 6.00 N/AN/A
Tier 1 capital to average assets1,167,512 9.38 332,119 4.00 N/AN/A
Bank   
Total capital to risk-weighted assets$1,243,287 14.99 %$663,429 8.00 %$961,659 10.00 %
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets1,148,205 13.85 373,179 4.50 625,079 6.50 
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets1,148,205 13.85 497,572 6.00 769,327 8.00 
Tier 1 capital to average assets1,148,205 9.23 331,715 4.00 480,830 5.00 
December 31, 2019      
Company (Consolidated)      
Total capital to risk-weighted assets$1,321,910 13.73 %$770,294 8.00 %N/AN/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets1,161,800 12.07 433,290 4.50 N/AN/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets1,183,932 12.30 577,720 6.00 N/AN/A
Tier 1 capital to average assets1,183,932 9.33 385,147 4.00 N/AN/A
Bank      
Total capital to risk-weighted assets$1,233,278 12.82 %$769,327 8.00 %$961,659 10.00 %
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets1,169,535 12.16 432,747 4.50 625,079 6.50 
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets1,169,535 12.16 576,996 6.00 769,327 8.00 
Tier 1 capital to average assets1,169,535 9.14 384,664 4.00 480,830 5.00 
      
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

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.


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 ofThe Company previously issued Series B Non-Voting Preferred Stock issued by the Company.Stock. Each preferred share is convertible into two2 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 thousandThe preferred shares were converted to common stock during 2020 and therefore there were 0 preferred shares issued and outstanding.outstanding as of December 31, 2020.


Accumulated other comprehensive income
Year-end components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)income are as follows:
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Other accumulated comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:  
  
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities $10,034
 $25,176
Net (loss) on effective cash flow hedging derivatives 
 (6,573)
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans (3,048) (2,954)
     
Income taxes related to items of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss):  
  
Net unrealized holding (gain) on AFS securities (4,026) (9,636)
Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives 
 2,589
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans 1,201
 1,164
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $4,161
 $9,766

(In thousands)20202019
Other accumulated comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:  
Net unrealized holding gain/(loss) on AFS securities$44,988 $19,262 
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans(3,511)(3,022)
Income taxes related to items of accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income:  
Net unrealized holding (gain)/loss on AFS securities(11,530)(5,059)
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans924 812 
Accumulated other comprehensive income$30,871 $11,993 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents the components of other comprehensive (loss)/income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015:2018:
(In thousands)Before TaxTax EffectNet of Tax
Year Ended December 31, 2020   
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities:   
Net unrealized gain arising during the period$25,721 $(6,470)$19,251 
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income(5)(4)
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities25,726 (6,471)19,255 
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans   
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period(489)112 (377)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans(489)112 (377)
Other comprehensive gain$25,237 $(6,359)$18,878 
(In thousands)Before TaxTax EffectNet of Tax
Year Ended December 31, 2019   
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities:   
Net unrealized gain arising during the period$34,591 $(8,890)$25,701 
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income61 (17)44 
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities34,530 (8,873)25,657 
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans   
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period(270)76 (194)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans(270)76 (194)
Other comprehensive gain$34,260 $(8,797)$25,463 
Less: reclassification related to adoption of ASU 2016-01
Less: reclassification related to adoption of ASU 2018-02
Total change to accumulated other comprehensive (loss)$34,260 $(8,797)$25,463 
(In thousands)Before TaxTax EffectNet of Tax
Year Ended December 31, 2018   
Net unrealized holding (loss) on AFS securities:   
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period$(16,917)$4,419 $(12,498)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income(2)
Net unrealized holding (loss) on AFS securities(16,923)4,421 (12,502)
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans   
Net unrealized gain arising during the period135 (54)81 
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income(201)54 (147)
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans336 (108)228 
Other comprehensive (loss)$(16,587)$4,313 $(12,274)
Less: reclassification related to adoption of ASU 2016-018,379 (2,126)6,253 
Less: reclassification related to adoption of ASU 2018-02(896)(896)
Total change to accumulated other comprehensive (loss)$(24,966)$7,335 $(17,631)
F-84
(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, 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 income/(loss), for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015:2018:
(in thousands)Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on AFS SecuritiesNet unrealized holding gain (loss) on pension plansTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2020   
Balance at Beginning of Year$14,204 $(2,211)$11,993 
Other comprehensive gain/(loss) before reclassifications19,251 (377)18,874 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(4)(4)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)19,255 (377)18,878 
Balance at End of Period$33,459 $(2,588)$30,871 
Year Ended December 31, 2019   
Balance at Beginning of Year$(11,453)$(2,017)$(13,470)
Other comprehensive gain/(loss) before reclassifications25,701 (194)25,507 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income44 44 
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)25,657 (194)25,463 
Balance at End of Period$14,204 $(2,211)$11,993 
Year Ended December 31, 2018   
Balance at Beginning of Year$6,008 $(1,847)$4,161 
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications(12,498)81 (12,417)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(147)(143)
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income(12,502)228 (12,274)
Less: amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) related to adoption of ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2018-02
4,959 398 5,357 
Balance at End of Period$(11,453)$(2,017)$(13,470)
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(in thousands) 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, 2017  
  
  
  
Balance at Beginning of Year $15,540
 $(3,984) $(1,790) $9,766
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 11,660
 1,124
 287
 13,071
Balance at End of Period $15,540
 $(3,984) $(1,790) $9,766
         
Year Ended December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
Balance at Beginning of Year $9,916
 $(1,969) $(1,368) $6,579
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 $3,880
 $(5,108) $(2,077) $(3,305)

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015:2018:
    Affected Line Item in the
Statement Where Net Income
Is Presented
 Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202020192018
Realized (losses)/gains on AFS securities:
 $(5)$61 $Non-interest income
 (17)(2)Tax expense
 (4)44  
Realized (losses) on pension plans
(201)Non-interest expense
54 Tax expense
(147)
Total reclassifications for the period$(4)$44 $(143) 
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        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

(Loss)/Earnings Per Common Share
Basic (loss)/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.


Earnings(Loss)/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) 2017 2016 2015(In thousands, except per share data)202020192018
Net income $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
Net (loss)/income from continuing operationsNet (loss)/income from continuing operations$(513,175)$101,521 $109,219 
Net (loss) from discontinued operationsNet (loss) from discontinued operations(19,842)(4,071)(3,454)
Net (loss)/incomeNet (loss)/income$(533,017)$97,450 $105,765 
      
Average number of common shares issued 40,627
 32,604
 30,074
Average number of common shares issued51,903 49,782 46,212 
Less: average number of treasury shares 963
 1,116
 1,215
Less: average number of treasury shares1,569 1,142 810 
Less: average number of unvested stock award shares 437
 500
 466
Less: average number of unvested stock award shares505 420 421 
Plus: average participating preferred shares 229
 
 
Plus: average participating preferred shares441 1,043 1,043 
Average number of basic common shares outstanding 39,456
 30,988
 28,393
Average number of basic common shares outstanding50,270 49,263 46,024 
Plus: dilutive effect of unvested stock award shares 202
 122
 106
Plus: dilutive effect of unvested stock award shares122 180 
Plus: dilutive effect of stock options outstanding 37
 57
 65
Plus: dilutive effect of stock options outstanding36 27 
Average number of diluted common shares outstanding 39,695
 31,167
 28,564
Average number of diluted common shares outstanding50,270 49,421 46,231 
      
Basic earning per common share $1.40
 $1.89
 $1.74
Basic (loss)/earnings per share:Basic (loss)/earnings per share:   
Continuing OperationsContinuing Operations$(10.21)$2.06 $2.38 
Discontinued operationsDiscontinued operations(0.39)(0.08)(0.08)
Basic (loss)/earnings per common shareBasic (loss)/earnings per common share$(10.60)$1.98 $2.30 
      
Diluted earnings per common share $1.39
 $1.88
 $1.73
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share:Diluted (loss)/earnings per share:   
Continuing OperationsContinuing Operations$(10.21)$2.05 $2.36 
Discontinued operationsDiscontinued operations(0.39)(0.08)(0.07)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per common shareDiluted (loss)/earnings per common share$(10.60)$1.97 $2.29 
 
Due to the net loss in 2020, all unvested restricted stock and options were considered anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. For the year ended 2017, 552019, 61 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, 2002018, 38 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 20132018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013“2018 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 1.0 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) three3 for every one share of Restricted Stock granted and (2) one1 for every one share of Stock Option granted. As of the 2018 Plan's effective date, all expired, canceled, and forfeited shares under the 2013 Plan are included in the 2018 Plan's available shares. As of year-end 2017,2020, the Company had the ability to grant approximately 383 thousand0.9 million 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 2017, the Company had the ability to grant approximately 6 thousand shares under this plan.


A summary of activity in the Company’s stock compensation plans is shown below:
 Non-vested Stock
Awards Outstanding
Stock Options Outstanding
(Shares in thousands)Number of SharesWeighted- Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Number of SharesWeighted- Average Exercise Price
Balance, December 31, 2019450 $32.47 153 $22.00 
Granted314 16.69 
Acquired— — 
Stock options exercised— — (37)17.85 
Stock awards vested(156)33.18 — — 
Forfeited(91)29.86 
Expired— — (4)11.99 
Balance, December 31, 2020517 $28.35 112 $22.95 
  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
Balance, December 31, 2016 448
 $26.28
 109
 $15.72
Granted 161
 35.84
 
 
Stock options exercised 
 
 (19) 17.74
Stock awards vested (174) 25.68
 
 
Forfeited (17) 30.04
 
 
Expired 
 
 (14) 29.35
Balance, December 31, 2017 418
 $29.68
 76
 $13.59


Stock Awards
The total compensation cost for stock awards recognized as expense was $5.3$4.7 million, $4.6$4.8 million, and $4.7$4.8 million, in the years 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit associated with this compensation cost was $2.0$1.2 million, $1.8$1.3 million, and $1.9$1.3 million, respectively.


The weighted average fair value of stock awards granted was $35.84, $26.81,$16.69, $29.47, and $26.66$37.87 in 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively. Stock awards vest over periods up to five years and are valued at the closing price of the stock on the grant date. Certain awards vest based on the Company's performance over established measurement periods. The total fair value of stock awards vested during 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 20152018 was $4.4$5.2 million, $4.4$4.8 million, and $3.4$4.8 million respectively. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock awards was $6.5$6.2 million as of year-end 2017.2020. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of two years.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 2017,2020, the weighted average remaining contractual term for options outstanding is twothree 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 did not grant options during 2020. The Company acquired options in the BeaconSI Financial Group transaction in 2012,2019, but did not grant additional options in 2017, 2016, or 2015.during 2019. The Company did not grant options during 2018.


The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $362.7$246 thousand, $879.6$149 thousand, and $210.0$855 thousand for the years 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2014,2018, respectively. During 2020, the expense pertaining to options vesting was $96 thousand. During 2019, the expense pertaining to options vesting was $93 thousand. There was no0 expense pertaining to options vesting in 2017, 2016 or 2015.2018. The tax benefit associated with stock option expense for both 2020 and 2019 was $25 thousand. There was no0 tax benefit associated with stock option expense in 2017, 2016 or 2015. There was no2018. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options as of year-ends 2017, 2016,year-end 2020 and 2015.

2019 was $27 thousand and $124 thousand, respectively. There was 0 unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options as of year-end 2018.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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.value, including assets classified as discontinued operations on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for more information on assets and liabilities classified as discontinued operations.

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 20172020 and 20162019 segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 December 31, 2020
(In thousands)Level 1
Inputs
Level 2
Inputs
Level 3
Inputs
Total
Fair Value
Trading security$$$9,708 $9,708 
Available-for-sale securities:    
Municipal bonds and obligations97,803 97,803 
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations756,826 756,826 
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities438,132 438,132 
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities288,650 288,650 
Corporate bonds45,030 15,000 60,030 
Other bonds and obligations53,791 53,791 
Marketable equity securities17,841 672 18,513 
Loans held for investment2,265 2,265 
Loans held for sale12,992 4,756 17,748 
Derivative assets159,016 1,055 160,071 
Capitalized servicing rights3,033 3,033 
Derivative liabilities65,758 65,758 
 December 31, 2019
(In thousands)Level 1
Inputs
Level 2
Inputs
Level 3
Inputs
Total
Fair Value
Trading security$$$10,769 $10,769 
Available-for-sale securities:    
Municipal bonds and obligations110,138 110,138 
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations748,812 748,812 
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities147,744 147,744 
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities147,096 147,096 
Corporate bonds73,610 42,966 116,576 
Other bonds and obligations41,189 41,189 
Marketable equity securities40,499 1,057 41,556 
Loans held for sale (1)
140,280 140,280 
Derivative assets (1)
77,562 2,628 80,190 
Capitalized servicing rights (1)
12,299 12,299 
Derivative liabilities (1)
227 80,454 80,681 
(1) Includes assets and liabilities classified as discontinued operations.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  December 31, 2017
(In thousands) Level 1
Inputs
 Level 2
Inputs
 Level 3
Inputs
 Total
Fair Value
Trading security $
 $
 $12,277
 $12,277
Available-for-sale securities:  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 
 118,233
 
 118,233
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 
 110,721
 
 110,721
Trust preferred securities 
 11,677
 
 11,677
Other bonds and obligations 
 9,880
 
 9,880
Marketable equity securities 44,851
 334
 
 45,185
Loans held for sale 
 153,620
 
 153,620
Derivative assets 
 14,049
 5,259
 19,308
Other assets 
 
 3,834
 3,834
Derivative liabilities 104
 15,715
 19
 15,838
  December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Level 1
Inputs
 Level 2
Inputs
 Level 3
Inputs
 Total
Fair Value
Trading security $
 $
 $13,229
 $13,229
Available-for-sale securities:  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 
 119,816
 
 119,816
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 
 56,006
 
 56,006
Trust preferred securities 
 11,887
 
 11,887
Other bonds and obligations 
 11,158
 
 11,158
Marketable equity securities 62,284
 3,257
 
 65,541
Loans held for sale 
 120,673
 
 120,673
Derivative assets 622
 16,157
 4,838
 21,617
Other assets 
 
 798
 798
Derivative liabilities 
 24,420
 
 24,420

During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no transfers between Level 1, 2 and 3. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company had 4 transfers totaling $44.0 million in corporate bonds from Level 2 to Level 3 based on recent inactivity in the market related to pricing information for similar bonds. There were no0 transfers between Level 1, 2, and 3 during the yearyears ended December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had one transfer of $708 thousand in marketable equity securities from Level 3 to2018.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 3 during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Trading Security at Fair Value. The Company holds one1 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 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 and Marketable Equity Securities. AFS Marketable equity 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. Marketable equity securities classified as Level 2 consist of securities with infrequent trades in active exchange markets, and pricing is primarily sourced from third party pricing services. AFS securities classified as Level 2 include most of the Company’s debt securities. The pricing on Level 2 and Level 3 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. Level 3 pricing includes inputs unobservable to market participants.

Loans Held for Investment. The Company’s held for investment loan portfolio includes loans originated by Company and loans acquired through business combinations. The Company intends to hold these assets until maturity as a part of its business operations. For one acquired portfolio subset, the Company previously accounted for these purchased-credit impaired loans as a pool under ASC 310, as they were determined to have common risk characteristics. These loans were recorded at fair value on acquisition date and subsequently evaluated for impairment collectively. Upon adoption of ASC 326, the Company elected the fair value option on this portfolio, recognizing a $11.2 million fair value write-down charged to Retained Earnings, net of deferred tax impact, as of January 1, 2020. The fair value of this loan portfolio is determined based on a discounted cash flow methodology. Certain inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable; therefore, the loans meet the definition of Level 3 assets. The discount rate used in the valuation is consistent with assets that have significant credit deterioration. The cash flow assumptions include payment schedules for loans with current payment histories and estimated collateral value for delinquent loans. All of these loans were nonperforming as of December 31, 2020.
   Aggregate Fair Value
December 31, 2020AggregateAggregateLess Aggregate
(In thousands)Fair ValueUnpaid PrincipalUnpaid Principal
Loans held for investment at fair value$2,265 $53,945 $(51,680)

Loans held for sale. The Company elected the fair value option for all mortgage 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
December 31, 2020 (In thousands)
Loans held for sale - continuing operations$12,992 $12,639 $353 
Loans held for sale - discontinued operations
Loans held for sale$12,992 $12,639 $353 
Aggregate
Fair Value
Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
Aggregate Fair Value
Less Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
December 31, 2019 (In thousands)
Loans held for sale - continuing operations$7,625 $7,485 $140 
Loans held for sale - discontinued operations132,655 129,622 3,033 
Loans held for sale$140,280 $137,107 $3,173 
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  Aggregate
Fair Value
 Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate Fair Value
Less Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
December 31, 2017 (In thousands)   
Loans Held for Sale $153,620
 $149,022
 $4,598
Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  Aggregate
Fair Value
 Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate Fair Value
Less Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
December 31, 2016 (In thousands)   
Loans Held for Sale $120,673
 $118,178
 $2,495
 
The changes in fair value of loans held for sale for yearsthe year ended December 31, 2017 and 20162020 were gains of $2.1$212 thousand from continuing operations and gains of $3.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively.from discontinued operations. The changes in fair value are included in mortgage banking income inof loans held for sale for the Consolidated Statementsyear ended December 31, 2019 were gains of Income. In 2017,$97 thousand from continuing operations and losses of $138 thousand from discontinued operations. During 2020, originations of loans held for sale from continuing operations totaled $2.4$150 million and sales of loans originated for sale from continuing operations totaled $141 million. During 2020, originations of loans held for sale from discontinued operations totaled $624 billion and sales of loans originated asfor sale from discontinued operations totaled $755 billion. During 2019, originations of loans held for sale from continuing operations totaled $2.3$67 million and sales of loans originated for sale from continuing operations totaled $62 million. During 2019, originations of loans held for sale from discontinued operations totaled $2.9 billion and sales of loans originated for sale from discontinued operations totaled $2.8 billion.

Interest Rate 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 2017,2020, 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.


Commitments to Lend. The Company enters into commitments to lend for residential mortgage loans intended for sale, which commit the Company to lend funds to a potential borrower at a certain interest rate and within a

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 commitment 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, these commitments to lend are classified as Level 3 measurements. Commitments to lend are included in discontinued operations. See Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for more information on assets and liabilities classified as discontinued operations.


Forward Sale Commitments. The Company utilizes forward sale commitments as economic hedges against potential changes in the values of the commitments 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 efforts and mandatory delivery loan sale commitments are determined similarly to the commitments 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. Forward sale commitments are included in discontinued operations. See Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for more information on assets and liabilities classified as discontinued operations.


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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 20172020 and 2016:2019:
 Assets (Liabilities)
(In thousands)Trading
Security
Securities Available for SaleLoans Held for InvestmentCommitments to Lend (1)Forward
Commitments (1)
Capitalized Servicing Rights (1)
Balance as of December 31, 2018$11,212 $$$3,927 $$11,485 
Unrealized (loss), net recognized in other non-interest income258 — — — — — 
Unrealized gain/(loss), net recognized in discontinued
operations
— — — 55,771 (10,322)
Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss— (162)— — — — 
Transfers to Level 3— 43,128 — — — — 
Paydown of trading security(701)— — — — — 
Transfers to loans held for sale— — — (57,070)— — 
Additions to servicing rights— — — — — 11,136 
Balance as of December 31, 2019$10,769 $42,966 $$2,628 $$12,299 
Adoption of ASC 326— — 7,660 — — 
Maturities, calls, and prepayments of AFS Security— (30,000)— — — 
Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income(327)— (1,283)— — (822)
Unrealized gain/(loss), net recognized in discontinued
operations
— — — 16,565 320 (8,444)
Unrealized (loss) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss— 2,034 — — — — 
Transfers to Level 3— — — — — 
Paydown of asset(734)— (4,112)— — — 
Transfers to loans held for sale— — (18,458)— — 
Additions to servicing rights— — — — 
Balance as of December 31, 2020$9,708 $15,000 $2,265 $735 $320 $3,033 
Unrealized gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2020$1,053 $287 $$735 $320 $
Unrealized gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2019$1,379 $(162)$$2,628 $$
(1) For 2019, these assets were classified as assets from discontinued operations on the consolidated balance sheets.
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  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, 20172020 and 20162019 are as follows:
 Fair Value  Significant Unobservable Input Value
(In thousands)December 31, 2020Valuation TechniquesUnobservable Inputs
Assets    
Trading Security$9,708 Discounted Cash FlowDiscount Rate2.72 %
Securities Available for Sale15,000 Indication from Market MakerPrice102.00 %
Loans held for investment2,265 Discounted Cash FlowDiscount Rate30.00 %
Collateral Value$8.1 - $21.9
Commitments to Lend735 Historical TrendClosing Ratio74.54 %
Pricing ModelOrigination Costs, per loan$
Forward Commitments320 Historical TrendClosing Ratio74.54 %
Pricing ModelOrigination Costs, per loan$
Capitalized Servicing Rights3,033 Discounted cash flowConstant prepayment rate (CPR)26.52 %
Discount rate10.00 %
Total$31,061    
  Fair Value     Significant Unobservable Input Value
(In thousands) December 31, 2017 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs 
Assets  
      
Trading Security $12,277
 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 2.74%
Forward Commitments 19
 Historical Trend Closing Ratio 81.53%
    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
Capitalized Servicing Rights 3,834
 Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate (CPR) 10.00%
      Discount rate 10.95%
Total $21,389
      

 Fair Value  Significant
Unobservable Input
Value
(In thousands)December 31, 2019Valuation TechniquesUnobservable Inputs
Assets    
Trading Security$10,769 Discounted Cash FlowDiscount Rate2.21 %
Securities Available for Sale42,966 Indication from Market MakerPrice97.00% - 100.00%
Commitments to Lend (1)
2,628 Historical TrendClosing Ratio77.81 %
Pricing ModelOrigination Costs, per loan$
Capitalized Servicing Rights (1)
12,299 Discounted cash flowConstant prepayment rate (CPR)11.50 %
Discount rate10.00 %
Total$68,662    
(1) Classified as assets from discontinued operations on the consolidated balance sheets.

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  Fair Value     Significant
Unobservable Input
Value
(In thousands) 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%
Capitalized Servicing Rights 798
 Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan $3.692
    Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate (CPR) 10.40%
      Discount rate 11.00%
Total $18,865
      

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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, 2020Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2018
(In thousands)Level 3
Inputs
Level 3
Inputs
Assets
Individually evaluated loans$28,028 December 2020
Capitalized servicing rights13,315 December 2020
Other real estate owned149 December 2020
Total$41,492 
  December 31, 2017  Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017
(In thousands) Level 3
Inputs
  
Level 3
Inputs
Assets  
   
Impaired loans $23,853
  December 2017
Capitalized servicing rights 12,527
  December 2017
Other real estate owned 
  
Total $36,380
   
December 31, 2019Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017
(In thousands)Level 3
Inputs
Level 3
Inputs
Assets
Individually evaluated loans$8,831 December 2019
Capitalized servicing rights14,152 December 2019
Total$22,983 
  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
   


Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3 non-recurring assets as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 are as follows:
(in thousands) December 31, 2017 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range (Weighted Average) (a)
Assets  
      
Impaired loans $23,853
 Fair value of collateral Loss severity 38.72% to 0.21% (3.40%)
   
   Appraised value $10.9 to $5967 ($2,197)
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 
 Fair value of collateral Appraised value 
Total Assets $36,380
      
(in thousands)December 31, 2020Valuation TechniquesUnobservable InputsRange (Weighted Average) (a)
Assets
Individually evaluated loans$28,028 Fair value of collateralLoss severity0.07% to 100.00% (46.36%)
Appraised value$0 to $11,432 ($9,800)
Capitalized servicing rights13,315 Discounted cash flowConstant prepayment rate (CPR)14.49% to 23.29% (16.98%)
Discount rate10.00% to 11.00% (10.56%)
Other real estate owned149 Fair value of collateralAppraised value$94 - $182
Total Assets$41,492 
(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 individualsindividual 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
      
(in thousands)December 31, 2019Valuation TechniquesUnobservable InputsRange (Weighted Average) (a)
Assets
Individually evaluated loans$8,831 Fair value of collateralLoss severity15.72% to 0.12% (4.50%)
Appraised value$8 to $1,548 ($736)
Capitalized servicing rights14,152 Discounted cash flowConstant prepayment rate (CPR)9.44% to 14.12% (12.25%)
Discount rate10.00% to 13.50% (11.78%)
Total Assets$22,983 
(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 individualsindividual properties.


There were no Level 1 or Level 2 nonrecurring fair value measurements for year-end 20172020 and 2016.2019.
 
Impaired Loans.Individually evaluated 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 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.


Capitalized 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.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The following tables summarize the estimated fair values, which represent exit price, and related carrying amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments follow.instruments. 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, 2017
  Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
      
(In thousands)   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial Assets  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $248,763
 $248,763
 $248,763
 $
 $
Trading security 12,277
 12,277
 
 
 12,277
Securities available for sale 1,426,099
 1,426,099
 44,850
 1,381,249
 
Securities held to maturity 397,103
 405,276
 
 371,458
 33,818
FHLB stock and restricted equity securities 63,085
 N/A
 
 N/A
 
Net loans 8,247,504
 8,422,034
 
 
 8,422,034
Loans held for sale 153,620
 153,620
 
 153,620
 
Accrued interest receivable 33,739
 33,739
 
 33,739
 
Derivative assets 19,308
 19,308
 
 14,049
 5,259
Assets held for sale 1,392
 1,392
 
 1,392
 
           
Financial Liabilities  
  
  
  
  
Total deposits 8,749,530
 8,731,527
 
 8,731,527
 
Short-term debt 667,300
 667,246
 
 667,246
 
Long-term FHLB advances 380,436
 378,766
 
 378,766
 
Subordinated notes 89,339
 97,414
 
 97,414
 
Derivative liabilities 15,838
 15,838
 104
 15,715
 19

  December 31, 2016
  Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
      
(In thousands)   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial Assets  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $113,075
 $113,075
 $113,075
 $
 $
Trading security 13,229
 13,229
 
 
 13,229
Securities available for sale 1,209,537
 1,209,537
 62,284
 1,147,253
 
Securities held to maturity 334,368
 337,680
 
 300,806
 36,874
FHLB stock and restricted equity securities 71,112
 N/A
 
 N/A
 
Net loans 6,505,789
 6,532,745
 
 
 6,532,745
Loans held for sale 120,673
 120,673
 
 120,673
 
Accrued interest receivable 26,113
 26,113
 
 26,113
 
Derivative assets 21,617
 21,617
 622
 16,157
 4,838
Assets held for sale 322
 322
 
 322
 
           
Financial Liabilities  
  
  
  
  
Total deposits 6,622,092
 6,624,108
 
 6,624,108
 
Short-term debt 1,082,044
 1,081,996
 
 1,081,996
 
Long-term FHLB advances 142,792
 143,151
 
 143,151
 
Subordinated notes 89,161
 96,973
 
 96,973
 
Derivative liabilities 24,420
 24,420
 
 24,420
 
Other than as discussed above, Certain assets and liabilities in the following methodsdisclosures include balances classified as discontinued operations. See Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for more information on assets 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.liabilities classified as discontinued operations.

 December 31, 2020
 Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
   
(In thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3
Financial Assets     
Cash and cash equivalents$1,557,875 $1,557,875 $1,557,875 $$
Trading security9,708 9,708 9,708 
Marketable equity securities18,513 18,513 17,841 672 
Securities available for sale1,695,232 1,695,232 1,680,232 15,000 
Securities held to maturity465,091 491,855 488,393 3,462 
FHLB stock and restricted equity securities34,873 N/AN/AN/AN/A
Net loans7,954,217 8,243,437 8,243,437 
Loans held for sale17,748 17,748 12,992 4,756 
Accrued interest receivable46,919 46,919 46,919 
Derivative assets160,071 160,071 159,016 1,055 
Assets held for sale317,304 317,304 16,705 300,599 
Financial Liabilities     
Total deposits10,215,808 10,230,822 10,230,822 
Short-term debt40,000 40,025 40,025 
Long-term FHLB advances434,357 438,064 438,064 
Subordinated notes97,280 95,178 95,178 
Derivative liabilities65,758 65,758 65,758 
Liabilities held for sale630,065 631,268 631,268 

 December 31, 2019
 Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
   
(In thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3
Financial Assets     
Cash and cash equivalents$579,829 $579,829 $579,829 $$
Trading security10,769 10,769 10,769 
Marketable equity securities41,556 41,556 40,500 1,056 
Securities available for sale1,311,555 1,311,555 1,267,573 43,982 
Securities held to maturity357,979 373,277 355,513 17,764 
FHLB stock and restricted equity securities48,019 N/AN/AN/AN/A
Net loans9,438,853 9,653,550 9,653,550 
Loans held for sale (1)169,319 169,319 140,280 29,039 
Accrued interest receivable36,462 36,462 36,462 
Derivative assets (1)80,190 80,190 77,562 2,628 
Financial Liabilities     
Total deposits10,335,977 10,338,993 10,338,993 
Short-term debt125,000 125,081 125,081 
Long-term FHLB advances605,501 606,381 606,381 
Subordinated notes97,049 101,055 101,055 
Derivative liabilities (1)80,681 80,681 227 80,454 
(1) Includes assets and liabilities classified as discontinued operations.
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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.

FHLB stock and restricted equity securities. It is not practical to determine fair value due to the restricted nature of the security.

Loans, net. The carrying value of the loans in the loan portfolio is based on cash flows discounted over their respective loan origination rates. The origination rates are adjusted for substandard and special mention loans to factor the impact of declines in the 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 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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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, 2017 includes $35 million of intercompany subordinated notes.


CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 December 31, December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016(In thousands)20202019
Assets  
  
Assets  
Cash due from Berkshire Bank $83,380
 $43,018
Cash due from Berkshire Bank$83,510 $74,153 
Investment in subsidiaries 1,470,859
 1,127,706
Investment in subsidiaries1,202,755 1,777,717 
Securities available for sale, at fair value 21,827
 23,651
Marketable equity securities, at fair valueMarketable equity securities, at fair value158 4,840 
Other assets 12,138
 1,372
Other assets188 438 
Total assets $1,588,204
 $1,195,747
Total assets$1,286,611 $1,857,148 
    
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity  
  
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity  
Short term debt $
 $10,000
Subordinated notes 89,339
 89,161
Subordinated notes$97,280 $97,049 
Accrued expenses 2,601
 3,288
Accrued expenses1,558 1,535 
Shareholders’ equity 1,496,264
 1,093,298
Shareholders’ equity1,187,773 1,758,564 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $1,588,204
 $1,195,747
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$1,286,611 $1,857,148 
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOMEOPERATIONS
 Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)202020192018
Income:   
Dividends from subsidiaries$46,300 $104,700 $48,500 
Other(2,185)1,258 506 
Total income44,115 105,958 49,006 
Interest expense5,335 5,335 5,335 
Non-interest expenses2,866 4,129 3,034 
Total expense8,201 9,464 8,369 
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries35,914 96,494 40,637 
Income tax (benefit)(2,719)(2,054)(1,068)
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries38,633 98,548 41,705 
Equity in undistributed results of operations of subsidiaries(571,650)(1,098)64,060 
Net (loss)/income(533,017)97,450 105,765 
Preferred stock dividend313 960 918 
(Loss)/income available to common shareholders$(533,330)$96,490 $104,847 
Comprehensive (loss)/income$(514,139)$122,912 $88,133 
  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Income:  
  
  
Dividends from subsidiaries $39,000
 $33,000
 $34,000
Other 5,864
 4,072
 2,763
Total income 44,864
 37,072
 36,763
Interest expense 5,338
 5,743
 5,674
Non-interest expenses 6,042
 3,740
 3,670
Total expense 11,380
 9,483
 9,344
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 33,484
 27,589
 27,419
Income tax benefit (1,783) (2,123) (2,518)
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 35,267
 29,712
 29,937
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 19,980
 28,958
 19,581
Net income 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,
(In thousands) 202020192018
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net (loss)/income$(533,017)$97,450 $105,765 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:   
Equity in undistributed results of operations of subsidiaries571,650 1,098 (64,060)
Other, net2,603 (4,457)20,916 
Net cash provided by operating activities41,236 94,091 62,621 
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Advances to subsidiaries(85,000)
Purchase of securities(489)(128)
Sale of securities4,658 6,989 13,550 
Other, net987 
Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities4,169 7,976 (71,578)
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Proceed from issuance of short term debt231 431 178 
Proceed from repayment of long term debt35,000 
Net proceeds from common stock325 
Payment to repurchase common stock(473)(52,746)
Common stock cash dividends paid(36,251)(44,147)(39,966)
Preferred stock cash dividends paid(313)(960)(918)
Other, net758 188 278 
Net cash (used) in financing activities(36,048)(97,234)(5,103)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents9,357 4,833 (14,060)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year74,153 69,320 83,380 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$83,510 $74,153 $69,320 
F-100
  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)  2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:  
  
  
Net income $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 (19,980) (28,958) (19,581)
Other, net (7,964) 1,988
 10,904
Net cash provided by operating activities 27,303
 31,700
 40,841
       
Cash flows from investing activities:  
  
  
Advances to subsidiaries (100,000) 
 
Acquisitions, net of cash paid 
 
 (3,293)
Purchase of securities (1,057) (18,016) (18)
Sale of securities 2,101
 
 
Other, net 1,508
 9,728
 
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
 
Repayment of short term debt (9,822) 
 (9,935)
Net proceeds from common stock 153,313
 3,712
 
Net proceeds from preferred stock 
 
 
Net proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock 
 
 240
Payment to repurchase common stock 
 (4,632) (550)
Common stock cash dividends paid (33,022) (24,916) (21,903)
Preferred stock cash dividends paid (219) 
 
Other, net 257
 11
 167
Net cash provided provided/(used) by financing activities 110,507
 (16,476) (31,981)
       
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 40,362
 6,936
 5,549
       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 43,018
 36,082
 30,533
       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $83,380
 $43,018
 $36,082

F-97

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 22.    QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
Quarterly results of operations were as follows:
 20202019
(In thousands, except per share data)Fourth QuarterThird QuarterSecond QuarterFirst QuarterFourth QuarterThird QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Quarter
Interest and dividend income$92,131 $97,768 $103,688 $116,195 $125,441 $133,725 $129,238 $121,109 
Interest expense16,422 20,713 26,098 29,767 34,108 36,854 37,643 35,650 
Net interest income75,709 77,055 77,590 86,428 91,333 96,871 91,595 85,459 
Non-interest income23,327 19,963 17,381 5,636 23,362 21,406 17,512 21,722 
Total revenue99,036 97,018 94,971 92,064 114,695 118,277 109,107 107,181 
Provision for loan losses10,000 1,200 29,871 34,807 5,351 22,600 3,467 4,001 
Non-interest expense71,796 72,843 624,275 71,325 70,287 71,011 76,568 71,991 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes17,240 22,975 (559,175)(14,068)39,057 24,666 29,072 31,189 
Income tax (benefit)/expense(1,659)(68)(16,130)(1,996)6,421 4,007 5,118 6,917 
Net income/(loss) from continuing operations18,899 23,043 (543,045)(12,072)32,636 20,659 23,954 24,272 
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of tax(3,890)(1,818)(6,336)(7,798)(6,885)1,957 1,494 (637)
Net income/(loss)$15,009 $21,225 $(549,381)$(19,870)$25,751 $22,616 $25,448 $23,635 
Basic earnings/(loss) per share:        
Continuing operations$0.38 $0.46 $(10.80)$(0.24)$0.65 $0.40 $0.49 $0.52 
Discontinued operations(0.08)(0.04)(0.13)(0.16)(0.14)0.04 0.03 (0.01)
Basic earnings/(loss) per common share$0.30 $0.42 $(10.93)$(0.40)$0.51 $0.44 $0.52 $0.51 
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share:        
Continuing operations$0.38 $0.46 $(10.80)$(0.24)$0.65 $0.40 $0.49 $0.52 
Discontinued operations(0.08)(0.04)(0.13)(0.16)(0.14)0.04 0.03 (0.01)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share$0.30 $0.42 $(10.93)$(0.40)$0.51 $0.44 $0.52 $0.51 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic50,308 50,329 50,246 50,204 50,494 51,422 48,961 46,113 
Diluted50,355 50,329 50,246 50,204 50,702 51,545 49,114 46,261 
F-101
  2017 2016
(In thousands, except per share data) Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter
Interest and dividend income $105,823
 $89,060
 $84,666
 $80,709
 $72,434
 $70,511
 $69,018
 $68,476
Interest expense 19,457
 17,062
 15,121
 13,823
 13,276
 12,540
 11,577
 10,779
Net interest income 86,366
 71,998
 69,545
 66,886
 59,158
 57,971
 57,441
 57,697
Non-interest income 29,298
 28,836
 32,798
 34,757
 16,725
 18,941
 14,555
 15,630
Total revenue 115,664
 100,834
 102,343
 101,643
 75,883
 76,912
 71,996
 73,327
Provision for loan losses 6,141
 4,900
 4,889
 5,095
 4,100
 4,734
 4,522
 4,006
Non-interest expense 90,041
 65,820
 69,523
 74,326
 61,090
 48,844
 46,268
 47,100
Income before income taxes 19,482
 30,114
 27,931
 22,222
 10,693
 23,334
 21,206
 22,221
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 (loss)/earnings per common share $(0.06) $0.57
 $0.53
 $0.44
 $0.32
 $0.53
 $0.52
 $0.52
                 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share $(0.06) $0.57
 $0.53
 $0.44
 $0.32
 $0.53
 $0.52
 $0.52
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Basic 45,122
 39,984
 37,324
 35,280
 32,185
 30,621
 30,605
 30,511
Diluted 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.


F-98

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 23.    NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOANCREDIT LOSSES
 
Presented below is net interest income after provision for loancredit losses for the three years ended 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively:
 Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)202020192018
Net interest income$316,782 $365,258 $356,200 
Provision for credit losses75,878 35,419 25,451 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses240,904 329,839 330,749 
Total non-interest income66,307 84,002 74,324 
Total non-interest expense840,239 289,857 266,893 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes(533,028)123,984 138,180 
Income tax (benefit)/expense(19,853)22,463 28,961 
Net (loss)/income from continuing operations(513,175)101,521 109,219 
(Loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes(26,855)(5,539)(4,767)
Income tax (benefit)(7,013)(1,468)(1,313)
Net (loss) from discontinued operations(19,842)(4,071)(3,454)
Net (loss)/income$(533,017)$97,450 $105,765 
F-102
  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

Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 24.    REVENUE

Revenue from contracts with customers in the scope of Topic 606 is recognized within noninterest income. The Company does not have any material significant payment terms as payment is received at or shortly after the satisfaction of the performance obligation. The value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less are not disclosed. The Company recognizes incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred for contracts with a term of one year or less.

Topic 606 does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including revenue from loans and securities. In addition, certain non-interest income streams such as fees associated with mortgage servicing rights, financial guarantees, derivatives, and certain credit card fees are also not in scope of Topic 606. Topic 606 is applicable to non-interest revenue streams such as wealth management fees, insurance commissions and fees, administrative services for customer deposit accounts, interchange fees, and sale of owned real estate properties.

The following presents non-interest income, segregated by revenue streams in-scope and out-of-scope of Topic 606, for the years ended 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)202020192018
Non-interest income
In-scope of Topic 606:
Service charges on deposit accounts$19,239 $23,122 $21,046 
Insurance commissions and fees10,770 10,957 10,983 
Wealth management fees9,285 9,353 9,447 
Interchange income7,559 6,266 7,177 
Non-interest income (in-scope of Topic 606)$46,853 $49,698 $48,653 
Non-interest income (out-of-scope of Topic 606)19,454 34,304 25,671 
Total non-interest income from continuing operations$66,307 $84,002 $74,324 

Non-interest income streams in-scope of Topic 606 are discussed below.

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts.Service charges on deposit accounts consist of monthly service fees (i.e. business analysis fees and consumer service charges) and other deposit account related fees. The Company's performance obligation for monthly service fees is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, over the period in which the service is provided. Other deposit account related fees are largely transactional based, and therefore, the Company's performance obligation is satisfied, and related revenue recognized, at a point in time. Payment for service charges on deposit accounts is primarily received immediately or in the following month through a direct charge to customers’ accounts. The Company may, from time to time, waive certain fees (e.g., NSF fee) for customers but generally do not reduce the transaction price to reflect variability for future reversals due to the insignificance of the amounts. Waiver of fees reduces the revenue in the period the waiver is granted to the customer.

Insurance Commissions and Fees. 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. Policy cancellation is a variable consideration that is not deemed significant and thus, does not impact the amount of revenue recognized.

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.


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F-103

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Wealth Management Fees.Wealth management fees are primarily comprised of fees earned from consultative investment management, trust administration, tax return preparation, and financial planning. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied over time and the resulting fees are recognized monthly, based on the daily accrual of the market value of the investment accounts and the applicable fee rate.

Interchange Fees.Interchange fees are transaction fees paid to the card-issuing bank to cover handling costs, fraud and bad debt costs, and the risk involved in approving the payment. Due to the day-to-day nature of these fees they are settled on a daily basis and are accounted for as they are received.

Gains/Losses on Sales of OREO. The sale of OREO and other nonfinancial assets are accounted for with the derecognition of the asset in question once a contract exists and control of the asset has been transferred to the buyer. The gain or loss on the sale is calculated as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the transaction price.


F-104