ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to Changes in Interest Rates
Changes in interest rates and other factors could adversely impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s ability to make a profit, like that of most financial institutions, substantially depends upon its net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and the interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. However, certain assets and liabilities may react differently to changes in market interest rates. Further, interest rates on some types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate prior to changes in broader market interest rates, while rates on other types of assets and liabilities may lag behind. Any substantial, unexpected, or prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Factors such as inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, global disorder, instability in domestic and foreign financial markets, political uncertainty, and other factors beyond the Company’s control, may affect interest rates. Changes in market interest rates also affect the level of voluntary prepayments on loans and the receipt of payments on mortgage-backed securities, which can impact the expected timing of receipt of proceeds. Particularly in a decreasing interest rate environment, prepayments may result in proceeds having to be reinvested at a lower rate than the loan or mortgage-backed security being prepaid. Conversely, in a period of rising interest rates, the interest income earned on the Company’s assets may not increase as rapidly as the interest that the Company pays on its liabilities. Additionally, increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand or make it more difficult for borrowers to repay variable rate loans.
Potential sovereign debt defaults, actions that the U.S. government may take to avoid exceeding the debt ceiling, or uncertainties surrounding the debt ceiling and the federal budget may severely impact global and domestic economies and may lead to significantly tighter liquidity and impact the availability of credit. Economic growth may slow down and the national or global economy may experience downturns, including recessionary periods. Market disruption, including potential disruption resulting from inflation and global supply chain interruption, government and central bank policy actions designed to counteract the effects of recession, changes in investor expectations regarding compensation for market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk and changing economic data could impact both the volatility and magnitude of the directional movements of interest rates. Although the Company pursues an asset/liability management strategy designed to manage its risk arising from changes in interest rates, the Company's strategy may not be fully effective, or may be effective in part, and changes in market interest rates can have a material adverse effect on the Company’s profitability.
Risks Related to Recent Events Impacting the Financial Services Industry
During 2023, events impacting the financial services industry, including several high profile bank failures, resulted in decreased confidence in banks among depositors, investors and other counterparties, as well as competition for deposits, significant disruption, volatility and depressed valuations of equity and other securities of banks in the capital markets.These events occurred during a period of rapidly rising interest rates which, among other things, has resulted in increased unrealized losses on certain investment securities and increased competition for bank deposits and may increase the risk of a potential recession. These events have, had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on the market price and volatility of the Company’s common stock. These events also have resulted in, and could continue to result in, increased regulatory scrutiny and expectations, and could further lead to potentially adverse changes to laws or regulations applicable to the Company, which could have a material impact on the Company’s business and result in increased costs necessary to comply with any such changes. Additionally, the cost of resolving recent bank failures may prompt the FDIC to increase its premiums above the current levels or result in additional special assessments. Any of the above factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to the Company's Lending Activities
If the Company experiences credit losses at a level higher than anticipated in the Company's models, its earnings could materially decrease. The Company’s loan customers may not repay loans according to their terms, and the collateral securing the payment of loans may be insufficient to assure repayment or cover losses. If loan customers fail to repay loans according to the terms of the loans, the Company may experience significant credit losses that could have a material adverse effect on its operating results and capital ratios. The Company makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers, the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans, and the enforceability of its loan documents. In determining the amount of the
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allowance for credit losses, the Company, in addition to assessing the collectability of its loan portfolio, relies on experience and evaluation of economic conditions. If the assumptions underlying the determination of its allowance for credit losses prove to be incorrect, the current allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in the Company's loan portfolio and an adjustment may be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in its loan portfolio. A problem with one or more loans could require the Company to significantly increase the level of its allowance for credit losses. In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review the Company’s allowance for credit losses and may require it to increase its allowance for credit losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. Material additions to the allowance would materially decrease the Company’s net income and could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
A significant amount of the Company’s loans are concentrated in the Bank’s geographic footprint and adverse conditions in this geographic footprint could negatively impact its results of operations. Substantially all of the loans the Company originates are secured by properties located in, or are made to businesses that operate in, Massachusetts and, to a lesser extent, Rhode Island. Because of the current concentration of the Company’s loan origination activities in its geographic footprint, in the event of adverse economic conditions impacting the region (including, but not limited to, increased unemployment, downward pressure on the value of residential or commercial real estate, or political or business developments that may affect the ability of property owners and businesses to make payments of principal and interest on the underlying loans in the Bank’s geographic footprint), the Company would likely experience higher rates of loss and delinquency on its loans than if its loan portfolio were more geographically diversified, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
A significant portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively impact the real estate market could adversely affect the Company’s asset quality and the profitability of loans secured by real property and increase the number of defaults and the level of losses within the Company’s loan portfolio. The real estate collateral securing the Company's loans provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower. Should real estate values deteriorate or further deteriorate during the time the credit is extended, the Company is potentially exposed to greater losses. A downturn in the real estate market in the Company’s primary market areas could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on loans and a reduction in the value of the collateral securing loans, which in turn could have an adverse effect on the Company’s profitability and asset quality. Further, if the Company is required to liquidate collateral securing a loan to satisfy the related debt during a period of reduced real estate values, the Company may experience higher credit losses than expected and its earnings and shareholders’ equity could be adversely affected. Any declines in real estate prices in the Company’s primary markets may also result in increases in delinquencies and losses in its loan portfolios. Unanticipated decreases in real estate prices coupled with events, such as a prolonged economic downturn and elevated levels of unemployment could drive credit losses beyond the level provided for in the Company’s allowance for credit losses. If this occurs, the Company’s earnings could be adversely affected.
The Company's emphasis on originating commercial loans may increase lending risks. At December 31, 2023, 75.1% of the Company's loan portfolio consisted of commercial loans. The Company's commercial loan portfolio includes commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial construction loans, and small business banking loans. Commercial and industrial loans may expose the Company to additional risks since their underwriting is typically based on the borrower's ability to make repayments from the cash flow of its business and they are secured by non-real estate collateral that may depreciate over time. Commercial real estate loans and small business loans generally expose the Company to greater risk of non-payment and loss than residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation of the property and the continuity of tenant rental payments. Commercial real estate loans also typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to residential mortgage loans. Factors such as increased prevalence of remote work arrangements and consumer preference for online shopping have led and could continue to lead to a decreased demand for office and retail space, which could impact the value of the future cash flow and value of the involved property that serves as loan collateral.Such trends could ultimately result in a shrinkage of the commercial real estate market, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and possibly the Company’s long-term business strategy because commercial real estate loans are currently the Company’s largest loan category. Commercial construction loans are generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on owner-occupied residential real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property's value at completion of construction as compared to estimated costs. Changes in economic conditions that are out of the control of the borrower and lender could impact the value of the future cash flow and value of the underlying loan collateral. Additionally, some commercial borrowers may have more than one outstanding loan with the Company and, as a result, an adverse development with respect to a commercial credit relationship may expose the Company to greater risk of loss as compared to an adverse development associated with a consumer loan borrower.
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The Company may experience losses and expenses if security interests granted for loans are not enforceable. When the Bank makes loans, it sometimes obtains liens, such as real estate mortgages or other asset pledges, to provide the Bank with one or more security interests in collateral. If there is a loan default the Bank may seek to foreclose upon collateral and enforce the security interests to obtain repayment and eliminate or mitigate the Company's loss. Drafting errors, recording errors, other defects or imperfections in the security interests granted to the Bank and/or changes in law may render liens granted to the Bank unenforceable. The Company may incur losses or expenses if security interests granted to the Bank are not enforceable.
Risks Related to Legal, Regulatory and Policy Matters
The Company operates in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely impacted by changes in industry practices, laws, regulations, and accounting standards. Any change in the industry practices, laws, regulations or accounting standards and failure by the Company to comply with such changes, or a change in regulators’ supervisory policies or examination procedures, whether by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, other state or federal regulators, the U.S. Congress, or the Massachusetts legislature could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In the wake of several bank failures in 2023, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, FDIC, Federal Reserve and certain other regulators have intensified regulatory scrutiny and heightened expectations with respect to banking institutions. Such intensified scrutiny and heightened expectations may lead to increased costs of compliance as well an increased risk of formal or informal regulatory actions. Additionally, aspects of current or proposed regulatory or legislative changes to laws applicable in the financial services industry, including the adoption of new rules or more aggressive examination and enforcement by the Company’s regulators over its overdraft protection practices, have led certain banking organizations to modify their overdraft protection programs, including the imposition of overdraft transaction fees. These competitive pressures from the Company’s peers could cause the Company to modify its program and practices in ways that may negatively impact the profitability of the Company’s business activities and expose it to increased business and compliance costs, which, in turn could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The costs of compliance with fair lending laws or negative outcomes with respect to challenges of the Company’s compliance with such laws, inclusive of laws impacting banks exceeding $10 billion in total assets, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations or could damage the Company’s reputation. TheCRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose non-discriminatory lending and other requirements on financial institutions. The U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies, including the FDIC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful challenge to an institution’s performance under the CRA and other fair lending laws and regulations could result in, among other sanctions, the required payment of damages and civil monetary penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on acquisitions and restrictions on expansion. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. The costs of defending, and any adverse outcome from, any challenge with respect to our compliance with fair lending laws could damage our reputation or could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The impact of changes to the Internal Revenue Code or federal, state or local taxes may adversely affect the Company’s financial results or business. The Company is subject to changes in tax law which could impact the Company's effective tax rate. Tax law changes may or may not be retroactive to previous periods and could negatively affect the current and future financial performance of the Company. Changes in enacted tax rates are recognized when promulgated and therefore could have a material impact on the Company's results.
Claims and litigation could result in losses and damage to the Company’s reputation. From time to time as part of the Company’s normal course of business, customers, bankruptcy trustees, former customers, contractual counterparties, third parties and former employees make claims and take legal action against the Company based on its alleged actions or inactions. If such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to the Company, they may result in financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of the Company and its products and services. This may also impact customer demand for the Company’s products and services. Any material financial liability or reputational damage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in U.S. trade policies and other global political factors beyond the Company’s control, including the imposition of tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, or other sanctions, may adversely impact the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. There have been, and may be in the future, changes and discussions with respect to U.S. and international trade policies, legislation, treaties and tariffs, embargoes, sanctions and other trade restrictions. Tariffs, retaliatory tariffs or other trade restrictions on products and materials that customers import or export, or a trade war or other
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related governmental actions related to tariffs, international trade agreements or policies or other trade restrictions have the potential to negatively impact the Company's and/or the Bank's customers' costs, demand for the Bank's customers' products, and/or the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, could adversely impact the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, to the extent changes in the global political environment, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the conflict in Israel and surrounding areas and the possible expansion of such conflicts, have had and may continue to have a negative impact on the Company or on the markets in which the Company operates, the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted in the future.
The Companymay not be able to detect money laundering and other illegal or improper activities fully or on a timely basis, which could expose it to additional liability and could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company is required to comply with anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism and other laws and regulations in the United States. These laws and regulations require the Company, among other things, to adopt and enforce "know-your-customer" policies and procedures and to report suspicious and large transactions to applicable regulatory authorities. These laws and regulations have become increasingly complex and detailed, require improved systems and sophisticated monitoring and compliance personnel and have become the subject of enhanced government supervision.
The policies and procedures the Company has adopted for the purposes of detecting and preventing the use of its banking network for money laundering and related activities may not completely eliminate instances in which the Company may be used by customers to engage in money laundering and other illegal or improper activities. To the extent the Company fails to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations, banking agencies have the authority to impose fines and other penalties on the Company. In addition, the Company’s business and reputation could suffer if customers use its banking network for money laundering or illegal or improper purposes.
Risks Related to the Company's Strategic Activities
Part of the Company’s growth has been through acquisitions, and the inability to continue to execute on future acquisitions could have an impact on the Company's results of operations. While focusing on organic growth, the Company's strategy also includes, in part, growth through acquisitions. The Company may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, or complete acquisitions. Further, the success of any acquisition depends on the ability to effectively integrate the acquired business, including integrating operations and achieving synergies and cost efficiencies. Acquisitions can be disruptive as they result in diversion of management's attention from other business activities and can consume significant executive and employee resources as the Company integrates the target's operations and functional business into its operations and business. The Company may experience complications or delays while integrating. In addition, once integrated, acquired businesses may not achieve levels of expected profitability or profitability comparable to those achieved by the Company’s existing operations, or otherwise may not perform as expected. Further acquisitions involve numerous risks, including lower than expected performance or higher than expected costs, potential dilution of stockholder value, changes in relationships with customers, and the potential loss of key employees. In addition, the Company may not be successful in mitigating deposit erosion or loan quality deterioration at acquired institutions. Competition for acquisitions can be highly competitive, and the Company may not be able to acquire other institutions on acceptable terms. The ability to grow may be limited if the Company is unable to successfully make acquisitions in the future.
The Company's ability to make opportunistic acquisitions is contingent on regulators granting any requisite approvals. Part of the Company's business strategy includes seeking to make opportunistic whole or partial acquisitions of other banks, branches, financial institutions, or related businesses from time to time. Any possible acquisition may be subject to regulatory approval, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain any such approval in a timely manner or at all.
The Company may not realize the value of strategic investments and strategic initiatives that it pursues and such investments and initiatives could divert resources or introduce unforeseen risks to the Company’s business. The Company may execute strategic initiatives or make other strategic investments in businesses, products, technologies or platforms to enhance or grow its business. These strategic initiatives and investments may introduce new costs or liabilities which could impact the Company’s ability to grow or maintain acceptable performance. The Company may be unable to integrate systems, personnel or technologies from its strategic investments and initiatives. Strategic investments and initiatives may also present unforeseen legal, regulatory or other challenges that the Company may not be able to manage effectively. The planning and integration of a strategic investment or initiative may shift employee time and other resources which could impair the Company’s ability to focus on its core business. New strategic investments and strategic initiatives may not perform as expected due to lack of acceptance by customers or employees, higher than forecasted costs or losses, lengthy transition periods, synergies or savings not being realized and a variety of other factors. This may result in a delay or unrealized benefit, or in some cases, increased costs or other unforeseen risks to the Company’s business.
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Risks Related to Financial and Accounting Matters
The Company’s securities portfolio performance in difficult market conditions could have adverse effects on the Company’s results of operations. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), the Company measures expected credit losses on its securities portfolios in accordance with the CECL methodology, taking into consideration current market conditions, the extent and nature of changes in fair value, issuer rating changes and trends, volatility of earnings, current analysts’ evaluations, the Company’s ability and intent to hold investments until a recovery of amortized cost, as well as other factors. Adverse developments with respect to one or more of these factors could require the Company to recognize an allowance for credit losses, with the credit related portion of the reduction in the value required to be recognized as a charge to the Company’s earnings. Market volatility can make it extremely challenging to accurately value certain securities the Company holds. Subsequent periodic valuations of securities, taking into consideration then prevailing factors, may result in changes to valuations. Significant negative changes to valuations could result in the recognition of an allowance for credit losses within the Company’s securities portfolio, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
Impairment of goodwill and/or intangible assets could require charges to earnings, which could result in a negative impact on the Company's results of operations. Goodwill arises when the Company acquires a business for an amount greater than the net fair value of the assets of the acquired business. The Bank has recognized goodwill as an asset on the balance sheet in connection with several acquisitions. Goodwill is an intangible asset. When an intangible asset is determined to have an indefinite useful life, it is not amortized, and instead is evaluated for impairment. The Company conducts goodwill impairment tests annually, or more frequently if necessary. The Company evaluates goodwill using a combined qualitative and quantitative impairment approach. A significant and sustained decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in the Company’s expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, slower growth rates or other factors could result in a finding of impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets. If the Company were to conclude that a future write-down of goodwill or other intangible assets is necessary, then the Company would record the appropriate charge to earnings, which could have material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
Deterioration in the performance or financial position of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") of Boston might restrict the FHLB of Boston’s ability to meet the funding needs of its members, cause a suspension of its dividend, and cause its stock to be determined to be impaired. When necessary, components of the Bank’s liquidity needs are met through its access to funding pursuant to its membership in the FHLB of Boston. The FHLB of Boston is a cooperative that provides services to its member banking institutions. The primary reason for joining the FHLB of Boston is to obtain funding. The purchase of stock in the FHLB of Boston is a requirement for a member to gain access to funding. Any deterioration in the FHLB of Boston’s performance or financial condition may affect the Company’s ability to access funding and/or require the Company to deem the required investment in FHLB of Boston stock to be impaired. If the Company is not able to access funding, it may not be able to meet its liquidity needs, which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition. Similarly, if the Company deems all or part of its investment in FHLB of Boston stock impaired, such action could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
Reductions in the value of the Company’s deferred tax assets could adversely affect the Company's results of operations. A deferred tax asset is created by the tax effect of the differences between an asset’s book value and its tax basis. The Company assesses the deferred tax assets periodically to determine the likelihood of the Company’s ability to realize the benefits. These assessments consider the performance of the associated business and its ability to generate future taxable income. If the information available to the Company at the time of assessment indicates there is a greater than 50% chance that the Company will not realize the deferred tax asset benefit, the Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for the deferred tax asset and reduce its future deferred tax assets to the amount the Company believes could be realized. Recording such a valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition. Additionally, the deferred tax assets are determined using effective tax rates expected to apply to the Company's taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Accordingly, a change in statutory tax rates may result in a decrease or increase to the Company’s deferred tax assets. A decrease in the Company's deferred tax assets could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
Some of the Company's accounting policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the value of the Company's assets and liabilities and results of operations and if actual events differ from the Company's estimates and assumptions, the Company's results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Certain accounting policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of the Company’s assets and liabilities and results of operations. The Company identified the accounting policies regarding the allowance for credit losses,
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security valuations and allowance for credit losses, business combinations, and income taxes to be critical because these policies require management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments, estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Under each of these policies, it is possible that materially different values and results of operations would be reported under different conditions, different judgments, or different estimates or assumptions. Further, as new information becomes available, the Company may make a determination to refine or change its judgments, estimates and assumptions, any of which could materially adversely affect the value of the Company's assets and liabilities or its results of operations.
From time to time, the FASB and the SEC change applicable guidance governing the form and content of the Company’s financial statements. In addition, accounting standard setters and those who interpret GAAP, such as the FASB, SEC, and banking regulators, may change or even reverse their previous interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. Such changes are expected to continue, and may accelerate. Changes in GAAP and current interpretations are beyond the Company’s control, can be hard to predict and could materially impact how the Company reports its financial results and condition. In certain cases, the Company could be required to apply new or revised guidance retroactively or apply existing guidance differently (also retroactively), which may result in the Company restating prior period financial statements for material amounts. Additionally, significant changes to GAAP may require costly technology changes, additional training and personnel, and other expenses that could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.
Changes in debt and equity markets or economic downturns could affect the level of assets under administration and the demand for other fee-based services. Economic downturns could affect the volume of income earned from and demand for fee-based services. Revenues from the investment management business depend in large part on the level of assets under administration. Market volatility that results in customers liquidating investments, as well as lower asset values, can reduce the level of assets under administration and decrease the Company's investment management revenues, which could materially adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
Risks Related to Information Security and Technology
The need to mitigate against and react to cyber-security risks, and electronic fraud risks require significant resources, andanysystem failure, a cyber-security attack or electronic fraud could subject the Company to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other liabilities. The risk of electronic fraudulent activity within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector, due to cyber-attacks (crime committed through or involving the internet, such as phishing, hacking, denial of service attacks, stealing information, unauthorized intrusions into internal systems or the systems of the Company's third-party vendors) continues to increase and could adversely impact the Company’s operations or damage its reputation. The Company's information technology infrastructure and systems may be vulnerable to cyber-terrorism, computer viruses, damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event, system failures and other intentional or unintentional interference, fraud and other unauthorized attempts to access or interfere with the systems.
Information security risks have increased because of the proliferation of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, and the increased number as well as sophistication and level of activity of perpetrators of cyber-attacks, which include nation-state actors. Many financial institutions and service providers to financial institutions have reported significant breaches in the security of their websites or other systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and targeted attacks intended to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, deny service, or sabotage systems, often through the introduction of computer viruses or malware, cyber-attacks and other means. While the Company has seen attempts to gain access against its systems, and expects such attacks will continue, and may intensify, in the future. Although to date the Company has not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer losses in the future.
The Company expects risk exposure to cyber-attacks will remain elevated or increase in the future due to, among other things, the increasing size and prominence of the Company in the financial services industry, its expansion of Internet and mobile banking tools and products based on customer needs, and its increasing use of operational software hosted on the Internet as more and more software solutions used in the Company’s operations migrate from solutions hosted within the Company’s firewalls to internet-hosted solutions at third-party locations.
To help manage the Company’s cyber-risks, when entering a new vendor relationship, the Company reviews and assesses the cyber-security risk of third-party service providers. A successful cyber-security attack on one of the Company’s third-party service providers could disrupt operations, adversely affect the Company’s business, or result in the disclosure or misuse of the Company’s confidential information, including customer confidential information. There can be no assurance that the precautions the Company takes to seek to manage cyber risk related to third-party service providers will be effective or
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prevent a cyber-attack that could expose the Company to significant operational costs and damages or reputational harm. Although the Company maintains an insurance policy covering these sorts of cyber risks, there can be no assurance that this policy will afford coverage for all possible losses or would be adequate to cover all financial losses, damages, and penalties, including lost revenues, should the Company experience any system failure or cyber-attack in one or more Company or third-party systems.
The Company’s risk-based technology and systems or the personnel who monitor such technology and systems may not identify and prevent or effectively mitigate successful cyber-attacks when they occur. Significant operational costs and damages or reputational harm may occur if the Company fails to identify and prevent or effectively mitigate, or there is a delay in identifying, a cyber-attack on its systems, or those of its third-party service providers. Any breach, damage or failure that causes an interruption in operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations due to the time and money needed to correct the issue. Computer break-ins, phishing and other disruptions could also jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through Company computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in litigation or significant liability to the Company and may cause existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with the Company. Finally, depending on the type of incident, banking regulators may impose restrictions on the Company’s business and consumer laws may require reimbursement of customer losses.
The Company continually encounters technological change. The failure to understand and adapt to these changes could negatively impact the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.Financial services industries continually experience rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services, such as artificial intelligence. An effective use of technology can increase efficiency, enable financial institutions to better serve customers, and reduce costs. Additionally, as a result of the Coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic and the related shift toward remote banking, customers have become more reliant on, and their expectations have increased with respect to, new technology-driven products and services. In addition, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for "non-banks" to offer traditional bank products and services using innovative technological platforms such as fintech and blockchain. These "digital banks" may be able to achieve economies of scale and offer better pricing than the Company offers for banking products and services, and they may have fewer regulatory burdens than traditional banks such as the Company. However, some new technologies needed to compete effectively result in incremental operating costs and capital investments. The Company's future success depends in part upon its ability to continue to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in operations. Many of the Company's competitors, because of their larger size and available capital, have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers within the same time frame as its large competitors or within the time frame expected by its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could lead to loss of customers and could have a material adverse impact on the Company's business and, in turn, its financial condition and results of operations.
The Company is subject to laws regarding the privacy, information security and protection of personal information and any violation of these laws or an incident involving personal, confidential or proprietary information of individuals could damage the Company’s reputation and otherwise adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The Company regularly collects, processes, transmits and stores confidential information regarding its customers and employees. In some cases, this confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on the Company’s behalf. Legislation and regulation governing the privacy and protection of personal information of individuals (including customers, employees, suppliers and other third parties) have been evolving, expanding and increasing in complexity in recent years, and although the Company makes and will continue to make reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be subject to regulatory action or monetary penalties in the event of an incident.
For example, the Company is subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which, among other things: (i) imposes certain limitations on the ability to share nonpublic personal information about customers with nonaffiliated third parties; (ii) requires that the Company provide certain disclosures to customers about its information collection, sharing and security practices and afford customers the right to “opt out” of any information sharing by us with nonaffiliated third parties (with certain exceptions); and (iii) requires that the Company develop, implement and maintain a written comprehensive information security program containing appropriate safeguards based on its size and complexity, the nature and scope of its activities, and the sensitivity of customer information processed by the Company, as well as plans for responding to data security breaches. Various state and federal banking regulators and states have also enacted data security breach notification requirements with varying levels of individual, consumer, regulatory or law enforcement notification in certain circumstances in the event of a security breach. Ensuring that the collection, use, transfer and storage of personal information by the Company complies with all applicable laws and regulations can increase costs. Furthermore, the Company may not be able to ensure that all of its
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customers, suppliers, counterparties and other third parties have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of information exchanged with them, particularly where such information is transmitted by electronic means. If personal, confidential or proprietary information of customers or others were to be mishandled or misused, the Company could be exposed to litigation or regulatory sanctions under personal information laws and regulations. Concerns regarding the effectiveness of our measures to safeguard personal information, or even the perception that such measures are inadequate, could cause the Company to lose customers or potential customers and thereby reduce revenues. Accordingly, any failure or perceived failure to comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws and regulations may subject the Company to inquiries, examinations and investigations that could result in requirements to modify or cease certain operations or practices or in significant liabilities, fines or penalties, and could damage the Company’s reputation and otherwise adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s controls and procedures may be inadequate, and failure to comply with controls and procedures or related regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. The Company faces the risk that the design of its controls and procedures, including those designed to mitigate the risk of fraud by employees or outside third parties, may be inadequate or be circumvented, thereby causing delays or failures in detection of errors or inaccuracies in data and information. The Company regularly reviews and updates the Company's internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the Company's controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. Certain of the Company’s employees work remotely and/or hybrid, which arrangements may contribute to heightened cybersecurity, information security and operational risks. The Company has not experienced any material impact to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting due to the fact that most of the Company’s employees responsible for financial reporting are working remotely and/or hybrid, but the Company is continually monitoring and assessing the impact of remote or hybrid work policies on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to minimize any impact on the design and operating effectiveness. In addition, while the Company maintains a control framework designed to monitor service provider risks, including those relating to internet vulnerability fraud and operational errors of employees, the failure of a service provider to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements could be disruptive to the Company's operations, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations, and the Company’s (or the service provider’s) business continuity plans, risk management processes and procedures or security systems may not adequately mitigate such risk.
Risks Related to Liquidity
The Company may be unable to adequately manage its liquidity risk, which could affect its ability to meet its obligations as they become due, capitalize on growth opportunities, or pay dividends on its common stock. Liquidity risk refers to managing the Company's liquidity so that it can meet its obligations as the obligations become due, opportunistically capitalize on potential growth opportunities as they arise, or pay dividends on its common stock. The Company's liquidity arises from its ability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. Liquidity is required to fund various obligations, including credit commitments to borrowers, mortgage and other loan originations, withdrawals by depositors, repayment of borrowings, dividends to shareholders, operating expenses and capital expenditures. The Company's liquidity is derived primarily from funding obtained from the FHLB of Boston; retail deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments on investment securities the Company issues; sale, maturity and prepayment of investment securities the Company holds; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources. Any substantial, unexpected or prolonged changes in the level or cost of liquidity could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. Factors that could detrimentally impact the Company’s access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of business activity as a result of a downturn in the markets in which the Company's loans are concentrated or an adverse regulatory action against the Company.The Company’s ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to the Company, such as a disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry generally.
Risks Related to Environmental and Social Matters
The Company is subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations. A significant portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, the Company may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, the Company may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require the Company to incur substantial expenses and may materially
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reduce the affected property’s value or limit the Company’s ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase the Company’s exposure to environmental liability. Environmental reviews conducted prior to originating certain commercial real estate loans, as well as before initiating any foreclosure action on real property, as required by Company policies and procedures, may not detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Responses to climate change could adversely affect the Company's business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on its customers. Concerns over the long-term impacts of climate change have led and will continue to lead to governmental efforts around the world to mitigate those impacts. Consumers and businesses also may change their behavior on their own as a result of these concerns. The Company and its customers will need to respond to new laws and regulations as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. The Company and its customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions, operating process changes, and the like. Among the impacts to the Company could include a drop in demand for its products and services, particularly in certain sectors. In addition, the Company could face reductions in creditworthiness on the part of some customers or in the value of assets securing loans.
Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters could adversely affect the Company's business or results of operations, and this risk may be exacerbated by shifts in weather patterns caused by climate change. The Company’s market area includes coastal regions that are susceptible to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters including, but not to limited to, rain storms, hurricanes, blizzards and nor'easters and related flooding and wind damage. The nature and level of such natural disasters cannot be predicted and may be exacerbated by global climate change. Such events can disrupt operations, result in damage to properties and negatively affect the local economies in the markets where the Company operates, which would also impact the Company’s customers and borrowers.See also “Natural disasters, severe weather, public health crises, or other catastrophic or man-made events could have an adverse effect on the Company's business or results of operations” below.
Environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) risks could adversely affect the Company's reputation, business and performance and the trading price of its common stock. Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from investors, customers, regulators and other stakeholders related to their ESG practices and disclosure. Investors, investor advocacy groups and investment funds are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, climate change, diversity and inclusion, workplace conduct and human capital management. These stakeholders often have differing priorities and expectations regarding ESG issues.
The consideration of ESG factors in making investment and voting decisions is relatively new. Certain stakeholders have commenced, or threatened to commence, lawsuits opposing various ESG measures. Accordingly, the frameworks and methods for assessing ESG policies are not fully developed, vary considerably among the investment community, and will likely continue to evolve over time. Moreover, the subjective nature of methods used by various stakeholders to assess a company with respect to ESG criteria could result in erroneous perceptions or a misrepresentation of our actual ESG policies and practices. Organizations that provide ratings information to investors on ESG matters may also assign unfavorable ratings to the Company. Certain clients might also require that the Company implement additional ESG procedures or standards in order to continue to do business with them.
Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact our reputation, our ability to do business with certain customers, vendors, suppliers or other third parties, the Company’s ability to attract and retain employees and our stock price. The Company could also face negative publicity or reputational harm based on the identity of those with whom we choose to do business. Increased ESG-related compliance costs could result in increases to our overall operational costs, which could impact our profitability. New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure, which would result in increased compliance requirements and costs. Any of the foregoing could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Related to the Company's Business and Industry Generally
The Company’s business depends on maintaining the trust and confidence of customers and other market participants, and the Company's reputation is critical to its business. The Company’s ability to originate and maintain accounts and business is highly dependent upon the perceptions of borrowers and deposit holders and other external perceptions of the Company’s business practices and financial health. The Company’s reputation is vulnerable to threats that can be difficult or impossible to control, and costly or impossible to remediate. Regulatory inquiries, actual or alleged incidents of employee misconduct and rumors, among other things, can substantially damage the Company’s reputation, even if the
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inquiries, allegations, or rumors are baseless or satisfactorily addressed. Adverse perceptions regarding the Company’s reputation in the consumer, commercial and funding markets could result in difficulties in generating and maintaining accounts and business, as well as in financing accounts and the Company's business. Further, adverse perceptions can result in decreases in the levels of deposits that customers and potential customers choose to maintain with the Company, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
If the Company’s risk management framework does not effectively identify or mitigate the Company’s risks, the Company could suffer unexpected losses and the results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. The Company’s risk management framework seeks to mitigate risk and appropriately balance risk and return. The Company has established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor and report the types of risk to which it is subject, including credit risk, operations risk, compliance risk, reputation risk, strategic risk, market risk and liquidity risk. The Company seeks to monitor and control its risk exposure through a framework of policies, procedures and reporting requirements. Management of the Company’s risks in some cases depends upon the use of analytical and/or forecasting models, which, in turn, rely on assumptions and estimates. If the models used to mitigate these risks are inadequate, or the assumption or estimates are inaccurate or otherwise flawed, the Company may fail to adequately protect against risks and may incur losses. In addition, there may be risks that exist, or that develop in the future, that the Company has not appropriately anticipated, identified or mitigated, which could lead to unexpected losses and the Company's results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
The Company has strong competition within its market area which may constrain the Company’s ability to grow and achieve profitability. The Company faces significant competition both in attracting deposits and in the origination of loans. See "Market Area and Competition" in Item 1. Business of this Report. Mergers and acquisitions of financial institutions within the Company’s market area may occur, which could add more competitive pressure as the Company would be competing with the resultant larger financial institutions with greater financial resources on a combined basis. Additionally, the Company's market share and income may be adversely affected by its inability to successfully compete against larger and more diverse financial service providers. If the Company is unable to compete effectively, it may lose market share or fail to maintain its market share, and income generated from loans, deposits, and other financial products may decline.
The success of the Company is dependent on the Company's ability to attract, hire and retain certain key personnel. The Company’s business is complex and specialized and performance is largely dependent on the knowledge, talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. The Company relies on key personnel to manage and operate its business, including major revenue producing functions, such as loan and deposit generation. The loss of key personnel could adversely affect the Company’s ability to maintain and manage these functions effectively, which could negatively affect the Company’s net income. In addition, loss of key personnel could result in increased recruiting and hiring expenses, which could adversely impact the Company’s net income. The Company’s continued ability to compete effectively depends on its ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate its existing key employees. Competition for the best people in the Company’s markets and businesses can be intense, and the Company may not be able to hire people or to retain them, in particular due to an increasingly competitive labor market. The labor market continues to experience elevated levels of turnover in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Company has been impacted by an extremely competitive labor market, including increased competition for talent across all aspects of the Company’s business, as well as increased competition with non-traditional competitors, such as fintech companies. Employers are offering increased compensation and opportunities to work with greater flexibility, including remote work, on a permanent basis. These can be important factors in a current employee’s decision to leave the Company as well as in a prospective employee’s decision to join the Company. As competition for skilled professionals remains intense, the Company may have to devote significant resources to attract and retain qualified personnel, which could negatively impact earnings.
Natural disasters, severe weather, public health crises or other catastrophic or man-made events could have an adverse effect on the Company's business or results of operations. The nature and level of such natural disasters, public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and any resurgences thereof or other pandemics or epidemics, or man-made events, including political events such as war, civil unrest or terrorist attacks, and other catastrophic events cannot be predicted. Such events can disrupt operations, result in damage to properties and negatively affect the local economies in the markets where the Company operates. The Company's borrowers may suffer property damage, experience interruption of their businesses or lose their jobs, which may negatively impact the ability of these borrowers to make deposits with the Company or repay their loans or negatively impact values of collateral securing loans, any of which could result in losses and increased provisions for credit losses. Additionally, the occurrence of these events could harm the Company's operations thorough interference with communications, including the interruption or loss of its computer systems which could prevent the gathering of deposits, originating loans and processing and controlling business flow, as well as through the destruction of facilities and operational, financial and management information systems, and could cause us to incur significant costs to repair any resulting damage to the Company's property or business relationships.
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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity threats pose a risk to the Company, as crimes committed through or involving the internet, such as phishing, hacking, denial of service attacks, stealing information, unauthorized intrusions into internal systems or the systems of third-party vendors could adversely impact the Company’s operations or damage its reputation. The Bank manages cybersecurity threats proactively and maintains robust controls to protect its critical systems and data by investing in secure, reliable and resilient technology infrastructure, fostering a culture of technology risk awareness and continuously improving its technology risk management practices. The Company’s process for monitoring and mitigating cybersecurity risk is designed in conjunction with its overall Enterprise Risk Management Policy. The Company’s Information Security Program follows ISO 27002, an international standard for information security controls, as well as references to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Information Examination Handbook, and other regulatory guidance and industry standards.
The Company has several processes in place to oversee and identify these risks, such as the Information Technology Risk Governance Committee (“ITRGC”), which is responsible for oversight of information technology ("IT") and information security ("IS") risk. This committee oversees the establishment and revision of IT and IS key risk and key performance indicators and ongoing monitoring of these metrics. The Company’s Director of Enterprise Information Security is responsible for cybersecurity initiatives at the Company, including identifying and managing security risks, and escalating elevated risks to the Information Security Officer, who works in tandem with the Chief Risk Officer and collectively report on emerging and existing threats and mitigation strategies to the Board, which has oversight of cybersecurity risk, on a semi-annual basis, or more frequently, if needed. The Director of Enterprise Information Security and the Information Security Officer have 30 and 22 years, respectively, of information security experience across a wide range of industries and both possess substantial knowledge and expertise in how to manage information security and cybersecurity risks. Additionally, the team of employees supporting them maintain education and certification requirements necessary to carry out their responsibilities.
The Company has deployed a layered security approach to identify, measure, monitor and control information technology risks. The Company also maintains a documented Incident Management Standard and Technology and Cyber Incident Response Plan. These documents addresses the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents, and include appropriate timely incident escalations to be followed during an incident, up to and including executive leadership, management committees, such as of the ITRGC, and depending on incident severity, the Board or Board committee. The volume, severity, and root case of security incidents are reported on at monthly management committees. The Company will regularly engage independent third parties to assist in its cybersecurity preparedness, including but not limited to vulnerability scan assessments, secure code scan reviews, and cybersecurity incident response simulations. The Company’s internal audit department also performs annual cybersecurity penetration testing over the Company’s internal and external networks. Additionally, for third party related technologies, the Company’s Third Party Risk Management Program (“TPRM”) is involved with onboarding and ongoing monitoring of these vendor relationships. TPRM documents the Company’s view of applicable third party vendors assessing the vendor’s technological capability to provide products and/or services in a viable and risk adverse manner.
In an effort to mitigate risks related to cybersecurity threats, the Company has also designed and implemented required training for all employees, including training on the Company’s security and privacy policies, which are mandatory as part of the onboarding process, with refresher trainings required annually thereafter. Additionally, the Company carries out regular phishing simulation tests throughout the year to keep employees alert, spread awareness and ensure that employees have the knowledge and resources necessary to report suspicious activity.
While the Company has seen attempts to gain access against its systems, and expects such attacks to continue, or possibly intensify in the future, the Company has not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches as of December 31, 2023. As a protective measure, the Company maintains insurance coverage for cybersecurity incidents experienced by the Company, or by one or more of the Company’s third party providers, however such insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all losses incurred. As of the date of this Report, no risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. For further
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discussion surrounding risks from cybersecurity threats, refer to the section captioned “Risks Related to Information Security and Technology” within Item 1A this Report.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
At December 31, 2023, the Bank conducted its business from its main retail branch located at 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts, 121 retail branches and one mobile branch located within Eastern Massachusetts as well as in Worcester County. In addition to its main office, the Bank leased 73 of its branches and owned the remaining 49 branches. In addition to these branch locations, the Bank had 28 remote ATM locations, all of which are leased.
The Bank’s executive administration offices are located in Hanover, Massachusetts while the remaining administrative and operations locations are housed in several different campuses. Additionally, the Bank operates a number of commercial banking and mortgage lending centers, as well as investment management offices not associated with a branch location throughout the Bank’s footprint.
For additional information regarding the Bank’s premises and equipment and lease obligations, see Notes 4, "Bank Premises and Equipment" and 16"Leases,"respectively, within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
At December 31, 2023, Rockland Trust was involved in pending lawsuits that arose in the ordinary course of business. Management has reviewed these pending lawsuits with legal counsel and has taken into consideration the view of counsel as to their outcome. In the opinion of management, the final disposition of such pending lawsuits is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
(a.) Independent Bank Corp.’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol INDB. The Company declared aggregate cash dividends of $2.20 and $2.08 per share in 2023 and in 2022, respectively. The ratio of dividends paid to earnings in 2023 and 2022 was 40.92% and 35.53%, respectively.
Payment of dividends by the Company on its common stock is subject to various regulatory restrictions and guidelines. Since substantially all of the funds available for the payment of dividends are derived from the Bank, future dividends will depend on the earnings of the Bank, its financial condition, its need for funds, applicable governmental policies and regulations, and other such matters as the Board of Directors deems appropriate. Management believes that the Bank will continue to generate adequate earnings to continue to pay comparable common dividends on a quarterly basis.
As of February 26, 2024, there were 42,445,920 shares of common stock outstanding which were held by approximately 4,013 holders of record. The number of record-holders may not reflect the number of persons or entities holding stock in nominee name through banks, brokerage firms, and other nominees. The closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 29, 2023, the last trading day of the year, was $65.81.
Comparative Stock Performance Graph
The stock performance graph below and associated table compare the cumulative total shareholder return of the Company’s common stock from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2023 to the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Composite Index (U.S. Companies), the KBW NASDAQ Bank Index, and the KBW NASDAQ Regional Banking Index. The lines in the graph and the numbers in the table below represent yearly index levels derived from compounded daily returns that include reinvestment or retention of all dividends. If the yearly interval, based on the last day of a fiscal year, was not a trading
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day, the preceding trading day was used. The index value for all of the series was set to 100.00 on December 31, 2018 (which assumes that $100.00 was invested in each of the series on December 31, 2018).
The following information in this Item 5 of this Report is not deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Exchange Act or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such a filing. The stock price performance shown on the stock performance graph and associated table below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance. Information used in the graph and table was obtained from a third party provider, a source believed to be reliable, but the Company is not responsible for any errors or omissions in such information.
The following chart depicts the total return performance of the Company:
(b.) Not applicable
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(c.) The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s repurchases of its common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2023:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(1) The remaining shares available for repurchase at December 31, 2023 were repurchased during the first quarter of 2024. Accordingly, the share repurchase plan was terminated.
On October 19, 2023, the Company announced a stock buyback plan which authorizes repurchases by the Company of up to $100 million in common stock. Repurchases under the plan were made from time to time on the open market and in privately negotiated transactions, including through the use of trading plans intended to quality under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. The extent to which the Company repurchases shares and the size and timing of these repurchases will depend on a variety of factors, including price, market and economic conditions, the Company's capital position and amount of retained earnings and legal and contractual requirements. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased 1.3 million shares of common stock for $69 million under this plan and the remaining repurchases under this plan were completed during the first quarter of 2024. There are no other active repurchase plans at this time.
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company is a state chartered, federally registered bank holding company, incorporated in 1985. The Company is the sole stockholder of Rockland Trust, a Massachusetts trust company chartered in 1907. For a full list of corporate entities see Item 1 "Business — General."
All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. When necessary, certain amounts in prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. The following should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes.
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Executive Level Overview
Management evaluates the Company's operating results and financial condition using measures that include net income, earnings per share, return on assets and equity, return on tangible common equity, net interest margin, tangible book value per share, asset quality indicators, and many others. These metrics are used by management to make key decisions regarding the Company's balance sheet, liquidity, interest rate sensitivity, and capital resources and assist with identifying opportunities for improving the Company's financial position or operating results. The Company focuses on organic growth, but will also consider growth through acquisition. Any potential acquisition opportunities are evaluated for the potential to provide a satisfactory financial return as well as other criteria (ease of integration, synergies, geographical location).
2023 Results
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $239.5 million, or $5.42 on a diluted earnings per share basis, as compared to $263.8 million, or $5.69 on a diluted earnings per share basis for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing decreases of 9.2% and 4.7%, respectively. Full year 2023 operating net income was also $239.5 million, or $5.42, on a diluted earnings per share basis, as no adjustments were recognized, while full year 2022 operating results reflect pre-tax merger and acquisition-related costs of $7.1 million associated with the fourth quarter 2021 acquisition of Meridian Bancorp, Inc. ("Meridian") and its subsidiary, East Boston Savings Bank. Excluding these merger and acquisition-related costs, operating net income was $268.9 million, or $5.80 on a diluted per share basis for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing decreases of 10.9% and 6.6%, respectively. See "Non-GAAP Measures" below for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.
Full year 2023 results reflected the following key drivers:
•Net interest margin increased by 8 basis points as compared to the full year 2022;
•Disciplined loan growth;
•Stable asset quality; provision for credit loss primarily impacted by loss exposure in the commercial portfolios;
•Strong fee income;
•Prudent expense management; 54% efficiency ratio for the year;
•Strong tangible book value growth of 7.3%; and
•Robust capital levels; Company active under two authorized stock buyback programs, repurchasing 2.9 million shares for $189 million during the year.
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Interest-Earning Assets
The results depicted in the following table reflect the trend of the Company's interest-earning assets over the past five years and reflect a longer term overall strategy that typically emphasizes loan growth commensurate with overall economic growth. Compared to the prior year, the composition of interest-earnings assets at December 31, 2023 primarily reflects growth in the residential real estate loan portfolio, decreased securities balances reflecting paydowns, calls and maturities, and also reduced cash balances commensurate with deposit balance reductions. The following table summarizes the Company's average interest-earning assets for each year presented:
Management strives to be disciplined about loan pricing and considers interest rate sensitivity when generating loan assets. In addition, management takes a disciplined approach to credit underwriting, seeking to avoid undue credit risk and credit losses.
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Funding and the Net Interest Margin
The Company's overall sources of funding reflect strong business and retail deposit growth with a management emphasis on core deposit growth to fund loans. Total borrowings increased by $1.1 billion at December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022, primarily in response to deposit balance reductions and to fund the Company's stock buyback activity. For further details surrounding the Company’s liquidity risks and related strategy, see “Risk Management – Liquidity Risk” section below within Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within this Report. The following chart shows the sources of funding for the trailing five years:
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The Company's ratio of core deposits to total deposits decreased during 2023, primarily attributable to core deposit outflows in conjunction with existing deposit balances shifting into higher cost time deposits. The following chart shows the percentage of core deposits to total deposits for the trailing five years:
(1) The percentage of core deposits to total deposits presented above is inclusive of reciprocal money market deposits collected through the Company's participation in the IntraFi Network.
The following table shows the net interest margin and cost of deposits trends for the trailing five year period:
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Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is primarily comprised of deposit account fees, interchange and ATM fees, investment management fees and mortgage banking income. The following chart shows the components of noninterest income over the past five years:
Expense Control
Management seeks to take a balanced approach to noninterest expense control by monitoring ongoing operating expenses while making needed capital expenditures and prudently investing in growth initiatives. The Company’s primary expenses arise from Rockland Trust’s employee salaries and benefits, as well as expenses associated with buildings and equipment.
The following chart depicts the Company's efficiency ratio on a GAAP basis (calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of noninterest income and net interest income), as well as the Company's efficiency ratio on a non-GAAP operating basis, (calculated by dividing noninterest expense, excluding certain noncore items, by the sum of noninterest income, excluding certain noncore items, and net interest income) over the past five years:
*See "Non-GAAP Measures" below for a reconciliation to GAAP financial measures.
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Capital
The Company's approach with respect to revenue and expense is designed to promote long-term earnings growth, which in turn contributes to capital growth. Capital balances during 2023 were impacted primarily by earnings retention, dividends, changes in other comprehensive income, and opportunistic share repurchases. The following chart shows the Company's book value and tangible book value per share over the past five years:
*See "Non-GAAP Measures" below for a reconciliation to GAAP financial measures.
Cash dividends declared by the Company increased from an aggregate of $2.08 per share in 2022 to $2.20 per share in 2023, representing an increase of 5.8%. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased 1.6 million shares of its common stock for $120.0 million at an average price of $74.18, marking the full completion of its stock repurchase program announced in October 2022. Additionally, in consideration of the Company's strong capital position, the Company announced another stock repurchase plan in October 2023 which authorized repurchases by the Company of up to $100 million in common stock. Under this new plan, the Company repurchased an additional 1.3 million shares of common stock for $69.0 million at an average price per share of $53.73 during the fourth quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP Measures
When management assesses the Company’s financial performance for purposes of making day-to-day and strategic decisions, it does so based upon the performance of its core banking business, which is primarily derived from the combination of net interest income and noninterest or fee income, reduced by operating expenses, the provision for credit losses, and the impact of income taxes and other noncore items shown in the table that follows. There are items that impact the Company's results that management believes are unrelated to its core banking business such as gains or losses on the sales of securities, merger and acquisition expenses, provision for credit losses on acquired portfolios, loss on extinguishment of debt, impairment and other items. Management, therefore, excludes items management considers to be noncore when computing the Company’s non-GAAP operating earnings and operating EPS, noninterest income on an operating basis and efficiency ratio on an operating basis. Management believes excluding these items facilitates greater visibility into the Company’s core banking business and underlying trends that may, to some extent, be obscured by inclusion of such items.
Management also supplements its evaluation of financial performance with an analysis of tangible book value per share (which is computed by dividing stockholders' equity less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, or tangible common equity, by common shares outstanding) and with the Company's tangible common equity ratio (which is computed by dividing tangible common equity by tangible assets) which are non-GAAP measures. The Company has included information on these tangible ratios because management believes that investors may find it useful to have access to the same analytical tools used by management to assess performance and identify trends. The Company has recognized goodwill and other intangible assets in conjunction with merger and acquisition activities. Excluding the impact of goodwill and other intangibles in measuring asset and capital values for the ratios provided, along with other bank standard capital ratios, facilitates comparison of the capital adequacy of the Company to other companies in the financial services industry.
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These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with GAAP. An item which management deems to be noncore and excludes when computing these non-GAAP measures can be of substantial importance to the Company’s results for any particular period. The Company’s non-GAAP performance measures are not necessarily comparable to similarly named non-GAAP performance measures which may be presented by other companies.
The following table summarizes the impact of noncore items on net income and reconciles non-GAAP net operating earnings to net income available to common shareholders for the periods indicated:
Years Ended December 31
Net Income Diluted Earnings Per Share
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Non-GAAP adjustments
Noninterest expense components
Add: merger and acquisition expenses — 7,100 — 0.15
Noncore increases to income before taxes — 7,100 — 0.15
Net tax benefit associated with noncore items (1) — (1,995) — (0.04)
Noncore increases to net income $ — $ 5,105 $ — $ 0.11
(1)The net tax benefit associated with noncore items is determined by assessing whether each noncore item is included or excluded from net taxable income and applying the Company's combined marginal tax rate only to those items included in net taxable income.
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The following table summarizes the impact of noncore items with respect to the Company's total revenue, noninterest income as a percentage of total revenue, and the efficiency ratio for the periods indicated:
Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
Less:
Gain on sale of loans — — — — 951
Less:
Loss on termination of derivatives — — — 684 —
Ratios
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The following table summarizes the calculation of the Company's tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share for the periods indicated:
Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Tangible common equity
Tangible assets
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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial and other data of the Company set forth below does not purport to be complete and should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed information, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes, appearing elsewhere herein.
Table 1 - Selected Financial Data
As of or for the Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Financial condition data
Operating data
Per share data
Performance ratios
Asset quality ratios
Capital ratios
(1) Represents a non-GAAP measurement. For reconciliation to GAAP measurement, see Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Executive Level Overview - Non-GAAP Measures".
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Financial Position
Securities Portfolio The Company's securities portfolio primarily consists of U.S. Treasury, U.S. government agency securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, agency collateralized mortgage obligations, and small business administration pooled securities. Also included in the Company's security portfolio are trading and equity securities related to certain employee benefit programs. The majority of these securities are investment grade debt obligations with average lives of five years or less. U.S. government agency securities entail a lesser degree of risk than loans made by the Bank by virtue of the guarantees that back them, require less capital under risk-based capital rules than noninsured or nonguaranteed mortgage loans, are more liquid than individual mortgage loans, and may be used to collateralize borrowings or other obligations of the Bank. The Bank views its securities portfolio as a source of income and liquidity. Interest and principal payments generated from securities provide a source of liquidity to fund loans and meet short-term cash needs.
Total securities decreased by $198.4 million, or 6.3%, at December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022, primarily reflecting the impact of paydowns, calls, and maturities, partially offset by unrealized gains of $42.0 million related to the available for sale portfolio. The ratio of securities to total assets decreased to 15.1% at December 31, 2023 as compared to 16.2% at December 31, 2022. The Company estimates expected credit losses for its available for sale and held to maturity securities in accordance with the CECL methodology, as described in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.
The following table sets forth the fair value of available for sale securities and the amortized cost of held to maturity securities along with the percentage distribution:
Table 2 - Securities Portfolio Composition
December 31
Amount Percent Amount Percent
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair value of securities available for sale
State, county and municipal securities 190 — % 191 — %
Small business administration pooled securities 46,572 3.5 % 51,757 3.7 %
Amortized cost of securities held to maturity
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks 1,500 0.1 % 1,500 0.1 %
The Company’s available for sale securities are carried at fair value and are categorized within the fair value hierarchy based on the observability of model inputs. Securities which require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable are classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no securities categorized as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
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The following table sets forth the weighted average yield for each range of contractual maturities of the Bank’s available for sale and held to maturity securities portfolios at December 31, 2023. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Weighted average yields in the table below have been calculated based on the amortized cost of the security.
Table 3 - Securities Portfolio, Weighted Average Yields
Weighted Average Yield
Securities available for sale:
U.S. government agency securities — 1.2 % 1.6 % — 1.3 %
U.S. treasury securities 0.4 % 0.9 % — — 0.8 %
Agency mortgage-backed securities 4.0 % 1.6 % 1.9 % 2.0 % 1.8 %
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations — — 2.1 % 3.6 % 3.5 %
State, county, and municipal securities — 3.0 % — — 3.0 %
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks — — — 3.7 % 3.7 %
Pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers — — — 6.1 % 6.1 %
Small business administration pooled securities — — — 2.2 % 2.2 %
Total available for sale securities 0.4 % 1.1 % 1.8 % 2.3 % 1.2 %
Securities held to maturity:
U.S. government agency securities: 0.5 % — — — 0.5 %
U.S. treasury securities — 1.3 % 1.5 % — 1.3 %
Agency mortgage-backed securities — 2.9 % 2.4 % 3.2 % 2.8 %
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations — 2.5 % 1.1 % 1.6 % 1.7 %
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks — 8.3 % — — 8.3 %
Small business administration pooled securities — — 2.2 % 4.1 % 4.0 %
Total held to maturity securities 0.5 % 2.6 % 2.3 % 2.5 % 2.5 %
As of December 31, 2023, the weighted average life of the securities portfolio was 4.1 years and the modified duration was 3.6 years.
At December 31, 2023, the aggregate book value of securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the U.S. Department of the Treasury exceeded 10% of stockholders' equity. Accordingly, the following table discloses the aggregate book value and market value of these securities at December 31, 2023:
Table 4 - Aggregate Book Value and Market Value of Select Securities
Aggregate Book Value Aggregate Market Value
(Dollars in thousands)
Securities issued by:
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Residential Mortgage Loan Sales The Bank’s residential mortgage loans are generally originated in compliance with terms, conditions and documentation which permit the sale of such loans to investors in the secondary market. Loan sales in the secondary market provide funds for additional lending and other banking activities. Depending on market conditions, the Bank may sell the servicing of the sold loans for a servicing released premium, simultaneous with the sale of the loan. For the remainder of the sold loans for which the Company retains the servicing, a mortgage servicing asset is recognized. Additionally, as part of its asset/liability management strategy, the Bank may opt to retain certain residential real estate loan originations for its portfolio. When a loan is sold, the Company enters into agreements that contain representations and warranties about the characteristics of the loans sold and their origination. The Company may be required to either repurchase mortgage loans or to indemnify the purchaser from losses if representations and warranties are found to be not accurate in all material respects. The Company incurred no material losses related to mortgage repurchases during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
The Company experienced a lower volume of residential real estate loan sales for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, as compared to 2021, driven primarily by reduced customer demand in the rising interest rate environment. The following table shows the total residential loans that were closed and whether the amounts were held in the portfolio or sold (or held for sale) in the secondary market for the periods indicated:
Table 5 - Closed Residential Real Estate Loans
Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, a larger portion of new residential real estate closings were retained in the portfolio rather than sold into the secondary market as compared to prior year periods driven mainly by the current interest-rate environment.
When a loan is sold, the Company may decide to also sell the servicing of sold loans for a servicing release premium, simultaneously with the sale of the loan, or the Company may opt to sell the loan and retain the servicing. The table below reflects additional information related to loans which were sold during the periods indicated:
Table 6 - Residential Mortgage Loan Sales
Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
(1)All loans sold with servicing rights retained during the above periods were sold without recourse.
In the event of a sale with servicing rights retained, a mortgage servicing asset is established, which represents the then current estimated fair value 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. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. Servicing rights are recorded in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, and are assessed for impairment based on fair value at each reporting date. Impairment is determined by stratifying the rights based on predominant characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. The principal balance of loans serviced by the Bank on behalf of investors was $298.8 million at December 31, 2023 and $327.5 million at December 31, 2022.
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The following table shows the adjusted cost of the servicing rights associated with these loans and the changes for the periods indicated:
Table 7 - Mortgage Servicing Asset
(Dollars in thousands)
Additions 5 8
Change in valuation allowance 174 961
See Note 9, "Derivatives and Hedging Activities," within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report for more information on mortgage activity and mortgage related derivatives.
Loan Portfolio The Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 increased by $349.4 million, or 2.5%, when compared to December 31, 2022. Loan growth was driven primarily by strong consumer real estate activity in 2023, with the majority of residential real estate originations retained on the balance sheet, leading to an increase of $389.2 million, or 19.1%, within the residential portfolio. Total commercial loans decreased by $45.8 million, or 0.4% compared to December 31, 2022, reflecting disciplined origination activity and decreased line utilizations as compared to prior year.
The following table sets forth information concerning the composition of the Bank’s loan portfolio by loan type at the dates indicated:
Table 8 - Loan Portfolio Composition
December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount Percent Amount Percent
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The following table summarizes loans by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2023, along with the indication of whether interest rates are fixed or adjustable:
Table 9 - Scheduled Contractual Loan Amortization
1 Year or Less 1 - 5 Years 5 - 15 years (2) After 15 Years Total
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed rate
Adjustable rate
(1)Includes certain construction loans that will convert to commercial mortgages and will be reclassified to commercial real estate upon the completion of the construction phase.
(2)Loans having no schedule of repayments or no stated maturity are reported as being due in the 5-15 years category above.
Generally, the actual maturity of loans is substantially shorter than their contractual maturity due to prepayments and, in the case of real estate loans, due-on-sale clauses, which generally give the Bank the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event that, among other things, the borrower sells the property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid. The average life of real estate loans tends to increase when current real estate loan rates are higher than rates on mortgages in the portfolio and, conversely, tends to decrease when rates on mortgages in the portfolio are higher than current real estate loan rates. Due to the fact that the Bank may, consistent with industry practice, renew a significant portion of commercial and commercial real estate loans at or immediately prior to their maturity by renewing the loans on substantially similar or revised terms, the principal repayments actually received by the Bank are anticipated to be significantly less than the amounts contractually due in any particular period. In other circumstances, a loan, or a portion of a loan, may not be repaid due to the borrower’s inability to satisfy the contractual obligations of the loan.
Asset Quality The Company continually monitors the asset quality of the loan portfolio using all available information. Based on this assessment, loans demonstrating certain payment issues or other weaknesses may be categorized as delinquent, nonperforming and/or put on nonaccrual status. Further details surrounding relevant asset quality categories are summarized below:
DelinquencyThe Company’s philosophy toward managing its loan portfolios is predicated upon careful monitoring, which stresses early detection and response to delinquent and default situations. The Company seeks to make arrangements to resolve any delinquent or default situation over the shortest possible time frame. Generally, the Company requires that a delinquency notice be mailed to a borrower upon expiration of a grace period (typically no longer than 15 days beyond the due
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date). Reminder notices may be sent and telephone calls may be made prior to the expiration of the grace period. If the delinquent status is not resolved within a reasonable time frame following the mailing of a delinquency notice, the Bank’s personnel charged with managing its loan portfolios contacts the borrower to ascertain the reasons for delinquency and the prospects for payment. Any subsequent actions taken to resolve the delinquency will depend upon the nature of the loan and the length of time that the loan has been delinquent. The borrower’s needs are considered as much as reasonably possible without jeopardizing the Bank’s position. A late charge is usually assessed on loans upon expiration of the grace period.
Nonaccrual Loans As a general rule, loans 90 days or more past due with respect to principal or interest are classified as nonaccrual loans. However, certain loans that are 90 days or more past due may be kept on an accruing status if the loans are well secured and in the process of collection. Income accruals are suspended on all nonaccrual loans and all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against current income. A loan remains on nonaccrual status until it becomes current with respect to principal and interest and remains current for a minimum period of six months, the loan is liquidated, or when the loan is determined to be uncollectible and is charged-off against the allowance for credit losses.
Loan ModificationsIn the course of resolving problem loans, the Company may choose to modify the contractual terms of certain loans. The Company attempts to work out an alternative payment schedule with the borrower in order to avoid or cure a default. Terms may be modified to fit the ability of the borrower to repay in line with its current financial status and may include adjustments to term extensions, interest rates, other than insignificant payment delays and/or a combination thereof. These actions are intended to minimize economic loss and avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. If such efforts by the Bank do not result in satisfactory performance, the loan is referred to legal counsel, at which time foreclosure proceedings are initiated. At any time prior to a sale of the property at foreclosure, the Bank may terminate foreclosure proceedings if the borrower is able to work out a satisfactory payment plan. All loan modifications are reviewed by the Company to identify if a borrower is deemed to be experiencing financial difficulty at time of the modification.
Purchased Credit Deteriorated LoansPurchased Credit Deteriorated ("PCD") loans are acquired loans which have shown a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination. PCD loans are recorded at amortized cost with an allowance for credit losses recorded upon purchase.
Nonperforming Assets Nonperforming assets are typically comprised of nonperforming loans and other real estate owned ("OREO"). Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccrual loans and loans that are 90 days or more past due but still accruing interest.
OREO consists of real estate properties, which have primarily served as collateral to secure loans, that are controlled or owned by the Bank. These properties are recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date control is established, resulting in a new cost basis. The amount by which the recorded investment in the loan exceeds the fair value (net of estimated costs to sell) of the foreclosed asset is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent declines in the fair value of the foreclosed asset below the new cost basis are recorded through the use of a valuation allowance. Subsequent increases in the fair value are recorded as reductions in the valuation allowance, but not below zero. All costs incurred thereafter in maintaining the property are generally charged to noninterest expense. In the event the real estate is utilized as a rental property, net rental income and expenses are recorded as incurred within noninterest expense.
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The following table sets forth information regarding nonperforming assets held by the Bank at the dates indicated:
Table 10 - Nonperforming Assets
December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis
Other real estate owned 110 —
Nonperforming loans as a percent of gross loans 0.38 % 0.39 %
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets 0.28 % 0.28 %
(1)Nonaccrual balances at December 31, 2022 included $11.5 million of nonaccruing TDRs.
The following table summarizes the changes in nonperforming assets for the periods indicated:
Table 11 - Activity in Nonperforming Assets
(Dollars in thousands)
Nonperforming assets beginning balance $ 54,881 $ 27,820
Loans transferred to other real estate owned/other assets (110) —
Loans restored to accrual status (4,994) (7,652)
New to other real estate owned 110 —
Nonperforming assets ending balance $ 54,493 $ 54,881
Allowance for Credit Losses The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level that management considers appropriate to provide for the Company's current estimate of expected lifetime credit losses on loans measured at amortized cost. The allowance is increased by providing for credit losses through a charge to expense and by credits for recoveries of loans previously charged-off and is reduced by loans being charged-off.
In accordance with the CECL methodology, the Company estimates credit losses for financial assets on a collective basis for loans sharing similar risk characteristics using a quantitative model combined with an assessment of certain qualitative factors designed to address forecast risk and model risk inherent in the quantitative model output. The model estimates expected credit losses using loan level data over the contractual life of the exposure, considering the effect of prepayments. Economic forecasts are incorporated into the estimate over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of one year, beyond which is a reversion to the Company's historical long-run average for a period of six months. The Company's qualitative assessment is structured based upon nine environmental factors impacting the expected risk of loss within the loan portfolio, with an additional factor designed to capture model imprecision. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with any pools of assets are subject to individual assessment and are removed from the collectively assessed pools to avoid double counting. For the loans that will be individually assessed, the Company uses either a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) approach
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or a fair value of collateral approach. The latter approach is used for loans deemed to be collateral dependent or when foreclosure is probable.
Management's allowance for credit loss estimate incorporates an economic forecast over a reasonable and supportable period of 12 months. As of December 31, 2023, the forecast selected by management assumes that the Federal Reserve will begin easing rates gradually in mid-2024, inflation will return to 2% target by the end of 2024, job growth will slow in 2024 with unemployment peaking at 4.1%, home prices will decline slightly in 2024, and that prices for office real estate will generally decrease as uncertainty over occupancy and operating cash flows persists. Additionally, the allowance for credit losses is qualitatively adjusted on a quarterly basis in order to ensure coverage for relationships that are deemed to be more at risk within certain industries, specific collateral types, or other specific characteristics that may be highly impacted by the current economic environment.
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The following table summarizes the ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding within each major loan category for the periods presented:
Table 12 - Summary Net Charge-Offs to Average Loans Outstanding
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial construction — 1,019,871 — %
Residential real estate — 2,217,971 — %
Commercial and industrial $ (49) $ 1,538,848 — %
Commercial construction — 1,191,394 — %
Residential real estate — 1,831,493 — %
Commercial construction — 616,037 — %
Residential real estate (1) 1,286,470 — %
(1) Other consumer portfolio is inclusive of deposit account overdrafts recorded as loan balances and the associated net charge-offs.
For purposes of the allowance for credit losses, management segregates the portfolio based upon loans sharing similar risk characteristics. The allocation of the allowance for credit losses is made to each loan category using the analytical techniques and estimation methods described in this Report. While these amounts represent management’s best estimate of credit losses at the evaluation dates, they are not necessarily indicative of either the categories in which actual losses may occur or the extent of such actual losses that may be recognized within each category. Each of these loan categories possess unique risk characteristics that are considered when determining the appropriate level of allowance for each segment. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any segment of the loan portfolio.
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The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for credit losses by loan category at the dates indicated:
Table 13 - Summary of Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses
December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
To determine if a loan should be charged-off, all possible sources of repayment are analyzed. Possible sources of repayment include the potential for future cash flows, the value of the Bank’s collateral, and the strength of co-makers or guarantors. When available information confirms that specific loans or portions thereof are uncollectible, these amounts are promptly charged-off against the allowance for credit losses and any recoveries of such previously charged-off amounts are credited to the allowance.
Regardless of whether a loan is unsecured or collateralized, the Company charges off the amount of any confirmed loan loss in the period when the loans, or portions of loans, are deemed uncollectible. For troubled, collateral-dependent loans, loss-confirming events may include an appraisal or other valuation that reflects a shortfall between the value of the collateral and the carrying value of the loan or receivable, or a deficiency balance following the sale of the collateral.
For additional information regarding the Bank’s allowance for credit losses, see Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 3, "Loans, Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality" within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock The Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") is a cooperative that provides services to its member banking institutions. The primary reason for the FHLB of Boston membership is to gain access to a reliable source of wholesale funding as a tool to manage liquidity and interest rate risk. The purchase of stock in the FHLB is a requirement for a member to gain access to funding. The Company either purchases additional FHLB stock or is subject to redemption of FHLB stock proportional to the volume of funding received. The Company views the holdings as a necessary long-term investment for the purpose of balance sheet liquidity and not for investment return. The Company's investments in FHLB of Boston stock increased to $43.6 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $5.2 million at December 31, 2022, reflecting a net increase in FHLB borrowings of $1.1 billion during the year ended 2023.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets were $1.0 billion at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
The Company typically performs its annual goodwill impairment testing during the third quarter of the year, unless certain indicators suggest earlier testing to be warranted, using 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 the Company's single reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is performed to compare carrying value to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
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The Company's annual impairment test was performed as of August 31, 2023 using a quantitative impairment test which leveraged a combination of income and market valuation approaches to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit. The income valuation approach utilized a discounted cash flow analysis, while the market approach utilized a guideline public company approach whereby market multiples were derived from market prices of stocks of public companies that are engaged in the same or similar lines of business. The results of the annual assessment determined that the Company’s goodwill was not impaired, however the fair value of its reporting unit was in excess of its carrying value by less than 10%, indicating that goodwill may be at risk of impairment. Events or circumstances that could negatively impact the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit in the future include a sustained decrease in the Company’s stock price, continued decline in industry peer multiples, and further deterioration of the Company’s financial projections.
The quantitative impairment test relied upon certain key assumptions, including projected financial information deemed by management to be reasonable based on the Company’s past and expected future performance, as well as a discount rate consistent with the Company’s cost of capital. Additionally, management performed sensitivity analyses over various financial assumptions used in the model noting results which further corroborated the conclusions reached. Other intangible assets are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. There were no other events or changes during the fourth quarter of 2023 that indicated impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets. For additional information regarding the goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 5, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies The Bank holds life insurance policies for the purpose of offsetting its future obligations to its employees under its retirement and benefits plans. The cash surrender value of life insurance policies was $297.4 million and $293.3 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company recorded tax exempt income from life insurance policies in the amounts of $7.9 million, $7.7 million, and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company also recorded gains on life insurance benefits of $2.3 million, $1.3 million, and $258,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Deposits At December 31, 2023, total deposits were $14.9 billion, representing a decrease of $1.0 billion, or 6.4% compared to December 31, 2022, primarily reflective of industry wide dislocations occurring during the first quarter of 2023, coupled with an overall competitive rate environment and a redeployment of customer excess liquidity due to inflation and other factors. The total cost of deposits was 0.96% for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing an increase from the prior year of 81 basis points, fueled primarily by the higher rate environment driven by the Federal Reserve's rate hikes over the latter half of 2022 and 2023.
The Company's deposits are comprised primarily of core deposits (demand, savings and money market), as well as time deposits. The Company's ratio of core deposits, inclusive of reciprocal money market deposits, to total deposits represented 84.6% at December 31, 2023 compared to 91.8% at December 31, 2022, with the 2023 decrease driven primarily by core deposit outflows in conjunction with growth in higher yielding time deposits. In addition, the Company may also utilize brokered deposit sources, as needed, with balances of $100.9 million and $102.6 million outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company's deposit accounts are insured to the maximum extent permitted by the Deposit Insurance Fund which is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). The FDIC offers insurance coverage on deposits up to the federally insured limit of $250,000. The Company participates in the IntraFi Network, allowing it to provide easy access to multi-million dollar FDIC deposit insurance protection on certificate of deposit and money market investments for consumers, businesses and public entities. This channel allows the Company to access a reciprocal deposit exchange that can be used to benefit customers seeking increased FDIC insurance protection, and amounted to $959.1 million and $653.6 million in deposits, at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The estimated balance of uninsured deposits at the Bank were $4.6 billion and $5.4 billion as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Included in these amounts are $720.5 million and $605.0 million of collateralized deposits, which offer additional protection to the customer.
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Scheduled maturities of time deposits not covered by deposit insurance at December 31, 2023, were as follows:
Table 14 - Maturities of Uninsured Time Deposits
(Dollars in thousands)
Due within 3 months or less $ 109,595
Due after 3 months through 6 months 93,131
Due after 6 months through 12 months 85,167
Total uninsured time deposits (1) 352,925
(1)Amounts of uninsured time deposits presented in the table above are estimates determined based upon a relative proportion of customer account balances in excess of FDIC insurance limits, and in a manner consistent with the Company's regulatory reporting requirements.
Borrowings The Company's borrowings consist of both short-term and long-term borrowings and provide the Bank with one of its primary sources of funding. Maintaining available borrowing capacity provides the Bank with a contingent source of liquidity. Borrowings increased by $1.1 billion, or 974.6%, at December 31, 2023, as compared to December 31, 2022, due primarily to deposit outflows experienced during 2023 as well as to fund stock buyback activity during the fourth quarter of 2023. See Note 7, "Borrowings" within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report for more information regarding borrowings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company proactively manages its liquidity and cash flow requirements with the intent to maintain stable, cost-effective funding and to promote the strength of its overall balance sheet. The liquidity position of the Company is continuously monitored by management and adjustments are made to appropriately balance sources and uses of funds, as needed. In response to the banking industry turmoil experienced during the year, management took immediate actions during the first quarter by proactively borrowing under its existing FHLB capacity to increase on balance sheet liquidity, as well as pledging additional assets to increase overall off balance sheet liquidity. For further details surrounding the Company’s liquidity risks and related strategy, see the "Risk Management – Liquidity Risk" section below within Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within this Report.
At December 31, 2023, the Company and the Bank exceeded the minimum requirements for Common Equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital, total capital, and Tier 1 leverage capital, inclusive of the capital conservation buffer. See Note 18, "Regulatory Matters" within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report for more information regarding capital requirements.
Investment Management
The following table presents total assets under administrations and number of accounts held by the Rockland Trust Investment Management Group at the following dates:
Table15 - Assets Under Administration
(Dollars in thousands)
Number of trust, fiduciary and agency accounts 6,550 6,459 6,379
The Company's Investment Management Group provides investment management and trust services to individuals, institutions, small businesses, and charitable institutions.
Accounts maintained by the Investment Management Group consist of managed and nonmanaged accounts. Managed accounts are those for which the Bank is responsible for administration and investment management and/or investment advice, while nonmanaged accounts are those for which the Bank acts solely as a custodian or directed trustee. The Bank receives fees dependent upon the level and type of service(s) provided. The Investment Management Group generated gross fee revenues of $34.6 million, $32.8 million, and $31.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Total
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assets under administration as of December 31, 2023 were $6.5 billion, including $622.9 million of investment solutions designed by Rockland Trust that are administered and executed through its agreement with LPL Financial ("LPL"), compared to $5.8 billion and $603.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2022. The Company also has a subsidiary that is a registered investment advisor, Bright Rock Capital Management, LLC, which provides institutional quality investment management services to both institutional and high net worth clients. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, included in the assets under administration amounts above, there were $449.8 million and $390.1 million, respectively, relating to the Company's registered investment advisor.
The administration of trust and fiduciary accounts is monitored by the Trust Committee of the Bank’s Board of Directors. The Trust Committee has delegated administrative responsibilities to three committees, one for investments, one for administration, and one for operations, all of which are comprised of Investment Management Group officers who meet no less than quarterly.
The Bank has an agreement with LPL and its affiliates and their insurance subsidiary, LPL Insurance Associates, Inc., to offer the sale of mutual fund shares, unit investment trust shares, general securities, advisory platforms, fixed and variable annuities and life insurance. Registered representatives who are both employed by the Bank and licensed and contracted with LPL are onsite to offer these products to the Bank’s customer base. These same agents are also approved and appointed with various other Broker General Agents for the purposes of processing insurance solutions for clients. The retail investments and insurance revenues were $5.6 million, $4.1 million, and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Results of Operations
Table 16 - Summary of Results of Operations
Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Diluted earnings per share $ 5.42 $ 5.69 $ 3.47
Net Interest Income The amount of net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates and by the volume, mix, and interest rate sensitivity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.
On a fully tax-equivalent basis, net interest income was $611.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing a 1.0% decrease from net interest income of $617.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
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The following table presents the Company’s average balances, net interest income, interest rate spread, and net interest margin for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Nontaxable income from loans and securities is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis by adjusting tax-exempt income upward by an amount equivalent to the prevailing federal income taxes that would have been paid if the income had been fully taxable.
Table 17 - Average Balance, Interest Earned/Paid & Average Yields
Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets
Securities
Loans (2)
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits
Borrowings
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Supplemental Information
Cost of total funding liabilities 1.18 % 0.18 % 0.11 %
(1)The total amount of adjustment to present interest income and yield on a fully tax-equivalent basis is $4.5 million, $4.0 million, and $1.3 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(2)Includes average nonaccruing loans.
(3)Interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average costs of interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
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The following table presents certain information on a fully-tax equivalent basis regarding changes in the Company’s interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided with respect to changes attributable to (1) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume), (2) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior year rate) and (3) changes in volume/rate (change in rate multiplied by change in volume) which is allocated to the change due to rate column:
Table 18 - Volume Rate Analysis
Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
Income on interest-earning assets
Securities
Nontaxable securities (1) — — — (1) (12) (13) 2 (26) (24)
Loans
Expense of interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits
Borrowings
Line of credit —
Subordinated debt (5) 5 — (5) 5 — (5) 5 —
(1)The table above reflects income determined on a fully tax equivalent basis. See footnotes to Table 17 above for the related adjustments.
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Provision For Credit Losses The provision for credit losses represents the charge to expense that is required to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses. The Company's provision for credit losses totaled $23.3 million, $6.5 million and $18.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The provision for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively has been driven primarily by idiosyncratic events within the commercial portfolios.
The Company’s allowance for credit losses, as a percentage of total loans, was 1.00%, 1.09% and 1.08% at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 3, "Loans, Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality" within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report, for further details surrounding the primary drivers of the provision for credit losses during the period.
Noninterest Income The following table sets forth information regarding noninterest income for the periods shown:
Table 19 - Noninterest Income
Years Ended December 31
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
The primary reasons for significant variances in the noninterest income categories shown in the preceding table are noted below:
•Interchange and ATM fees increased year over year due primarily to higher debit card service charges driven by increased transaction volume.
•Investment management revenue increased due in part to growth in overall assets under administration, which increased from $5.8 billion at December 31, 2022 to $6.5 billion at December 31, 2023, reflecting healthy new asset inflows and increased market valuations, as well as due to higher retail and insurance commission income recognized during 2023.
•Mortgage banking income decreased in comparison to the prior year, primarily attributable to overall reduced saleable volumes as a result of the rising interest rate environment in 2023.
•Gain on life insurance benefits was higher in 2023 due to elevated proceeds on life insurance policies received in comparison to the prior year.
•The changes in loan level derivative income primarily reflect customer demand during the respective periods.
•Other noninterest income increased during the year, primarily due to increases in FHLB dividend income, unrealized gains on equity securities, outsized loan fees, and discounted purchases of Massachusetts historical tax credits, partially offset by decreases in gains on sales of fixed assets, equity capital gain distributions, and income from like-kind exchanges.
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Noninterest Expense The following table sets forth information regarding noninterest expense for the periods shown:
Table 20 - Noninterest Expense
Years Ended December 31
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
The primary reasons for significant variances in the noninterest expense categories shown in the preceding tables are noted below:
•The increase in salaries and employee benefits in comparison to the prior year was primarily attributable to non-recurring CEO transition expenses incurred during the first quarter of 2023, as well as increases in general salaries, equity compensation, severance and medical plan insurance, partially offset by decreases in incentive programs and payroll taxes.
•Occupancy and equipment expense increased year-over-year, primarily driven by costs associated with the Company's leased real estate, including one-time lease exit costs associated with two leased locations related to the 2021 Meridian acquisition, as well as increased utilities costs, partially offset by reduced snow removal costs as compared to the prior year.
•Data processing and facilities management expenses increased primarily due to the timing of certain initiatives and general increases associated with higher transaction volumes.
•Software maintenance increased primarily due to the Company's continued investment in its technology infrastructure.
•FDIC assessment expense increased in comparison to the prior year due an increased assessment base as well as an estimated $1.1 million special assessment based on rules implemented by the FDIC to recover losses incurred by the Deposit Insurance Fund in 2023.
•Consulting expense decreased year-over-year due primarily to the timing of strategic initiatives.
•The Company incurred merger and acquisition costs related to the Meridian acquisition of $7.1 million during the first quarter of 2022, primarily related to lease terminations associated with exited branch locations, along with additional integration costs and professional fees. No such costs were incurred during 2023.
•Other noninterest expenses increased year-over year due primarily to increased interest paid on cash collateral accounts, loan workout costs, sponsorships, and internet banking costs, partially offset by decreases in unrealized losses on equity securities, telecommunications costs, and mortgage operations expense.
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Income Taxes The tax effect of all income and expense transactions is recognized by the Company in each year’s consolidated statements of income, regardless of the year in which the transactions are reported for income tax purposes. The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s tax provision and applicable tax rates for the periods indicated:
Table 21 - Tax Provision and Applicable Tax Rates
Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
The Company’s effective tax rate for 2023 is lower as compared to the year ago period primarily due to lower pre-tax net income, as well as the impact of discrete items, such as provision to return adjustments, changes in uncertain tax positions, and excess benefits from equity compensation, which are subject to fluctuation year over year. The effective tax rates reported in the table above are lower than the blended statutory tax rates due to the aforementioned discrete items as well as certain tax preference assets such as life insurance policies, tax exempt bonds, and federal tax credits.
Additionally, the Company invests in various low-income housing projects which are real estate limited partnerships that acquire, develop, own and operate low and moderate-income housing developments. As a limited partner in these operating partnerships, the Company receives tax credits and tax deductions for losses incurred by the underlying properties. The investments are accounted for using the proportional amortization method and will be amortized over various periods through 2040, which represents the period that the tax credits and other tax benefits will be utilized. The total committed investment in these partnerships at December 31, 2023 was $229.0 million, of which $170.3 million has been funded. The Company recognized a net tax benefit of approximately $3.7 million for 2023 and anticipates additional net tax benefits of $30.3 million over the remaining life of the investments from the combination of tax credits and operating losses.
For additional information related to the Company's income taxes see Note 10, "Income Taxes" and Note 11, "Low Income Housing Project Investments" within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.
Dividends The Company declared quarterly cash dividends totaling $2.20 per common share in 2023 and $2.08 per common share in 2022. The 2023 and 2022 ratio of dividends paid to earnings was 40.92% and 35.53%, respectively.
Since substantially all of the funds available for the payment of dividends are derived from the Bank, future dividends of the Company will depend on the earnings of the Bank, its financial condition, its need for funds, applicable governmental policies and regulations, and other such matters as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
Comparison of 2022 vs. 2021 For a discussion of our results for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, please see Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023.
Risk Management
The Board of Directors has approved an Enterprise Risk Management Policy to state the Company’s goals and objectives in identifying, measuring, and managing the risks associated with the Company’s current and near future anticipated size and complexity. Management is responsible for comprehensive enterprise risk management, and continually strives to adopt and implement practices that strike an appropriate balance between risk and reward and permit the achievement of strategic goals in a controlled environment.
The Company has implemented the “three lines of defense” enterprise risk management model. The first line of defense are the executives in charge of business units, operational areas, and corporate functions who, sometimes assisted by management committees, teams, and working groups, own and manage risks. The second line of defense monitors and provides risk management advice across all risk domains, and is comprised of the enterprise risk department, with oversight from the Chief Risk Officer. The third line of defense is independent assurance performed by the Chief Internal Auditor, who reports to the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, and by the Company's internal audit department.
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The Board of Directors, with the assistance of its Risk Committee, oversees management’s enterprise risk management practices. As risks must be taken to create value, the Board of Directors has approved a Risk Appetite Statement that defines the acceptable residual risk tolerances for the Company and the nine major risk types identified as having the potential to create significant adverse impacts on the Company, such as financial losses, reputational damage, legal or regulatory actions, failure to achieve strategic objectives, diminished customer experience, and/or cultural erosion. The nine major risk categories identified by the Company and addressed in the Risk Appetite Statement are strategic and emerging risk, culture risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, operational risk, reputation risk, compliance risk, and technology risk, each of which is discussed below.
Strategic and Emerging Risk Strategic and emerging risk is the risk arising from adverse strategic or business decisions, misalignment of strategic direction with the Company’s mission and values, failure to execute strategies or tactics, or an inadequate adaptation or lack of responsiveness to industry and/or operating environment changes. Management seeks to mitigate strategic risk through strategic planning, frequent executive review of strategic plan progress, monitoring of competitors and technology, assessment of new products, new branches, and new business initiatives, customer advocacy, and crisis management planning.
Culture Risk Culture risk is the risk arising from failed leadership and/or ineffective colleague engagement and workplace management that causes the Company to lose sight of core values and, through acts or omissions, damage the relationship-based culture that has been one of the foundations of the Company’s consistent success. Management seeks to mitigate culture risk through effective employee relations, leadership that encourages continuous improvement, cultural development and reinforcement of core values, communication of clear ethical and behavioral standards, consistent enforcement of policies and programs, discipline of misbehavior, alignment of incentives and compensation, and by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk arising from the failure of a borrower or a counterparty to a contract to make payments as agreed, and includes the risks arising from inadequate collateral and mismanagement of loan concentrations. While the collateral securing loans may be sufficient in some cases to recover the amount due, in other cases the Company may experience significant credit losses that could have an adverse effect on its operating results. The Company makes assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of its borrowers and counterparties and the value of collateral for the repayment of loans. For further discussion regarding the credit risk and the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, see Note 3, “Loans, Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.
Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk arising from the Company being unable to meet obligations when due. Liquidity risk includes the inability to access funding sources or manage fluctuations in available funding levels. Liquidity risk also results from a failure to recognize or address market condition changes that affect the ability to liquidate assets quickly with minimal value loss.
The Company’s primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, and the amortization, prepayment, and maturities of loans and securities. The Bank utilizes its extensive branch network to access retail customers who provide a base of in-market core deposits. These funds are principally comprised of demand deposits, interest checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. Interest rates, economic conditions, and competitive factors greatly influence deposit levels.
The Company’s primary measure of short-term liquidity is the Total Basic Surplus/Deficit as a percentage of assets. This ratio, which is an analysis of the relationship between liquid assets plus available FHLB funding, less short-term liabilities relative to total assets, was within policy limits at December 31, 2023. The Total Basic Surplus/Deficit measure is affected primarily by changes in deposits, securities and short-term investments, loans, and borrowings. An increase in deposits, without a corresponding increase in nonliquid assets, will improve the Total Basic Surplus/Deficit measure, whereas, an increase in loans, with no increase in deposits, will decrease the measure. Other factors affecting the Total Basic Surplus/Deficit include FHLB collateral requirements, securities portfolio changes, and the mix of deposits.
The Company prioritizes core deposits as a primary funding source and continues to maintain a variety of available liquidity sources, including FHLB advances, and Federal Reserve borrowing capacity. These funding sources serve as a contingent source of liquidity and, when profitable lending and investment opportunities exist, the Company may access them to provide the liquidity needed to grow the balance sheet. The amount and type of assets that the Company has available to pledge affects the Company's FHLB and Federal Reserve borrowing capacity. For example, a prime one-to-four family residential loan may provide 75 cents of borrowing capacity for every $1.00 pledged, whereas a pledged commercial loan may increase borrowing capacity in a lower amount. The Company’s lending decisions, therefore, can also affect its liquidity position.
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The Company may also have the ability to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or unsecured debt privately or publicly and has done so in the past. Additionally, the Company is able to enter into repurchase agreements or acquire brokered deposits at its discretion. The availability and cost of equity or debt on an unsecured basis is dependent on many factors, including the Company’s financial position, the market environment, and the Company’s credit rating. The Company monitors the factors that could affect its ability to raise liquidity through these channels.
The table below shows current and unused liquidity capacity from various sources at the dates indicated:
Table 22 - Sources of Liquidity
December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
(1)Assets with a carrying value of $3.9 billion and $2.7 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were pledged to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.
(2)Loans with a carrying value of $4.6 billion and $1.7 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
(3)The additional borrowing capacity has not been assessed for these categories.
In addition to customary operational liquidity practices, the Board of Directors and management recognize the need to establish reasonable guidelines to manage a heightened liquidity risk environment. Catalysts for elevated liquidity risk can be Company-specific issues and/or systemic industry-wide events. Management is therefore responsible for instituting systems and controls designed to provide advanced detection of potentially significant funding shortages, establishing methods for assessing and monitoring risk levels, and instituting responses that may alleviate or circumvent a potential liquidity crisis. Management has established a Liquidity Contingency Plan to provide a framework to detect potential liquidity problems and appropriately address them in a timely manner. In a period of perceived heightened liquidity risk, the Liquidity Contingency Plan provides for the establishment of a Liquidity Crisis Task Force to monitor the potential for a liquidity crisis and execute an appropriate response.
In response to the banking industry turmoil experienced in 2023, the Company operated under the parameters of its Liquidity Contingency Plan, which resulted in various immediate action items taken during the first quarter. From a liquidity management perspective, the Company proactively borrowed under its existing FHLB capacity to increase current cash on hand, while also pledging additional assets to increase overall borrowing capacity. On an ongoing basis, the Company continues to monitor both on and off balance sheet liquidity sources to understand vulnerabilities through the application of various stress testing scenarios and other analyses.
Market and Interest Rate Risk Market risk refers to the risk of potential losses arising from changes in interest rates and the value of investments due to market conditions or other external factors or events. Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk to which the Company has exposure to due to the nature of its operations.
Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of income to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes, as well as fluctuations in the level and duration of assets and liabilities, affect net interest income, which is the Company’s primary source of revenue. Interest rate risk arises directly from the Company’s core banking activities. In addition to directly affecting net interest income, changes in the level of interest rates can also affect the amount of loans originated, the timing of cash flows on loans and securities, and the fair value of securities and derivatives, and have other effects.
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Management strives to control interest rate risk within limits approved by the Board of Directors that reflect the Company’s tolerance for interest rate risk over short-term and long-term horizons. The Company attempts to manage interest rate risk by identifying, quantifying, and, where appropriate, hedging exposure. If assets and liabilities do not re-price simultaneously and in equal volume, the potential for interest rate exposure exists. It is the Company's objective to maintain stability in the growth of net interest income through the maintenance of an appropriate mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and, when necessary within limits management deems prudent, with hedging instruments such as interest rate swaps, floors, and caps.
The Company quantifies its interest rate exposures using net interest income simulation models, as well as simpler gap analysis, and an Economic Value of Equity analysis. Key assumptions in these analyses relate to behavior of interest rates and behavior of the Company’s deposit and loan customers. The most material assumptions relate to the prepayment of mortgage assets (including mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities) and the life and sensitivity of non-maturity deposits (e.g., demand deposit, savings, and money market accounts). In the case of prepayment of mortgage assets, assumptions are derived from published median prepayment estimates for comparable mortgage loans. The risk of prepayment tends to increase when interest rates fall. Since future prepayment behavior of loan customers is uncertain, interest rate sensitivity of loans cannot be determined with precision and actual behavior may differ from assumptions to a significant degree. Non-maturity deposits, assumptions over customer behavior, shifts in deposits categories, and magnitude of impact to the cost of deposits all may differ from what is currently anticipated by the models or analyses.
Given the volatility associated with market rates, and the uncertainty surrounding future rate movements, management has been proactive in achieving a more neutral interest rate risk position as compared to the prior year. In 2023, management continued to increase the duration of its assets by marginally increasing exposure to fixed rate loans while deposit attrition reduced the amount of rate sensitive cash on hand at the Federal Reserve Bank. The Company runs several scenarios to quantify and effectively assist in managing interest rate risk, including instantaneous parallel shifts in market rates as well as gradual (12-24 months) shifts in market rates, and may also include other alternative scenarios as management deems necessary given the interest rate environment. The results of those scenarios are summarized in the following table:
Table 23 - Interest Rate Sensitivity
Years Ended December 31
Year 1 Year 1
Parallel rate shocks (basis points)
Gradual rate shifts (basis points)
Alternative scenarios
Steep down 200 basis points scenario 1.2% (0.5)%
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The results depicted in the table above are dependent on material assumptions, such as prepayment rates, decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and other factors, which management believes are reasonable. These assumptions may be impacted by customer preferences or competitive influences and therefore actual experience may differ from the assumptions in the model. Accordingly, although the tables provide an indication of the Company's interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates, and actual results may differ.
The most significant market factors affecting the Company’s net interest income during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 were the shape of the U.S. Government securities and interest rate swap yield curve, the U.S. prime interest rate, the secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR"), and other interest rates offered on long-term fixed rate loans.