10-Q 1 ubnk2019033110-q.htm 10-Q Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
ý
 
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019.
Commission File Number: 001-35028
ufbancorplogorgb3a36.jpg
United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Connecticut
 
27-3577029
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
225 Asylum Street, Hartford, Connecticut
 
06103
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(860) 291-3600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    ý  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
ý

Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨  
Smaller reporting company
¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
¨


If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý



Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value
UBNK
NASDAQ Global Select Stock Market

As of April 30, 2019, there were 51,128,727 shares of Registrant’s no par value common stock outstanding.

 


Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 
Exhibits
 




Part 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Financial Statements
United Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Condition
(Unaudited)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
(In thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
50,823

 
$
36,434

Short-term investments
104,350

 
61,530

Total cash and cash equivalents
155,173

 
97,964

Available-for-sale securities - at fair value
848,541

 
973,347

Loans held for sale
16,172

 
78,788

Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $52,041
at March 31, 2019 and $51,636 at December 31, 2018)
5,697,442

 
5,622,589

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock, at cost
37,702

 
41,407

Accrued interest receivable
25,061

 
24,823

Deferred tax asset, net
27,600

 
32,706

Premises and equipment, net
63,863

 
68,657

Operating lease right-of-use assets
44,377

 

Finance lease right-of-use assets
4,356

 

Goodwill
116,727

 
116,769

Core deposit intangible
5,607

 
6,027

Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
194,496

 
193,429

Other assets
102,823

 
100,368

Total assets
$
7,339,940

 
$
7,356,874

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Non-interest-bearing
$
777,969

 
$
799,785

Interest-bearing
4,886,283

 
4,870,814

Total deposits
5,664,252

 
5,670,599

Mortgagors’ and investors’ escrow accounts
11,510

 
4,685

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
737,115

 
797,271

Other borrowings
89,553

 
102,355

Operating lease liabilities
56,265

 

Finance lease liabilities
4,585

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
52,562

 
69,446

Total liabilities
6,615,842

 
6,644,356

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock (no par value; 2,000,000 authorized; no shares issued)

 

Common stock (no par value; authorized 120,000,000 shares; 51,100,720 and 51,104,783 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)
539,776

 
539,476

Additional paid-in capital
2,432

 
1,933

Unearned compensation - ESOP
(5,181
)
 
(5,238
)
Retained earnings
203,156

 
206,761

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(16,085
)
 
(30,414
)
Total stockholders’ equity
724,098

 
712,518

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
7,339,940

 
$
7,356,874


See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
3
 


United Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Net Income
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Interest and dividend income:
 
 
 
Loans
$
64,764

 
$
54,780

Securities - taxable interest
6,475

 
5,498

Securities - non-taxable interest
1,094

 
2,429

Securities - dividends
656

 
637

Interest-bearing deposits
225

 
150

Total interest and dividend income
73,214

 
63,494

Interest expense:
 
 
 
Deposits
19,931

 
11,027

Borrowed funds
6,346

 
5,924

Total interest expense
26,277

 
16,951

Net interest income
46,937

 
46,543

Provision for loan losses
2,043

 
1,939

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
44,894

 
44,604

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
Service charges and fees
6,185

 
6,159

Gain on sales of securities, net
737

 
116

Income from mortgage banking activities
591

 
1,729

Bank-owned life insurance income
1,946

 
1,646

Net loss on limited partnership investments
(603
)
 
(590
)
Other income
124

 
229

Total non-interest income
8,980

 
9,289

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
22,202

 
21,198

Service bureau fees
2,037

 
2,218

Occupancy and equipment
5,540

 
4,949

Professional fees
1,293

 
1,164

Marketing and promotions
858

 
685

FDIC insurance assessments
659

 
739

Core deposit intangible amortization
420

 
337

Other
6,178

 
5,446

Total non-interest expense
39,187

 
36,736

Income before income taxes
14,687

 
17,157

Provision for income taxes
2,030

 
1,370

Net income
$
12,657

 
$
15,787

 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.25

 
$
0.31

Diluted
$
0.25

 
$
0.31

Weighted-average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
50,615,059

 
50,474,942

Diluted
50,907,092

 
50,996,596


See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
4
 


United Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Net income
$
12,657

 
$
15,787

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses)
23,770

 
(16,990
)
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in operations (1)
(737
)
 
(116
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
23,033

 
(17,106
)
Tax effect - (expense) benefit
(5,075
)
 
3,933

Net-of-tax amount - securities available-for-sale
17,958

 
(13,173
)
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
Unrealized (losses) gains
(4,573
)
 
4,432

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses recognized in interest expense (2)
(223
)
 
345

Net unrealized (losses) gains
(4,796
)
 
4,777

Tax effect - benefit (expense)
1,056

 
(1,052
)
Net-of-tax amount - interest rate swaps
(3,740
)
 
3,725

Pension and Post-retirement plans:
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for prior service costs recognized in net periodic benefit cost
2

 
2

Reclassification adjustment for losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost (3)
139

 
123

Net change in gains and prior service costs
141

 
125

Tax effect - expense
(30
)
 
(27
)
Net-of-tax amount - pension and post-retirement plans
111

 
98

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
14,329

 
(9,350
)
Comprehensive income
$
26,986

 
$
6,437

 
(1)
Amounts are included in gain on sales of securities, net in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Net Income. Income tax expense associated with the reclassification adjustment was $162 and $26 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(2)
Amounts are included in borrowed funds interest expense in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Net Income. Income tax (expense) benefit associated with the reclassification adjustment for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $(49) and $76, respectively.
(3)
Amounts are included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Net Income. Income tax benefit associated with the reclassification adjustment for losses recognized in the net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $31 and $27, respectively.

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
5
 


United Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Unearned
Compensation
 - ESOP
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands, except share data)
Balance at December 31, 2018
51,104,783

 
$
539,476

 
$
1,933

 
$
(5,238
)
 
$
206,761

 
$
(30,414
)
 
$
712,518

Adoption of ASU No. 2017-08 (see Note 3)

 

 

 

 
(10,187
)
 

 
(10,187
)
Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
12,657

 
14,329

 
26,986

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 
580

 

 

 

 
580

ESOP shares released or committed to be released

 

 
29

 
57

 

 

 
86

Shares issued for stock options exercised
51,513

 
807

 
(339
)
 

 

 

 
468

Shares cancelled for restricted stock forfeitures
(37,292
)
 
(507
)
 
507

 

 

 

 

Cancellation of shares for tax withholding
(18,284
)
 

 
(278
)
 

 

 

 
(278
)
Dividends paid ($0.12 per common share)

 

 

 

 
(6,075
)
 

 
(6,075
)
Balance at March 31, 2019
51,100,720

 
$
539,776

 
$
2,432

 
$
(5,181
)
 
$
203,156

 
$
(16,085
)
 
$
724,098

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
51,044,752

 
$
537,576

 
$
4,713

 
$
(5,466
)
 
$
168,345

 
$
(11,840
)
 
$
693,328

Adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 (see Note 3)

 

 

 

 
177

 
(177
)
 

Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 (see Note 10)

 

 

 

 
2,590

 
(2,590
)
 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
15,787

 
(9,350
)
 
6,437

Common stock repurchased
(94,900
)
 
(1,551
)
 

 

 

 

 
(1,551
)
Stock-based compensation expense

 

 
718

 

 

 

 
718

ESOP shares released or committed to be released

 

 
38

 
57

 

 

 
95

Shares issued for stock options exercised
22,808

 
365

 
(185
)
 

 

 

 
180

Shares issued for restricted stock grants
8,763

 
147

 
(147
)
 

 

 

 

Cancellation of shares for tax withholding
(4,756
)
 

 
(85
)
 

 

 

 
(85
)
Dividends paid ($0.12 per common share)

 

 

 

 
(6,122
)
 

 
(6,122
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
50,976,667

 
$
536,537

 
$
5,052

 
$
(5,409
)
 
$
180,777

 
$
(23,957
)
 
$
693,000

United Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
12,657

 
$
15,787

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Amortization of premiums and discounts on investments, net
1,767

 
1,205

Amortization of intangible assets and purchase accounting marks, net
533

 
305

Amortization of subordinated debt issuance costs
32

 
32

Stock-based compensation expense
580

 
718

ESOP expense
86

 
95

Provision for loan losses
2,043

 
1,939

Gains on sales of securities, net
(737
)
 
(116
)
Net realized (gain) loss on marketable equity securities
(53
)
 
24

Loans originated for sale
(27,364
)
 
(49,220
)
Principal balance of loans sold
89,980

 
99,899

Decrease (increase) in mortgage servicing asset
48

 
(1,600
)
Gain on sales of other real estate owned
(26
)
 
(13
)
Net change in mortgage banking fair value adjustments
11

 
1,488

Loss on disposal of equipment
29

 
68

Write-downs of other real estate owned
21

 
101

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
2,104

 
1,863

Net loss on limited partnership investments
603

 
590

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
1,057

 
(200
)
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
(1,525
)
 
(1,420
)
Income recognized from death benefits on bank-owned life insurance
(421
)
 
(226
)
Right-of-use asset depreciation
1,294

 

Amortization of lease liabilities
(1,050
)
 

Lease incentives received
117

 

Net change in:
 
 
 
Deferred loan fees and premiums
(115
)
 
70

Accrued interest receivable
(238
)
 
(1
)
Other assets
(7,742
)
 
(3,061
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(5,128
)
 
1,445

Net cash provided by operating activities
68,563

 
69,772

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
256,198

 
58,676

Proceeds from calls and maturities of available-for-sale securities
4,425

 
18,250

Principal payments on available-for-sale securities
13,809

 
18,412

Purchases of available-for-sale securities
(137,810
)
 
(80,660
)
Redemption of FHLBB and other restricted stock
5,635

 
2,634

Purchase of FHLBB stock
(1,930
)
 
(2,335
)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
267

 
829

Purchases of loans
(53,383
)
 
(61,570
)
Loan originations, net of principal repayments
(23,805
)
 
15,906

Proceeds from bank-owned life insurance death benefits
854

 
368

Purchases of bank-owned life insurance

 
(30,000
)
Proceeds from redemption of bank-owned life insurance

 
26,292

Purchases of premises and equipment
(928
)
 
(2,061
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
63,332

 
(35,259
)

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
6
 


United Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Concluded
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Net decrease in non-interest-bearing deposits
(21,816
)
 
(25,001
)
Net increase in interest-bearing deposits
15,469

 
109,351

Net increase in mortgagors’ and investors’ escrow accounts
6,825

 
3,551

Net decrease in short-term FHLBB advances
(75,000
)
 
(132,000
)
Repayments of long-term FHLBB advances
(144
)
 
(385
)
Proceeds from long-term FHLBB advances
15,000

 

Net change in other borrowings
(9,070
)
 
(1,877
)
Principal payments on finance leases
(65
)
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
468

 
180

Common stock repurchased

 
(1,551
)
Cancellation of shares for tax withholding
(278
)
 
(85
)
Cash dividend paid on common stock
(6,075
)
 
(6,122
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(74,686
)
 
(53,939
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
57,209

 
(19,426
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
97,964

 
88,668

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
155,173

 
$
69,242

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the year for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
25,349

 
$
15,446

Income taxes, net
783

 
401

Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
302

 
698

Change in due to broker, investment purchases

 
6

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
 
 
 
Operating cash flows from operating leases
1,548

 

Operating cash flows from finance leases
63

 

Finance cash flows from finance leases
65

 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations


 


Operating leases
44,377

 

Finance leases
4,356

 


(Continued)
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
7
 


United Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
United Financial Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “United”) is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, and through United Bank (the “Bank”) and various subsidiaries, delivers financial services to individuals, families and businesses primarily throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts through 59 banking offices, its commercial loan production offices, its mortgage loan production offices, 72 ATMs, telephone banking, mobile banking and online banking (www.bankatunited.com).
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated interim financial statements and the accompanying notes presented in this report include the accounts of the Company, the Bank and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, United Bank Mortgage Company, United Bank Investment Corp., Inc., United Bank Commercial Properties, Inc., United Bank Residential Properties, Inc., United Wealth Management, Inc., United Bank Investment Sub, Inc., UB Properties, LLC, United Financial Realty HC, Inc. and UCB Securities, Inc. II. In addition, the Bank has a real estate investment trust subsidiary, United Financial Business Trust I, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Financial Realty HC, Inc.
The consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019 or any future period. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2018 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in United Financial Bancorp, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Common Share Repurchases
The Company is chartered in the state of Connecticut. Connecticut law does not provide for treasury shares, rather shares repurchased by the Company constitute authorized, but unissued shares. GAAP states that accounting for treasury stock shall conform to state law. Therefore, the cost of shares repurchased by the Company has been allocated to common stock balances.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in prior periods’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2019 presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or net change in cash equivalents.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Actual results in the future could vary from the amounts derived from management’s estimates and assumptions. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the realizability of deferred tax assets, the evaluation of securities for other-than-temporary impairment, the valuation of derivative instruments and hedging activities, and goodwill impairment valuations.
Note 2.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Principles Previously Disclosed
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”):
ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvement to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting
ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)
ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements
ASU No. 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors


8
 


See Note 3, “Securities”, and Note 5, “Leases” for further discussion of the impact of ASU No. 2017-08, ASU No. 2016-02, ASU No. 2018-11, and ASU No. 2018-20. The adoption of ASU No. 2018-07 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated interim financial statements.
Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted
The following list identifies ASUs applicable to the Company that have been issued but are not yet effective:
Disclosure
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The amendments in this Update remove the disclosure requirements that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted and amendments should be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. This ASU will affect the Company’s disclosure only and will not have a financial statement impact.
       
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU updates disclosure requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820 in order to improve the effectiveness of the disclosures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments affecting changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty are to be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments are to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. This ASU will affect the Company’s disclosures only and will not have a financial statement impact.

Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which amends the Board’s guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The ASU adds to GAAP an impairment model (known as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model) that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses, which the FASB believes will result in more timely recognition of such losses. The ASU is also intended to reduce the complexity of GAAP by decreasing the number of credit impairment models that entities use to account for debt instruments. For public business entities that are SEC filers, this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may adopt the amendments in this Update earlier as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The expected credit loss model will require a financial asset to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The impact on adoption is a one-time adjustment to retained earnings.
      
The Company is evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13 and will closely monitor developments and additional guidance to determine the potential impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The ASU is expected to increase loan loss reserves, the amount of which is uncertain at this time. The Company has formed a committee led by the Bank’s Chief Credit Officer, which includes the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer, to assist in identifying, implementing and evaluating the impact of the required changes to loan loss estimation models and processes. The Company has evaluated portfolio segments and methodologies and is evaluating the control environment under the new standard. Additionally, the Company has initiated parallel testing, however any results are preliminary. The Company has engaged a third party to perform a review of model governance and related internal controls, the outcome of which could change the impact of ASU No. 2016-13.


9
 


Note 3.
Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investment securities classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows:
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
$
202,586

 
$
506

 
$
(1,162
)
 
$
201,930

Government-sponsored residential collateralized debt obligations
131,755

 
275

 
(503
)
 
131,527

Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities
28,617

 

 
(213
)
 
28,404

Government-sponsored commercial collateralized debt obligations
151,545

 
94

 
(5,688
)
 
145,951

Asset-backed securities
159,382

 
240

 
(1,451
)
 
158,171

Corporate debt securities
94,959

 
276

 
(769
)
 
94,466

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
87,912

 
734

 
(554
)
 
88,092

Total available-for-sale securities
$
856,756

 
$
2,125

 
$
(10,340
)
 
$
848,541

December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
$
208,916

 
$

 
$
(4,818
)
 
$
204,098

Government-sponsored residential collateralized debt obligations
172,468

 
270

 
(2,019
)
 
170,719

Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities
28,694

 

 
(1,016
)
 
27,678

Government-sponsored commercial collateralized debt obligations
155,091

 

 
(6,865
)
 
148,226

Asset-backed securities
102,371

 
15

 
(1,891
)
 
100,495

Corporate debt securities
86,462

 
48

 
(3,280
)
 
83,230

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
250,593

 
425

 
(12,117
)
 
238,901

Total available-for-sale securities
$
1,004,595

 
$
758

 
$
(32,006
)
 
$
973,347

At March 31, 2019, the net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale of $8.2 million, net of an income tax benefit of $1.8 million, or $6.4 million, was included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the unaudited Consolidated Statement of Condition.
The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2019 by contractual maturities are presented below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some securities may be called or repaid without any penalties. Also, because mortgage-backed securities require periodic principal paydowns, they are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary.


10
 


 
Available-for-Sale
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
(In thousands)
Maturity:
 
 
 
Within 1 year
$

 
$

After 1 year through 5 years
10,747

 
10,820

After 5 years through 10 years
87,345

 
86,743

After 10 years
84,779

 
84,995

 
182,871

 
182,558

Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
202,586

 
201,930

Government-sponsored residential collateralized debt obligations
131,755

 
131,527

Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities
28,617

 
28,404

Government-sponsored commercial collateralized debt obligations
151,545

 
145,951

Asset-backed securities
159,382

 
158,171

Total available-for-sale debt securities
$
856,756

 
$
848,541


Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which required the Company to recognize the changes in fair value of marketable equity securities to be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income. The cumulative-effect adjustment resulting from the adoption of this new standard was a one-time adjustment that increased retained earnings and increased accumulated other comprehensive losses on January 1, 2018 by $177,000. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, there were $53,000 and ($24,000), respectively, in realized gains (losses) recognized in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income on marketable equity securities. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value of marketable equity securities included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Condition was $409,000 and $356,000, respectively.

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which required the Company to recognize the amortization period for callable debt securities held at a premium as the period from purchase to earliest call date. The cumulative-effect adjustment resulting from the adoption of this new standard was a one-time adjustment that decreased retained earnings by $10.2 million.
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had securities with a fair value of $369.6 million and $438.8 million, respectively, pledged as derivative collateral, collateral for reverse repurchase borrowings, collateral for municipal deposit exposure, and collateral for FHLBB borrowing capacity.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, gross gains of $2.9 million and $347,000, respectively, were realized on the sales of available-for-sale securities. There were gross losses of $2.1 million and $231,000 realized on the sale of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
As of March 31, 2019, the Company did not have any exposure to private-label mortgage-backed securities. The Company also did not own any single security with an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity.
As of March 31, 2019, the fair value of the obligations of states and political subdivisions portfolio was $88.1 million, with no significant geographic or issuer exposure concentrations. Of the total state and political obligations of $88.1 million, $38.1 million were representative of general obligation bonds, for which $24.6 million are general obligations of political subdivisions of the respective state, rather than general obligations of the state itself.


11
 


The following table summarizes gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by category and length of time the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
$

 
$

 
$
123,622

 
$
(1,162
)
 
$
123,622

 
$
(1,162
)
Government-sponsored residential collateralized debt obligations

 

 
63,316

 
(503
)
 
63,316

 
(503
)
Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 
28,404

 
(213
)
 
28,404

 
(213
)
Government-sponsored commercial collateralized debt obligations

 

 
138,443

 
(5,688
)
 
138,443

 
(5,688
)
Asset-backed securities
77,129

 
(848
)
 
26,495

 
(603
)
 
103,624

 
(1,451
)
Corporate debt securities
4,460

 
(55
)
 
39,222

 
(714
)
 
43,682

 
(769
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
856

 
(3
)
 
29,564

 
(551
)
 
30,420

 
(554
)
Total available-for-sale securities
$
82,445

 
$
(906
)
 
$
449,066

 
$
(9,434
)
 
$
531,511

 
$
(10,340
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
$
97,634

 
$
(1,590
)
 
$
106,464

 
$
(3,228
)
 
$
204,098

 
$
(4,818
)
Government-sponsored residential collateralized debt obligations
5,093

 
(54
)
 
107,291

 
(1,965
)
 
112,384

 
(2,019
)
Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 
27,678

 
(1,016
)
 
27,678

 
(1,016
)
Government-sponsored commercial collateralized debt obligations
15,787

 
(176
)
 
132,439

 
(6,689
)
 
148,226

 
(6,865
)
Asset-backed securities
62,444

 
(1,272
)
 
23,426

 
(619
)
 
85,870

 
(1,891
)
Corporate debt securities
43,937

 
(1,394
)
 
33,245

 
(1,886
)
 
77,182

 
(3,280
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
89,312

 
(2,204
)
 
137,590

 
(9,913
)
 
226,902

 
(12,117
)
Total available-for-sale securities
$
314,207

 
$
(6,690
)
 
$
568,133

 
$
(25,316
)
 
$
882,340

 
$
(32,006
)
Of the available-for-sale securities summarized above as of March 31, 2019, 25 securities had unrealized losses equaling 1.1% of the amortized cost basis for less than twelve months and 97 securities had unrealized losses of 2.1% of the amortized cost basis for twelve months or more. As of December 31, 2018, of the available-for sale securities, 95 securities had unrealized losses equaling 2.1% of the amortized cost basis for less than twelve months and 155 securities had unrealized losses equaling 4.3% of the amortized cost basis for twelve months or more.
Based on its detailed quarterly review of the securities portfolio, management believes that no individual unrealized loss as of March 31, 2019 represents an other-than-temporary impairment. Among other things, the other-than-temporary impairment review of the investment securities portfolio focuses on the combined factors of percentage and length of time by which a security is below book value as well as consideration of issuer specific information (present value of cash flows expected to be collected, issuer rating changes and trends, credit worthiness and review of underlying collateral), broad market details and the Company’s intent to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovering its cost. The Company also considers whether the depreciation is due to interest rates, market changes, or credit risk.
The following paragraphs outline the Company’s position related to unrealized losses in its investment securities portfolio at March 31, 2019.


12
 


Government-sponsored residential mortgage backed securities, residential collateralized debt obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and commercial collateralized debt obligations.  The unrealized losses on certain securities within the Company’s government-sponsored mortgage-backed and collateralized debt obligation portfolios were caused by the higher overall interest rate levels compared to the market interest rates when purchases were initiated. The Company monitors this risk, and does not expect these securities to settle at a price less than the par value of the securities.
Asset-backed securitiesThe unrealized losses on certain securities within the Company’s asset-backed securities portfolio were largely driven by the spread widening of these securities as a response to the market volatility in the fourth quarter of 2018, with limited tightening occurring in the first quarter of 2019. Based on the credit profiles and asset qualities of the individual securities, management does not believe that the securities have suffered from any credit related losses at this time. The Company does not expect these securities to settle at a price less than the par value of the securities.
Corporate debt securities. The unrealized losses on corporate debt securities relates to securities with no company specific concentration. The unrealized loss was due to an upward shift in interest rates that resulted in a negative impact to the respective bonds’ pricing, relative to the time of purchase.
Obligations of states and political subdivisions. The unrealized loss on obligations of states and political subdivisions relates to several securities, with no geographic concentration. The unrealized loss was largely due to an upward shift in the rates relative to the time of purchase of certain securities.
The Company will continue to review its entire portfolio for other-than-temporarily impaired securities.
Note 4.
Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
A summary of the Company’s loan portfolio is as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner-occupied
$
439,366

 
7.7
%
 
$
443,398

 
7.8
%
Investor non-owner occupied
1,932,137

 
33.7

 
1,911,070

 
33.8

Construction
94,649

 
1.6

 
87,493

 
1.5

Total commercial real estate loans
2,466,152

 
43.0

 
2,441,961

 
43.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial business loans
920,165

 
16.1

 
886,770

 
15.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential real estate
1,322,423

 
23.1

 
1,313,373

 
23.2

Home equity
583,368

 
10.2

 
583,454

 
10.3

Residential construction
13,620

 
0.2

 
20,632

 
0.4

Other consumer
425,854

 
7.4

 
410,249

 
7.3

Total consumer loans
2,345,265

 
40.9

 
2,327,708

 
41.2

Total loans
5,731,582

 
100.0
%
 
5,656,439

 
100.0
%
Net deferred loan costs and premiums
17,901

 
 
 
17,786

 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(52,041
)
 
 
 
(51,636
)
 
 
Loans - net
$
5,697,442

 
 
 
$
5,622,589

 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Management has established a methodology to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) that assesses the risks and losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The ALL is established as embedded losses are estimated to have occurred through the provisions for losses charged against operations and is maintained at a level that management considers adequate to absorb losses in the loan portfolio. Management’s judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is inherently subjective and is based on past loan loss experience, known and inherent losses and size of the loan portfolios, an assessment of current economic and real estate market conditions, estimates of the current value of underlying collateral, review of regulatory authority examination reports and other relevant factors. An allowance is maintained for impaired loans to reflect the difference, if any, between the carrying value of the loan and the present value of the projected cash flows, observable fair value or collateral value. Loans are charged-off against the ALL when management believes that the uncollectibility of principal is confirmed. Any subsequent


13
 


recoveries are credited to the ALL when received. In connection with the determination of the ALL, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties, when considered necessary.
The ALL is maintained at a level estimated by management to provide for probable losses inherent within the loan portfolio. Probable losses are estimated based upon a quarterly review of the loan portfolio, which includes historic default and loss experience, specific problem loans, risk rating profile, economic conditions and other pertinent factors which, in management’s judgment, warrant current recognition in the loss estimation process.
The adequacy of the ALL is subject to considerable assumptions and judgment used in its determination. Therefore, actual losses could differ materially from management’s estimate if actual conditions differ significantly from the assumptions utilized. These conditions include economic factors in the Company’s market and nationally, industry trends and concentrations, real estate values and trends, and the financial condition and performance of individual borrowers.
The Company’s general practice is to identify problem credits early and recognize full or partial charge-offs as promptly as practicable when it is determined that the collection of loan principal is unlikely. The Company recognizes full or partial charge-offs on collateral dependent impaired loans when the collateral is deemed to be insufficient to support the carrying value of the loan. The Company does not recognize a recovery when an updated appraisal indicates a subsequent increase in value.
At March 31, 2019, the Company had an allowance for loan losses of $52.0 million, or 0.91%, of total loans as compared to an allowance for loan losses of $51.6 million, or 0.91%, of total loans at December 31, 2018. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate and consistent with asset quality indicators and that it represents the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.
There are three components for the allowance for loan loss calculation:
General component
The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: owner-occupied and investor non-owner occupied commercial real estate, commercial and residential construction, commercial business, residential real estate, home equity, and other consumer. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a 12-quarter loss history to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels and trends in delinquencies; level and trend of charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and types of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; experience and depth of management; changes in weighted average risk ratings; and national and local economic trends and conditions. The general component of the allowance for loan losses also includes a reserve based upon historical loss experience for loans which were acquired and have subsequently evidenced measured credit deterioration following initial acquisition. Our acquired loan portfolio is comprised of purchased loans that show no evidence of deterioration subsequent to acquisition and therefore are not covered by the allowance for loan losses. Acquired impaired loans are loans with evidence of deterioration subsequent to acquisition and are considered in establishing the allowance for loan losses. There were no changes in the Company’s methodology pertaining to the general component of the allowance for loan losses during 2019.
The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:
Residential real estate and home equity loans – The Company establishes maximum loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios and minimum credit scores as an integral component of the underwriting criteria. Loans in these segments are collateralized by residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the income and credit quality of the individual borrower. Within the qualitative allowance factors, national and local economic trends including unemployment rates and potential declines in property value, are key elements reviewed as a component of establishing the appropriate allocation. Overall economic conditions, unemployment rates and housing price trends will influence the underlying credit quality of these segments.
Owner-occupied and investor non-owner occupied commercial real estate (“Owner-occupied CRE” and “Investor CRE”) – Loans in these segments are primarily income-producing properties throughout Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and other select markets in the Northeast. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties could be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management obtains rent rolls annually, continually monitors the cash flows of these loans and performs stress testing.
Commercial and residential construction loans – Loans in this segment primarily include commercial real estate development and residential subdivision loans for which payment is derived from the sale of the property. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions.
Commercial business loans – Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy and its effect on business profitability and cash flow could have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.


14
 


Other consumer – Loans in this segment generally consist of loans on high-end retail boats and small yachts, new and used automobiles, home improvement loans, loans collateralized by deposit accounts and unsecured personal loans. These loans are secured or unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

For acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, our accretable discount is estimated based upon our expected cash flows for these loans. To the extent that we experience a deterioration in borrower credit quality resulting in a decrease in our expected cash flows subsequent to the acquisition of the loans, an allowance for loan losses would be established through a provision based on our estimate of future credit losses over the remaining life of the loans.
Allocated component

The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial business, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Updated property evaluations are obtained at the time of impairment and serve as the basis for the loss allocation if foreclosure is probable or the loan is collateral dependent.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans which are placed on non-accrual status, or deemed troubled debt restructures, are considered impaired by the Company and subject to impairment testing for possible partial or full charge-off when loss can be reasonably determined. Generally, when all contractual payments on a loan are not expected to be collected, or the loan has failed to make contractual payments for a period of 90 days or more, a loan is placed on non-accrual status. In accordance with the Company's loan policy, losses on open and closed end consumer loans are recognized within a period of 120 days past due. For commercial loans, there is no threshold in terms of days past due for losses to be recognized as a result of the complexity in reasonably determining losses within a set time frame. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.

When a loan is determined to be impaired, the Company makes a determination if the repayment of the obligation is collateral dependent. As a majority of impaired loans are collateralized by real estate, appraisals on the underlying value of the property securing the obligation are utilized in determining the specific impairment amount that is allocated to the loan as a component of the allowance calculation. If the loan is collateral dependent, an updated appraisal is obtained within a short period of time from the date the loan is determined to be impaired; typically no longer than 30 days for a residential property and 90 days for a commercial real estate property. The appraisal and the appraised value are reviewed for adequacy and then further discounted for estimated disposition costs in order to determine the impairment amount. The Company updates the appraised value at least annually and on a more frequent basis if current market factors indicate a potential change in valuation.

The majority of the Company’s loans are collateralized by real estate located in central and eastern Connecticut and western Massachusetts in addition to a portion of the commercial real estate loan portfolio located in the Northeast region of the United States. Accordingly, the collateral value of a substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio and real estate acquired through foreclosure is susceptible to changes in market conditions in these areas.
Unallocated component
An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.
Credit Quality Information
The Company utilizes a nine-grade internal loan rating system for residential and commercial real estate, construction, commercial business and other consumer loans as follows:
Loans rated 1 – 5: Loans in these categories are considered “pass” rated loans with low to average risk.
Loans rated 6: Loans in this category are considered “special mention.” These loans reflect signs of potential weakness and are being closely monitored by management.
Loans rated 7: Loans in this category are considered “substandard.” Generally, a loan is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor and there is a distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the weakness is not corrected.


15
 


Loans rated 8: Loans in this category are considered “doubtful.” Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, highly questionable and improbable.
Loans rated 9: Loans in this category are considered uncollectible (“loss”) and of such little value that their continuance as loans is not warranted.
At the time of loan origination, a risk rating based on this nine point grading system is assigned to each loan based on the loan officer’s assessment of risk. For residential real estate and other consumer loans, the Company considers factors such as updated FICO scores, employment status, home prices, loan to value and geography. Residential real estate and other consumer loans are pass rated unless their payment history reveals signs of deterioration, which may result in modifications to the original contractual terms. In situations which require modification to the loan terms, the internal loan grade will typically be reduced to substandard. More complex loans, such as commercial business loans and commercial real estate loans require that the Company’s internal credit department further evaluate the risk rating of the individual loan, with the credit department and Chief Credit Officer having final determination of the appropriate risk rating. These more complex loans and relationships receive an in-depth analysis and periodic review to assess the appropriate risk rating on a post-closing basis with changes made to the risk rating as the borrower’s and economic conditions warrant. The credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio is reviewed by a third-party risk assessment firm throughout the year and by the Company’s internal credit management function. The internal and external analysis of the loan portfolio is utilized to identify and quantify loans with higher than normal risk. Loans having a higher risk profile are assigned a risk rating corresponding to the level of weakness identified in the loan. All loans risk rated Special Mention, Substandard or Doubtful are reviewed by management not less than on a quarterly basis to assess the level of risk and to ensure that appropriate actions are being taken to minimize potential loss exposure. Loans identified as being loss are normally fully charged off.
The following table presents the Company’s loans by risk rating at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
Owner-Occupied CRE
 
Investor CRE
 
Construction
 
Commercial Business
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Home Equity
 
Other Consumer
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans rated 1-5
$
406,900

 
$
1,904,846

 
$
105,466

 
$
874,939

 
$
1,302,651

 
$
576,626

 
$
423,539

Loans rated 6
17,664

 
9,100

 
2,068

 
31,337

 
2,644

 
916

 

Loans rated 7
14,802

 
18,191

 
735

 
13,889

 
17,128

 
5,826

 
2,315

Loans rated 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans rated 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
$
439,366

 
$
1,932,137

 
$
108,269

 
$
920,165

 
$
1,322,423

 
$
583,368

 
$
425,854

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans rated 1-5
$
410,403

 
$
1,884,767

 
$
104,848

 
$
844,541

 
$
1,294,623

 
$
576,509

 
$
407,935

Loans rated 6
17,134

 
6,544

 
1,994

 
28,385

 
2,429

 
740

 

Loans rated 7
15,861

 
19,759

 
1,283

 
13,844

 
16,321

 
6,205

 
2,314

Loans rated 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans rated 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
$
443,398

 
$
1,911,070

 
$
108,125

 
$
886,770

 
$
1,313,373

 
$
583,454

 
$
410,249



16
 


Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
 
Owner-Occupied CRE
 
Investor CRE
 
Construction
 
Commercial
Business
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Home Equity
 
Other Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
4,459

 
$
17,011

 
$
1,653

 
$
10,961

 
$
7,971

 
$
3,220

 
$
4,381

 
$
1,980

 
$
51,636

Provision (credit) for loan losses
(311
)
 
661

 
69

 
507

 
(135
)
 
455

 
677

 
120

 
2,043

Loans charged off

 

 
(149
)
 
(518
)
 
(108
)
 
(349
)
 
(938
)
 

 
(2,062
)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off

 
5

 

 
60

 
97

 
22

 
240

 

 
424

Balance, end of period
$
4,148

 
$
17,677

 
$
1,573

 
$
11,010

 
$
7,825

 
$
3,348

 
$
4,360

 
$
2,100

 
$
52,041

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
3,754

 
$
15,916

 
$
1,601

 
$
10,608

 
$
7,694

 
$
3,258

 
$
2,523

 
$
1,745

 
$
47,099

Provision for loan losses
173

 
94

 
53

 
796

 
203

 
252

 
268

 
100

 
1,939

Loans charged off

 
(64
)
 
(21
)
 
(653
)
 
(181
)
 
(349
)
 
(425
)
 

 
(1,693
)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off

 
37

 

 
230

 
69

 
56

 
178

 

 
570

Balance, end of period
$
3,927

 
$
15,983

 
$
1,633

 
$
10,981

 
$
7,785

 
$
3,217

 
$
2,544

 
$
1,845

 
$
47,915



17
 


Further information pertaining to the allowance for loan losses and impaired loans at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 follows:
 
Owner-Occupied CRE
 
Investor CRE
 
Construction
 
Commercial
Business
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Home Equity
 
Other Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance related to loans individually evaluated and deemed impaired
$

 
$

 
$
34

 
$

 
$
72

 
$
31

 
$
236

 
$

 
$
373

Allowance related to loans collectively evaluated and not deemed impaired
4,148

 
17,677

 
1,539

 
11,010

 
7,753

 
3,317

 
4,124

 
2,100

 
51,668

Total allowance for loan losses
$
4,148

 
$
17,677

 
$
1,573

 
$
11,010

 
$
7,825

 
$
3,348

 
$
4,360

 
$
2,100

 
$
52,041

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans deemed impaired
$
2,402

 
$
6,491

 
$
869

 
$
8,806

 
$
20,583

 
$
8,002

 
$
1,314

 


 
$
48,467

Loans not deemed impaired
436,964

 
1,925,485

 
107,400

 
911,359

 
1,300,001

 
575,366

 
423,468

 


 
5,680,043

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 
161

 

 

 
1,839

 

 
1,072

 
 
 
3,072

Total loans
$
439,366

 
$
1,932,137

 
$
108,269

 
$
920,165

 
$
1,322,423

 
$
583,368

 
$
425,854

 
 
 
$
5,731,582

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance related to loans individually evaluated and deemed impaired
$

 
$

 
$
92

 
$
114

 
$
120

 
$
1

 
$
243

 
$

 
$
570

Allowance related to loans collectively evaluated and not deemed impaired
4,459

 
17,011

 
1,561

 
10,847

 
7,851

 
3,219

 
4,138

 
1,980

 
51,066

Total allowance for loan losses
$
4,459

 
$
17,011

 
$
1,653

 
$
10,961

 
$
7,971

 
$
3,220

 
$
4,381

 
$
1,980

 
$
51,636

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans deemed impaired
$
3,034

 
$
6,895

 
$
1,047

 
$
5,219

 
$
20,114

 
$
8,257

 
$
1,318

 


 
$
45,884

Loans not deemed impaired
440,364

 
1,903,998

 
107,078

 
881,551

 
1,291,255

 
575,197

 
407,851

 


 
5,607,294

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 
177

 

 

 
2,004

 

 
1,080

 
 
 
3,261

Total loans
$
443,398

 
$
1,911,070

 
$
108,125

 
$
886,770

 
$
1,313,373

 
$
583,454

 
$
410,249

 
 
 
$
5,656,439

Management has established the allowance for loan loss in accordance with GAAP at March 31, 2019 based on the current risk assessment and level of loss that is believed to exist within the portfolio. This level of reserve is deemed an appropriate estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2019 based upon the analysis conducted and given the portfolio composition, delinquencies, charge offs and risk rating changes experienced during the first three months of 2019 and the three-year evaluation period utilized in the analysis. Based on the qualitative assessment of the portfolio and in thorough consideration of non-performing loans, management believes that the allowance for loan losses properly supports the level of associated loss and risk.


18
 


The following is a summary of past due and non-accrual loans at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, including purchased credit impaired loans:
 
30-59 Days Past Due
 
60-89 Days Past Due
 
Past Due 90
Days or More
 
Total Past Due
 
Past Due
90 Days or
More and
Still Accruing
 
Loans on
Non-accrual
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner-occupied CRE
$
172

 
$
210

 
$
778

 
$
1,160

 
$

 
$
1,880

Investor CRE
2,725

 
601

 

 
3,326

 

 
739

Construction

 

 
736

 
736

 

 
736

Commercial business loans
3,505

 
986

 
3,129

 
7,620

 
2,130

 
2,500

Residential real estate
3,390

 
2,724

 
9,153

 
15,267

 
1,839

 
16,304

Home equity
2,732

 
1,062

 
4,315

 
8,109

 

 
5,800

Other consumer
838

 
279

 
1,489

 
2,606

 
264

 
1,240

Total
$
13,362

 
$
5,862

 
$
19,600

 
$
38,824

 
$
4,233

 
$
29,199

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner-occupied CRE
$
1,745

 
$
7

 
$
352

 
$
2,104

 
$

 
$
2,503

Investor CRE
1,306

 
91

 
546

 
1,943

 

 
1,131

Construction
331

 

 
913

 
1,244

 

 
913

Commercial business loans
5,455

 
1,582

 
2,803

 
9,840

 
1,387

 
2,481

Residential real estate
11,214

 
5,216

 
9,448

 
25,878

 
2,004

 
16,214

Home equity
1,498

 
779

 
4,349

 
6,626

 

 
6,192

Other consumer
1,123

 
359

 
1,393

 
2,875

 
154

 
1,243

Total
$
22,672

 
$
8,034

 
$
19,804

 
$
50,510

 
$
3,545

 
$
30,677

Loans reported as past due 90 days or more and still accruing represent loans that were evaluated by management and maintained on accrual status based on an evaluation of the borrower.


19
 


The following is a summary of impaired loans with and without a valuation allowance as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
(In thousands)
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner-occupied CRE
$
2,402

 
$
2,790

 

 
$
3,034

 
$
3,422

 

Investor CRE
6,491

 
6,760

 


 
6,895

 
7,153

 


Construction
698

 
1,270

 

 
333

 
1,339

 

Commercial business loans
8,806

 
11,180

 

 
5,105

 
7,325

 

Residential real estate
18,419

 
20,275

 

 
18,244

 
20,153

 

Home equity
7,707

 
9,319

 

 
8,132

 
9,483

 

Other consumer
721

 
722

 


 
725

 
725

 


Total
45,244

 
52,316

 


 
42,468

 
49,600

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
171

 
171

 
$
34

 
714

 
965

 
$
92

Commercial business loans

 

 

 
114

 
122

 
114

Residential real estate
2,164

 
2,246

 
72

 
1,870

 
2,069

 
120

Home equity
295

 
376

 
31

 
125

 
130

 
1

Other consumer
593

 
593

 
236

 
593

 
593

 
243

Total
3,223

 
3,386

 
373

 
3,416

 
3,879

 
570

Total impaired loans
$
48,467

 
$
55,702

 
$
373

 
$
45,884

 
$
53,479

 
$
570

The following is a summary of average recorded investment in impaired loans and interest income recognized on those loans for the periods indicated:
 
For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31, 2019
 
For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31, 2018
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner-occupied CRE
$
2,718

 
$
24

 
$
2,624

 
$
32

Investor CRE
6,693

 
76

 
8,859

 
109

Construction
958

 
1

 
1,874

 
10

Commercial business loans
7,013

 
39

 
5,194

 
52

Residential real estate
20,349

 
245

 
19,251

 
207

Home equity
8,130

 
31

 
8,427

 
78

Other consumer
1,316

 
1

 
390

 

 
$
47,177

 
$
417

 
$
46,619

 
$
488

Troubled Debt Restructurings
The restructuring of a loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) if both (i) the restructuring constitutes a concession by the creditor and (ii) the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. A TDR may include (i) a transfer from the debtor to the creditor of receivables from third parties, real estate, or other assets to satisfy fully or partially a debt, (ii) issuance or other granting of an equity interest to the creditor by the debtor to satisfy fully or partially a debt unless the equity interest is granted pursuant to existing terms for converting debt into an equity interest, and (iii) modifications of terms of a debt.


20
 


The following table provides detail of TDR balances for the periods presented:
 
At March 31,
2019
 
At December 31,
2018
 
(In thousands)
Recorded investment in TDRs:
 
 
 
Accrual status
$
19,267

 
$
15,208

Non-accrual status
5,479

 
6,971

Total recorded investment in TDRs
$
24,746

 
$
22,179

 
 
 
 
Accruing TDRs performing under modified terms more than one year
$
12,792

 
$
12,609

Specific reserves for TDRs included in the balance of allowance for loan losses
$
103

 
$
213

Additional funds committed to borrowers in TDR status
$

 
$
7

Loans restructured as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are set forth in the following table:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Number
of Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
 
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial business
5

 
$
3,512

 
$
3,512

Residential real estate
1

 
429

 
429

Total TDRs
6

 
$
3,941

 
$
3,941

 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
1

 
$
965

 
$
965

Residential real estate
4

 
2,861

 
2,861

Home equity
4

 
320

 
320

Total TDRs
9

 
$
4,146

 
$
4,146

The following table provides information on loan balances modified as TDRs during the period:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Extended
Maturity
 
Adjusted Rate and Extended Maturity
 
Payment Deferral
 
Other
 
Extended
Maturity
 
Adjusted Rate and Extended Maturity
 
Payment Deferral
 
Other
 
(In thousands)
Construction
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
965

 
$

 
$

 
$

Commercial business

 

 

 
3,512

 

 

 

 

Residential real estate
429

 

 

 

 

 

 
2,861

 

Home equity

 

 

 

 
61

 
259

 

 

 
$
429

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,512

 
$
1,026

 
$
259

 
$
2,861

 
$



21
 


The following table provides information on loans modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during the periods presented:
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Number of
Loans
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Loans
 
Recorded
Investment
 
(In thousands)
Residential real estate

 
$

 
1

 
$
179

Home equity
1

 
25

 
2

 
261

Total
1

 
$
25

 
3

 
$
440

The majority of restructured loans were on accrual status as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Typically, residential loans are restructured with a modification and extension of the loan amortization and maturity at substantially the same interest rate as contained in the original credit extension. As part of the TDR process, the current value of the property is compared to the Company’s carrying value and if not fully supported, a charge-off is processed through the allowance for loan losses. Commercial real estate loans, commercial construction loans and commercial business loans also contain payment modification agreements and a like assessment of the underlying collateral value if the borrower’s cash flow may be inadequate to service the entire obligation.
Loan Servicing
The Company services certain loans for third parties. The aggregate balance of loans serviced for others was $1.53 billion and $1.47 billion as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The balances of these loans are not included on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Condition. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company received servicing income of $793,000, compared to $720,000 for the same period in 2018. This income is included in income from mortgage banking activities in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income.
The risks inherent in mortgage servicing rights relate primarily to changes in prepayments that result from shifts in mortgage interest rates. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was determined using pretax internal rates of return ranging from 11.8% to 13.8% and the Public Securities Association Standard Prepayment model to estimate prepayments on the portfolio with an average prepayment speed of 201 and 150, respectively. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is obtained from a third party provider.
Mortgage servicing rights are included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Changes in the fair value of mortgage servicing rights are included in income from mortgage banking activities in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income. The following table summarizes mortgage servicing rights activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
 
For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage servicing rights:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
14,739

 
$
11,733

Change in fair value recognized in net income
(947
)
 
819

Issuances
899

 
781

Fair value of mortgage servicing rights at end of period
$
14,691

 
$
13,333

Note 5.
Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended, which requires most leases to be capitalized on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and lease liability.  The new leases standard represents a wholesale change to lease accounting and is intended to provide a more faithful representation of a company’s assets and liabilities and deliver greater transparency about the company’s obligations and leasing activities.  

The Company elected to transition to the new standard under the amended transition approach in which an entity is permitted to apply the new leases standard at the adoption date (January 1, 2019).  As such, prior periods reflect lease accounting under Topic 840.  The Company’s prior period on-balance sheet reporting under Topic 840 included capital leases and accrued rent liabilities


22
 


for operating leases.  Capitalized lease assets, under Topic 840, were included in premises and equipment, while capitalized lease obligations were included in other borrowings and accrued rent liabilities were reported in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Condition.  Upon transition to Topic 842, these items were reclassified and are now included as part of the respective right-of-use asset and lease liability, along with the additional assets and liabilities reported on-balance sheet under the new guidance.

Transition to the new standard did not result in a cumulative-effect adjustment as the net impact to the Company’s assets was equal to the net impact to liabilities.  The Company adopted the package of practical expedients as provided under the transition guidance within the new standard, which allows an entity to not reassess the following: (a) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain a lease, (b) lease classification for any expired or existing leases, (c) initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. 

Upon adoption of this ASU, the Company recorded an increase in assets of $46.5 million and an increase in liabilities of $46.5 million on the Consolidated Statements of Condition as a result of recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

At March 31, 2019, the Company had 70 operating leases comprised of branches, administrative offices, ATMs, and copiers, as well as three finance leases for branch locations.  Our leases have remaining lease terms of one to twenty years with renewal options of five to thirty years.  Renewal options are recognized as part of the right-of-use asset and lease liability in cases where the option has been exercised or the Company is reasonably certain to exercise an option to renew based on relevant factors that create an economic incentive to exercise.

The Company subleases four properties, as sublessor, with sublease terms that closely adhere to the related prime lease agreement.  The sublease agreements are each classified as operating leases. Additionally, the Company, as lessor, leases two owned properties, classified as operating leases, with the remaining lease terms of approximately two years and nine years, each with options to extend up to ten additional years. The Company applied the package of expedients in determining whether a contract is or contains a lease and classification of the lease.

Certain lease agreements, with the Company as lessee or lessor, include rental payments based on a percentage increase in the consumer price index (“CPI”).  Future incremental changes in CPI, as applicable, are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income when incurred.  The Company’s lease agreements do not contain residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.

As most of the Company’s lease agreements do not provide an implicit rate, the Company used the incremental borrowing rate that the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term to the remaining lease payments period for each lease agreement. 

The components of lease expense were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
(In thousands)
Operating lease cost
$
1,672

 
 
Finance lease cost:
 
Amortization of right-of-use assets
89

Interest on lease liabilities
63

 
 
Sublease income
(223
)
Lease income
(98
)
 
 
Total lease cost
$
1,503








23
 



Other information related to leases as of March 31, 2019 is as follows:
 
March 31,
2019
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years):
 
Operating Leases
12.00

Finance Leases
13.00

 
 
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
 
Operating Leases
3.53
%
Finance Leases
5.44
%


Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 are as follows:
 
Operating Leases
 
Finance Leases
 
(In thousands)
2019 (remaining nine months)
$
5,088

 
$
386

2020
7,189

 
515

2021
7,021

 
515

2022
6,555

 
515

2023
5,447

 
515

Thereafter
38,252

 
3,929

Total lease payments
69,552

 
6,375

Less: imputed interest
(13,287
)
 
(1,790
)
Total
$
56,265

 
$
4,585



Maturities of rents receivable as of March 31, 2019 are as follows:
 
Operating Leases
 
(In thousands)
2019 (remaining nine months)
$
1,019

2020
1,391

2021
1,266

2022
841

2023
144

Thereafter
297

Total lease payments received
$
4,958





24
 


Note 6.
Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles
The carrying value of goodwill was $116.7 million and $116.8 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The changes in the carrying amount of core deposit intangible assets are summarized as follows:
 
 
Core Deposit Intangibles
 
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
4,491

Amortization expense
 
(1,350
)
Acquisitions
 
2,886

Balance at December 31, 2018
 
$
6,027

Amortization expense
 
(420
)
Balance at March 31, 2019
 
$
5,607

 
 
 
Estimated amortization expense for the years ending December 31,
 
 
2019 (remaining nine months)
 
$
1,118

2020
 
1,293

2021
 
1,048

2022
 
803

2023
 
559

2024 and thereafter
 
786

Total remaining
 
$
5,607

In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, goodwill is not amortized, but will be subject to an annual review of qualitative factors to determine if an impairment test is required. The core deposit intangible is being amortized using the sum of the years’ digits method over its estimated life of 10 years. Amortization expense of the core deposit intangible was $420,000 and $337,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
On October 5, 2018, the Company acquired six branches which were accounted for under FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations. In addition to the acquired branches, the Company assumed $109.4 million of branch deposits and $2.3 million of fixed assets. The purchase price of $6.9 million was allocated based on the estimated fair market values of the assets and liabilities acquired.

Note 7.
Borrowings
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Advances
The Company is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”). Contractual maturities and weighted-average rates of outstanding advances from the FHLBB as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are summarized below:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Amount
 
Weighted-
Average
Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted-
Average
Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2019
$
685,000

 
2.69
%
 
$
785,000

 
2.55
%
2020
33,000

 
2.61

 
8,000

 
2.33

2021
15,000

 
2.80

 

 

2022

 

 

 

2023
2,431

 
2.51

 
2,557

 
2.51

Thereafter
1,512

 
2.58

 
1,531

 
2.58

 
$
736,943

 
2.68
%
 
$
797,088

 
2.54
%


25
 


The total carrying value of FHLBB advances at March 31, 2019 was $737.1 million, which includes a remaining fair value adjustment of $172,000 on acquired advances. At December 31, 2018, the total carrying value of FHLBB advances was $797.3 million, with a remaining fair value adjustment of $183,000.
At March 31, 2019, the Company had no outstanding advances that are callable by the FHLBB. All advances are collateralized by first and second mortgage loans, as well as investment securities with an estimated eligible collateral value of $2.25 billion and $2.37 billion at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
In addition to the outstanding advances, the Company has access to an unused line of credit with the FHLBB amounting to $10.0 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. In accordance with an agreement with the FHLBB, the qualified collateral must be free and clear of liens, pledges and have a discounted value equal to the aggregate amount of the line of credit and outstanding advances. At March 31, 2019, the Company could borrow immediately an additional $590.5 million from the FHLBB, inclusive of the line of credit.
Other Borrowings
The following table presents other borrowings by category as of the dates indicated:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
(In thousands)
Subordinated debentures
$
80,261

 
$
80,201

Wholesale repurchase agreements

 
10,000

Customer repurchase agreements
9,292

 
8,361

Other

 
3,793

Total other borrowings
$
89,553

 
$
102,355

Subordinated Debentures
On September 23, 2014, the Company closed its public offering of $75.0 million of its 5.75% Subordinated Notes due October 1, 2024 (the “Notes”). The Notes were offered to the public at par. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on April 1, 2015. Issuance costs totaled $1.3 million and are being amortized over the life of the Notes as a component of interest expense. The carrying value, net of issuance costs, totaled $74.3 million at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
The Company assumed junior subordinated debt in the form of trust preferred securities issued through a private placement offering with a face amount of $7.7 million in a merger in 2014. The Company recorded a fair value acquisition discount of $2.3 million on May 1, 2014. The remaining unamortized discount was $1.8 million at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. This issue has a maturity date of March 15, 2036 and bears a floating rate of interest that reprices quarterly at the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 1.85%. A special redemption provision allows the Company to redeem this issue at par on March 15, June 15, September 15, or December 15 of any year subsequent to March 15, 2011.


26
 


Repurchase Agreements
The following table presents the Company’s outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
 
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
 
 
Overnight
 
Up to 1 Year
 
1 - 3 Years
 
Greater than 3 Years
 
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase Agreements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Agency Securities
 
$
9,292

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,292

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase Agreements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency Securities
 
$
8,361

 
$
10,000

 
$

 
$

 
$
18,361

At March 31, 2019, the Company had no advances outstanding under wholesale reverse repurchase agreements. At December 31, 2018, advances outstanding under wholesale reverse repurchase agreements totaled $10.0 million, and consisted of one individual borrowing with a remaining term of one year or less and had a weighted average cost of 2.44%. The Company pledged investment securities with a market value of $12.5 million as collateral for these borrowings at December 31, 2018.
Retail repurchase agreements, primarily consisting of transactions with commercial and municipal customers, are for a term of one day and are backed by the purchasers’ interest in certain U.S. Government Agency securities or government-sponsored securities. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, retail repurchase agreements totaled $9.3 million and $8.4 million, respectively. The Company pledged investment securities with a market value of $24.3 million and $25.4 million as collateral for these borrowings at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Given that the repurchase agreements are secured by investment securities valued at market value, the collateral position is susceptible to change based upon variation in the market value of the securities that can arise due to fluctuations in interest rates, among other things. In the event that the interest rate changes result in a decrease in the value of the pledged securities, additional securities will be required to be pledged in order to secure the borrowings. Due to the short term nature of the majority of the repurchase agreements, Management believes the risk of further encumbered securities pose a minimal impact to the Company’s liquidity position.
Other
At December 31, 2018, other borrowings totaled $3.8 million and consisted of capital lease obligations for three of the Company’s leased banking branches acquired during a merger. Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Upon adoption, these capital lease obligations were reclassified from other borrowings to finance lease liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Condition, and totaled $4.6 million at March 31, 2019. See Note 5, “Leases” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Other Sources of Wholesale Funding
The Company has relationships with brokered sweep deposit providers by which funds are deposited by the counterparties at the Company’s request. Amounts outstanding under these agreements are reported as interest-bearing deposits and totaled $388.2 million at a cost of 2.59% at March 31, 2019 and $432.5 million at a cost of 2.44% at December 31, 2018. The Company maintains open dialogue with the brokered sweep providers and has the ability to increase the deposit balances upon request, up to certain limits based upon internal policy requirements.
Additionally, the Company has unused federal funds lines of credit with four counterparties totaling $140.0 million at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Note 8.
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposure to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative


27
 


financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s investments and borrowings. The Company also has interest rate derivatives that result from a service provided to certain qualifying customers. The Company manages a matched book with respect to these derivative instruments in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.
Information about interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is as follows:
 
Notional Amount
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Maturity
 
Weighted-Average Rate
 
Estimated Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)
 
 
 
Received
 
Paid
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(In years)
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
445,000

 
3.91
 
2.69
%
 
2.53
%
 
$
(4,695
)
Non-hedging derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward loan sale commitments
31,127

 
0.00
 
 
 
 
 
1

Derivative loan commitments
14,734

 
0.00
 
 
 
 
 
209

Interest rate swap
7,500

 
7.29
 


 


 
(517
)
Loan level swaps - dealer(1)
633,700

 
6.51
 
4.30
%
 
4.12
%
 
(7,807
)
Loan level swaps - borrowers(1)
633,700

 
6.51
 
4.12
%
 
4.30
%
 
7,800

Forward starting loan level swaps - dealer(1)
8,000

 
8.45
 
TBD

(2)
5.11
%
 
(198
)
Forward starting loan level swaps - borrower(1)
8,000

 
8.45
 
5.11
%
 
TBD

(2)
197

Total
$
1,781,761

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(5,010
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward starting interest rate swaps on future borrowings
$
50,000

 
5.22
 
TBD

(3)
2.67
%
 
$
(356
)
Interest rate swaps
395,000

 
4.02
 
2.59
%
 
2.51
%
 
457

Non-hedging derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward loan sale commitments
85,043

 
0.00
 
 
 
 
 
(681
)
Derivative loan commitments
8,491

 
0.00
 
 
 
 
 
194

Interest rate swap
7,500

 
7.54
 
 
 
 
 
(686
)
Loan level swaps - dealer(1)
640,760

 
6.88
 
4.20
%
 
4.10
%
 
2,068

Loan level swaps - borrowers(1)
640,760

 
6.88
 
4.10
%
 
4.20
%
 
(2,074
)
Forward starting loan level swaps - dealer(1)
8,000

 
8.70
 
TBD

(2)
5.11
%
 
(37
)
Forward starting loan level swaps - borrower(1)
8,000

 
8.70
 
5.11
%
 
TBD

(2)
37

Total
$
1,843,554

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(1,078
)
(1)
The Company offers a loan level hedging product to qualifying commercial borrowers that seek to mitigate risk to rising interest rates. As such, the Company enters into equal and offsetting trades with dealer counterparties.
(2)
The floating leg of the forward starting loan level hedge is indexed to the one month USD-LIBOR-BBA, as determined one London banking day prior to the tenth day of each calendar month, commencing with the effective trade date on September 10, 2020.
(3)
The receiver leg of the cash flow hedge is floating rate and indexed to the 3-month USD-LIBOR-BBA, as determined two London banking days prior to the first day of each calendar quarter, commencing with the earliest effective trade. The earliest effective trade date for this forward starting cash flow hedge was March 20, 2019 for the period ended December 31, 2018.


28
 


Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. The Company expects to reclassify $129,000 from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense during the next 12 months.
The Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions over a period of approximately 60 months (excluding forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments).
As of March 31, 2019, the Company had 11 outstanding interest rate derivatives with a notional value of $445.0 million that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk.
Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed rate obligations due to changes in benchmark interest rates. The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value on these instruments attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate. Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making variable rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount.
For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. The Company includes the gain or loss on the hedged items in the same line item as the offsetting gain or loss on the related derivatives. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, there was no net impact to interest expense, and for the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized a negligible net impact to interest expense.
As of March 31, 2019, the Company had no outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as a fair value hedge of interest rate risk.
Non-Designated Hedges
Loan Level Interest Rate Swaps
Qualifying derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain customers. The Company executes interest rate derivatives with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate derivatives are simultaneously hedged by offsetting derivatives that the Company executes with a third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As the interest rate derivatives associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer derivatives and the offsetting derivatives are recognized directly in earnings.
As of March 31, 2019, the Company had 86 borrower-facing interest rate derivatives with an aggregate notional amount of $633.7 million and 86 broker derivatives with an aggregate notional value amount of $633.7 million related to this program.
As of March 31, 2019, the Company had nine risk participation agreements with four counterparties related to a loan level interest rate swap with eight of its commercial banking customers. Of these agreements, three were entered into in conjunction with credit enhancements provided to the borrowers by the counterparties; therefore, if the borrowers default, the counterparties are responsible for a percentage of the exposure. Six agreements were entered into in conjunction with credit enhancements provided to the borrower by the Company, whereby the Company is responsible for a percentage of the exposure to the counterparty. At March 31, 2019, the notional amount of these risk participation agreements was $41.1 million, reflecting the counterparty participation of 31.9%. At March 31, 2019, the notional amount of the remaining three risk participation agreements was $24.1 million, reflecting the counterparty participation level of 36.7%. The risk participation agreements are a guarantee of performance on a derivative and accordingly, are recorded at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Condition. The fair value of the risk participation agreements in an asset and liability position was negligible at March 31, 2019, and is recorded in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Condition.


29
 



Forward Starting Loan Level Swaps
As of March 31, 2019, the Company had one borrower-facing forward starting loan level swap with a notional amount of $8.0 million, and one broker derivative with a notional amount of $8.0 million related to this program. These swaps are related to the permanent financing of projects that are currently in the construction phase.

Mortgage Servicing Rights Interest Rate Swap
As of March 31, 2019, the Company had one receive-fixed interest rate derivative with a notional amount of $7.5 million and a maturity date in July 2026. The derivative was executed to protect against a portion of the devaluation of the Company’s mortgage servicing right asset that occurs in a falling rate environment. The instrument is marked to market through the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Net Income.
Derivative Loan Commitments
Additionally, the Company enters into mortgage loan commitments that are also referred to as derivative loan commitments if the loan that will result from exercise of the commitment will be held for sale upon funding. The Company enters into commitments to fund residential mortgage loans at specified rates and times in the future, with the intention that these loans will subsequently be sold in the secondary market.
Outstanding derivative loan commitments expose the Company to the risk that the price of the loans arising from exercise of the loan commitment might decline from inception of the rate lock to funding of the loan due to increases in mortgage interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these loan commitments decreases. Conversely, if interest rates decrease, the value of these loan commitments increases.
Forward Loan Sale Commitments
To protect against the price risk inherent in derivative loan commitments, the Company utilizes To Be Announced (“TBA”) as well as cash (“mandatory delivery” and “best efforts”) forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loans that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments.
With TBA and mandatory cash contracts, the Company commits to deliver a certain principal amount of mortgage loans to an investor/counterparty at a specified price on or before a specified date. If the market improves (rate decline) and the Company fails to deliver the amount of mortgages necessary to fulfill the commitment by the specified date, it is obligated to pay a “pair-off” fee, based on then-current market prices, to the investor/counterparty to compensate the investor for the shortfall. Conversely, if the market declines (rates worsen) the investor/counterparty is obligated to pay a “pair-off” fee to the Company based on then-current market prices. The Company expects that these forward loan sale commitments, TBA and mandatory, will experience changes in fair value opposite to the change in fair value of derivative loan commitments.
With best effort cash contracts, the Company commits to deliver an individual mortgage loan of a specified principal amount and quality to an investor if the loan to the underlying borrower closes. Generally best efforts cash contracts have no pair-off risk regardless of market movement. The price the investor will pay the seller for an individual loan is specified prior to the loan being funded (e.g., on the same day the lender commits to lend funds to a potential borrower). The Company expects that these forward loan sale commitments, best efforts, will experience a net neutral shift in fair value of derivative loan commitments.
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Condition
The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Statements of Condition as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:


30
 


 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Mar 31, 2019
 
Dec 31, 2018
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Mar 31, 2019
 
Dec 31, 2018
 
(In thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap - cash flow hedge
Other Assets
 
$
145

 
$
1,610

 
Other Liabilities
 
$
4,840

 
$
1,509

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
$
145

 
$
1,610

 
 
 
$
4,840

 
$
1,509

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward loan sale commitments
Other Assets
 
$
1

 
$

 
Other Liabilities
 
$

 
$
681

Derivative loan commitments
Other Assets
 
209

 
194

 
Other Liabilities
 

 

Interest rate swap
Other Assets
 

 

 
Other Liabilities
 
517

 
686

Interest rate swap - with customers
Other Assets
 
10,880

 
4,805

 
Other Liabilities
 
3,080

 
6,879

Interest rate swap - with counterparties
Other Assets
 
3,080

 
6,877

 
Other Liabilities
 
10,887

 
4,809

Forward starting loan level swap
Other Assets
 
197

 
37

 
Other Liabilities
 
198

 
37

Total derivatives not designated as hedging
 
 
$
14,367

 
$
11,913

 
 
 
$
14,682

 
$
13,092

Effect of Derivative Instruments in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Net Income and Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
The tables below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Company’s Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity designated as hedging instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI  (Effective Portion)
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Interest rate swaps
$
(4,573
)
 
$
4,432


 
Amount of (Gains) Losses Reclassified from AOCI into Expense (Effective Portion)
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Interest rate swaps
$
(223
)
 
$
345


The tables below present information pertaining to the Company’s derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income designated as hedging instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
Fair Value Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain Recognized in Income from Derivatives
Derivatives Designated as Fair Value
Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Interest rate swaps
Interest income
 
$

 
$
8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain Recognized in Income from Hedged Items
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Interest rate swaps
Interest income
 
$

 
$
9



31
 



The table below presents information pertaining to the Company’s derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income as of March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
Derivative loan commitments
$
15

 
$
(26
)
Interest rate swap
169

 
(194
)
Forward loan sale commitments
682

 
(5
)
Loan level swaps
(1
)
 
5

Forward starting loan level swaps
(1
)
 

 
$
864

 
$
(220
)
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features
The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the counterparty defaults on any of its indebtedness or fails to maintain a well-capitalized rating, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations and could be required to terminate its derivative positions with the counterparty.
As of March 31, 2019, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $13.0 million. As of March 31, 2019, the Company has minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties and had $16.4 million of securities pledged as collateral under these agreements. A degree of netting occurs on occasions where the Company has exposure to a counterparty and the counterparty has exposure to the Company. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at March 31, 2019, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value and would have been required to pay any additional amounts due in excess of amounts previously posted as collateral with the respective counterparty.
Note 9.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The Company maintains and operates several stock incentive award plans to attract, retain and reward performance of qualified employees and directors who contribute to the success of the Company. These plans include those assumed by the Company in 2014 as a result of merger activity. Current active plans are:
Rockville Financial, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Award Plan (the “2006 Plan”);
Rockville Financial, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”);
United Financial Bancorp, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan; and
2015 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”).
The 2015 Plan became effective on October 29, 2015 upon approval by the Company’s shareholders. As of the effective date of the 2015 Plan, no other awards may be granted from the previously approved or assumed plans. The 2015 Plan allows the Company to use stock options, stock awards, and performance awards to attract, retain and reward performance of qualified employees and directors who contribute to the success of the Company. The 2015 Plan reserves a total of up to 4,050,000 shares (the “Cap”) of Company common stock for issuance upon the grant or exercise of awards made pursuant to the 2015 Plan. Of these shares, the Company may grant shares in the form of restricted stock, performance shares and other share-based awards and may grant stock options. However, the number of shares issuable will be adjusted by a “fungible ratio” of 2.35. This means that for each share award other than a stock option share or a stock appreciation right share, each 1 share awarded shall be deemed to be 2.35 shares awarded. As of March 31, 2019, there were 2,124,251 shares available for future grants under the 2015 Plan.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, total employee and director stock-based compensation expense recognized for stock options and restricted stock was $4,000 with a related tax benefit of $1,000 and $576,000 with a related tax benefit of $127,000, respectively. Of the total expense amount for the three-month period, the amount for director stock-based compensation expense recognized (in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income as other non-interest expense) was $59,000, and the amount for officer stock-based compensation expense recognized (in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income as salaries and employee benefit expense) was $521,000. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, total employee and director stock-based compensation expense recognized for stock options and restricted stock was $5,000 with a related tax benefit of $1,000 and $713,000 with a related tax benefit of $157,000, respectively.


32
 


The fair values of stock option and restricted stock awards, measured at grant date, are amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
Stock Options
The following table presents the activity related to stock options outstanding, including options that have stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), under the Plans for the three months ended March 31, 2019:
 
Number of
Stock
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
1,386,712

 
$
11.70

 

 

Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(51,513
)
 
9.09

 
 
 

Forfeited or expired

 

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2019
1,335,199

 
$
11.80

 
3.7
 
$
3.4

Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2019
1,326,475

 
$
11.79

 
3.7
 
$
3.4

As of March 31, 2019, the unrecognized cost related to outstanding stock options was $4,000 and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.2 years.
There were no stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
Options exercised may include awards that were originally granted as tandem SARs. Therefore, if the SAR component is exercised, it will not equate to the number of shares issued due to the conversion of the SAR option value to the actual share value at exercise date. There were no options with a SAR component included in total options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock provides grantees with rights to shares of common stock upon completion of a service period and in certain cases obtaining a performance metric. During the restriction period, all shares are considered outstanding and dividends are paid on the restricted stock. The Company did not issue any shares of restricted stock from shares available under the Company’s 2015 Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The following table presents the activity for restricted stock for the three months ended March 31, 2019:
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Unvested as of December 31, 2018
474,508

 
$
15.44

Granted

 

Vested
(55,485
)
 
11.34

Forfeited
(37,292
)
 
13.19

Unvested as of March 31, 2019
381,731

 
$
16.26

As of March 31, 2019, there was $4.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
As part of the second-step conversion and stock offering completed in 2011, the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) borrowed an additional $7.1 million from the Company to purchase 684,395 shares of common stock during the initial public offering and in the open market. The outstanding loan balance of $5.9 million at March 31, 2019 will be repaid principally from the Bank’s discretionary contributions to the ESOP over a remaining period of 22 years. The loan bears an interest rate of prime plus one percent. The unallocated ESOP shares are pledged as collateral on the loans. As the loans are repaid to the Company, shares will be released from collateral and will be allocated to the accounts of the participants. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, ESOP compensation expense was $86,000 and $95,000, respectively.
The Company accounts for its ESOP in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40, Compensation – Stock Compensation. Under this guidance, unearned ESOP shares are not considered outstanding and are shown as a reduction of stockholders’ equity as unearned compensation. The Company will recognize compensation cost equal to the fair value of the ESOP shares during the periods in which they are committed to be allocated. To the extent that the fair value of the Company’s ESOP shares differs from


33
 


the cost of such shares, this difference will be credited or debited to equity. As the loan is internally leveraged, the loan receivable from the ESOP to the Company is not reported as an asset nor is the debt of the ESOP shown as a liability in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Dividends on unallocated shares are used to pay the ESOP debt.
The ESOP shares as of the period indicated below were as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
Allocated shares
1,243,678

Shares allocated for release
5,703

Unreleased shares
496,187

Total ESOP shares
1,745,568

Market value of unreleased shares (in thousands)
$
7,120

Note 10.
Regulatory Matters

Minimum regulatory capital requirements
The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and the Bank’s consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve qualitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.
Federal banking regulations require a minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0% and a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0% for all banking organizations. Additionally, community banking institutions must maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in an amount greater than 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets to avoid being subject to limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses. The capital conservation buffer and certain deductions from and adjustments to regulatory capital and risk-weighted assets were phased in over several years. The required minimum conservation buffer was 1.875% as of December 31, 2018 and increased to 2.5% on January 1, 2019, which was the date marking the end of the phase in period.
As of March 31, 2019, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework from prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum ratios as set forth in the following tables. There are no conditions or events since the notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category. Management believes, as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are also presented in the following table:


34
 


 
Actual
 
Minimum For
Capital
Adequacy
Purposes
 
Minimum To Be
Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
(Dollars in thousands)
United Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital to risk weighted assets
$
689,517

 
11.70
%
 
$
471,465

 
8.00
%
 
$
589,331

 
10.00
%
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
635,148

 
10.78

 
265,136

 
4.50

 
382,974

 
6.50

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
635,148

 
10.78

 
353,515

 
6.00

 
471,353

 
8.00

Tier 1 capital to total average assets
635,148

 
8.77

 
289,691

 
4.00

 
362,114

 
5.00

December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital to risk weighted assets
$
694,633

 
11.87
%
 
$
466,980

 
8.00
%
 
$
583,725

 
10.00
%
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
640,773

 
10.95

 
264,539

 
4.50

 
382,112

 
6.50

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
640,773

 
10.95

 
352,719

 
6.00

 
470,292

 
8.00

Tier 1 capital to total average assets
640,773

 
8.99

 
284,788

 
4.00

 
355,985

 
5.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital to risk weighted assets
$
739,571

 
12.52
%
 
$
472,569

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
610,202

 
10.33

 
265,819

 
4.50

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
610,202

 
10.33

 
354,425

 
6.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to total average assets
610,202

 
8.43

 
289,538

 
4.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital to risk weighted assets
$
739,322

 
12.60
%
 
$
469,411

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
610,462

 
10.40

 
264,142

 
4.50

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
610,462

 
10.40

 
352,190

 
6.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to total average assets
610,462

 
8.43

 
290,696

 
4.00

 
N/A

 
N/A


Our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders is substantially dependent upon the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company. The Federal Reserve guidance sets forth the supervisory expectation that bank holding companies will inform and consult with Federal Reserve staff in advance of issuing a dividend that exceeds earnings for the quarter and should not pay dividends in a rolling four quarter period in an amount that exceeds net income for that period. Federal law also prohibits the Bank from paying dividends that would be greater than its undivided profits after deducting statutory bad debt in excess of its allowance for loan losses. The FDIC may limit a savings bank’s ability to pay dividends. No dividends may be paid to the Company’s shareholders if such dividends would reduce stockholders’ equity below the amount of the liquidation account required by the Connecticut conversion regulations. Connecticut law restricts the amount of dividends that the Bank can pay based on net income included in retained earnings for the current year and the preceding two years. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $79.9 million and $135.0 million, respectively, was available for the payment of dividends. Connecticut banking laws grant banks broad lending authority. With certain limited exceptions, any one obligor under this statutory authority may not exceed 10% and 15%, respectively, of a bank’s capital and allowance for loan losses.


35
 


Note 11.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, included in stockholders’ equity, are as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
(In thousands)
Benefit plans:
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
 
$
(7,720
)
 
$
(7,861
)
Tax effect
 
1,701

 
1,731

Benefit plans, net
 
(6,019
)
 
(6,130
)
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized loss
 
(8,215
)
 
(31,248
)
Tax effect
 
1,810

 
6,885

Securities available-for-sale, net
 
(6,405
)
 
(24,363
)
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps:
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized (loss) gain
 
(4,695
)
 
101

Tax effect
 
1,034

 
(22
)
Interest rate swaps, net
 
(3,661
)
 
79

 
 
$
(16,085
)
 
$
(30,414
)
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2018-02, Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which addressed the impact of the federal tax rate reduction on deferred taxes that were originally recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income. Through the adoption of this ASU, the Company reclassed the “dangling” difference due to the tax rate differential caused by the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017. As a result, a one-time reclassification of $2.6 million was made from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings.
Note 12.
Net Income Per Share
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands, except share data)
Net income available to common stockholders
$
12,657

 
$
15,787

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
51,114,984

 
50,997,681

Less: average number of unallocated ESOP award shares
(499,925
)
 
(522,739
)
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding
50,615,059

 
50,474,942

Dilutive effect of stock options
292,033

 
521,654

Weighted-average diluted shares
50,907,092

 
50,996,596

Net income per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.25

 
$
0.31

Diluted
$
0.25

 
$
0.31

There were no anti-dilutive stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Note 13.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time based on the characteristics of the assets and liabilities and relevant market information. In accordance with FASB ASC 820, the fair value estimates are measured within the fair value hierarchy. The


36
 


hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1:
Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets and liabilities as of the reporting date. The quoted price is not adjusted because of the size of the position relative to trading volume.
Level 2:
Pricing inputs are observable for assets and liabilities, either directly or indirectly, but are not the same as those used in Level 1. Fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies.
Level 3:
Pricing inputs are unobservable for assets and liabilities and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity and the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation.
The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such instances, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given asset and liability is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value of the asset and liability.
When available, quoted market prices are used. In other cases, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques involve uncertainties and are significantly affected by the assumptions used and judgments made regarding risk characteristics of various financial instruments, discount rates, estimates of future cash flows, future expected loss experience and other factors. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates and could be material. Derived fair value estimates may not be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in certain cases, could not be realized in an immediate sale of the instrument.
Fair value estimates for financial instrument fair value disclosures are based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not purport to represent the underlying market value of the Company.
Loans Held for Sale
The Company has elected the fair value option for its portfolio of residential real estate and government mortgage loans held for sale to reduce certain timing differences and better match changes in fair value of the loans with changes in the fair value of the derivative loan sale contracts used to economically hedge them.
The aggregate principal amount of the residential real estate and government mortgage loans held for sale was $16.4 million and $76.6 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The aggregate fair value of these loans as of the same dates was $16.2 million and $78.8 million, respectively.
There were no residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale 90 days or more past due at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Changes in the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale are reported as a component of income from mortgage banking activities in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income. The following table presents the losses in fair value related to mortgage loans held for sale for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage loans held for sale
$
(871
)
 
$
(1,257
)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following tables detail the assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine the fair value. There were no transfers in and out of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 measurements during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.


37
 


 
Total
Fair
Value
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
$
201,930

 
$

 
$
201,930

 
$

Government-sponsored residential collateralized debt obligations
131,527

 

 
131,527

 

Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities
28,404

 

 
28,404

 

Government-sponsored commercial collateralized debt obligations
145,951

 

 
145,951

 

Asset-backed securities
158,171

 

 

 
158,171

Corporate debt securities
94,466

 

 
94,466

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
88,092

 

 
88,092

 

Total available-for-sale debt securities
$
848,541

 
$

 
$
690,370

 
$
158,171

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan derivative assets
$
210

 
$

 
$
210

 
$

Loans held for sale
16,172

 

 
16,172

 

Marketable equity securities
409

 
409

 

 

Mortgage servicing rights
14,691

 

 

 
14,691

Interest rate swap assets
14,302

 

 
14,302

 

Interest rate swap liabilities
19,522

 

 
19,522

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
$
204,098

 
$

 
$
204,098

 
$

Government-sponsored residential collateralized-debt obligations
170,719

 

 
170,719

 

Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities
27,678

 

 
27,678

 

Government-sponsored commercial collateralized-debt obligations
148,226

 

 
148,226

 

Asset-backed securities
100,495

 

 

 
100,495

Corporate debt securities
83,230

 

 
83,230

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
238,901

 

 
238,901

 

Total available-for-sale securities
$
973,347

 
$

 
$
872,852

 
$
100,495

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan derivative assets
$
194

 
$

 
$
194

 
$

Mortgage loan derivative liabilities
681

 

 
681

 

Loans held for sale
78,788

 

 
78,788

 

Marketable equity securities
356

 
356

 

 

Mortgage servicing rights
14,739

 

 

 
14,739

Interest rate swap assets
13,329

 

 
13,329

 

Interest rate swap liabilities
13,920

 

 
13,920

 



38
 


The following table presents additional information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Company utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Balance of available-for-sale securities, at beginning of period
$
100,495

 
$
167,139

Purchases (sales)
57,021

 
(55,706
)
Principal payments and net accretion
(11
)
 
(77
)
Total realized gains (losses) included in earnings

 
(149
)
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income/loss
666

 
(18
)
Balance at end of period
$
158,171

 
$
111,189


 
 
 
Balance of mortgage servicing rights, at beginning of period
$
14,739

 
$
11,733

Issuances
899

 
781

Change in fair value recognized in net income
(947
)
 
819

Balance at end of period
$
14,691

 
$
13,333

The following valuation methodologies are used for certain assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Available-for-Sale and Marketable Equity Securities: Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using an independent pricing service. Level 1 securities are those traded on active markets for identical securities including U.S. treasury securities, equity securities and mutual funds. Level 2 securities include U.S. Government agency obligations, U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, corporate and other debt securities. Level 3 securities include private placement securities and thinly traded equity securities. All fair value measurements are obtained from a third party pricing service and are not adjusted by management.
Matrix pricing is used for pricing most obligations of states and political subdivisions, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities but rather by relying on securities relationships to other benchmark quoted securities. The grouping of securities is completed according to insurer, credit support, state of issuance and rating to incorporate additional spreads and municipal bond yield curves.
The valuation of the Company’s asset-backed securities is determined utilizing an approach that combines advanced analytics with structural and fundamental cash flow analysis based upon observed market based yields. The third party provider’s model analyzes each instrument’s underlying collateral given observable collateral characteristics and credit statistics to extrapolate future performance and project cash flows, by incorporating expectations of default probabilities, recovery rates, prepayment speeds, loss severities and a derived discount rate. The Company has determined that due to the liquidity and significance of unobservable inputs, asset-backed securities are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
Loans Held for Sale: The fair value of residential and government mortgage loans held for sale is estimated using quoted market prices for loans with similar characteristics provided by government-sponsored entities. Any changes in the valuation of mortgage loans held for sale is based upon the change in market interest rates between closing the loan and the measurement date and an immaterial portion attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk. The Company has determined that loans held for sale are classified in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Mortgage Servicing Rights: A mortgage servicing right (“MSR”) asset represents the amount by which the present value of the estimated future net cash flows to be received from servicing loans are expected to more than adequately compensate the Company for performing the servicing. The fair value of servicing rights is provided by a third party and is estimated using a present value cash flow model. The most important assumptions used in the valuation model are the anticipated rate of the loan prepayments and discount rates. Adjustments are recorded monthly as the cash flows derived from the valuation model change the fair value of the asset. Although some assumptions in determining fair value are based on standards used by market participants, some are based on unobservable inputs and therefore are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. See Note 4, “Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this report.
Derivatives: Derivative instruments related to commitments for loans to be sold are carried at fair value. Fair value is determined through quotes obtained from actively traded mortgage markets. Any change in fair value for rate lock commitments to the borrower is based upon the change in market interest rates between making the rate lock commitment and the measurement date and, for


39
 


forward loan sale commitments to the investor, is based upon the change in market interest rates from entering into the forward loan sales contract and the measurement date. Both the rate lock commitments to the borrowers and the forward loan sale commitments to investors are derivatives pursuant to the requirements of FASB ASC 815-10; however, the Company has not designated them as hedging instruments. Accordingly, they are marked to fair value through earnings.
The Company’s intention is to sell the majority of its fixed rate mortgage loans with original terms of 30 years on a servicing retained basis as well as certain 10, 15 and 20 year loans. The servicing value has been included in the pricing of the rate lock commitments. The Company estimates a fallout rate of approximately 18.4% based upon historical averages in determining the fair value of rate lock commitments. Although the use of historical averages is based upon unobservable data, the Company believes that this input is insignificant to the valuation and, therefore, has concluded that the fair value measurements meet the Level 2 criteria. The Company continually reassesses the significance of the fallout rate on the fair value measurement and updates the fallout rate accordingly.
Hedging derivatives include interest rate swaps as part of management’s strategy to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of the Company’s interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves. The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Company utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value at March 31, 2019:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
Asset-backed securities
 
$
158,171

 
Discounted Cash Flow
 
Discount Rates
 
3.5% - 6.5% (4.43%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Default %
 
0.2% - 14.1% (9.08%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss Given Default
 
0.1% - 4.6% (2.79%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage servicing rights
 
$
14,691

 
Discounted Cash Flow
 
Discount Rate
 
11.0% - 15.5% (12.83%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost to Service
 
$75 - $135 ($88.08)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Float Earnings Rate
 
1.50% (1.50%)
Asset-backed securities: Given the level of market activity for the asset-backed securities in the portfolio, the discount rates utilized in the fair value measurement were derived by analyzing current market yields for comparable securities and research reports issued by brokers and dealers in the financial services industry. Adjustments were then made for credit and structural differences between these types of securities. There is an inverse correlation between the discount rate and the fair value measurement. When the discount rate increases, the fair value decreases.
Other significant unobservable inputs to the fair value measurement of the asset backed securities in the portfolio included prospective defaults and recoveries.  The cumulative default percentage represents the lifetime defaults assumed. The loss given default percentage represents the percentage of current and projected defaults assumed to be lost. There is an inverse correlation between the default percentages and the fair value measurement. When default percentages increase, the fair value decreases. 
Other significant unobservable inputs to the fair value measurement of the collateralized debt obligations included prospective defaults and recoveries. The cumulative default percentage represents the lifetime defaults assumed, excluding currently defaulted collateral and including all performing and currently deferring collateral.  As a result, the cumulative default percentage also reflects assumptions of the possibility of currently deferring collateral curing and becoming current.  The loss given default percentage represents the percentage of current and projected defaults assumed to be lost. There is an inverse correlation between the cumulative default and loss given default percentages and the fair value measurement. When default percentages increase, the fair value decreases. 
Mortgage servicing rights: Given the low level of market activity in the MSR market and the general difficulty in price discovery, even when activity is at historic norms, the discount rate utilized in the fair value measurement was derived by analyzing recent and historical pricing for MSRs. Adjustments were then made for various loan and investor types underlying these MSRs. There is an inverse correlation between the discount rate and the fair value measurement. When the discount rate increases, the fair value decreases.
Other significant unobservable inputs to the fair value measurement of MSRs include cost to service, an input that is not as simple as taking total costs and dividing by a number of loans. It is a figure informed by marginal cost and pricing for MSRs by


40
 


competing firms, taking other assumptions into consideration. It is different for different loan types. There is an inverse correlation between the cost to service and the fair value measurement. When the cost assumption increase, the fair value decreases.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The Company may also be required, from time to time, to measure certain other assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances. These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. The following tables detail the assets carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation technique utilized by the Company to determine fair value. There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
 
Total
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
 
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
 
$
494

 
$

 
$

 
$
494

Other real estate owned
 
1,429

 

 

 
1,429

Total
 
$
1,923

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,923

December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
 
$
2,847

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,847

Other real estate owned
 
1,389

 

 

 
1,389

Total
 
$
4,236

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,236

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for certain assets that are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
Impaired Loans: Accounting standards require that a creditor recognize the impairment of a loan if the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate (or, alternatively, the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral) is less than the recorded investment in the impaired loan. Non-recurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent loans are recorded, when necessary, to reflect partial write-downs and the specific reserve allocations based upon observable market price or current appraised value of the collateral less selling costs and discounts based on management’s judgment of current conditions. Based on the significance of management’s judgment, the Company records collateral dependent impaired loans as non-recurring Level 3 fair value measurements.
Other Real Estate Owned: The Company classifies property acquired through foreclosure or acceptance of deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, as other real estate owned (“OREO”) in its financial statements. Upon foreclosure, the property securing the loan is recorded at fair value as determined by real estate appraisals less the estimated selling expense. Appraisals are based upon observable market data such as comparable sales within the real estate market. Assumptions are also made based on management’s judgment of the appraisals and current real estate market conditions and therefore these assets are classified as non-recurring Level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy.
Losses on assets recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
Impaired loans
$
(27
)
 
$
(100
)
Other real estate owned
(22
)
 
(50
)
Total
$
(49
)
 
$
(150
)



41
 


Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as described below:
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
155,173

 
$
155,173

 
$

 
$

 
$
155,173

Available-for-sale securities
848,541

 

 
690,370

 
158,171

 
848,541

Loans held for sale
16,172

 

 
16,172

 

 
16,172

Loans receivable-net
5,697,442

 

 

 
5,611,760

 
5,611,760

FHLBB stock
37,702

 

 

 
37,702

 
37,702

Accrued interest receivable
25,061

 

 

 
25,061

 
25,061

Derivative assets
14,512

 

 
14,512

 

 
14,512

Mortgage servicing rights
14,691

 

 

 
14,691

 
14,691

Marketable equity securities
409

 
409

 

 

 
409

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
5,664,252

 

 

 
5,660,505

 
5,660,505

Mortgagors’ and investors’ escrow accounts
11,510

 

 

 
11,510

 
11,510

FHLBB advances and other borrowings
826,668

 

 
827,451

 

 
827,451

Derivative liabilities
19,522

 

 
19,522

 

 
19,522

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
97,964

 
$
97,964

 
$

 
$

 
$
97,964

Available-for-sale securities
973,347

 

 
872,852

 
100,495

 
973,347

Loans held for sale
78,788

 

 
78,788

 

 
78,788

Loans receivable-net
5,622,589

 

 

 
5,533,626

 
5,533,626

FHLBB stock
41,407

 

 

 
41,407

 
41,407

Accrued interest receivable
24,823

 

 

 
24,823

 
24,823

Derivative assets
13,523

 

 
13,523

 

 
13,523

Mortgage servicing rights
14,739

 

 

 
14,739

 
14,739

Marketable equity securities
356

 
356

 

 

 
356

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
5,670,599

 

 

 
5,661,129

 
5,661,129

Mortgagors’ and investors’ escrow accounts
4,685

 

 

 
4,685

 
4,685

FHLBB advances and other borrowings
899,626

 

 
900,146

 

 
900,146

Derivative liabilities
14,601

 

 
14,601

 

 
14,601

Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial investments are exempt from disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value of amounts presented above may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.
Note 14.
Commitments and Contingencies
Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk
In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit through issuing standby letters of credit and undisbursed portions of construction loans and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The contractual amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.


42
 


The contractual amounts of commitments to extend credit represent the amounts of potential accounting loss should the contract be fully drawn upon, the customer defaults and the value of any existing collateral obligations is deemed worthless. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Off-balance sheet financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk are as follows at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
(In thousands)
Commitments to extend credit:
 
 
 
Commitment to grant loans
$
146,342

 
$
140,875

Undisbursed construction loans
145,918

 
122,838

Undisbursed home equity lines of credit
461,316

 
453,634

Undisbursed commercial lines of credit
619,575

 
515,193

Standby letters of credit
17,567

 
13,252

Unused credit card lines
21,468

 
21,331

Unused checking overdraft lines of credit
2,431

 
2,322

Total
$
1,414,617

 
$
1,269,445

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Since these commitments could expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include residential and commercial property, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, deposits, and securities.
Other Commitments
The Company invests in partnerships, including low income housing tax credit, new markets housing tax credit, and alternative energy tax credit partnerships. The net carrying balance of these investments totaled $51.8 million at March 31, 2019 and is included in other assets in the Consolidated Statement of Condition. At March 31, 2019, the Company was contractually committed under these limited partnership agreements to make additional capital contributions of $3.5 million, which constitutes our maximum potential obligation to these partnerships.
Legal Matters
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of business. The Company is not involved in any legal proceedings deemed to be material as of March 31, 2019.
Note 15.
Investment in D.C. Solar Tax-Advantaged Funds
The Company invests, as a limited liability member, in Solar Eclipse Investment Fund X, LLC, Solar Eclipse Investment Fund XV, LLC, and Solar Eclipse Investment Fund XXII, LLC (collectively, the “LLCs”), which generate solar investment tax credits for the Company. The managing member for each of the LLCs is Solarmore Management Services, Inc. Solarmore Management Services, Inc. also appears to be the managing member of a number of other solar investment tax credit LLC funds (collectively, the “Funds”). The LLCs were established to participate in a government sponsored program to promote solar technology and obtain financing to acquire approximately 500 mobile solar generators and place those generators in service to qualify for a federal tax credit based upon the fair value of the generator units. Each LLC obtained financing from D.C. Solar Solutions, Inc. (“Solutions”) which is also the manufacturer and seller of the generators; and each LLC entered into a master lease arrangement with D.C. Solar Distribution, Inc. (“Distribution”), the entity that is responsible for the end sub-lease activity supporting the fair value of the master lease agreement. Solutions and Distribution are indirectly related.
In December 2018, Solutions and Distribution (collectively “D.C. Solar”) had certain assets seized by the U.S. Government. In late January and early February, 2019, D.C. Solar filed voluntary petitions for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in an attempt to reorganize. On March 22, 2019, mainly due to the lack of financing to maintain the on-going operations of these companies, ambiguity around actual inventory in existence and the U.S. Government’s seizure of certain assets, the bankruptcy cases were converted to cases under Chapter 7.  While a Federal criminal investigation is ongoing, an FBI affidavit filed in the


43
 


bankruptcy cases contains allegations of a potential fraud perpetrated by the principals of D.C. Solar, including allegations of fictitious or overstated sales of mobile solar generators sold to the Funds (including the LLCs) as well as the fabrication of sublease revenue streams for the generators.
The potential risk of loss to the Company with respect to its investments in the LLCs as of March 31, 2019 is approximately $41.7 million, which is primarily comprised of the potential loss on the investment in the LLCs and the potential tax credit benefit reversal, among other things. This total does not include litigation exposure, potential costs, penalties, interest or recoveries.
As of March 31, 2019, uncertainty remains around the number of generators owned by the LLCs actually placed in service with an appropriate sub-lease supporting the fair value of each generator. The Company, in coordination with other Fund investors and the managing member of the Funds, has engaged a third party unaffiliated inventory firm to report on the actual number of generators in existence. The report has not yet been finalized. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact to the investment in and the tax credits generated from the LLCs as a result of the bankruptcy filings and fraud allegations and is currently monitoring the investments for an estimable and probable loss. As of May 7, 2019, no measurable loss has been identified, but the Company believes a loss is more likely than not.
The following table provides, solely on an illustrative basis, the potential impact on capital if the Company were to recognize a complete loss on the LLC investments including total tax benefit recapture. The Company does not currently believe a complete loss to be likely. The total exposure reflected in the table does not include litigation exposure, potential costs, penalties, interest or recoveries.
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Actual
 
Proforma (1)
 
Actual
United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets
10.33
%
 
7.80
%
 
8.15
%
Tier 1 Capital Ratio
10.33
%
 
9.76
%
 
10.40
%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio
12.52
%
 
11.97
%
 
12.60
%
Tier 1 to Total Average Assets Ratio
8.43
%
 
7.79
%
 
8.43
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
United Bank
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Capital Ratio
10.78
%
 
10.72
%
 
10.95
%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio
11.70
%
 
11.66
%
 
11.87
%
Tier 1 to Total Average Assets Ratio
8.77
%
 
8.68
%
 
8.99
%

(1)
Presented as estimates, within a range of +/- 5 bps.

For additional information on the risk of our investment in tax-advantaged funds, see Part II - Other Information, Item 1A. Risk Factors.


44
 


Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this document that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (referred to as the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (referred to as the Securities Exchange Act), and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements from the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including among other things, changes in general economic and business conditions, increased competitive pressures, changes in the interest rate environment, legislative and regulatory change, changes in the financial markets, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed from time to time in documents that United Financial Bancorp, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and the Risk Factors in Part II, Item 1A of this report. Because of these and other uncertainties, United’s actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, United’s past results of operations do not necessarily indicate United’s combined future results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, management undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which such statements were made.
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the Company’s operations and present business environment. Management believes accuracy, transparency and clarity are the primary goals of successful financial reporting. Management remains committed to transparency in the Company’s financial reporting, providing the Company’s stockholders with informative financial disclosures and presenting an accurate view of the Company’s financial disclosures, financial position and operating results.
The MD&A is provided as a supplement to—and should be read in conjunction with—the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes thereto contained in Part I, Item 1, of this report as well as the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The following sections are included in the MD&A:
Business – a general description of the Company’s business, objectives and regulatory considerations.
Critical Accounting Estimates – a discussion of accounting estimates that require critical judgments and estimates.
Operating Results – an analysis of the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the periods presented in the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
Comparison of Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources – an overview of financial condition and market interest rate risk.
Business
General
United Financial Bancorp, Inc., a publicly-owned registered financial holding company, is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut and is a Connecticut corporation. United Financial Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for United Bank. United’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Stock Market under the symbol “UBNK.” The Company’s principal asset at March 31, 2019 is the outstanding capital stock of United Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
By assets, United Financial Bancorp, Inc. is the third largest publicly traded banking institution headquartered in Connecticut with consolidated assets of $7.34 billion and stockholders’ equity of $724.1 million at March 31, 2019.
The Company is a commercially-focused financial institution delivering financial services primarily to small- to mid-sized businesses and individuals throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts through 59 banking offices, commercial loan production offices, mortgage loan production offices, 72 ATMs, telephone banking, mobile banking, and online banking (www.bankatunited.com). In the second quarter of 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Webster Bank, N.A. to purchase and assume the personal and business banking deposits, including checking, savings, overdraft lines of credit tied to checking accounts, IRAs, and CDs, at six branches located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The deal closed in October 2018, at which time three United Bank branches consolidated into the closest, respective Webster branch.
The Company’s vision is to pursue excellence in all things with respect to its customers, employees, shareholders and communities. This pursuit of excellence has helped the Company fulfill the financial needs of its customers while delivering an


45
 


exceptional banking experience in the market areas that it has served since 1858. The structure of United Bank supports the vision with community banking teams in each market that provide traditional banking products and services to business organizations and individuals, including commercial business loans, commercial and residential real estate loans, consumer loans, financial advisory services and a variety of deposit products.
Our business philosophy is to remain a community-oriented franchise and continue to focus on organic growth supplemented through acquisitions and provide superior customer service to meet the financial needs of the communities in which we operate.
The Company’s results of operations depend primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on its loan and securities portfolios and its cost of funds, consisting of the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Results of operations are also affected by the Company’s provision for loan losses, gains and losses from sales of loans and securities, and non-interest income and expenses. Non-interest income primarily consists of fee income from depositors, mortgage banking activities, loan swap fees and increases in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”). Non-interest expenses consist principally of salaries and employee benefits, occupancy, service bureau fees, core deposit intangible amortization, marketing, professional fees, FDIC insurance assessments, and other operating expenses.
Results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions and changes in interest rates as well as government policies and actions of regulatory authorities. Future changes in applicable laws, regulations or government policies may materially affect the Company.
Our Objectives
The Company seeks to grow organically and through strategic mergers/acquisitions as well as to continually deliver superior value to its customers, stockholders, employees and communities through achievement of its core operating objectives which are to:
Align earning asset growth with organic capital and low cost core deposit generation to maintain strong capital and liquidity;
Re-mix cash flows into better yielding risk adjusted return on assets with lower funding costs relative to peers;
Invest in people, systems, and technology to grow revenue and improve customer experience while maintaining an attractive cost structure;
Grow operating revenue, maximize operating earnings, grow tangible book value, and pay dividends. Achieve more revenue into non-interest income and core fee income.
Significant factors management reviews to evaluate achievement of the Company’s operating objectives and its operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to: net income and earnings per share, return on tangible common equity and assets, net interest margin, non-interest income, operating expenses related to total average assets and efficiency ratio, pre-tax pre-provision (“PTPP”) profitability, asset quality, loan and deposit growth, capital management, liquidity and interest rate sensitivity levels, customer service standards, market share and peer comparisons.
Regulatory Considerations
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous examinations by federal and state banking regulators, as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission. Please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for additional disclosures with respect to laws and regulations affecting the Company’s businesses.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The accounting policies followed by the Company and its subsidiaries conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices within the banking industry. Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company bases its assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that the Consolidated Financial Statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP.
Management believes that the most critical accounting policies, which involve the most complex subjective decisions or assessments, relate to the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, derivative instruments and hedging activities, goodwill, and income taxes. Management has reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Additional accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” presented in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. A brief description of the Company’s current policies involving significant judgment follows:


46
 


Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that management considers adequate to absorb losses in the loan portfolio. Management’s judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is inherently subjective and is based on past loan loss experience, known and inherent losses and size of the loan portfolios, an assessment of current economic and real estate market conditions, estimates of the current value of underlying collateral, review of regulatory authority examination reports and other relevant factors.
The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: owner-occupied and investor non-owner occupied commercial real estate, commercial and residential construction, commercial business, residential real estate, home equity, and other consumer. The general component of the allowance for loan losses also includes a reserve based upon historical loss experience for loans which were acquired and have subsequently evidenced measured credit deterioration following initial acquisition. Our acquired loan portfolio is comprised of purchased loans that show no evidence of deterioration subsequent to acquisition and are therefore not part of the covered portfolio. Acquired impaired loans are loans with evidence of deterioration subsequent to acquisition and are considered in the covered portfolio in establishing the allowance for loan losses.
Although management believes it uses appropriate available information to establish the allowance for loan losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary if certain future events occur that cause actual results to differ from the assumptions used in making the evaluation.
Other-than-Temporary Impairment of Securities
The Company maintains a securities portfolio that is classified as available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are recorded at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Management determines the classifications of a security at the time of purchase.
Quarterly, securities with unrealized losses are reviewed as deemed appropriate to assess whether the decline in fair value is temporary or other-than-temporary. The assessment is to determine whether the decline in value is from company-specific events, industry developments, general economic conditions, credit losses on debt or other reasons. Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities below their cost or amortized cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings upon the identification of credit loss. Unrealized losses on debt securities with no identified credit loss component are reflected in other comprehensive income.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company uses derivatives to manage a variety of risks, including risks related to interest rates. Accounting for derivatives as hedges requires that, at inception and over the term of the arrangement, the hedged item and related derivative meet the requirements for hedge accounting. The rules and interpretations related to derivatives accounting are complex. Failure to apply this complex guidance correctly will result in the changes in the fair value of the derivative being reported in earnings.
The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payment) and the expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payment (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rates curves.
At March 31, 2019, derivative assets and liabilities were $14.5 million and $19.5 million, respectively. Further information about our use of derivatives is provided in Note 8, “Derivatives and Hedging Activities” in Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
Goodwill
The Company is required to record assets and liabilities it has acquired in a business combination, including identifiable intangible assets such as core deposit intangibles, at fair value, which may involve making estimates based on third-party valuations, such as appraisals or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques. The resulting goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill may be impaired.
When goodwill is evaluated for impairment, qualitative factors considered include, but are not limited to, industry and market conditions, overall financial performance, and events affecting the reporting unit. If there are no qualitative factors that indicate goodwill may be impaired, the quantitative analysis is not required. For a quantitative analysis, if the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to income. The fair value is based on observable market prices, when practicable. Other valuation techniques may be used when market prices are unavailable, including estimated discounted cash flows and market multiples analyses. These types of analyses contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to


47
 


apply judgment to estimate industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. In the event of future changes in fair value, the Company may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material.
The carrying value of goodwill at March 31, 2019 was $116.7 million. For further discussion on goodwill see Note 6, “Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles” in Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities. Some judgments are subjective and involve estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. In determining the valuation allowance, we use forecasted future operating results, based upon approved business plans, including a review of the eligible carry forward periods, tax planning opportunities and other relevant considerations. Management believes that the accounting estimate related to the valuation allowance is a critical accounting estimate because the underlying assumptions can change from period to period. For example, tax law changes or variances in future projected operating performance could result in a change in the valuation allowance.
The reserve for tax contingencies contains uncertainties because management is required to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate the exposures associated with our various tax positions. The effective income tax rate is also affected by changes in tax law, entry into new tax jurisdictions, the level of earnings and the results of tax audits.

Operating Results
Executive Overview
Net income of $12.7 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to net income of $15.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, for the same period in 2018.
Net interest income increased $394,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018 due to balance sheet growth which was mostly comprised of strong loan originations and loan portfolio purchases. Total interest and dividend income increased $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase was offset by an increase in interest expense of $9.3 million compared to the same period in 2018. The Company’s tax-equivalent net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was 2.81%, a decrease of nine basis points compared to the prior period in 2018.
Non-interest income decreased $309,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018. The most significant factors contributing to the decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were a decrease of $1.1 million in income from mortgage banking activities offset by an increase of $621,000 in net gain on sales of securities. The decrease in income from mortgage banking activities was primarily due to a decrease in the valuation of mortgage servicing rights as compared to the same period in 2018. The increase in net gain on sales of securities was primarily due to sales of lower yielding collateralized mortgage obligations and municipal securities at a gain during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The Company used a portion of the proceeds to pay off maturing Federal Home Loan Bank advances during the quarter.
Non-interest expense increased $2.5 million to $39.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018. The largest increases were reflected in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment and other expense, slightly offset by decreases in service bureau fees and FDIC insurance assessments as compared to the same period in 2018. Salaries and employee benefits increased primarily due to an increase in health insurance costs. The increase in occupancy and equipment as compared to the prior year period was mainly driven by (a) the acquisition of six branches the Company made in the fourth quarter of 2018, (b) the opening of two new branches (one in December 2018 and the other in January 2019) and (c) the expansion of the square footage at its new corporate headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut in the second quarter of 2018. The increase in other expenses was primarily due to increased computer software and maintenance expenses related to technology investments attributable to the branch acquisitions and the opening of the two new branches.
The provision for income taxes increased $660,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 from the prior year period primarily due to fewer tax credits from limited partnership investments in the current period.
The asset quality of our loan portfolio has remained strong. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio was 0.91%, and the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans ratio was 178.23% and 168.32%, respectively. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 0.51% and 0.54% at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. A provision for loan losses of $2.0 million and $1.9 million was recorded for the three months ended March


48
 


31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, reflecting the ongoing assessment of asset quality measures including the estimated exposure on impaired loans and organic loan growth.


49
 


The following table presents selected financial data and ratios:
Selected Financial Data
At or For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Share Data:
 
 
 
Basic net income per share
$
0.25

 
$
0.31

Diluted net income per share
0.25

 
0.31

Dividends declared per share
0.12

 
0.12

Key Statistics:
 
 
 
Total revenue
$
55,917

 
$
55,832

Total non-interest expense
39,187

 
36,736

Key Ratios (annualized):
 
 
 
Return on average assets
0.69
%
 
0.89
%
Return on average equity
7.13
%
 
9.15
%
Tax-equivalent net interest margin
2.81
%
 
2.90
%
Non-interest expense to average assets
2.13
%
 
2.08
%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits
1.65
%
 
1.00
%
Non-performing Assets:
 
 
 
Total non-accrual loans, excluding troubled debt restructures
$
23,720

 
$
23,436

Troubled debt restructured - non-accruing
5,479

 
8,308

Total non-performing loans
29,199

 
31,744

Other real estate owned
1,429

 
1,935

Total non-performing assets
$
30,628

 
$
33,679

Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 
 
Non-performing loans to total loans
0.51
%
 
0.59
%
Non-performing assets to total assets
0.42
%
 
0.48
%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
178.23
%
 
150.94
%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
0.91
%
 
0.89
%
Non-GAAP Ratio:
 
 
 
Efficiency ratio (1)
69.67
%
 
63.97
%
(1)
Calculations for this non-GAAP metric are provided in the following Non-GAAP Financial Measures section.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to evaluating the Company’s results of operations in accordance with GAAP, management periodically supplements this evaluation with an analysis of certain non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide the reader with additional perspectives on operating results, financial condition, and performance trends, while facilitating comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for GAAP measures, rather, they should be read and used in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information.
The efficiency ratio is used as a common measure by banks as a comparable metric to understand the Company’s expense structure relative to its total revenue; in other words, for every dollar of total revenue we recognize, how much of that dollar is expended. In order to improve the comparability of the ratio to our peers, we remove non-core items. To improve transparency, and acknowledging that banks are not consistent in their definition of the efficiency ratio, we include our calculation of this non-GAAP measure.


50
 


The following is a calculation of our efficiency ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
For the Three Months 
 Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Efficiency Ratio:
 
 
 
Non-Interest Expense (GAAP)
$
39,187

 
$
36,736

Non-GAAP adjustments:
 
 
 
Other real estate owned expense
(105
)
 
(167
)
Non-Interest Expense for Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)
$
39,082

 
$
36,569

 
 
 
 
Net Interest Income (GAAP)
$
46,937

 
$
46,543

Non-GAAP adjustments:
 
 
 
Tax equivalent adjustment for tax-exempt loans and investment securities
736

 
1,083

 
 
 
 
Non-Interest Income (GAAP)
8,980

 
9,289

Non-GAAP adjustments:
 
 
 
Net gain on sales of securities
(737
)
 
(116
)
Net loss on limited partnership investments
603

 
590

BOLI claim benefit
(421
)
 
(226
)
Total Revenue for Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)
$
56,098

 
$
57,163

 
 
 
 
Efficiency Ratio (Non-Interest Expense for Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)/Total Revenue for Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP))
69.67
%
 
63.97
%
Average Balances, Interest, Average Yields\Cost and Rate\Volume Analysis
The tables below sets forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. A tax-equivalent yield adjustment was made for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. All average balances are daily average balances. Loans held for sale and non-accrual loans are included in the computation of interest-earning average balances, with non-accrual loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred costs, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.




51
 


Average Balance Sheets for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
 Average Balance
 
Interest and Dividends
 
Annualized Yield/Cost
 
 Average Balance
 
Interest and Dividends
 
Annualized Yield/Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential real estate loans
$
1,380,829

 
$
12,886

 
3.73
%
 
$
1,314,219

 
$
11,506

 
3.51
%
Commercial real estate loans
2,358,955

 
27,302

 
4.63

 
2,281,868

 
23,656

 
4.15

Construction loans
111,198

 
1,426

 
5.13

 
119,435

 
1,325

 
4.44

Commercial business loans
888,436

 
10,612

 
4.78

 
842,809

 
8,382

 
3.98

Home equity loans
582,180

 
7,874

 
5.48

 
578,776

 
6,528

 
4.57

Other consumer loans
418,053

 
5,174

 
5.02

 
299,839

 
3,800

 
5.14

       Total loans (1)
5,739,651

 
65,274

 
4.56

 
5,436,946

 
55,197

 
4.07

Investment securities
966,841

 
7,819

 
3.23

 
1,041,849

 
8,624

 
3.31

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
40,475

 
628

 
6.21

 
51,458

 
606

 
4.71

Other earning assets
36,637

 
229

 
2.53

 
37,915

 
150

 
1.61

Total interest-earning assets
6,783,604

 
73,950

 
4.37

 
6,568,168

 
64,577

 
3.94

Allowance for loan losses
(52,089
)
 
 
 
 
 
(47,780
)
 
 
 
 
Non-interest-earning assets
639,923

 
 
 
 
 
554,333

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
7,371,438

 
 
 
 
 
$
7,074,721

 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW and money market accounts
$
2,567,634

 
10,309

 
1.63
%
 
$
2,146,945

 
4,892

 
0.92
%
Saving deposits (2)
500,167

 
75

 
0.06

 
510,904

 
73

 
0.06

Time deposits
1,823,867

 
9,547

 
2.12

 
1,796,675

 
6,062

 
1.37

Total interest-bearing deposits
4,891,668

 
19,931

 
1.65

 
4,454,524

 
11,027

 
1.00

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank
800,862

 
5,045

 
2.52

 
1,033,884

 
4,545

 
1.76

Other borrowings
88,757

 
1,301

 
5.86

 
118,008

 
1,379

 
4.67

Total interest-bearing liabilities
5,781,287

 
26,277

 
1.84

 
5,606,416

 
16,951

 
1.22

Non-interest-bearing deposits
745,259

 
 
 
 
 
713,364

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
134,987

 
 
 
 
 
64,596

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
6,661,533

 
 
 
 
 
6,384,376

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
709,905

 
 
 
 
 
690,345

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
7,371,438

 
 
 
 
 
$
7,074,721

 
 
 
 
Net interest-earning assets (3)
$
1,002,317

 
 
 
 
 
$
961,752

 
 
 
 
Tax-equivalent net interest income
 
 
47,673

 
 
 
 
 
47,626

 
 
Tax-equivalent net interest rate spread (4)
 
 
 
 
2.53
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.72
%
Tax-equivalent net interest margin (5)
 
 
 
 
2.81
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.90
%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
117.34
%
 
 
 
 
 
117.15
%
Less tax-equivalent adjustment
 
 
736

 
 
 
 
 
1,083

 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
46,937

 
 
 
 
 
$
46,543

 
 
(1)
Total loans includes loans held for sale and nonperforming loans.
(2)
Includes mortgagors’ and investors’ escrow accounts.
(3)
Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)
Tax-equivalent net interest rate spread represents the difference between yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(5)
Tax-equivalent net interest margin represents tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.


52
 


Rate\Volume Analysis
The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019 Compared to
March 31, 2018
 
Increase (Decrease)
Due to
 
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
 
(In thousands)
Interest and dividend income:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans receivable
$
3,308

 
$
6,769

 
$
10,077

Securities (1)
(756
)
 
(27
)
 
(783
)
Other earning assets
(5
)
 
84

 
79

Total interest-earning assets
2,547

 
6,826

 
9,373

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
NOW and money market accounts
1,108

 
4,309

 
5,417

Savings accounts
(2
)
 
4

 
2

Time deposits
93

 
3,392

 
3,485

Total interest-bearing deposits
1,199

 
7,705

 
8,904

FHLBB advances
(1,161
)
 
1,661

 
500

Other borrowings
(379
)
 
301

 
(78
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
(341
)
 
9,667

 
9,326

Change in tax-equivalent net interest income
$
2,888

 
$
(2,841
)
 
$
47

(1)
Includes FHLBB stock
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
The following discussion provides a summary and comparison of the Company’s operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.


53
 


Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the amount that interest and fees on earning assets (loans and investments) exceeds the cost of funds, interest paid to the Company’s depositors and interest on external borrowings. Net interest margin is the difference between the income on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing funds as a percentage of average earning assets. Growth in net interest income has resulted from the growth in interest-earning assets outpacing the growth in interest-bearing liabilities, primarily reflecting organic loan growth and portfolio purchases.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, tax-equivalent net interest income increased $47,000 from the comparative 2018 period. This was mainly due to the increase in average interest-earning assets of $215.4 million outpacing the increase of $174.9 million in interest-bearing liabilities, with the remainder funded by an increase in non-interest bearing deposits of $31.9 million. The increase in interest and dividend income of $9.4 million was partially offset by the increase in interest expense of $9.3 million. The net interest margin decreased nine basis points, the yield on average interest-earning assets increased 43 basis points, and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 62 basis points from the same period in 2018.
The increase in the average balances of loans primarily reflects loan growth and portfolio purchases. The average balance of total loans for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $5.74 billion, and the average yield was 4.56% for the period. Increases in average balances for loans were recorded in all categories except construction loans, and in total, average loans increased by $302.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the average balance of other consumer loans, commercial real estate loans, residential real estate loans, commercial business loans and home equity loans increased $118.2 million, $77.1 million, $66.6 million, $45.6 million, and $3.4 million, respectively, from the respective prior period in 2018. The loan portfolio has responded favorably to the increase in the LIBOR and Prime rate indices, as 30% of the portfolio is priced off of the LIBOR index, and 13% of the portfolio is priced off of the Prime rate index.
The average balance of investment securities decreased $75.0 million, and the average yield decreased eight basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The decline in the portfolio balance and yield during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was the result of redirecting portfolio cash flows to more favorable risk adjusted returns on capital achieved in the loan portfolio, as well as sales of lower yielding collateralized mortgage obligations and municipal securities during the quarter.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, the average balance of total interest-bearing deposits increased $437.1 million. This increase was primarily due to the Company’s continued focus to grow deposits and the continued success in new account acquisition strategies. The average cost of total interest-bearing deposits increased 65 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. FHLBB advances decreased $233.0 million, while the average cost increased 76 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, as the Company utilized excess funds to pay down maturing advances. The Company continued to utilize shorter duration advances to align the structure of the advances with the cash flow hedges of interest rate risk to extend the duration of the portfolio. Overnight FHLBB advance and short term rates were elevated due to Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) rate increases during 2018 and a flattening yield curve.
Net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates, loan and deposit pricing strategies, competitive conditions, the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities as well as the level of non-performing assets. The Company manages the risk of changes in interest rates on its net interest income through an Asset/Liability Management Committee and through related interest rate risk monitoring and management policies.
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses is a charge to earnings in an amount sufficient to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level deemed adequate by the Company. The level of the allowance is a critical accounting estimate, which is subject to uncertainty. Acquired loans are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition, with no carryover of the allowance for loan losses, which includes adjustments for market interest rates and expected credit losses. Included within the ALL at March 31, 2019 are reserves for acquired loans in accordance with Bank policies.
Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. The adequacy of the loan loss allowance is based on such interrelated factors as the composition of the loan portfolio and its inherent risk characteristics, the level of non-performing loans and charge-offs, both current and historic, local economic and credit conditions, the direction of real estate values, and regulatory guidelines. The provision is charged against earnings in order to maintain an allowance for loan losses that reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date.
Management recorded a provision for loan losses of $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $1.9 million for the same period of 2018. The primary factors that influenced management’s decision to record the provision were organic growth during the period, the on-going assessment of estimated exposure on impaired loans, level of delinquencies, and


54
 


general economic conditions. Impaired loans totaled $48.5 million at March 31, 2019, compared to $45.9 million at December 31, 2018, an increase of $2.6 million, or 5.6%, primarily reflecting an increase of $3.6 million in commercial business impaired loans, offset by decreases in owner-occupied commercial real estate impaired loans and investor commercial real estate impaired loans of $632,000 and $404,000, respectively. Troubled debt restructured (“TDR”) loans totaled $24.7 million at March 31, 2019, compared to $22.2 million at December 31, 2018, an increase of $2.5 million. At March 31, 2019, the allowance for loan losses totaled $52.0 million, representing 0.91% of total loans and 178.23% of non-performing loans compared to an allowance for loan losses of $51.6 million, which represented 0.91% of total loans and 168.32% of non-performing loans as of December 31, 2018. There is no carryover of the allowance for loan losses on acquired loans. The repayment of impaired loans is largely dependent upon the sale and value of collateral that may be impacted by current real estate conditions.
Non-Interest Income
Total non-interest income was $9.0 million and $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, with non-interest income representing 16.1% and 16.6% of total revenues, respectively. The following is a summary of non-interest income by major category for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service charges and fees
$
6,185

 
$
6,159

 
$
26

 
0.4
 %
Gain on sale of securities, net
737

 
116

 
621

 
535.3

Income from mortgage banking activities
591

 
1,729

 
(1,138
)
 
(65.8
)
Bank-owned life insurance income
1,946

 
1,646

 
300

 
18.2

Net loss on limited partnership investments
(603
)
 
(590
)
 
(13
)
 
2.2

Other income
124

 
229

 
(105
)
 
(45.9
)
Total non-interest income
$
8,980

 
$
9,289

 
$
(309
)
 
(3.3
)%
Service Charges and Fees: Service charges and fees were relatively flat at $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, increasing only $26,000 from the comparable 2018 period. While the increase from the prior period was modest, there were significant fluctuations in several accounts that make up this category.
The most significant increases were recorded in revenue generated by the Company’s investment advisor, United Wealth Management (“UWM”) and non-sufficient funds (“NSF”) fees, partially offset by a decrease in loan swap fee income.
The increase in revenue generated by UWM is due to the Company’s expansion of the financial advisory program that has continued the strategy of acquiring proven talent with deep local relationships, as well as installing Series 6 representatives in select branches to work alongside our retail employees to ensure a coordinated sales approach to meeting the financial needs of our customers. Additionally, although to a lesser extent, assets under management increased which also contributed to higher revenues period over period. The increase in NSF fees is primarily due to higher transactional volume and a modification of the fee structure that took place in the third quarter of 2018. These increases were offset by a decrease in loan swap fee income as a direct result of lower transactional volume. Loan swap fee income is generated as part of the Company’s loan level hedge program that is offered to certain commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies.
Gain on Sales of Securities, Net: For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded a $737,000 net gain on security sales compared to a net gain of $116,000 in the same period in 2018.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company sold lower yielding securities in two repositioning actions, reducing the effect of the lower yielding securities in the portfolio going forward while generating gains in the current quarter. The first action was taken in January in response to adopting ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which had a negative five basis point impact upon adoption to the Company’s net interest margin. Under the new guidance, premiums on bonds purchased will be amortized to the bond’s earliest call date rather than the date of maturity to more closely align interest income recorded on these bonds with the economics of the underlying instrument. The second action provided the Company a de-leveraging opportunity and occurred toward the end of March with the goal of using proceeds from sales of lower yielding securities that will be used to pay off higher costing FHLBB funding upon maturity.
Income From Mortgage Banking Activities: The Company recorded a decrease of $1.1 million in income from mortgage banking activities for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018.



55
 


The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily due to a decline in the fair value recognized in net income for mortgage servicing rights in relation to the prior year due to a decrease in long-term rates, and a decrease in mortgage pair off fees. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in gains on sales of loans due to gains on the fair value of loans held for sale, and increases in gains on forward loan sales contracts and derivative loan commitments due to market interest rate changes.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”) Income: For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded BOLI income of $1.9 million compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2018, an increase of $300,000. The increase was mainly due to the Company recording more death benefit proceeds in the current year period than the prior year period. The Company also purchased additional BOLI policies in late December 2018 for which a full quarter of income was earned.
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense increased $2.5 million to $39.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, annualized non-interest expense represented 2.13% and 2.08% of average assets, respectively. The following table summarizes non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
22,202

 
$
21,198

 
$
1,004

 
4.7
 %
Service bureau fees
2,037

 
2,218

 
(181
)
 
(8.2
)
Occupancy and equipment
5,540

 
4,949

 
591

 
11.9

Professional fees
1,293

 
1,164

 
129

 
11.1

Marketing and promotions
858

 
685

 
173

 
25.3

FDIC insurance assessments
659

 
739

 
(80
)
 
(10.8
)
Core deposit intangible amortization
420

 
337

 
83

 
24.6

Other
6,178

 
5,446

 
732

 
13.4

Total non-interest expense
$
39,187

 
$
36,736

 
$
2,451

 
6.7
 %
Salaries and Employee Benefits: Salaries and employee benefits were $22.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $1.0 million from the comparable 2018 period.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the increase in salaries and benefits of $1.0 million was primarily attributable to an increase in health insurance costs due to a higher level of claims being submitted in the current period. Other drivers include increases in (a) projected bonuses, (b) pension expense due to changes in actuarial assumptions and (c) a decrease in deferred expenses from fewer loan originations. These increases were partially offset by decreases in commissions and incentives on product sales and salaries due to fewer full time equivalent employees and other benefits.
Service Bureau Fees: Service bureau fees decreased $181,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was largely driven by a renegotiation of the core banking system contract, which resulted in lower fees.
Occupancy and Equipment: For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the $591,000 increase in occupancy and equipment expenses was driven by (a) the acquisition of six branches by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2018, (b) the opening of two new branches (one in December 2018 and the other in January 2019) and (c) the expansion of the square footage at the Company’s new corporate headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut in the second quarter of 2018 which resulted in an increase in rent expense, depreciation on leasehold improvements and computer hardware as well as real estate taxes, utilities and building maintenance. These increases were partially offset by an increase in rental income on properties that are subleased. The Company expects personal property taxes to increase in the second half of the year as the personal property declarations from 2018 for our new corporate headquarters become effective in the third quarter.
Professional Fees: Professional fees increased $129,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The increase was largely driven by an increase in consulting and legal fees, partially offset by a decrease in external audit fees.
Marketing and Promotions: Marketing and promotion expenses increased $173,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase was primarily driven by a reimbursement received in the prior year


56
 


period from a third party vendor related to a marketing campaign that achieved certain agreed upon objectives and a direct mail campaign to capture deposits in the current period.
FDIC Insurance Assessments: The expense for FDIC insurance assessments decreased $80,000 to $659,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in the assessment rate, partially offset by an increase in the assessment base.
Core Deposit Intangible Amortization: In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company acquired six branches which were accounted for under FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations. In conjunction with this acquisition, the Company recorded $2.9 million of core deposit intangibles (“CDI”), which had a related $131,000 in amortization for the three months ending March 31, 2019. Together with the amortization of previously recorded CDI, there was a net $83,000 increase in CDI amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2019 due to the amortization method used by the Company. The Company amortizes all core deposit intangibles over a ten year period using the sum-of-the-years-digits method.
Other Expenses: For the three months ended March 31, 2019, other expenses recorded by the Company were $6.2 million, representing an increase of $732,000 from the comparable 2018 period. The increase for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily driven by increased expenses in computer software and maintenance related to technology investments attributable to the branch acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the opening of two new branches in December 2018 and January 2019. Additionally, the increases were due to (a) the off-balance sheet provision for credit losses which had higher provisions for credit cards and commercial lines of credit, (b) mortgage loan servicing expenses and (c) expenses for sales and use taxes associated with a state tax audit. The increases were partially offset by (a) lower expenses related to human resource on-boarding expenses linked to new hires, (b) loan swap fee expenses due to the Company entering into fewer swaps in the current period and (c) lower collection expenses.
Income Tax Provision
The provision for income taxes was $2.0 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was 13.8% and 8.0%, respectively. The annual projected effective tax rate as of March 31, 2019 is expected to be between 14.0% and 16.0%. The effective tax rate is lower than the statutory rate due to favorable permanent differences such as tax exempt income from municipal securities and BOLI, as well as tax credit benefits. The increase in tax expense over the prior year period is primarily due to lower alternative tax credits as compared to the prior year period.
The Company anticipates the potential for increased periodic volatility in future effective tax rates due to the impact of FASB’s ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which applies the tax effect of restricted stock vestings and stock option exercises through the tax rate as discrete items in the period in which the tax event occurs.
The Company continually monitors and evaluates the potential impact of current events and circumstances on the estimates used in the analysis of its income tax positions, and accordingly, the Company’s effective tax rate may fluctuate in the future. The Company evaluates its income tax positions based on tax laws and appropriate regulations and financial reporting considerations, and records adjustments as appropriate. This evaluation takes into consideration the status of current taxing authorities’ examinations of the Company’s tax returns and recent positions taken by the taxing authorities on similar transactions, if any. Accordingly, the results of these examinations may alter the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions taken by the Company.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Summary
The Company had total assets of $7.34 billion at March 31, 2019 and $7.36 billion at December 31, 2018, a decrease of $16.9 million, or 0.2%, primarily due a decrease in the total investment securities portfolio of $124.8 million and a decrease in loans held for sale of $62.6 million. These decreases were partially offset by a $74.9 million increase in net loans, a $57.2 million increase in cash and cash equivalents, and a net $46.5 million dollar increase in right-of-use assets due to the adoption of ASC 842.
Total net loans of $5.70 billion, with an allowance for loan losses of $52.0 million at March 31, 2019, increased $74.9 million, or 1.3%, when compared to total net loans of $5.62 billion, with an allowance for loan losses of $51.6 million at December 31, 2018. The increase in loans was due primarily to organic loan growth, as well as continued loan portfolio purchases. Net loans increased due to growth in all categories except owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, residential construction loans, and home equity loans.
Total deposits of $5.66 billion at March 31, 2019 decreased $6.3 million, or 0.1%, when compared to total deposits of $5.67 billion at December 31, 2018. The decrease in deposits was mainly due to a decrease in money market accounts, offset primarily


57
 


by growth in NOW accounts and certificates of deposits. The Company’s gross loan-to-deposit ratio was 101.2% at March 31, 2019, compared to 99.8% at December 31, 2018.
At March 31, 2019, total equity of $724.1 million increased $11.6 million when compared to total equity of $712.5 million at December 31, 2018. The increase in equity for the period ended March 31, 2019 was primarily due to year-to-date net income, partially offset by dividends paid to common shareholders, as well as decreases in accumulated other comprehensive losses as a result of an increase in the market value of the Company’s investment portfolio as compared to December 31, 2018. At March 31, 2019, the tangible common equity ratio was 8.34%, compared to 8.15% at December 31, 2018.
See Note 10, “Regulatory Matters” in Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report for information on the Bank and the Company’s regulatory capital levels and ratios.
Securities
The Company maintains a securities portfolio that is primarily structured to generate interest income, manage interest-rate sensitivity, and provide a source of liquidity for operating needs. The securities portfolio is managed in accordance with regulatory guidelines and established internal corporate investment policies.
The following table sets forth information regarding the amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio at the dates indicated:
Securities
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
$
202,586

 
$
201,930

 
$
208,916

 
$
204,098

Government-sponsored residential collateralized debt obligations
131,755

 
131,527

 
172,468

 
170,719

Government-sponsored commercial mortgage-backed securities
28,617

 
28,404

 
28,694

 
27,678

Government-sponsored commercial collateralized debt obligations
151,545

 
145,951

 
155,091

 
148,226

Asset-backed securities
159,382

 
158,171

 
102,371

 
100,495

Corporate debt securities
94,959

 
94,466

 
86,462

 
83,230

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
87,912

 
88,092

 
250,593

 
238,901

Total available-for-sale securities
$
856,756

 
$
848,541

 
$
1,004,595

 
$
973,347

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the available-for-sale securities portfolio decreased $124.8 million to $848.5 million, representing 11.6% of total assets at March 31, 2019, from $973.3 million and 13.2% of total assets at December 31, 2018. The decrease is largely due to a coordinated investment strategy in which the Company sold $133.4 million of mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and municipal bonds. These securities carried particularly low yields, and the proceeds generated were used to pay down borrowings. Given market conditions in the first quarter, the Company was able to dispose of these assets without realizing significant losses. The Company continues to maintain its barbell portfolio management strategy, with any purchases made focusing on maintaining the portfolio duration and ensuring credit diversification. Portfolio activity was marked by relatively high transactional volume over the quarter. In addition to the aforementioned strategy to reduce borrowings, the Company was proactive in swapping lower yielding municipal securities and re-allocating into more liquid and higher yielding collateralized loan obligations, collateralized mortgage obligations, and corporate securities. While purchasing these securities, the Company maintains a bias towards higher credit enhancement and quality when possible, while also taking advantage of any relative value opportunities.
Accounting guidance requires the Company to designate its securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading depending on the Company’s intent regarding its investments at the time of purchase. The Company does not currently maintain a portfolio of held-to-maturity or trading securities.
Further accounting guidance became effective in the first quarter. ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which requires the Company to recognize the amortization period for callable debt securities held at a premium as the period from purchase to earliest call date,


58
 


was adopted effective January 1, 2019. This guidance specifically affected the portfolio allocation to municipal bonds and resulted in lower yields being recognized on these securities. The Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment in the amount of $10.2 million upon adoption. This was a one-time adjustment that decreased retained earnings.
The Company held $531.5 million in securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2019; $82.4 million of this total had been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months with the remaining $449.1 million in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer. These securities were evaluated by management and were determined not to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities, and it is more-likely-than-not that it will not have to sell the securities before the recovery of their cost basis. To the extent that changes in interest rates, credit spread movements and other factors that influence the fair value of securities continue, the Company may be required to record impairment charges for other-than-temporary impairment in future periods. For additional information on the securities portfolio, see Note 3, “Securities” in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this report.
The Company monitors investment exposures continually, performs credit assessments based on market data available at the time of purchase, and performs ongoing credit due diligence for all collateralized loan obligations, corporate exposures, and municipal securities. The Company’s investment portfolio is regularly monitored for performance enhancements and interest rate risk profiles, with dynamic strategies implemented accordingly.
The Company has the ability to use the investment portfolio, as well as interest-rate financial instruments within internal policy guidelines, to hedge and manage interest-rate risk as part of its asset/liability strategy. See Note 8, “Derivatives and Hedging Activities,” in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this report for additional information concerning derivative financial instruments.
Lending Activities
The Company’s wholesale lending team includes bankers, cash management specialists and originations, underwriting and servicing staff in each of our disciplines in wholesale lending which includes commercial real estate, commercial business, business banking, cash management, and a shared national credits desk. Our consumer lending team includes the following disciplines which in nearly all channels drive lending activities: retail branches and retail lending, customer contact center which includes outbound calling, direct sales, correspondent lending, LH-Finance, and United Wealth Management (“UWM”).
The Company’s lending activities have historically been conducted principally in Connecticut and Massachusetts; however, as we seek to enhance shareholder value through favorable risk adjusted returns, we often will lend throughout the Northeast and to a lesser extent certain Mid-Atlantic states and other select states. The Company’s experience in our geographic areas we lend in allows us to look at a wide variety of commercial, mortgage and consumer loans. Opportunities are initially reviewed to determine if they meet the Company’s credit underwriting guidelines. After successfully passing an initial credit review, we then utilize the Company’s risk adjusted return on capital model to determine pricing and structure that supports, or is accretive to, the Company’s return goals. Our systematic approach is intended to create better risk adjusted returns on capital. Through the Company’s Loan and Funds Management Policies, both approved by the Board of Directors, we set limits on loan size, relationship size, and product concentration for both loans and deposits. Creating diversified and granular loan and deposit portfolios is how we diversify risk and create improved return on risk adjusted capital.
The Company can originate, purchase, and sell commercial business loans, commercial real estate loans, residential and commercial construction loans, residential real estate loans collateralized by one-to-four family residences, home equity lines of credit and fixed rate loans, marine floor plan loans and other consumer loans.
The Company’s approach to lending is influenced in large part by its risk adjusted return models. With the high level of competition for high quality earning assets, pricing is often at levels that are not accretive to the Company’s aspirational equity return metrics. The Company utilizes a web-based risk adjusted return model that includes inputs such as internal risk ratings, the marginal cost of funding the origination, contractual loan characteristics such as interest rate and term, and origination and servicing costs. This model allows the Company to understand the life-of-loan impact of the origination, leading to proactive and informed decision making that results in the origination of loans that support the Company’s aspirational return metrics. We seek to acquire, develop, and preserve high quality relationships with customers, prospects, and centers of influence that support our return goals and compensate our commercial bankers and branch management for improving returns on equity for their respective areas of responsibility.
The Company purchases loans to enhance geographical diversification, enhance returns, and gain exposure to loan types that we are unwilling to make infrastructure investments in to originate ourselves. Loans purchased by the Company are underwritten by us, are generally serviced by others (“SBO”), and undergo a robust due diligence process. Management performs a vigorous due diligence exercise on the originator, and visits and observes first hand the servicer and its operational process and controls to ensure that the originator and servicer both meet the standards of the Company. Financial modeling includes reviewing prospective yields, costs associated with purchasing loans, including servicing fees and assumed loss rates to ensure that risk adjusted returns


59
 


of the target portfolio are accretive to our return goals. The Company has set portfolio and capital limits on each of its purchased portfolios and has hired staff to oversee ongoing monitoring of the respective servicer and performance to ensure the portfolio performance is meeting our initial and ongoing expectations. In the event that our expectations are not met, the Company has many remedies at its disposal, including replacing the servicer, ending its relationship with the originator, and selling the entire target portfolio. Contractually, the Company has the ability to cross sell dissimilar products to customers in its purchased portfolios allowing us to develop a relationship using our existing online and mobile channels that support servicing and acquisition of our current and prospective clients without the need for a brick and mortar branch.
The table below displays the balances of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
Loan Portfolio Analysis
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner-occupied
$
439,366

 
7.7
%
 
$
443,398

 
7.8
%
Investor non-owner occupied
1,932,137

 
33.7

 
1,911,070

 
33.8

Construction
94,649

 
1.6

 
87,493

 
1.5

Total commercial real estate loans
2,466,152

 
43.0

 
2,441,961

 
43.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial business loans
920,165

 
16.1

 
886,770

 
15.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential real estate
1,322,423

 
23.1

 
1,313,373

 
23.2

Home equity
583,368

 
10.2

 
583,454

 
10.3

Residential construction
13,620

 
0.2

 
20,632

 
0.4

Other consumer
425,854

 
7.4

 
410,249

 
7.3

Total consumer loans
2,345,265

 
40.9

 
2,327,708

 
41.2

Total loans
5,731,582

 
100.0
%
 
5,656,439

 
100.0
%
Net deferred loan costs and premiums
17,901

 
 
 
17,786

 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(52,041
)
 
 
 
(51,636
)
 
 
Loans - net
$
5,697,442

 
 
 
$
5,622,589

 
 
As shown above, gross loans were $5.73 billion, an increase of $75.1 million, or 1.3%, at March 31, 2019 from December 31, 2018.
Total commercial real estate loans represent the largest segment of our loan portfolio at 43.0% of total loans and increased $24.2 million, or 1.0%, to $2.47 billion from December 31, 2018. The commercial real estate loan portfolio is comprised of owner-occupied commercial real estate (“OOCRE”) and investor non-owner occupied commercial real estate (“Investor CRE”), and to a lesser extent, commercial construction. Investor CRE represents the largest segment of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2019, comprising 33.7% of total loans and OOCRE represents 7.7% of the portfolio. Commercial real estate construction loans are made for developing commercial real estate properties such as office complexes, apartment buildings and residential subdivisions. Commercial real estate construction loans totaled $94.6 million at March 31, 2019, approximately $23.0 million of which is residential use and $71.6 million of which is commercial use, compared to total commercial real estate construction loans of $87.5 million at December 31, 2018, $25.7 million of which was residential use and $61.8 million of which was commercial use.
Commercial business loans increased $33.4 million to $920.2 million at March 31, 2019 from $886.8 million at December 31, 2018. Mid-sized businesses continue to look to community banks for relationship banking and personalized lending services. Periodically, the Company participates in a shared national credit (“SNC”) program, which engages in the participation and purchase of credits with other “supervised” unaffiliated banks or financial institutions, specifically loan syndications and participations. These loans generate earning assets to increase profitability of the Company and diversify commercial loan portfolios by providing opportunities to participate in loans to borrowers in other regions or industries of which the Company might otherwise have no access. The Company offers both term and revolving commercial loans. Term loans have either fixed or adjustable rates of interest and, generally, terms of between three and seven years and amortize on the same basis. Additionally, two market segments the


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Company has focused on are franchise and educational banking. The franchise lending practice lends to certain franchisees in support of their development, acquisition and expansion needs. The Company typically offers term loans with maturities between three and eight years with amortization from seven to ten years. These loans generally are on a floating rate basis with spreads slightly higher than the standard commercial business loan spreads. The educational banking practice consists of K-12 schools and colleges/universities utilizing both taxable and tax-exempt loan products for campus improvements, expansions and working capital needs. Generally, educational term loans have longer dated maturities that amortize up to 30 years and typically offer the Company a full deposit and cash management relationship. Both the franchise and educational lending areas focus on opportunities across New England and certain Mid-Atlantic states.
Residential real estate loans continue to represent a major segment of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2019, comprising 23.1% of total loans, increasing $9.1 million from December 31, 2018. The Company had originations of both adjustable and fixed rate mortgages of $31.9 million for the three months ending March 31, 2019, reflecting both refinancing activity and loans for new home purchases. The Company currently sells the majority of all originated fixed rate residential real estate loans with terms of 30 years, but will also sell 10, 15, and 20 year loans depending on the circumstances. The mortgage origination activity resulted from low market interest rates and competitive pricing.
The Company also offers home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”), both of which are secured by owner-occupied one-to-four family residences. Home equity loans are offered with fixed rates of interest and with terms up to 15 years. At March 31, 2019, the home equity portfolio totaled $583.4 million compared to $583.5 million at December 31, 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company purchased HELOC portfolios totaling $15.3 million, compared to purchases totaling $82.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The total principal balance of the HELOC purchased portfolios outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $248.9 million and $249.3 million, respectively. These loans are not serviced by the Company. The purchased HELOC portfolios are secured by second liens. The Company plans to stop purchasing HELOCs at the end of 2019.
Residential real estate construction loans are made to individuals for home construction whereby the borrower owns the parcel of land and the funds are advanced in stages until completion. Residential real estate construction loans totaled $13.6 million at March 31, 2019, compared to $20.6 million at December 31, 2018.
Other consumer loans totaled $425.9 million, or 7.4%, of the total loan portfolio at March 31, 2019. Other consumer loans generally consist of loans on retail high-end boats and small yachts, home improvement loans, new and used automobiles, loans collateralized by deposit accounts and unsecured personal loans. During December 2015, the Company purchased two consumer loan portfolios totaling $229.2 million which consisted of marine retail loans and home improvement loans. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $91.3 million and $95.5 million of these loans were outstanding, respectively. The marine retail loans are collateralized by premium brand boats. The home improvement loans are 90% backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and consist of loans to install energy efficient upgrades to the borrowers’ one-to-four family residences. The Company’s plan is to cease purchasing home improvement loans during the third quarter of 2019.
LH-finance, the Company’s marine lending unit, includes purchased and originated retail loans and dealer floorplan loans. The Company’s relationships are limited to well established dealers of global premium brand manufacturers. The Company’s top three manufacturer customers have been in business between 30 and 100 years. The Company has generally secured agreements with premium manufacturers to support dealer floor plan loans which may reduce the Company’s credit exposure to the dealer, despite our underwriting of each respective dealer. We have developed incentive retail pricing programs with the dealers to drive retail dealer flow. Retail loans are generally limited to premium manufacturers with established relationships with the Company which have a vested interest in the secondary market pricing of their respective brand due to the limited inventory available for resale. Consequently, while not contractually committed, manufacturers will often support secondary resale values which can have the effect of reducing losses from non-performing retail marine loans. Retail borrowers generally have very high credit scores, substantial down payments, substantial net worth, personal liquidity, and excess cash flow. Retail loans have an average life of four years and key markets include Florida, California, and New England.
The Company has employed specific parameters taking into account: geographical considerations; exposure hold levels; qualifying financial partners; and most importantly sound credit quality with strong metrics. A thorough independent analysis of the credit quality of each borrower is made for every transaction whether it is an assignment or participation.


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Asset Quality
The Company’s lending strategy focuses on direct relationship lending within its primary market area as the quality of assets underwritten is an important factor in the successful operation of a financial institution. Non-performing assets, loan delinquency and credit loss levels are considered to be key measures of asset quality. Management strives to maintain asset quality through its underwriting standards, servicing of loans and management of non-performing assets since asset quality is a key factor in the determination of the level of the allowance for loan losses. See Note 4, “Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses” contained elsewhere in this report for further information concerning the Allowance for Loan Losses.
The following table details asset quality ratios for the following periods:
Asset Quality Ratios
 
At March 31, 2019
 
At December 31, 2018
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans
0.51
%
 
0.54
%
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
0.42
%
 
0.44
%
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans
0.11
%
(1) 
0.08
%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans
0.91
%
 
0.91
%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
178.23
%
 
168.32
%
(1) 
Calculated based on year to date net charge-offs annualized
Non-performing Assets
Generally, loans are placed on non-accrual if collection of principal or interest in full is in doubt, if the loan has been restructured as part of a TDR, or if any payment of principal or interest is past due 90 days or more. A loan may be returned to accrual status if it has demonstrated sustained contractual performance for six continuous months or if all principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within a reasonable period. There are, on occasion, circumstances that cause commercial loans to be placed in the 90 days delinquent and accruing category, for example, loans that are considered to be well secured and in the process of collection or renewal. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, loans totaling $4.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, were greater than 90 days past due and accruing. The loans reported as past due 90 days or more and still accruing represent loans that were evaluated by management and maintained on accrual status based on an evaluation of the borrower.
The following table details non-performing assets for the periods presented:
 
At March 31, 2019
 
At December 31, 2018
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner-occupied commercial real estate
$
1,830

 
6.0
%
 
$
2,450

 
7.6
%
Investor non-owner occupied commercial real estate
739

 
2.4

 
1,131

 
3.5

Construction
171

 
0.6

 
199

 
0.6

Commercial business
1,627

 
5.3

 
944

 
2.9

Residential real estate
13,742

 
44.8

 
13,217

 
41.3

Home equity
4,577

 
14.9

 
4,735

 
14.8

Other consumer loans
1,034

 
3.4

 
1,030

 
3.2

Total non-accrual loans, excluding troubled debt restructured loans
23,720

 
77.4
%
 
23,706

 
73.9
%
Troubled debt restructurings - non-accruing
5,479

 
17.9

 
6,971

 
21.8

Total non-performing loans
29,199

 
95.3

 
30,677

 
95.7

Other real estate owned
1,429

 
4.7

 
1,389

 
4.3

Total non-performing assets
$
30,628

 
100.0
%
 
$
32,066

 
100.0
%
As displayed in the table above, non-performing assets at March 31, 2019 decreased to $30.6 million compared to $32.1 million at December 31, 2018.


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Non-accruing TDR loans decreased by $1.5 million since December 31, 2018, due primarily to decreases of $664,000 in commercial business non-accruing TDR loans and $435,000 in residential real estate non-accruing TDR loans. The decrease in non-accruing TDRs is the result of charge offs and paydowns on loans as compared to December 31, 2018.
Home equity non-accrual loans decreased $158,000 to $4.6 million due to improved performance of HELOCs during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Residential real estate non-accrual loans increased $525,000 to $13.7 million at March 31, 2019. The Company continues to originate loans with strong credit characteristics and routinely updates non-performing loans in terms of FICO scores and LTV ratios. Through continued heightened account monitoring, collections and workout efforts, the Company is committed to mortgage solution programs designed to assist homeowners to remain in their homes. Consistent with historical practice, the Company does not originate subprime loans.
At March 31, 2019, commercial real estate non-accrual loans (including owner-occupied and investor non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans) decreased $1.0 million and commercial business non-accrual loans increased $683,000. The movements in these categories were the result of several larger relationships which impacted the totals within the categories.
Construction non-accrual loans decreased $28,000 as compared to December 31, 2018, and consists of one commercial relationship at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 totaling $171,000 and $199,000, respectively, which relates to construction for a residential subdivision.
Troubled Debt Restructuring
Loans are considered restructured in a troubled debt restructuring when the Company has granted concessions to a borrower due to the borrower’s financial condition that it otherwise would not have considered. These concessions include modifications of the terms of the debt such as reduction of the stated interest rate other than normal market rate adjustments, extension of maturity dates, or reduction of principal balance or accrued interest. The decision to restructure a loan, versus aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan, may benefit the Company by increasing the ultimate probability of collection.
TDR loans are classified as accruing or non-accruing based on management’s assessment of the collectability of the loan. Loans which are already on non-accrual status at the time of the restructuring generally remain on non-accrual status for a minimum of six months before management considers such loans for return to accruing TDR status. Accruing restructured loans are placed into non-accrual status if and when the borrower fails to comply with the restructured terms and management deems it unlikely that the borrower will return to a status of compliance in the near term. Once a loan is classified as a TDR it retains that classification for the life of the loan; however, some TDRs may demonstrate acceptable performance allowing the TDR loan to be placed on accruing TDR status. The increase in TDRs is primarily attributable to the addition of one commercial relationship totaling $3.5 million during the period ended March 31, 2019.
The following table provides detail of TDR balances for the periods presented:
 
 
At March 31,
2019
 
At December 31,
2018
 
 
(In thousands)
Recorded investment in TDRs:
 
 
 
 
Accrual status
 
$
19,267

 
$
15,208

Non-accrual status
 
5,479

 
6,971

Total recorded investment
 
$
24,746

 
$
22,179

 
 
 
 
 
Accruing TDRs performing under modified terms for more than one year
 
$
12,792

 
$
12,609

TDR allocated reserves included in the balance of allowance for loan losses
 
103

 
213

Additional funds committed to borrowers in TDR status
 

 
7




63
 


The following table provides detail of TDR activity for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In thousands)
TDRs, beginning of period
$
22,179

 
$
22,724

Current period modifications
3,941

 
4,146

Paydowns/draws on existing TDRs, net
(897
)
 
(2,324
)
Charge-offs post modification
(477
)
 
(658
)
TDRs, end of period
$
24,746

 
$
23,888

Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded credit commitments are maintained at a level estimated by management to provide for probable losses inherent within the loan portfolio. Probable losses are estimated based upon a quarterly review of the loan portfolio, which includes historic default and loss experience, specific problem loans, risk rating profile, economic conditions and other pertinent factors which, in management’s judgment, warrant current recognition in the loss estimation process. The Company’s Risk Management Committee meets quarterly to review and conclude on the adequacy of the reserves and to present their recommendation to executive management and the Board of Directors.
Management considers the adequacy of the ALL a critical accounting estimate. The adequacy of the ALL is subject to considerable assumptions and judgment used in its determination. Therefore, actual losses could differ materially from management’s estimate if actual conditions differ significantly from the assumptions utilized. These conditions include economic factors in the Company’s market and nationally, industry trends and concentrations, real estate values and trends, and the financial condition and performance of individual borrowers. While management believes the ALL is adequate as of March 31, 2019, actual results may prove different and the differences could be significant.
The Company’s general practice is to identify problem credits early and recognize full or partial charge-offs as promptly as practicable when it is determined that the collection of loan principal is unlikely. The Company recognized full or partial charge-offs on collateral dependent impaired loans when the collateral is deemed to be insufficient to support the carrying value of the loan. The Company does not recognize a recovery when an updated appraisal indicates a subsequent increase in value.
The Company had an allowance for loan losses of $52.0 million, or 0.91% of total loans, at March 31, 2019 as compared to an allowance for loan losses of $51.6 million, or 0.91% of total loans, at December 31, 2018. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate and consistent with asset quality indicators and that it represents the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.
The unallocated portion of the ALL represents general valuation allowances that are not allocated to a specific loan portfolio. The unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses and reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio. The unallocated portion of the ALL at March 31, 2019 increased $120,000 to $2.1 million compared to December 31, 2018. See Note 4, “Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses” in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report for a table providing the activity in the Company’s allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
In addition to the ALL, the Company maintains a reserve for unfunded credit commitments in other liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The allowance for credit losses analysis includes consideration of the risks associated with unfunded loan commitments. The reserve calculation includes factors that are consistent with ALL methodology for funded loans. The combination of ALL and unfunded reserves is calculated in a manner to capture the entirety of the underlying business relationship of the customer. The amounts of unfunded commitments and the associated reserves may be subject to fluctuations due to originations, the timing and volume of loan funding, as well as changes in risk ratings. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the reserve for unfunded credit commitments was $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively.
Sources of Funds
The primary source of the Company’s cash flows, for use in lending and meeting its general operational needs, is deposits. Additional sources of funds are from FHLBB advances, reverse repurchase agreements, federal funds lines, loan and mortgage-backed securities repayments, securities sales proceeds and maturities, subordinated debt, and earnings. While scheduled loan and securities repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, loan and investment security prepayments and deposit inflows are influenced by prevailing interest rates and local economic conditions and are inherently uncertain.
Deposits
The Company offers a wide variety of deposit products to consumer, business and municipal customers. Deposit customers can access their accounts in a variety of ways including branch banking, ATMs, online banking, mobile banking and telephone banking. Effective advertising, direct mail, well-designed product offerings, customer service and competitive pricing policies have been successful in attracting and retaining deposits. A key strategic objective is to grow the base of checking customers by retaining existing relationships while attracting new customers.
Deposits provide an important source of funding for the Company as well as an ongoing stream of fee revenue. The Company attempts to control the flow of funds in its deposit accounts according to its need for funds and the cost of alternative sources of funding. A Retail Pricing Committee meets weekly and a Management ALCO meets monthly, to determine pricing and marketing initiatives. Actions of these committees influence the flow of funds primarily by the pricing of deposits, which is affected to a large extent by competitive factors in its market area and asset/liability management strategies.


64
 


The following table presents deposits by category as of the dates indicated:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
(In thousands)
Demand deposits
$
777,969

 
$
799,785

NOW accounts
914,744

 
853,789

Regular savings and club accounts
498,110

 
498,026

Money market accounts
1,639,063

 
1,736,459

Total core deposits
3,829,886

 
3,888,059

Time deposits
1,834,366

 
1,782,540

Total deposits
$
5,664,252

 
$
5,670,599

Deposits totaled $5.66 billion at March 31, 2019, a decrease of $6.3 million compared to December 31, 2018. Core deposits decreased $58.2 million, or 1.5%, from December 31, 2018 due to a shift from money market deposits to certificates of deposit, as the Company applied special pricing strategies to remain competitive in the local market.
Time deposits included brokered certificates of deposit of $109.1 million and $179.6 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The Company utilizes brokered time deposits as part of its overall funding program along with other sources. Excluding out-of-market brokered certificates of deposit, in-market time deposits totaled $1.73 billion and $1.60 billion at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Borrowings
The Company also uses various types of short-term and long-term borrowings in meeting funding needs. While customer deposits remain the primary source for funding loan originations, management uses short-term and long-term borrowings as a supplementary funding source for loan growth and other liquidity needs when the cost of these funds are favorable compared to alternative funding, including deposits.
The following table presents borrowings by category as of the dates indicated:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
(In thousands)
FHLBB advances (1)
$
737,115

 
$
797,271

Subordinated debt (2)
80,261

 
80,201

Wholesale repurchase agreements

 
10,000

Customer repurchase agreements
9,292

 
8,361

Other

 
3,793

Total borrowings
$
826,668

 
$
899,626

(1)FHLBB advances include $172,000 and $183,000 of purchase accounting discounts at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
(2)Subordinated debt includes $7.7 million of acquired junior subordinated debt, net of mark to market discounts of $1.8 million at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and $75.0 million of Subordinated Notes, net of associated deferred costs of $695,000 and $727,000 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
United Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of twelve district Federal Home Loan Banks, each subject to the supervision and regulation of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Members are required to own capital stock in the FHLBB in order for the Bank to access advances and borrowings which are collateralized by certain home mortgages or securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies. The capital stock investment is restricted in that there is no market for it, and it can only be redeemed by the FHLBB.
Total FHLBB advances decreased $60.2 million to $736.9 million at March 31, 2019, exclusive of the purchase accounting mark adjustment on the advances, compared to $797.1 million at December 31, 2018. At March 31, 2019, $611.9 million of the Company’s $736.9 million outstanding FHLBB advances were at fixed coupons ranging from 1.42% to 3.35%, with a weighted average cost of 2.63%. Additionally, the Company has four advances with the FHLBB totaling $125.0 million that are underlying hedge instruments; the interest is based on the 3-month LIBOR and adjusts quarterly. The average cost of funds including these


65
 


adjustable advances is 2.68%. FHLBB borrowings represented 10.0% and 10.8% of assets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
The Company had no borrowings under wholesale repurchase agreements at March 31, 2019 while the agreements totaled $10.0 million at December 31, 2018. Retail repurchase agreements, which have a term of one day and are backed by the purchasers’ interest in certain U.S. Government or government-sponsored securities, totaled $9.3 million and $8.4 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Subordinated debentures totaled $80.3 million and $80.2 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is the ability to meet cash needs at all times with available cash or by conversion of other assets to cash at a reasonable price and in a timely manner. The Company maintains liquid assets at levels the Company considers adequate to meet its liquidity needs. The Company adjusts its liquidity levels to fund loan commitments, repay its borrowings, fund deposit outflows, pay escrow obligations on all items in the loan portfolio and to fund operations. The Company also adjusts liquidity as appropriate to meet asset and liability management objectives.
The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are deposits, amortization and prepayment of loans, the sale in the secondary market of loans held for sale, maturities and sales of investment securities and other short-term investments, periodic pay downs of mortgage-backed securities, and earnings and funds provided from operations. While scheduled principal repayments on loans are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions, and rates offered by our competition. The Company sets the interest rates on our deposits to maintain a desired level of total deposits. In addition, the Company invests excess funds in short-term interest-earning assets, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements.
A portion of the Company’s liquidity consists of cash and cash equivalents, which are a product of our operating, investing and financing activities. At March 31, 2019, $155.2 million of the Company’s assets were held in cash and cash equivalents compared to $98.0 million at December 31, 2018. The Company’s primary sources of cash are principal repayments on loans, proceeds from the calls and maturities of investment securities, increases in deposit accounts, proceeds from residential loan sales and advances from the FHLBB.
Liquidity management is both a daily and longer-term function of business management. If the Company requires funds beyond its ability to generate them internally, borrowing agreements exist with the FHLBB, which provide an additional source of funds. At March 31, 2019, the Company had $736.9 million in advances from the FHLBB and an additional available borrowing limit of $590.5 million based on collateral requirements of the FHLBB inclusive of the line of credit. In addition, the Bank has relationships with brokered sweep deposit providers with outstanding balances of $388.2 million at March 31, 2019. Internal policies limit wholesale borrowings to 40% of total assets, or $2.94 billion, at March 31, 2019. In addition, the Company has uncommitted federal funds lines of credit with four counterparties totaling $140.0 million at March 31, 2019. No federal funds purchased were outstanding at March 31, 2019.
The Company has established access to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s discount window through a borrower in custody agreement. As of March 31, 2019, the Bank had pledged 24 commercial loans, with outstanding balances totaling $167.5 million. Based on the amount of pledged collateral, the Bank had available liquidity of $135.8 million.
At March 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding commitments to originate loans of $146.3 million and unfunded commitments under construction loans, lines of credit, stand-by letters of credit, unused checking overdraft lines of credit, and unused credit card lines of $1.27 billion. At March 31, 2019, time deposits scheduled to mature in less than one year totaled $1.2 billion. Based on prior experience, management believes that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with the Company, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case. In the event a significant portion of its deposits are not retained by the Company, it will have to utilize other funding sources, such as FHLBB advances in order to maintain its level of assets. Alternatively, we would reduce our level of liquid assets, such as our cash and cash equivalents in order to meet funding needs. In addition, the cost of such deposits may be significantly higher if market interest rates are higher or there is an increased amount of competition for deposits in our market area at the time of renewal.
The main sources of liquidity at the parent company level are dividends from United Bank and the ability to obtain funding through capital market issuances, as evidenced by the Company’s issuance of $75.0 million of subordinated notes in September 2014. The main uses of liquidity are payments of dividends to common stockholders, repurchase of United Financial’s common stock, payment of subordinated note interest, and corporate operating expenses. There are certain restrictions on the payment of dividends. See Note 16, “Regulatory Matters” in the Company’s 2018 Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for further information on dividend restrictions.


66
 


The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements. As of March 31, 2019, the Bank is categorized as “well-capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. See Note 10, “Regulatory Matters” in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this report for discussion of capital requirements.
The liquidity position of the Company is continuously monitored and adjustments are made to balance between sources and uses of funds as deemed appropriate. Management is not aware of any events that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, capital resources or operations. In addition, management is not aware of any regulatory recommendations regarding liquidity, which if implemented would have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has a detailed liquidity contingency plan which is designed to respond to liquidity concerns in a prompt and comprehensive manner. It is designed to provide early detection of potential problems and details specific actions required to address liquidity stress scenarios.
Other Matters
We previously invested in three Solar Eclipse Funds as a limited liability member (See Note 15, “Investment in D.C. Solar Tax-Advantaged Funds”) which generate solar investment tax credits for the Company by putting into service mobile solar generators. The generators are sold and managed by D.C. Solar. On February 4, 2019, D.C. Solar filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (reorganization) in an attempt to reorganize. On March 22, 2019, mainly due to the lack of financing to maintain the on-going operations of these companies, ambiguity around actual inventory in existence and information on company affairs as a result of the government’s seizure of debtor/lessee records, the case was converted from Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to Chapter 7 (liquidation). Additionally, although no arrests have been made to date, an FBI affidavit states that there was fraud associated with the mobile solar generators sold to investors and managed by D.C. Solar including allegations of duplicate sales of generators and the fabrication of sublease revenue streams for the generators. Certain investors in D.C. Solar, including us, received solar investment tax credits for our investment in these funds, which are further discussed in Note 15, “Investment in D.C. Solar Tax-Advantaged Funds” of the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact to the investment in these funds and the tax credits generated from the funds as a result of the bankruptcy filings and fraud allegations and is currently monitoring the investments for an estimable and probable loss. Depending on the outcome of the Company’s evaluation, there may be a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and capital levels. For information on the risks of our investment in tax-advantaged investments, see Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
General: The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk. Our assets, consisting primarily of mortgage loans, in general have longer contractual maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage interest rate risk and reduce the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, our Board of Directors has established a Risk Committee which is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. Management monitors the level of interest rate risk on a regular basis and the Risk Committee meets at least quarterly to review our asset/liability policies and interest rate risk position.
We have sought to manage our interest rate risk in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. During the low interest rate environment that has existed in recent years, we have implemented the following strategies to manage our interest rate risk: (i) emphasizing adjustable rate loans including, adjustable rate one-to-four family, commercial and consumer loans, (ii) selling longer-term 1-4 family fixed rate mortgage loans in the secondary market, (iii) reducing and shortening the expected average life of the investment portfolio, (iv) a forward starting hedge strategy for future dated wholesale funding and (v) a loan level hedging program. These measures should serve to reduce the volatility of our future net interest income in different interest rate environments.
Quantitative Analysis
Income Simulation: Simulation analysis is used to estimate our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time. The Company models a static balance sheet when measuring interest rate risk, in which a stable balance sheet is projected throughout the modeling horizon. Under a static approach both the size and mix of the balance sheet remain constant, with maturing loan and deposit balances replaced as “new volumes” within the same loan and deposit category, repricing at the respective scenario’s


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market rate. This adoption was made in a continued effort to align with regulatory best practices and to highlight the current level of risk in the Company’s positions without the effects of growth assumptions. We utilize the income simulation method to analyze our interest rate sensitivity position to manage the risk associated with interest rate movements. At least quarterly, our Risk Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the potential effect changes in interest rates could have on the repayment or repricing of rate sensitive assets and funding requirements of rate sensitive liabilities. Our most recent simulation uses projected repricing of assets and liabilities at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated repayments and scheduled rate adjustments. Prepayment rate assumptions as well as deposit characterization assumptions can have a significant impact on interest income simulation results. Because of the large percentage of loans and mortgage-backed assets we hold, rising or falling interest rates may have a significant impact on the actual prepayment speeds of our mortgage related assets that may in turn effect our interest rate sensitivity position. When interest rates rise, prepayment speeds slow and the average expected life of our assets would tend to lengthen more than the expected average life of our liabilities and therefore would most likely result in a decrease to our asset sensitive position. As a measure of potential market risk arising from a parallel shock of magnitude to the Company’s net interest income, management includes a 300 basis point parallel increase in rates in the quarterly simulation results. In order to observe the impact of a slower and gradual rate increase over the respective 12 and 24-month periods, management includes a 150 basis point ramp simulation; the simulation assumes that interest rates increase by 25 basis points every other month, totaling a 150 basis point increase by month 12 and a 300 basis point increase by month 24. To highlight the net interest income of a falling rate environment, management includes a 50 basis point parallel decrease in rates.
 
Percentage (Decrease) Increase in Estimated
Net Interest Income
 
Over 12 Months
 
Over 12 -24 Months
At March 31, 2019
 
 
 
300 basis point increase in rates
0.49
 %
 
(2.26
)%
150 basis point ramp in rates
4.09
 %
 
5.27
 %
50 basis point decrease in rates
(5.32
)%
 
(7.11
)%
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2018
 
 
 
300 basis point increase in rates
0.45
 %
 
(2.40
)%
150 basis point ramp in rates
5.34
 %
 
4.92
 %
50 basis point decrease in rates
(4.34
)%
 
(6.14
)%
The Company’s Asset/Liability policy currently limits projected changes in net interest income based on a matrix of projected total risk-based capital relative to the interest rate change for each twelve month period measured compared to the flat rate scenario. As a result, the higher a level of projected risk-based capital, the higher the limit of projected net interest income volatility the Company will accept. As the level of projected risk-based capital is reduced, the policy requires that net interest income volatility also is reduced, making the limit dynamic relative to the capital level needed to support it. These policy limits are re-evaluated on a periodic basis (not less than annually) and may be modified, as appropriate. Because of the asset-sensitivity of our balance sheet, income is projected to increase if interest rates rise on a slow, gradual basis as is expected to occur with Federal Open Market Committee rate increases. Also included in the decreasing rate scenario is the assumption that further declines are reflective of a deeper recession as well as narrower credit spreads from Federal Open Market Committee actions. At March 31, 2019, income at risk (i.e., the change in net interest income) increased 0.49% and decreased 5.32% based on a 300 basis point instantaneous increase or a 50 basis point instantaneous decrease, respectively. When considering the impact of the 150 basis point ramp simulation, income at risk increased 4.09% over the 12-month simulation horizon. The change in sensitivities, as compared to December 31, 2018, has increased due to the growth in the Company’s certificate of deposit base, which is modeled to have a lower repricing frequency in a rising interest rate simulation than money market balances which reprice immediately. While we believe the assumptions used are reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates will approximate actual future mortgage-backed security and loan repayment activity.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information the Company must disclose in its reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis. Our management has evaluated, with the participation and under the supervision of our chief executive officer (“CEO”) and chief financial officer (“CFO”), the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information relating to the Company, including its


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consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in reports that it files under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls: During the quarter under report, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, with the exception of the change in our leasing controls resulting from the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 as described in Note 5, “Leases” in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. Although the new leasing standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of operations or our consolidated statement of cash flows, it did have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet. The Company implemented changes to the processes related to lease accounting and the control activities within them.
Part II.
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of business. The Company is not involved in any legal proceedings deemed to be material as of March 31, 2019.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in the Risk Factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2018, except for the following:

Our investment in certain tax-advantaged projects may not generate returns as anticipated and may have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
We invest in certain tax-advantaged projects that support affordable housing projects. Additionally, we also invest in renewable energy projects, specifically investments in solar energy funds. These investments are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal and state income tax credits, and other tax benefits, over specified time periods. Due diligence review is performed prior to the initial investment and on an ongoing basis. We are subject to the risk that previously recorded tax credits, which remain subject to recapture by the U.S. Treasury based on compliance features required to be met at the investment level, may fail to meet certain government compliance requirements and may not be able to be realized. The possible inability to realize these tax credits and other tax benefits may have a negative impact on our financial results. The risk of not being able to realize the tax credits and other tax benefits depends on many factors outside our control, including changes in the applicable tax code and the ability of the projects to be completed.

We previously invested in three Solar Eclipse Funds as a limited member (See Note 15, “Investment in D.C. Solar Tax-Advantaged Funds”) which generate solar investment tax credits for the Company by putting into service mobile solar generators. The generators are sold and managed by D.C. Solar. On February 4, 2019, D.C. Solar filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (reorganization) in an attempt to reorganize. On March 22, 2019, mainly due to the lack of financing to maintain the on-going operations of these companies, ambiguity around actual inventory in existence and information on company affairs as a result of the government’s seizure of debtor/lessee records, the case was converted from Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to Chapter 7 (liquidation). Additionally, although no arrests have been made to date, an FBI affidavit states that there was fraud associated with the mobile solar generators sold to investors and managed by D.C. Solar including allegations of duplicate sales of generators as well as the fabrication of sublease revenue streams for the generators. Certain investors in D.C. Solar, including us, received solar investment tax credits for our investment in these funds. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact to the investment in these funds and the tax credits generated from the funds as a result of the bankruptcy filings and fraud allegations and is currently monitoring the investments for an estimable and probable loss. If the Company is required to recognize a loss in its 2019 consolidated financial statements, the loss may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and capital levels.


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Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table provides information with respect to net purchases made by United Financial Bancorp’s, Inc. of its common stock during the period ended March 31, 2019:
Period
 
Total number
of shares
purchased
 
Average(1)
price paid
per share
 
Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced
plans or programs
 
Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan
January 1 - 31, 2019
 

 

 

 
834,636

February 1 - 28, 2019
 

 

 

 
834,636

March 1 - 31, 2019
 

 

 

 
834,636

Total
 

 
$

 

 
834,636

(1) Includes dealer commission expense to purchase the securities.
On January 26, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a fourth share repurchase plan authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 2.5% of outstanding shares, or 1,248,536 shares. As of March 31, 2019, there were 834,636 maximum shares that may yet be purchased under this publicly announced plan.
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5.
Other Information
None.
Item 6.
Exhibits

3.1
3.1.1
3.2
31.1
31.2
32.0
101.
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Net Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements filed herewith


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
By:
 
/s/ Eric R. Newell
 
 
Eric R. Newell
 
 
EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date: May 7, 2019


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