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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The allowance for credit losses, the valuation of deferred tax assets, and the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations are particularly subject to change.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior year’s financial statements may have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, amounts due from banks, and overnight investments.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities

Investment securities are classified as either "held to maturity" or "available for sale" in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 320, Investments – Debt Securities. Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and recorded at amortized cost.

Debt securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value with unrealized after-tax gains and losses reported net as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The Company classifies its securities based on its intention at the time of purchase.

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the effective yield or straight-line method over the term of the securities, except for callable debt securities for which the purchase premiums are recognized through the earliest call date. Gains and losses on the sale of debt securities are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Held to Maturity Securities

The Company measures expected credit losses on held to maturity debt securities on a collective basis by security type and risk rating where available. The reserve for each pool is calculated based on a Probability of Default/Loss Given Default (“PD/LGD”) basis taking into consideration the expected life of each security. Held to maturity securities which are issued by the United States of America (“U.S.”) or are guaranteed by U.S. federal agencies do not currently have an allowance for credit loss as the Company determined these securities are either backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government and/or there is an unconditional commitment to make interest payments and to return the principal investment in full to investors when a debt security reaches maturity. The Company will evaluate this position no less than annually, however, certain items which may cause the Company to change this methodology include legislative changes that remove a government-sponsored enterprise’s (“GSE”) ability to draw funds from the U.S. government, or legislative changes to housing policy that reduce or eliminate the U.S. government’s implicit guarantee on such securities. For securities which are not U.S. treasury or agency backed, risk ratings are generally sourced from Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s. The Company updates loss given default, probability of default, and recovery rates for each security as that information becomes available but no less than annually. The expected remaining life to maturity of each applicable security is updated quarterly. Any expected credit losses on held to maturity securities would be presented as an allowance rather than as a direct write-down through the consolidated statements of income if the Company does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses - Available for Sale Securities

 

The Company measures expected credit losses on available for sale securities based upon the gain or loss position of the security. For available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, which the Company does not intend to sell, or it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the Company’s amortized cost, the Company evaluates qualitative criteria to determine any expected loss. This includes among other items the financial health of, and specific prospects for the issuer, including whether the issuer is in compliance with the terms and covenants of the security. The Company also evaluates quantitative criteria including determining whether there has been an adverse change in expected future cash flows of the security. If the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an allowance for credit losses would be recorded, with a related charge to earnings, limited by the amount of the fair value of the security less its amortized cost. If the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company recognizes the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value in earnings.

Loans

Loans

Loans are reported at the amount of their outstanding principal, including deferred loan origination fees and costs, reduced by unearned discounts, and the allowance for credit losses. Loans are considered delinquent when a payment of principal and/or interest becomes past due 30 days following its scheduled payment due date. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual loans. Loans are removed from non-accrual when they become less than 90 days past due and when concern no longer exists as to the collectability of principal or interest.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans

 

Losses on loan receivables are estimated and recognized upon origination of the loan, based on expected credit losses for the life of the loan balance as of the period end date. The Company’s methodology for calculating the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans consists of quantitative and qualitative components. The Company uses a discounted cash flow method incorporating probability of default and loss given default forecasted based on statistically derived economic variable loss drivers combined with qualitative factors, to estimate expected credit losses. This process includes estimates which involve modeling loss projections attributable to existing loan balances, considering historical experience, current conditions, and future expectations for homogeneous pools of loans over the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The reasonable and supportable forecast period is determined based upon the accuracy level of historical loss forecast estimates, the specific loan level models and methodology utilized, and considers material changes in growth and credit strategy, and business changes. For periods beyond a reasonable and supportable forecast interval, the Company reverts to historical information over a period for which comparable data is available. The historical information either experienced by the Company, or by a selection of peer banks when appropriate, is derived from a combination of recessionary and non-recessionary performance periods for which data is available. Similar to the reasonable and supportable forecast period, the Company reassesses the

reversion period at the segment level, considering any required adjustments for differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, and other relevant data shifts over time.

 

The Company generally segments its loan receivable population into homogeneous pools of loans. Consistent with the Company’s other assumptions, the Company regularly reviews segmentation to determine whether the homogenous pools remain relevant as risk characteristics change. When a loan no longer meets the criteria of its initial pooling as a result of credit deterioration or other changes, the Company may evaluate the credit for estimated losses on an individual basis if the Company determines that the credit no longer retains the same risk characteristics. To the extent that there are a multitude of these loans with new similar risk characteristics, the Company would anticipate a change to the pooling methodology. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are not included in the collective evaluation. For loans with real estate collateral, when management determines that foreclosure is probable, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.

 

The qualitative component of the ACL considers (i) the uncertainty of forward-looking scenarios; (ii) certain portfolio characteristics, such as portfolio concentrations, real estate values, changes in the number and amount of non-accrual and past due loans; and (iii) model limitations; among other factors. Qualitative adjustments are considered when management believes expected credit losses are not representative of historical loss experience alone, and should be adjusted to reflect the current conditions and characteristics of the Company’s own portfolio. They are made at the segment level, considering any required adjustments for differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, and other relevant data shifts over time.

 

The Company evaluates the allowance for credit losses on loans quarterly. The Company regularly reviews its collection experience (including delinquencies and net charge-offs) in determining its allowance for credit losses. The Company also considers its historical loss experience to date based on actual defaulted loans and overall portfolio indicators including delinquent and non-accrual loans, trends in loan volume and lending terms, credit policies and other observable environmental factors such as unemployment and interest rate changes.

 

The underlying assumption estimates and assessments the Company uses to estimate the allowance for credit losses reflects the Company’s best estimate of model assumptions and forecasted conditions at that time. Changes in such estimates can significantly affect the allowance and provision for (release of) credit losses. It is possible and likely that the Company will experience credit losses that are different from the current estimates.

 

The provision for (release of) credit losses charged to income is based on management’s judgment of the amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level to provide for expected credit losses for the life of the loan balances as of the evaluation date. When management believes that the collectability of a loan’s principal balance, or portions thereof, is unlikely, the principal amount is charged against the allowance for credit losses. Recoveries on loans that have been previously charged off are credited to the allowance for credit losses, generally at the time cash is received on a charged-off account. The allowance is an estimate, and ultimate losses may vary from current estimates. As adjustments become necessary, they are reported in the results of operations through the provision for (release of) credit losses in the period in which they become known.

Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

Residential mortgage and home equity loans – The Company generally does not originate loans in these segments with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80%, unless covered by private mortgage insurance, and in all cases not greater than a loan-to-value ratio of 97%. The Company does not originate subprime loans. Loans in these segments are secured by one-to-four family residential real estate, and repayment is primarily dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

Commercial mortgage loans – This includes multi-family properties and construction. The Company generally does not originate loans in this segment with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 75%. Loans in this segment are secured by owner-occupied and nonowner-occupied commercial real estate ("CRE"), and repayment is primarily dependent on the cash flows of the property (if nonowner-occupied) or of the business (if owner-occupied).

Commercial and industrial loans ("C&I") – Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by equipment, accounts receivable, or inventory, as well as the personal guarantees of the principal owners of the business, and repayment is primarily dependent on the cash flows generated by the business. In addition, this segment includes loans issued under the U. S. Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). These loans are guaranteed and are not evaluated for an allowance for credit losses because the Company expects the guarantees will be effective, if necessary.

Consumer loans – Loans in this segment are made to individuals and can be secured or unsecured. Repayment is primarily dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

The majority of the Company’s loans are concentrated in Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire and therefore the overall health of the local economy, including unemployment rates, vacancy rates, and consumer spending levels, can have a material effect on the credit quality of all of these portfolio segments.

The process to determine the allowance for credit losses requires management to exercise considerable judgment regarding the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio segments and the effect of relevant internal and external factors.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Unfunded Commitments

The expected credit losses for unfunded commitments are measured over the contractual period of the Company’s exposure to credit risk. The estimate of credit loss incorporates assumptions for both the likelihood and amount of funding over the estimated life of the commitments, for the risk of loss, and current conditions and expectations. Management periodically reviews and updates its assumptions for estimated funding rates based on historical rates, and factors such as portfolio growth, changes to organizational structure, economic conditions, borrowing habits, or any other factor which could impact the likelihood that funding will occur. The Company does not reserve for unfunded commitments which are unconditionally cancellable.

Acquired Loans

Acquired loans are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considers various factors, including the type of loan and related collateral, classification status, fixed or variable interest rate, term of loan and whether or not the loan was amortizing, and a discount rate reflecting the Company’s assessment of risk inherent in the cash flow estimates. Purchased loans are grouped together according to similar risk characteristics and are treated in the aggregate when applying various valuation techniques. These cash flow evaluations are inherently subjective as they may be susceptible to significant change.

 

Effective January 1, 2020, loans acquired in a business combination that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination are considered purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. The Company evaluates acquired loans for deterioration in credit quality based on, but not limited to, the following: (1) non-accrual status; (2) troubled debt restructured designation; (3) risk ratings of special mention, substandard or doubtful; (4) watchlist credits; and (5) delinquency status, including loans that are current on acquisition date, but had been previously delinquent. At the acquisition date, an estimate of expected credit losses is made for groups of PCD loans with similar risk characteristics and individual PCD loans without similar risk characteristics. This initial allowance for credit losses is allocated to individual PCD loans and added to the purchase price or acquisition date fair values to establish the initial amortized cost basis of the PCD loans. As the initial allowance for credit losses is added to the purchase price, there is no credit loss expense recognized upon acquisition of a PCD loan. Any difference between the unpaid principal balance of PCD loans and the amortized cost basis is considered to relate to noncredit factors and results in a discount or premium. Discounts and premiums are recognized through interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loans.

 

For acquired loans not deemed PCD at acquisition, the differences between the initial fair value and the unpaid principal balance are recognized as interest income on a level-yield basis over the lives of the related loans. At the acquisition date, an initial allowance for expected credit losses is estimated and recorded as provision for credit losses. The subsequent measurement of expected credit losses for all acquired loans is the same as the subsequent measurement of expected credit losses for originated loans.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 326 – Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“CECL”) on January 1, 2020, the Company calculated its provision for loan losses and the level of the allowance for loan losses to reflect management’s estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Management used a systematic process and methodology to establish the allowance for loan losses each quarter. To determine the total allowance for loan losses, an estimate was made by management of the allowance needed for each of the following segments of the loan portfolio: (a) residential mortgage loans, (b) commercial mortgage loans, (c) home equity loans, (d) C&I loans, and (e) consumer loans. Portfolio segments were further disaggregated into classes of loans. The establishment of the allowance for each portfolio segment was based on a process that evaluated the risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment and took into consideration multiple internal and external factors. Internal factors included, but were not limited to, (a) historic levels and trends in charge-offs, delinquencies, risk ratings, and foreclosures, (b) level and changes in industry, geographic, and credit concentrations, (c) underwriting policies and adherence to such policies, (d) the growth and vintage of the portfolios, and (e) the experience of, and any changes in, lending and credit personnel. External factors included, but were not limited to, (a) conditions and trends in the local and national economy and (b) levels and trends in national delinquent and non-performing loans.

The Company evaluated certain loans individually for specific impairment. A loan was considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it was probable that the Company would be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans that experienced insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally were not classified as impaired. Loans were selected for evaluation based upon internal risk rating, delinquency status, or non-accrual status. A specific allowance amount was allocated to an individual loan when such loan had been deemed impaired and when the amount of the probable loss was able to be estimated. Estimates of loss were determined by the present value of anticipated future cash flows, the loan’s observable fair market value, or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan was collateral dependent.

 

Loans Held for Sale

Residential mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are classified as held for sale at the time of their origination and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an individual loan basis. Changes in fair value relating to loans held for sale below the loans cost basis are charged against gain on loans sold. Gains and losses on the actual sale of the residential loans are recorded in earnings as gains on loans sold, net on the consolidated statements of income.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) represents life insurance on the lives of certain active and former employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Company to be the beneficiary of such policies. Since the Company is the primary beneficiary of the insurance policies, increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received in excess of cash surrender value, are recorded in noninterest income, and are not subject to income taxes. Applicable regulations generally limit the Company’s investment in bank-owned life insurance to 25% of its Tier 1 capital plus its allowance for credit losses. The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carriers prior to the purchase of BOLI and at least annually thereafter.

Banking Premises and Equipment

Banking Premises and Equipment

Land is stated at cost. Buildings, leasehold improvements, and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, and amortization, which is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the leases, if shorter. The cost of ordinary maintenance and repairs is charged to expense when incurred.

Leases

Leases

The Company leases office space, certain branch locations under noncancelable operating leases, and one automated teller machine (“ATM”) location, several of which have renewal options to extend lease terms. Upon commencement of a new lease, the Company will recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and corresponding lease liability. The Company makes the decision on whether to renew an option to extend a lease by considering various factors. The Company will recognize an adjustment to its ROU asset and lease liability when lease agreements are amended and executed. The discount rate used in determining the present value of lease payments is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate for borrowings with terms similar to each lease at commencement date. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For real estate leases, non-lease components and other non-components, such as common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, and insurance, are not included in the measurement of the lease liability since they are generally able to be segregated.
Marketing Expense

Marketing Expense

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned consists of properties formerly pledged as collateral to loans, which have been acquired by the Company through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Upon transfer of a loan to foreclosure status, an appraisal is obtained and any excess of the loan balance over the fair value, less estimated costs to sell, is charged against the allowance for credit losses. Expenses and subsequent adjustments to the fair value are treated as noninterest expense through other expenses.

Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles, and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles, and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. Core deposit intangible (“CDI”) represents a premium paid to acquire the core deposits of an institution and is recorded as an intangible asset. Goodwill and intangible assets that are not amortized are tested for impairment, based on their fair values, at least annually. There was no goodwill impairment recognized during 2021, 2020, or 2019. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are also reviewed for impairment based on their fair value. Any impairment is recognized as a charge to earnings and the adjusted carrying amount of the intangible asset becomes its new accounting basis. The remaining useful life of an intangible asset that is being amortized

is also evaluated each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. The Company is amortizing the CDI on a straight-line basis over a ten-year period.

Mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets with servicing rights retained. The fair value of the servicing rights is determined by estimating the present value of future net cash flows, taking into consideration market loan prepayment speeds, discount rates, servicing costs, and other economic factors. For purposes of measuring impairment, the underlying loans are generally stratified into relatively homogeneous pools based on predominant risk characteristics. Because of the small size of this asset class, and its relative homogeneity, only one stratum is used. If the aggregate carrying value of the capitalized mortgage servicing rights for this stratum exceeds its fair value, MSR impairment is recognized in earnings through a valuation allowance for the difference. As the loans are repaid and net servicing revenue is earned, the MSR asset is amortized as an offset to loan servicing income. Servicing revenues are expected to exceed this amortization expense. However, if actual prepayment experience or defaults exceed what was originally anticipated, net servicing revenues may be less than expected and mortgage servicing income may be negative.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the state of New Hampshire, the state of Maine, and other states as required. For the tax year ended December 31, 2021, the Company expects to file taxes in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through income tax expenses in the period of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reviewed quarterly and reduced by a valuation allowance if, based upon the information available, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if incurred, are recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Wealth Management Fee Revenue

Wealth Management Fee Revenue

The Company earns wealth management fees for providing investment management, trust administration, and financial planning services to clients. The Company’s performance obligation under these contracts is satisfied over time as the wealth management services are provided. Fees are recognized monthly based on the monthly value of the assets under management and the applicable fee rate, or at a fixed annual rate, depending on the terms of the contract. No performance-based incentives are earned on wealth management contracts.

The Company also earns trust fees for servicing as trustee for certain clients. As trustee, the Company serves as a fiduciary, administers the client’s trust, and in some cases, manages the assets of the trust. The Company’s performance obligation under these agreements is satisfied over time as the administrative and management services are provided. Fees are recognized monthly based on a percentage of the market value of the account or at a fixed annual rate as outlined in the agreement. The Company also earns fees for trust related activities. The Company’s performance obligation under these agreements is satisfied at a point in time and recognized when these services have been performed.

Other Banking Fee Income

The Company charges a variety of fees to its clients for services provided on the deposit and deposit management related accounts. Each fee is either transaction-based or assessed monthly. The types of fees include service charges on accounts, wire transfer fees, maintenance fees, ATM fee charges, and other miscellaneous charges related to the accounts. These fees are not governed by individual contracts with clients. They are charged to clients based on disclosures presented to these clients upon opening these accounts, along with updated disclosures when changes are made to the fee structures. The transaction-based fees are recognized in revenue when charged to the client based on specific activity on the client’s account. Monthly service and maintenance charges are recognized in the month they are earned and are charged directly to the client’s account.

Pension and Retirement Plans

Pension and Retirement Plans

The Company sponsors a defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”) and a postretirement health care plan covering substantially all employees hired before May 2, 2011. Effective December 31, 2017, the accrual of benefits for all participants in the Pension Plan was frozen. Benefits for the postretirement health care plan are based on years of service. Expenses for the postretirement health care plan are recognized over the employee’s service life utilizing the projected unit credit actuarial cost method. Effective November 7, 2019, the postretirement health care plan was frozen for employees hired after that date.

The Company also sponsors non-qualified retirement programs that provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain current and former executives. Prior to 2016, the Company provided individual non-qualified defined benefit supplemental executive retirement

plans (“DB SERPs”) to certain executives. The DB SERPs generally provide for an annual benefit payable in equal monthly installments following the executive’s retirement and continuing for at least the remainder of his or her lifetime, with such annual benefit generally based on the executive’s years of service and his or her highest three consecutive years of base salary and bonus. In 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors discontinued the use of DB SERPs for new entrants to the Company’s non-qualified retirement programs. Instead, new entrants are provided with individual non-qualified defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plans (“DC SERPs”). Under the DC SERPs, the Company may contribute an amount equal to 10% of the executive’s base salary and bonus to his or her account under the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. Expense for the DB SERPs is recognized over the executive’s service life utilizing the projected unit credit actuarial cost method. Expense for the DC SERPs is recognized as incurred.

The Company maintains a Profit-Sharing Plan (“PSP”) that provides for deferral of federal and state income taxes on employee contributions allowed under Section 401(k) of federal law. The Company matches employee contributions up to 100% of the first 4% of each participant’s salary, eligible bonus, and eligible incentive. Each year, the Company may also make a discretionary contribution to the PSP based on eligible salary, bonus, and incentive. Employees are eligible to participate in the PSP on the first day of their initial date of service. Employees are also eligible to participate in the discretionary contribution portion of the PSP on the first date of their initial date of service. The employee must be employed on the last day of the calendar year or retire at the normal retirement age of 65 during the calendar year to receive the discretionary contribution.
Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation plans provide for stock option awards, restricted stock awards, time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”).

Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is recognized over the service period based on the fair value at the date of grant. RSUs and PRSUs are valued at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of the award date. PRSUs’ compensation expense is based on the most recent performance assumption available and is adjusted as assumptions change. If the goals are not met, vesting does not occur, no compensation cost will be recognized and any recognized compensation costs will be reversed. Stock-based awards that do not require future service are expensed in the year of grant.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and are measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of such derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and resulting designation. For derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized in earnings in noninterest income.

For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of such derivatives are recognized in earnings together with the changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. The net amount, if any, represents hedge ineffectiveness and is reflected in earnings.

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized directly in earnings.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company measures the fair values of its financial instruments in accordance with accounting guidance that requires an entity to base fair value on exit price and maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to determine the exit price.

ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data and requires fair value measurements to be disclosed by level within the hierarchy. The three broad levels defined by the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date. The type of financial instruments included in Level 1 are highly liquid cash instruments with quoted prices such as government or agency securities, listed equities, and money market securities, as well as listed derivative instruments.

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these financial instruments includes cash instruments for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, derivative instruments whose fair value has been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, and instruments that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed. Instruments which are generally included in this category are corporate bonds and loans, mortgage whole loans, municipal bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives.

Level 3 – Instruments that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment to estimation. Instruments that are included in this category generally include certain commercial mortgage loans, certain private equity investments, distressed debt, non-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, as well as certain highly structured over-the-counter derivative contracts.

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per common share is computed using the more dilutive two-class method prescribed under ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” ASC Topic 260 provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The Company has determined that its outstanding non-vested stock awards are participating securities.

Under the two-class method, basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares determined for the basic earnings per common share computation plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents. A reconciliation of the weighted-average shares used in calculating basic earnings per common share and the weighted average common shares used in calculating diluted earnings per common share for the reported periods is provided in Note 20 - Earnings Per Share.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

Management has reviewed events occurring through March 14, 2022, the date the consolidated financial statements were issued and determined that no subsequent events occurred requiring adjustment to or disclosure in these consolidated financial statements. 

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards
3.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

 

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2021

 

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04 - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”). On March 12, 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04 and related amendments to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 are elective and apply to all entities that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Inter-bank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The new guidance provides the following optional expedients:

Simplify accounting analyses for contract modifications.
Allow hedging relationships to continue without de-designation if there are qualifying changes in the critical terms of an existing hedging relationship due to reference rate reform.
Allow a change in the systematic and rational method used to recognize in earnings the components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Allow a change in the designated benchmark interest rate to a different eligible benchmark interest rate in a fair value hedging relationship.
Allow the shortcut method for a fair value hedging relationship to continue for the remainder of the hedging relationship.
Simplify the assessment of hedge effectiveness and provide temporary optional expedients for cash flow hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform.
Allow a one-time election to sell or transfer debt securities classified as held to maturity that reference a rate affected by reference rate reform and that are classified as held to maturity before January 1, 2020.

 

The amendments are effective for all entities from the beginning of an interim period that includes the issuance date of the ASU. An entity may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company adopted ASU 2020-04 and related amendments on December 31, 2021, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, and cash flows.