SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

HarborOne Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is the stock holding company of HarborOne Bank (the “Bank”), a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank, which in turn owns a residential mortgage banking company, HarborOne Mortgage, LLC (“HarborOne Mortgage”). HarborOne Mortgage was acquired as Merrimack Mortgage, LLC on July 1, 2015 and effective April 3, 2018 became HarborOne Mortgage. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, the Company’s subsidiaries, Legion Parkway Company LLC, a security corporation formed on July 13, 2016 and HarborOne Bank; and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. HarborOne Mortgage, two security corporation subsidiaries and one passive investment subsidiary, which were established for the purpose of buying, holding and selling securities on their own behalf. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Conversion and Reorganization

On August 14, 2019, the Company completed a second step conversion offering (the “Offering”). Prior to the completion of the Offering, approximately 53% of the shares of common stock of the Company were owned by HarborOne Mutual Bancshares, a mutual holding company (the “MHC”). The Company raised gross proceeds of $310.4 million and incurred expenses of $6.3 million, resulting in net cash proceeds of $304.1 million by selling 31,036,812 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share in the Offering, shares of common stock formerly held by the MHC. In addition, each share of the Company common stock owned by shareholders, other than the MHC, prior to the Offering was exchanged for 1.795431 shares of Company common stock, for a total of 12,162,763 shares of Company common stock that were issued in the exchange. The Company utilized $24.8 million to fund an additional ESOP loan, invested $151.3 million into the Bank’s operations, and retained the remaining amount for general corporate purposes.

All historical share and per share information has been restated to reflect the 1.795431 exchange ratio.

The Company established a liquidation account in connection with Offering. The liquidation accounts are maintained for the benefit of the eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders who maintain their accounts at the Bank after the offering. The liquidation accounts are reduced annually to the extent that such account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits as of each anniversary date. Subsequent increases will not restore an account holder’s interest in the liquidation account. The Company is not permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock if the Company’s shareholders’ equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation account.

Nature of Operations

The Company provides a variety of financial services to individuals and businesses through its 25 full-service bank branches in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, one limited-service bank branch, and a commercial lending office in each of Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. HarborOne Mortgage maintains 36 offices in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey and Florida and originates loans in four additional states.  

The Company’s primary deposit products are checking, money market, savings and term certificate of deposit accounts while its primary lending products are commercial real estate, commercial, residential mortgages and consumer loans, including indirect automobile lease loans. The Company also originates, sells and services residential mortgage loans primarily through HarborOne Mortgage.

Risks and Uncertainties

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) as a global pandemic, and almost all public commerce and related business activities have been, to varying degrees, curtailed. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused economic and social disruption on an unprecedented scale. While some industries have been impacted more severely than others, all businesses have been impacted to some degree. The outbreak has also caused significant disruptions in the U.S. economy and has adversely impacted a broad range of industries in which the Company’s customers operate, which has impaired, or

may impair in the future, their ability to fulfill their financial obligations to the Company. The Company’s business is dependent upon the willingness and ability of its employees and customers to conduct banking and other financial transactions.

Congress, the President, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) have taken several actions designed to cushion the economic fallout. Most notably, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), a $2 trillion legislative package, was signed into law at the end of March 2020. The goal of the CARES Act is to prevent a severe economic downturn through various measures, including direct financial aid to American families and economic stimulus to significantly impacted industry sectors. Additionally, the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act was enacted on December 27, 2020, providing for a second round of PPP loans (“PPP-2”). Also on December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed on December 27, 2020 provided the option of postponing adoption of the standard until the earlier of the end of the national emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic or December 31, 2022. The Federal Reserve also took actions to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including cutting the federal funds rate 150 basis points and targeting a 0 to 25 basis point rate. In addition to the general impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain provisions of the CARES Act as well as other legislative and regulatory relief efforts are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s operations.

The fiscal stimulus and relief programs have been an effective mitigant to credit losses in the near term; however, once these programs are discontinued the severity of potential losses is uncertain and depends on numerous factors and future developments. The Company could experience a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Effects may include:

● Net interest income could be reduced. In accordance with regulatory guidance, the Company is actively working with borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to defer payments. While interest will continue to be recognized in accordance with GAAP, should eventual credit losses on these deferments emerge, interest income would be negatively impacted.

● The provision for loan losses could increase. Continued uncertainty regarding the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic effects will continue to affect the accounting for loan losses. It also is possible that asset quality could worsen, and loan charge-offs increase. The Company participated in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) providing loans to small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans are fully guaranteed by the U.S. government.

● Noninterest income could be reduced. Uncertainty regarding the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic could cause further volatility in the financial markets. The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to control its spread may disrupt the mortgage loan origination process. Mortgage banking revenues are dependent on mortgage origination volume and are sensitive to interest rates and the condition of housing markets.

● Valuation and fair value measurement challenges may occur. The COVID-19 pandemic could cause further and sustained decline in the Company’s stock price or the occurrence of additional valuation triggering events that could result in an impairment charge to earnings.

Use of Estimates

To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, however, actual results could differ.

Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method, the accounts of an acquired entity are included with the acquirer’s accounts as of the date of acquisition with any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) capitalized as goodwill.

As consideration for such transactions, the Company will typically issue common stock and/or pay cash, depending on the terms of the acquisition agreement. The value of common stock issued is based upon the market price of the stock as of the closing of the acquisition.

Significant Group Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company has cash and federal fund balances on deposit at correspondent banks that exceed insurable limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such amounts. Most of the Company’s lending activities are with borrowers located within south eastern New England. The ability and willingness of residential and consumer borrowers to honor their repayment commitments is generally dependent on the level of overall economic activity within the borrowers’ geographic area and real estate values. Note 6 provides the detail of the Company’s loan portfolio and Note 4 provides the detail of the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one industry or customer.

Reclassifications

Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, interest-bearing deposits with other financial institutions with maturities fewer than 90 days, and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions.

Debt Securities

Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax.  

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

Management evaluates debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a debt security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: (1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and (2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The Company, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB of Boston. Based on redemption provisions of the FHLB, the stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost.  At its discretion, the FHLB may declare dividends on the stock. The Company reviews FHLB stock for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost basis. As of December 31, 2020, no impairment has been recognized.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Residential mortgage loans originated with the intent to sell are classified as held-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Loan origination costs for loans held for sale that the Company accounts for under the fair value option are recognized in noninterest expense when incurred. Changes in fair value are recognized in mortgage banking income.

Interest income on mortgage loans held for sale is recorded in interest income.

Loans

Loans held for investment are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, and any unamortized deferred origination fees and costs.

Loan origination fees are offset with related direct incremental loan origination costs and the resulting net amount is deferred and amortized to interest income using the level-yield method over the remaining life of the loan.

Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when collectability of principal or interest is uncertain or when payments of principal or interest have become contractually past due 90 days or more. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan.  However, a loan may remain on accrual status if both the value of any collateral securing the loan is sufficient to cover principal and accrued interest thereon, and the loan is in the process of collection. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero.

Under the cash-basis method, interest income is recorded when the payment is received in cash. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

The Company’s loan portfolio includes residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction, commercial and industrial and consumer segments. Residential real estate loans include classes for one- to four-family and second mortgages and equity lines of credit. Consumer loans include classes for auto and personal loans.  

The Company’s acquired loans are recorded at fair value with no carryover of the allowance for loan losses. Net discount on performing loans acquired are recognized as interest income over the remaining life of the loan.

Acquired loans determined to have evidence of deterioration in credit quality and when it is probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments will not be collected, are deemed to be purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans. For PCI loans, the excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying amount of the loans, referred to as the “accretable yield,” is accreted into interest income over the life of the loans using the effective yield method. The Company monitors actual cash flows to determine any deterioration from those forecasted at the acquisition date, which is evaluated and recorded through the allowance for loan losses.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established based upon the level of estimated probable losses in the current loan portfolio. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the collectability of a loan balance is doubtful. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance consists of general, specific and unallocated components, as further described below.

General component

The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the Company’s loan segments. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment except commercial real estate, commercial construction and commercial and industrial loans. Due to the lack of historical loss experience for our commercial real estate, commercial construction and commercial and industrial loan portfolio, we utilize peer loss data. Adjustments to loss factors are considered for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions. 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 – The Company generally does not originate portfolio loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80 percent without obtaining private mortgage insurance and does not generally grant loans that would be classified as subprime upon origination. The Company generally has first or second liens on the property securing equity lines of credit. Loans in this segment are generally collateralized by residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, can have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Residential construction –Residential construction loans include loans to build one- to four-family owner-occupied properties, which are subject to the same credit quality factors as residential real estate loans.    

Commercial real estate – Commercial real estate loans are primarily secured by income-producing properties in southeastern New England. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties can be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy, as evidenced by increased vacancy rates, which in turn, could have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management obtains rent rolls annually and continually monitors the cash flows of these loans.

Commercial construction –Commercial construction loans may include speculative real estate development loans for which payment is derived from lease or sale of the property. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to lease or sell at an adequate price, and market conditions.

Commercial and industrial – Commercial and industrial 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 resultant decreased consumer or business spending, could have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.  

Consumer – Consumer loans in this segment are generally secured by automobiles or unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

Specific Reserve

The specific reserves relate to loans that are classified as impaired. Residential real estate and commercial loans are evaluated for impairment on a loan-by-loan basis. Impairment is determined by nonaccrual status, whether a loan is subject to a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) agreement or in the case of certain loans, based on the internal credit rating. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, except for TDRs, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer loans for impairment evaluation.  

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. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the

length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.  

TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment and included in the separately identified impairment disclosures. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral.

For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of the allowance on that loan in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses on loans individually identified as impaired. The company incorporates recent historical experience related to TDRs including the performance of TDRs that subsequently default into the calculation of the allowance by loan portfolio segment.

Unallocated component

The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general reserves in the portfolio. The unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. Additionally, the Company’s unseasoned commercial portfolio and use of peer group data to establish general reserves for the commercial portfolio adds another element of risk to management’s estimates.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Property and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Buildings, leasehold improvements, and furniture and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the leases, if shorter. Expected terms include lease option periods to the extent that the exercise of such options is reasonably assured.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and improvements are capitalized.

Retirement Plan Annuities

Retirement plan annuities are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the face amount of the policies. Changes in recorded value are reflected in income on retirement plan annuities on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Bank-owned life insurance

Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at net cash surrender value. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are reflected in bank-owned life insurance income on the Consolidated Statements of Income and are not subject to income taxes. The Company is the beneficiary on these life insurance policies which are purchased for select employees of the Company.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Compensation expense for the Company’s ESOP is recorded at an amount equal to the shares committed to be allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the quarterly average fair market value of the shares during the year. The Company recognizes compensation expense ratably over the year based upon the Company’s estimate of the number of shares committed to be allocated by the ESOP. The difference between the average fair market value and the cost of the shares committed to be allocated by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares reduce retained earnings; dividends on unearned ESOP shares reduce debt and accrued interest.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income.

Under the fair value measurement method, the Company measures servicing rights at fair value at each reporting date and reports changes in fair value of servicing assets in earnings in the period in which the changes occur, and are included with changes in mortgage servicing rights fair value on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to significant fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.

Servicing fee income, which is reported on the income statement as Mortgage banking income, Other income, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal; or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material.

Derivative Financial Instruments

At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to the likely effectiveness as a hedge. These three types are (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), of (3) an instrument with no hedging designation (“stand alone derivative”). For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income.

Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.

The Company formally documents all relationships between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that (1) the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item; (2) the derivative expires, is sold, or terminated; (3) the derivative instrument is de-designated as a hedge because the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring; (4) a hedged firm commitment no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment; or (5) management otherwise determines that designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.

When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income. When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transaction is still expected to occur, changes in value that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized or accreted into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

The Company accounts for commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans as free standing derivatives. The fair value of the interest rate lock is recorded at the time the commitment to fund the mortgage loan is executed and is adjusted for the expected exercise of the commitment before the loan is funded. In order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans, the Company enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into. Fair values of these

mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest on the loan is locked. Changes in fair value are recorded as gain on sale of mortgage loans.  

The Company also enters into interest rate swap contracts to meet the financing needs of the Company’s commercial customers. Offsetting swap agreements are simultaneously transacted to effectively eliminate the Company’s market and interest rate risk associated with the swaps. Interest rate swaps are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in other income.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of an entire financial asset, a group of entire financial assets, or a participating interest in an entire financial asset are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets.

During the normal course of business, the Company may transfer a portion of a financial asset, for example, a participation loan or the government guaranteed portion of a loan. In order to be eligible for sale treatment, the transfer of the portion of the loan must meet the criteria of a participating interest. If it does not meet the criteria of a participating interest, the transfer must be accounted for as a secured borrowing. In order to meet the criteria for a participating interest, all cash flows from the loan must be divided proportionately, the rights of each loan holder must have the same priority, the loan holders must have no recourse to the transferor other than standard representations and warranties and no loan holder has the right to pledge or exchange the entire loan.

Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell when legal title is obtained, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequently, valuations are periodically updated by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. The excess (deficiency) of any consideration received as compared to the carrying value of other real estate owned is recorded as a gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned. Revenues and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance and any direct write-downs are included in foreclosed and repossessed assets expense. Repossessed assets includes automobiles to be sold which are recorded at estimated fair value, less costs to sell, with the initial charge to the allowance for loan losses and the subsequent gain or loss on sale recorded to foreclosed and repossessed assets expense.

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

The assets (including identifiable intangible assets) and liabilities acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair values of the net assets acquired and is not subsequently amortized. Identifiable intangible assets include core deposit premium and non-compete contracts and are being amortized over their estimated lives. Management assesses the recoverability of goodwill at least on an annual basis and all intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment test uses a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. The initial qualitative approach assesses whether the existence of events or circumstances led to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.  If, after this assessment, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is performed. The quantitative impairment test compares book value to the fair value of the reporting unit.  If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded through earnings. Management has identified two reporting units for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. The Company’s reporting units are the same as the segments used for segment reporting - the Bank, including the two security corporations, and one passive investment company, and HarborOne Mortgage. No impairment has been recognized as of December 31, 2020.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws in the period on enactment. A

valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets when, based upon the available evidence including historical and projected taxable income, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  

The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more likely than not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment. The Company records interest and penalties as part of income tax expense.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of financial instruments is estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgement regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

Share-based Compensation Plans

The Company’s share-based compensation plans provide for awards of stock options, restricted stock and other stock-based compensation to directors, officers and employees. The cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments is based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period as a component of compensation expense. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures of awards as they occur (e.g., when an award does not vest because the employee leaves the Company or does not meet specific performance measures).

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale and cash flow hedges, net of taxes, which are also recognized as a separate component of equity.

Revenue Recognition

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) with no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption.

Revenue from deposit account-related fees, including general service fees charged for deposit account maintenance and activity and transaction-based fees charged for certain services, such as debit card, wire transfer or overdraft activities, is recognized when the performance obligation is completed, which is generally after a transaction is completed or monthly for account maintenance services.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Unallocated ESOP shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations. Restricted stock awards are included in weighted average common shares outstanding as they are earned. Outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options awards and restricted stock awards and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe such matters exist that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

As an “emerging growth company” (“EGC”) as defined in Title 1 of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the “Jobs Act,” the Company has elected to use the extended transition period to delay the adoption of new or reissued accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to non-public companies. As of December 31, 2020, there is no significant difference in the comparability of the financial statements as a result of this extended transition period. The Company’s EGC status is scheduled to end December 31, 2021.

Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Yet Adopted

In October 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-08, Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, to clarify that an entity should reevaluate whether a callable security is within the scope of ASC paragraph 310-20-35-33 for each reporting period. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2020 and early application is not permitted. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early application is permitted for all other entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. These provisions apply to contract modifications that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discounted because of reference rate reform. Qualifying modifications of loan agreements should be accounted for by prospectively adjusting the effective interest rate and the modification would be considered “minor” so that any existing unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs would carry forward and continue to be amortized. Qualifying modifications of lease agreements should be accounted for as a continuation of the existing agreement with no reassessments of the lease classification and the discount rate or remeasurements of lease payments that otherwise would be required for modifications not accounted for as separate contracts. ASU 2020-04 also provides numerous optional expedients for hedge accounting. The amendments in the ASU are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022, with adoption permitted as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. Once elected, the amendments must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”), was issued in December 2019 to simplify the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Certain provisions under ASU 2019-12 require prospective application, some require modified retrospective application through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption, while other provisions require retrospective application to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This guidance changes the recognition and presentation requirements of hedge accounting, including eliminating the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and presenting all items that affect earnings in the same income statement line as the hedged item. This guidance also provides new alternatives for applying hedge accounting to additional hedging strategies, measuring the hedged item in fair value hedges of interest rate risk, reducing the complexity of applying hedge accounting by easing the requirements for effectiveness testing, hedge documentation and application of the critical terms match method, and reducing the risk of material error corrections if a company applies the shortcut method inappropriately. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. For non-public entities, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), commonly referred to as “CECL,” which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will now use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates. The ASU also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. For public entities that are SEC filers, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. For non-public entities, this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. With the passage of the CARES Act, the option to delay CECL was provided until the earlier of the national health emergency being declared over or December 31, 2020. The Consolidated Appropriations Act passed on December 27, 2020 provided the option of postponing adoption of the standard until the earlier of the end of the national emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic or December 31, 2022. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this ASU on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The Company has formed a cross functional working group and selected a third-party vendor to assist with the application of this ASU. The working group has an implementation plan which includes assessment and documentation of processes, internal controls, data sources and model development and documentation. The working group has met key milestones within the implementation plan and the Company expects to adopt the ASU on or about January 1, 2022.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires a lessee to record a right-to-use asset and a liability representing the obligation to make lease payments for long-term leases. For public business entities, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For non-public business entities, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will adopt the ASU in the first quarter of 2021 and expects an increase in the right of use assets and operating lease liabilities of approximately $20.0 million to $30.0 million, as we finalize evaluation of items within scope, with no material effect on the Company’s key financial ratios.