Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation	Basis of Financial Statement Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of People’s United and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from management’s current estimates, as a result of changing conditions and future events. Several accounting estimates are particularly critical and are susceptible to significant near-term change, including the allowance for loan losses and asset impairment judgments, such as the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets. These accounting estimates, which are included in the discussion below, are reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The judgments used by management in applying critical accounting policies may be affected by economic conditions, which may result in changes to future financial results. For example, subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the allowance for loan losses in future periods, and the inability to collect outstanding principal may result in increased loan losses.
Cash Equivalents	For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash equivalents include highly-liquid instruments, such as: (i) interest-bearing deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRB-NY”); (ii) government-sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) debt securities with an original maturity of three months or less (determined as of the date of purchase); (iii) federal funds sold; (iv) commercial paper; and (v) money market mutual funds. These instruments are reported as short-term investments in the Consolidated Statements of Condition at cost or amortized cost, which approximates fair value. GSE debt securities classified as cash equivalents are held to maturity and carry the implicit backing of the U.S. government, but are not direct obligations of the U.S. government.
Securities	Securities Marketable debt securities (other than those reported as short-term investments) are classified as either trading debt securities, held-to-maturity debt securities or available-for-sale debt securities. Management determines the classification of a security at the time of its purchase and reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date. Debt securities purchased for sale in the near term as well as those securities held by PSI (in accordance with the requirements for a broker-dealer) are classified as trading debt securities and reported at fair value with gains and losses reported in non-interest income. Debt securities for which People’s United has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and reported at amortized cost. All other debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported on an after-tax basis in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCL”). Premiums (discounts) are amortized (accreted) to interest income for debt securities, using the interest method over the remaining period to contractual maturity, adjusted for the effect of actual prepayments in the case of mortgage-backed and collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) securities. Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method and reported in non-interest income. Debt securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. The unrealized pre-tax gain or loss resulting from the difference between fair value and amortized cost at the transfer date becomes part of the new amortized cost basis of the securities and remains in AOCL. Such unrealized gains or losses are amortized to interest income as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of the securities, offset by the amortization (accretion) of the premium (discount) resulting from the transfer at fair value, with no effect to net income. Management conducts a periodic review and evaluation of the debt securities portfolio to determine if the decline in fair value of any security is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Other-than-temporary impairment losses are recognized on debt securities when: (i) People’s United has an intention to sell the security; (ii) it is more likely than not that People’s United will be required to sell the security prior to recovery; or (iii) People’s United does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses of the issuer. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Management has the ability and intent to hold the securities classified as  held-to-maturity until they mature, at which time People’s United expects to receive full value for the securities. Both Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock and FRB-NY stock are non-marketable equity securities and are, therefore, reported at their respective costs, which equals par value (the amount at which shares have been redeemed in the past). These investments are periodically evaluated for impairment based on, among other things, the capital adequacy of the applicable FHLB or the FRB-NY and their overall financial condition. Equity securities are reported at fair value with gains and losses reported in non-interest income.
Securities Resale and Securities Repurchase Agreements	Securities Resale and Securities Repurchase Agreements In securities resale agreements, a counterparty transfers securities to People’s United (as transferee) and People’s United agrees to resell the same securities to the counterparty at a fixed price in the future. In securities repurchase agreements, which include both retail arrangements with customers and wholesale arrangements with other counterparties, People’s United (as transferor) transfers securities to a counterparty and agrees to repurchase the same securities from the counterparty at a fixed price in the future. People’s United accounts for securities resale agreements as secured lending transactions and securities repurchase agreements as secured borrowings since the transferor maintains effective control over the transferred securities and the transfer meets the other criteria for such accounting. The securities are pledged by the transferor as collateral and the transferee has the right by contract to repledge that collateral provided the same collateral is returned to the transferor upon maturity of the underlying agreement. The fair value of the pledged collateral approximates the recorded amount of the secured loan or borrowing. Decreases in the fair value of the transferred securities below an established threshold require the transferor to provide additional collateral.
Loans Held-for-Sale	Loans Held-for-Sale Loans held-for-sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate with any adjustment for net unrealized losses reported in non-interest income. Management identifies and designates as loans held-for-sale certain newly-originated adjustable-rate and fixed-rate residential mortgage loans that meet secondary market requirements, as these loans are originated with the intent to sell. From time to time, management may also identify and designate certain loans previously  held-for-investment as held-for-sale. Such loans are transferred to loans held-for-sale and adjusted to the lower of cost or fair value with the resulting unrealized loss, if any, reported in non-interest income.
Loans	Loans Loans acquired in connection with business combinations are referred to as ‘acquired’ loans as a result of the manner in which they are accounted for (see further discussion under ‘Acquired Loans’ below). All other loans are referred to as ‘originated’ loans. Basis of Accounting Originated loans are reported at amortized cost less the allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is accrued to income monthly based on outstanding principal balances. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net fee or cost is recognized in interest income as an adjustment of yield. Depending on the loan portfolio, amounts are amortized or accreted using the level yield method over either the actual life or the estimated average life of the loan.
Non-accrual Loans	Non-accrual Loans A loan is generally considered “non-performing” when it is placed on non-accrual status. A loan is generally placed on non-accrual status when it becomes 90 days past due as to interest or principal payments. Past due status is based on the contractual payment terms of the loan. A loan may be placed on non-accrual status before it reaches 90 days past due if such loan has been identified as presenting uncertainty with respect to the collectability of interest and principal. A loan past due  90 days or more may remain on accruing status if such loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. All previously accrued but unpaid interest on non-accrual loans is reversed from interest income in the period in which the accrual of interest is discontinued. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans (including impaired loans) are generally applied as a reduction of principal if future collections are doubtful, although such interest payments may be recognized as income. A loan remains on non-accrual status until the factors that indicated doubtful collectability no longer exist or until a loan is determined to be uncollectible and is charged off against the allowance for loan losses.
Impaired Loans	Impaired Loans A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled principal and interest payments. Impaired loans also include certain loans whose terms have been modified in such a way that they are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Loans are considered TDRs if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and is afforded a concession by People’s United, such as, but not limited to: (i) payment deferral; (ii) a reduction of the stated interest rate for the remaining contractual life of the loan; (iii) an extension of the loan’s original contractual term at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk; (iv) capitalization of interest; or (v) forgiveness of principal or interest. TDRs may either be accruing or placed on non-accrual status (and reported as non-performing loans) depending upon the loan’s specific circumstances, including the nature and extent of the related modifications. TDRs on non-accrual status remain classified as such until the loan qualifies for return to accrual status. Loans qualify for return to accrual status once they have demonstrated performance with the restructured terms of the loan agreement for a minimum of six months in the case of a commercial loan or, in the case of a retail loan, when the loan is less than 90 days past due. Loans may continue to be reported as TDRs after they are returned to accrual status. In accordance with regulatory guidance, residential mortgage and home equity loans restructured in connection with the borrower’s bankruptcy and meeting certain criteria are also required to be classified as TDRs, included in non-performing loans and written down to the estimated collateral value, regardless of delinquency status. Acquired loans that are modified are not considered for TDR classification provided they are evaluated for impairment on a pool basis (see further discussion under ‘Acquired Loans’ below). Impairment is evaluated on a collective basis for pools of retail loans possessing similar risk and loss characteristics and on an individual basis for other loans. If a loan is deemed to be impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported (net of the allowance) at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Interest payments on impaired non-accrual loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible. Acquired Loans Loans acquired in a business combination are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of an acquired entity’s previously established allowance for loan losses. Fair value of the loans is determined using market participant assumptions in estimating the amount and timing of both principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected, as adjusted for an estimate of future credit losses and prepayments, and then applying a market-based discount rate to those cash flows. Acquired loans are evaluated upon acquisition and classified as either purchased performing or purchased credit impaired (“PCI”). For purchased performing loans, any premium or discount, representing the difference between the fair value and the outstanding principal balance of the loans, is recognized (using the level yield method) as an adjustment to interest income over the remaining period to contractual maturity or until the loan is repaid in full or sold. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the method utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for these loans is similar to that for originated loans. However, a provision for loan losses is only recorded when the required allowance for loan losses exceeds any remaining purchase discount at the loan level. PCI loans represent those acquired loans with specific evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it is probable that, as of the acquisition date, all contractually required principal and interest payments will not be collected. Such loans are generally accounted for on a pool basis, with pools formed based on the loans’ common risk characteristics, such as loan collateral type and accrual status. Each pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows. Under the accounting model for PCI loans, the excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying amount of the loans, referred to as the “accretable yield”, is accreted into interest income over the life of the loans in each pool using the level yield method. Accordingly, PCI loans are not subject to classification as non-accrual in the same manner as other loans. Rather, PCI loans are considered to be accruing loans because their interest income relates to the accretable yield recognized at the pool level and not to contractual interest payments at the loan level. The difference between contractually required principal and interest payments and the cash flows expected to be collected, referred to as the “nonaccretable difference”, includes estimates of both the impact of prepayments and future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans in each pool. As such, charge-offs on PCI loans are first applied to the nonaccretable difference and then to any allowance for loan losses recognized subsequent to acquisition. Subsequent to acquisition, actual cash collections are monitored relative to management’s expectations and revised cash flow forecasts are prepared, as warranted. These revised forecasts involve updates, as necessary, of the key assumptions and estimates used in the initial estimate of fair value. Generally speaking, expected cash flows are affected by: •Changes in the expected principal and interest payments over the estimated life — Updates to changes in expected cash flows are driven by the credit outlook and actions taken with borrowers. Changes in expected future cash flows resulting from loan modifications are included in the assessment of expected cash flows; •Changes in prepayment assumptions — Prepayments affect the estimated life of the loans which may change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected; and •Changes in interest rate indices for variable rate loans — Expected future cash flows are based, as applicable, on the variable rates in effect at the time of the assessment of expected cash flows. A decrease in expected cash flows in subsequent periods may indicate that the loan pool is impaired, which would require the establishment of an allowance for loan losses by a charge to the provision for loan losses. An increase in expected cash flows in subsequent periods serves, first, to reduce any previously established allowance for loan losses by the increase in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, and results in a recalculation of the amount of accretable yield for the loan 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 loans in the pool. PCI loans may be resolved either through receipt of payment (in full or in part) from the borrower, the sale of the loan to a third party or foreclosure of the collateral. In the event of a sale of the loan, a gain or loss on sale is recognized and reported within non-interest income based on the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the loan. In other cases, individual loans are removed from the pool based on comparing the amount received from its resolution (fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell in the case of a foreclosure) with its outstanding balance. Any difference between these amounts is absorbed by the nonaccretable difference established for the entire pool. For loans resolved by payment in full, there is no adjustment of the nonaccretable difference since there is no difference between the amount received at resolution and the outstanding balance of the loan. In these cases, the remaining accretable yield balance is unaffected and any material change in remaining effective yield caused by the removal of the loan from the pool is addressed in connection with the subsequent cash flow re-assessment for the pool. PCI loans subject to modification are not removed from the pool even if those loans would otherwise be deemed TDRs as the pool, and not the individual loan, represents the unit of account. Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses Originated Portfolio The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged to income. Losses on loans, including impaired loans, are charged to the allowance for loan losses when all or a portion of a loan is deemed to be uncollectible. Recoveries of loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance for loan losses when realized. People’s United maintains the allowance for loan losses at a level that is deemed to be appropriate to absorb probable losses inherent in the respective loan portfolios, based on a quarterly evaluation of a variety of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) People’s United’s historical loan loss experience and recent trends in that experience; (ii) risk ratings assigned by lending personnel to commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, and equipment financing loans, and the results of ongoing reviews of those ratings by People’s United’s independent loan review function; (iii) an evaluation of delinquent and non-performing loans and related collateral values; (iv) the probability of loss in view of geographic and industry concentrations and other portfolio risk characteristics; (v) the present financial condition of borrowers; and (vi) current economic conditions. The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) an allowance for commercial loans collectively evaluated for impairment; (ii) an allowance for retail loans collectively evaluated for impairment; and (iii) a specific allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment, including loans classified as TDRs. Commercial Loans Collectively Evaluated for Impairment. The Company establishes a loan loss allowance for its commercial loans collectively evaluated for impairment using a methodology that incorporates (i) the probability of default for a given loan risk rating and (ii) historical loss-given-default data, both derived using appropriate look-back periods and loss emergence periods. In accordance with the Company’s loan risk rating system, each commercial loan is assigned a risk rating (using a nine-grade scale) by the originating loan officer, credit management, internal loan review or loan committee. Loans rated “One” represent those loans least likely to default while loans rated “Nine” represent a loss. The probability of loans defaulting for each risk rating, referred to as default factors, are estimated based on the historical pattern of loans migrating from one risk rating to another and to default status over time as well as the length of time that it takes losses to emerge. Estimated loan default factors, which are updated annually (or more frequently, if necessary), are multiplied by loan balances within each risk-rating category and again multiplied by a historical loss-given-default estimate for each loan type to determine an appropriate level of allowance by loan type. The historical loss-given-default estimates are also updated annually (or more frequently, if necessary) based on actual charge-off experience. This approach is applied to the commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and equipment financing components of the loan portfolio. In establishing the allowance for loan losses for commercial loans collectively evaluated for impairment, the Company also gives consideration to certain qualitative factors, including the macroeconomic environment and any potential imprecision inherent in its loan loss model that may result from having limited historical loan loss data which, in turn, may result in inaccurate probability of default and loss-given-default estimates. In this manner, historical portfolio experience, as described above, is not adjusted and the allowance for loan losses always includes a component attributable to qualitative factors, the degree of which may change from period to period as such qualitative factors indicate improving or worsening trends. The Company evaluates the qualitative factors on a quarterly basis in order to conclude that they continue to be appropriate. There were no significant changes in our approach to determining the qualitative component of the related allowance for loan losses during 2019. Retail Loans Collectively Evaluated for Impairment. Pools of retail loans possessing similar risk and loss characteristics are collectively evaluated for impairment. These loan pools include residential mortgage, home equity and other consumer loans that are not assigned individual loan risk ratings. Rather, the assessment of these portfolios, and the establishment of the related allowance for loan losses, is based upon a consideration of (i) historical portfolio loss experience over an appropriate look-back period and loss emergence period and (ii) certain qualitative factors. The qualitative component of the allowance for loan losses for retail loans collectively evaluated for impairment is intended to incorporate risks inherent in the portfolio, economic uncertainties, regulatory requirements and other subjective factors such as changes in underwriting standards. Accordingly, consideration is given to: (i) present and forecasted economic conditions, including unemployment rates; (ii) changes in industry trends, including the impact of new regulations, (iii) trends in property values; (iv) broader portfolio indicators, including delinquencies, non-performing loans, portfolio concentrations, and trends in the volume and terms of loans; and (v) portfolio-specific risk characteristics. Portfolio-specific risk characteristics considered include: (i) collateral values/loan-to-value ("LTV") ratios (above and below 70%); (ii) borrower credit scores under the FICO scoring system (above and below a score of 680); and (iii) other relevant portfolio risk elements such as income verification at the time of underwriting (stated income vs. non-stated income) and the property’s intended use (owner-occupied, non-owner occupied, second home, etc.), the combination of which results in a loan being classified as either “High”, “Moderate” or “Low” risk. These risk classifications are reviewed quarterly to ensure that changes within the portfolio, as well as economic indicators and industry developments, have been appropriately considered in establishing the related allowance for loan losses. In establishing the allowance for loan losses for retail loans collectively evaluated for impairment, the amount reflecting the Company’s consideration of qualitative factors is added to the amount attributable to historical portfolio loss experience. In this manner, historical charge-off data (whether periods or amounts) is not adjusted and the allowance for loan losses always includes a component attributable to qualitative factors, the degree of which may change from period to period as such qualitative factors indicate improving or worsening trends. The Company evaluates the qualitative factors on a quarterly basis in order to conclude that they continue to be appropriate. There were no significant changes in our approach to determining the qualitative component of the related allowance for loan losses during 2019. Individually Impaired Loans. The allowance for loan losses also includes specific allowances for individually impaired loans. Generally, the Company’s impaired loans consist of (i) classified commercial loans in excess of $1 million that have been placed on non-accrual status and (ii) loans classified as TDRs. Individually impaired loans are measured based upon observable market prices; the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate; or, in the case of collateral dependent loans, fair value of the collateral (based on appraisals and other market information) less cost to sell. If the recorded investment in a loan exceeds the amount measured as described in the preceding sentence, a specific allowance for loan losses would be established as a component of the overall allowance for loan losses or, in the case of a collateral dependent loan, a charge-off would be recorded for the difference between the loan’s recorded investment and management’s estimate of the fair value of the collateral (less cost to sell). It would be rare for the Company to identify a loan that meets the criteria stated above and requires a specific allowance or a charge-off and not deem it impaired solely as a result of the existence of a guarantee. People’s United performs an analysis of its impaired loans, including collateral dependent impaired loans, on a quarterly basis. Individually impaired collateral dependent loans are measured based upon the appraised value of the underlying collateral and other market information. Generally, the Company’s policy is to obtain updated appraisals for commercial collateral dependent loans when the loan is downgraded to a risk rating of “substandard” or “doubtful”, and the most recent appraisal is more than 12 months old or a determination has been made that the property has experienced a significant decline in value. Appraisals are prepared by independent, licensed third-party appraisers and are subject to review by the Company’s internal commercial appraisal department or external appraisers contracted by the commercial appraisal department. The conclusions of the external appraisal review are reviewed by the Company’s Chief Commercial Appraiser prior to acceptance. The Company’s policy with respect to impaired loans secured by residential real estate is to receive updated estimates of property values upon the loan being classified as non-performing (typically upon becoming 90 days past due). In determining the allowance for loan losses, People’s United gives appropriate consideration to the age of appraisals through its regular evaluation of other relevant qualitative and quantitative information. Specifically, between scheduled appraisals, property values are monitored within the commercial portfolio by reference to current originations of collateral dependent loans and the related appraisals obtained during underwriting as well as by reference to recent trends in commercial property sales as published by leading industry sources. Property values are monitored within the residential mortgage and home equity portfolios by reference to available market indicators, including real estate price indices within the Company’s primary lending areas. In most situations where a guarantee exists, the guarantee arrangement is not a specific factor in the assessment of the related allowance for loan losses. However, the assessment of a guarantor’s credit strength is reflected in the Company’s internal loan risk ratings which, in turn, are an important factor in its allowance for loan loss methodology for loans within the commercial and industrial, and commercial real estate portfolios. People’s United did not change its methodologies with respect to determining the allowance for loan losses during 2019. As part of its ongoing assessment of the allowance for loan losses, People’s United regularly makes refinements to certain underlying assumptions used in its methodologies. However, such refinements did not have a material impact on the allowance for loan losses or the provision for loan losses as of or for the year ended December 31, 2019. While People’s United seeks to use the best available information to make these determinations, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, results of regulatory examinations, further information obtained regarding known problem loans, the identification of additional problem loans and other factors. Acquired Portfolio Acquired loans are evaluated upon acquisition and classified as either purchased performing or PCI, which represents those acquired loans with specific evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it is probable that, as of the acquisition date, all contractually required principal and interest payments will not be collected. PCI loans are generally accounted for on a pool basis, with pools formed based on the loans’ common risk characteristics, such as loan collateral type and accrual status. Each pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows. For purchased performing loans, the required allowance for loan losses is determined in a manner similar to that for originated loans with a provision for loan losses only recorded when the required allowance for loan losses exceeds any remaining purchase discount at the loan level. For PCI loans, the difference between contractually required principal and interest payments at the acquisition date and the undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected at the acquisition date is referred to as the “nonaccretable difference”, which includes an estimate of future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans in each pool. A decrease in the expected cash flows in subsequent periods requires the establishment of an allowance for loan losses at that time. Loan Charge-Offs The Company’s charge-off policies, which comply with standards established by banking regulators, are consistently applied from period to period. Charge-offs are recorded on a monthly basis. Partially charged-off loans continue to be evaluated on a monthly basis and additional charge-offs or loan loss provisions may be recorded on the remaining loan balance based on the same criteria. For unsecured consumer loans, charge-offs are generally recorded when the loan is deemed to be uncollectible or  120 days past due, whichever occurs first. For consumer loans secured by real estate, including residential mortgage loans, charge-offs are generally recorded when the loan is deemed to be uncollectible or 180 days past due, whichever occurs first, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that repayment will occur regardless of the delinquency status. Factors that demonstrate an ability to repay may include: (i) a loan that is secured by adequate collateral and is in the process of collection; (ii) a loan supported by a valid guarantee or insurance; or (iii) a loan supported by a valid claim against a solvent estate. For commercial loans, a charge-off is recorded when the Company determines that it will not collect all amounts contractually due based on the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell, or the present value of expected future cash flows. The decision whether to charge-off all or a portion of a loan rather than to record a specific or general loss allowance is based on an assessment of all available information that aids in determining the loan’s net realizable value. Typically, this involves consideration of both (i) the fair value of any collateral securing the loan, including whether the estimate of fair value has been derived from an appraisal or other market information and (ii) other factors affecting the likelihood of repayment, including the existence of guarantees and insurance. If the amount by which the Company’s recorded investment in the loan exceeds its net realizable value is deemed to be a confirmed loss, a charge-off is recorded. Otherwise, a specific or general reserve is established, as applicable. The comparatively low level of net loan charge-offs in recent years, in terms of absolute dollars and as a percentage of average total loans, may not be sustainable in the future.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers	Revenue from Contracts with Customers The Company earns revenue from a variety of sources. For revenue streams other than (i) net interest income and (ii) other revenues associated with financial assets and financial liabilities, including loans, leases, securities and derivatives, the Company generally applies the following steps with respect to revenue recognition: (i) identify the contract; (ii) identify the performance obligation; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation; and (v) recognize revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. The Company’s contracts with customers are generally short-term in nature, typically due within one year or less, or cancellable by the Company or the customer upon a short notice period. Performance obligations for customer contracts are generally satisfied at a single point in time, typically when the transaction is complete, or over time. For performance obligations satisfied over time, the value of the products/services transferred to the customer are evaluated to determine when, and to what degree, performance obligations have been satisfied. Payments from customers are typically received, and revenue recognized, concurrent with the satisfaction of our performance obligations. In most cases, this occurs within a single financial reporting period. For payments received in advance of the satisfaction of our performance obligations, revenue recognition is deferred until such time the performance obligations have been satisfied. In cases where a payment has not been received despite satisfaction of our performance obligations, an estimate of the amount due is accrued in the period our performance obligations have been satisfied. For contracts with variable components, amounts for which collection is probable are accrued. The following summarizes the Company’s performance obligations for the more significant recurring revenue streams included in non-interest income: Service charges and fees on deposit accounts — Service charges and fees on deposit accounts consist of monthly account maintenance and other related fees (bank service charges) as well as cash management fees, which are earned for services related to payment processing, overdrafts, non-sufficient funds and other deposit account activity. 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, including overdraft charges and cash management 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. Card-based and other non-deposit fees — Card-based and other non-deposit fees are comprised, primarily, of debit and credit card income and ATM fees as well as certain commercial banking lending fees. Debit and credit card income is primarily comprised of interchange fees earned whenever the Company’s debit and credit cards are processed through card payment networks. ATM fees and commercial banking lending fees are largely transactional-based and, therefore, the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied, and related revenue recognized, at a point in time. Payment is typically received immediately or in the following month. Investment management fees — Investment management income is primarily comprised of fees earned from the management and administration of trusts and other customer assets. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied over time and the resulting fees are recognized monthly, based upon the month-end market value of the assets under management and the applicable fee rate. Payment is generally received a few days after month end through a direct charge to customers’ accounts. The Company’s performance obligation for these transactional-based services is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, at a point in time (i.e. as incurred). Payment is received shortly after services are rendered. Insurance commissions and fees — The Company’s insurance revenue, which represents commissions earned for performing broker- and agency-related services, has two distinct performance obligations. The first performance obligation is the selling of the policy as an agent for the carrier. This performance obligation is satisfied upon binding of the policy. The second performance obligation is the ongoing servicing of the policy which is satisfied over the life of the policy. For employee benefits, the payment is typically received monthly. For property and casualty, payments can vary but are typically received at, or in advance of, the policy period. Brokerage commissions and fees — Brokerage commissions and fees primarily relate to investment advisory and brokerage activities as well as the sale of mutual funds and annuities. The Company’s performance obligation for investment advisory services is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, over the period in which the services are provided. Fees earned for brokerage activities, such as facilitating securities transactions, are generally recognized at the time of transaction execution. The performance obligation for mutual fund and annuity sales is satisfied upon sale of the underlying investment, and therefore, the related revenue is primarily recognized at the time of sale. Payment for these services is typically received immediately or in advance of the service. The revenue streams noted above represent approximately $288 million (or 67%) of total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019, and approximately $270 million (or 74%) for the year ended December 31, 2018. Of these amounts, approximately 40% in both 2019 and 2018 is allocated to the Commercial Banking operating segment and approximately 30% in both 2019 and 2018 is allocated to each of the Retail Banking and Wealth Management operating segments. The Company generally acts in a principal capacity, on its own behalf, in the majority of its contracts with customers. In such transactions, revenue and the related costs to provide our services are recognized on a gross basis in the financial statements. In some cases, the Company may act in an agent capacity, deriving revenue by assisting other entities in transactions with our customers. In such transactions, revenue and the related costs to provide our services are recognized on a net basis in the financial statements. The extent of the Company’s activities for which it acts as an agent (and for which the related revenue and expense has been presented on a net basis) is immaterial.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance	Bank-Owned Life Insurance Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) represents the cash surrender value of life insurance policies purchased on the lives of certain key executives and former key executives. BOLI funds are generally invested in separate accounts and are supported by a stable wrap agreement to fully insulate the underlying investments against changes in fair value. Increases in the cash surrender value of these policies and death benefits in excess of the related invested premiums are included in non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s BOLI policies have been underwritten by highly-rated third party insurance carriers and the investments underlying these policies are deemed to be of low-to-moderate market risk.
Premises and Equipment	Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization, except for land, which is reported at cost. Buildings, data processing and other equipment, computer software, furniture and fixtures are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term, the estimated useful life of the improvements or 10 years. Capitalized software development costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software. Generally, the estimated useful lives are as follows: buildings — 40 years; data processing and other equipment — 3 to 5 years; computer software — 3 to 5 years; and furniture and fixtures — 10 years.
Goodwill and Other Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets An acquirer in a business combination is required, upon initially obtaining control of another entity, to recognize the assets, liabilities and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at fair value as of the acquisition date. Contingent consideration, if any, is also recognized and measured at fair value on the date of acquisition. In addition, the accounting standards for business combinations require that: (i) acquisition-related transaction costs be expensed as incurred; (ii) specific requirements be met in order to accrue for a restructuring plan as part of the acquisition; (iii) certain pre-acquisition contingencies be recognized at fair value; and (iv) acquired loans be recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date without recognition of an allowance for loan losses. Intangible assets are recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the tangible net assets acquired. “Acquisition-related intangible assets” are separately identified, recognized and amortized, where appropriate, for assets such as trade names, certain contractual agreements and the estimated values of acquired core deposits and/or customer relationships. Mutual fund management contract intangibles recognized by People’s United are deemed to have indefinite useful lives and, accordingly, are not amortized. The remaining intangible asset is recognized as goodwill. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but, rather, are reviewed for impairment at least annually, with impairment losses recognized as a charge to expense when they occur. Acquisition-related intangible assets other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives in a manner consistent with that in which the related benefits are expected to be realized, and are periodically reviewed by management to assess recoverability, with impairment losses recognized as a charge to expense if carrying amounts exceed fair values. The Company’s trade name intangibles are amortized on either (i) an accelerated basis over a period of approximately  20 years or (ii) a straight-line basis over 5 years. Core deposit intangibles are amortized on an accelerated basis over a period ranging from 6 to 10 years. Customer relationship intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining average life of those relationships, which ranges from 10 to 15 years from the respective acquisition dates. Intangibles stemming from contractual agreements, such as favorable lease and non-compete agreements, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the respective agreements. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level. For the purpose of goodwill impairment evaluations, management has identified reporting units based upon the Company’s three operating segments: Commercial Banking; Retail Banking; and Wealth Management. The impairment evaluation is performed as of an annual date or more frequently if a triggering event indicates that impairment may have occurred. Entities have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of such events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the entity is not required to perform the quantitative impairment test as described below. The quantitative test is used to identify potential impairment, and involves comparing each reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not deemed to be impaired. Should the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceed its estimated fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. At this time, none of the Company’s identified reporting units are at risk of failing the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units based on an appropriate weighting of values based on (i) a present-value measurement technique (discounted cash flow analysis based on internal forecasts) and (ii) market-based trading and transaction multiples. The discounted cash flow analysis is based on significant assumptions and judgments including future growth rates and discount rates reflecting management’s assessment of market participant views of the risks associated with the projected cash flows of the reporting units. The market-based trading and transaction multiples are derived from the market prices of stocks of companies that are actively traded and engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Company and the respective reporting unit. The derived multiples are then applied to the reporting unit’s financial metrics to produce an indication of value. Differences in the identification of reporting units or in the selection of valuation techniques and related assumptions could result in materially different evaluations of goodwill impairment. In conducting its 2019 and 2018 goodwill impairment evaluations (as of the annual October 1st evaluation date), People’s United elected to perform the optional qualitative assessment for all three reporting units. In 2017, People’s United elected to perform the optional qualitative assessment for both the Commercial Banking and Retail Banking reporting units and, upon doing so, concluded that performance of the quantitative impairment test was not required. The quantitative impairment test was elected for purposes of the 2017 goodwill impairment evaluation for the Wealth Management reporting unit as a result of the acquisition of Gerstein, Fisher & Associates, Inc., which occurred subsequent to performance of the Company’s 2016 impairment analysis.
Real Estate Owned	Real Estate Owned Real estate owned (“REO”) properties acquired through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure are recorded initially at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less costs to sell. Any write-down of the recorded investment in the related loan is charged to the allowance for loan losses upon transfer to REO. Thereafter, an allowance for REO losses is established for any further declines in the property’s value. This allowance is increased by provisions charged to income and decreased by  charge-offs for realized losses. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on an analysis of individual properties, as well as a general assessment of current real estate market conditions.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to “temporary differences” and tax loss carryforwards. Temporary differences are differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. A deferred tax liability is recognized for all temporary differences that will result in future taxable income. A deferred tax asset is recognized for all temporary differences that will result in future tax deductions and for all tax loss carryforwards, subject to reduction of the asset by a valuation allowance in certain circumstances. This valuation allowance is recognized if, based on an analysis of available evidence, management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The valuation allowance is subject to ongoing adjustment based on changes in circumstances that affect management’s judgment about the realizability of the deferred tax asset. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to future taxable income. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax laws or rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. Effective January 1, 2017, tax benefits attributable to deductions in excess of financial statement amounts arising from the exercise of non-statutory stock options are included as a component of income tax expense (previously credited to additional paid-in capital). Individual tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return must satisfy certain criteria in order for some or all of the related tax benefits to be recognized in the financial statements. Specifically, a recognition threshold of  more-likely-than-not must be met in order to recognize those tax benefits.
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings attributable to common shareholders 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 and performance shares) were exercised or converted into additional common shares that would then share in the earnings of the entity. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing earnings attributable to common shareholders 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. Unvested share-based payment awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered to participate with common shareholders in undistributed earnings for purposes of computing EPS. Companies that have such participating securities, including People’s United, are required to calculate basic and diluted EPS using the two-class method. Restricted stock awards granted by People’s United are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method (i) exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities and (ii) exclude from the denominator the dilutive impact of the participating securities.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities People’s United uses derivative financial instruments as components of its market risk management (principally to manage interest rate risk (“IRR”)). Certain other derivatives are entered into in connection with transactions with commercial customers. Derivatives are not used for speculative purposes. All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Condition, reported at fair value and presented on a gross basis. Until a derivative is settled, a favorable change in fair value results in an unrealized gain that is recognized as an asset, while an unfavorable change in fair value results in an unrealized loss that is recognized as a liability. The Company generally applies hedge accounting to its derivatives used for market risk management purposes. Hedge accounting is permitted only if specific criteria are met, including a requirement that a highly effective relationship exist between the derivative instrument and the hedged item, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. The hedge accounting method depends upon whether the derivative instrument is classified as a fair value hedge (i.e. hedging an exposure related to a recognized asset or liability, or a firm commitment) or a cash flow hedge (i.e. hedging an exposure related to the variability of future cash flows associated with a recognized asset or liability, or a forecasted transaction). Changes in the fair value of effective fair value hedges are recognized in current earnings (with the change in fair value of the hedged asset or liability also recorded in earnings). Changes in the fair value of effective cash flow hedges are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. Ineffective portions of hedge results are recognized in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied are recognized in current earnings. People’s United formally documents at inception all relationships between the derivative instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets and liabilities, or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. People’s United also formally assesses, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective or has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, People’s United would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. Gains or losses resulting from the termination of a derivative accounted for as a cash flow hedge remain in AOCL and are amortized to earnings over the remaining period of the former hedging relationship, provided the hedged item continues to be outstanding or it is probable the forecasted transaction will occur. People’s United uses the dollar offset method, regression analysis and scenario analysis to assess hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. Such methods are chosen based on the nature of the hedge strategy and are used consistently throughout the life of the hedging relationship. Certain derivative financial instruments are offered to commercial customers to assist them in meeting their financing and investing objectives and for their risk management purposes. These derivative financial instruments consist primarily of interest rate swaps and caps, but also include foreign exchange contracts. The interest rate and foreign exchange risks associated with customer interest rate swaps and caps and foreign exchange contracts are mitigated by entering into similar derivatives having essentially offsetting terms with institutional counterparties. Interest rate-lock commitments extended to borrowers relate to the origination of residential mortgage loans. To mitigate the IRR inherent in these commitments, People’s United enters into mandatory delivery and best efforts contracts to sell adjustable-rate and fixed-rate residential mortgage loans (servicing released). Forward commitments to sell and interest  rate-lock commitments on residential mortgage loans are considered derivatives and their respective estimated fair values are adjusted based on changes in interest rates. Changes in the fair value of derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied are recognized in current earnings, including customer derivatives, interest-rate lock commitments and forward sale commitments.
Balance Sheet Offsetting	Balance Sheet Offsetting Assets and liabilities relating to certain financial instruments, including derivatives, may be eligible for offset in the Consolidated Statements of Condition and/or subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. People’s United’s derivative transactions with institutional counterparties are generally executed under International Swaps and Derivative Association (“ISDA”) master agreements, which include “right of set-off” provisions that provide for a single net settlement of all interest rate swap positions, as well as collateral, in the event of default on, or the termination of, any one contract. Nonetheless, the Company does not, except as discussed in Note 23, offset asset and liabilities under such arrangements in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Collateral (generally in the form of marketable debt securities) pledged by counterparties in connection with derivative transactions is not reported in the Consolidated Statements of Condition unless the counterparty defaults. Collateral that has been pledged by People’s United to counterparties continues to be reported in the Consolidated Statements of Condition unless the Company defaults.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Accounting standards related to fair value measurements define fair value, provide a framework for measuring fair value and establish related disclosure requirements. Broadly, fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accordingly, an “exit price” approach is required in determining fair value. In support of this principle, a fair value hierarchy has been established that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, requiring entities to maximize the use of market or observable inputs (as more reliable measures) and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs generally require significant management judgment. The three levels within the fair value hierarchy are as follows: •Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date (such as active exchange-traded equity securities or mutual funds and certain U.S. and government agency debt securities). •Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as: ◦quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (such as U.S. agency and GSE issued mortgage-backed and CMO securities); ◦quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in less active markets (such as certain U.S. and government agency debt securities, and corporate and municipal debt securities that trade infrequently); and ◦other inputs that (i) are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, etc.) or (ii) can be corroborated by observable market data (such as interest rate and currency derivatives and certain other securities). •Level 3 — Valuation techniques that require unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability (such as pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that typically reflect management’s own estimates of the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability). People’s United maintains policies and procedures to value assets and liabilities using the most relevant data available.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation People’s United’s stock-based compensation plans provide for awards of stock options, restricted stock and performance shares to directors, officers and employees. Costs resulting from the issuance of such share-based payment awards are required to be recognized in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards Standards effective in 2019 Accounting for Leases In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) amended its standards with respect to the accounting for leases. The amended guidance serves to replace all current GAAP guidance on this topic and requires that an operating lease be recognized on the statement of condition as a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset along with a corresponding liability representing the rent obligation. Key aspects of current lessor accounting generally remain unchanged from existing guidance, although the definition of eligible initial direct costs (“IDC”) has been amended. The guidance became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019 for People’s United) and, as originally issued, required the use of the modified retrospective transition approach for existing leases that have not expired before the date of initial application. In July 2018, the FASB issued two targeted improvements to the standard with the objective of reducing the cost and complexity of implementing the guidance. These amendments, which have the same effective date and transition requirements as the new lease standard, serve to (i) introduce an optional transition method allowing entities to recognize a cumulative-effect transition adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented and (ii) provide a practical expedient whereby lessors can elect, by class of underlying asset, to not separate lease and related non-lease components if certain criteria are met. The Company elected the optional transition method which results in the modified retrospective approach being applied on January 1, 2019 (as opposed to January 1, 2017). The Company also elected certain transition relief options provided in the standard, including the package of practical expedients. These relief options allow the Company to forego (i) the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities arising from short-term leases (i.e. leases with terms of twelve months or less) and (ii) a reassessment as to: (a) whether expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (b) the lease classification for expired or existing leases; and (c) whether previously capitalized IDC for existing leases would qualify for capitalization under the standard. The Company did not elect the hindsight practical expedient which allows entities to use hindsight when determining lease term and impairment of ROU assets. The Company identified several areas that are within the scope of the guidance, including (i) its contracts with respect to leased real estate and office equipment and (ii) lease agreements entered into with customers of the Company’s equipment financing businesses. The most significant impact of adopting the guidance relates to real estate (primarily branch locations) and office equipment subject to non-cancelable operating lease agreements entered into by the Company as lessee. The amount of the ROU assets and corresponding lease liabilities recorded upon adoption were based, primarily, on the present value of unpaid future minimum lease payments, the amount of which is dependent upon the population of leases in effect at the date of adoption, as well as assumptions with respect to renewals and/or extensions and the interest rate used to discount the future lease obligations. The Federal banking agencies have indicated that to the extent a ROU asset arises due to a lease of a tangible asset (e.g. building or equipment), the asset should be: (i) treated as a tangible asset not subject to deduction from regulatory capital; (ii) risk-weighted at 100%; and (iii) included in total assets for leverage capital purposes. As it relates to lease agreements entered into with equipment financing customers, and for which the Company acts as lessor, the impact principally relates to the definition of eligible IDC under the new guidance. Specifically, the standard maintains a narrower definition of IDC which will result in the Company recognizing immediately (rather than deferring) certain lease origination-related expenses. Such expenses would be offset by the recognition of a higher yield on the underlying leases over their contractual term. The guidance was adopted on January 1, 2019 and resulted in the recognition of (i) operating lease liabilities totaling $268.8 million, based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments, determined using a discount rate as of the effective date, and (ii) corresponding ROU assets totaling $248.5 million, based upon the operating lease liabilities, adjusted for prepaid and deferred rent, and liabilities associated with lease termination costs. This transition adjustment served to increase risk-weighted assets, resulting in an approximate 5 to 10 basis point decrease in the risk-based capital ratios of both the Company and the Bank at that time. While the adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company has, where appropriate, modified its business processes, systems and internal controls in order to support the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of the new standard. Expanded disclosures about the nature and terms of lease agreements, which are required prospectively, have been included in Note 6. Premium Amortization — Purchased Callable Debt Securities In April 2017, the FASB amended its standards to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium, requiring such premiums to be amortized to the earliest call date unless applicable guidance related to certain pools of securities is applied to consider estimated prepayments. Under prior guidance, entities were generally required to amortize premiums on individual, non-pooled callable debt securities as a yield adjustment over the contractual life of the security. This amendment, which does not change the accounting for callable debt securities held at a discount, became effective for People's United on January 1, 2019 and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Derivatives and Hedging In August 2017, the FASB amended its standards with respect to the accounting for derivatives and hedging, simplifying existing guidance in order to enable companies to more accurately portray the economic effects of risk management activities in the financial statements and enhancing the transparency and understandability of hedge results through improved disclosures. This new guidance became effective on January 1, 2019 for People’s United and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income In February 2018, as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”), the FASB issued new accounting guidance providing entities with the option to reclassify, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, certain “stranded tax effects” resulting from application of the Act. An entity that elects to do so must provide the following disclosures in the period of adoption: (i) that an election was made to reclassify the income tax effects of the Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings and (ii) a description of other income tax effects related to the application of the Act that were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, if any  (e.g. income tax effects other than the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances). Regardless of whether an entity elects to adopt the guidance or not it is required to disclose its accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (e.g. the portfolio approach or the security-by-security approach). The guidance is effective for all organizations for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019 for People’s United), including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. Entities electing to apply the guidance should do so (i) as of the beginning of the period of adoption or (ii) retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate is recognized. The Company elected to early adopt this amendment effective January 1, 2018 (for the reporting period ending on March 31, 2018). Upon adoption, $37.9 million, representing the income tax effects of the Act as well as the indirect impacts from the decreased federal tax effect on future state tax benefits, was reclassified from AOCL to retained earnings. The reclassification adjustment, which related to: (i) the net actuarial loss on defined benefit pension and postretirement plans; (ii) the net unrealized loss on debt securities available-for-sale and debt securities transferred to held-to-maturity; and (iii) the net unrealized loss on derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, served to increase regulatory capital by $37.9 million, which resulted in an approximate 11 basis point increase in the risk-based capital ratios of both the Company and the Bank at that time. Standards effective in 2020 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB amended its standards with respect to certain aspects of measurement, recognition and disclosure of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments carried at amortized cost, as well as available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration (“PCD assets”). The amendment is to be applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (that is, a modified-retrospective approach). For certain assets (such as debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized before the effective date and PCD assets), a prospective transition approach is required. For existing PCI assets, upon adoption, the amortized cost basis will be adjusted to reflect the addition of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). This transition relief avoids the need for a reporting entity to reassess its purchased financial assets that exist as of the date of adoption in order to determine whether they would have met, at acquisition, the new criteria of ‘more-than insignificant’ credit deterioration since origination. The transition relief also allows an entity to accrete the remaining noncredit discount (based on the revised amortized cost basis) into interest income over the life of the related asset using the interest method. For public business entities, this new amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020 for People’s United) and earlier application is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2018. While early adoption is permitted, the Company has not elected that option. To assist in implementing the standard, the Company formed a cross-functional working group, comprised of individuals from various disciplines, including credit, risk management, information technology and finance. The implementation activities of the working group were subject to the Company’s established corporate governance and oversight structure. Initially, some of the more important activities of the working group included: (i) purchasing and installing a third-party vendor solution to aid in application of the standard; (ii) establishing the Company’s portfolio segmentation; (iii) fulfilling historical data requirements necessary to comply with the standard; and (iv) developing and testing loss estimation models leveraged from existing credit models used to comply with other regulatory requirements. Subsequently, the working group tested, refined and validated its loss estimation framework during parallel runs that involved a comprehensive assessment of: (i) model functionality;  (ii) internal control design and effectiveness; and (iii) related governance activities. The working group is currently in the final stages of implementation, documenting the relevant processes, systems, internal controls and data sources necessary to support the requirements of the new standard, including related disclosures, and executing established review and approval protocols. Under the standard, the Company will determine the ACL based on its historical loss experience, current  borrower-specific risk characteristics, forecasts of future economic conditions and other relevant factors. In doing so, the Company will utilize a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period followed by a one-year period over which estimated losses will revert to historical loss experience for the remaining life of the loan. As a result of the required change to determining estimated credit losses from an “incurred loss” model to a “life of loan” model, the new guidance can be expected to result in an increase in the allowance for loan losses, particularly for longer duration portfolios. That said, any estimate of expected credit losses will be dependent upon portfolio size, composition and credit quality, as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time. Based upon forecasted economic conditions and portfolio balances existing as of December 31, 2019, the Company expects to record a pre-tax adjustment to retained earnings of approximately $60 million, representing the aggregate effect of adoption on the ACL for loans and securities as well as the reserve for unfunded commitments. The Company also expects to record an adjustment of approximately $30 million to the amortized cost basis of its existing PCI loans to reflect the addition of the ACL on such loans. The increase in aggregate loan allowance levels is driven, primarily, by higher reserve requirements associated with the Company’s retail portfolios (i.e. residential mortgage and home equity) due to the difference between the loss emergence periods of these portfolios under the incurred loss model and the expected remaining life of such loans as required by the standard, partially offset by lower reserve requirements associated with certain of the Company’s commercial portfolios, which generally have shorter contractual maturities. The Company’s held-to-maturity debt securities portfolio consists primarily of agency-backed securities and highly-rated municipal and corporate bonds, all of which inherently have minimal non-payment risk. The adjustments noted above serve to reduce regulatory capital ratios for both the Holding Company and the Bank by approximately 10 basis points. The Company has elected to phase-in, over three years, the day-one regulatory capital effects of the standard in accordance with the Federal banking agencies final rule issued in December 2018. Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB amended its standards with respect to goodwill, simplifying how an entity is required to conduct the impairment assessment by eliminating Step 2, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation, from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, goodwill impairment will now be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. An entity will still have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. For public business entities, this new guidance is effective in fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020 for People’s United) and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. This amendment, which the Company elected to early adopt effective January 1, 2018, did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Disclosure Requirements — Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued targeted amendments that serve to eliminate, add and modify certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities are no longer required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but are required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. These amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020 for People’s United) and early adoption is permitted. Entities may also elect to (i) early adopt the eliminated and/or modified disclosure requirements and (ii) delay adoption of the new disclosure requirements until their effective date. The provisions set forth in this guidance, which the Company elected to early adopt in 2018, have been reflected in Note 20 (as applicable) and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Standards effective in 2021 Disclosure Requirements — Defined Benefit Plans In August 2018, the FASB issued targeted amendments that serve to make minor changes to the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans. More specifically, the amendments (i) remove disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, (ii) clarify the specific requirements of selected disclosures and (iii) add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. These amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 (January 1, 2021 for People’s United) and early adoption is permitted. The provisions set forth in this guidance, which the Company elected to early adopt in 2018, have been reflected in Note 18 (as applicable) and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB amended its standards with respect to income taxes, simplifying the accounting in several areas, including intra-period tax allocation, deferred tax liabilities related to outside basis differences, and year-to-date losses in interim periods, among others. For public business entities, this new guidance is effective in fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020 (January 1, 2021 for People’s United) and early adoption is permitted. If an entity elects to early adopt, it must adopt all changes as a result of the guidance. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fair Value Measurements	Recurring Fair Value Measurements Trading Debt Securities, Equity Securities and Debt Securities Available-For-Sale When available, People’s United uses quoted market prices for identical securities received from an independent, nationally-recognized, third-party pricing service (as discussed further below) to determine the fair value of investment securities such as U.S. Treasury and agency securities and equity securities that are included in Level 1. When quoted market prices for identical securities are unavailable, People’s United uses prices provided by the independent pricing service based on recent trading activity and other observable information including, but not limited to, market interest rate curves, referenced credit spreads and estimated prepayment rates where applicable. These investments include certain U.S. and government agency debt securities, corporate and municipal debt securities and GSE mortgage-backed and CMO securities, all of which are included in Level 2. The Company’s available-for-sale debt securities are primarily comprised of GSE mortgage-backed securities. The fair value of these securities is based on prices obtained from the independent pricing service. The pricing service uses various techniques to determine pricing for the Company’s mortgage-backed securities, including option pricing and discounted cash flow analysis. The inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, monthly payment information and collateral performance. At December 31, 2019, the entire available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities portfolio was comprised of GSE mortgage-backed and CMO securities with original final maturities ranging from 10 to 40 years. At December 31, 2018, the entire available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities portfolio was comprised of GSE mortgage-backed securities with original final maturities of 10- and 15-years. An active market exists for securities that are similar to the Company’s GSE mortgage-backed and CMO securities, making observable inputs readily available. Changes in the prices obtained from the pricing service are analyzed from month to month, taking into consideration changes in market conditions including changes in mortgage spreads, changes in U.S. Treasury security yields and changes in generic pricing of securities with similar duration. As a further point of validation, the Company generates its own month-end fair value estimate for all mortgage-backed securities, and state and municipal securities. While the Company has not adjusted the prices obtained from the independent pricing service, any notable differences between those prices and the Company’s estimates are subject to further analysis. This additional analysis may include a review of prices provided by other independent parties, a yield analysis, a review of average life changes using Bloomberg analytics and a review of historical pricing for the particular security. Based on management’s review of the prices provided by the pricing service, the fair values incorporate observable market inputs used by market participants at the measurement date and, as such, are classified as Level 2 securities. Other Assets As discussed in Note 18, certain unfunded, nonqualified supplemental plans have been established to provide retirement benefits to certain senior officers. People’s United has funded two trusts to provide benefit payments to the extent such benefits are not paid directly by People’s United, the assets of which are included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. When available, People’s United determines the fair value of the trust assets using quoted market prices for identical securities received from a third-party nationally recognized pricing service. Derivatives People’s United values its derivatives using internal models that are based on market or observable inputs, including interest rate curves and forward/spot prices for selected currencies. Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 represent interest rate swaps and caps, foreign exchange contracts, risk participation agreements, forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans and interest rate-lock commitments on residential mortgage loans. Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements Loans Held-for-Sale Loans held-for-sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value and are therefore measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. When available, People’s United uses observable secondary market data, including pricing on recent closed market transactions for loans with similar characteristics. Accordingly, such loans are classified as Level 2 measurements. When observable data is unavailable, valuation methodologies using current market interest rate data adjusted for inherent credit risk are used, and such loans are included in Level 3. Impaired Loans Loan impairment is deemed to exist when full repayment of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan is no longer probable. Impaired loans are reported based on one of three measures: (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate; (ii) the loan’s observable market price; or (iii) the fair value of the collateral (less estimated cost to sell) if the loan is collateral dependent. Accordingly, certain impaired loans may be subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. People’s United has estimated the fair values of these assets using Level 3 inputs, such as discounted cash flows based on inputs that are largely unobservable and, instead, reflect management’s own estimates of the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing such loans and/or the fair value of collateral based on independent third-party appraisals for  collateral-dependent loans. Such appraisals are based on the market and/or income approach to value and are subject to a discount (to reflect estimated cost to sell) that generally approximates 10%. REO and Repossessed Assets REO and repossessed assets are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, and are therefore measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. People’s United has estimated the fair values of these assets using Level 3 inputs, such as independent third-party appraisals and price opinions. Such appraisals are based on the market and/or income approach to value and are subject to a discount (to reflect estimated cost to sell) that generally approximates 10%. Assets that are acquired through loan default are recorded as held-for-sale initially at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan or fair value (less estimated selling costs) upon the date of foreclosure/repossession. Subsequent to foreclosure/repossession, valuations are updated periodically and the carrying amounts of these assets may be reduced further. Mortgage Servicing Rights Mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the servicing rights as compared to their amortized cost. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated net servicing income. This model incorporates certain assumptions that market participants would likely use in estimating future net servicing income, such as interest rates, prepayment speeds and the cost to service (including delinquency and foreclosure costs), all of which require a degree of management judgment. Adjustments are only recorded when the discounted cash flows derived from the valuation model are less than the carrying value of the asset. As such, mortgage servicing rights are subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are classified as Level 3 assets.
Segment Information	Public companies are required to report (i) certain financial and descriptive information about “reportable operating segments,” as defined, and (ii) certain enterprise-wide financial information about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. Operating segment information is reported using a “management approach” that is based on the way management organizes the segments for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance. People’s United’s operations are divided into three primary operating segments that represent its core businesses: Commercial Banking; Retail Banking; and Wealth Management. In addition, the Treasury area manages People’s United’s securities portfolio, short-term investments, brokered deposits, wholesale borrowings and the funding center. The Company’s operating segments have been aggregated into two reportable segments: Commercial Banking and Retail Banking. These reportable segments have been identified and organized based on the nature of the underlying products and services applicable to each segment, the type of customers to whom those products and services are offered and the distribution channel through which those products and services are made available. With respect to the Company’s traditional wealth management activities, this presentation results in the allocation of the Company’s insurance business and certain trust activities to the Commercial Banking segment, and the allocation of the Company’s brokerage business and certain other trust activities to the Retail Banking segment. Commercial Banking consists principally of commercial real estate lending, commercial and industrial lending, and commercial deposit gathering activities. This segment also includes equipment financing operations, as well as cash management, correspondent banking, municipal banking, institutional trust services, corporate trust, commercial insurance services provided by PUIA and private banking. Retail Banking includes, as its principal business lines, consumer lending (including residential mortgage and home equity lending) and consumer deposit gathering activities. This segment also includes brokerage, financial advisory services, investment management services and life insurance provided by PSI, investment advisory services and financial management and planning services provided by PUA and non-institutional trust services. People’s United’s segment disclosure is based on an internal profitability reporting system, which generates information by operating segment based on a series of management estimates and allocations regarding funds transfer pricing (“FTP”), the provision for loan losses, non-interest expense and income taxes. These estimates and allocations, some of which are subjective in nature, are subject to periodic review and refinement. Any changes in estimates and allocations that may affect the reported results of any segment will not affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of People’s United as a whole. FTP, which is used in the calculation of each operating segment’s net interest income, measures the value of funds used in and provided by an operating segment. The difference between the interest income on earning assets and the interest expense on funding liabilities, and the corresponding FTP charge for interest income or credit for interest expense, results in net spread income. For fixed-term assets and liabilities, the FTP rate is assigned at the time the asset or liability is originated by reference to the Company’s FTP yield curve, which is updated daily. For non-maturity-term assets and liabilities, the FTP rate is determined based upon the underlying characteristics, or behavior, of each particular product and results in the use of a historical rolling average FTP rate determined over a period that is most representative of the average life of the particular asset or liability. While the Company’s FTP methodology serves to remove IRR from the operating segments and better facilitate pricing decisions, thereby allowing management to assess the longer-term profitability of an operating segment more effectively, it may, in sustained periods of low and/or high interest rates, result in a measure of operating segment net interest income that is not reflective of current interest rates. A five-year rolling average net charge-off rate is used as the basis for the provision for loan losses for the respective operating segment in order to present a level of portfolio credit cost that is representative of the Company’s historical experience, without presenting the potential volatility from year-to-year changes in credit conditions. While this method of allocation allows management to assess the longer-term profitability of an operating segment more effectively, it may result in a measure of an operating segment’s provision for loan losses that does not reflect actual incurred losses for the periods presented. People’s United allocates a majority of non-interest expenses to each operating segment using a full-absorption costing process (i.e. all expenses are fully-allocated to the segments). Direct and indirect costs are analyzed and pooled by process and assigned to the appropriate operating segment and corporate overhead costs are allocated to the operating segments. Income tax expense is allocated to each operating segment using a constant rate, based on an estimate of the consolidated effective income tax rate for the year. Average total assets and average total liabilities are presented for each reportable segment due to management’s reliance, in part, on such average balances for purposes of assessing segment performance. Average total assets of each reportable segment include allocated goodwill and intangible assets, both of which are reviewed for impairment at least annually. The "Other" category includes the residual financial impact from the allocation of revenues and expenses (including the provision for loan losses) and certain revenues and expenses not attributable to a particular segment; assets and liabilities not attributable to a particular segment; reversal of the FTE adjustment since net interest income for each segment is presented on an FTE basis; and the FTP impact from excess capital. The "Other" category also includes (i) gains of $7.6 million, net of expenses, resulting from the sale of eight branches in central Maine and $3.3 million on a sale-leaseback transaction, both for the year ended December 31, 2019, and $10.0 million of security losses in each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 incurred in response to tax reform-related benefits recognized in each period (all included in non-interest income); and (ii) merger-related expenses totaling $49.1 million, $11.4 million and $30.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and a $16.5 million charge for the year ended December 31, 2019 associated with the complete write-down of an acquisition-related intangible asset stemming from the liquidation of the Company's public mutual funds (all included in non-interest expense). The increases in average total assets and average total liabilities in 2019 compared to 2018 primarily reflect the recognition of ROU assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities upon adoption of the FASB leasing standard on January 1, 2019 (see Notes 1 and 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion regarding the accounting for leases).
People's United Employee Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	People’s United Employee Pension and Other Postretirement Plans People’s United maintains a qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the “People’s Qualified Plan”) that covers substantially all full-time and part-time employees who (i) meet certain age and length of service requirements and (ii) were employed by the Bank prior to August 14, 2006. Benefits are based upon the employee’s years of credited service and either the average compensation for the last five years or the average compensation for the five consecutive years of the last  ten years that produce the highest average. New employees of the Bank starting on or after August 14, 2006 are not eligible to participate in the People’s Qualified Plan. Instead, the Bank makes contributions on behalf of these employees to a qualified defined contribution plan in an annual amount equal to 3% of the employee’s eligible compensation. Employee participation in this plan is restricted to employees who (i) are at least 18 years of age and (ii) worked at least 1000 hours in a year. Both full-time and part-time employees are eligible to participate as long as they meet these requirements. In July 2011, the Bank amended the People’s Qualified Plan to “freeze”, effective December 31, 2011, the accrual of pension benefits for People’s Qualified Plan participants. As such, participants will not earn any additional benefits after that date. Instead, effective January 1, 2012, the Bank began making contributions on behalf of these participants to a qualified defined contribution plan in an annual amount equal to 3% of the employee’s eligible compensation. In addition to the People’s Qualified Plan, People’s United continues to maintain qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover (i) former First Connecticut employees who meet certain eligibility requirements (the “First Connecticut Qualified Plan”) and (ii) former United Financial employees who meet certain eligibility requirements (the “United Financial Qualified Plan”). All benefits under these plans were frozen effective February 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Effective October 1, 2018, both the Chittenden Qualified Plan and the Suffolk Qualified Plan were merged into the People’s Qualified Plan. People’s United also maintains (i) unfunded, nonqualified supplemental plans to provide retirement benefits to certain senior officers (the “People’s Supplemental Plans”) and (ii) an unfunded plan that provides retirees with optional medical, dental and life insurance benefits (the “People’s Postretirement Plan”). People’s United accrues the cost of these postretirement benefits over the employees’ years of service to the date of their eligibility for such benefit. People’s United also continues to maintain: (1) for certain eligible former First Connecticut employees (i) an unfunded, nonqualified supplemental retirement plan (the “First Connecticut Supplemental Plan”) and (ii) unfunded plans that provide medical, dental and life insurance benefits (the “First Connecticut Postretirement Plans”); (2) for certain eligible former BSB Bancorp employees (i) an unfunded, nonqualified supplemental retirement plan (the “BSB Bancorp Supplemental Plan”) and (ii) unfunded plans that provide life insurance benefits (the “BSB Bancorp Post Retirement Welfare (Life Insurance) Plan”); and (3) for certain former United Financial employees (i) an unfunded, nonqualified supplemental retirement plan (the “United Financial Supplemental Plan”) and (ii) unfunded plans that provide medical, dental and life insurance benefits (the “United Financial Postretirement Benefit Plan”).
Employee Stock Ownership Plan	Employee Stock Ownership Plan In April 2007, People’s United established an ESOP. At that time, People’s United loaned the ESOP $216.8 million to purchase 10,453,575 shares of People’s United common stock in the open market. In order for the ESOP to repay the loan, People’s United expects to make annual cash contributions of approximately $18.8 million until 2036. Such cash contributions may be reduced by the cash dividends paid on unallocated ESOP shares, which totaled $4.4 million in 2019, $4.6 million in 2018 and $4.8 million in 2017. At December 31, 2019, the loan balance totaled $171.8 million. Employee participation in this plan is restricted to those employees who (i) are at least 18 years of age and (ii) worked at least 1000 hours within 12 months of their hire date or any plan year (January 1 to December 31) after their date of hire. Employees meeting the aforementioned eligibility criteria during the plan year must continue to be employed as of the last day of the plan year in order to receive an allocation of shares for that plan year. Shares of People’s United common stock are held by the ESOP and allocated to eligible participants annually based upon a percentage of each participant’s eligible compensation. Since the ESOP was established, a total of 4,529,883 shares of People’s United common stock have been allocated or committed to be released to participants’ accounts. At  December 31, 2019, 5,923,692 shares of People’s United common stock, with a fair value of $100.1 million at that date, have not been allocated or committed to be released. Compensation expense related to the ESOP is recognized at an amount equal to the number of common shares committed to be released by the ESOP for allocation to participants’ accounts multiplied by the average fair value of People’s United’s common stock during the reporting period. The difference between the fair value of the shares of People’s United’s common stock committed to be released and the cost of those common shares is recorded as a credit to additional paid-in capital (if fair value exceeds cost) or, to the extent that no such credits remain in additional paid-in capital, as a charge to retained earnings (if fair value is less than cost). Expense recognized for the ESOP totaled $5.7 million, $6.2 million and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Directors' Equity Compensation Plan	Directors’ Equity Compensation Plan The People's United Financial, Inc. Directors' Equity Compensation Plan (the "Directors' Plan") provides for an annual award of shares of People's United common stock with a fair value of approximately $95,000 to each non-employee director immediately following each annual meeting of shareholders. Shares of People's United common stock issued pursuant to the Directors' Plan are subject to a one-year vesting period, with no post-vesting transfer restrictions. A total of 1,492,500 shares of People's United common stock are reserved for issuance under the Directors' Plan. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, directors were granted a total of 58,340 shares, 51,680 shares and 49,050 shares, respectively, of People’s United common stock, with grant date fair values of $16.31 per share, $18.21 per share and $17.65 per share, respectively, at those dates. Expense totaling $0.9 million for the Directors’ Plan was recognized for each of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. At December 31, 2019, a total of 333,981 shares remain available for issuance.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of People’s United and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from management’s current estimates, as a result of changing conditions and future events.

Several accounting estimates are particularly critical and are susceptible to significant near-term change, including the allowance for loan losses and asset impairment judgments, such as the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets. These accounting estimates, which are included in the discussion below, are reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

The judgments used by management in applying critical accounting policies may be affected by economic conditions, which may result in changes to future financial results. For example, subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the allowance for loan losses in future periods, and the inability to collect outstanding principal may result in increased loan losses.

Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash equivalents include highly-liquid instruments, such as: (i) interest-bearing deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRB-NY”); (ii) government-sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) debt securities with an original maturity of three months or less (determined as of the date of purchase); (iii) federal funds sold; (iv) commercial paper; and (v) money market mutual funds. These instruments are reported as short-term investments in the Consolidated Statements of Condition at cost or amortized cost, which approximates fair value. GSE debt securities classified as cash equivalents are held to maturity and carry the implicit backing of the U.S. government, but are not direct obligations of the U.S. government.

Securities

Marketable debt securities (other than those reported as short-term investments) are classified as either trading debt securities, held-to-maturity debt securities or available-for-sale debt securities. Management determines the classification of a security at the time of its purchase and reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date.

Debt securities purchased for sale in the near term as well as those securities held by PSI (in accordance with the requirements for a broker-dealer) are classified as trading debt securities and reported at fair value with gains and losses reported in non-interest income.

Debt securities for which People’s United has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and reported at amortized cost. All other debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported on an after-tax basis in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCL”). Premiums (discounts) are amortized (accreted) to interest income for debt securities, using the interest method over the remaining period to contractual maturity, adjusted for the effect of actual prepayments in the case of mortgage-backed and collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) securities.

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method and reported in non-interest income.

Debt securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. The unrealized pre-tax gain or loss resulting from the difference between fair value and amortized cost at the transfer date becomes part of the new amortized cost basis of the securities and remains in AOCL. Such unrealized gains or losses are amortized to interest income as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of the securities, offset by the amortization (accretion) of the premium (discount) resulting from the transfer at fair value, with no effect to net income.

Management conducts a periodic review and evaluation of the debt securities portfolio to determine if the decline in fair value of any security is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Other-than-temporary impairment losses are recognized on debt securities when: (i) People’s United has an intention to sell the security; (ii) it is more likely than not that People’s United will be required to sell the security prior to recovery; or (iii) People’s United does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses of the issuer. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Management has the ability and intent to hold the securities classified as  held-to-maturity until they mature, at which time People’s United expects to receive full value for the securities.

Both Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock and FRB-NY stock are non-marketable equity securities and are, therefore, reported at their respective costs, which equals par value (the amount at which shares have been redeemed in the past). These investments are periodically evaluated for impairment based on, among other things, the capital adequacy of the applicable FHLB or the FRB-NY and their overall financial condition. Equity securities are reported at fair value with gains and losses reported in non-interest income.

Securities Resale and Securities Repurchase Agreements

In securities resale agreements, a counterparty transfers securities to People’s United (as transferee) and People’s United agrees to resell the same securities to the counterparty at a fixed price in the future. In securities repurchase agreements, which include both retail arrangements with customers and wholesale arrangements with other counterparties, People’s United (as transferor) transfers securities to a counterparty and agrees to repurchase the same securities from the counterparty at a fixed price in the future.

People’s United accounts for securities resale agreements as secured lending transactions and securities repurchase agreements as secured borrowings since the transferor maintains effective control over the transferred securities and the transfer meets the other criteria for such accounting. The securities are pledged by the transferor as collateral and the transferee has the right by contract to repledge that collateral provided the same collateral is returned to the transferor upon maturity of the underlying agreement. The fair value of the pledged collateral approximates the recorded amount of the secured loan or borrowing. Decreases in the fair value of the transferred securities below an established threshold require the transferor to provide additional collateral.

Loans Held-for-Sale

Loans held-for-sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate with any adjustment for net unrealized losses reported in non-interest income. Management identifies and designates as loans held-for-sale certain newly-originated adjustable-rate and fixed-rate residential mortgage loans that meet secondary market requirements, as these loans are originated with the intent to sell. From time to time, management may also identify and designate certain loans previously  held-for-investment as held-for-sale. Such loans are transferred to loans held-for-sale and adjusted to the lower of cost or fair value with the resulting unrealized loss, if any, reported in non-interest income.

Loans

Loans acquired in connection with business combinations are referred to as ‘acquired’ loans as a result of the manner in which they are accounted for (see further discussion under ‘Acquired Loans’ below). All other loans are referred to as ‘originated’ loans.

Basis of Accounting

Originated loans are reported at amortized cost less the allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is accrued to income monthly based on outstanding principal balances. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net fee or cost is recognized in interest income as an adjustment of yield. Depending on the loan portfolio, amounts are amortized or accreted using the level yield method over either the actual life or the estimated average life of the loan.

Non-accrual Loans

A loan is generally considered “non-performing” when it is placed on non-accrual status. A loan is generally placed on non-accrual status when it becomes 90 days past due as to interest or principal payments. Past due status is based on the contractual payment terms of the loan. A loan may be placed on non-accrual status before it reaches 90 days past due if such loan has been identified as presenting uncertainty with respect to the collectability of interest and principal. A loan past due  90 days or more may remain on accruing status if such loan is both well secured and in the process of collection.

All previously accrued but unpaid interest on non-accrual loans is reversed from interest income in the period in which the accrual of interest is discontinued. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans (including impaired loans) are generally applied as a reduction of principal if future collections are doubtful, although such interest payments may be recognized as income. A loan remains on non-accrual status until the factors that indicated doubtful collectability no longer exist or until a loan is determined to be uncollectible and is charged off against the allowance for loan losses.

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled principal and interest payments. Impaired loans also include certain loans whose terms have been modified in such a way that they are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Loans are considered TDRs if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and is afforded a concession by People’s United, such as, but not limited to: (i) payment deferral; (ii) a reduction of the stated interest rate for the remaining contractual life of the loan; (iii) an extension of the loan’s original contractual term at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk; (iv) capitalization of interest; or (v) forgiveness of principal or interest.

TDRs may either be accruing or placed on non-accrual status (and reported as non-performing loans) depending upon the loan’s specific circumstances, including the nature and extent of the related modifications. TDRs on non-accrual status remain classified as such until the loan qualifies for return to accrual status. Loans qualify for return to accrual status once they have demonstrated performance with the restructured terms of the loan agreement for a minimum of six months in the case of a commercial loan or, in the case of a retail loan, when the loan is less than 90 days past due. Loans may continue to be reported as TDRs after they are returned to accrual status. In accordance with regulatory guidance, residential mortgage and home equity loans restructured in connection with the borrower’s bankruptcy and meeting certain criteria are also required to be classified as TDRs, included in non-performing loans and written down to the estimated collateral value, regardless of delinquency status. Acquired loans that are modified are not considered for TDR classification provided they are evaluated for impairment on a pool basis (see further discussion under ‘Acquired Loans’ below).

Impairment is evaluated on a collective basis for pools of retail loans possessing similar risk and loss characteristics and on an individual basis for other loans. If a loan is deemed to be impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported (net of the allowance) at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Interest payments on impaired non-accrual loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible.

Acquired Loans

Loans acquired in a business combination are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of an acquired entity’s previously established allowance for loan losses. Fair value of the loans is determined using market participant assumptions in estimating the amount and timing of both principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected, as adjusted for an estimate of future credit losses and prepayments, and then applying a market-based discount rate to those cash flows. Acquired loans are evaluated upon acquisition and classified as either purchased performing or purchased credit impaired (“PCI”).

For purchased performing loans, any premium or discount, representing the difference between the fair value and the outstanding principal balance of the loans, is recognized (using the level yield method) as an adjustment to interest income over the remaining period to contractual maturity or until the loan is repaid in full or sold. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the method utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for these loans is similar to that for originated loans. However, a provision for loan losses is only recorded when the required allowance for loan losses exceeds any remaining purchase discount at the loan level.

PCI loans represent those acquired loans with specific evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it is probable that, as of the acquisition date, all contractually required principal and interest payments will not be collected. Such loans are generally accounted for on a pool basis, with pools formed based on the loans’ common risk characteristics, such as loan collateral type and accrual status. Each pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows.

Under the accounting model for PCI loans, the excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying amount of the loans, referred to as the “accretable yield”, is accreted into interest income over the life of the loans in each pool using the level yield method. Accordingly, PCI loans are not subject to classification as non-accrual in the same manner as other loans. Rather, PCI loans are considered to be accruing loans because their interest income relates to the accretable yield recognized at the pool level and not to contractual interest payments at the loan level. The difference between contractually required principal and interest payments and the cash flows expected to be collected, referred to as the “nonaccretable difference”, includes estimates of both the impact of prepayments and future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans in each pool. As such, charge-offs on PCI loans are first applied to the nonaccretable difference and then to any allowance for loan losses recognized subsequent to acquisition.

Subsequent to acquisition, actual cash collections are monitored relative to management’s expectations and revised cash flow forecasts are prepared, as warranted. These revised forecasts involve updates, as necessary, of the key assumptions and estimates used in the initial estimate of fair value. Generally speaking, expected cash flows are affected by:

•Changes in the expected principal and interest payments over the estimated life — Updates to changes in expected cash flows are driven by the credit outlook and actions taken with borrowers. Changes in expected future cash flows resulting from loan modifications are included in the assessment of expected cash flows;

•Changes in prepayment assumptions — Prepayments affect the estimated life of the loans which may change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected; and

•Changes in interest rate indices for variable rate loans — Expected future cash flows are based, as applicable, on the variable rates in effect at the time of the assessment of expected cash flows.

A decrease in expected cash flows in subsequent periods may indicate that the loan pool is impaired, which would require the establishment of an allowance for loan losses by a charge to the provision for loan losses. An increase in expected cash flows in subsequent periods serves, first, to reduce any previously established allowance for loan losses by the increase in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, and results in a recalculation of the amount of accretable yield for the loan 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 loans in the pool.

PCI loans may be resolved either through receipt of payment (in full or in part) from the borrower, the sale of the loan to a third party or foreclosure of the collateral. In the event of a sale of the loan, a gain or loss on sale is recognized and reported within non-interest income based on the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the loan. In other cases, individual loans are removed from the pool based on comparing the amount received from its resolution (fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell in the case of a foreclosure) with its outstanding balance. Any difference between these amounts is absorbed by the nonaccretable difference established for the entire pool. For loans resolved by payment in full, there is no adjustment of the nonaccretable difference since there is no difference between the amount received at resolution and the outstanding balance of the loan. In these cases, the remaining accretable yield balance is unaffected and any material change in remaining effective yield caused by the removal of the loan from the pool is addressed in connection with the subsequent cash flow re-assessment for the pool. PCI loans subject to modification are not removed from the pool even if those loans would otherwise be deemed TDRs as the pool, and not the individual loan, represents the unit of account.

Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses

Originated Portfolio

The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged to income. Losses on loans, including impaired loans, are charged to the allowance for loan losses when all or a portion of a loan is deemed to be uncollectible. Recoveries of loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance for loan losses when realized.

People’s United maintains the allowance for loan losses at a level that is deemed to be appropriate to absorb probable losses inherent in the respective loan portfolios, based on a quarterly evaluation of a variety of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) People’s United’s historical loan loss experience and recent trends in that experience; (ii) risk ratings assigned by lending personnel to commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, and equipment financing loans, and the results of ongoing reviews of those ratings by People’s United’s independent loan review function; (iii) an evaluation of delinquent and non-performing loans and related collateral values; (iv) the probability of loss in view of geographic and industry concentrations and other portfolio risk characteristics; (v) the present financial condition of borrowers; and (vi) current economic conditions.

The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) an allowance for commercial loans collectively evaluated for impairment; (ii) an allowance for retail loans collectively evaluated for impairment; and (iii) a specific allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment, including loans classified as TDRs.

Commercial Loans Collectively Evaluated for Impairment. The Company establishes a loan loss allowance for its commercial loans collectively evaluated for impairment using a methodology that incorporates (i) the probability of default for a given loan risk rating and (ii) historical loss-given-default data, both derived using appropriate look-back periods and loss emergence periods. In accordance with the Company’s loan risk rating system, each commercial loan is assigned a risk rating (using a nine-grade scale) by the originating loan officer, credit management, internal loan review or loan committee. Loans rated “One” represent those loans least likely to default while loans rated “Nine” represent a loss. The probability of loans defaulting for each risk rating, referred to as default factors, are estimated based on the historical pattern of loans migrating from one risk rating to another and to default status over time as well as the length of time that it takes losses to emerge. Estimated loan default factors, which are updated annually (or more frequently, if necessary), are multiplied by loan balances within each risk-rating category and again multiplied by a historical loss-given-default estimate for each loan type to determine an appropriate level of allowance by loan type. The historical loss-given-default estimates are also updated annually (or more frequently, if necessary) based on actual charge-off experience. This approach is applied to the commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and equipment financing components of the loan portfolio.

In establishing the allowance for loan losses for commercial loans collectively evaluated for impairment, the Company also gives consideration to certain qualitative factors, including the macroeconomic environment and any potential imprecision inherent in its loan loss model that may result from having limited historical loan loss data which, in turn, may result in inaccurate probability of default and loss-given-default estimates. In this manner, historical portfolio experience, as described above, is not adjusted and the allowance for loan losses always includes a component attributable to qualitative factors, the degree of which may change from period to period as such qualitative factors indicate improving or worsening trends. The Company evaluates the qualitative factors on a quarterly basis in order to conclude that they continue to be appropriate. There were no significant changes in our approach to determining the qualitative component of the related allowance for loan losses during 2019.

Retail Loans Collectively Evaluated for Impairment. Pools of retail loans possessing similar risk and loss characteristics are collectively evaluated for impairment. These loan pools include residential mortgage, home equity and other consumer loans that are not assigned individual loan risk ratings. Rather, the assessment of these portfolios, and the establishment of the related allowance for loan losses, is based upon a consideration of (i) historical portfolio loss experience over an appropriate look-back period and loss emergence period and (ii) certain qualitative factors.

The qualitative component of the allowance for loan losses for retail loans collectively evaluated for impairment is intended to incorporate risks inherent in the portfolio, economic uncertainties, regulatory requirements and other subjective factors such as changes in underwriting standards. Accordingly, consideration is given to: (i) present and forecasted economic conditions, including unemployment rates; (ii) changes in industry trends, including the impact of new regulations, (iii) trends in property values; (iv) broader portfolio indicators, including delinquencies, non-performing loans, portfolio concentrations, and trends in the volume and terms of loans; and (v) portfolio-specific risk characteristics.

Portfolio-specific risk characteristics considered include: (i) collateral values/loan-to-value ("LTV") ratios (above and below 70%); (ii) borrower credit scores under the FICO scoring system (above and below a score of 680); and (iii) other relevant portfolio risk elements such as income verification at the time of underwriting (stated income vs. non-stated income) and the property’s intended use (owner-occupied, non-owner occupied, second home, etc.), the combination of which results in a loan being classified as either “High”, “Moderate” or “Low” risk. These risk classifications are reviewed quarterly to ensure that changes within the portfolio, as well as economic indicators and industry developments, have been appropriately considered in establishing the related allowance for loan losses.

In establishing the allowance for loan losses for retail loans collectively evaluated for impairment, the amount reflecting the Company’s consideration of qualitative factors is added to the amount attributable to historical portfolio loss experience. In this manner, historical charge-off data (whether periods or amounts) is not adjusted and the allowance for loan losses always includes a component attributable to qualitative factors, the degree of which may change from period to period as such qualitative factors indicate improving or worsening trends. The Company evaluates the qualitative factors on a quarterly basis in order to conclude that they continue to be appropriate. There were no significant changes in our approach to determining the qualitative component of the related allowance for loan losses during 2019.

Individually Impaired Loans. The allowance for loan losses also includes specific allowances for individually impaired loans. Generally, the Company’s impaired loans consist of (i) classified commercial loans in excess of $1 million that have been placed on non-accrual status and (ii) loans classified as TDRs. Individually impaired loans are measured based upon observable market prices; the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate; or, in the case of collateral dependent loans, fair value of the collateral (based on appraisals and other market information) less cost to sell. If the recorded investment in a loan exceeds the amount measured as described in the preceding sentence, a specific allowance for loan losses would be established as a component of the overall allowance for loan losses or, in the case of a collateral dependent loan, a charge-off would be recorded for the difference between the loan’s recorded investment and management’s estimate of the fair value of the collateral (less cost to sell). It would be rare for the Company to identify a loan that meets the criteria stated above and requires a specific allowance or a charge-off and not deem it impaired solely as a result of the existence of a guarantee.

People’s United performs an analysis of its impaired loans, including collateral dependent impaired loans, on a quarterly basis. Individually impaired collateral dependent loans are measured based upon the appraised value of the underlying collateral and other market information. Generally, the Company’s policy is to obtain updated appraisals for commercial collateral dependent loans when the loan is downgraded to a risk rating of “substandard” or “doubtful”, and the most recent appraisal is more than 12 months old or a determination has been made that the property has experienced a significant decline in value. Appraisals are prepared by independent, licensed third-party appraisers and are subject to review by the Company’s internal commercial appraisal department or external appraisers contracted by the commercial appraisal department. The conclusions of the external appraisal review are reviewed by the Company’s Chief Commercial Appraiser prior to acceptance. The Company’s policy with respect to impaired loans secured by residential real estate is to receive updated estimates of property values upon the loan being classified as non-performing (typically upon becoming 90 days past due).

In determining the allowance for loan losses, People’s United gives appropriate consideration to the age of appraisals through its regular evaluation of other relevant qualitative and quantitative information. Specifically, between scheduled appraisals, property values are monitored within the commercial portfolio by reference to current originations of collateral dependent loans and the related appraisals obtained during underwriting as well as by reference to recent trends in commercial property sales as published by leading industry sources. Property values are monitored within the residential mortgage and home equity portfolios by reference to available market indicators, including real estate price indices within the Company’s primary lending areas.

In most situations where a guarantee exists, the guarantee arrangement is not a specific factor in the assessment of the related allowance for loan losses. However, the assessment of a guarantor’s credit strength is reflected in the Company’s internal loan risk ratings which, in turn, are an important factor in its allowance for loan loss methodology for loans within the commercial and industrial, and commercial real estate portfolios.

People’s United did not change its methodologies with respect to determining the allowance for loan losses during 2019. As part of its ongoing assessment of the allowance for loan losses, People’s United regularly makes refinements to certain underlying assumptions used in its methodologies. However, such refinements did not have a material impact on the allowance for loan losses or the provision for loan losses as of or for the year ended December 31, 2019.

While People’s United seeks to use the best available information to make these determinations, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, results of regulatory examinations, further information obtained regarding known problem loans, the identification of additional problem loans and other factors.

Acquired Portfolio

Acquired loans are evaluated upon acquisition and classified as either purchased performing or PCI, which represents those acquired loans with specific evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it is probable that, as of the acquisition date, all contractually required principal and interest payments will not be collected. PCI loans are generally accounted for on a pool basis, with pools formed based on the loans’ common risk characteristics, such as loan collateral type and accrual status. Each pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows.

For purchased performing loans, the required allowance for loan losses is determined in a manner similar to that for originated loans with a provision for loan losses only recorded when the required allowance for loan losses exceeds any remaining purchase discount at the loan level. For PCI loans, the difference between contractually required principal and interest payments at the acquisition date and the undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected at the acquisition date is referred to as the “nonaccretable difference”, which includes an estimate of future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans in each pool. A decrease in the expected cash flows in subsequent periods requires the establishment of an allowance for loan losses at that time.

Loan Charge-Offs

The Company’s charge-off policies, which comply with standards established by banking regulators, are consistently applied from period to period. Charge-offs are recorded on a monthly basis. Partially charged-off loans continue to be evaluated on a monthly basis and additional charge-offs or loan loss provisions may be recorded on the remaining loan balance based on the same criteria.

For unsecured consumer loans, charge-offs are generally recorded when the loan is deemed to be uncollectible or  120 days past due, whichever occurs first. For consumer loans secured by real estate, including residential mortgage loans, charge-offs are generally recorded when the loan is deemed to be uncollectible or 180 days past due, whichever occurs first, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that repayment will occur regardless of the delinquency status. Factors that demonstrate an ability to repay may include: (i) a loan that is secured by adequate collateral and is in the process of collection; (ii) a loan supported by a valid guarantee or insurance; or (iii) a loan supported by a valid claim against a solvent estate.

For commercial loans, a charge-off is recorded when the Company determines that it will not collect all amounts contractually due based on the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell, or the present value of expected future cash flows.

The decision whether to charge-off all or a portion of a loan rather than to record a specific or general loss allowance is based on an assessment of all available information that aids in determining the loan’s net realizable value. Typically, this involves consideration of both (i) the fair value of any collateral securing the loan, including whether the estimate of fair value has been derived from an appraisal or other market information and (ii) other factors affecting the likelihood of repayment, including the existence of guarantees and insurance. If the amount by which the Company’s recorded investment in the loan exceeds its net realizable value is deemed to be a confirmed loss, a charge-off is recorded. Otherwise, a specific or general reserve is established, as applicable. The comparatively low level of net loan charge-offs in recent years, in terms of absolute dollars and as a percentage of average total loans, may not be sustainable in the future.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company earns revenue from a variety of sources. For revenue streams other than (i) net interest income and (ii) other revenues associated with financial assets and financial liabilities, including loans, leases, securities and derivatives, the Company generally applies the following steps with respect to revenue recognition: (i) identify the contract; (ii) identify the performance obligation; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation; and (v) recognize revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. The Company’s contracts with customers are generally short-term in nature, typically due within one year or less, or cancellable by the Company or the customer upon a short notice period. Performance obligations for customer contracts are generally satisfied at a single point in time, typically when the transaction is complete, or over time. For performance obligations satisfied over time, the value of the products/services transferred to the customer are evaluated to determine when, and to what degree, performance obligations have been satisfied. Payments from customers are typically received, and revenue recognized, concurrent with the satisfaction of our performance obligations. In most cases, this occurs within a single financial reporting period. For payments received in advance of the satisfaction of our performance obligations, revenue recognition is deferred until such time the performance obligations have been satisfied. In cases where a payment has not been received despite satisfaction of our performance obligations, an estimate of the amount due is accrued in the period our performance obligations have been satisfied. For contracts with variable components, amounts for which collection is probable are accrued.

The following summarizes the Company’s performance obligations for the more significant recurring revenue streams included in non-interest income:

Service charges and fees on deposit accounts — Service charges and fees on deposit accounts consist of monthly account maintenance and other related fees (bank service charges) as well as cash management fees, which are earned for services related to payment processing, overdrafts, non-sufficient funds and other deposit account activity. 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, including overdraft charges and cash management 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.

Card-based and other non-deposit fees — Card-based and other non-deposit fees are comprised, primarily, of debit and credit card income and ATM fees as well as certain commercial banking lending fees. Debit and credit card income is primarily comprised of interchange fees earned whenever the Company’s debit and credit cards are processed through card payment networks. ATM fees and commercial banking lending fees are largely transactional-based and, therefore, the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied, and related revenue recognized, at a point in time. Payment is typically received immediately or in the following month.

Investment management fees — Investment management income is primarily comprised of fees earned from the management and administration of trusts and other customer assets. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied over time and the resulting fees are recognized monthly, based upon the month-end market value of the assets under management and the applicable fee rate. Payment is generally received a few days after month end through a direct charge to customers’ accounts. The Company’s performance obligation for these transactional-based services is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, at a point in time (i.e. as incurred). Payment is received shortly after services are rendered.

Insurance commissions and fees — The Company’s insurance revenue, which represents commissions earned for performing broker- and agency-related services, has two distinct performance obligations. The first performance obligation is the selling of the policy as an agent for the carrier. This performance obligation is satisfied upon binding of the policy. The second performance obligation is the ongoing servicing of the policy which is satisfied over the life of the policy. For employee benefits, the payment is typically received monthly. For property and casualty, payments can vary but are typically received at, or in advance of, the policy period.

Brokerage commissions and fees — Brokerage commissions and fees primarily relate to investment advisory and brokerage activities as well as the sale of mutual funds and annuities. The Company’s performance obligation for investment advisory services is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, over the period in which the services are provided. Fees earned for brokerage activities, such as facilitating securities transactions, are generally recognized at the time of transaction execution. The performance obligation for mutual fund and annuity sales is satisfied upon sale of the underlying investment, and therefore, the related revenue is primarily recognized at the time of sale. Payment for these services is typically received immediately or in advance of the service.

The revenue streams noted above represent approximately $288 million (or 67%) of total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019, and approximately $270 million (or 74%) for the year ended December 31, 2018. Of these amounts, approximately 40% in both 2019 and 2018 is allocated to the Commercial Banking operating segment and approximately 30% in both 2019 and 2018 is allocated to each of the Retail Banking and Wealth Management operating segments.

The Company generally acts in a principal capacity, on its own behalf, in the majority of its contracts with customers. In such transactions, revenue and the related costs to provide our services are recognized on a gross basis in the financial statements. In some cases, the Company may act in an agent capacity, deriving revenue by assisting other entities in transactions with our customers. In such transactions, revenue and the related costs to provide our services are recognized on a net basis in the financial statements. The extent of the Company’s activities for which it acts as an agent (and for which the related revenue and expense has been presented on a net basis) is immaterial.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) represents the cash surrender value of life insurance policies purchased on the lives of certain key executives and former key executives. BOLI funds are generally invested in separate accounts and are supported by a stable wrap agreement to fully insulate the underlying investments against changes in fair value. Increases in the cash surrender value of these policies and death benefits in excess of the related invested premiums are included in non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s BOLI policies have been underwritten by highly-rated third party insurance carriers and the investments underlying these policies are deemed to be of low-to-moderate market risk.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization, except for land, which is reported at cost. Buildings, data processing and other equipment, computer software, furniture and fixtures are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term, the estimated useful life of the improvements or 10 years. Capitalized software development costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software. Generally, the estimated useful lives are as follows: buildings — 40 years; data processing and other equipment — 3 to 5 years; computer software — 3 to 5 years; and furniture and fixtures — 10 years.

Goodwill and Other Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets

An acquirer in a business combination is required, upon initially obtaining control of another entity, to recognize the assets, liabilities and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at fair value as of the acquisition date. Contingent consideration, if any, is also recognized and measured at fair value on the date of acquisition. In addition, the accounting standards for business combinations require that: (i) acquisition-related transaction costs be expensed as incurred; (ii) specific requirements be met in order to accrue for a restructuring plan as part of the acquisition; (iii) certain pre-acquisition contingencies be recognized at fair value; and (iv) acquired loans be recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date without recognition of an allowance for loan losses.

Intangible assets are recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the tangible net assets acquired. “Acquisition-related intangible assets” are separately identified, recognized and amortized, where appropriate, for assets such as trade names, certain contractual agreements and the estimated values of acquired core deposits and/or customer relationships. Mutual fund management contract intangibles recognized by People’s United are deemed to have indefinite useful lives and, accordingly, are not amortized. The remaining intangible asset is recognized as goodwill.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but, rather, are reviewed for impairment at least annually, with impairment losses recognized as a charge to expense when they occur. Acquisition-related intangible assets other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives in a manner consistent with that in which the related benefits are expected to be realized, and are periodically reviewed by management to assess recoverability, with impairment losses recognized as a charge to expense if carrying amounts exceed fair values.

The Company’s trade name intangibles are amortized on either (i) an accelerated basis over a period of approximately  20 years or (ii) a straight-line basis over 5 years. Core deposit intangibles are amortized on an accelerated basis over a period ranging from 6 to 10 years. Customer relationship intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining average life of those relationships, which ranges from 10 to 15 years from the respective acquisition dates. Intangibles stemming from contractual agreements, such as favorable lease and non-compete agreements, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the respective agreements.

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level. For the purpose of goodwill impairment evaluations, management has identified reporting units based upon the Company’s three operating segments: Commercial Banking; Retail Banking; and Wealth Management. The impairment evaluation is performed as of an annual date or more frequently if a triggering event indicates that impairment may have occurred.

Entities have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of such events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the entity is not required to perform the quantitative impairment test as described below.

The quantitative test is used to identify potential impairment, and involves comparing each reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not deemed to be impaired. Should the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceed its estimated fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. At this time, none of the Company’s identified reporting units are at risk of failing the quantitative goodwill impairment test.

The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units based on an appropriate weighting of values based on (i) a present-value measurement technique (discounted cash flow analysis based on internal forecasts) and (ii) market-based trading and transaction multiples. The discounted cash flow analysis is based on significant assumptions and judgments including future growth rates and discount rates reflecting management’s assessment of market participant views of the risks associated with the projected cash flows of the reporting units. The market-based trading and transaction multiples are derived from the market prices of stocks of companies that are actively traded and engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Company and the respective reporting unit. The derived multiples are then applied to the reporting unit’s financial metrics to produce an indication of value. Differences in the identification of reporting units or in the selection of valuation techniques and related assumptions could result in materially different evaluations of goodwill impairment.

In conducting its 2019 and 2018 goodwill impairment evaluations (as of the annual October 1st evaluation date), People’s United elected to perform the optional qualitative assessment for all three reporting units. In 2017, People’s United elected to perform the optional qualitative assessment for both the Commercial Banking and Retail Banking reporting units and, upon doing so, concluded that performance of the quantitative impairment test was not required. The quantitative impairment test was elected for purposes of the 2017 goodwill impairment evaluation for the Wealth Management reporting unit as a result of the acquisition of Gerstein, Fisher & Associates, Inc., which occurred subsequent to performance of the Company’s 2016 impairment analysis.

Real Estate Owned

Real estate owned (“REO”) properties acquired through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure are recorded initially at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less costs to sell. Any write-down of the recorded investment in the related loan is charged to the allowance for loan losses upon transfer to REO. Thereafter, an allowance for REO losses is established for any further declines in the property’s value. This allowance is increased by provisions charged to income and decreased by  charge-offs for realized losses. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on an analysis of individual properties, as well as a general assessment of current real estate market conditions.

Income Taxes

Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to “temporary differences” and tax loss carryforwards. Temporary differences are differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. A deferred tax liability is recognized for all temporary differences that will result in future taxable income. A deferred tax asset is recognized for all temporary differences that will result in future tax deductions and for all tax loss carryforwards, subject to reduction of the asset by a valuation allowance in certain circumstances. This valuation allowance is recognized if, based on an analysis of available evidence, management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The valuation allowance is subject to ongoing adjustment based on changes in circumstances that affect management’s judgment about the realizability of the deferred tax asset.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to future taxable income. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax laws or rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. Effective January 1, 2017, tax benefits attributable to deductions in excess of financial statement amounts arising from the exercise of non-statutory stock options are included as a component of income tax expense (previously credited to additional paid-in capital).

Individual tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return must satisfy certain criteria in order for some or all of the related tax benefits to be recognized in the financial statements. Specifically, a recognition threshold of  more-likely-than-not must be met in order to recognize those tax benefits.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings attributable to common shareholders 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 and performance shares) were exercised or converted into additional common shares that would then share in the earnings of the entity. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing earnings attributable to common shareholders 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.

Unvested share-based payment awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered to participate with common shareholders in undistributed earnings for purposes of computing EPS. Companies that have such participating securities, including People’s United, are required to calculate basic and diluted EPS using the two-class method. Restricted stock awards granted by People’s United are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method (i) exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities and (ii) exclude from the denominator the dilutive impact of the participating securities.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

People’s United uses derivative financial instruments as components of its market risk management (principally to manage interest rate risk (“IRR”)). Certain other derivatives are entered into in connection with transactions with commercial customers. Derivatives are not used for speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Condition, reported at fair value and presented on a gross basis. Until a derivative is settled, a favorable change in fair value results in an unrealized gain that is recognized as an asset, while an unfavorable change in fair value results in an unrealized loss that is recognized as a liability.

The Company generally applies hedge accounting to its derivatives used for market risk management purposes. Hedge accounting is permitted only if specific criteria are met, including a requirement that a highly effective relationship exist between the derivative instrument and the hedged item, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. The hedge accounting method depends upon whether the derivative instrument is classified as a fair value hedge (i.e. hedging an exposure related to a recognized asset or liability, or a firm commitment) or a cash flow hedge (i.e. hedging an exposure related to the variability of future cash flows associated with a recognized asset or liability, or a forecasted transaction). Changes in the fair value of effective fair value hedges are recognized in current earnings (with the change in fair value of the hedged asset or liability also recorded in earnings). Changes in the fair value of effective cash flow hedges are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. Ineffective portions of hedge results are recognized in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied are recognized in current earnings.

People’s United formally documents at inception all relationships between the derivative instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets and liabilities, or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. People’s United also formally assesses, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective or has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, People’s United would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. Gains or losses resulting from the termination of a derivative accounted for as a cash flow hedge remain in AOCL and are amortized to earnings over the remaining period of the former hedging relationship, provided the hedged item continues to be outstanding or it is probable the forecasted transaction will occur.

People’s United uses the dollar offset method, regression analysis and scenario analysis to assess hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. Such methods are chosen based on the nature of the hedge strategy and are used consistently throughout the life of the hedging relationship.

Certain derivative financial instruments are offered to commercial customers to assist them in meeting their financing and investing objectives and for their risk management purposes. These derivative financial instruments consist primarily of interest rate swaps and caps, but also include foreign exchange contracts. The interest rate and foreign exchange risks associated with customer interest rate swaps and caps and foreign exchange contracts are mitigated by entering into similar derivatives having essentially offsetting terms with institutional counterparties.

Interest rate-lock commitments extended to borrowers relate to the origination of residential mortgage loans. To mitigate the IRR inherent in these commitments, People’s United enters into mandatory delivery and best efforts contracts to sell adjustable-rate and fixed-rate residential mortgage loans (servicing released). Forward commitments to sell and interest  rate-lock commitments on residential mortgage loans are considered derivatives and their respective estimated fair values are adjusted based on changes in interest rates.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied are recognized in current earnings, including customer derivatives, interest-rate lock commitments and forward sale commitments.

Balance Sheet Offsetting

Assets and liabilities relating to certain financial instruments, including derivatives, may be eligible for offset in the Consolidated Statements of Condition and/or subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. People’s United’s derivative transactions with institutional counterparties are generally executed under International Swaps and Derivative Association (“ISDA”) master agreements, which include “right of set-off” provisions that provide for a single net settlement of all interest rate swap positions, as well as collateral, in the event of default on, or the termination of, any one contract. Nonetheless, the Company does not, except as discussed in Note 23, offset asset and liabilities under such arrangements in the Consolidated Statements of Condition.

Collateral (generally in the form of marketable debt securities) pledged by counterparties in connection with derivative transactions is not reported in the Consolidated Statements of Condition unless the counterparty defaults. Collateral that has been pledged by People’s United to counterparties continues to be reported in the Consolidated Statements of Condition unless the Company defaults.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards related to fair value measurements define fair value, provide a framework for measuring fair value and establish related disclosure requirements. Broadly, fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accordingly, an “exit price” approach is required in determining fair value. In support of this principle, a fair value hierarchy has been established that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, requiring entities to maximize the use of market or observable inputs (as more reliable measures) and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs generally require significant management judgment.

The three levels within the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

•Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date (such as active exchange-traded equity securities or mutual funds and certain U.S. and government agency debt securities).

•Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as:

◦quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (such as U.S. agency and GSE issued mortgage-backed and CMO securities);

◦quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in less active markets (such as certain U.S. and government agency debt securities, and corporate and municipal debt securities that trade infrequently); and

◦other inputs that (i) are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, etc.) or (ii) can be corroborated by observable market data (such as interest rate and currency derivatives and certain other securities).

•Level 3 — Valuation techniques that require unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability (such as pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that typically reflect management’s own estimates of the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability).

People’s United maintains policies and procedures to value assets and liabilities using the most relevant data available.

Stock-Based Compensation

People’s United’s stock-based compensation plans provide for awards of stock options, restricted stock and performance shares to directors, officers and employees. Costs resulting from the issuance of such share-based payment awards are required to be recognized in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period.

New Accounting Standards

Standards effective in 2019

Accounting for Leases

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) amended its standards with respect to the accounting for leases. The amended guidance serves to replace all current GAAP guidance on this topic and requires that an operating lease be recognized on the statement of condition as a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset along with a corresponding liability representing the rent obligation. Key aspects of current lessor accounting generally remain unchanged from existing guidance, although the definition of eligible initial direct costs (“IDC”) has been amended. The guidance became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019 for People’s United) and, as originally issued, required the use of the modified retrospective transition approach for existing leases that have not expired before the date of initial application.

In July 2018, the FASB issued two targeted improvements to the standard with the objective of reducing the cost and complexity of implementing the guidance. These amendments, which have the same effective date and transition requirements as the new lease standard, serve to (i) introduce an optional transition method allowing entities to recognize a cumulative-effect transition adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented and (ii) provide a practical expedient whereby lessors can elect, by class of underlying asset, to not separate lease and related non-lease components if certain criteria are met.

The Company elected the optional transition method which results in the modified retrospective approach being applied on January 1, 2019 (as opposed to January 1, 2017). The Company also elected certain transition relief options provided in the standard, including the package of practical expedients. These relief options allow the Company to forego (i) the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities arising from short-term leases (i.e. leases with terms of twelve months or less) and (ii) a reassessment as to: (a) whether expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (b) the lease classification for expired or existing leases; and (c) whether previously capitalized IDC for existing leases would qualify for capitalization under the standard. The Company did not elect the hindsight practical expedient which allows entities to use hindsight when determining lease term and impairment of ROU assets.

The Company identified several areas that are within the scope of the guidance, including (i) its contracts with respect to leased real estate and office equipment and (ii) lease agreements entered into with customers of the Company’s equipment financing businesses.

The most significant impact of adopting the guidance relates to real estate (primarily branch locations) and office equipment subject to non-cancelable operating lease agreements entered into by the Company as lessee. The amount of the ROU assets and corresponding lease liabilities recorded upon adoption were based, primarily, on the present value of unpaid future minimum lease payments, the amount of which is dependent upon the population of leases in effect at the date of adoption, as well as assumptions with respect to renewals and/or extensions and the interest rate used to discount the future lease obligations. The Federal banking agencies have indicated that to the extent a ROU asset arises due to a lease of a tangible asset (e.g. building or equipment), the asset should be: (i) treated as a tangible asset not subject to deduction from regulatory capital; (ii) risk-weighted at 100%; and (iii) included in total assets for leverage capital purposes.

As it relates to lease agreements entered into with equipment financing customers, and for which the Company acts as lessor, the impact principally relates to the definition of eligible IDC under the new guidance. Specifically, the standard maintains a narrower definition of IDC which will result in the Company recognizing immediately (rather than deferring) certain lease origination-related expenses. Such expenses would be offset by the recognition of a higher yield on the underlying leases over their contractual term.

The guidance was adopted on January 1, 2019 and resulted in the recognition of (i) operating lease liabilities totaling $268.8 million, based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments, determined using a discount rate as of the effective date, and (ii) corresponding ROU assets totaling $248.5 million, based upon the operating lease liabilities, adjusted for prepaid and deferred rent, and liabilities associated with lease termination costs. This transition adjustment served to increase risk-weighted assets, resulting in an approximate 5 to 10 basis point decrease in the risk-based capital ratios of both the Company and the Bank at that time. While the adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company has, where appropriate, modified its business processes, systems and internal controls in order to support the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of the new standard. Expanded disclosures about the nature and terms of lease agreements, which are required prospectively, have been included in Note 6.

Premium Amortization — Purchased Callable Debt Securities

In April 2017, the FASB amended its standards to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium, requiring such premiums to be amortized to the earliest call date unless applicable guidance related to certain pools of securities is applied to consider estimated prepayments. Under prior guidance, entities were generally required to amortize premiums on individual, non-pooled callable debt securities as a yield adjustment over the contractual life of the security. This amendment, which does not change the accounting for callable debt securities held at a discount, became effective for People's United on January 1, 2019 and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

In August 2017, the FASB amended its standards with respect to the accounting for derivatives and hedging, simplifying existing guidance in order to enable companies to more accurately portray the economic effects of risk management activities in the financial statements and enhancing the transparency and understandability of hedge results through improved disclosures. This new guidance became effective on January 1, 2019 for People’s United and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”), the FASB issued new accounting guidance providing entities with the option to reclassify, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, certain “stranded tax effects” resulting from application of the Act. An entity that elects to do so must provide the following disclosures in the period of adoption: (i) that an election was made to reclassify the income tax effects of the Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings and (ii) a description of other income tax effects related to the application of the Act that were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, if any  (e.g. income tax effects other than the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances). Regardless of whether an entity elects to adopt the guidance or not it is required to disclose its accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (e.g. the portfolio approach or the security-by-security approach).

The guidance is effective for all organizations for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019 for People’s United), including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. Entities electing to apply the guidance should do so (i) as of the beginning of the period of adoption or (ii) retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate is recognized.

The Company elected to early adopt this amendment effective January 1, 2018 (for the reporting period ending on March 31, 2018). Upon adoption, $37.9 million, representing the income tax effects of the Act as well as the indirect impacts from the decreased federal tax effect on future state tax benefits, was reclassified from AOCL to retained earnings. The reclassification adjustment, which related to: (i) the net actuarial loss on defined benefit pension and postretirement plans; (ii) the net unrealized loss on debt securities available-for-sale and debt securities transferred to held-to-maturity; and (iii) the net unrealized loss on derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, served to increase regulatory capital by $37.9 million, which resulted in an approximate 11 basis point increase in the risk-based capital ratios of both the Company and the Bank at that time.

Standards effective in 2020

Financial Instruments — Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB amended its standards with respect to certain aspects of measurement, recognition and disclosure of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments carried at amortized cost, as well as available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration (“PCD assets”). The amendment is to be applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (that is, a modified-retrospective approach). For certain assets (such as debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized before the effective date and PCD assets), a prospective transition approach is required. For existing PCI assets, upon adoption, the amortized cost basis will be adjusted to reflect the addition of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). This transition relief avoids the need for a reporting entity to reassess its purchased financial assets that exist as of the date of adoption in order to determine whether they would have met, at acquisition, the new criteria of ‘more-than insignificant’ credit deterioration since origination. The transition relief also allows an entity to accrete the remaining noncredit discount (based on the revised amortized cost basis) into interest income over the life of the related asset using the interest method.

For public business entities, this new amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020 for People’s United) and earlier application is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2018. While early adoption is permitted, the Company has not elected that option.

To assist in implementing the standard, the Company formed a cross-functional working group, comprised of individuals from various disciplines, including credit, risk management, information technology and finance. The implementation activities of the working group were subject to the Company’s established corporate governance and oversight structure. Initially, some of the more important activities of the working group included: (i) purchasing and installing a third-party vendor solution to aid in application of the standard; (ii) establishing the Company’s portfolio segmentation; (iii) fulfilling historical data requirements necessary to comply with the standard; and (iv) developing and testing loss estimation models leveraged from existing credit models used to comply with other regulatory requirements. Subsequently, the working group tested, refined and validated its loss estimation framework during parallel runs that involved a comprehensive assessment of: (i) model functionality;  (ii) internal control design and effectiveness; and (iii) related governance activities. The working group is currently in the final stages of implementation, documenting the relevant processes, systems, internal controls and data sources necessary to support the requirements of the new standard, including related disclosures, and executing established review and approval protocols.

Under the standard, the Company will determine the ACL based on its historical loss experience, current  borrower-specific risk characteristics, forecasts of future economic conditions and other relevant factors. In doing so, the Company will utilize a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period followed by a one-year period over which estimated losses will revert to historical loss experience for the remaining life of the loan. As a result of the required change to determining estimated credit losses from an “incurred loss” model to a “life of loan” model, the new guidance can be expected to result in an increase in the allowance for loan losses, particularly for longer duration portfolios. That said, any estimate of expected credit losses will be dependent upon portfolio size, composition and credit quality, as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time.

Based upon forecasted economic conditions and portfolio balances existing as of December 31, 2019, the Company expects to record a pre-tax adjustment to retained earnings of approximately $60 million, representing the aggregate effect of adoption on the ACL for loans and securities as well as the reserve for unfunded commitments. The Company also expects to record an adjustment of approximately $30 million to the amortized cost basis of its existing PCI loans to reflect the addition of the ACL on such loans.

The increase in aggregate loan allowance levels is driven, primarily, by higher reserve requirements associated with the Company’s retail portfolios (i.e. residential mortgage and home equity) due to the difference between the loss emergence periods of these portfolios under the incurred loss model and the expected remaining life of such loans as required by the standard, partially offset by lower reserve requirements associated with certain of the Company’s commercial portfolios, which generally have shorter contractual maturities. The Company’s held-to-maturity debt securities portfolio consists primarily of agency-backed securities and highly-rated municipal and corporate bonds, all of which inherently have minimal non-payment risk.

The adjustments noted above serve to reduce regulatory capital ratios for both the Holding Company and the Bank by approximately 10 basis points. The Company has elected to phase-in, over three years, the day-one regulatory capital effects of the standard in accordance with the Federal banking agencies final rule issued in December 2018.

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB amended its standards with respect to goodwill, simplifying how an entity is required to conduct the impairment assessment by eliminating Step 2, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation, from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, goodwill impairment will now be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. An entity will still have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. For public business entities, this new guidance is effective in fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020 for People’s United) and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. This amendment, which the Company elected to early adopt effective January 1, 2018, did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Disclosure Requirements — Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued targeted amendments that serve to eliminate, add and modify certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities are no longer required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but are required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. These amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020 for People’s United) and early adoption is permitted. Entities may also elect to (i) early adopt the eliminated and/or modified disclosure requirements and (ii) delay adoption of the new disclosure requirements until their effective date. The provisions set forth in this guidance, which the Company elected to early adopt in 2018, have been reflected in Note 20 (as applicable) and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Standards effective in 2021

Disclosure Requirements — Defined Benefit Plans

In August 2018, the FASB issued targeted amendments that serve to make minor changes to the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans. More specifically, the amendments (i) remove disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, (ii) clarify the specific requirements of selected disclosures and (iii) add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. These amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 (January 1, 2021 for People’s United) and early adoption is permitted. The provisions set forth in this guidance, which the Company elected to early adopt in 2018, have been reflected in Note 18 (as applicable) and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

In December 2019, the FASB amended its standards with respect to income taxes, simplifying the accounting in several areas, including intra-period tax allocation, deferred tax liabilities related to outside basis differences, and year-to-date losses in interim periods, among others. For public business entities, this new guidance is effective in fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020 (January 1, 2021 for People’s United) and early adoption is permitted. If an entity elects to early adopt, it must adopt all changes as a result of the guidance. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Trading Debt Securities, Equity Securities and Debt Securities Available-For-Sale

When available, People’s United uses quoted market prices for identical securities received from an independent, nationally-recognized, third-party pricing service (as discussed further below) to determine the fair value of investment securities such as U.S. Treasury and agency securities and equity securities that are included in Level 1. When quoted market prices for identical securities are unavailable, People’s United uses prices provided by the independent pricing service based on recent trading activity and other observable information including, but not limited to, market interest rate curves, referenced credit spreads and estimated prepayment rates where applicable. These investments include certain U.S. and government agency debt securities, corporate and municipal debt securities and GSE mortgage-backed and CMO securities, all of which are included in Level 2.

The Company’s available-for-sale debt securities are primarily comprised of GSE mortgage-backed securities. The fair value of these securities is based on prices obtained from the independent pricing service. The pricing service uses various techniques to determine pricing for the Company’s mortgage-backed securities, including option pricing and discounted cash flow analysis. The inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, monthly payment information and collateral performance. At December 31, 2019, the entire available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities portfolio was comprised of GSE mortgage-backed and CMO securities with original final maturities ranging from 10 to 40 years. At December 31, 2018, the entire available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities portfolio was comprised of GSE mortgage-backed securities with original final maturities of 10- and 15-years. An active market exists for securities that are similar to the Company’s GSE mortgage-backed and CMO securities, making observable inputs readily available.

Changes in the prices obtained from the pricing service are analyzed from month to month, taking into consideration changes in market conditions including changes in mortgage spreads, changes in U.S. Treasury security yields and changes in generic pricing of securities with similar duration. As a further point of validation, the Company generates its own month-end fair value estimate for all mortgage-backed securities, and state and municipal securities. While the Company has not adjusted the prices obtained from the independent pricing service, any notable differences between those prices and the Company’s estimates are subject to further analysis. This additional analysis may include a review of prices provided by other independent parties, a yield analysis, a review of average life changes using Bloomberg analytics and a review of historical pricing for the particular security. Based on management’s review of the prices provided by the pricing service, the fair values incorporate observable market inputs used by market participants at the measurement date and, as such, are classified as Level 2 securities.

Other Assets

As discussed in Note 18, certain unfunded, nonqualified supplemental plans have been established to provide retirement benefits to certain senior officers. People’s United has funded two trusts to provide benefit payments to the extent such benefits are not paid directly by People’s United, the assets of which are included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. When available, People’s United determines the fair value of the trust assets using quoted market prices for identical securities received from a third-party nationally recognized pricing service.

Derivatives

People’s United values its derivatives using internal models that are based on market or observable inputs, including interest rate curves and forward/spot prices for selected currencies. Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 represent interest rate swaps and caps, foreign exchange contracts, risk participation agreements, forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans and interest rate-lock commitments on residential mortgage loans.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Loans Held-for-Sale

Loans held-for-sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value and are therefore measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. When available, People’s United uses observable secondary market data, including pricing on recent closed market transactions for loans with similar characteristics. Accordingly, such loans are classified as Level 2 measurements. When observable data is unavailable, valuation methodologies using current market interest rate data adjusted for inherent credit risk are used, and such loans are included in Level 3.

Impaired Loans

Loan impairment is deemed to exist when full repayment of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan is no longer probable. Impaired loans are reported based on one of three measures: (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate; (ii) the loan’s observable market price; or (iii) the fair value of the collateral (less estimated cost to sell) if the loan is collateral dependent. Accordingly, certain impaired loans may be subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

People’s United has estimated the fair values of these assets using Level 3 inputs, such as discounted cash flows based on inputs that are largely unobservable and, instead, reflect management’s own estimates of the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing such loans and/or the fair value of collateral based on independent third-party appraisals for  collateral-dependent loans. Such appraisals are based on the market and/or income approach to value and are subject to a discount (to reflect estimated cost to sell) that generally approximates 10%.

REO and Repossessed Assets

REO and repossessed assets are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, and are therefore measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. People’s United has estimated the fair values of these assets using Level 3 inputs, such as independent third-party appraisals and price opinions. Such appraisals are based on the market and/or income approach to value and are subject to a discount (to reflect estimated cost to sell) that generally approximates 10%. Assets that are acquired through loan default are recorded as held-for-sale initially at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan or fair value (less estimated selling costs) upon the date of foreclosure/repossession. Subsequent to foreclosure/repossession, valuations are updated periodically and the carrying amounts of these assets may be reduced further.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the servicing rights as compared to their amortized cost. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated net servicing income. This model incorporates certain assumptions that market participants would likely use in estimating future net servicing income, such as interest rates, prepayment speeds and the cost to service (including delinquency and foreclosure costs), all of which require a degree of management judgment. Adjustments are only recorded when the discounted cash flows derived from the valuation model are less than the carrying value of the asset. As such, mortgage servicing rights are subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are classified as Level 3 assets.

Segment Information

Public companies are required to report (i) certain financial and descriptive information about “reportable operating segments,” as defined, and (ii) certain enterprise-wide financial information about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. Operating segment information is reported using a “management approach” that is based on the way management organizes the segments for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance.

People’s United’s operations are divided into three primary operating segments that represent its core businesses: Commercial Banking; Retail Banking; and Wealth Management. In addition, the Treasury area manages People’s United’s securities portfolio, short-term investments, brokered deposits, wholesale borrowings and the funding center.

The Company’s operating segments have been aggregated into two reportable segments: Commercial Banking and Retail Banking. These reportable segments have been identified and organized based on the nature of the underlying products and services applicable to each segment, the type of customers to whom those products and services are offered and the distribution channel through which those products and services are made available. With respect to the Company’s traditional wealth management activities, this presentation results in the allocation of the Company’s insurance business and certain trust activities to the Commercial Banking segment, and the allocation of the Company’s brokerage business and certain other trust activities to the Retail Banking segment.

Commercial Banking consists principally of commercial real estate lending, commercial and industrial lending, and commercial deposit gathering activities. This segment also includes equipment financing operations, as well as cash management, correspondent banking, municipal banking, institutional trust services, corporate trust, commercial insurance services provided by PUIA and private banking.

Retail Banking includes, as its principal business lines, consumer lending (including residential mortgage and home equity lending) and consumer deposit gathering activities. This segment also includes brokerage, financial advisory services, investment management services and life insurance provided by PSI, investment advisory services and financial management and planning services provided by PUA and non-institutional trust services.

People’s United’s segment disclosure is based on an internal profitability reporting system, which generates information by operating segment based on a series of management estimates and allocations regarding funds transfer pricing (“FTP”), the provision for loan losses, non-interest expense and income taxes. These estimates and allocations, some of which are subjective in nature, are subject to periodic review and refinement. Any changes in estimates and allocations that may affect the reported results of any segment will not affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of People’s United as a whole.

FTP, which is used in the calculation of each operating segment’s net interest income, measures the value of funds used in and provided by an operating segment. The difference between the interest income on earning assets and the interest expense on funding liabilities, and the corresponding FTP charge for interest income or credit for interest expense, results in net spread income. For fixed-term assets and liabilities, the FTP rate is assigned at the time the asset or liability is originated by reference to the Company’s FTP yield curve, which is updated daily. For non-maturity-term assets and liabilities, the FTP rate is determined based upon the underlying characteristics, or behavior, of each particular product and results in the use of a historical rolling average FTP rate determined over a period that is most representative of the average life of the particular asset or liability. While the Company’s FTP methodology serves to remove IRR from the operating segments and better facilitate pricing decisions, thereby allowing management to assess the longer-term profitability of an operating segment more effectively, it may, in sustained periods of low and/or high interest rates, result in a measure of operating segment net interest income that is not reflective of current interest rates.

A five-year rolling average net charge-off rate is used as the basis for the provision for loan losses for the respective operating segment in order to present a level of portfolio credit cost that is representative of the Company’s historical experience, without presenting the potential volatility from year-to-year changes in credit conditions. While this method of allocation allows management to assess the longer-term profitability of an operating segment more effectively, it may result in a measure of an operating segment’s provision for loan losses that does not reflect actual incurred losses for the periods presented.

People’s United allocates a majority of non-interest expenses to each operating segment using a full-absorption costing process (i.e. all expenses are fully-allocated to the segments). Direct and indirect costs are analyzed and pooled by process and assigned to the appropriate operating segment and corporate overhead costs are allocated to the operating segments. Income tax expense is allocated to each operating segment using a constant rate, based on an estimate of the consolidated effective income tax rate for the year. Average total assets and average total liabilities are presented for each reportable segment due to management’s reliance, in part, on such average balances for purposes of assessing segment performance. Average total assets of each reportable segment include allocated goodwill and intangible assets, both of which are reviewed for impairment at least annually.

The "Other" category includes the residual financial impact from the allocation of revenues and expenses (including the provision for loan losses) and certain revenues and expenses not attributable to a particular segment; assets and liabilities not attributable to a particular segment; reversal of the FTE adjustment since net interest income for each segment is presented on an FTE basis; and the FTP impact from excess capital. The "Other" category also includes (i) gains of $7.6 million, net of expenses, resulting from the sale of eight branches in central Maine and $3.3 million on a sale-leaseback transaction, both for the year ended December 31, 2019, and $10.0 million of security losses in each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 incurred in response to tax reform-related benefits recognized in each period (all included in non-interest income); and (ii) merger-related expenses totaling $49.1 million, $11.4 million and $30.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and a $16.5 million charge for the year ended December 31, 2019 associated with the complete write-down of an acquisition-related intangible asset stemming from the liquidation of the Company's public mutual funds (all included in non-interest expense). The increases in average total assets and average total liabilities in 2019 compared to 2018 primarily reflect the recognition of ROU assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities upon adoption of the FASB leasing standard on January 1, 2019 (see Notes 1 and 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion regarding the accounting for leases).

People's United Employee Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

People’s United Employee Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

People’s United maintains a qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the “People’s Qualified Plan”) that covers substantially all full-time and part-time employees who (i) meet certain age and length of service requirements and (ii) were employed by the Bank prior to August 14, 2006. Benefits are based upon the employee’s years of credited service and either the average compensation for the last five years or the average compensation for the five consecutive years of the last  ten years that produce the highest average.

New employees of the Bank starting on or after August 14, 2006 are not eligible to participate in the People’s Qualified Plan. Instead, the Bank makes contributions on behalf of these employees to a qualified defined contribution plan in an annual amount equal to 3% of the employee’s eligible compensation. Employee participation in this plan is restricted to employees who (i) are at least 18 years of age and (ii) worked at least 1000 hours in a year. Both full-time and part-time employees are eligible to participate as long as they meet these requirements.

In July 2011, the Bank amended the People’s Qualified Plan to “freeze”, effective December 31, 2011, the accrual of pension benefits for People’s Qualified Plan participants. As such, participants will not earn any additional benefits after that date. Instead, effective January 1, 2012, the Bank began making contributions on behalf of these participants to a qualified defined contribution plan in an annual amount equal to 3% of the employee’s eligible compensation.

In addition to the People’s Qualified Plan, People’s United continues to maintain qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover (i) former First Connecticut employees who meet certain eligibility requirements (the “First Connecticut Qualified Plan”) and (ii) former United Financial employees who meet certain eligibility requirements (the “United Financial Qualified Plan”). All benefits under these plans were frozen effective February 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Effective October 1, 2018, both the Chittenden Qualified Plan and the Suffolk Qualified Plan were merged into the People’s Qualified Plan.

People’s United also maintains (i) unfunded, nonqualified supplemental plans to provide retirement benefits to certain senior officers (the “People’s Supplemental Plans”) and (ii) an unfunded plan that provides retirees with optional medical, dental and life insurance benefits (the “People’s Postretirement Plan”). People’s United accrues the cost of these postretirement benefits over the employees’ years of service to the date of their eligibility for such benefit. People’s United also continues to maintain: (1) for certain eligible former First Connecticut employees (i) an unfunded, nonqualified supplemental retirement plan (the “First Connecticut Supplemental Plan”) and (ii) unfunded plans that provide medical, dental and life insurance benefits (the “First Connecticut Postretirement Plans”); (2) for certain eligible former BSB Bancorp employees (i) an unfunded, nonqualified supplemental retirement plan (the “BSB Bancorp Supplemental Plan”) and (ii) unfunded plans that provide life insurance benefits (the “BSB Bancorp Post Retirement Welfare (Life Insurance) Plan”); and (3) for certain former United Financial employees (i) an unfunded, nonqualified supplemental retirement plan (the “United Financial Supplemental Plan”) and (ii) unfunded plans that provide medical, dental and life insurance benefits (the “United Financial Postretirement Benefit Plan”).

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

In April 2007, People’s United established an ESOP. At that time, People’s United loaned the ESOP $216.8 million to purchase 10,453,575 shares of People’s United common stock in the open market. In order for the ESOP to repay the loan, People’s United expects to make annual cash contributions of approximately $18.8 million until 2036. Such cash contributions may be reduced by the cash dividends paid on unallocated ESOP shares, which totaled $4.4 million in 2019, $4.6 million in 2018 and $4.8 million in 2017. At December 31, 2019, the loan balance totaled $171.8 million.

Employee participation in this plan is restricted to those employees who (i) are at least 18 years of age and (ii) worked at least 1000 hours within 12 months of their hire date or any plan year (January 1 to December 31) after their date of hire. Employees meeting the aforementioned eligibility criteria during the plan year must continue to be employed as of the last day of the plan year in order to receive an allocation of shares for that plan year.

Shares of People’s United common stock are held by the ESOP and allocated to eligible participants annually based upon a percentage of each participant’s eligible compensation. Since the ESOP was established, a total of 4,529,883 shares of People’s United common stock have been allocated or committed to be released to participants’ accounts. At  December 31, 2019, 5,923,692 shares of People’s United common stock, with a fair value of $100.1 million at that date, have not been allocated or committed to be released.

Compensation expense related to the ESOP is recognized at an amount equal to the number of common shares committed to be released by the ESOP for allocation to participants’ accounts multiplied by the average fair value of People’s United’s common stock during the reporting period. The difference between the fair value of the shares of People’s United’s common stock committed to be released and the cost of those common shares is recorded as a credit to additional paid-in capital (if fair value exceeds cost) or, to the extent that no such credits remain in additional paid-in capital, as a charge to retained earnings (if fair value is less than cost). Expense recognized for the ESOP totaled $5.7 million, $6.2 million and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Directors' Equity Compensation Plan

Directors’ Equity Compensation Plan

The People's United Financial, Inc. Directors' Equity Compensation Plan (the "Directors' Plan") provides for an annual award of shares of People's United common stock with a fair value of approximately $95,000 to each non-employee director immediately following each annual meeting of shareholders. Shares of People's United common stock issued pursuant to the Directors' Plan are subject to a one-year vesting period, with no post-vesting transfer restrictions. A total of 1,492,500 shares of People's United common stock are reserved for issuance under the Directors' Plan.

In 2019, 2018 and 2017, directors were granted a total of 58,340 shares, 51,680 shares and 49,050 shares, respectively, of People’s United common stock, with grant date fair values of $16.31 per share, $18.21 per share and $17.65 per share, respectively, at those dates. Expense totaling $0.9 million for the Directors’ Plan was recognized for each of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. At December 31, 2019, a total of 333,981 shares remain available for issuance.