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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
Webster Financial Corporation is a bank holding company and financial holding company under the BHC Act, incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1986, and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Webster Bank is the principal consolidated subsidiary of Webster Financial Corporation. Webster Bank, and its HSA Bank division, deliver a wide range of banking, investment, and financial services to individuals, families, and businesses. Webster Bank serves consumer and business customers with mortgage lending, financial planning, trust, and investment services through a distribution network consisting of banking centers, ATMs, a customer care center, and a full range of web and mobile-based banking services throughout the northeastern U.S from New York to Massachusetts. It also offers equipment financing, commercial real estate lending, asset-based lending, and treasury and payment solutions, primarily in the eastern U.S. HSA Bank is a leading provider of HSAs, and also delivers health reimbursement arrangements, and flexible spending and commuter benefit account administration services to employers and individuals in all 50 states.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and include the accounts of Webster Financial Corporation and all other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Assets that the Company holds or manages in a fiduciary or agency capacity for customers, referred to as assets under administration or assets under management, are not included on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. These reclassifications did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The purpose of consolidated financial statements is to present the results of operations and the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as if the consolidated group were a single economic entity. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for consolidations, the consolidated financial statements include any voting interest entity (VOE) in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and any variable interest entity (VIE) for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Company generally consolidates its VOEs if the Company, directly or indirectly, owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares of the entity and the non-controlling shareholders do not hold any substantive participating or controlling rights. The Company evaluates VIEs to understand the purpose and design of the entity, and its involvement in the ongoing activities of the VIE, and will consolidate the VIE if it has (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE's economic performance, and (ii) an obligation to absorb losses of the VIE, or the right to receive benefits from the VIE, that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company accounts for unconsolidated partnerships and certain other investments using the equity method of accounting if it has the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial policies of the investee. This is generally presumed to exist when the Company owns between 20% and 50% of a corporation, or when it has greater than 3% to 5% interest in a limited partnership or similarly structured entity. Additional information regarding consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs can be found within Note 2: Variable Interest Entities.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance 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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of cash and due from banks and interest-bearing deposits. Cash equivalents have a maturity of three months or less.
Cash and due from banks includes cash on hand, certain deposits at the FRB of Boston, and cash due from banks. Restricted cash related to Federal Reserve System requirements and cash collateral received on derivative positions are included in cash and due from banks.
Interest-bearing deposits includes deposits at the FRB of Boston in excess of reserve requirements, if any, and federal funds sold to other financial institutions. Federal funds sold essentially represents an uncollateralized loan. Therefore, the Company regularly evaluates the credit risk associated with the other financial institutions to ensure that Webster does not become exposed to any significant credit risk on these cash equivalents.
Investments in Debt Securities
Debt security transactions are recognized on the trade date, which is the date the order to buy or sell the security is executed. Investments in debt securities are classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the time of purchase. Any classification change subsequent to the trade date is reviewed for compliance with corporate objectives and accounting policies.
Debt securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (OCI) or other comprehensive loss (OCL). If a debt security is transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, it is recorded at fair value at the time of transfer and any respective gain or loss would be recorded as a separate component of OCI or OCL and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the remaining life of the security. Debt securities classified as available-for-sale are reviewed for credit losses when the fair value of a security falls below the amortized cost basis and the decline is evaluated to determine if any portion is attributable to credit loss. The decline in fair value attributable to credit loss is recorded directly to earnings, with a corresponding allowance for credit loss, limited to the amount that fair value is less than the amortized cost. If the credit quality subsequently improves, previously recorded allowance amounts may be reversed. An available-for-sale debt security will be placed on non-accrual status if collection of principal and interest in accordance with contractual terms is doubtful. When the Company intends to sell an impaired available-for-sale debt security, or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, the entire fair value adjustment will immediately be recognized in earnings through non-interest income. The gain or loss on sale is calculated using the carrying value plus any related accumulated OCI or OCL balance associated with the securities sold.
Debt securities classified as held-to-maturity are those in which Webster has the ability and intent to hold to maturity. Debt securities classified as held-to-maturity are recorded at amortized cost net of unamortized premiums and discounts. Discount accretion income and premium amortization expense are recognized as interest income using the effective interest method, with consideration given to prepayment assumptions on mortgage backed securities. Premiums are amortized to the earliest call date for debt securities purchased at a premium, with explicit, non-contingent call features and are callable at a fixed price and preset date. Debt securities classified as held-to-maturity are reviewed for credit losses under the CECL model with an allowance recorded on the balance sheet for expected lifetime credit losses. The ACL is calculated on a pooled basis using statistical models which include forecasted scenarios of future economic conditions. Forecasts revert to long-run loss rates implicitly through the economic scenario, generally over three years. If the risk for a particular security no longer matches the collective assessment pool, it is removed and individually assessed for credit deterioration. The non-accrual policy for held-to-maturity debt securities is the same as for available-for-sale debt securities.
A zero credit loss assumption is maintained for U.S. Treasuries and agency-backed securities in both the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolios, as applicable. This assumption is subject to quarterly review to ensure it remains appropriate. Additional information regarding investments in debt securities can be found within Note 4: Investment Securities.
Investments in Equity Securities
The Company’s accounting treatment for unconsolidated equity investments differs for those with and without readily determinable fair values. Equity investments with readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in non-interest income. For equity investments without readily determinable fair values, the Company elected the measurement alternative, and therefore carries these investments at cost, less impairment, if any, plus or minus changes in observable prices. Certain equity investments that do not have a readily available fair value may qualify for net asset value (NAV) measurement based on specific requirements. The Company's alternative investments accounted for at NAV consist of investments in non-public entities that generally cannot be redeemed since the Company’s investments are distributed as the underlying equity is liquidated. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews its equity investments without readily determinable fair values for impairment. If the equity investment is considered impaired, an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds its fair value is recorded through a charge to earnings. The impairment loss may be reversed in a subsequent period if there are observable transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer at a higher amount than the carrying amount that was established when the impairment was recognized. Impairments, as well as upward or downward adjustments resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments, are included in non-interest income.
Equity investments in entities that finance affordable housing and other community development projects provide a return primarily through the realization of tax benefits. The Company applies the proportional amortization method to account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects.
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
Webster Bank is a member of the FHLB and the Federal Reserve System, and is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of both the FHLB and FRB. Based on redemption provisions, FHLB and FRB stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost. Membership stock is reviewed for impairment if economic circumstances would warrant review.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans that are classified as held for sale at the time of origination are accounted for under the fair value option. Loans not originated for sale but subsequently transferred to held for sale are valued at the lower of cost or fair value and are valued on an individual asset basis. Any cost amount in excess of fair value is recorded as a valuation allowance and recognized as a reduction of other non-interest income. Gains or losses on the sale of loans held for sale are recorded either as part of mortgage banking activities or other income. Cash flows from the sale of loans that were originated sale are presented as operating cash flows. Cash flows from the sale of loans originated for investment then subsequently transferred to held for sale are presented as investing cash flows. Additional information regarding mortgage banking activities and loans sold can be found within Note 6: Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets.
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is generally considered to have been surrendered when: (i) the transferred assets are legally isolated from the Company or its consolidated affiliates, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (ii) the transferee has the right to pledge or exchange the assets with no conditions that constrain the transferee and provide more than a trivial benefit to the Company, and (iii) the Company does not maintain the obligation or unilateral ability to reclaim or repurchase the assets.
The Company sells financial assets in the normal course of business, the majority of which are residential mortgage loan sales, primarily to government-sponsored enterprises through established programs, commercial loan sales through participation agreements, and other individual or portfolio loan and securities sales. In accordance with accounting guidance for asset transfers, the Company considers any ongoing involvement with transferred assets in determining whether the assets can be derecognized from the balance sheet. With the exception of servicing, the Company’s continuing involvement with financial assets sold is minimal, and generally is limited to market customary representation and warranty clauses covering certain characteristics of the mortgage loans sold and the Company's origination process. The gain or loss on sale depends on the previous carrying amount of the transferred financial assets, the consideration received, and any other assets obtained or liabilities incurred in exchange for the transferred assets.
When the Company sells financial assets, it may retain servicing rights and/or other interests in the financial assets. Servicing assets and any other interests held by the Company are recorded at fair value upon transfer, and subsequently carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Additional information regarding transfers of financial assets and mortgage servicing assets can be found within Note 6: Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets.
Loans and Leases
Loans and leases are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of amounts charged off, unearned income, unamortized premiums and discounts, and deferred loan and lease fees or costs, which are recognized as yield adjustments using the interest method. These yield adjustments are amortized over the contractual life of the related loans and leases and are adjusted for prepayments, as applicable. Interest on loans and leases is credited to interest income as earned based on the interest rate applied to principal amounts outstanding. Cash flows from loans and leases are presented as investing cash flows.
Non-accrual Loans
Loans and leases are placed on non-accrual status when collection of principal and interest in accordance with contractual terms is doubtful, which generally occurs when principal or interest payments become 90 days delinquent unless the loan or lease is well secured and in the process of collection, or sooner if circumstances indicate that the borrower may be unable to meet contractual principal or interest payments. Residential real estate loans, excluding loans fully insured against loss and in the process of collection, and consumer loans, are placed on non-accrual status at 90 days past due, or at the date when the Company is notified that the borrower is discharged in bankruptcy. Commercial non-mortgage, asset-based, commercial real estate, and equipment finance loans and leases are subject to a detailed review when they reach 90 days past due to determine accrual status, or when payment is uncertain and a specific consideration is made to put a loan or lease on non-accrual status.
When loans and leases are placed on non-accrual status, the accrual of interest is discontinued, and any unpaid accrued interest is reversed and charged against interest income. If ultimate repayment of a non-accrual loan or lease is expected, any payments received are applied in accordance with contractual terms. If ultimate repayment is not expected on commercial non-mortgage, asset-based, commercial real estate, and equipment finance loans and leases, any payment received on a non-accrual loan or lease is applied to principal until the unpaid balance has been fully recovered. Any excess is then credited to interest income when received. If the Company determines, through a current valuation analysis, that principal can be recovered on residential real estate and consumer loans, interest payments are taken into income as received on a cash basis.
Loans are generally removed from non-accrual status when they become current as to principal and interest or demonstrate a period of performance under contractual terms, and in the opinion of management, are fully collectible as to principal and interest. Pursuant to regulatory guidance, a loan discharged under Chapter 7 of the U.S. bankruptcy code is removed from non-accrual status when the bank expects full repayment of the remaining pre-discharged contractual principal and interest, and had at least six consecutive months of current payments. Additional information regarding non-accrual loans and leases can be found within Note 5: Loans and Leases.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Leases
The ACL on loans and leases is a contra-asset account that offsets the amortized cost basis of loans and leases for the credit losses that are expected to occur over the life of the asset. The ACL is established through a provision charged to expense. Executive management reviews and advises on the adequacy of the allowance, which is maintained at a level that management deems sufficient to be sufficient to cover expected credit losses within the loan and lease portfolios. The Company has elected to present accrued interest receivable separately from the amortized cost basis on the consolidated balance sheets and does not estimate an ACL on accrued interest as policies are in place to ensure timely write-offs and non-accruals.
The ACL on loans and leases is determined using the CECL model, whereby an expected lifetime credit loss is recognized at the origination or purchase of an asset, including those acquired through a business combination, which is then reassessed at each reporting date over the contractual life of the asset. Generally, expected credit losses are determined through a pooled, collective assessment of loans and leases with similar risk characteristics. However, if the risk characteristics of a loan or lease change such that it no longer matches that of the collectively assessed pool, it is removed from the population and individually assessed for credit losses. The total ACL on loans and leases recorded by management represents the aggregated estimated credit loss determined through both the collective and individual assessments.
Collectively Assessed Loans and Leases. Collectively assessed loans and leases are segmented based on product type, credit quality, risk ratings, and/or collateral types within its commercial and consumer portfolios, and expected losses are determined using a Probability of Default (PD), Loss Given Default (LGD), and Exposure at Default (EAD) framework. Expected credit losses are calculated as the product of the probability of a loan defaulting, expected loss given the occurrence of a default, and the expected exposure of a loan at default. Summing the product across loans over their lives yields the lifetime expected credit losses for a given portfolio. The Company’s PD and LGD calculations are predictive models that measure the current risk profile of the loan pools using forecasts of future macroeconomic conditions, historical loss information, and credit risk ratings.
The Company employs a dual grade credit risk grading system for estimating the PD and the LGD for its commercial portfolio. The credit risk grade system assigns a rating to each borrower and to the facility, which together form a Composite Credit Risk Profile. The credit risk grade system categorizes borrowers by common financial characteristics that measure the credit strength of borrowers and facilities by common structural characteristics. The Composite Credit Risk Profile has ten grades, with each grade corresponding to a progressively greater risk of loss. Grades (1) to (6) are considered pass ratings, and grades (7) to (10) are considered criticized, as defined by the regulatory agencies. A (7) "Special Mention" rating has s potential weakness that, if left uncorrected, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset. A (8) "Substandard" rating has a well-defined weakness that jeopardizes the full repayment of the debt. A (9) "Doubtful" rating has all of the same weaknesses as a substandard asset with the added characteristic that the weakness makes collection or liquidation in full given current facts, conditions, and values improbable. Assets classified as a (10) "Loss" rating are considered uncollectible and charged off. Risk ratings, which are assigned to differentiate risk within the portfolio, are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised to reflect changes in a borrower's current financial position and outlook, risk profile, and the related collateral and structural position. Loan officers review updated financial information or other loan factors on at least an annual basis for all pass rated loans to assess the accuracy of the risk grade. Criticized loans undergo more frequent reviews and enhanced monitoring.
For its consumer portfolio, the Company considers factors such as past due status, updated FICO scores, employment status, collateral, geography, loans discharged in bankruptcy, and the status of first lien position loans on second lien position loans, as credit quality indicators. For portfolio monitoring purposes, the Company estimates the current value of property secured as collateral for home equity and residential first mortgage lending products on an ongoing basis. The estimate is based on home price indices compiled by the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. Real estate price data is applied to the loan portfolios taking into account the age of the most recent valuation and geographic area.
The Company’s models incorporate a single economic forecast scenario and macroeconomic assumptions over a two year reasonable and supportable forecast period. After the reasonable and supportable forecast period, the credit loss model gradually reverts to historical loss rates for the remaining life of the loans and leases on a straight-line basis over a one year reversion period. Historical loss rates are based on approximately 10 years of recently available data and are updated annually. The calculation of EAD follows an iterative process to determine the expected remaining principal balance of a loan based on historical paydown rates for loans of a similar segment within the same portfolio. The calculation of portfolio exposure in future quarters incorporates expected losses and principal paydowns (the combination of contractual repayments and voluntary prepayments). A portion of the collective ACL is comprised of qualitative adjustments for risk characteristics that are not reflected or captured in the quantitative models, but are likely to impact the measurement of estimated credit losses.
Macroeconomic variables are used as inputs to the loss models and are selected based on the correlation of the variables to credit losses for each class of financing receivable as follows: the commercial model uses unemployment, gross domestic product, and retail sales (for commercial unfunded); the residential model uses the Case-Shiller Home Price Index; the home equity loan and line of credit models use interest rate spreads between U.S. Treasuries and corporate bonds and, in addition, the home equity loan model also uses the Federal Housing Finance Agency Home Price Index; and the personal loan and credit line models use the Case-Shiller Home Price Index and Federal Housing Finance Agency Home Price Index. There were no changes to the macroeconomic variables used in the loss models in the current year. Forecasted economic scenarios are sourced from a third party. Data from the baseline forecast scenario is used as the input to the modeled loss calculation. Changes in forecasts of macroeconomic variables will impact expectations of lifetime credit losses calculated by the loss models. However, the impact of changes in macroeconomic forecasts may be different for each portfolio and will reflect the credit quality and nature of the underlying assets at that time.
To further refine the expected loss estimate, qualitative factors are used reflecting consideration of credit concentration, credit quality trends, the quality of internal loan reviews, the nature and volume of portfolio growth, staffing levels, underwriting exceptions, and other economic considerations that are not reflected in the base loss model. Management may apply additional qualitative adjustments to reflect other relevant facts and circumstances that impact expected credit losses. These economic and qualitative inputs are used to forecast expected losses over the reasonable and supportable forecast period.
In addition to the above considerations, the ACL calculation includes expectations of prepayments and recoveries. Extensions, renewals, and modifications are not included in the collective assessment. However, if there is a reasonable expectation of a TDR, the loan is removed from the collective assessment pool and is individually assessed.
Individually Assessed Loans and Leases. When loans and leases no longer match the risk characteristics of the collectively assessed pool, they are removed from the collectively assessed population and individually assessed for credit losses. Generally, all non-accrual loans, TDRs, potential TDRs, loans with a charge-off, and collateral dependent loans where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, are individually assessed.
Individual assessment for collateral dependent commercial loans facing financial difficulty is based on the fair value of the collateral less estimated cost to sell, the present value of the expected cash flows from the operation of the collateral, or a scenario weighted approach of both of these methods. If a loan is not collateral dependent, the individual assessment is based on a discounted cash flow approach. For collateral dependent commercial loans and leases, Webster's process requires the Company to determine the fair value of the collateral by obtaining a third-party appraisal or asset valuation, an interim valuation analysis, blue book reference, or other internal methods. Fair value of the collateral for commercial loans is reevaluated quarterly. Whenever the Company has a third-party real estate appraisal performed by independent licensed appraisers, a licensed in-house appraisal officer or qualified individual reviews these appraisals for compliance with the Financial Institutions Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
Individual assessments for residential and home equity loans are based on a discounted cash flow approach or the fair value of collateral less the estimated costs to sell. Other consumer loans are individually assessed using a loss factor approach based on historical loss rates. For residential and consumer collateral dependent loans, a third-party appraisal is obtained upon loan default. Fair value of the collateral for residential and consumer collateral dependent loans is reevaluated every six months, by either obtaining a new appraisal or other internal valuation method. Fair value is also reassessed, with any excess amount charged off, for residential and home equity loans that reach 180 days past due per Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council guidelines.
A fair value shortfall relative to the amortized cost balance is reflected as a valuation allowance within the ACL on loans and leases. Subsequent to an appraisal or other fair value estimate, should reliable information come to management's attention that the value has declined further, an additional allowance may be recorded to reflect the particular situation, thereby increasing the ACL on loans and leases. If the credit quality subsequently improves, the allowance is reversed up to a maximum of the previously recorded credit losses. Any individually assessed loan for which no specific valuation allowance is necessary is the result of either sufficient cash flow or sufficient collateral coverage relative to the amortized cost. Additional information regarding the ACL on loans and leases can be found within Note 5: Loans and Leases.
Before the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL) was determined under the ALLL incurred loss model, which reflected management’s best estimate of probable losses that may be incurred within the existing loan and lease portfolio as of the related balance sheet date. The ALLL consists of three elements: (i) specific valuation allowances established for probable losses on impaired loans and leases; (ii) quantitative valuation allowances calculated using loss experience for like loans and leases with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (iii) qualitative factors determined based on general economic conditions and other factors that may be internal or external to the Company. The reserve level reflects management’s view of trends in losses, portfolio quality, and economic, political, and regulatory conditions. While management utilized its best judgment based on the information available at the time, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance was dependent upon a variety of factors that were beyond the Company’s control, which included the performance its portfolio, economic conditions, interest rate sensitivity, and other external factors.
The process for estimating probable losses under the ALLL approach was based on predictive models that measured the current risk profile of the loan and lease portfolio and combined the measurement with other quantitative and qualitative factors. To measure credit risk for the commercial, commercial real estate, and equipment financing portfolios, the Company employed a dual grade credit risk grading system for estimating the PD and the LGD. The credit risk grade system under the ALLL model is the same as described under the CECL approach. For the Company's consumer portfolio, credit risk factors are also consistent with the factors used in the CECL approach. Back-testing was performed to compare original estimated losses and actual observed losses, resulting in ongoing refinements. The balance resulting from this process, together with specific valuation allowances, determined the overall reserve level.
Charge-off of Uncollectible Loans
Any loan may be charged-off if a loss confirming event has occurred or if there is a period of extended delinquency. Loss confirming events usually involve the receipt of specific adverse information about the borrower and may include bankruptcy when unsecured, foreclosure, or receipt of an asset valuation indicating a shortfall between the value of the collateral and the book value of the loan when the collateral is the sole source of repayment. The Company generally will charge-off commercial loans when it is determined that the specific loan or a portion thereof is uncollectible. This determination is based on facts and circumstances of the individual loan and normally includes considering the viability of the related business, the value of any collateral, the ability and willingness of any guarantors to perform, and the overall financial condition of the borrower. The Company generally will charge-off residential real estate loans to the estimated fair value of its collateral, net of selling costs, when becoming 180 days past due.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Loan Commitments
The ACL on unfunded loan commitments provides for potential exposure inherent with funding the unused portion of legal commitments to lend that are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company. Accounting for unfunded loan commitments follows the CECL model. The calculation of the allowance includes the probability of funding to occur and a corresponding estimate of expected lifetime credit losses on amounts assumed to be funded. Loss calculation factors are consistent with the ACL methodology for funded loans using the PD and LGD applied to the underlying borrower risk and facility grades, a draw down factor applied to utilization rates, relevant forecast information, and management's qualitative factors. The ACL on unfunded credit commitments is included within accrued expenses and other liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related credit expense is reported as a component of other non-interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Additional information regarding the ACL on unfunded loan commitments can be found within Note 23: Commitments and Contingencies.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
A modified loan is considered a TDR when the following two conditions are met: (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, and (ii) the modification constitutes a concession. The Company considers all aspects of the restructuring in determining whether a concession has been granted, including the borrower's ability to access funds at a market rate. In general, a concession exists when the modified terms of the loan are more attractive to the borrower than standard market terms. Modified terms are dependent upon the financial position and needs of the individual borrower. The most common types of modifications include covenant modifications and forbearance. Loans for which the borrower has been discharged under Chapter 7 bankruptcy are considered collateral dependent TDRs, impaired at the date of discharge, and charged down to the fair value of collateral less cost to sell, if management considers that loss potential likely exists.
The Company’s policy is to place consumer loan TDRs, except those that were performing prior to TDR status, on non-accrual status for a minimum period of six months. Commercial TDRs are evaluated on a case-by-case basis when determining whether or not to place them on non-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. TDRs are individually assessed loans and reported as TDRs for the remaining life of the loan. TDR classification may be removed if the borrower demonstrates compliance with the modified terms for a minimum of six months and through a fiscal year-end, and the restructuring agreement specifies a market rate of interest equal to that which would be provided to a borrower with similar credit at the time of restructuring. In the limited circumstance that a loan is removed from TDR classification, it is the Company’s policy to continue to base its measure of loan impairment on the contractual terms specified by the loan agreement. Additional information regarding TDRs can be found within Note 5: Loans and Leases.
Foreclosed and Repossessed Assets
Real estate acquired through foreclosure or completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure and other assets acquired through repossession are recorded at fair value less estimated cost to sell at the date of transfer. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the foreclosed and repossessed assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs and are included within other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Independent appraisals generally are obtained to substantiate fair value and may be subject to adjustment based upon historical experience or specific geographic trends impacting the property. Upon transfer to other real estate owned (OREO), the excess of the loan balance over fair value less cost to sell is charged off against the ACL. Subsequent write-downs in value, maintenance costs as incurred, and gains or losses upon sale are charged to non-interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as illustrated in the following table. If shorter, leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases.
MinimumMaximum
Building and Improvements5-40years
Leasehold improvements5-20years
Fixtures and equipment5-10years
Data processing and software3-7years
Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred, while significant improvements are capitalized. Property and equipment that is actively marketed for sale is reclassified to assets held for disposition. The cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization of property and equipment that is sold, retired, or otherwise disposed of, is eliminated from accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recorded as non-interest income or non-interest expense, respectively, on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income Additional information regarding property and equipment can be found within Note 7: Premises and Equipment.
Leasing
A ROU asset and corresponding lease liability are recognized at the lease commencement date when the Company is a lessee. ROU lease assets are included in premises and equipment on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. A ROU asset reflects the present value of the future minimum lease payments adjusted for any initial direct costs, incentives, or other payments prior to the lease commencement date. A lease liability represents a legal obligation to make lease payments and is determined by the present value of the future minimum lease payments, discounted using the rate implicit in the lease or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Variable lease payments that are dependent on an index or rate are initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date and are included in the measurement of the lease liability. Renewal options are not included as part of the ROU asset or lease liability unless the option is deemed reasonably certain to exercise.
For real estate leases, lease components and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component. For equipment leases, lease and non-lease components are accounted for separately. Operating lease expense is comprised of operating lease costs and variable lease costs, net of sublease income, and is reflected as part of occupancy within non-interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Operating lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis. Additional information regarding the Company's lessee arrangements can be found within Note 8: Leasing.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price of businesses acquired over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and is assigned to specific reporting units. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but rather is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change indicating it would more likely than not result in a reduction of the fair value of the reporting units below their carrying value, including goodwill.
Goodwill may be evaluated for impairment by performing a qualitative assessment. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill, or, if for any other reason the Company determines to it be appropriate, then a quantitative assessment will be performed. The quantitative assessment process utilizes an income and market approach to arrive at an indicated fair value range for the reporting units. The fair value calculated for each reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill, to ascertain if goodwill impairment exists. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, including goodwill for a reporting unit, it is not considered impaired. If the fair value is below the carrying amount, including goodwill for a reporting unit, then an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the calculated fair value, up to but not exceeding the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The resulting amount is charged to non-interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company completed a qualitative assessment for its reporting units during its most recent annual impairment review. Based on this qualitative assessment, the Company determined that there was no evidence of impairment to the balance of its goodwill. Additional information regarding goodwill can be found within Note 9: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights, or because it is capable of being sold or exchanged either separately or in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. Other intangible assets with finite useful lives, such as core deposits and customer relationships, are amortized to non-interest expense over their estimated useful lives and are evaluated for impairment whenever events occur or circumstances change indicating the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Additional information regarding other intangible assets can be found within Note 9: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
Bank-owned life insurance represents the cash surrender value of life insurance policies on certain current and former employees of Webster. Cash surrender value increases and decreases are recorded in non-interest income. Death benefit proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value are recorded in other non-interest income upon the death of the insured.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
These agreements are accounted for as secured financing transactions since Webster maintains effective control over the transferred investment securities and the transfer meets the other criteria for such treatment. Obligations to repurchase the sold investment securities are reflected as a liability on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The investment securities sold with agreement to repurchase to wholesale dealers are transferred to a custodial account for the benefit of the dealer or to the bank with whom each transaction is executed. The dealers or banks may sell, loan, or otherwise hypothecate such securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations and agree to resell to Webster the same securities at the maturity date of the agreements. Webster also enters into repurchase agreements with Bank customers. The investment securities sold with agreement to repurchase to Bank customers are not transferred, but internally pledged to the repurchase agreement transaction. Additional information regarding securities sold under agreements to repurchase can be found within Note 12: Borrowings.
Revenue From Contracts With Customers
Revenue from contracts with customers comprises non-interest income earned in exchange for services provided to customers and is recognized either when services are completed or as they are rendered. These revenue streams include deposit service fees, wealth and investment services, and an insignificant portion of other non-interest income on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company identifies the performance obligations included in its contracts with customers, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations, as applicable, and recognizes revenue when the performance obligations are satisfied. Services provided over a period of time are generally transferred to customers evenly over the term of the contracts, and revenue is recognized evenly over the period the services are provided. Contract assets are included in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Payment terms vary by services offered, and generally the time between the completion of performance obligations and receipt of payment is not significant. Additional information regarding contracts with customers can be found within Note 22: Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Share-Based Compensation
Webster maintains stock compensation plans in which restricted stock, restricted stock units, non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, or stock appreciation rights may be granted to employees and directors. Share awards are issued from available treasury shares. Stock compensation expense is recognized over the required service vesting period for each award based on the grant-date fair value, net of estimated forfeitures (which is adjusted for actual forfeitures when they occur), and is included as a component of compensation and benefits on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Share awards are generally subject to a 3-year vesting period, while certain conditions provide for a 1-year vesting period. For restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, fair value is measured using the closing price of Webster's common stock at the grant date. For certain performance-based restricted stock awards, fair value is measured using the Monte Carlo valuation methodology, which provides for the 3-year performance period. These awards ultimately vest in a range from 0% to 150% of the target number of shares under the grant. Compensation expense is subject to adjustment based on management's assessment of Webster's return on equity performance relative to the target number of shares condition. Stock option awards use the Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model to measure fair value at the grant date. Excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies results when tax return deductions differ from recognized compensation cost determined using the grant-date fair value approach for financial statement purposes. Dividends are paid on time-based shares upon grant and are non-forfeitable, while dividends are accrued on performance-based awards and paid with the vested shares when the performance target is met. Additional information regarding share-based compensation can be found within Note 20: Share-Based Plans.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) is comprised of two components, current and deferred. The current component represents income taxes payable or refundable for the current period based on applicable tax laws, and the deferred component represents the tax effects of temporary differences between amounts recognized for financial accounting and tax purposes. DTAs and deferred tax liabilities (DTLs) reflect the tax effects of such differences that are anticipated to result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future when the temporary differences reverse. DTAs are recognized if it is more likely than not that they will be realized, and may be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or some portion will not be realized.
Uncertain tax positions that meet a more likely than not recognition threshold are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority based on knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position meets the more likely than not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management judgment. Webster recognizes interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions and interest on refundable income taxes as a component of income tax expense and other non-interest income, respectively, on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Additional information regarding income taxes can be found within Note 10: Income Taxes.
Earnings per Common Share
Earnings per common share is calculated under the two-class method. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing earnings applicable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, excluding outstanding participating securities, during the pertinent period. Certain unvested restricted stock awards are considered participating securities as they have non-forfeitable rights to dividends. 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 shares resulting from stock compensation and warrants for common stock using the treasury stock method. A reconciliation between the weighted-average common shares used in calculating basic earnings per common share and the weighted-average common shares used in calculating diluted earnings per common share can be found within Note 16: Earnings Per Common Share.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in shareholders’ equity during the period, except those resulting from transactions with shareholders. Comprehensive income consists of net income and the after-tax effect of the following items: changes in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale, changes in net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, and changes in net actuarial gain (loss) related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Comprehensive income is reported on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Additional information regarding comprehensive income can be found within Note 14: Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Derivatives are recognized at fair value and are included in accrued interest receivable and other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities, as applicable, on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The value of exchange-traded contracts is based on quoted market prices whereas non-exchange traded contracts are valued based on dealer quotes, pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques in which the determination of fair value may require management judgment or estimation. Cash flows from derivative financial instruments are included in net cash provided by operating activities on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Derivatives Designated in Hedge Relationships. The Company uses derivatives to hedge exposures or to modify interest rate characteristics for certain balance sheet accounts under its interest rate risk management strategy. The Company designates derivatives in qualifying hedge relationships as fair value or cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Derivative financial instruments receive hedge accounting treatment if they are qualified and properly designated as a hedge, and remain highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis throughout the life of the hedge. Quarterly prospective and retrospective assessments are performed to ensure hedging relationships continue to be highly effective. If a hedge relationship is no longer highly effective, hedge accounting would be discontinued.
The change in fair value on a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a fair value hedge, as well as the offsetting change in fair value on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged, is recognized in earnings. The gain or loss on a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge is initially recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (AOCL), and either subsequently reclassified to interest income as hedged interest payments are received or to interest expense as hedged interest payments are made during the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings.
Derivatives Not Designated in Hedge Relationships. The Company also enters into derivative transactions that are not designated in hedge relationships. Derivative financial instruments not designated in hedge relationships are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in other non-interest income on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The Company presents derivative assets and derivative liabilities with the same counterparty and the related variation margin of cash collateral on a net basis on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash collateral relating to initial margin is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Securities collateral is not offset. The Company clears all dealer eligible contracts through the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and has elected to record non-cleared derivative positions subject to a legally enforceable master netting agreement on a net basis. Additional information regarding derivatives can be found within Note 17: Derivative Financial Instruments.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures many of its assets and liabilities on a fair value basis in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. 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. Fair value is used to measure certain assets and liabilities on a recurring basis when fair value is the primary basis of accounting, and on a non-recurring basis when evaluating assets or liabilities for impairment. Additional information regarding the Company's policies and methodology used to measure fair value can be found within Note 18: Fair Value Measurements.
Employee Retirement Benefit Plans
Webster Bank sponsors a defined contribution postretirement benefit plan offering traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k) options to employees who have attained age 21 beginning 90 days after hire. Expenses to maintain the plan, as well as employer matching contributions, are charged to compensation and benefits on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
Webster Bank had offered a qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plan and a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) to eligible employees and key executives who met certain age and service requirements. Both the pension plan and the SERP were frozen effective December 31, 2007. Pension contributions are funded in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Webster Bank also provides for other post-employment medical and life insurance benefits (OPEB) to certain retired employees. Net periodic benefit costs, which are based upon actuarial computations of current and future benefits for eligible employees, are charged to other non-interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The funded status of the plans' is recorded as an asset when over-funded or a liability when under-funded. Additional information regarding the defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans can be found within Note 19: Retirement Benefit Plans.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs)
Effective January 1, 2021, the following new accounting guidance was adopted by the Company:
ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.
The Accounting Standards Update (the Update) provides simplification to the accounting for income taxes related to a variety of topics and makes minor codification improvements. Changes include a requirement that the effects of an enacted change in tax law be reflected in the computation of the annual effective tax rate in the first interim period that includes the enactment date of the new legislation and clarification on presentation of non-income based taxes.
The Company adopted the Update on January 1, 2021 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Scope.
The Update clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions provided for in ASU No. 2020-04 for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The amendments are elective and apply to all entities that have derivative instruments that use an interest rate for margining, discounting, or contract price alignment that is modified as a result of reference rate reform. The Update was effective upon issuance for application on either a retrospective basis as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 22, 2020, or on a prospective basis beginning on January 7, 2021.
The Company adopted the Update on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Issued but not yet Adopted
The Company has adopted all applicable ASUs issued by the FASB as of December 31, 2021.