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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
The following is a description of the significant accounting and reporting policies that the Company and its subsidiaries follow in preparing and presenting their consolidated financial statements, which conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to general practices within the banking industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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. Estimates are used in connection with the determination of the allowance for credit losses, mortgage servicing rights, the Flagstar acquisition and the Signature Transaction.
As a member of the FHLB-NY, the Company is required to hold shares of FHLB-NY stock, which is carried at cost. In addition, in connection with the Flagstar acquisition, the Company also holds shares of FHLB-Indianapolis stock, which is carried at cost. The Company’s holding requirement varies based on certain factors, including its outstanding borrowings from the FHLB-NY and FHLB-Indianapolis.
The Company conducts a periodic review and evaluation of its FHLB-NY stock to determine if any impairment exists. The factors considered in this process include, among others, significant deterioration in FHLB-NY earnings performance, credit rating, or asset quality; significant adverse changes in the regulatory or economic environment; and other factors that could raise significant concerns about the creditworthiness and the ability of the FHLB-NY to continue as a going concern.
Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The Company currently has certain unconsolidated subsidiaries in the form of wholly-owned statutory business trusts, which were formed to issue guaranteed capital securities.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2022-02, the Company accounted for certain loan modifications and restructurings as TDRs. In general, a modification or restructuring of a loan constituted a TDR if the Company granted a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
For cash flow reporting purposes, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, and money market investments, which include federal funds sold and reverse repurchase agreements, if any. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $11.5 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively. Included in cash and cash equivalents at those dates were $10.7 billion and $837 million, respectively, of interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions, primarily consisting of balances due from the FRB-NY. There were no reverse repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and $793 million of reverse repurchase agreements were outstanding at December 31, 2022. There were no federal funds sold outstanding at December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022. Restricted cash totaled $134 million and $50 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively and includes cash that the Bank pledges as maintenance margin on centrally cleared derivatives and is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Condition.
Debt Securities and Equity Investments with Readily Determinable Fair Values
The securities portfolio primarily consists of mortgage-related securities and, to a lesser extent, debt and equity securities. Securities that are classified as “available for sale” are carried at their estimated fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in stockholders’ equity. Securities that the Company has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity” and carried at amortized cost.

The fair values of our securities—and particularly our fixed-rate securities—are affected by changes in market interest rates and credit spreads. In general, as interest rates rise and/or credit spreads widen, the fair value of fixed-rate securities will decline. As interest rates fall and/or credit spreads tighten, the fair value of fixed-rate securities will rise.
The Company evaluates available-for-sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions at least quarterly to determine if an allowance for credit losses is required. Based on an evaluation of available information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that are relevant to collectability, the Company has concluded that it expects to receive all contractual cash flows from each security held in its available-for-sale securities portfolio.

The Company first assesses whether (i) it intends to sell, or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria is met, any previously recognized allowances are charged off and the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. If neither of the aforementioned criteria are met, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Management has made the accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities from the estimate of credit losses. Available-for-sale debt securities are placed on non-accrual status when the Company no longer expects to receive all contractual amounts due, which is generally at 90 days past due. Accrued interest receivable is reversed against interest income when a security is placed on non-accrual status.

Equity investments with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income.
Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized to expense and accreted to income over the remaining period to contractual maturity using the interest method, and are adjusted for anticipated prepayments. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.
Loans Held-for-Sale The Company classifies loans as LHFS when we originate or purchase loans that we intend to sell. We have elected the fair value option for the majority of our LHFS. The Company estimates the fair value of mortgage loans based on quoted market prices for securities backed by similar types of loans, where available, or by discounting estimated cash flows using observable inputs inclusive of interest rates, prepayment speeds and loss assumptions for similar collateral. Changes in fair value are recorded to other noninterest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. LHFS that are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value may be carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when the fair value is less than cost.
Loans
Loans that are transferred into the LHFS portfolio from the LHFI portfolio, due to a change in intent, are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. Gains or losses recognized upon the sale of loans are determined using the specific identification method.
Loans Held for Investment

Loans and leases, net, are carried at unpaid principal balances, including unearned discounts, purchase accounting (i.e., acquisition-date fair value) adjustments, net deferred loan origination costs or fees, and the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases.

The Company recognizes interest income on loans using the interest method over the life of the loan. Accordingly, the Company defers certain loan origination and commitment fees, and certain loan origination costs, and amortizes the net fee or cost as an adjustment to the loan yield over the term of the related loan. When a loan is sold or repaid, the remaining net unamortized fee or cost is recognized in interest income.

Prepayment income on loans is recorded in interest income and only when cash is received. Accordingly, there are no assumptions involved in the recognition of prepayment income.
Two factors are considered in determining the amount of prepayment income: the prepayment penalty percentage set forth in the loan documents, and the principal balance of the loan at the time of prepayment. The volume of loans prepaying may vary from one period to another, often in connection with actual or perceived changes in the direction of market interest rates. When interest rates are declining, rising precipitously, or perceived to be on the verge of rising, prepayment income may increase as more borrowers opt to refinance and lock in current rates prior to further increases taking place.

A loan generally is classified as a “non-accrual” loan when it is 90 days or more past due or when it is deemed to be impaired because the Company no longer expects to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, management ceases the accrual of interest owed, and previously accrued interest is charged against interest income. A loan is generally returned to accrual status when the loan is current and management has reasonable assurance that the loan will be fully collectible. Interest income on non-accrual loans is recorded when received in cash.

Loans with Government Guarantees

The Company originates government guaranteed loans which are pooled and sold as Ginnie Mae MBS. Pursuant to Ginnie Mae servicing guidelines, the Company has the unilateral right to repurchase loans securitized in Ginnie Mae pools that are due, but unpaid, for three consecutive months. As a result, once the delinquency criteria have been met, and regardless of whether the repurchase option has been exercised, the Company accounts for the loans as if they had been repurchased. The Company recognizes the loans and corresponding liability as loans with government guarantees and loans with government guarantees repurchase options, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. If the loan is repurchased, the liability is cash settled and the loan with government guarantee remains. Once repurchased, the Company works to cure the outstanding loans such that they are re-eligible for sale or may begin foreclosure and recover losses through a claims process with the government agency, as an approved lender.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Leases
The allowance for credit losses on loans and leases is deducted from the amortized cost basis of a financial asset or a group of financial assets so that the balance sheet reflects the net amount the Company expects to collect. Amortized cost is the unpaid loan balance, net of deferred fees and expenses, and includes negative escrow. Subsequent changes (favorable and unfavorable) in expected credit losses are recognized immediately in net income as a credit loss expense or a reversal of credit loss expense. Management estimates the allowance by projecting and multiplying together the probability-of-default, loss- given-default and exposure-at-default depending on economic parameters for each month of the remaining contractual term, as well as credit ratings for certain loans within the commercial and industrial portfolio. The Company loss drivers for certain loans in the commercial and industrial portfolio are derived using leverages economic projections including property market and prepayment forecasts from established independent third parties, as well as credit ratings for certain loans within the commercial and industrial portfolio, to inform its loss drivers in the forecast. The Company estimates the exposure-at-default using prepayment models which forecasts prepayments over the life of the loans and leases. The economic forecast and the related economic parameters are developed using available information relating to past events, current conditions, multiple economic forecasts scenarios, including related weightings, over the reasonable and supportable forecast period and macroeconomic assumptions. The economic forecast scenarios and related economic parameters are sourced from independent third parties. The economic forecast reasonable and supportable period is 24 months, and afterwards the Company reverts to a historical average loss rate on a straight-line basis over a 12-month period. Historical credit loss experience over the historical loss observation period provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses, with qualitative factor adjustments made
for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, current collateral valuations, delinquency levels and terms, as well as for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in legislation, regulation, policies, administrative practices or other relevant factors. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for forecasted prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes potential extensions or renewals. The methodology used in the estimation of the allowance for credit losses on loan and leases, which is performed at least quarterly, is designed to be dynamic and responsive to changes in portfolio credit quality and forecasted economic conditions. Each quarter the Company reassesses the appropriateness of the economic forecasting period, the reversion period and historical mean at the portfolio segment level, considering any required adjustments for differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, and other relevant data shifts over time.

The allowance for credit losses on loans and leases is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The portfolio segment represents the level at which a systematic methodology is applied to estimate credit losses. Management believes the products within each of the entity’s portfolio segments exhibit similar risk characteristics. The Company leverages economic projections including property market and prepayment forecasts from established independent third parties, as well as credit ratings for certain loans within the commercial and industrial portfolio, to inform its loss drivers in the forecast.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. These include loans that are in nonaccrual status with balances above management determined materiality thresholds depending on loan class and also loans that are designated as TDR or “reasonably expected TDR” (criticized, classified, or maturing loans that will have a modification processed within the next three months). If a loan is determined to be collateral dependent, or meets the criteria to apply the collateral dependent practical expedient, expected credit losses are determined based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, less costs to sell as appropriate.

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet exposures was $52 million and $23 million, respectively. The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted as a provision for credit losses expense. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over their estimated life. The Company examined historical CCF trends to estimate utilization rates, and chose an appropriate mean CCF based on both management judgment and quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis involved examination of CCFs over a range of fund-up windows (between 12 and 36 months) and comparison of the mean CCF for each fund-up window with management judgment determining whether the highest mean CCF across fund-up windows made business sense. The Company applies the same standards and estimated loss rates to the credit exposures as to the related class of loans.

When applying this critical accounting estimate, we incorporate several inputs and judgments that may be influenced by changes period to period. These include, but are not limited to changes in the economic environment and forecasts, changes in the credit profile and characteristics of the loan portfolio, and changes in prepayment assumptions which will result in provisions to or recoveries from the balance of the allowance for credit losses.

While changes to the economic environment forecasts and portfolio characteristics will change from period to period, portfolio prepayments are an integral assumption in estimating the allowance for credit losses on our commercial real estate (multi-family, CRE and ADC) portfolio which comprises 60 percent of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2023. Portfolio prepayments are subject to estimation uncertainty and changes in this assumption could have a material impact to our estimation process. Prepayment assumptions are sensitive to interest rates and existing loan terms and determine the weighted average life of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio. Excluding other factors, as the weighted average life of the portfolio increases or decreases, so will the required amount of the allowance for credit losses on commercial real estate.
Goodwill
The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually or when triggering events are identified. We utilize a market approach to determine the fair value of our single reporting unit, which considers how a market participant would view a control premium, complemented by an income approach if deemed necessary. The resulting value is then compared to our book value and any shortfalls would be recorded as an impairment.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company identified a triggering event and applied a market approach using the end of day stock price, control premium for completed bank acquisitions, and an adjustment for Company-specific risk considerations based on subsequent confirming market evidence. This adjusted market capitalization was then compared to the carrying value to determine the extent of any shortfall which was calculated to be in excess of the goodwill balance. The Company’s assessment concluded that goodwill from historical transactions (2007 and prior) was fully impaired as of December 31, 2023, as confirmed by the Company’s current market capitalization.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
The Company purchases and originates mortgage loans for sale to the secondary market and sell the loans on either a servicing-retained or servicing-released basis. If the Company retains the right to service the loan, an MSR is created at the time of sale which is recorded at fair value. The Company uses an internal valuation model that utilizes an option-adjusted spread, constant prepayment speeds, costs to service and other assumptions to determine the fair value of MSRs.
Management obtains third-party valuations of the MSR portfolio on a quarterly basis from independent valuation services to assess the reasonableness of the fair value calculated by our internal valuation model. Changes in the fair value of our MSRs are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income in net return on mortgage servicing.
Premises and Equipment, Net Premises, furniture, fixtures, and equipment are carried at cost, less the accumulated depreciation computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets (generally 20 years for premises and three to ten years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment). Leasehold improvements are carried at cost less the accumulated amortization computed on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the related lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvement.
Variable Interest Entities An entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE. An entity is deemed to have a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Repossessed Assets Repossessed assets consist of any property or other assets acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are sold or rented, and are recorded at fair value, less the estimated selling costs, at the date of acquisition. Following foreclosure, management periodically performs a valuation of the asset, and the assets are carried at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less the estimated selling costs. Expenses and revenues from operations and changes in valuation, if any, are included in “General and administrative expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
OREO Repossessed assets consist of any property or other assets acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are sold or rented, and are recorded at fair value, less the estimated selling costs, at the date of acquisition. Following foreclosure, management periodically performs a valuation of the asset, and the assets are carried at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less the estimated selling costs. Expenses and revenues from operations and changes in valuation, if any, are included in “General and administrative expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Servicing Fee Income Servicing fee income, late fees and ancillary fees received on loans for which the Company owns the MSR are included in net return on mortgage servicing rights on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The fees are based on the outstanding principal and are recorded as income when earned. Subservicing fees, which are included in loan administration income on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, are based on a contractual monthly amount per loan including late fees and other ancillary income.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense consists of income taxes that are currently payable and deferred income taxes. Deferred income tax expense is determined by recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company assesses the deferred tax assets and establishes a valuation allowance when realization of a deferred asset is not considered to be “more likely than not.” The Company considers its expectation of future taxable income in evaluating the need for a valuation allowance.
The Company estimates income taxes payable based on the amount it expects to owe the various tax authorities (i.e., federal, state, and local). Income taxes represent the net estimated amount due to, or to be received from, such tax authorities. In estimating income taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions, taking into account statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance in the context of the Company’s tax position. In this process, management also relies on tax opinions, recent audits, and historical experience. Although the Company uses the best available information to record income taxes, underlying estimates and assumptions can change over time as a result of unanticipated events or circumstances such as changes in tax laws and judicial guidance influencing its overall tax position.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the fair value changes in our MSRs, interest rate lock commitments and LHFS portfolio which are exposed to price and interest rate risk; facilitate asset/liability management; minimize the variability of future cash flows on long-term debt; and to meet the needs of our customers. All derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Condition as other assets and liabilities, as applicable, at their estimated fair value.

The Company uses interest rate swaps, swaptions, futures and forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest rates and interest rate volatility on the fair value of the MSRs. Changes in their fair value are reflected in current period earnings under the net return on mortgage servicing asset. These derivatives are valued based on quoted prices for similar assets in an active market with inputs that are observable.
The Company also enters into various derivative agreements with customers and correspondents in the form of interest rate lock commitments and forward purchase contracts which are commitments to originate or purchase mortgage loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding and the customers have locked into that interest rate. The derivatives are valued using internal models that utilize market interest rates and other unobservable inputs. Changes in the fair value of these commitments due to fluctuations in interest rates are economically hedged through the use of forward loan sale commitments of MBS. The gains and losses arising from this derivative activity are reflected in current period earnings under the net gain on loan sales.
To assist customers in meeting their needs to manage interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swap derivative contracts. To economically hedge this risk, the Company enters into offsetting derivative contracts to effectively eliminate the interest rate risk associated with these contracts.
Representation and Warranty Reserve When the Company sells mortgage loans into the secondary mortgage market, it makes customary representations and warranties to the purchasers about various characteristics of each loan. Upon the sale of a loan, the Company recognizes a liability for that guarantee at its fair value as a reduction of our net gain on loan sales. Subsequent to the sale, the liability is re-measured at fair value on an ongoing basis based upon an estimate of probable future losses.
Stock-based Compensation Under the New York Community Bancorp, Inc. 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2020 Incentive Plan”), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders at its Annual Meeting on June 3, 2020, shares are available for grant as restricted stock or other forms of related rights. At December 31, 2023, the Company had 16,143,893 shares available for grant under the 2020 Incentive Plan. Compensation cost related to restricted stock grants is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
Earnings per Common Share (Basic and Diluted)
Basic EPS is computed by dividing the net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed using the same method as basic EPS, however, the computation reflects the potential dilution that would occur if outstanding in-the-money stock options were exercised and converted into common stock.

Unvested stock-based compensation awards containing non-forfeitable rights to dividends paid on the Company’s common stock are considered participating securities, and therefore are included in the two-class method for calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends on the common stock. The Company grants restricted stock to certain employees under its stock-based compensation plan. Recipients receive cash dividends during the vesting periods of
these awards, including on the unvested portion of such awards. Since these dividends are non-forfeitable, the unvested awards are considered participating securities and therefore have earnings allocated to them.
Lessee Arrangements
The Company has operating leases for corporate offices, branch locations, and certain equipment. These leases generally have terms of 20 years or less, determined based on the contractual maturity of the lease, and include periods covered by options to extend or terminate the lease when the Company is reasonably certain that it will exercise those options. For the vast majority of the Company’s leases, we are not reasonably certain we will exercise our options to renew to the end of all renewal option periods. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in other assets and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Condition.
ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the vast majority of the leases do not provide an implicit rate, the incremental borrowing rate (FHLB borrowing rate) is used based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The implicit rate is used when readily determinable. The operating lease ROU asset is measured at cost, which includes the initial measurement of the lease liability, prepaid rent and initial direct costs incurred by the Company, less incentives received.
Variable costs such as the proportionate share of actual costs for utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance are not included in the lease liability and are recognized in the period in which they are incurred.
Lessor Arrangements
The Company is a lessor in the equipment finance business where it has executed direct financing leases (“lease finance receivables”). The Company produces lease finance receivables through a specialty finance subsidiary that participates in syndicated loans that are brought to them, and equipment loans and leases that are assigned to them, by a select group of
nationally recognized sources, and are generally made to large corporate obligors, many of which are publicly traded, carry investment grade or near-investment grade ratings, and participate in stable industries nationwide. Lease finance receivables are carried at the aggregate of lease payments receivable plus the estimated residual value of the leased assets and any initial direct costs incurred to originate these leases, less unearned income, which is accreted to interest income over the lease term using the interest method.
The standard leases are typically repayable on a level monthly basis with terms ranging from 24 to 120 months. At the end of the lease term, the lessee usually has the option to return the equipment, to renew the lease or purchase the equipment at the then fair market value (“FMV”) price. For leases with a FMV renewal/purchase option, the relevant residual value assumptions are based on the estimated value of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, including evaluation of key factors, such as, the estimated remaining useful life of the leased asset, its historical secondary market value including history of the lessee executing the FMV option, overall credit evaluation and return provisions. The Company acquires the leased asset at fair market value and provides funding to the respective lessee at acquisition cost, less any volume or trade discounts, as applicable. Therefore, there is generally no selling profit or loss to recognize or defer at inception of a lease.
The residual value component of a lease financing receivable represents the estimated fair value of the leased equipment at the end of the lease term. In establishing residual value estimates, the Company may rely on industry data, historical experience, and independent appraisals and, where appropriate, information regarding product life cycle, product upgrades and competing products. Upon expiration of a lease, residual assets are remarketed, resulting in either an extension of the lease by the lessee, a lease to a new customer or purchase of the residual asset by the lessee or another party. Impairment of residual values arises if the expected fair value is less than the carrying amount. The Company assesses its net investment in lease financing receivables (including residual values) for impairment on an annual basis with any impairment losses recognized in accordance with the impairment guidance for financial instruments. As such, net investment in lease financing receivables may be reduced by an allowance for credit losses with changes recognized as provision expense. On certain lease financings, the Company obtains residual value insurance from third parties to manage and reduce the risk associated with the residual value of the leased assets.
Asset Retirement Obligation
The Company’s pension benefit obligations and post-retirement health and welfare benefit obligations, and the related costs, are calculated using actuarial concepts in accordance with GAAP. The measurement of such obligations and expenses requires that certain assumptions be made regarding several factors, most notably including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. The Company evaluates these assumptions on an annual basis. Other factors considered by the Company in its evaluation include retirement patterns and mortality rates.
Under GAAP, actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs or credits, and any remaining transition assets or obligations that have not been recognized under previous accounting standards must be recognized in AOCL until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain employees. These BOLI policies are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Condition at their cash surrender value. Income from these policies and changes in the cash surrender value are recorded in “Non-interest income” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Business Combinations Policy
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, reflecting assumptions that a market participant would use when pricing an asset or liability. In some cases, the estimation of fair values requires management to make estimates about discount rates, future expected cash flows, market conditions, and other future events that are highly subjective in nature and are subject to change. Described below are the methods used to determine the fair values of the significant assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Signature Transaction.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their stated face amounts, as these financial instruments are either due on demand or have short-term maturities.
Loans and leases

The fair value for loans was based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considered credit loss expectations, market interest rates and other market factors such as liquidity from the perspective of a market participant. Loans were grouped together according to similar characteristics and were treated in the aggregate when applying various valuation techniques. The probability of default, loss given default and prepayment assumptions were the key factors driving credit losses which were embedded into the estimated cash flows. These assumptions were informed by internal data on loan characteristics, historical loss experience, and current and forecasted economic conditions. The interest and liquidity component of the estimate was determined by discounting interest and principal cash flows through the expected life of each loan. The discount rates used for loans are based on current market rates for new originations of comparable loans and include adjustments for liquidity. The
discount rates do not include a factor for credit losses as that has been included as a reduction to the estimated cash flows. Acquired loans were marked to fair value and adjusted for any PCD gross up as of the date of the Signature Transaction.

Deposit Liabilities

The fair value of deposit liabilities with no stated maturity (i.e., non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts) is equal to the carrying amounts payable on demand. The fair value of certificates of deposit represents contractual cash flows, discounted using interest rates currently offered on deposits with similar characteristics and remaining maturities.

Core Deposit Intangible

Core deposit intangible (“CDI”) is a measure of the value of non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts that are acquired in a business combination. The fair value of the CDI was determined using a discounted cashflow methodology which considered discount rate, customer attrition rates, and other relevant market assumptions. This method estimated the fair value by discounting the present value of the expected cost savings attributable to the core deposit funding, relative to an alternative source of funding. The CDI relating to the Signature Transaction will be amortized over an estimated useful life of 10 years using the sum of years digits depreciation method. The Company evaluates such identifiable intangibles for impairment when an indication of impairment exists. CDI does not significantly impact our liquidity or capital ratios.

PCD loans
Purchased loans that reflect a more than insignificant deterioration of credit from origination are considered PCD. For PCD loans and leases, the initial estimate of expected credit losses is recognized in the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on the date of acquisition using the same methodology as other loans and leases held-for-investment
The methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair values for the Company’s financial instruments follow:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks and federal funds sold. The estimated fair values of cash and cash equivalents are assumed to equal their carrying values, as these financial instruments are either due on demand or have short-term maturities.

Securities

If quoted market prices are not available for a specific security, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows. These pricing models primarily use market-based or independently sourced market parameters as inputs, including, but not limited to, yield curves, interest rates, equity or debt prices, and credit spreads. In addition to observable market information, pricing models also incorporate transaction details such as maturities and cash flow assumptions.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

Ownership in equity securities of the FHLB is generally restricted and there is no established liquid market for their resale. The carrying amount approximates the fair value.
Loans and leases

The Company discloses the fair value of loans measured at amortized cost using an exit price notion. The Company determined the fair value on substantially all of its loans for disclosure purposes, on an individual loan basis. The discount rates reflect current market rates for loans with similar terms to borrowers having similar credit quality on an exit price basis. For those loans where a discounted cash flow technique was not considered reliable, the Company used a quoted market price for each individual loan.

MSRs

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the MSRs are option adjusted spreads, prepayment rates and cost to service. Significant increases (decreases) in all three assumptions in isolation result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Weighted average life (in years) is used to determine the change in fair value of MSRs. For December 31, 2023, the weighted average life (in years) for the entire portfolio was 6.83.

Rate lock commitments

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the rate lock commitments is the pull through rate. The pull through rate is a statistical analysis of our actual rate lock fallout history to determine the sensitivity of the residential mortgage loan pipeline compared to interest rate changes and other deterministic values. New market prices are applied based on updated loan characteristics and new fallout ratios (i.e. the inverse of the pull through rate) are applied accordingly. Significant increases (decreases) in the pull through rate in isolation result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Deposits

The fair values of deposit liabilities with no stated maturity (i.e., interest-bearing checking and money market accounts, savings accounts, and non-interest-bearing accounts) are equal to the carrying amounts payable on demand. The fair values of CDs represent contractual cash flows, discounted using interest rates currently offered on deposits with similar characteristics and remaining maturities. These estimated fair values do not include the intangible value of core deposit relationships, which comprise a portion of the Company’s deposit base.

Borrowed Funds

The estimated fair value of borrowed funds is based either on bid quotations received from securities dealers or the discounted value of contractual cash flows with interest rates currently in effect for borrowed funds with similar maturities and structures.
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
The fair values of commitments to extend credit and unadvanced lines of credit are estimated based on an analysis of the interest rates and fees currently charged to enter into similar transactions, considering the remaining terms of the commitments and the creditworthiness of the potential borrowers. The estimated fair values of such off-balance sheet financial instruments were insignificant at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Representation and Warranty Reserve
The Company reviews and updates the fair value hierarchy classifications for its assets on a quarterly basis. Changes from one quarter to the next that are related to the observability of inputs for a fair value measurement may result in a reclassification from one hierarchy level to another.

A description of the methods and significant assumptions utilized in estimating the fair values of securities follows:

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government securities and exchange-traded securities.

If quoted market prices are not available for a specific security, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models. These pricing models primarily use market-based or independently sourced market parameters as inputs, including, but not limited to, yield curves, interest rates, equity or debt prices, and credit spreads. In addition to observable market information, models incorporate transaction details such as maturity and cash flow assumptions. Securities valued in this manner would generally be classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy, and primarily include such instruments as mortgage-related and corporate debt securities.
Periodically, the Company uses fair values supplied by independent pricing services to corroborate the fair values derived from the pricing models. In addition, the Company reviews the fair values supplied by independent pricing services, as well as their underlying pricing methodologies, for reasonableness. The Company challenges pricing service valuations that appear to be unusual or unexpected.
While the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate, and consistent with those of other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair values of certain financial instruments could result in different estimates of fair values at a reporting date.