Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”) defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements), and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 – Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions that are significant to the fair value measurement.

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company uses fair value measurements to record adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no

quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or from Level 2 to Level 3.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no active market exists for a portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For these financial instruments, which have original maturities of 90 days or less, their carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.

Securities

Securities consisted of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Agency bonds, U.S. government-sponsored residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and state and municipal bonds. AFS securities are recorded at fair value.

The Company’s U.S. Treasury securities are traded on active markets and therefore these securities were classified as Level 1.

The fair value of U.S. Agency bonds were evaluated using relevant trade data, benchmark quotes and spreads obtained from publicly available trade data, and generated on a price, yield or spread basis as determined by the observed market data. Therefore, these securities were categorized as Level 2 given the use of observable inputs.

The fair value of U.S. government-sponsored residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities were estimated using either a matrix or benchmarks. The inputs used include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads. Therefore, these securities were categorized as Level 2 given the use of observable inputs.

The fair value of state and municipal bonds were estimated using a valuation matrix with inputs including observable bond interest rate tables, recent transactions, and yield relationships. Therefore, these securities were categorized as Level 2 given the use of observable inputs.

Fair value was based on the value of one unit without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of ownership of a financial instrument, possible tax ramifications, or estimated transaction costs.

Loans Held for Sale

The fair value of loans held for sale, whose carrying amounts approximate fair value, was estimated using the anticipated market price based upon pricing indications provided by investor banks. These assets were classified as Level 2 given the use of observable inputs.

Loans

The fair value of commercial construction, commercial and industrial lines of credit, and certain other consumer loans was estimated by discounting the contractual cash flows using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.

For commercial, commercial real estate, residential real estate, automobile, and consumer home equity loans, fair value was estimated by discounting contractual cash flows adjusted for prepayment estimates using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.

Loans are classified as Level 3 since the valuation methodology utilizes significant unobservable inputs. Loans that are deemed to be collateral-dependent, as described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K, were recorded at the fair value of the underlying collateral.

FHLB Stock

The fair value of FHLB stock approximates the carrying amount based on the redemption provisions of the FHLB. These assets were classified as Level 2.

Rabbi Trust Investments

Rabbi trust investments consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. government agency obligations, equity securities, mutual funds and other exchange-traded funds, and were recorded at fair value and included in other assets. The purpose of these rabbi trust investments is to fund certain executive non-qualified retirement benefits and deferred compensation.

The fair value of other U.S. government agency obligations was estimated using either a matrix or benchmarks. The inputs used include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads. These securities were categorized as Level 2 given the use of observable inputs. The equity securities, mutual funds and other exchange-traded funds were valued based on quoted prices from the market. The equities, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds traded in an active market were categorized as Level 1 as they were valued based upon quoted prices from the market. Mutual funds at net asset value amounted to $48.6 million at June 30, 2024 and $48.9 million at December 31, 2023. There were no redemption restrictions on these mutual funds at the end of any period presented.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The fair value of bank-owned life insurance was based upon quotations received from bank-owned life insurance dealers. These assets were classified as Level 2 given the use of observable inputs.

Deposits

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings, interest checking accounts, and money market accounts, was equal to their carrying amount. The fair value of time deposits was based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using current market interest rates. Deposits were classified as Level 2 given the use of observable market inputs.

The fair value estimates of deposits do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the wholesale market (core deposit intangibles).

FHLB Advances

The fair value of FHLB advances was based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rates used are representative of approximate rates currently offered on instruments with similar remaining maturities. FHLB advances were classified as Level 2.

Escrow Deposits of Borrowers

The fair value of escrow deposits of borrowers, which have no stated maturity, approximates the carrying amount. Escrow deposits of borrowers were classified as Level 2.

Interest Rate Swap Collateral Funds

The fair value of interest rate swap collateral funds approximates the carrying amount. Interest rate swap collateral funds were classified as Level 2.

Interest Rate Swaps

The fair value of interest rate swaps was determined using discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of the interest rate swaps. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the interest rate swaps, including the period of maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatility. In addition, for customer-related interest rate swaps, the analysis reflects a credit valuation adjustment to reflect the Company’s own non-performance risk and respective counterparty’s non-performance risk in the fair value measurements. The majority of inputs used to value the Company’s interest rate swaps fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but the credit valuation adjustments associated with the interest rate swaps utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and its counterparties. However, at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the impact of the Level 3 inputs on the overall valuation of the interest rate swaps was deemed insignificant to the overall valuation. As a result, the interest rate swaps were categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Risk Participations

The fair value of risk participations was determined based upon the total expected exposure of the derivative which considers the present value of cash flows discounted using market-based inputs and were therefore categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value also included a credit valuation adjustment which evaluates the credit risk of the counterparties by considering factors such as the likelihood of default by the counterparties, its net exposures, the remaining contractual life, as well as the amount of collateral securing the position. The change in value of derivative assets and liabilities attributable to credit risk was not significant during the reported periods.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The fair values of foreign currency forward contracts were based upon the remaining expiration period of the contracts and bid quotations received from foreign exchange contract dealers and were categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage Derivatives

The fair value of mortgage derivatives is determined based upon current market prices for similar assets in the secondary market and, therefore are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balance as of June 30, 2024		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Description
	(In thousands)
Assets
Securities available for sale:
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	$	2,597,550	$	—	$	2,597,550	$	—
Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities	1,090,894		—		1,090,894		—
U.S. Agency bonds	130,238		—		130,238		—
U.S. Treasury securities	95,554		95,554		—		—
State and municipal bonds and obligations	183,606		—		183,606		—
Rabbi trust investments	94,424		86,874		7,550		—
Loans held for sale	1,308		—		1,308		—
Interest rate swap contracts:
Cash flow hedges - interest rate positions	10		—		10		—
Customer-related positions	19,240		—		19,240		—
Risk participation agreements	5		—		5		—
Foreign currency forward contracts:
Matched customer book	616		—		616		—
Foreign currency loan	38		—		38		—
Mortgage derivatives	41		—		41		—
Total	$	4,213,524	$	182,428	$	4,031,096	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts:
Cash flow hedges - interest rate positions	$	241	$	—	$	241	$	—
Customer-related positions	67,944		—		67,944		—
Risk participation agreements	2		—		2		—
Foreign currency forward contracts:
Matched customer book	626		—		626		—
Foreign currency loan	14		—		14		—
Mortgage derivatives	85		—		85		—
Total	$	68,912	$	—	$	68,912	$	—

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	Balance as of December 31, 2023		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Assets
Securities available for sale:
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	$	2,780,638	$	—	$	2,780,638	$	—
Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities	1,124,376		—		1,124,376		—
U.S. Agency bonds	216,011		—		216,011		—
U.S. Treasury securities	95,152		95,152		—		—
State and municipal bonds and obligations	191,344		—		191,344		—
Rabbi trust investments	87,435		81,278		6,157		—
Loans held for sale	1,124		—		1,124		—
Interest rate swap contracts:
Cash flow hedges - interest rate positions	10		—		10		—
Customer-related positions	19,535		—		19,535		—
Risk participation agreements	151		—		151		—
Foreign currency forward contracts:
Matched customer book	760		—		760		—
Mortgage derivatives	69		—		69		—
Total	$	4,516,605	$	176,430	$	4,340,175	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts:
Cash flow hedges - interest rate positions	$	893	$	—	$	893	$	—
Customer-related positions	61,217		—		61,217		—
Risk participation agreements	106		—		106		—
Foreign currency forward contracts:
Matched customer book	672		—		672		—
Foreign currency loan	187		—		187		—
Mortgage derivatives	36		—		36		—
Total	$	63,111	$	—	$	63,111	$	—

There were no transfers to or from Level 1, 2 and 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

The Company held no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of June 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company may also be required, from time to time, to measure certain other assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. The following tables summarize the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	Balance as of June 30, 2024		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Assets
Individually assessed collateral-dependent loans whose fair value is based upon appraisals	$	21,276	$	—	$	—	$	21,276

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	Balance as of December 31, 2023		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Assets
Individually assessed collateral-dependent loans whose fair value is based upon appraisals	$	27,874	$	—	$	—	$	27,874

For the valuation of the collateral-dependent loans, the Company relies primarily on third-party valuation information from certified appraisers and values are generally based upon recent appraisals of the underlying collateral, brokers’ opinions based upon recent sales of comparable properties, estimated equipment auction or liquidation values, income capitalization, or a combination of income capitalization and comparable sales. Depending on the type of underlying collateral, valuations may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic factors and estimated liquidation expenses. The range of these possible adjustments may vary.

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company transferred one property, located in Lynn, Massachusetts, that has housed Company offices and which is comprised of an office building and land, to held for sale. As of June 30, 2024, the property was recorded at the lower of cost or market and amounted to $10.7 million. At the time of transfer to held for sale, the carrying value of the property approximated its fair value. Therefore, no write-down was recorded upon transfer.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values and related carrying amounts for assets and liabilities for which fair value is only disclosed are shown below as of the dates indicated:

					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	Carrying Value as of June 30, 2024		Fair Value as of June 30, 2024		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Assets
Held to maturity securities:
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	$	243,919	$	214,481	$	—	$	214,481	$	—
Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities	192,793		170,917		—		170,917		—
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	13,953,773		13,245,517		—		—		13,245,517
FHLB stock	5,879		5,879		—		5,879		—
Bank-owned life insurance	166,710		166,710		—		166,710		—
Liabilities
Deposits	$	17,537,809	$	17,530,331	$	—	$	17,530,331	$	—
FHLB advances	17,415		15,085		—		15,085		—
Escrow deposits of borrowers	20,155		20,155		—		20,155		—
Interest rate swap collateral funds	11,370		11,370		—		11,370		—

					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	Carrying Value as of December 31, 2023		Fair Value as of December 31, 2023		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Assets
Held to maturity securities:
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	$	254,752	$	230,319	$	—	$	230,319	$	—
Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities	194,969		174,503		—		174,503		—
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	13,799,367		13,145,455		—		—		13,145,455
FHLB stock	5,904		5,904		—		5,904		—
Bank-owned life insurance	164,702		164,702		—		164,702		—
Liabilities
Deposits	$	17,596,217	$	17,593,214	$	—	$	17,593,214	$	—
FHLB advances	17,738		15,366		—		15,366		—
Escrow deposits of borrowers	21,978		21,978		—		21,978		—
Interest rate swap collateral funds	8,500		8,500		—		8,500		—

This summary excludes certain financial assets and liabilities for which the carrying value approximates fair value. For financial assets, these may include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and short-term investments. For financial liabilities, these may include federal funds purchased. These instruments would all be considered to be classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Also excluded from the summary are financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis, as previously described.