Berkshire Hills Bancorp
Annual Report 2016

Plain-text annual report

2016 Summary Annual Report THE POWER OF INVESTMENT DEAR SHAREHOLDERS, CUSTOMERS, AND EMPLOYEES: 2016 was another successful year for Berkshire. We reported record financial results and grew our franchise through additional products, services, and markets. We also made significant investments, strengthening our infrastructure and teams. Berkshire is a stronger and more valuable company as a result, and is delivering results for all of our constituencies — employees, customers, communities, and shareholders. The company’s financial performance also underscores the significance of Berkshire’s compelling value proposition: as a $9 billion financial institution, we strive to combine the products and services of larger banks with the local engagement and service of a community bank. Our success depends on continued commitment to our company culture and brand. Those intangible assets differentiate us from our competitors, fueling a unique customer experience and approach to banking. Record Financial Results We had a record year for revenue and earnings in 2016, and it was one of our best years for improving profits and expanding our business. We now serve more customers in more markets, with more products than ever before, and we are now operating multiple business lines in regional and national markets. Our focus continues to be on producing positive operating leverage through smart investments in our business and enthusiastic and efficient delivery of value to our customers. This approach produced an 18% improvement in net earnings and a 9% improvement in return on assets. Our team operates with an owner’s mentality, finding ways to work smarter and to redeploy operating costs into revenue generators. Loans grew 14% and deposits grew 18% for the year, as we capitalized on both good organic momentum and select acquisitions. Fee income rose 19%, improving our fee income- to-revenue ratio to 26% at year-end and further diversifying our income streams. Reaching More Markets Our business acquisition model added to our success in 2016, starting with the synergies realized from the Hampden Bancorp and Firestone Financial acquisitions 2016 Financial Highlights (Percent increase) 2016 Financial Highlights (Percent increase) 18% 11% 11% 9% Revenue 23% 18% 23% 9% Earnings Return on Assets Shareholders’ Equity ►Culture As America's Most Exciting Bank®, we are passionate about practicing and living by the RIGHT values (Respect, Integrity, Guts, Having Fun, and Teamwork). ►Footprint We offer services across New England and New York state — reaching customers from Boston to Syracuse and multiple regions in between — and in Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. ►Vision By bringing together a strong employee base, a dedicated strategy and operational efficiency, we can offer our customers the products and services they need, our employees an inspirational place to work, our communities the support they are looking for, and our shareholders the returns they deserve. 1 2016 Summary Annual Report Revenue Earnings Return on Assets Shareholders’ Equity in the prior year. In 2016, we completed the acquisition of the Philadelphia-area SBA lending team at 44 Business Capital. This was followed by an agreement to acquire First Choice Bank, headquartered near Princeton, New Jersey. With urgency and focus, we completed this acquisition in December and finished the year with all of these new businesses contributing to our 2017 outlook. Below are some highlights of what these new partnerships are bringing to our business model: • Mid-Atlantic: 44 Business Capital added a seasoned business lending team and First Choice Bank added eight branches in the Princeton, NJ and Philadelphia, PA markets. As delineated in the adjacent map, our footprint for traditional banking has now expanded beyond our New England/ New York roots into strong and growing, contiguous markets. • Boston: We opened our first Boston branch on Congress Street in the financial district in February 2017. Complete with virtual teller technology and full service MyBankers, the innovative branch complements the lending and wealth management teams we’ve put in place over the last few years. We’re proud to be bringing our brand of revolutionary banking into this dynamic market. • Specialized Lending: We formed a new Specialized Lending group to capitalize on our many recent commercial lending initiatives. Berkshire is now a Top 40 nationally ranked SBA lender – holding top spots for loan volume in many of our traditional markets, along with a significant share in Philadelphia. This momentum is fueling synergies with the Firestone Financial commercial equipment financing business and our growing Asset Based Lending group. Operating as partners, these business lines make us strongly competitive in financing business expansion in our regional and targeted national markets. • Fee Income Businesses: In addition to the fee contributions from our SBA business, First Choice Loan Services operates a best-of-breed, national mortgage-banking platform that ranks among the top 50 U.S. bank residential mortgage lenders. This Select Financial Information Balance Sheet ($ millions - period end) FY16 FY15 Total Assets $9,163 $7,831 Total Securities 1,628 1,371 Total Loans 6,550 5,725 Goodwill and Intangibles 423 335 Deposits Borrowings 6,622 5,589 1,314 1,263 Shareholders’ Equity 1,093 887 Operating Results ($ millions) FY16 FY15 Net Interest $232 $214 Non-Interest Income Total Net Revenue Provision for Loan Losses Non-Interest Expense Net Income Per Share Data ($) 66 298 17 203 59 54 268 17 197 50 FY16 FY15 Earnings, Diluted $1.88 $1.73 Earnings, Adjusted* Dividends Book Value 2.20 0.80 2.09 0.76 30.65 28.64 Tangible Book Value 18.81 17.84 * Note: Adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure; see Form 10-K for discussion and further detail. Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.—BHLB // berkshirebank.com 2 MANHRIVTCTNYNJPASpringfieldPittsfieldBostonSyracuseRomeUticaManchesterAlbanyHartford Rochester909112895 Mercerville Philadelphia PrincetonBurlingtondisciplined business model allows us to add new customer relationships and fee income without tying up capital and liquidity. In the last quarter of 2016, we also acquired a seasoned financial advisory team in Rutland, Vermont, which complements our growing wealth business and adds another opportunity for relationship acquisition and fee income. Fee revenue will soon exceed our objective of 30% of total revenue and further bolster profitability. Investing in Our Future Berkshire is now near the $10 billion threshold of total assets — an important regulatory benchmark under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Crossing this threshold requires significant investment in systems and controls. Our team has been preparing for this threshold for several years and we’ve absorbed these costs while still improving our overall efficiency. We have amply demonstrated the capacity to expand our business while maintaining the levels of financial, risk, and compliance controls appropriate for larger operations. We’ve also invested in our future with careful adherence to credit and interest rate risk disciplines. Our strong asset quality and positioning for higher rates are targeted to protect future results if market conditions change. Some market share and profitability have been sacrificed by maintaining these disciplines, but our strong and diversified platform allows us to maintain growth through this careful business selection. Engaging in Our Markets Our “owner’s approach” to running our business extends to a constant and passionate focus on our markets. We’ve been active in innovating our retail distribution strategy to stay ahead of market changes and industry dynamics. We’re investing in preeminent new locations with smart retail positioning while consolidating current offices and maintaining growth in existing markets. In 2016, we sold two offices; in early 2017, we consolidated three more. In addition to our new flagship location in Boston, we’re developing two new branches in the Hartford area. We’re also rolling out virtual teller technology in new and select existing locations, which frees up our customer teams to focus on relationship building and the delivery of more complex products and services at point of sale. We are the proud community sponsor of the Boston Seasons program at Boston City Hall Plaza. Berkshire Bank opened its flagship Boston branch on Congress Street adjacent to Post Office Square. We completed the rollout of real-time customer service feedback, as well as our innovative “Text AMEB” service that allows customers to reach out to us through an efficient and popular communication channel. We’re increasing the mix of Private Bankers, MyBankers, and Small Business Bankers who are deployed throughout our retail channel, working dynamically with branch teams to provide integrated service across the spectrum of customer needs. Berkshire’s market presence has always been accompanied by a high level of support for our communities. Our Xtraordinary Day of Community Service drew participation on the company dime by more than 95% of our employees – making us one of the most engaged companies in America on this measure. We also increased our employee donation-matching program and continued to demonstrate an impressive 40,000 employee hours of total community service. DRIVING PROFITABILITY Return on Assets 74 86 68 55 2014 2015 2016 2016 Adjusted* Basis Points Return on Equity Strengthening Our Team The Berkshire Family grew by more than 500 employees to over 1,500 employees from across our regional and national 4.87 6.14 6.44 7.51 markets. During orientation, employees learn about our RIGHT culture – Respect, Integrity, Guts, Having Fun, and Teamwork. We’re collectively committed to maintaining alignment with our employees, customers, communities, and shareholders. Our executive team is devoted to this franchise promise. Adding It Up and Looking Forward Our stock produced a 30% total return to shareholders in 2016. We increased the quarterly cash dividend by 5% in January 2016 and announced another 5% increase at the start of 2017. We also expanded our shareholder engagement this year, through management and board member outreach. We appreciate the honest feedback, open exchange of ideas, and opportunity to learn 2014 2015 2016 2016 Adjusted* Percent * Note: Adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure; see Form 10-K for discussion and further detail. from one another. After many years of margin pressure and low U.S. economic growth, the market consensus is that monetary, fiscal, and regulatory conditions will improve and we’re optimistic that we can benefit from such changes. There is abundant opportunity in front of us and we’re committed, not only to constant improvement, but to striving to reach our highest potential. We hope you’ll share in our enthusiasm for the future. Sincerely, Michael P. Daly Chief Executive Officer 3 2016 Summary Annual Report Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.—BHLB // berkshirebank.com 4 We completed the rollout of real-time customer service feedback, as well as our innovative “Text AMEB” service that allows customers to reach out to us through an efficient and popular communication channel. We’re increasing the mix of Private Bankers, MyBankers, and Small Business Bankers who are deployed throughout our retail channel, working dynamically with branch teams to provide integrated service across the spectrum of customer needs. Berkshire’s market presence has always been accompanied by a high level of support for our communities. Our Xtraordinary Day of Community Service drew participation on the company dime by more than 95% of our employees – making us one of the most engaged companies in America on this measure. We also increased our employee donation-matching program and continued to demonstrate an impressive 40,000 employee hours of total community service. Strengthening Our Team The Berkshire Family grew by more than 500 employees to over 1,500 employees from across our regional and national markets. During orientation, employees learn about our RIGHT culture – Respect, Integrity, Guts, Having Fun, and Teamwork. We’re collectively committed to maintaining alignment with our employees, customers, communities, and shareholders. Our executive team is devoted to this franchise promise. DRIVING PROFITABILITY Return on Assets 74 86 68 55 2014 2015 2016 2016 Adjusted* Basis Points Return on Equity 6.14 6.44 7.51 4.87 2014 2015 2016 2016 Adjusted* Percent Adding It Up and Looking Forward Our stock produced a 30% total return to shareholders in 2016. We increased the quarterly cash dividend by 5% in January 2016 and announced another 5% increase at the start of 2017. We also expanded our shareholder engagement this year, through management and board member outreach. We appreciate the honest feedback, open exchange of ideas, and opportunity to learn from one another. After many years of margin pressure and low U.S. economic growth, the market consensus is that monetary, fiscal, and regulatory conditions will improve and we’re optimistic that we can benefit from such changes. * Note: Adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure; see Form 10-K for discussion and further detail. There is abundant opportunity in front of us and we’re committed, not only to constant improvement, but to striving to reach our highest potential. We hope you’ll share in our enthusiasm for the future. Sincerely, Michael P. Daly Chief Executive Officer Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.—BHLB // berkshirebank.com 4 CORPORATE PROFILE $9.2 Billion in Assets 97 Branch Locations » Retail banking, commercial banking, insurance, and wealth management » Branches located across New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania » Wealth assets under management of $1.4 billion INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS » Strong earnings momentum and improving profitability » Diversified revenue drivers and controlled expenses » Well-positioned footprint in attractive markets » AMEB culture – results driven » Acquisition discipline – a strength in a consolidating market » Focused on profitability goals and building shareholder value 5 2016 Summary Annual Report STOCK INFORMATION as of 12 / 31 / 16 Ticker Stock Price Market Cap P/E (FY16) Price/Book Price/Tangible Book 52 Week Range Annualized Dividend (1Q17) Dividend Yield Shares Outstanding Average Daily Volume (FY16) NYSE: BHLB $36.85 $1.3 billion 19.6x 1.20x 1.96x $24.71–$37.35 $0.84 2.3% 35.7 million 120,000 shares A Culture of Responsibility On June 7, 2016 we closed our doors to allow our employees to volunteer in our communities » 95% employee volunteer rate » 56 projects completed » 4,500+ hours of service » 228,000 lbs of paper recycled » 32% of paper products used were from recycled sources » 21% increase in eStatement usage » 100% employee involvement in corporate volunteer program » 40,000 hours (value of more than $1 million) Military and Veterans' Services Berkshire Bank is committed to making banking easier for our servicemen and servicewomen by providing discounts, money management tools and lending offers to save money. » Nearly $2 million annually in grants to aid 524 organizations SBA Lender1 » Berkshire County & Pioneer Valley MA » Capital District & Central NY » Connecticut & Vermont SBA Lender Nationwide2 1 As of SBA year-end 9/30/16. 2 Approved loan volume for SBA fiscal YTD through 2/28/17 LEADERSHIP TEAM Berkshire Bank Executive Team BACK: Gary F. Urkevich, Allison P. O’Rourke, George F. Bacigalupo, Tami M. Gunsch, Linda A. Johnston, Sean A. Gray, Michael P. Daly, Richard M. Marotta, James M. Moses, Gregory D. Lindenmuth, Allan J. Costello FRONT: Scott J. Houghtaling, Mark N. Foster, Deborah A. Stephenson, Michael D. Carroll Berkshire Bank Executive Team Michael P. Daly Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Marotta President Sean A. Gray Chief Operating Officer James M. Moses SEVP, Chief Financial Officer George F. Bacigalupo SEVP, Commercial Banking Board of Directors William J. Ryan Chairman of the Board, Former Chairman & CEO of TD Banknorth Paul T. Bossidy President & CEO of Patripabre Capital LLC Robert M. Curley Berkshire Bank New York Chairman, Former Chairman & President for Citizens Bank in New York Michael P. Daly Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. Linda A. Johnston SEVP, Human Resources Michael D. Carroll EVP, Specialty Lending Allan J. Costello EVP, Home Lending Mark N. Foster EVP, Regional Commercial Leader - Eastern Massachusetts and ABL Tami M. Gunsch EVP, Retail Banking Scott J. Houghtaling EVP, Regional Commercial Leader - New York Gregory D. Lindenmuth EVP, Chief Risk Officer Allison P. O’Rourke EVP, Finance Deborah A. Stephenson EVP, Compliance and Regulatory Gary F. Urkevich EVP, IT and Project Management John B. Davies Former Executive Vice President of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company J. Williar Dunlaevy Former Chairman & CEO of Legacy Bancorp, Inc. & Legacy Banks Cornelius D. Mahoney Former Chairman, President & CEO of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. & Woronoco Savings Bank Laurie Norton Moffatt Director & CEO of the Norman Rockwell Museum Richard J. Murphy Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the Tri-City ValleyCats Patrick J. Sheehan Owner & Manager of Sheehan Health Group D. Jeffrey Templeton Owner & President of The Mosher Company, Inc. Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.—BHLB // berkshirebank.com 6 Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2016 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 001-15781 BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 04-3510455 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 24 North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts (Address of principal executive offices) 01201 (Zip Code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (413) 236-3149 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Common stock, par value $0.01 per share Name of Exchange on which registered New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) Table of Contents during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one) Large Accelerated Filer Accelerated Filer Non-Accelerated Filer Smaller Reporting Company Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was approximately $819 million, based upon the closing price of $26.92 as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of February 24, 2017 was 35,730,100. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K. Table of Contents INDEX PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS ITEM 2. PROPERTIES ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 2 4 4 31 40 41 42 43 44 44 46 54 78 81 81 81 81 82 82 84 85 85 85 Table of Contents PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY SIGNATURES TABLE INDEX PART I ITEM 1. ITEM 1 TABLE 1 — LOAN PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS ITEM 1 TABLE 2 — MATURITY AND SENSITIVITY OF LOAN PORTFOLIO ITEM 1 TABLE 3 — PROBLEM ASSETS AND ACCRUING TDR ITEM 1 TABLE 4 — ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSS ITEM 1 TABLE 5 — ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE BY LOAN CATEGORY ITEM 1 TABLE 6 — AMORTIZED COST AND FAIR VALUE OF SECURITIES ITEM 1 TABLE 7 — WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELD ON SECURITIES ITEM 1 TABLE 8 — AVERAGE BALANCE AND WEIGHTED AVERAGE RATES FOR DEPOSITS ITEM 1 TABLE 9 — MATURITY OF DEPOSITS > $100,000 PART II ITEM 6 ITEM 6 TABLE 3 — AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST AND AVERAGE YIELD COSTS ITEM 6 TABLE 4 — RATE VOLUME ANALYSIS ITEMS 7-7A. ITEM 7 — 7A TABLE 1 — CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS ITEM 7 — 7A TABLE 2 — QUALITATIVE ASPECTS OF MARKET RISK 3 86 86 88 89 4 4 8 11 13 14 15 17 18 19 19 44 46 48 50 54 76 78 Table of Contents PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this document that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (referred to as the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (referred to as the Securities Exchange Act), and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements from the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including among other things, changes in general economic and business conditions, increased competitive pressures, changes in the interest rate environment, legislative and regulatory change, changes in the financial markets, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed from time to time in documents that Berkshire Hills Bancorp files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our expectations only as of the date of this report. We do not assume any obligation to revise forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. GENERAL Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (“Berkshire” or “the Company”) is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Berkshire is a Delaware corporation and the holding company for Berkshire Bank (“the Bank”) and Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc. The Bank profiles itself as follows: 4 Table of Contents Berkshire’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “BHLB.” At year- end 2016, Berkshire’s closing stock price was $36.85 and there were 35.673 million shares outstanding. Berkshire is a regional bank and financial services company providing the service capabilities of a larger institution and the focus and responsiveness of a local partner to its communities. The Company seeks to distinguish itself based on the following attributes: • Strong momentum and improving profitability • Diversified revenue drivers and controlled expenses • Well positioned footprint in attractive markets • AMEB culture - results driven • Focused on long-term profitability goals and shareholder value • Acquisition disciplines a strength in a consolidating market The Bank operates under the brand of America’s Most Exciting Bank® providing an engaging and innovative customer experience driven by its AMEB culture which is: The Bank has 97 full-service banking offices in its New England, New York, and Mid-Atlantic footprint. The Bank also owns mortgage banking and specialty equipment finance subsidiaries which serve markets nationwide. Additionally, it is a leading provider of SBA loan solutions in targeted markets. The Company offers a wide range of deposit, lending, insurance, and wealth management products to retail and commercial customers in its market areas. Its business goal is to expand and deepen market share and wallet share through organic growth and acquisition strategies. The Bank serves the following regions: • Western New England, with 23 branches, including the Company’s headquarters in Pittsfield, Mass. This region includes Berkshire County, Mass., which is the Company’s traditional market, where it has a leading market share in many of its product lines. This region also includes Southern Vermont, and many of the region’s branches are in communities close to Route 7, which runs north/south through the valleys to the west of the Berkshire Hills and Green Mountains. This region is within commuting range of both Albany, N.Y., and Springfield, Mass., and is known throughout the world as a tourist and recreational destination area, with vacation and second home traffic from Boston and New York City. The Pittsfield 2015 MSA GDP totaled $6 billion. 5 Table of Contents • New York, with 39 branches serving the Albany Capital District and Central New York. Albany is the state capital and is part of New York’s Tech Valley which is gaining prominence as a world technology hub including leading edge nanotechnology initiatives representing a blend of private enterprise and public investment. The Company’s Central New York area includes operations in the Rome/Utica MSA and in the Syracuse MSA. These are markets along Interstate 90 with longstanding local industries and expansion influences from the Albany Capital District. The Albany/Schenectady 2015 MSA GDP was $51 billion, and the Rome/Utica/Syracuse total 2015 MSA GDP was $43 billion. • Hartford/Springfield, with 24 branches serving the market along the Connecticut River in this region, which is the second largest economic area in New England. This region is centrally located between Boston and New York City at the crossroads of Interstate 91, which traverses the length of New England, and Interstate 90, which traverses the width of Massachusetts. This region also has easy access to Bradley International Airport, which is a major airport serving central New England. Major local industries include insurance, defense manufacturing, education, and assembly/distribution. The Springfield area is receiving major commercial investment including the first Massachusetts casino/entertainment complex. The Hartford/Springfield combined 2015 MSA GDP was $111 billion. • Greater Boston, with lending offices and 3 branch offices, including Berkshire’s newest office and its first Boston branch located on Congress Street in downtown. Greater Boston is the largest economic area in New England, and the Company’s banking operations extend from Worcester within the commuting and commerce area of Boston, east to Boston and its suburbs. Boston is viewed as a leading commercial real estate market nationally, including foreign demand for investment real estate. Major local industries include biotechnology, technology, education, healthcare, trade, and financial service. The Bank’s Asset Based Lending Group is headquartered in this region, and serves middle market businesses throughout the Company’s footprint. The Boston/Worcester combined 2015 MSA GDP was $436 billion. • Mid-Atlantic,with 8 branches and mortgage banking and SBA lending operations. Berkshire established its presence in this region in 2016 with its acquisition of First Choice Bank located in the Princeton, New Jersey area and its acquisition of the business assets and operations of 44 Business Capital, LLC ("44 Business Capital"), located in the greater Philadelphia area. Major local industries include bio-science, financial services, trade, iron, steel and rubber. The Philadelphia/Trenton combined 2015 MSA GDP was $442 billion. 6 Table of Contents Shown below is information about total loans and deposits within the Company’s banking footprint, by region, as of year-end 2016 (wholesale deposit and loan balances are excluded). These regions are viewed as having favorable economic and demographic characteristics and provide an attractive regional niche for the Bank to distinguish itself from larger national and super-regional banks, as well as from smaller community banks, while serving its market area. The Company’s regions have competitive economic strengths in precision manufacturing, distribution, technology, health care, and education which are expected to continue to support above average personal incomes and wealth. These regions include two major U.S. metropolitan areas and port cities - Boston and the Philadelphia area. As a result of its growth, the Company has increased and diversified its revenues both geographically and by product type and this has improved its flexibility in pursuing growth opportunities as they arise. The Company believes it has attractive long-term growth prospects because of the Bank’s positioning as a leading regional bank in its markets with the ability to serve retail and commercial customers with a strong product set and responsive local management. The Company has acquired and is developing targeted national lending operations to support its strategic growth and profitability. The Company also pursues organic growth through ongoing business development, de novo branching, product development, and delivery channel diversification and enhancement. The Bank promotes itself as America’s Most Exciting Bank®. Its vision is to excel as a high performing market leader with the right people, attitude, and energy providing an engaging and exciting customer and team member experience. This brand and culture statement is viewed as driving customer engagement, loyalty, market share, and profitability. The Company utilizes Six Sigma tools to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency. It focuses on the recruitment and acquisition of teams with established market reach and experience to support its overall growth and development. COMPANY WEBSITE AND AVAILABILITY OF SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILINGS Information regarding the Company is available through the Investor Relations tab at berkshirebank.com. The Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge at sec.gov and at berkshirebank.com under the Investor Relations tab. Information on the website is not incorporated by reference and is not a part of this annual report on Form 10-K. 7 Table of Contents COMPETITION The Company is subject to strong competition from banks and other financial institutions and financial service providers. Its competition includes national and super-regional banks. Non-bank competitors include credit unions, brokerage firms, insurance providers, financial planners, and the mutual fund industry. New technology is reshaping customer interaction with financial service providers and the increase of internet-accessible financial institutions increases competition for the Company’s customers. The Company generally competes on the basis of customer service, relationship management, and the fair pricing of loan and deposit products and wealth management and insurance services. The location and convenience of branch offices is also a significant competitive factor, particularly regarding new offices. The Company does not rely on any individual, group, or entity for a material portion of its deposits. LENDING ACTIVITIES General. The Bank originates loans in the four basic portfolio categories discussed below. Lending activities are limited by federal and state laws and regulations. Loan interest rates and other key loan terms are affected principally by the Bank’s credit policy, asset/liability strategy, loan demand, competition, and the supply of money available for lending purposes. These factors, in turn, are affected by general and economic conditions, monetary policies of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve, legislative tax policies, and governmental budgetary matters. Most of the Bank’s loans held for investment are made in its market areas and are secured by real estate located in its market areas. Lending is therefore affected by activity in these real estate markets. The Bank does not engage in subprime lending activities. The Bank monitors and manages the amount of long-term fixed-rate lending volume. Adjustable-rate loan products generally reduce interest rate risk but may produce higher loan losses in the event of sustained rate increases. The Bank generally originates loans for investment except for residential mortgages, which are generally originated for sale on a servicing released basis. The Bank also conducts wholesale purchases and sales of loans and loan participations generally with other banks doing business in its markets, including selected national banks. Loan Portfolio Analysis. The following table sets forth the year-end composition of the Bank’s loan portfolio in dollar amounts and as a percentage of the portfolio at the dates indicated. Further information about the composition of the loan portfolio is contained in Note 6 - Loans of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Item 1 - Table 1 - Loan Portfolio Analysis 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Percent of Total Amount Percent of Total Amount Percent of Total Amount Percent of Total Amount Percent of Total Amount $ 2,617 40% $ 2,060 36% $ 1,612 35% $ 1,417 34% $ 1,414 36% 1,062 3,679 1,893 978 16 56 29 15 1,048 3,108 1,815 802 18 54 32 14 804 2,416 1,496 768 17 52 32 16 687 2,104 1,384 692 16 50 33 17 600 2,014 1,324 651 15 51 33 16 $ 6,550 100% $ 5,725 100% $ 4,680 100% $ 4,180 100% $ 3,989 100% (44) (39) $ 6,506 $ 5,686 (35) $ 4,645 (33) $ 4,147 (33) $ 3,956 (In millions) Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial loans Total commercial loans Residential mortgages Consumer Total loans Allowance for loan losses Net loans 8 Table of Contents Commercial Real Estate. The Bank originates commercial real estate loans on properties used for business purposes such as small office buildings, industrial, healthcare, lodging, recreation, or retail facilities. Commercial real estate loans are provided on owner-occupied properties and on investor owned properties. The portfolio includes commercial 1-4 family and multifamily properties. Loans may generally be made with amortizations of up to 25 years and with interest rates that adjust periodically (primarily from short-term to five years). Most commercial real estate loans are originated with final maturities of 10 years or less. As part of its business activities, the Bank also enters into commercial loan participations with regional and national banks and purchases and sells commercial loans. Commercial real estate loans are among the largest of the bank’s loans, and may have higher credit risk and lending spreads. Loans in the $5-20 million range accounted for approximately 45% of the 2016 commercial loan originations outstanding at year-end; these balances were mostly commercial real estate loans. Because repayment is often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of commercial real estate loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. The Bank seeks to manage these risks through its underwriting disciplines and portfolio management processes. The Bank generally requires that borrowers have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of available cash flows before debt service to debt service) of at least 1.25 times based on stabilized cash flows of leases in place, with some exceptions for national credit tenants. For variable rate loans, the Bank underwrites debt service coverage to interest rate shocks of 300 basis points or higher based on a minimum of 1.0 times coverage and it uses loan maturities to manage risk based on the lease base and interest sensitivity. Loans at origination may be made up to 80% of appraised value based on property type and risk, with sublimits of 75% or less for designated specialty property types. Generally, commercial real estate loans are supported by personal guarantees by the principals. Credit enhancements in the form of additional collateral or guarantees are normally considered for start-up businesses without a qualifying cash flow history. The Bank offers interest rate swaps to certain larger commercial mortgage borrowers. These swaps allow the Bank to originate a mortgage based on short-term LIBOR rates and allow the borrower to swap into a longer-term fixed rate. The Bank simultaneously sells an offsetting back-to-back swap to an investment grade national bank so that it does not retain this fixed-rate risk. The Bank also records fee income on these interest rate swaps based on the terms of the offsetting swaps with the bank counterparties. The Bank originates construction loans to developers and commercial borrowers in and around its markets. The maximum loan to value limits for construction loans follow FDIC supervisory limits, up to a maximum of 80 percent. The Bank commits to provide the permanent mortgage financing on most of its construction loans on income-producing property. Advances on construction loans are made in accordance with a schedule reflecting the cost of the improvements. Construction loans include land acquisition loans up to a maximum 50 percent loan to value on raw land. Construction loans may have greater credit risk due to the dependence on completion of construction and other real estate improvements, as well as the sale or rental of the improved property. The Bank generally mitigates these risks with presale or preleasing requirements and phasing of construction. Commercial and Industrial Loans. The Bank offers secured commercial term loans with repayment terms which are normally limited to the expected useful life of the asset being financed, and generally not exceeding ten years. The Bank also offers revolving loans, lines of credit, letters of credit, time notes and Small Business Administration guaranteed loans. Business lines of credit have adjustable rates of interest and are payable on demand, subject to annual review and renewal. Commercial and industrial loans are generally secured by a variety of collateral such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, and are generally supported by personal guarantees. Loan-to-value ratios depend on the collateral type and generally do not exceed 80 percent of orderly liquidation value. Some commercial loans may also be secured by liens on real estate. The Bank generally does not make unsecured commercial loans. Commercial loans are of higher risk and are made primarily on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flows of its business. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to monitor and appraise and may fluctuate in value. The Bank gives additional consideration to the borrower’s credit history and the guarantor’s capacity to help mitigate these risks. Additionally, the Bank uses loan structures including shorter terms, amortizations, and advance rate limitations to additionally mitigate credit risk. 9 Table of Contents The Asset Based Lending Group serves the commercial middle market in New England, as well as the Bank’s market in northeastern New York. This group expands the Bank’s business lending offerings to include revolving lines of credit and term loans secured by accounts receivable, inventory, and other assets to manufacturers, distributors and select service companies experiencing seasonal working capital needs, rapid sales growth, a turnaround, buyout or recapitalization with credit needs ranging from $2 to $25 million. Asset based lending involves monitoring loan collateral so that outstanding balances are always properly secured by business assets, which reduces the risks associated with these loans. At year-end 2016, asset based loans outstanding totaled $321 million. In 2016, the Bank created the new Specialty Lending Group to oversee its equipment lending, SBA lending, and small business lending activities. The specialty equipment lending operation is conducted by Firestone Financial Corp. ("Firestone"), which was acquired in 2015. Firestone originates loans secured by business-essential equipment through over 160 equipment distributors and manufacturers and directly via the end borrower in all 50 states. Key customer segments include the fitness, carnival, gaming, and entertainment industries. These loans function similarly to the Bank’s commercial and industrial portfolio. However, some credits have payment schedules tailored to the meet the needs of the seasonality of these borrowers’ businesses. These loans generally have higher interest rates than the Bank's other commercial loans, reflecting the niche expertise required in servicing these industries. Firestone’s loans outstanding totaled $206 million at year-end 2016. In 2016, Berkshire acquired 44 Business Capital, a dedicated SBA 7(A) program lending team based in the Philadelphia area. This team originates loans primarily in the Mid-Atlantic area. This team sells the guaranteed portions of these loans servicing retained and the Bank retains the unguaranteed portions, which are pari-passu with the SBA for loan repayment. Some of the SBA’s underwriting parameters are outside of the Bank’s normal commercial lending standards. The Bank is a preferred SBA lender and closely manages the servicing portfolio pursuant to SBA requirements. The Bank is targeting that this team will be its largest source of commercial lending fee revenue, and it is targeting to further expand these operations to other markets and to increase SBA product penetration to the market served by Firestone Financial. Excluding universal banks, Berkshire was listed by the SBA as one of the top 50 SBA 7(A) program bank lenders in its report as of year-end 2016. The Bank’s small business lending team originates conforming small business loans in its New England and New York regions. The small business lending program is for businesses generally with annual revenues of up to $10 million and whose loan relationship with the bank is $2 million or less. Smaller businesses loan originations are managed by designated branch staff, while larger customers are serviced by dedicated Business Bankers. Underwriting and portfolio management oversight is centrally managed in Vermont. The small business team originates both regular commercial loans and SBA guaranteed loans, with an emphasis on lines of credit. With its focus on smaller loans, this team has become a leading originator of SBA loans, based on volume, in many of its regional markets. Residential Mortgages. Through its mortgage banking operations, the Bank offers fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans to individuals with maturities of up to 30 years that are fully amortizing with monthly loan payments. The majority of loans are originated for sale with rate lock commitments which are recorded as derivative financial instruments. Mortgages are generally underwritten according to U.S. government sponsored enterprise guidelines designated as “A” or “A-” and referred to as “conforming loans”. The Bank also originates jumbo loans above conforming loan amounts which generally are consistent with secondary market guidelines for these loans. The Bank does not offer subprime mortgage lending programs. The majority of the Bank’s secondary marketing is to U.S. secondary market investors on a servicing-released basis. The Bank also sells directly to government sponsored enterprises with servicing retained. Mortgage sales generally involve customary representations and warranties and are nonrecourse in the event of borrower default. The Bank is also an approved originator of loans for sale to the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (“VA”), state housing agency programs, and other government sponsored mortgage programs. 10 Table of Contents The Bank does not offer interest-only or negative amortization mortgage loans. At year-end 2016, the Bank’s mortgage portfolio repricing within five years totaled $494 million. ARM loan interest rates may rise as interest rates rise, thereby increasing the potential for default. The Bank also originates construction loans which generally provide 15-month construction periods followed by a permanent mortgage loan, and follow the Bank’s normal mortgage underwriting guidelines. Most of the Bank’s mortgages are originated by commissioned mortgage lenders. In its New England and New York regions, these activities are conducted by the Berkshire Home Lending division. Lending activities are administered by operations in Pittsfield and Needham, Mass. With the First Choice Bank acquisition on December 2, 2016, the Company acquired the First Choice Loan Services Inc. ("First Choice Loan Services"), which now operates its mortgage banking business as a subsidiary of Berkshire Bank. This operation has a team of more than 400 members originating mortgages in targeted markets in nine states, with headquarters in East Brunswick, N.J. With First Choice, Berkshire is now one of the top 50 bank originators of mortgages in the U.S. First Choice Loan Services has a mortgage marketing partnership with Costco. Berkshire Home Lending is a preferred mortgage lender for the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Including the new First Choice Loan Services operations, Berkshire’s mortgage banking operations are its largest source of non-interest income. The portfolio of mortgages held for sale is a high yielding short term asset. The Bank’s portfolio of mortgages held for investment is a significant source of interest income to the bank. Mortgage operations require significant interest rate risk management both for the interest rate lock derivative financial instruments and for the long term assets held in portfolio. Mortgage banking also requires flexible and scalable operations due to the volatility of mortgage demand over time. Investor management is integral to maintaining the secondary market support that is required for these operations. The management of commissioned originations staff across national markets in this highly regulated business line requires strong controls and compliance management. Consumer Loans. The Bank’s consumer loans are centrally underwritten and processed by its experienced consumer lending team based in Syracuse, New York. The Bank’s primary consumer lending activity is indirect auto lending. In the second half of 2015, the bank recruited new leadership to expand this activity from its Central New York base to other parts of Berkshire’s footprint. The Bank provides prime auto loans to finance new and used autos and is evaluating secondary marketing to further support this activity. At year-end 2016, outstanding auto and other loans totaled $584 million. The Bank’s other major consumer lending activity is prime home equity lending, following its conforming mortgage underwriting guidelines with more streamlined verifications and documentation. Most of these outstanding loans are prime based home equity lines with a maximum combined loan-to-value of 85 percent. Home equity line credit risks include the risk that higher interest rates will affect repayment and possible compression of collateral coverage on second lien home equity lines. At year-end 2016, home equity loans totaled $394 million. Maturity and Sensitivity of Loan Portfolio. The following table shows contractual final maturities of selected loan categories at year-end 2016. The contractual maturities do not reflect premiums, discounts, deferred costs, or prepayments. Item 1 - Table 2 - Loan Contractual Maturity - Scheduled Loan Amortizations are not included in the maturities presented. Contractual Maturity (In thousands) Construction real estate loans: Commercial Residential Commercial and industrial loans Total One Year or Less One to Five Years More Than Five Years $ $ 73,272 8,758 294,306 376,336 $ $ 214,237 3,224 606,491 823,952 $ $ — $ — 161,241 161,241 $ Total 287,509 11,982 1,062,038 1,361,529 For the $1.4 billion of loans above which mature in more than one year, $178 million of these loans are fixed-rate and $823 million are variable rate. 11 Table of Contents Loan Administration. Lending activities are governed by a loan policy approved by the Board’s Risk Management and Capital Committee. Internal staff perform and monitor post-closing loan documentation review, quality control, and commercial loan administration. The lending staff assigns a risk rating to all commercial loans, excluding point scored small business loans. Management primarily relies on internal risk management staff to review the risk ratings of the majority of commercial loan balances. The Bank’s lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by the Risk Management and Capital Committee and Management, under the leadership of the Chief Risk Officer. The Bank’s loan underwriting is based on a review of certain factors including risk ratings, recourse, loan-to-value ratios, and material policy exceptions. The Risk Management and Capital Committee has established individual and combined loan limits and lending approval authorities. Management’s Executive Loan Committee is responsible for commercial and residential loan approvals in accordance with these standards and procedures. Generally, pass rated secured commercial loans can be approved jointly up to $7 million by the regional lending manager and regional credit officer. Loans up to $15 million can be approved with the additional signature of the Chief Credit Officer. Loans in excess of this amount, and designated lower rated loans are approved by the Executive Loan Committee. These limits were expanded in 2016. The Bank tracks loan underwriting exceptions and exception reports are actively monitored by executive lending management. The Bank’s lending activities are conducted by its salaried and commissioned loan personnel. Designated salaried branch staff originate conforming residential mortgages and receive bonuses based on overall performance. Additionally, the Bank employs commissioned residential mortgage originators. Commercial lenders receive salaries and are eligible for bonuses based on individual and overall performance. The Bank purchases whole loans and participations in loans from banks headquartered in its market and from outside of its market. These loans are underwritten according to the Bank’s underwriting criteria and procedures and are generally serviced by the originating lender under terms of the applicable agreement. The Bank routinely sells newly originated, fixed-rate residential mortgages in the secondary market. Customer rate locks are offered without charge and rate locked applications are generally committed for forward sale or hedged with derivative financial instruments to minimize interest rate risk pending delivery of the loans to the investors. The Bank also sells residential mortgages and commercial loan participations on a non-recourse basis. The Bank issues loan commitments to its prospective borrowers conditioned on the occurrence of certain events. Loan origination commitments are made in writing on specified terms and conditions and are generally honored for up to 60 days from approval; some commercial commitments are made for longer terms. The Company also monitors pipelines of loan applications and has processes for issuing letters of interest for commercial loans and preapprovals for residential mortgages, all of which are generally conditional on completion of underwriting prior to the issuance of formal commitments. The loan policy sets certain limits on concentrations of credit and requires periodic reporting of concentrations to the Risk Management and Capital Committee. In most cases, the commercial loan hold limit is 5% of risk based capital for loan transactions and 8% of risk based capital for lending relationships. Loan exposure to the 10 largest relationships average $27 million each, or 3.6% of the Bank's risk based capital at year-end 2016. The Bank also actively monitors its 25 largest borrower relationships. Commercial real estate is generally managed within federal regulatory monitoring guidelines of 300% of risk based capital for non-owner occupied commercial real estate and 100% for commercial construction loans. At year-end 2016, non-owner occupied commercial real estate totaled 265% of Bank risk based capital and outstanding commercial construction loans were 40% of Bank risk based capital. The Bank has hold limits for several categories of commercial specialty lending including healthcare, hospitality, designated franchises, and leasing, as well as hold limits for designated commercial loan participations purchased. In most cases, these limits are below 100% of risk based capital for all outstandings in each monitored category. Problem Assets. The Bank prefers to work with borrowers to resolve problems rather than proceeding to foreclosure. For commercial loans, this may result in a period of forbearance or restructuring of the loan, which is normally done at current market terms and does not result in a “troubled” loan designation. For residential mortgage loans, the Bank generally follows FDIC guidelines to attempt a restructuring that will enable owner-occupants to remain in their home. However, if these processes fail to result in a performing loan, then the Bank generally will initiate foreclosure or other proceedings no later than the 90th day of a delinquency, as necessary, to minimize any 12 Table of Contents potential loss. Management reports delinquent loans and non-performing assets to the Board quarterly. Loans are generally removed from accruing status when they reach 90 days delinquent, except for certain loans which are well secured and in the process of collection. Loan collections are managed by a combination of the related business units and the Bank’s special assets group, which focuses on larger, riskier collections and the recovery of purchased credit impaired loans. Real estate acquired by the Bank as a result of loan collections is classified as real estate owned until sold. When property is acquired it is recorded at fair market value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Holding costs and decreases in fair value after acquisition are expensed. Interest income that would have been recorded for 2016, if non-accruing loans had been current according to their original terms, amounted to $0.9 million. Included in the amount is $166 thousand related to troubled debt restructurings. The amount of interest income on those loans that was recognized in net income in 2016 was $0.6 million. Included in this amount is $187 thousand related to troubled debt restructurings. Interest income on accruing troubled debt restructurings totaled $1. 8 million for 2016. The total carrying value of troubled debt restructurings was $33.8 million at year-end. The following table sets forth additional information on year-end problem assets and accruing troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”). Due to accounting standards for business combinations, non-accrual loans of acquired banks are recorded as accruing on the acquisition date. Therefore, measures related to accruing and non-accruing loans reflect these standards and may not be comparable to prior periods. Item 1 - Table 3 - Problem Assets and Accruing TDR (In thousands) Non-accruing loans: Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages Consumer Total non-performing loans Real estate owned Total non-performing assets Troubled debt restructurings (accruing) Accruing loans 90+ days past due 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 $ $ $ $ 5,883 7,523 3,795 5,039 22,240 151 22,391 28,241 9,863 $ $ $ $ 4,882 8,259 3,966 3,768 20,875 1,725 22,600 12,497 5,229 $ $ $ $ 12,878 1,705 3,908 3,214 21,705 2,049 23,754 12,612 4,568 $ $ $ $ 13,739 2,355 7,868 3,493 27,455 2,758 30,213 8,344 9,223 $ $ $ $ 12,617 3,681 7,466 1,748 25,512 1,929 27,441 3,641 18,977 Total non-performing loans/total loans Total non-performing assets/total assets 0.34% 0.24% 0.36% 0.29% 0.46% 0.37% 0.66% 0.53% 0.64% 0.52% Asset Classification and Delinquencies. The Bank performs an internal analysis of its commercial loan portfolio and assets to classify such loans and assets in a manner similar to that employed by federal banking regulators. There are four classifications for loans with higher than normal risk: Loss, Doubtful, Substandard, and Special Mention. Usually an asset classified as Loss is fully charged-off. Substandard assets have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful assets have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss. Assets that do not currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but possess weaknesses, are designated Special Mention. Please see the additional discussion of non-accruing and potential problem loans in Item 7 and additional information in Note 7 - Loan Loss Allowance of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Impaired loans acquired in business combinations are normally rated Substandard or lower and the fair value assigned to such loans at acquisition includes a component for the possibility of loss if deficiencies are not corrected. 13 Table of Contents Allowance for Loan Losses. The Bank’s loan portfolio is regularly reviewed by management to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The allowance represents management’s estimate of inherent losses that are probable and estimable as of the date of the financial statements. The allowance includes a specific component for impaired loans (a “specific loan loss reserve”) and a general component for portfolios of all outstanding loans (a “general loan loss reserve”). At the time of acquisition, no allowance for loan losses is assigned to loans acquired in business combinations. These loans are carried at fair value, including the impact of expected losses, as of the acquisition date. An allowance on such loans is established subsequent to the acquisition date through the provision for loan losses based on an analysis of factors including environmental factors. The loan loss allowance is discussed further in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes that it uses the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses. However, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary, and results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making its determinations. Because the estimation of inherent losses cannot be made with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses is adequate or that increases will not be necessary should the quality of any loan or loan portfolio category deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above. Additionally, the regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, also periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to make additional provisions for estimated losses based upon judgments different from those of management. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations. The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the five years indicated: Item 1 - Table 4 - Allowance for Loan Loss (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year Charged-off loans: Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages Consumer Total charged-off loans Recoveries on charged-off loans: Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages Consumer Total recoveries Net loans charged-off Provision for loan losses Balance at end of year 2016 39,308 $ 2015 35,662 $ 2014 33,323 $ 2013 33,208 $ 2012 32,444 $ 3,104 5,715 2,865 2,342 14,026 303 389 304 358 1,354 12,672 17,362 43,998 $ 7,546 3,110 1,857 2,175 14,688 582 458 205 363 1,608 13,080 16,726 39,308 $ 5,684 3,010 2,596 2,563 13,853 270 228 365 361 1,224 12,629 14,968 35,662 $ 5,026 2,917 2,426 2,467 12,836 549 211 399 414 1,573 11,263 11,378 33,323 $ 4,229 697 2,647 1,877 9,450 52 96 103 373 624 8,826 9,590 33,208 $ Ratios: Net charge-offs/average loans Recoveries/charged-off loans Net loans charged-off/allowance for loan losses Allowance for loan losses/total loans Allowance for loan losses/non-accruing loans 0.21% 9.65 28.80 0.67 197.83 0.25% 10.95 33.28 0.69 188.30 0.29% 8.84 35.41 0.76 164.30 0.29% 12.25 33.80 0.80 121.37 0.26% 6.60 26.58 0.83 130.17 14 Table of Contents The following tables present year-end data for the approximate allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan categories at the dates indicated (including an apportionment of any unallocated amount). The first table shows for each category the amount of the allowance allocated to that category as a percentage of the outstanding loans in that category. The second table shows the allocated allowance together with the percentage of loans in each category to total loans. Management believes that the allowance can be allocated by category only on an approximate basis. The allocation of the allowance to each category is not indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of any of the allowance to absorb losses in any category. Due to the impact of accounting standards for acquired loans, data in the accompanying tables may not be comparable between accounting periods. Item 1 - Table 5A - Allocation of Allowance for Loan Loss by Category (as of year-end) (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Percent Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category Amount Allocated Percent Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category Amount Allocated Percent Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category Amount Allocated Percent Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category Amount Allocated Amount Allocated Commercial real estate $ 18,810 0.72% $ 16,493 0.80% $ 15,539 0.96% $ 16,112 1.13% $ 19,275 Commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages Consumer 10,576 8,591 6,021 1.00% 0.45% 0.62% 8,688 8,614 5,513 0.83% 0.47% 0.69% 6,322 7,480 6,321 0.79% 0.50% 0.82% 5,770 7,562 3,879 0.85% 0.55% 0.56% 5,707 6,444 1,782 Percent Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category 1.36% 0.95% 0.49% 0.27% Total $ 43,998 0.67% $ 39,308 0.69% $ 35,662 0.76% $ 33,323 0.80% $ 33,208 0.83% Item 1 - Table 5B - Allocation of Allowance for Loan Loss (as of year-end) (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans Amount Allocated Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans Amount Allocated Amount Allocated Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans Amount Allocated Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans Amount Allocated Commercial real estate $ 18,810 39.95% $ 16,493 41.96% $ 15,539 34.43% $ 16,112 41.26% $ 19,275 35.44% Commercial and industrial loans 10,576 16.22% Residential mortgages Consumer 8,591 6,021 28.90% 14.93% 8,688 8,614 5,513 22.10 21.91 14.03 6,322 7,480 6,321 17.19 31.97 16.41 5,770 7,562 3,879 9.08 33.11 16.55 5,707 6,444 1,782 15.05 33.20 16.31 Total $ 43,998 100.00% $ 39,308 100.00% $ 35,662 100.00% $ 33,323 100.00% $ 33,208 100.00% 15 Table of Contents INVESTMENT SECURITIES ACTIVITIES The securities portfolio provides cash flow to protect the safety of customer deposits and as a potential source of liquidity. The portfolio is also used to manage interest rate risk and to earn a reasonable return on investment. Decisions are made in accordance with the Company’s investment policy and include consideration of risk, return, duration, and portfolio concentrations. Day-to-day oversight of the portfolio rests with the Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer. The Enterprise Risk Management/Asset-Liability Committee meets multiple times each quarter and reviews investment strategies. The Risk Management and Capital Committee of the Board of Directors provides general oversight of the investment function. The Company has historically maintained a high-quality portfolio of managed duration mortgage-backed securities, together with a portfolio of municipal bonds including national and local issuers and local economic development bonds issued to non-profit organizations. Nearly all of the mortgage-backed securities are issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac, consisting principally of collateralized mortgage obligations (generally consisting of planned amortization class bonds). Other than securities issued by the above agencies, no other issuer concentrations exceeding 10% of stockholders’ equity existed at year-end 2016. The municipal portfolio provides tax-advantaged yield, and the local economic development bonds were originated by the Company to area borrowers. The Company invests in investment grade corporate bonds and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Purchases of non-investment grade fixed-income securities have consisted primarily of capital instruments issued by local and regional financial institutions and a mutual fund investing in non-investment grade bonds of national corporate issuers. The Company also invests in equity securities of local financial institutions, including those that might be future potential partners, as well as dividend yielding equity securities of national corporate exchange traded issuers. Historically, the Company acquired equity securities in the Bank, which was allowed under its savings bank charter. As a result of the Bank's charter change in 2014, equity security purchases after that date have been conducted at the holding company level. The Bank owns restricted equity in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) based on its operating relationship with the FHLBB. The Company owns an interest rate swap against a tax advantaged economic development bond issued to a local not-for-profit organization, and as a result this security is carried as a trading account security. The Company generally designates investment securities as available for sale, but sometimes designates as held to maturity based on its intent. This also allows the Company to more effectively manage the potential impact of longer-duration, fixed-rate securities on stockholders' equity in the event of rising interest rates. 16 Table of Contents The following tables present the year-end amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s securities, by type of security, for the three years indicated. Item 1 - Table 6A - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities (In thousands) Securities available for sale 2016 2015 2014 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Municipal bonds and obligations $ 117,910 $ 119,816 $ 99,922 $ 104,561 $ 127,013 $ 133,699 Mortgage-backed securities Other bonds and obligations Marketable equity securities 948,661 945,129 960,907 959,865 824,865 829,652 78,877 47,858 79,051 65,541 57,742 30,522 56,064 33,967 74,953 48,992 73,525 54,942 Total securities available for sale $ 1,193,306 $ 1,209,537 $ 1,149,093 $ 1,154,457 $ 1,075,823 $ 1,091,818 Securities held to maturity Municipal bonds and obligations $ 203,463 $ 204,986 $ 94,642 $ 97,967 $ 4,997 $ 4,997 Mortgage-backed securities 95,302 95,495 68 71 70 74 Tax advantaged economic development bonds Other bonds and obligations Total securities held to maturity Trading account security Restricted equity securities 35,278 325 334,368 11,387 71,112 36,874 325 337,680 13,229 71,112 $ $ $ $ $ $ Item 1 - Table 6B - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities (In thousands) U.S. Treasuries, other Government agencies and corporations Municipal bonds and obligations Other bonds and obligations 2016 Amortized Cost Fair Value $ 1,091,821 368,038 150,314 $ 1,106,165 374,905 150,488 $ $ $ $ 36,613 329 131,652 11,984 71,018 38,537 329 136,904 14,189 71,018 $ $ $ 2015 Amortized Cost Fair Value 991,497 243,162 129,089 $ 993,903 255,254 127,410 $ $ $ $ 37,948 332 43,347 12,554 55,720 $ $ $ 39,594 332 44,997 14,909 55,720 2014 Amortized Cost Fair Value 873,927 182,513 131,004 $ 884,668 193,199 129,577 Total Securities $ 1,610,173 $ 1,631,558 $ 1,363,750 $ 1,376,568 $ 1,187,444 $ 1,207,444 The schedule includes available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, as well as the trading security and restricted equity securities. 17 Table of Contents The following table summarizes year-end 2016 amortized cost, weighted average yields, and contractual maturities of debt securities. Yields are shown on a fully taxable equivalent basis. A significant portion of the mortgage-based securities are planned amortization class bonds. Their expected durations are 3-5 years at current interest rates, but the contractual maturities shown reflect the underlying maturities of the collateral mortgages. Additionally, the mortgage-based securities maturities shown below are based on final maturities and do not include scheduled amortization. Yields include amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts. Item 1 - Table 7 - Weighted Average Yield One Year or Less More than One Year to Five Years More than Five Years to Ten Years More than Ten Years Total Amortized Cost Weighted Average Yield Amortized Cost Weighted Average Yield Amortized Cost Weighted Average Yield Amortized Cost Weighted Average Yield Amortized Cost Weighted Average Yield $ $ 0.9 — 0.9 1.8 2.5% $ 28.4 3.7% $ 22.6 4.7% $ 269.4 5.1% $ 321.3 5.2% 7.5% 4.9% $ 3.8 17.0 49.2 2.2% 40.8 2.3% 999.4 2.4% $ 1,044.0 5.9% 4.4% $ 43.5 106.9 5.0% 53.1 3.9% $ 1,321.9 2.9% $ 114.5 3.0% $ 1,479.8 4.9% 2.4% 4.2% 3.1% (In millions) Municipal bonds and obligations Mortgage-backed securities Other bonds and obligations Total DEPOSIT ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS Deposits are the major source of funds for the Bank’s lending and investment activities. Deposit accounts are the primary product and service interaction with the Bank’s customers. The Bank serves personal, commercial, non- profit, and municipal deposit customers. Most of the Bank’s deposits are generated from the areas surrounding its branch offices. The Bank offers a wide variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms. The Bank also periodically offers promotional interest rates and terms for limited periods of time. The Bank’s deposit accounts consist of demand deposits (non-interest-bearing checking), NOW (interest-bearing checking), regular savings, money market savings, and time certificates of deposit. The Bank emphasizes its transaction deposits -- checking and NOW accounts -- for personal accounts and checking accounts promoted to businesses. These accounts have the lowest marginal cost to the Bank and are also often a core account for a customer relationship. The Bank offers a courtesy overdraft program to improve customer service, and also provides debit cards and other electronic fee producing payment services to transaction account customers. The Bank promotes remote deposit capture devices so that commercial accounts can make deposits from their place of business. Additionally, the Bank offers a variety of retirement deposit accounts to personal and business customers. Deposit related fees are a significant source of fee income to the Bank, including overdraft and interchange fees related to debit card usage. Deposit service fee income also includes other miscellaneous transaction and convenience services sold to customers through the branch system as part of an overall service relationship. The Bank offers compensating balance arrangements for larger business customers as an alternative to fees charged for checking account services. Berkshire’s Business Connection is a personal financial services benefit package designed for the employees of its business customers. In addition to providing service through its branches, Berkshire provides services to deposit customers through its private bankers, MyBankers, commercial/small business relationship managers, and call center representatives. Commercial cash management services are an important commercial service offered to commercial depositors and a fee income source to the bank. Online banking and mobile banking functionality is increasingly important as a component of deposit account access and service delivery. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank utilizes brokered time deposits to broaden its funding base, augment its interest rate risk management vehicles, and to support loan growth. The Bank also offers brokered reciprocal money market arrangements to provide additional deposit protection to certain large commercial and institutional accounts. These balances are viewed as part of overall relationship balances with regional customers. Brokered deposits are sourced through selected Board approved brokers; these deposits are viewed as potentially more volatile than other deposits and are managed as a component of the Bank's liquidity policies. 18 Table of Contents The following table presents information concerning average balances and weighted average interest rates on the Bank’s interest-bearing deposit accounts for the years indicated. Deposit amounts in the following tables include balances associated with discontinued operations. Item 1 - Table 8 - Average Balance and Weighted Average Rates for Deposits 2016 Percent of Total Average Deposits Average Balance Weighted Average Rate Average Balance 2015 Percent of Total Average Deposits Weighted Average Rate Average Balance 2014 Percent of Total Average Deposits Weighted Average Rate $1,081.0 19% —% $ 972.6 19% —% $ 805.0 18% —% 487.8 1,470.3 610.8 2,094.8 8 26 11 36 0.1 0.5 0.1 1.1 462.9 1,444.1 582.4 1,684.8 9 28 11 33 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.9 417.2 1,442.3 476.4 1,265.4 9 33 11 29 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.7 $5,744.7 100% 0.5% $5,146.8 100% 0.5% $4,406.3 100% 0.4% (In millions) Demand NOW Money market Savings Time Total At year-end 2016, the Bank had time deposit accounts in amounts of $100 thousand or more maturing as follows: Item 1 - Table 9 - Maturity of Deposits > $100,000 Maturity Period (In thousands) Three months or less Over 3 months through 6 months Over 6 months through 12 months Over 12 months Total Amount Weighted Average Rate $ 334,062 302,349 348,156 692,921 $ 1,677,488 0.77% 0.87 1.09 1.58 1.19% The Company also uses borrowings from the FHLBB as an additional source of funding, particularly for daily cash management and for funding longer duration assets. FHLBB advances also provide more pricing and option alternatives for particular asset/liability needs. The FHLBB functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for member institutions. As an FHLBB member, the Company is required to own capital stock of the organization. Borrowings from this institution are secured by a blanket lien on most of the Bank’s mortgage loans and mortgage- related securities, as well as certain other assets. Advances are made under several different credit programs with different lending standards, interest rates, and range of maturities. The Company has a $15 million trust preferred obligation outstanding as well as $74 million in senior subordinated notes. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Subject to certain limitations, the Company can also choose to issue common stock in public stock offerings and can also potentially obtain privately placed common and preferred stock, and subordinated, and senior debt from institutional and private investors. The Company maintains a universal shelf registration with the SEC to facilitate future potential capital issuances. 19 Table of Contents DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company uses interest rate swap instruments for its own account to fix the interest rate on some of its borrowings, all of which are designated as cash flow hedges at year-end 2016. The Company also offers interest rate swaps to commercial loan customers who wish to fix the interest rates on their loans, and the Company backs these swaps with offsetting swaps with national bank counterparties. With other lending institutions, the Company engages in risk participation agreements. These arrangements are structured similarly to its swaps with commercial borrowers, but a different bank is the lead underwriter. The Company gets paid a fee to take on the risk associated with having to make the lead bank whole on Berkshire’s portion of the pro-rated swap should the borrower default. These swaps are designated as economic hedges. Additionally, the Company’s mortgage banking activities result in derivatives. Commitments to lend are provided on applications for residential mortgages intended for resale and are accounted for as non-hedging derivatives. The Company arranges offsetting forward sales commitments for most of these rate-locks with national bank counterparties, which are designated as economic hedges. Commitments on applications intended to be held for investment are not accounted for as derivative financial instruments. The Company has a policy for managing its derivative financial instruments, and the policy and program activity are overseen by the Risk Management and Capital Committee. Derivative financial instruments with counterparties which are not customers are limited to a select number of national financial institutions. Collateral may be required based on financial condition tests. The Company works with third-party firms which assist in marketing derivative transactions, executing transactions, and providing information for bookkeeping and accounting purposes. WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Company’s Wealth Management Group provides consultative investment management, trust administration, and financial planning to individuals, businesses, and institutions, with an emphasis on personal investment management. The Wealth Management Group has built a track record over more than a decade with its dedicated in- house investment management team. The Bank also provides a full line of investment products, financial planning, and brokerage services through BerkshireBanc Investment Services utilizing Commonwealth Financial Network as the broker/dealer. The Group’s principal operations are in Western New England and it is expanding services in the Company’s other regions. In 2016, the Bank purchased the business assets and operations of Ronald N. Lazzaro, P.C., a provider of financial advisory services in Rutland, Vermont. At year-end 2016, assets under management totaled $1.4 billion, including $0.9 billion in the Bank’s traditional wealth/trust platform and the remainder is managed through its investment services and financial advisory teams. INSURANCE As an independent insurance agent, the Berkshire Insurance Group represents a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies offering attractive coverage at competitive prices. The Insurance Group offers a full line of personal and commercial property and casualty insurance. It also offers employee benefits insurance and a full line of personal life, health, and financial services insurance products. Berkshire Insurance Group operates a focused cross-sell program of insurance and banking products through all offices and branches of the Bank with some of the Group’s offices located within the Bank’s branches. The Group’s principal operations are in Western New England, and it is expanding its services in the Company’s other regions. The Group focuses on the Bank’s distribution channels in order to broaden its retail and commercial customer base. The Company may consider acquisitions of insurance agencies in support of its growth strategy. PERSONNEL At year-end 2016, the Company had 1,731 full time equivalent employee positions -- an increase of 510 since the end of 2015, including 505 positions added through the First Choice business combination. Berkshire continues to develop it’s staffing, including staff for new branches and hires related to team development. The Company has also developed staff with targeted skills to deepen the Company’s infrastructure. The Company’s employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. 20 Table of Contents SUBSIDIARY ACTIVITIES The Company wholly-owns two active consolidated subsidiaries: the Bank and Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc. The Bank operates as a commercial bank under a Massachusetts trust company charter. Berkshire Insurance Group is incorporated in Massachusetts. Berkshire Bank owns Firestone Financial, LLC which is a Massachusetts limited liability company, First Choice Loan Services Inc. which is a New Jersey corporation, as well as consolidated subsidiaries operated as Massachusetts securities corporations. The Company also owns all of the common stock of a Delaware statutory business trust, Berkshire Hills Capital Trust I. The capital trust is unconsolidated and its only material asset is a $15 million trust preferred security related to the junior subordinated debentures reported in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Additional information about the subsidiaries is contained in Exhibit 21 to this report. REGULATION AND SUPERVISION The Company is a Delaware corporation and a bank holding company, within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As such, it is registered with, supervised by and required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board requires the Company to file various reports and also conducts examinations of the Company. The Company must receive the approval of the Federal Reserve Board to engage in certain transactions, such as acquisitions of additional banks and savings associations. The Company was previously regulated as a savings and loan holding company. However, in July 2014, the Company became a bank holding company in connection with the Bank’s conversion to a Massachusetts trust company charter. As a result, the Company is now regulated as a bank holding company and has further elected to become a financial holding company. As a financial holding company, the Company may engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to a financial activity. The Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered trust company and its deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. The Bank was previously a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank and converted to a Massachusetts- chartered trust company in July 2014. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks (the “Commissioner”), as its chartering agency, and by the FDIC, as its deposit insurer. The Bank is required to file reports with the Commissioner and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other depository institutions or branches of other institutions. The Commissioner and the FDIC conduct periodic examinations to test the Bank’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. The regulatory structure gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulatory requirements and policies, whether by the Commissioner, the Massachusetts legislature, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the Company, the Bank and their operations. In January 2015, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts enacted “An Act Modernizing the Banking Laws and Enhancing the Competitiveness of State-Chartered Banks.” Among other things, the legislation attempts to better synchronize Massachusetts laws with federal requirements in the same area, streamlines the process for an institution to engage in activities permissible for federally chartered and out of state institutions, consolidates corporate governance statutes, and authorizes the Commissioner to establish a tiered supervisory system for Massachusetts chartered institutions based on factors such as asset size, capital level, balance sheet composition, examination rating, compliance, and other factors deemed appropriate. The new provisions of Massachusetts banking law took effect on April 7, 2015. Federal Legislation The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was enacted in 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act has significantly changed the bank regulatory structure and is affecting the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of depository institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Company’s previous primary federal regulator, as of July 21, 2011. 21 Table of Contents Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as an independent bureau of the Federal Reserve Board. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau assumed responsibility for the implementation of the federal financial consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations, a function previously assigned to prudential regulators, and has authority to impose new requirements. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. However, institutions of less than $10 billion in assets, such as the Bank, continue to be examined for compliance with consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations by, and are subject to the primary enforcement authority of their prudential regulator rather than the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has finalized the rule implementing the “Ability to Repay” requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. The regulations generally require creditors to make a reasonable, good faith determination as to a borrower’s ability to repay most residential mortgage loans. The final rule establishes a safe harbor for certain “Qualified Mortgages,” which contain certain features deemed less risky and omit certain other characteristics considered to enhance risk. The Dodd-Frank Act also broadened the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments for deposit insurance and permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance to $250,000 per depositor. The Dodd-Frank Act increased shareholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give shareholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments. The legislation directed the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to company executives, regardless of whether or not the company is publicly traded. The Dodd-Frank Act also provided for originators of certain securitized loans to retain a percentage of the risk for transferred credits, directed the Federal Reserve Board to regulate pricing of certain debit card interchange fees, repealed restrictions on paying interest on checking accounts and contained a number of reforms related to mortgage origination. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to delayed effective dates and/or require the issuance of implementing regulations. The regulatory process is ongoing and the impact on operations cannot yet be fully assessed. However, there is a significant expectation that the Dodd-Frank Act will, at a minimum, result in increased regulatory burden, compliance costs and interest expense for the Company and the Bank. Certain regulatory requirements applicable to the Company, including certain changes made by the Dodd-Frank Act, are referred to below or elsewhere herein. The description of statutory provisions and regulations applicable to financial institutions and their holding companies set forth in this Form 10-K does not purport to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on the Company and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual laws and regulations. Massachusetts Banking Laws and Supervision General. As a Massachusetts-chartered depository institution, the Bank is subject to supervision, regulation, and examination by the Commissioner and to various Massachusetts statutes and regulations which govern, among other things, investment powers, lending and deposit-taking activities, borrowings, maintenance of surplus and reserve accounts, distribution of earnings, and payment of dividends. In addition, the Bank is subject to Massachusetts consumer protection and civil rights laws and regulations. The approval of the Commissioner is required for a Massachusetts-chartered institution to establish or close branches, merge with other financial institutions, issue stock, and undertake certain other activities. Massachusetts law and regulations generally allow Massachusetts institutions to engage in activities permissible for federally chartered banks or banks chartered by another state. The 2015 legislation established a 30-day notice procedure to the Commissioner in order to engage in such activities. The legislation also authorized Massachusetts institutions to engage in activities determined to be “financial in nature”, or incidental or complementary to such a financial activity, subject to a 30-day notice to the Commissioner. 22 Table of Contents Dividends. A Massachusetts stock institution, such as the Bank, may declare cash dividends from net profits not more frequently than quarterly and non-cash dividends at any time. No dividends may be declared, credited, or paid if the institution’s capital stock is impaired. A Massachusetts stock institution with outstanding preferred stock may not, without the prior approval of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, declare dividends to the common stock without also declaring dividends to the preferred stock. The approval of the Commissioner is required if the total of all dividends declared in any calendar year exceeds the total of its net profits for that year combined with its retained net profits of the preceding two years, less any required transfer to surplus or a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock. Net profits for this purpose means the remainder of all earnings from current operations plus actual recoveries on loans and investments and other assets after deducting from the total thereof all current operating expenses, actual losses, accrued dividends on preferred stock, if any, and all federal and state taxes. Loans to One Borrower Limitations. Massachusetts banking law grants broad lending authority. However, with certain limited exceptions, total obligations of one borrower to an institution may not exceed 20.0% of the total of the institution’s capital, which is defined under Massachusetts law as the sum of the institution’s capital stock, surplus account and undivided profits. Loans to a Bank’s Insiders. The 2015 Massachusetts legislation provided that Massachusetts law incorporates federal regulations governing extensions of credit to insiders and the prior Massachusetts requirements were repealed. Investment Activities. In general, Massachusetts-chartered institutions may invest in preferred and common stock of any corporation organized under the laws of the United States or any state provided such investments do not involve control of any corporation and do not, in the aggregate, exceed 4.0% of the bank’s deposits. Massachusetts- chartered institutions may also invest an amount equal to 1.0% of their deposits in stocks of Massachusetts corporations or companies with substantial employment in Massachusetts which have pledged to the Commissioner that such monies will be used for further development within the Commonwealth. However, these powers are constrained by federal law. Regulatory Enforcement Authority. Any Massachusetts-chartered institution that does not operate in accordance with the regulations, policies, and directives of the Commissioner may be sanctioned for non-compliance, including seizure of the property and business of the institution and suspension or revocation of its charter. The Commissioner may, under certain circumstances, suspend or remove officers or directors who have violated the law, conducted the institution’s business in a manner which is unsafe, unsound or contrary to the depositors interests, or been negligent in the performance of their duties. In addition, upon finding that an institution has engaged in an unfair or deceptive act or practice, the Commissioner may issue an order to cease and desist and impose a fine on the institution concerned. Finally, Massachusetts consumer protection and civil rights statutes applicable to the Bank permit private individual and class action lawsuits and provide for the rescission of consumer transactions, including loans, and the recovery of statutory and punitive damage and attorney’s fees in the case of certain violations of those statutes. Massachusetts has other statutes or regulations that are similar to the federal provisions discussed below. Federal Regulations Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require FDIC insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8.0%, and a 4.0% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. The existing capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015 and are the result of a final rule implementing regulatory amendments based on recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 23 Table of Contents capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. The Bank chose the opt-out election. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities). Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one to four-family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% and 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors. In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the FDIC takes into consideration not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions where deemed necessary. As a bank holding company, the Company is also subject to regulatory capital requirements, as described in a subsequent section. Interstate Banking and Branching. Federal law permits an institution, such as the Bank, to acquire another institution by merger in a state other than Massachusetts unless the other state has opted out. Federal law, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, authorizes de novo branching into another state to the extent that the target state allows its state chartered banks to establish branches within its borders. The Bank operates branches in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as well as Massachusetts. At its interstate branches, the Bank may conduct any activity authorized under Massachusetts law that is permissible either for an institution chartered in that state (subject to applicable federal restrictions) or a branch in that state of an out-of-state national bank. The New York State Superintendent of Banks, the Vermont Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, the Connecticut Commissioner of Banking, the New Jersey Commissioner of Banking and Insurance and the Pennsylvania Secretary of Banking and Securities may exercise certain regulatory authority over the Bank’s branches in their respective states. Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulatory authorities take “prompt corrective action” with respect to banks that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the law establishes three categories of capital deficient institutions: undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Federal law establishes a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions. The FDIC has adopted regulations to implement the prompt corrective action legislation. The regulations were amended to incorporate the previously mentioned increased regulatory capital standards that were effective January 1, 2015. An institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and a 24 Table of Contents common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater. An institution is “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater, and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or greater. An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 4.0%, or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%, or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%. An institution is considered to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%. “Undercapitalized” banks must adhere to growth, capital distribution (including dividend), and other limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. No institution may make a capital distribution, including payment as a dividend, if it would be “undercapitalized” after the payment. A bank’s compliance with such plans is required to be guaranteed by its holding company in an amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the institution’s total assets when deemed “undercapitalized” or the amount needed to comply with regulatory capital requirements. If an “undercapitalized” bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” “Significantly undercapitalized” banks must comply with one or more of a number of additional restrictions, including but not limited to an order by the FDIC to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized”, requirements to reduce assets and cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks or dismiss directors or officers, and restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers, and capital distributions by the holding company. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions must comply with additional sanctions including, subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver or conservator within 270 days after it obtains such status. At December 31, 2016, the Bank met the criteria for being considered “well capitalized” as defined in the prompt corrective action regulations. Transactions with Affiliates and Loans to Insiders. Transactions between depository institutions and their affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. In a holding company context, at a minimum, the parent holding company of an institution and any companies which are controlled by such holding company are affiliates of the institution. Generally, Section 23A limits the extent to which the institution or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions,” such as loans, with any one affiliate to 10% of such institution’s capital stock and surplus, and contains an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to 20% of capital stock and surplus. Loans to affiliates and certain other specified transactions must comply with specified collateralization requirements. Section 23B requires that transactions with affiliates be on terms that are no less favorable to the institution or its subsidiary as similar transactions with non-affiliates. Further, federal law restricts an institution with respect to loans to directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders (“insiders”). Loans to insiders and their related interests may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such persons and affiliated entities, the institution’s total capital and surplus. Loans to insiders above specified amounts must receive the prior approval of the Board of Directors. Further, loans to insiders must be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons, except that such insiders may receive preferential loans made under a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to the institution’s employees and does not give preference to the insider over the employees. Federal law places additional limitations on loans to executive officers. Enforcement. The FDIC has extensive enforcement authority over insured institutions, including the Bank. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, issue cease and desist orders and remove directors and officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. The FDIC has authority under federal law to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured institution under certain circumstances. 25 Table of Contents Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC up to applicable limits. The FDIC insures deposits up to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount (“SMDIA”) of $250,000. The deposit insurance limit was increased in response to the Dodd-Frank Act, which, among other provisions, made permanent the increase in the SMDIA from $100,000 to $250,000. The Dodd-Frank Act provided for temporary unlimited coverage of certain noninterest bearing transaction accounts, but such unlimited coverage expired on December 31, 2012. The FDIC charges insured depository institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions were initially assigned a risk category based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors. An institution’s rate depended upon the category to which it is assigned and certain adjustments specified by FDIC regulations. Institutions deemed less risky pay lower FDIC assessments. The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to revise its procedures to base its assessments upon each insured institution’s total assets less tangible equity instead of deposits. The FDIC finalized a rule, effective April 1, 2011, that set the assessment range at 2.5 to 45 basis points of total assets less tangible equity. Effective July 1, 2016, the FDIC revised its risk based assessment system and eliminated the risk categories. Assessments for most institutions are now based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the probability of failure within three years. In conjunction with the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio achieving 1.15%, the assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) was reduced to 1.5 basis points to 30 basis points for institutions of less than $10 billion in total assets, effective July 1, 2016. The Dodd-Frank Act required that banks of greater than $10 billion in assets bear the burden of raising the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35%. Such institutions are now subject to an annual surcharge of 4.5 basis points of total assets exceeding $10 billion. This surcharge will remain in place until the earlier of the Deposit Insurance Fund reaching the 1.35% ratio or December 31, 2018, at which point a shortfall assessment would be applied. The FDIC has established a long term goal of achieving a Deposit Insurance Fund ratio of 2.00%. FDIC insured institutions are also required to pay assessments to the FDIC to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, an agency of the federal government established to recapitalize a predecessor deposit insurance fund. These assessments will continue until the Financing Corporation bonds mature in 2017 through 2019. The assessment rate is adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the assessment base of the fund. For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Financing Corporation assessment amounted to 0.56 basis points of total assets less Tier 1 capital. Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by a regulator. Management does not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of FDIC deposit insurance. The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance premiums would likely have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Bank. Management cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future. Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank system, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks that provide a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. The Bank, as a member, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLBB. The Federal Home Loan Banks are required to provide funds for certain purposes including contributing funds for affordable housing programs. These requirements, and general financial results, could reduce the amount of dividends that the Federal Home Loan Banks pay to their members and result in the Federal Home Loan Banks imposing a higher rate of interest on advances to their members. Historically, the FHLBB has paid dividends to member banks based on money market rates. These dividends were suspended for a time due to losses reported in 2008 and they remain at nominal levels. 26 Table of Contents Enforcement The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has primary federal enforcement responsibility over state chartered banks that are not members of Federal Reserve System, which includes the Bank. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has authority to bring enforcement actions against such institutions and their “institution-related parties,” including officers, directors, certain shareholders, and attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on an insured institution. Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution or receivership or conservatorship in certain circumstances. Potential civil money penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions, and range up to $25 thousand per day, unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case penalties may be as high as $1.0 million per day. Holding Company Regulation General. In July 2014, the Company’s changed status from that of a savings and loan holding company to that of a bank holding company through the Bank’s conversion from a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank to a Massachusetts-chartered trust company. By doing so, the previously applicable requirement that the Bank comply with the Qualified Thrift Lender Test, which required that a specified percentage of assets be in primarily residential mortgage-related investments, was eliminated. The Company is now subject to examination, regulation, and periodic reporting as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any other bank or bank holding company. Prior Federal Reserve Board approval would be required for the Company to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, it would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than five percent of any class of voting shares of the bank or bank holding company. In addition to the approval of the Federal Reserve Board, prior approval may also be necessary from other agencies having supervisory jurisdiction over the bank to be acquired before any bank acquisition can be completed. A bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in non-banking activities, or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than five percent of the voting securities of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation to be so closely related to banking are: (i) making or servicing loans; (ii) performing certain data processing services; (iii) providing discount brokerage services; (iv) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (v) leasing personal or real property; (vi) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (vii) acquiring a savings and loan association whose direct and indirect activities are limited to those permitted for bank holding companies. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 authorized a bank holding company that meets specified conditions, including being “well capitalized” and “well managed,” to opt to become a “financial holding company” and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities than previously permitted. Such activities can include insurance and investment banking. The Company has elected to become a financial holding company. The Company is subject to the Federal Reserve Board’s capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies (on a consolidated basis). Such guidelines have historically been similar to, though less stringent than, those of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for the depository institution subsidiaries. The Dodd-Frank Act, however, required the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves. Instruments such as cumulative preferred stock and trust preferred securities are no longer includable as Tier 1 capital, as was primarily the case with bank holding companies, subject to certain grandfathering rules. The previously discussed final rule regarding regulatory capital requirements implements the Dodd-Frank Act as to bank holding company capital standards. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the Bank are applied to the Company, effective January 1, 2015. As is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer will be phased in between 2016 and 2019. 27 Table of Contents A bank holding company is generally required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of then outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. There is an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions. The Federal Reserve Board’s policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength doctrine. The Federal Reserve Board issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to dividends in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends’ previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. The guidance also provides for regulatory consultation prior to a holding company redeeming or repurchasing regulatory capital instruments when the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock that would result in a net reduction as of the end of a quarter in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends, repurchase shares of its stock, or otherwise engage in capital distributions. The status of the Company as a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act does not exempt it from certain federal and state laws and regulations applicable to corporations generally, including, without limitation, certain provisions of the federal securities laws. Acquisition of the Company. Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of a bank holding company such as the Company unless the Federal Reserve Board has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition. Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the company’s directors, or a determination by the regulator that the acquirer has the power to direct, or directly or indirectly to exercise a controlling influence over, the management or policies of the institution. Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a bank holding company’s voting stock constitutes a rebuttable presumption of control under the regulations under certain circumstances including where, is the case with the Company, the issuer has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Massachusetts Holding Company Regulation. In addition to the federal holding company regulations, a bank holding company organized or doing business in Massachusetts must comply with regulations under Massachusetts law. Approval of the Massachusetts regulatory authorities would be required for the Company to acquire 25 percent or more of the voting stock of another depository institution. Similarly, prior regulatory approval would be necessary for any person or company to acquire 25 percent or more of the voting stock of the Company. The term “bank holding company,” for the purpose of Massachusetts law, is defined generally to include any company which, directly or indirectly, owns, controls or holds with power to vote more than 25 percent of the voting stock of each of two or more banking institutions, including commercial banks and state co-operative banks, savings banks and savings and loan association and national banks, federal savings banks and federal savings and loan associations. In general, a holding company controlling, directly or indirectly, only one banking institution will not be deemed to be 28 Table of Contents a bank holding company for the purposes of Massachusetts law. Under Massachusetts law, the prior approval of the Board of Bank Incorporation is required before any of the following: any company becoming a bank holding company; any bank holding company acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than five percent of the voting stock of, or all or substantially all of the assets of, a banking institution; or any bank holding company merging with another bank holding company. Although the Company is not a bank holding company for purposes of Massachusetts law, any future acquisition of ownership, control, or the power to vote 25 percent or more of the voting stock of another banking institution or bank holding company would cause it to become such. Legislation. The U.S. Congress, state lawmaking bodies, and federal and state regulatory agencies continue to consider a number of wide-ranging and comprehensive proposals for altering the structure, regulation, and competitive relationships of the nation’s financial institutions. Any such legislation may impact the business of the Company and the Bank. Mergers and Acquisitions The Company and the Bank have authority to engage, and have engaged, in acquisitions of other depository institutions. Such transactions are subject to a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, required stockholder approvals and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Necessary regulatory approvals include those required by the federal Bank Holding Company Act and/or Bank Merger Act, Massachusetts law and, if the target institution is located in a state other than Massachusetts, the law of that state. When considering merger applications, the federal regulators must evaluate such factors as the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the parties, the convenience and needs of the communities to be served (including performance of the parties under the Community Reinvestment Act), competitive factors, any risk to the stability of the United States banking or financial system and the effectiveness of the institutions involved in combating money laundering activities. Both the Bank Holding Company Act and the Bank Merger Act provide for a waiting period of 15 to 30 days following approval by the federal banking regulator within which the United States Department of Justice may file objections to the merger under the federal antitrust laws. Massachusetts law requires the Commissioner (or Board of Bank Incorporation in certain cases) to consider such factors as whether competition among banking institutions will be unreasonably affected and whether public convenience and advantage will be promoted (including whether the merger will result in net new benefits). Other Regulations Consumer Protection Laws. The Bank is subject to federal and state consumer protection statutes and regulations applicable to depository institutions including, but not limited to, the following: • Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers; • Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide certain information about home mortgage and refinance loans; • Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit; • Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the provision of consumer information to credit reporting agencies and the use of consumer information; • Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and • Electronic Funds Transfer Act, governing automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services. The Bank also is subject to federal laws protecting the confidentiality of consumer financial records, and limiting the ability of the institution to share non-public personal information with third parties. The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) establishes a requirement for federal banking agencies that, in connection with examinations of depository institutions within their jurisdiction, the agencies evaluate the record of the depository institutions in meeting the credit needs of their local communities, including low- and moderate- income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of those institutions. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or new facility. Under the CRA, 29 Table of Contents institutions are assigned a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve,” or “substantial non- compliance.” A less than “satisfactory” rating would result in the suspension of any growth of the Bank through acquisitions or opening de novo branches until the rating is improved. As of the most recent CRA examination by the FDIC, the Bank’s CRA rating was “satisfactory.” Anti-Money Laundering Laws. The Bank is subject to extensive anti-money laundering provisions and requirements, which require the institution to have in place a comprehensive customer identification program and an anti-money laundering program and procedures. These laws and regulations also prohibit depository institutions from engaging in business with foreign shell banks; require depository institutions to have due diligence procedures and, in some cases, enhanced due diligence procedures for foreign correspondent and private banking accounts; and improve information sharing between depository institutions and the U.S. government. The Bank has established policies and procedures intended to comply with these provisions. Taxation The Company reports its income on a calendar year basis using the accrual method of accounting. This discussion of tax matters is only a summary and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries. Further discussion of income taxation is contained in Note 15 - Income Taxes of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The federal income tax laws apply to the Company in the same manner as to other corporations with some exceptions. The Company may exclude from income 100 percent of dividends received from the Bank and from Berkshire Insurance Group as members of the same affiliated group of corporations. The Company reports income on a calendar year basis to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Massachusetts tax law generally permits special tax treatment for a qualifying limited purpose “securities corporation.” The Bank’s securities corporations all qualify for this treatment, and are taxed at a 1.3% rate on their gross income. 30 Table of Contents ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS The risks set forth below, in addition to the other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, may adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, and operating results. In addition to the risks set forth below and the other risks described in this annual report, there may also be additional risks and uncertainties that are not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial that could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition or operating results. As a result, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Further, to the extent that any of the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors set forth below also are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Lending Deterioration in the Housing Sector, Commercial Real Estate, and Related Markets May Adversely Affect Business and Financial Results. Real estate lending is a major business activity for the Company. Real estate market conditions affect the value and marketability of real estate collateral, and they also affect the cash flows, liquidity, and net worth of many borrowers whose operations and finances depend on real estate market conditions. Adverse conditions in the Company's market areas could reduce growth rates, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans, and generally affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations. In December, 2015 federal regulators issued a statement to remind financial institutions of existing guidance on prudent risk management of commercial real estate lending through economic cycles. Housing sector prices in certain markets and property types continued to escalate in 2016, raising the potential for bubbles. Potential increases in interest rates could increase capitalization rates which could adversely affect commercial property appraisals and collateral value. The Company’s Emphasis on Commercial Lending May Expose the Company to Increased Lending Risks, Which Could Hurt Profits. The Company emphasizes commercial lending, which generally exposes the Company to a greater risk of nonpayment and loss because repayment of such loans often depends on the successful operations and income stream of the borrowers. Commercial loans are historically more susceptible to delinquency, default, and loss during economic downturns. Commercial lending involves larger loan sizes and larger relationship exposures, with greater potential impact on profits in the event of adverse loan performance. The majority of the Company’s commercial loans are secured by real estate and subject to the previously discussed real estate risk factors. Commercial lending sometimes involves construction or other development financing, which is dependent on the future success of new operations. Commercial lending activities have extended across wider parts of its New England and New York /New Jersey markets into areas where the Company has less business experience. The Company’s asset based lending group depends on the Company’s processes for monitoring liquid loan collateral and maintaining appropriate borrowing base collateral cushions to protect these loans in the event of the borrower’s financial distress. The Company has expanded and re-engineered its small business loan origination process in order to accelerate growth. The acquisitions of Firestone Financial, 44 Business Capital, and First Choice Bank have expanded the Company’s commercial lending outside of the Northeast and involve customers and business operations more removed from its traditional customer base and operating organization. Additionally, the Company has expanded its wholesale purchases of loans and loan participations with other banks in its markets and outside of its markets, including participations in shared national credits. Geographic expansion may result in new risks not recognized by the company or which it is unfamiliar with monitoring or resolving. The Company is subject to a variety of risks in connection with any sale of loans it may conduct. In connection with the Company’s sale of one or more loan portfolios, it may make certain representations and warranties to the purchaser concerning the loans sold and the procedures under which those loans have been originated and serviced. If any of these representations and warranties are invalid, the Company may be required to indemnify the purchaser for any related losses, or it may be required to repurchase part or all of the effected loans. The Company may also be required to repurchase loans as a result of borrower fraud or in the event of early payment default by the borrower on a loan it has sold. If the Company is required to make any indemnity payments 31 Table of Contents or repurchases and does not have a remedy available to it against a solvent counterparty, the Company may not be able to recover its losses resulting from these indemnity payments and repurchases. Consequently, the Company’s results of operations may be adversely affected. The Company’s ability to maintain seller/servicer relationships with government agencies and government backed entities may be jeopardized in the event of the emergence of one or more of the above risks. Demand for the Company’s loans in the secondary markets could also be affected by these risks, which could lead to a reduction in related business activities. In addition, the Company must report as held for sale any loans that it has undertaken to sell, whether or not a purchase agreement for the loans has been executed. The Company may therefore be unable to ultimately complete a sale for part or all of the loans it classifies as held for sale. Management must exercise its judgment in determining when loans must be reclassified from held for investment status to held for sale status under applicable accounting guidelines. Any failure to accurately report loans as held for sale could result in restatements and regulatory investigations and monetary penalties. Any of these actions could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Reclassifying loans from held for investment to held for sale also requires that the affected loans be marked to the lower of cost or fair value. As a result, any loans classified as held for sale may be adversely affected as a result of changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates and by changes in the borrower’s creditworthiness. The Company may be required to reduce the value of any loans it marks as held for sale, which could adversely affect its results of operations. New Regulations Could Restrict the Company’s Consumer Lending Activities. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") issued a rule designed to clarify for lenders how they can avoid monetary damages under the Dodd-Frank Act, which would hold lenders accountable for ensuring a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. Loans that meet this “qualified mortgage” definition will be presumed to have complied with the new ability-to- repay standard. The CFPB’s rule on qualified mortgages could limit the Company's ability or desire to make certain types of loans or loans to certain borrowers, or could make it more expensive and/or time consuming to make these loans, which could limit growth or profitability. CFPB rules on other types of consumer lending could similarly affect the cost and profitability of other consumer lending activities. The Company is exposed to risk of environmental liability when it takes title to property. In the course of its business, the Company may foreclose on and take title to real estate. As a result, the Company could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. The Company may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, if the Company is the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, the Company may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If the Company becomes subject to significant environmental liabilities, its business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. Operating Expansion, Growth, and Acquisitions Could Negatively Impact Earnings If Not Successful. The Company plans to grow organically, by geographic expansion, through business line expansion, and through acquisitions. The Company has recently expanded into new geographic markets and anticipates continued expansion into additional geographic markets. The success of this expansion depends on the Company's ability to continue to maintain and develop an infrastructure appropriate to support and integrate such growth. Also, success depends on the acceptance by customers in these new markets and, in the case of expansion through acquisitions, success depends on many factors, including the long-term recruitment and retention of key personnel and acquired customer relationships. Profitability depends on whether the income generated in the new markets will offset the increased expenses of operating a larger entity, with more staff, more locations, and more product offerings. The Company implemented certain expense restructuring activities, related in part to the rationalization of acquired operations. Such activities expose the Company to risk that revenues may be affected or that changes in operations may result in inefficiencies or control deficiencies that could contribute to financial or market share losses. 32 Table of Contents The Company continues to identify and evaluate opportunities to expand through acquisition of banks, branches, finance companies, insurance agencies, and wealth management firms. Merger and acquisition activities are subject to a number of risks, including lending, operating, and integration risks. Such growth requires careful due diligence, evaluation of risks, and projections of future operations and financial conditions. Actual results may differ from expectations and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Acquisitions often involve the negotiation and execution of extensive merger agreements, which may lead to litigation risks or operating constraints. The Company has recruited executive and business line management to support its growth and expansion, and it has absorbed management of acquired operations. The integration of new management exposes the Company to retention risks, operating risks, and financial risks. Such recruitment can affect the retention of new and old business, and can also be affected by competitive reactions and other relationship risks in retaining accounts. Regulatory examinations may result in the identification of operating matters requiring attention, undisclosed deficiencies related to regulatory compliance, deficiencies resulting from the integration and subsequent activities of acquired operations, or impacts on existing business operations which are being integrated with the acquired operations. Deficiencies related to regulatory compliance may result in changes that affect operating revenues and costs, including the scope or scale of business activities and/or potential future expansion initiatives. As a privately held company, Firestone was not previously subject to bank regulatory supervision and the integration of its operations required additional compliance initiatives for existing and acquired operations. Additional compliance activities were necessary to integrate the SBA lending operations of 44 Business Capital as a division of Berkshire Bank, the financial advisory operations of Ronald N. Lazzaro, P.C., and the mortgage banking operations of First Choice Loan Services as a subsidiary of Berkshire Bank. The Company has grown to have total assets that are approaching the $10 billion threshold for additional Dodd Frank regulatory requirements. These regulations affect revenues and operating costs, and introduce additional compliance requirements. If additional investments in growth are not sufficiently profitable, some profitability metrics may be reduced. The Company may also face additional acquisition approval requirements, and growth plans could be slowed if expected approvals are not obtained. Competition From Financial Institutions and Other Financial Service Providers May Adversely Affect the Company’s Growth and Profitability. Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. Larger banking institutions have substantially greater resources and lending limits and may offer certain services not offered by the Company. Local competitors with excess capital may accept lower returns on new business. There is increased competition by out-of-market competitors through the internet and mobile technology. Federal regulations and financial support programs may in some cases favor competitors. Competition includes competition for banking teams and talent. Competition creates risk that revenues, earnings, or market share could be adversely affected by the loss of talent. Market Changes May Adversely Affect Demand For The Company’s Services and Impact Revenue, Costs, and Earnings. Channels for servicing the Company’s customers are evolving rapidly, with less reliance on traditional branch facilities, more use of online and mobile banking, and demand for universal bankers and other relationship managers who can service multiple product lines. The Company has an ongoing process for evaluating the profitability of its branch system and other office and operational facilities. The identification of unprofitable operations and facilities can lead to restructuring charges and introduce the risk of disruptions to revenues and customer relationships. The Company competes with larger providers who are rapidly evolving their service channels and escalating the costs of evolving the service process. The Company is Subject to Security and Operational Risks Relating to the Use of Technology that Could Damage the Company's Reputation and Business. Security breaches of confidential information in our technology platforms could expose the Company to possible liability and damage its reputation. Any compromise of data security could also deter customers from using the Company's internet banking services. The Company relies on industry standard internet security and authentication 33 Table of Contents systems to effect secure transmission of data. These precautions may not protect the Company's security systems from compromises or breaches and could result in damage to its reputation and business. The Company utilizes third party core banking software, in addition to other outsourced data processing. If third party providers encounter difficulties or if the Company has difficulty in communicating and/or transmitting with such third parties, it could significantly affect its ability to adequately process and account for customer transactions, which could significantly affect its business operations. The Company utilizes file encryption in designated internal systems and networks and are subject to certain state and federal regulations regarding how the Company manages data security. The Company's enterprise governance risk and compliance function includes a framework of controls, policies and technologies to monitor and protect information from cyberattacks, mishandling, and loss, together with safeguards related to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Natural disasters and disaster recovery risks could affect its operating systems, which could affect its reputation. The Company's business continuity program addresses crisis management, business impact, and data and systems recovery. Potential problems with the management of technology security and operational risks may affect regulatory compliance, which could affect operating costs and expansion plans. The Company Faces Cybersecurity Risks, Including Denial of Service Attacks, Hacking and Identity Theft that Could Result in the Disclosure of Confidential Information or the Creation of Unauthorized Transactions, Which Could Adversely Affect the Company’s Business or Reputation and Create Significant Legal and Financial Exposure. The Company’s computer systems and network infrastructure are subject to security risks and could be susceptible to cyber-attacks, such as denial of service attacks, hacking, terrorist activities or identity theft. Financial services institutions and companies engaged in data processing have reported 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, steal financial assets, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems, often through the introduction of computer viruses or malware, cyber-attacks and other means. Denial of service attacks have been launched against a number of large financial services institutions. As a growing regional bank, the Company may be subject to similar attacks in the future. Hacking and identity theft risks could cause serious reputational harm and possible financial loss to the Company. Cyber threats are rapidly evolving and the Company may not be able to anticipate or prevent all such attacks. The Company may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize these risks and could be held liable for any security breach or loss. Despite efforts to ensure the integrity of its systems, the Company will not be able to anticipate all security breaches of these types, and the Company may not be able to implement effective preventive measures against such security breaches. The techniques used by cyber criminals change frequently and can originate from a wide variety of sources, including outside groups such as external service providers, organized crime affiliates, terrorist organizations or hostile foreign governments. Those parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees, customers or other users of the Company’s systems to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to its data or that of its clients or to conduct unauthorized financial transactions. These risks may increase in the future as the Company continues to increase its mobile-payment and other internet- based product offerings and expands its internal usage of web-based products and applications. A successful penetration or circumvention of system security could cause serious negative consequences to the Company, including significant disruption of operations, misappropriation of confidential information of the Company or that of its customers, or damage to computers or systems of the Company or those of its customers and counterparties. A security breach could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss to the Company or to its customers, loss of confidence in the Company’s security measures, significant litigation exposure, and harm to the Company’s reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company needs to stay current on technological changes in order to compete and meet customer demands. The financial services market, including banking services, is undergoing rapid changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and may enable the Company to reduce costs. The Company’s future success may depend, in part, on its ability to use technology to provide products and services that provide convenience to customers and to create additional efficiencies in its operations. Some of the Company’s competitors have 34 Table of Contents substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements than it currently has. 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. As a result, the Company’s ability to effectively compete to retain or acquire new business may be impaired, and its business, financial condition or results of operations, may be adversely affected. Financial and Operating Counterparties Expose the Company to Risks. The Company's use of derivative financial instruments exposes us to financial and contractual risks with counterparties. The Company maintains correspondent bank relationships, manage certain loan participations, engage in securities and funding transactions, and undergo other activities with financial counterparties that are customary to its industry. The Company also utilizes services from major vendors of technology, telecommunications, and other essential operating services. There is financial and operating risk in these relationships, which the Company seeks to manage through internal controls and procedures, but there are no assurances that the Company will not experience loss or interruption of its business as a result of unforeseen events with these providers. The Company's expanded mortgage banking operations have also exposed us to more counterparty transactions including the use of third parties to participate in the management of interest rate risk and mortgage sales and hedging. Financial and operational risks are inherent in these counterparty relationships. The Company could experience losses if there are failures in the controls or accounting, including those related to derivatives activities or if there are performance failures by any counterparties. The risk of loss is increased when interest rates change suddenly and if the intended hedging objectives are not achieved as a result of market or counterparty behaviors. The Company May Not Be Able to Attract and Retain Skilled People. The Company's success depends, in large part, on its ability to attract new employees, retain and motivate its existing employees, and continue to compensate employees competitively. Competition for the best people can be intense and the Company may not be able to hire or retain appropriately qualified individuals. As a result of expense restructuring activities, the Company could experience challenges in the retention of existing employees. Controls and Procedures May Fail or Be Circumvented. Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal controls, disclosure requirements and practices, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the 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. Liquidity The Company's Wholesale Funding Sources May Prove Insufficient to Replace Deposits at Maturity and Support Operations and Future Growth. The Company must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. As a part of its liquidity management, the Company uses a number of funding sources in addition to deposit growth and cash flows from loans and investments. These sources include Federal Home Loan Bank advances, proceeds from the sale of loans, and liquidity resources at the holding company. The Company uses brokered deposits both to support ongoing growth and to provide enhanced deposit insurance to support large dollar commercial relationships. The Company's financial flexibility will be severely constrained if the Company is unable to maintain access to wholesale funding or if adequate financing is not available to accommodate future growth at acceptable costs. Finally, if the Company is required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources to support future growth, revenues may not increase proportionately to cover costs. In this case, operating margins and profitability would be adversely affected. Turbulence in the capital and credit markets may adversely affect liquidity and financial condition and the willingness of certain counterparties and customers to do business with the Company. The Company's Ability to Service Our Debt, Pay Dividends, and Otherwise Pay Obligations as They Come Due Is Substantially Dependent on Capital Distributions from the Bank, and These Distributions Are Subject to Regulatory Limits and Other Restrictions. 35 Table of Contents A substantial source of holding company income is the receipt of dividends from the Bank, from which the Company services debt, pay obligations, and pay shareholder dividends. The availability of dividends from the Bank is limited by various statutes and regulations. It is possible, depending upon the financial condition of the Bank and other factors, that the applicable regulatory authorities could assert that payment of dividends or other types of payments are an unsafe or unsound practice. If the Bank is unable to pay dividends to us, the Company may not be able to service debt, pay our obligations, or pay dividends on its common stock. The inability to receive dividends from the Bank would adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. Secondary mortgage market conditions could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. In December 2016, the Company acquired First Choice Bank and its mortgage banking subsidiary, First Choice Loan Services. The Company has also expanded its recruitment and re-engineered its mortgage banking activities (including a systems conversion) and changed its management of this function. In addition to being affected by interest rates, the secondary mortgage markets are also subject to investor demand for residential mortgage loans and increased investor yield requirements for these loans. These conditions may fluctuate or worsen in the future. As a result, a prolonged period of secondary market illiquidity may reduce the Company’s loan production volumes and could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations. Secondary markets are significantly affected by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae (collectively, the “Agencies”) for loan purchases that meet their conforming loan requirements. The Company cannot provide assurance that the Agencies will not materially limit purchases of conforming loans due to capital constraints, a change in the criteria for conforming loans or other factors. Additionally, various proposals have been made to reform the U.S. residential mortgage finance market, including the role of the Agencies. The exact effects of any such reforms are not yet known, but they may limit the Company’s ability to sell conforming loans, As a result, its ability to fund, and thus originate, additional mortgage loans may be adversely affected, which would adversely affect its results of operations. Interest Rates Market Interest Rate Conditions Could Adversely Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition. Net interest income is the Company's largest source of income. Changes in interest rates can affect the level of net interest income and other elements of net income. The Company’s interest rate sensitivity is discussed in more detail in Item 7A of this report. The Company principally manages interest rate risk by managing its volume and mix of earning assets and funding liabilities and through the use of derivative financial instruments. In a changing interest rate environment, the Company may not be able to manage this risk effectively. If the Company is unable to manage interest rate risk effectively, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially harmed. Changes in interest rates can also affect the demand for the Company’s products and services, and the supply conditions in the U.S. financial and capital markets. Changes in the level of interest rates may negatively affect the Company’s ability to originate real estate loans, the value of its assets and its ability to realize gains from the sale of assets, all of which ultimately affect earnings. In recent years the Federal Reserve Board’s policy has been to maintain interest rates at historically low levels through its targeted federal funds rate and the purchase of mortgage-backed securities. Although the Federal Reserve Board has recently increased target interest rates, market interest rates on the loans the Company has originated and the yields on securities it has purchased since 2008 have been lower than in prior years. The Company’s ability to reduce its interest expense is limited at current interest rate levels while the average yield on its interest-earning assets may continue to decrease. A continuation of a low interest rate environment may adversely affect its net interest income, which would have an adverse effect on its profitability. Securities Market Values Declines in the Value of Certain Investment Securities Could Require Write-Downs, Which Would Reduce Earnings. Unrealized losses on investment securities can result from changes in interest rates, credit spreads and liquidity issues in the marketplace, along with changes in the credit profile of individual securities issuers. A continued 36 Table of Contents decline in the value of these securities or other factors could result in an other-than-temporary impairment write- down which would reduce earnings. The Company’s investment in equity securities and non-investment grade debt securities present heightened credit and price risks. Some of the Company’s securities are locally originated economic development bonds. These securities could become impaired due to adverse economic and real estate market conditions which also affect loan risk. The Company has an investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston ("FHLBB"). If the capitalization of a Federal Home Loan Bank, including the FHLBB, became substantially diminished it could result in a write-down which would reduce earnings. Future regulatory pronouncements could affect the securities portfolio and its carrying value. Taxation Changes in Tax Preference Items May Affect Results of Operations. The Company’s effective income tax rate is lower than the statutory rate. The benefit of tax preference items includes benefits related to the Bank’s increased equity ownership in investment tax credit entities discussed below in the Income Tax Expense section of Item 7. Higher tax expense due to planned or unplanned changes in tax preference items may result in lower profitability. Quarterly results depend on the timing of investments and accounting principles for income tax expense recognition, and quarterly results may vary significantly from annual results. Changes in Federal Tax Policy May Affect Results of Operations. Proposals are under consideration for major changes in U.S. tax law. These include potential reductions in the corporate tax rate, but changes may also be made to deductions and other major aspects of U.S. tax law. Any reductions in the tax rate could require a write-down of the deferred tax asset. Changes could affect the Company’s financial results and also could affect the profitability of tax preferred investments. Changes that affect customers, including the deductibility of interest expense and potential new border taxes, could have negative impacts on economic conditions, customer behaviors, and the Company’s profitability. Regulatory Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives May Affect Business Activities and Increase Operating Costs. The potential exists for additional federal or state laws and regulations regarding lending, funding practices, capital, and liquidity standards. In addition, new laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes may also increase compliance costs and affect business and operations. Moreover, the FDIC sets the cost of FDIC insurance premiums, which can affect profitability. The Company is required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support operations. Regulatory capital requirements and their impact on the Company may change. It may need to raise additional capital in the future to support operations and continued growth. The Company's ability to raise capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of its control, and financial performance. If the Company cannot raise additional capital when needed, it could affect operations and the execution of the strategic plan, which includes further expanding operations through internal growth and acquisitions. The Dodd-Frank Act made extensive changes in the regulation of insured depository institutions. In addition to eliminating the OTS and creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, directed changes in the way that institutions are assessed for deposit insurance, mandated the imposition of more rigorous consolidated capital requirements on savings and loan holding companies, required originators of certain securitized loans to retain a percentage of the risk for the transferred loans, stipulated regulatory rate-setting for certain debit card interchange fees, repealed restrictions on the payment of interest on commercial demand deposits, and contained a number of reforms related to mortgage originations. The impact of many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act is ongoing as further regulations are promulgated. The Company expects that the Dodd- Frank Act will, at a minimum, result in increased regulatory burden, compliance costs and interest expense for the Company. New laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes, along with negative developments in the financial industry and the domestic and international credit markets, may significantly affect the markets in which the Company does business, the markets for and value of its loans and investments, and ongoing operations, costs and profitability. For more information, see “Regulation and Supervision” in Item 1 of this report. 37 Table of Contents The Long-term Impact of the Changing Regulatory Capital Requirements and New Capital Rules is Uncertain. The federal banking agencies have adopted proposals that have substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to the Bank and the Company. The amendments implemented the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The new rules apply regulatory capital requirements to both the Bank and the consolidated Company. The amended rules included new minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which became effective in January 2015, with certain requirements being phased in at the beginning of 2016, and refined the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating those ratios. The new minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Bank and the Company include: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% for all institutions. The amended rules also establish a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above the new regulatory minimum capital ratios, and would result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%; and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions. The Basel III changes and other regulatory capital requirements result in generally higher regulatory capital standards. The application of more stringent capital requirements to the Bank and the consolidated Company could, among other things, result in lower returns on invested capital, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions if the Company failed to comply with such requirements. Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with the implementation of Basel III could result in having to lengthen the term of funding, restructure the Company's business models, and/or increase holdings of liquid assets. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital and/or additional capital conservation buffers could result in management modifying its business strategy and could further limit the Company's ability to make distributions, including paying out dividends or buying back shares. Provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Delaware Law, as Well as State and Federal Banking Regulations, Could Delay or Prevent a Takeover of Us by a Third Party. Provisions in the Company's certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the corporate law of the State of Delaware, and state and federal regulations could delay, defer or prevent a third party from acquiring us, despite the possible benefit stockholders, or otherwise adversely affect the price of its common stock. These provisions include: limitations on voting rights of beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of common stock; supermajority voting requirements for certain business combinations; the election of directors to staggered terms of three years; and advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the Company's Board of Directors and for proposing matters that stockholders may act on at stockholder meetings. In addition, the Company is subject to Delaware laws, including one that prohibits us from engaging in a business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years from the date the person became an interested stockholder unless certain conditions are met. These provisions may discourage potential takeover attempts, discourage bids for the Company's common stock at a premium over market price or adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, its common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors other than the candidates nominated by the Board. Significant Accounting Estimates May Not Be Realized in Accordance with Original Estimates. The Allowance for Loan Losses May Prove to be Insufficient to Absorb Losses in The Loan Portfolio. Like all financial institutions, the Company maintains an allowance for loan losses which is its estimate of the probable losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio as of the financial statement date. The allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover actual loan losses, and future provisions for loan losses could materially and adversely affect operating results. The accounting measurements related to impairment and the loan loss allowance 38 Table of Contents require significant estimates which are subject to uncertainty and changes relating to new information and changing circumstances. Additionally, the allowance can only reflect those losses which are reasonably estimable. Accordingly, at any time, there may be probable losses inherent in the portfolio but which are not reasonably estimable until additional information emerges which can form the basis for a reasonable estimate. State and federal regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses through additional provisions for loan losses charged to expense, or to decrease the allowance for loan losses through loan charge-offs, net of recoveries. Any such additional provisions for loan losses or charge-offs, as required by these regulatory agencies, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations. Estimates Related to Accounting for Acquired Loans May Differ From Actual Results. Under generally accepted principles for business combinations, there is no loan loss allowance initially recorded for acquired loans, which are recorded at net fair value on the acquisition date. This net fair value generally includes embedded loss estimates for acquired loans with deteriorated credit quality. These estimates are based on projections of expected cash flows for these problem loans, which in many cases rely on estimates deriving from the liquidation of collateral. If the projections are inadequate, the fair value estimates may exceed the actual collectability of the balances, and this may result in the related loans being considered by the Company Berkshire as impaired, which would result in a reduction in interest income. The tangible book value recorded by the Company is based in part on these estimates, and if fair value estimates differ from actual collectability and subsequent earnings may differ from original estimates. Measures of tangible book value and earnings impacts of business combinations are frequently used in evaluating the merits and value of business combinations. The Company has recorded significant income resulting from collections of acquired impaired loans which exceeded the fair value estimates originally established. Additionally, accounting for acquired loans involves ongoing assessments of the timing and amount of expected loan collections. Numerous assumptions and estimates are integral to purchased loan accounting, and actual results could be different from prior estimates. Acquisitions Have Resulted in Significant Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Which if they Become Impaired Would be Required to be Written Down, Resulting in a Negative Impact on Earnings. The initial recording and subsequent impairment testing of goodwill and other intangible assets requires subjective judgments about the estimates of the fair value of assets acquired. Factors that may significantly affect the estimates include specific industry or market sector conditions, changes in revenue growth trends, customer behavior, competitive forces, cost structures and changes in discount rates. It is possible that future impairment testing could result in an impairment of the value of goodwill or intangible assets, or both. If the Company determines impairment exists at a given point in time, earnings and the book value of the related intangible asset(s) will be reduced by the amount of the impairment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the results of impairment testing on goodwill and adjusted deposit intangible assets have no impact on tangible book value or regulatory capital levels. These are non-GAAP financial measures. They are not a substitute for GAAP measures and should only be considered in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information. 39 Table of Contents Mergers and Acquisitions Acquisitions may disrupt the Company’s business and dilute stockholder value. The Company completed its acquisition of First Choice Bank and First Choice Loan Services in December 2016. The Company regularly evaluates merger and acquisition opportunities with other financial institutions and financial services companies. As a result, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving cash, debt, or equity securities may occur from time to time. The Company seeks acquisition partners that offer either significant market presence or the potential to expand its market footprint and improve profitability through economies of scale or expanded services. Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branches may have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial results and may involve various other risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things: • • • • • • • difficulty in estimating the value of the target company payment of a premium over book and market values that may dilute the Company’s tangible book value and earnings per share in the short and long term; exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities, or asset quality problems, of the target company; larger than anticipated merger-related expenses; difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the target company, and retaining key employees and customers; inability to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits; and potential diversion of Company management’s time and attention. If the Company is unable to successfully integrate an acquired company, the anticipated benefits may not be realized fully or may take longer to realize than expected. A significant decline in asset valuations or cash flows may also cause us not to realize expected benefits. Additional discussion about the risk of acquisitions is included above in the discussion of Operating Risk. Trading of the Company's Common Stock The Trading History of The Company’s Common Stock Is Characterized By Low Trading Volume. The Value of Your Investment May be Subject To Sudden Decreases Due To the Volatility of the Price of the Common Stock. The level of interest and trading in the Company’s stock depends on many factors beyond the Company's control. The market price of the Company's common stock may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed in other risk factors and the following: actual or anticipated fluctuations in operating results; changes in interest rates; changes in the legal or regulatory environment; press releases, announcements or publicity relating to the Company or its competitors or relating to trends in its industry; changes in expectations as to future financial performance, including financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts and investors; future sales of its common stock; changes in economic conditions in the marketplace, general conditions in the U.S. economy, financial markets or the banking industry; and other developments affecting competitors or us. These factors may adversely affect the trading price of the Company's common stock, regardless of actual operating performance, and could prevent stockholders from selling their common stock at a desirable price. In the past, stockholders have brought securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. The Company could be the target of similar litigation in the future, which could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. 40 Table of Contents ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company and Bank's headquarters are located in owned and leased facilities located in Pittsfield, Mass. The Company also owns or leases other facilities within its primary market areas: Berkshire County, Massachusetts; Pioneer Valley (Springfield area), Massachusetts; Southern Vermont; the Capital Region (Albany area), New York; Central New York; Northern Connecticut; and Central/Eastern Massachusetts. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had 99 full-service branches in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Central New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania. The Company also has eight regional headquarters. The eight regional locations are full-service commercial offices located in Pittsfield, Mass.; Springfield, Mass.; Albany, N.Y.; East Syracuse, N.Y.; Hartford, Conn.; Westborough, Mass.; Burlington, Mass.; and Lawrenceville, N.J. In addition, the Company has five residential mortgage lending locations in Central/Eastern, Massachusetts. The Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, Firestone Financial, LLC, is headquartered in the Boston metro area. Berkshire Insurance Group Inc. operates from 12 locations in Western Massachusetts and East Syracuse, N.Y. in both stand-alone premises as well as in rented space located in the Bank’s premises. The Company acquired First Choice Bank in December of 2016, assuming eight full-service branches in the Princeton, N.J. and greater Philadelphia areas. As a part of the acquisition, First Choice Loan Services Inc., headquartered in East Brunswick, N.J., became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. As a national mortgage lender, the Company acquired its 12 loan production offices across six states. In 2016, the Company sold two existing branches that management determined to have redundancy with its current footprint. The Company obtained 10 branch banking locations through its acquisition of Hampden Bancorp, Inc. ("Hampden) in the second quarter of 2015. The Company consolidated three of these branches on acquisition date. The three branches were identified as overlapping with existing banking locations and the Company reasoned their consolidation would create operational efficiencies. Berkshire continues to enhance its new retail branch design which eliminates traditional teller counters and provides an interactive customer service environment through “pod” stations which include automated cash handling technology. In many cases, this branch design also includes a multimedia community room which is offered for use by nonprofit community groups. 41 Table of Contents ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS As of December 31, 2016, neither the Company nor the Bank was involved in any pending legal proceedings believed by management to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits involving the Bank, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which the Bank holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the Bank’s business. However, other than the items noted below, neither the Company nor the Bank is a party to any pending legal proceedings that it believes, in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company. On February 12, 2015, Berkshire Hills was served with a complaint in a putative class action lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Hampden County against Hampden Bancorp, Inc. (“Hampden”), the Directors of Hampden and the Company, in connection with a pending transaction through which Hampden was acquired by Berkshire Hills on April 17, 2015 (the “Hampden shareholder litigation”). The complaint was filed by an individual Hampden shareholder and alleged that (i) the directors of Hampden breached their fiduciary duties to its stockholders by, among other things, failing to take steps necessary to obtain a fair and adequate price for Hampden’s common stock, (ii) Hampden and its directors failed to disclose material facts in its proxy solicitation materials for its shareholder vote to approve the transaction set forth in the Merger Agreement, and (iii) the Company knowingly aided and abetted Hampden’s directors’ breach of fiduciary duty. On December 14, 2016, the trial court entered an Order and Final Judgment in the Hampden shareholder litigation giving final approval to a settlement agreed to among all parties. Pursuant to this settlement, all claims on behalf of all possible class action claimants against all defendants have been dismissed with prejudice and the Hampden shareholder litigation has been fully resolved. No portion of any settlement consideration to be distributed to class action claimants in the Hampden shareholder litigation has been contributed by Berkshire Hills or any insurer on its behalf. On April 28, 2016, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank were served with a complaint filed in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, Springfield Division. The complaint was filed by an individual Berkshire Bank depositor, who claims to have filed the complaint on behalf of a purported class of Berkshire Bank depositors, and alleges violations of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and certain regulations thereunder, among other matters. On July 15, 2016, the complaint was amended to add purported claims under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. The complaint seeks, in part, compensatory, consequential, statutory, and punitive damages. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank deny the allegations contained in the complaint and are vigorously defending this lawsuit. On November 3, 2016, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a slip opinion containing an appellate ruling in favor of the Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund (the “Fund”) in a civil case entitled, Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund v. Berkshire Bank, Appeal no. SJC-12019. At issue in this case is the Fund’s right to recover from Berkshire Bank under M.G.L Ch. 175D, § 17 (3), workers compensation benefits paid by the Fund to a former employee after the workers compensation insurer previously responsible for paying those benefits failed. In earlier proceedings in the Massachusetts Superior Court, the trial judge had entered summary judgment in Berkshire Bank’s favor, finding that Berkshire Bank had no liability to the Fund in this instance. The Supreme Judicial Court reversed and remanded the case to the trial court for entry of judgment in favor of the Fund on the issue of liability. The case was originally bifurcated in the trial court to resolve the issue of liability first, and no evidence has been presented to date regarding the amount of any damages that Berkshire Bank may owe to the Fund. Further proceedings will now be required in the trial court to determine the amount of any such damages. On December 22, 2016, Berkshire Bank was served with a complaint filed in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, Springfield Division. The complaint was filed by an individual Berkshire Bank depositor and alleges violations of federal and state electronic funds transfer statutes and the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code in connection with two wire transfers totaling $1.4 million, which were initiated from the customer’s account after his personal email account was allegedly hacked. Berkshire Bank denies the allegations contained in the complaint and is vigorously defending this lawsuit. 42 Table of Contents ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not Applicable. 43 Table of Contents PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Market Information The common shares of the Company trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BHLB”. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sales price information and dividends declared per share of common stock in 2016 and 2015. 2016 First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter 2015 First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter High Low Dividends Declared $ $ $ $ 28.93 28.18 28.37 37.35 27.85 28.99 29.49 30.40 $ $ 24.71 24.80 25.90 27.25 24.32 27.12 26.91 26.93 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 The Company had approximately 3,750 holders of record of common stock at February 24, 2016. Dividends The Company intends to pay regular cash dividends to common shareholders; however, there is no assurance as to future dividends because they are dependent on the Company’s future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and regulatory environment. Dividends from the Bank have been a source of cash used by the Company to pay its dividends, and these dividends from the Bank are dependent on the Bank’s future earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition. Further information about dividend restrictions is disclosed in Note 18 - Shareholders’ Equity and Earnings per Common Share of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities The Company occasionally engages in the practice of transferring unregistered securities for the purpose of completing business transactions. These shares are issued to vendors or other organizations as consideration for services performed in accordance with each contract. The Company transferred 8,014 shares in 2016 and 7,688 shares in 2015. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases The Company purchased 18,113 shares of common stock in the fourth quarter of 2015, which was the maximum number of shares available for purchase under the repurchase program authorized on March 26, 2013. On December 2, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to 500 thousand shares of the Company's common stock, representing approximately 1.6% of the Company’s then outstanding shares. The timing of the purchases will depend on certain factors, including but not limited to, market conditions and prices, available funds, and alternative uses of capital. The stock repurchase program may be carried out through open-market purchases, block trades, negotiated private transactions or pursuant to a trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any repurchased shares will be recorded as treasury shares. The repurchase plan will continue until it is completed or terminated by the Board of Directors. As of year-end 2016, no shares had been purchased under this program. 44 Table of Contents Period October 1-31, 2016 November 1-30, 2016 December 1-31, 2016 Total Total number of shares purchased Average price paid per share Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs — $ — — — — — — — — — — — 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 Common Stock Performance Graph The performance graph compares the Company’s cumulative shareholder return on its common stock over the last five years to the cumulative return of the NYSE Composite Index and the KBW Regional Bank Index. Total shareholder return is measured by dividing total dividends (assuming dividend reinvestment) for the measurement period plus share price change for a period by the share price at the beginning of the measurement period. The Company’s cumulative shareholder return over a five-year period is based on an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2010. Information used on 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. Index Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. NYSE Composite Index PHLX KBW Regional Banking Index 12/31/11 12/31/12 12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/16 100.00 100.00 100.00 110.86 112.93 110.46 130.30 139.10 158.68 131.21 144.97 159.00 147.18 135.66 164.49 191.91 147.88 223.17 Period Ending In accordance with the rules of the SEC, this section captioned “Common Stock Performance Graph,” shall not be incorporated by reference into any of our future filings made under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Securities Act of 1933. The Common Stock Performance Graph, including its accompanying table and footnotes, is not deemed to be soliciting material or to be filed under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act. 45 Table of Contents ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following summary data is based in part on the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, and other schedules appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Historical data is also based in part on, and should be read in conjunction with, prior filings with the SEC. (In thousands, except per share data) 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 At or For the Years Ended December 31, Selected Financial Data: Total assets Total earning assets Total investments Securities Total loans Allowance for loan losses Total intangible assets Total deposits Total borrowings Total shareholders’ equity Selected Operating Data: $ 9,162,542 $ 7,831,086 $ 6,501,079 $ 5,671,724 $ 5,295,612 8,340,287 7,140,387 5,923,462 5,085,152 4,682,755 1,669,827 1,401,960 1,223,369 1,628,246 1,371,316 1,205,794 6,549,787 (43,998) 422,551 5,725,236 (39,308) 334,607 4,680,600 (35,662) 276,270 888,789 870,091 4,180,523 (33,323) 270,662 608,733 573,871 3,988,654 (33,208) 274,258 6,622,092 5,589,135 4,654,679 3,848,529 4,100,409 1,313,997 1,263,318 1,051,371 1,063,032 1,093,298 887,189 709,287 678,062 446,891 667,265 Total interest and dividend income $ 280,439 $ 247,030 $ 207,042 $ 203,741 $ 175,939 Total interest expense Net interest income (1) Fee income All other non-interest (loss) income Total net revenue Provision for loan losses Total non-interest expense Income tax expense - continuing operations Net (loss) from discontinued operations Net income Dividends per common share Basic earnings per common share Diluted earnings per common share Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted ____________________________________ 48,172 232,267 68,606 (2,755) 298,118 17,362 203,302 18,784 — 58,670 0.80 1.89 1.88 $ $ 33,181 213,849 57,480 (3,192) 268,137 16,726 196,829 5,064 — 49,518 0.76 1.74 1.73 $ $ 28,351 178,691 53,434 (5,664) 226,461 14,968 165,986 11,763 — 33,744 0.72 1.36 1.36 $ $ 34,989 168,752 50,525 7,707 226,984 11,378 157,359 17,104 — 41,143 0.72 1.66 1.65 $ $ 32,551 143,388 51,265 2,791 197,444 9,590 140,806 13,223 (637) 33,188 0.69 1.49 1.49 $ $ 30,988 28,393 24,730 24,802 22,201 31,167 28,564 24,854 24,965 22,329 (1) For the years 2014 and 2013, the above schedule includes an immaterial adjustment of prior period interest income earned on loans acquired in bank acquisition. 46 Table of Contents Selected Operating Ratios and Other Data: (1) Per Common Share Data: Net earnings, diluted Total book value Dividends Common stock price: High Low Close Performance Ratios: Return on assets Return on equity Interest rate spread Fee income/Net interest and fee income Non-interest income/total net revenue Non-interest expense/average assets Dividend payout ratio Growth Ratios: Total commercial loans Total loans Total deposits Total net revenues, (compared to prior year) Earnings per share, (compared to prior year) Asset Quality and Condition Ratios: (2) Net loans charged-off/average loans Allowance for loan losses/total loans Loans/deposits Capital Ratios: At or For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 $ 1.88 $ 1.74 $ 1.36 $ 1.65 $ 30.65 0.80 37.35 24.71 36.85 28.64 0.76 30.40 24.32 29.11 28.17 0.72 27.28 22.06 26.66 27.08 0.72 29.38 23.38 27.27 1.49 26.53 0.69 24.49 20.15 23.86 0.74% 0.68% 0.55% 0.78% 0.73% 6.44 3.20 22.80 22.08 2.55 42.33 18.39% 14.41 18.48 11.18 8.62 6.14 3.19 19.62 20.25 2.71 43.68 28.65% 22.32 20.08 18.40 27.21 4.87 3.15 21.79 21.09 2.69 52.94 14.80% 11.96 20.95 (0.23) (17.58) 6.09 3.47 21.78 25.65 2.97 41.57 4.51% 4.81 (6.14) 14.96 10.74 5.66 3.47 27.35 27.38 3.11 46.31 28.54% 34.91 32.22 38.73 53.61 0.21% 0.25% 0.29% 0.29% 0.26% 0.67 99 0.69 102 0.76 101 0.80 109 N/A N/A 7.99 11.62 11.95 0.83 97 N/A N/A 7.46 11.79 12.60 Tier 1 capital to average assets - Company (3) Total capital to risk-weighted assets - Company (3) Tier 1 capital to average assets - Bank Total capital to risk-weighted assets - Bank Shareholders’ equity/total assets 7.88% 7.71% 7.01% 11.87 7.84 11.21 11.93 11.91 7.66 11.16 11.33 11.38 7.18 10.78 10.91 ____________________________________ (1) All performance ratios are based on average balance sheet amounts where applicable. (2) Generally accepted accounting principles require that loans acquired in a business combination be recorded at fair value, whereas loans from business activities are recorded at cost. The fair value of loans acquired in a business combination includes expected loan losses, and there is no loan loss allowance recorded for these loans at the time of acquisition. Accordingly, the ratio of the loan loss allowance to total loans is reduced as a result of the existence of such loans, and this measure is not directly comparable to prior periods. Similarly, net loan charge-offs are normally reduced for loans acquired in a business combination since these loans are recorded net of expected loan losses. Therefore, the ratio of net loan charge-offs to average loans is reduced as a result of the existence of such loans, and this measure is not directly comparable to prior periods. Other institutions may have loans acquired in a business combination, and therefore there may be no direct comparability of these ratios between and among other institutions. (3) In July 2014, the Company changed its status from a savings and loan holding company to a bank holding company through the Bank's conversion from a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank to a Massachusetts-chartered trust company. As a result of this change, the Company became subject to bank holding company capital requirements including the requirement to report tier 1 capital to average assets and total capital to risk-weighted assets. 47 Table of Contents Average Balances, Interest and Average Yields/Cost The following table presents an analysis of average rates and yields on a fully taxable equivalent basis for the years presented. Tax exempt interest revenue is shown on a tax-equivalent basis for proper comparison. Item 6 - Table 3 - Average Balance, Interest and Average Yields / Costs 2016 Interest Average Balance Average Yield/ Rate Average Balance 2015 Interest Average Yield/ Rate Average Balance 2014 Interest Average Yield/ Rate (Dollars in millions) Assets Loans: (1) Commercial real estate $2,239.6 $ 95.8 4.28% $1,881.2 $ 81.1 4.31% $1,525.5 $ 65.2 4.27% 3.95 3.96 3.42 3.98 3.04 1.47 3.76 0.15% 0.38 0.15 0.98 0.53 0.89 0.61 Commercial and industrial loans Residential loans Consumer loans Total loans (3) Investment securities (2) Short-term investments and loans held for sale 1,019.7 1,808.8 873.3 5,941.4 1,260.5 51.2 66.1 29.9 243.0 41.4 51.6 0.9 Total interest-earning assets 7,253.5 285.3 Intangible assets Other non-interest earning assets Total assets 347.7 357.9 $7,959.1 Liabilities and shareholders' equity 5.02 3.66 3.42 4.09 3.28 1.70 3.93 932.4 1,622.8 802.5 5,238.9 1,300.9 41.8 62.6 26.1 211.6 38.9 62.2 0.7 6,602.0 251.2 311.5 341.0 4.48 3.86 3.25 4.04 2.99 1.10 3.81 709.9 1,410.2 744.0 4,389.6 1,158.7 28.1 55.8 25.4 174.5 35.2 37.9 0.6 5,586.2 210.3 278.0 308.6 $7,254.5 $6,172.8 Deposits: NOW Money market Savings Certificates of deposit Total interest-bearing deposits (3) $ 487.8 $ 1,470.3 610.8 2,094.8 4,663.7 Borrowings and notes (4) 1,218.2 Total interest-bearing liabilities Non-interest-bearing demand deposits Other non-interest-bearing liabilities Total liabilities Total shareholders' equity Total liabilities and equity Net interest-earning assets Net interest income 5,881.9 1,081.0 85.2 7,048.1 911.0 $7,959.1 $1,371.6 0.7 7.0 0.7 22.5 30.9 17.3 48.2 0.7 5.9 0.9 15.5 23.0 10.2 33.2 0.14% $ 462.9 $ 0.48 0.12 1.07 0.66 1.42 0.82 1,444.1 582.4 1,684.8 4,174.2 1,212.5 5,386.7 972.6 89.1 6,448.4 806.1 $7,254.5 $1,215.3 0.15% $ 417.2 $ 0.41 0.15 0.92 0.55 0.84 0.62 1,442.3 476.4 1,265.4 3,601.3 1,024.4 0.6 5.5 0.7 12.4 19.2 9.2 4,625.7 28.4 805.0 49.1 5,479.8 693.0 $6,172.8 $ 960.5 $237.1 $218.0 $181.9 48 Table of Contents (Dollars in millions) Net interest spread Net interest margin Cost of funds Cost of deposits Interest-earning assets/ interest-bearing liabilities 2016 Interest Average Balance 2014 Interest Average Balance 2015 Interest Average Balance Average Yield/ Rate 3.11% 3.27 0.69 0.30 123.32 Average Yield/ Rate 3.19% 3.31 0.52 0.45 122.56 Average Yield/ Rate 3.15% 3.26 0.52 0.44 120.76 Supplementary data Total non-maturity deposits $3,649.9 Total deposits Fully taxable equivalent adjustment 5,744.7 4.2 ____________________________________ $3,462.0 5,146.8 4.2 $3,140.9 4,406.3 3.3 Notes: (1) The average balances of loans include nonaccrual loans, and deferred fees and costs. (2) The average balance of investment securities is based on amortized cost. (3) The above schedule includes loans and deposit balances of discontinued operations in operating accounts as well as loans and deposit balances associated with the Tennessee branch sale. (4) The average balances of borrowings and notes include the capital lease obligation presented under other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. 49 Table of Contents Rate/Volume Analysis The following table presents the effects of rate and volume changes on the fully taxable equivalent net interest income. Tax exempt interest revenue is shown on a tax-equivalent basis for proper comparison. 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) have been allocated proportionately based on the absolute value of the change due to the rate and the change due to volume. Item 6 - Table 4 - Rate Volume Analysis (In thousands) Interest income: Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial loans Residential loans Consumer loans Total loans Investment securities Short-term investments and loans held for sale Total interest income Interest expense: NOW accounts Money market accounts Savings accounts Certificates of deposit Total deposits (1) Borrowings Total interest expense (1) Change in net interest income 2016 Compared with 2015 (Decrease) Increase Due to 2015 Compared with 2014 (1) (Decrease) Increase Due to Rate Volume Net Rate Volume Net $ $ $ $ $ (591) $ 5,294 (3,427) 1,416 2,692 3,667 15,335 4,120 6,920 2,379 28,754 (1,238) 324 6,683 $ (132) 27,384 (39) $ 1,000 (212) 2,861 3,610 7,008 $ 10,618 (3,935) $ 35 109 42 4,140 4,326 48 4,374 23,010 $ $ $ $ $ $ 14,744 9,414 3,493 3,795 31,446 2,429 $ 526 4,117 (1,396) (1,299) 1,948 (529) 15,363 9,622 8,234 1,877 35,096 4,227 192 34,067 $ (168) 1,251 $ 293 39,616 (4) $ 1,109 (170) 7,001 7,936 7,056 14,992 19,075 $ $ (35) $ 410 30 (768) (363) (543) (906) $ $ 2,157 68 7 162 3,888 4,125 1,610 5,735 33,881 $ $ $ $ $ 15,889 13,739 6,838 578 37,044 3,698 125 40,867 33 417 192 3,120 3,762 1,067 4,829 36,038 ____________________________________ (1) The average yields presented in the average balances, interest and average yields/cost table for total deposits and total interest expense are based on total balances and show an increase in average yields from 2014 to 2015; however, the chart above shows a decrease due to rate for total deposits and total interest expense because of a change in mix. 50 Table of Contents NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES This document contains certain non-GAAP financial measures in addition to results presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP measures are intended to provide the reader with additional supplemental perspectives on operating results, performance trends, and financial condition. Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for GAAP measures; they should be read and used in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures is provided below. In all cases, it should be understood that non-GAAP measures do not depict amounts that accrue directly to the benefit of shareholders. An item which management excludes when computing non-GAAP adjusted earnings can be of substantial importance to the Company’s results for any particular quarter or year. The Company’s non-GAAP adjusted earnings information set forth is not necessarily comparable to non- GAAP information which may be presented by other companies. Each non-GAAP measure used by the Company in this report as supplemental financial data should be considered in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information. The Company utilizes the non-GAAP measure of adjusted earnings in evaluating operating trends, including components for adjusted revenue and expense. These measures exclude amounts which the Company views as unrelated to its normalized operations, including securities gains/losses, losses recorded for hedge terminations, merger costs, restructuring costs, systems conversion costs, and out-of-period adjustments. Non-GAAP adjustments are presented net of an adjustment for income tax expense. In 2014, due to the comparative magnitude of the non- GAAP items, this adjustment was determined as the difference between the GAAP tax rate and the effective tax rate applicable to operating income. The Company also calculates adjusted earnings per share based on its measure of adjusted earnings. The Company views these amounts as important to understanding its operating trends, particularly due to the impact of accounting standards related to merger and acquisition activity. Analysts also rely on these measures in estimating and evaluating the Company’s performance. Management also believes that the computation of non-GAAP adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share may facilitate the comparison of the Company to other companies in the financial services industry. Charges related to merger and acquisition activity consist primarily of severance/benefit related expenses, contract termination costs, and professional fees. Systems conversion costs relate primarily to the Company’s core systems conversion and related systems conversions costs. Restructuring costs primarily consist of the Company's continued effort to create efficiencies in operations through calculated adjustments to the branch banking footprint. Out-of- period accounting adjustments for interest income on acquired loans were recorded following systems conversions and merger related accounting activity. Expense adjustments include variable rate compensation related to non- operating items. The Company also adjusts certain equity related measures to exclude intangible assets due to the importance of these measures to the investment community. 51 Table of Contents The following table summarizes the reconciliation of non-GAAP items recorded for the time periods indicated: (Dollars in thousands) GAAP Net income Non-GAAP measures Adj: Gain on sale of securities, net Adj: Net gains on sale of business operations Adj: Acquisition, restructuring, conversion and other related expenses (1) Adj: Income taxes Net non-operating charges Total adjusted income (non-GAAP) GAAP Total revenue Adj: Gain on sale of securities, net Adj: Net gains on sale of business operations Total adjusted operating revenue GAAP Total non-interest expense Less: Total non-operating expense (see above) Adjusted operating non-interest expense (non-GAAP) (in millions, except per share data) Total average assets Total average shareholders' equity Total average tangible shareholders equity Total tangible shareholders’ equity, period-end Total tangible assets, period-end Total common shares outstanding, period-end (thousands) Average diluted shares outstanding (thousands) Earnings per share, diluted Plus: Net adjustments per share, diluted Adjusted earnings per share, diluted Book value per share, period-end Tangible book value per share, period-end Total shareholders' equity/total assets Total tangible shareholders' equity/total tangible assets Average operating diluted shares outstanding (thousands) Performance Ratios GAAP return on assets Adjusted return on assets GAAP return on equity Adjusted return on equity Adjusted return on tangible equity Efficiency ratio Supplementary Data (in thousands) Tax benefit on tax-credit investments Non-interest income charge on tax-credit investments Net income on tax-credit investments Intangible amortization Fully taxable equivalent income adjustment 52 At or For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 $ 58,670 $ 49,518 $ 33,744 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 551 (1,085) 15,761 (5,455) 9,772 68,442 298,118 551 (1,085) 297,584 203,302 (15,761) 187,541 7,958 911 563 671 8,740 35,673 31,167 $ $ $ $ $ $ (2,110) — 17,611 (5,409) 10,092 59,610 268,137 (2,110) — 266,027 196,830 (17,611) 179,219 7,249 805 494 553 7,496 30,974 28,564 $ 1.88 $ 1.73 $ 0.32 2.20 30.65 18.81 11.93 7.68 0.36 2.09 28.64 17.84 11.33 7.37 (482) — 18,665 (7,185) 10,998 44,742 226,461 9,691 — 236,152 165,986 (8,492) 157,494 6,171 693 415 433 6,226 25,183 24,854 1.36 0.44 1.80 28.17 17.19 10.91 6.95 31,167 28,564 24,854 0.74 0.86 6.44 7.51 12.47 58.87 11,134 (8,993) 2,143 2,927 4,853 0.68 0.82 6.15 7.40 12.49 61.34 16,127 (11,406) 4,721 3,563 4,196 0.55 0.73 4.87 6.46 11.48 63.17 2,235 (1,668) 567 4,812 3,316 Table of Contents ____________________________________ (1) Acquisition, restructuring, conversion, and other related expenses includes $13.5 million in merger and acquisition expenses and $2.3 million of restructuring expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016. For the year ended 2015, these expenses included $13.2 million in merger and acquisition expenses and $4.5 million of restructuring, conversion, and other expenses. For the year ended 2014, these expenses included $8.8 million loss on termination of hedges, $5.4 million in merger and acquisition expenses, and $4.4 million of restructuring, conversion, and other expenses. 53 Table of Contents ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GENERAL This discussion is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes contained in this report. APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Please see those policies in conjunction with this discussion. The accounting and reporting policies followed by the Company conform, in all material respects, to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and to general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. While the Company bases estimates on historical experience, current information and other factors deemed to be relevant, actual results could differ from those estimates. The SEC defines “critical accounting policies” as those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in future periods. Please see those policies in conjunction with this discussion. Management believes that the following policies would be considered critical under the SEC’s definition: Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses represents probable credit losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio at the financial statement date and which may be estimated. Management uses historical information, as well as current economic data, to assess the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses as it is affected by changing economic conditions and various external factors, which may impact the portfolio in ways currently unforeseen. Although management believes that it uses appropriate available information to establish the allowance for loan losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary if certain future events occur that cause actual results to differ from the assumptions used in making the evaluation. Conditions in the local economy and real estate values could require the Company to increase provisions for loan losses, which would negatively impact earnings. Acquired Loans. Loans that the Company acquired in business combinations are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses. Determining the fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows initially expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at an appropriate market rate of interest. Going forward, the Company continues to evaluate reasonableness of expectations for the timing and the amount of cash to be collected. Subsequent decreases in expected cash flows may result in changes in the amortization or accretion of fair market value adjustments, and in some cases may result in the loan being considered impaired. For collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, the Company estimates the fair value of the underlying collateral of the loans. These values are discounted using market derived rates of return, with consideration given to the period of time and costs associated with the foreclosure and disposition of the collateral. Income Taxes. Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities. The realization of the net deferred tax asset generally depends upon future levels of taxable ordinary income, taxable capital gain income, and the existence of prior years' taxable income, to which "carry back" refund claims could be made. A valuation allowance is maintained for deferred tax assets that management estimates are more likely than not to be unrealizable based on available evidence at the time the estimate is made. In determining the valuation allowance, the Company uses historical and forecasted future operating results, including a review of the eligible carry-forward periods, tax planning opportunities and other relevant considerations. In particular, income tax benefits and deferred tax assets generated 54 Table of Contents from tax-advantaged commercial development projects are based on management's assessment and interpretation of applicable tax law as it currently stands. These underlying assumptions can change from period to period. For example, tax law changes or variances in projected taxable ordinary income or taxable capital gain income could result in a change in the deferred tax asset or the valuation allowance. Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those considered by management, the actual realization of the net deferred tax asset could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements. If the Company is not able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset in excess of the valuation allowance would be charged to income tax expense in the period such determination is made. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are recorded as a result of business acquisitions and combinations. These assets are evaluated for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. When these assets are evaluated for impairment, if the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to income. The fair value is based on observable market prices, when practicable. Other valuation techniques may be used when market prices are unavailable, including estimated discounted cash flows and analysis of market pricing multiples. These types of analyses contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. In the event of future changes in fair value, the Company may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material. Determination of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Securities. The Company evaluates debt and equity securities within the Company's available for sale and held to maturity portfolios for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI"), at least quarterly. If the fair value of a debt security is below the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI is required to be recognized if any of the following are met: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is "more likely than not" that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) for debt securities, the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For all impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the loss is recognized as OTTI through earnings. Credit-related OTTI for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Noncredit related OTTI for such debt securities is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. In evaluating its marketable equity securities portfolios for OTTI, the Company considers its intent and ability to hold an equity security to recovery of its cost basis in addition to various other factors, including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. Any OTTI on marketable equity securities is recognized immediately through earnings. Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those expected by management, the actual realization of gains or losses on investment securities could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. Trading assets, securities available for sale, and derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, or to establish a loss allowance or write-down based on the fair value of impaired assets. Further, the notes to financial statements include information about the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the valuation methodologies used and its impact to earnings. For financial instruments not recorded at fair value, the notes to financial statements disclose the estimate of their fair value. Due to the judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimation process, the estimates could result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. 55 Table of Contents SUMMARY Berkshire produced record revenue and earnings in 2016 as a result of positive operating leverage driven by business expansion and improved efficiency. Earnings per share increased by 9% to $1.88 in 2016. Berkshire’s 2016 operating results included the full year benefit of the acquisitions of Hampden Bancorp and Firestone Financial in 2015. Revenues also benefited from the acquisitions of First Choice Bank and the assets of 44 Business Capital in 2016. Total assets increased by 17% during the year, while total net revenues increased by 11% and net income increased by 18%. Berkshire’s quarterly shareholder dividend increased by 5% to $0.20 per share in 2016, which provided a 2.8% yield compared to the average closing price of Berkshire’s stock during the year. As discussed in an earlier section, the Company uses the non-GAAP measure of adjusted earnings, and related metrics, to evaluate the results of its operations. Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5% to $2.20 in 2016. Berkshire achieved this growth while absorbing a $0.10 per share (5%) decrease in the contribution from tax credit related investments due to changing market and regulatory conditions. The measure of adjusted earnings included the benefit of $10 million in net adjustments in each of the years 2015 and 2016. These adjustments were primarily related to mergers and restructuring activities which were intended to improve future operating results. GAAP return on assets increased by 9% to 74 basis points and adjusted return on assets improved by 5% to 86 basis points. Berkshire is focused on its goal of improving this profitability measure to 100 basis points or higher through continued revenue growth and disciplined expense management. The First Choice and 44 Business Capital acquisitions expanded Berkshire’s footprint to New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. The combination with First Choice also added a prominent national mortgage banking operation, while 44 Business Capital added strong new SBA loan originations capacity. Both of these operations also function primarily with secondary market networks, providing important new fee income sources and contributing to improved return on assets. Berkshire utilized common stock as the primary source of merger consideration during the year, increasing its market capitalization to over $1 billion and improving many capital metrics. Both of these acquisitions were targeted to be accretive to earnings per share after integration. Berkshire’s ongoing business development activities were reflected in organic growth of loans and deposits, excluding balances acquired in business combinations. Berkshire recently opened its first Boston office, located in the downtown financial district. This complements the commercial and retail lending businesses that the Company has developed in and around this market in recent years. Berkshire’s small business banking teams have made Berkshire a leading originator of SBA loans in several of its regional markets. In the second half of 2016, Berkshire named its Chief Risk Officer to head a new Specialty Lending group to coordinate the synergies among its equipment lending, SBA, and small business lending initiatives. The Company recruited a new Chief Risk Officer with long experience in bank regulatory risk supervision to further enhance its enterprise risk management programs. One benefit of Berkshire’s operating strategies was demonstrated by the efficiency ratio. This non-GAAP financial measure improved to 58.9% in 2016 from 61.3% in the prior year. The Company sold two branches in 2016 and completed the consolidation of three additional branches shortly after year-end. It is introducing virtual teller technology in selected locations, which provides real time video customer service and reduces the overhead costs in these locations. The Company has been improving its efficiency even while absorbing the additional infrastructure expenses required at the $10 billion asset size threshold established in the Dodd Frank legislation. The Company estimated that it had absorbed $5 million, or 85% of the investment in these annual costs in its operating run rate at the end of 2016. These regulatory costs are primarily related to consumer compliance, capital stress testing, and risk management. The Company’s goal is to evaluate future growth opportunities such that the targeted accretive benefit of expansion will be sufficient to offset the impact on profitability of regulatory requirements as it approaches and may at some future time exceed this $10 billion threshold. Longer term U.S. Treasury interest rates reached record low levels around midyear 2016 reflecting the “lower for longer” market expectations that are pressuring industry profitability. This outlook prevailed throughout most of 2016 and contributed to improving economic conditions and supported demand for loans and lending related products. After the November elections, markets anticipated future tax and regulatory changes that might be beneficial to corporate earnings, and that fiscal and monetary policies might be adjusted in the future to further 56 Table of Contents boost the economy and also lead to higher interest rates. By year-end, equities markets had advanced strongly, and interest rates had risen generally to levels that were slightly higher than those prevailing at the start of the year. The Company believes that it is positioned to benefit if some of these expectations are realized in future periods. Berkshire’s near term goal is to generate further revenue driven positive operating leverage to improve earnings and profitability. The Company is pursuing initiatives to improve fee revenues and non-interest income and the balance sheet will continue to be managed to support profitability, capital, liquidity, asset quality, and interest rate risk objectives. COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2015 Summary: Berkshire offers a competitive mix of loan and deposit products to serve the retail and commercial markets in its regions. Net interest income from these products is its primary revenue source; the related staff, facilities, and systems are its primary operating expenses. The Company emphasizes services and fee revenue business to deepen market and wallet share and to diversify revenues due to the secular industry trend towards lower net interest margins. Additionally, increasing regulatory requirements related to capital and liquidity have led to more emphasis on products and services that do not require balance sheet resources. The Company has expanded its wholesale lending and deposit practices to provide more product and balance sheet flexibility. Berkshire continued to extend, deepen, and diversify its banking footprint in 2016. Total assets increased by $1.3 billion, or 17%, including $1.2 billion recorded in business combinations. The First Choice acquisition was funded with Berkshire common stock as consideration. First Choice had excess liquidity and capital, and with the benefit of the merger, many of Berkshire’s capital and liquidity metrics ended the year stronger than the start. Berkshire also benefited from strong internal capital generation which was more than sufficient to support organic growth and higher dividends. The loans acquired in these business combinations further enhanced the geographic and loan type diversification of the portfolio. Asset quality metrics generally improved during the year, remaining at favorable levels and benefiting from the extended economic recovery in U.S. markets. Berkshire continues to manage its interest income sensitivity with the goal of benefiting from anticipated future increases in interest rates. At year-end, Berkshire’s assets totaled $9.2 billion, and its activities during the year brought it closer to the $10 billion Dodd Frank Act threshold of increased regulatory requirements. The Company is preparing for the possibility of crossing this threshold in the future and its goal is to manage growth so that the resulting earnings accretion is sufficient to offset the negative impacts of heightened regulation on profitability and performance. Investment Securities. Berkshire’s goal is to maintain a high quality portfolio consisting primarily of liquid investment securities with managed durations due to the potential for market value declines in rising rate markets. Berkshire focuses on loan growth as the primary use of funds and the primary source of interest income. The investment portfolio is an additional source of interest income and also provides additional liquidity and interest rate risk management flexibility. The Company evaluates the portfolio within its overall objectives of producing growth in earnings per share and contributing to return on equity. The Company continuously evaluates options for managing the portfolio’s size, yield, diversification, risk, and duration. In 2016, the portfolio was generally managed to maintain yield in the ongoing environment of low interest rates and yield compression. The most significant activity related to the integration of the acquired First Choice securities portfolio and the sale of lower yielding bonds to support net interest margin objectives. Additionally, held to maturity securities increased by $203 million due mainly to transfers from the available for sale designation during the second half of the year. Total securities increased by $257 million, or 19%, to $1.63 billion in 2016. This included $442 million in investments acquired with First Choice Bank and was net of $174 million of runoff during the year. Berkshire sold $422 million and purchased $407 million of securities, including the repositioning of the First Choice securities. As part of its strategies to offset yield compression, the Company reduced and diversified the portfolio, reducing its investments in planned amortization class collateralized mortgage obligations and increasing its investment in pass- through mortgage backed securities, agency commercial mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, and equity securities. The yield on the portfolio increased to 3.35% in the fourth quarter of 2016 from 2.96% in the fourth quarter of the prior year. The weighted average life of the bond portfolio was 5.9 years at year-end 2016 compared to 4.9 years at the start of the year. The Company estimated extension risk of an additional 2.5 years in an up 300 57 Table of Contents basis point interest rate scenario. Debt investment securities purchased in 2016 were all investment grade or investment grade equivalent except for one $7 million regional bank bond. Debt securities not meeting these investment grade criteria totaled $12 million at year-end 2016. There were no impairments recorded during the year, and all securities were performing during the year and at year-end. The fair value of securities with unrealized losses exceeding one year was 1.8% of total securities at year-end. The securities transferred to held to maturity consisted primarily of longer maturity municipal bonds and collateralized mortgage obligations. This was based on an assessment of expected asset liability management considerations considering the impacts of the First Choice acquisition and changes in the expected economic and financial market conditions in the second half of the year. The net unrealized gain on investment securities increased to $20 million, or 1.3% of cost, at year-end 2016, compared to $11 million, or 0.8% of cost, at the start of the year. This increase reflected a $14 million increase in the unrealized gain on equity securities following the stock market rally near year-end. This was partially offset by lower bond prices that resulted from the increase in medium and long term market interest rates during this same time. The net unrealized gain on equity securities measured 37% of cost at year-end. The Company expected to evaluate these holdings and realize some equity gains in 2017 if market conditions remained positive. Any such gains would be excluded from the company’s measure of adjusted net income when realized. Loans. Berkshire is expanding and deepening retail and commercial lending activities through organic growth and acquisitions, including a focus on specialized lending. The Company uses secondary markets and a growing network of financial institution partners in managing and diversifying its portfolio, as well as supporting its fee income objectives and managing its capital and liquidity. Berkshire posted loan growth of $825 million, or 14%, to $6.5 billion in 2016, of which $462 million, was acquired in business combinations and $363 million resulted from other lending activities. Most of the acquired loans consisted of commercial real estate loans, which totaled $352 million. Excluding acquired loans, loan growth was concentrated in commercial real estate growth totaling $194 million and indirect auto loan growth totaling $131 million. Net changes in outstanding loans included the impact of wholesale activities which were targeted to adjust the business mix and to take advantage of changing market conditions during the course of the year in pursuing the Company’s operating goals. The acquired loans consisted of loans added with the First Choice business combination as well as the portfolio purchased with the addition of the 44 Business Capital team. First Choice was primarily a commercial real estate lender in its New Jersey and Pennsylvania footprint. The $425 million in gross loans recorded in this acquisition were net of a $28 million (6.1%) discount. Berkshire recorded $37 million in commercial real estate loans with the purchase of the 44 Business Capital operations. These loans were purchased net of a discount of $5 million, or 13%. These balances represented the unguaranteed portion of SBA loans originated by 44 Business Capital, primarily in the Mid Atlantic region. The business model of 44 Business Capital is to originate loans in the SBA 7(a) program and sell the guaranteed portion to generate fee income. The servicing rights to these loans were retained and the balance of SBA loans serviced for investors was $148 million at the acquisition date. Growth from business activities in 2016 has been largely in the category of investor commercial real estate, focused primarily on longstanding relationships in Berkshire’s regional markets. Some larger loans were variable rate and were paired with customer interest rate swaps (which increased by $211 million in 2016).This growth included loans to retail and multi-tenanted properties with strong anchors, multifamily properties, and healthcare related properties. High volatility commercial real estate exposures are a special regulatory category that is closely monitored. These loans totaled $59 million at year-end 2016, which was unchanged from the start of the year. Due to its asset management strategies in recent years, Berkshire has been positioned to support its markets while also managing well within regulatory guidelines for commercial real estate lending. Berkshire’s total non-owner occupied commercial real estate exposure measured 265% of regulatory capital at period-end, compared to $227 million at the start of the year and compared to the 300% regulatory monitoring guidelines (based on regulatory definitions). Commercial construction loan exposure was 40% of regulatory capital at year-end 2016, compared to 39% at the start of the year and compared to the 100% guideline. Berkshire monitors its commercial real estate 58 Table of Contents lending risk using the enhanced processes required for banks exceeding the monitoring thresholds even though it is well margined below those thresholds. The Company views its commercial and industrial loans and its owner occupied commercial real estate loans as an important element of its commercial relationship strategies. The total of these loans remained unchanged at $1.66 billion at year-end 2016 compared to the start of the year, and measured 44% of total commercial loans at year-end 2016. With the acquisition of 44 Business Capital, Berkshire has become a prominent originator of SBA 7(a) program loans, with the guaranteed portions sold into the secondary markets. Additionally, the Bank has emphasized the development of its SBA loan program in its regional markets and has achieved a leading position as an originator of SBA guaranteed loans in several of these markets. The balance of commercial loans secured with government guarantees increased to $53 million at year-end 2016, compared to $39 million at the start of the year. In the second half of 2016, Berkshire created a new Specialty Lending group to coordinate and develop synergies among its equipment lending, SBA lending, and small business lending teams. Residential mortgage growth in 2016 totaled $78 million, or 4%, including $26 million in acquired First Choice mortgages. Conforming mortgage originations are generally held for sale to the secondary market. Additional information about Berkshire’s mortgage banking activities is contained in a later section of this report on non- interest income. Loan originations retained by Berkshire largely consisted of jumbo loans for which there is a more limited secondary market. Residential mortgage balances were also affected by opportunistic wholesale activity of seasoned loans, with purchases totaling $191 million and sales totaling $273 million in 2016. With the acquisition of First Choice Bank, the origination of residential mortgages for sale on a servicing released basis will become a more significant lending activity. Consumer loan growth in 2016 totaled $176 million, or 22%, including $50 million in acquired First Choice consumer loans. Berkshire’s growth from business activities was concentrated in prime indirect auto loans and reflects the activities of the indirect auto team recruited in the fall of 2015. Growth of these loans slowed in the second half of 2016 as Berkshire adjusted its pricing and balance sheet strategies, and the Company continues to evaluate secondary market conditions for these loans. The average yield on loans decreased to 4.05% in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 4.15% in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Excluding purchased loan accretion, the yield decreased to 3.93% from 3.98%. This decrease was due to ongoing yield compression and changes in business mix, and was partially offset by the benefit of the 25 basis point increase in short term rates at the end of 2015. As of year-end 2016, 40% of the portfolio was scheduled to reprice within one year, 20% in one to five years, and 40% over five years. This represents a modest shortening in the portfolio duration compared to year-end 2015. At year-end 2015, approximately 32% of the loan portfolio was scheduled to reprice within one year, 27% was scheduled to reprice in one to five years, and 41% was scheduled to reprice over five years. Asset Quality. Berkshire has a Chief Risk Officer and a Risk Management and Capital Committee of the Board which keep a close focus on maintaining strong asset quality. This includes setting loan portfolio objectives, maintaining sound underwriting, close portfolio oversight, and careful management of problem assets and potential problem assets. Additionally, merger due diligence is an integral component of maintaining asset quality. Acquired loans are recorded at fair value and are deemed performing regardless of their payment status. Therefore, some overall portfolio measures of asset quality are not comparable between years or among institutions as a result of recent business combinations. A general goal is to achieve significant resolutions of impaired loans acquired in bank mergers generally in the first two years following the acquisition date. Berkshire’s asset quality has reflected its strong credit disciplines together with the generally favorable economic characteristics of its region. In 2016, Berkshire’s Chief Risk Officer moved to a new position as head of the newly organized Specialty Lending group. Berkshire recruited a new Chief Risk Officer who previously was employed for 24 years by the FDIC, most recently as a Senior Risk Examiner for the Division of Risk Management Supervision. The Company views its problem asset metrics as generally low and benefiting from the extended period of national economic recovery and monetary stimulus following the 2008 financial crisis. Net loan charge-offs were 0.21% of average loans in 2016, compared to 0.25% in the prior year. Year-end 2016 non-performing assets totaled $22 59 Table of Contents million, or 0.24% of total assets, compared to $23 million, or 0.29% of total assets, at the start of the year. For loans from business activities, net loan charge-offs measured 0.20% of average loans in 2016, while this measure was 0.27% for average loans acquired in business combinations. Measures of delinquent loans and troubled debt restructurings decreased during the first nine months of 2016 and then increased in the fourth quarter. Accruing troubled debt restructurings increased by $16 million to $28 million due to one commercial real estate loan which was classified as accruing and substandard at year-end 2016. Total delinquent and non-accruing loans increased slightly to 0.84% of total loans at year-end 2016, compared to 0.79% at the start of the year. At year-end 2016, the carrying balance of purchased credit impaired loans was $47 million and the contractual amount owed on these loans was $87 million. The comparable measures at year-end 2015 were $21 million and $40 million respectively. The balances acquired in business combinations were recorded at a 44% discount with a of recorded value of $39 million compared to a $70 million contractual balance. Loan Loss Allowance. The determination of the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate. The Company’s methodologies for determining the loan loss allowance are discussed in Item 1 of this report, and Item 8 includes further information about the accounting policy for the loan loss allowance and the Company’s accounting for the allowance in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company considers the allowance for loan losses appropriate to cover probable losses which can be reasonably estimated and which are inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Under accounting standards for business combinations, acquired loans are recorded at fair value with no loan loss allowance on the date of acquisition. The fair value of acquired loans includes the impact of estimated loan losses for the life of the portfolio, including subjective assessments of risk. A loan loss allowance is recorded by the Company for the emergence of new probable and estimable losses relating to acquired loans which were not impaired as of the acquisition date. Because of the accounting for acquired loans, some measures of the loan loss allowance are not comparable to periods prior to the acquisition date or to other financial institutions. Loans acquired in business combinations totaled $1.33 billion, or 20% of total loans at year-end 2016, compared to $1.16 billion, or 20% of total loans at year-end 2015. The total amount of the allowance increased in 2016, while the ratio of the allowance to total loans decreased to 0.67% from 0.69%, including the impact of the acquired First Choice loans. For loans from business activities, this ratio decreased to 0.74% from 0.76%. For loans acquired in business combinations, the ratio decreased slightly to 0.40% from 0.41%. The year-end allowance provided 3.5X coverage of total net charge-offs in 2016, compared to 3.0X in 2015. The allowance provided 2.0X coverage of year-end non-accrual loans in 2016 compared to 1.9X in 2015. The credit risk profile of the Company’s loan portfolio is described in Note 7 - Loan Loss Allowance of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s risk management process focuses primary attention on loans with higher than normal risk, which includes loans rated special mention and classified (substandard and lower). These loans are referred to as criticized loans. Including acquired loans, criticized loans totaled $129 million, or 1.4% of total assets at year-end 2016, compared to $145 million, or 1.9% of total assets at year-end 2015. This was due to a $30 million, or 28%, decrease in criticized loans from business activities - demonstrating a comparatively strong resolution of higher risk loans in 2016. This was partially offset by a $14 million increase in criticized acquired loans due to the business combinations in 2016. The Company views its potential problem loans as those loans from business activities which are rated as classified and continue to accrue interest. These loans have a possibility of loss if weaknesses are not corrected. Classified loans acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value and are classified as performing at the time of acquisition and therefore are not generally viewed as potential problem loans. In 2016, potential problem loans decreased to $51 million from $61million at the start of the year. The Company’s evaluation of its credit risk profile also compares the amount of criticized loans and foreclosed assets to the total of the Bank’s Tier 1 Capital plus the loan loss allowance. This ratio was 18% at year-end 2016, compared to 24% at the start of the year. 60 Table of Contents As discussed in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The ASU requires companies to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Forward-looking information will now be used in credit loss estimates. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13, and will closely monitor developments and additional guidance to determine the potential impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. It is anticipated that banks will generally carry higher loan loss allowance estimates as a result of this change and that loan loss estimates will be made at acquisition date for loans acquired in business combinations. Other Assets. Total loans held for sale increased in 2016 to $121 million from $13 million due to the addition of the First Choice residential mortgages held for sale. The Company has commitments for interest rate hedging for the sale of these mortgages which are discussed in the later section on Derivative Financial Instruments. Goodwill and other intangible assets increased by $88 million to $422 million in 2016 due to the business combinations. Growth in other assets included a $14 million increase in bank owned life insurance and a $6 million increase in servicing assets, primarily due to business combinations. Deposits. Berkshire views its deposit programs as central to it funding and market management goals. Retail and commercial strategies focus on transaction accounts as being key to customer relationships. Interest bearing deposit products are positioned to be competitive while offering local convenience and the safety of FDIC insurance. Due to the impacts of technology on mobile and electronic banking, preferred customer channels are shifting and the Company seeks to maximize the benefits it offers as a local provider with the scale to compete with the delivery channels of national bank and nonbank competitors. The Company has been active in shifting the number, location, and configuration of its offices and customer facing staff in order to move with its markets and to reduce overhead related to older channels that are now less favored. The Company has also utilized brokered time deposits as an additional funds source to complement its other strategies, manage its funding costs, and in support interest rate risk management goals. Berkshire’s deposits increased in 2016 by $1.0 billion, or 18%, including $0.9 billion acquired from First Choice Bank. Deposit growth, excluding these acquired deposits, was $140 million or 3% and was net of $30 million in deposits in the two branches that were sold. The First Choice deposits were concentrated in money market and time deposit accounts which are relatively higher costing. This reflected competition in their Mid-Atlantic markets as well their strategies for leveraging their capital. The First Choice loan/deposit ratio was a relatively low 51% at the time of the merger, and this long run deposit source of lendable funds was an important strategic benefit of this merger. Berkshire anticipated that there would be some run-off of these higher cost acquired deposits subsequent to acquisition. Berkshire’s loan/deposit ratio stood at 99% at year-end, which was improved from 102% at the start of the year. Berkshire generally expects to operate within 100-105% for this measure of liquidity. Berkshire’s organic growth was concentrated in demand deposit accounts, which increased by $108 million, or 10%, in 2016. This growth was primarily in commercial and municipal balances. Total personal deposit balances were 68% of total deposits excluding brokered time deposits at year-end 2016, compared to 69% at the start of the year. Estimated uninsured balances were $1.4 billion, or 21% of deposits excluding brokered time deposits, compared to 24% at the start of the year. Brokered time account balances increased by 1% to $790 million during the year. The cost of deposits increased in 2016 to 0.56% in the final quarter from 0.48% in the final quarter of 2015. This was primarily due to the impact of higher rates on brokered time deposits, together with the impact of higher rates paid on First Choice non-maturity deposits. The rising cost of deposits was partially mitigated by the growth in non- interest bearing checking accounts. Due to the 0.25% rate hike in December 2016 by the Federal Reserve Bank and full period ownership of First Choice operations, deposit costs are expected to further increase in 2017.The Company does not anticipate significant impact from rate hikes to date on the future cost of non-maturity deposits, although future rate increases projected by the market may have greater impact on these costs. Berkshire had 97 branch offices as of the date of this report, which was up from 93 offices at the start of 2016. The Company added 8 First Choice offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and sold two New York offices in the third 61 Table of Contents quarter. It consolidated another three offices early in 2017 while also opening a new office in Boston. This office is its first Boston location following the expansion of its lending activities in greater Boston in recent years. With this office, the Company has begun to implement its virtual teller solution which provides live remote teller assistance through automated workstations. The Company expects to implement this technology selectively as it continues to evolve its retail delivery channels. Berkshire also plans to open two additional offices in central Connecticut and one in the Albany, New York area later in 2017. Berkshire continues to diversify its distribution network, including expanding its My Banker and private banking teams and integrating more closely with its wealth management, investment services, small business, insurance, and other business lines. Borrowings and Other Liabilities. Nearly all of Berkshire’s senior borrowings at year-end were provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston under established relationship programs. The FHLBB is secured by a general pledge of assets primarily consisting of mortgage backed securities and residential mortgages. The Bank uses FHLBB borrowings to manage overnight liquidity and generally to provide funding for its investment portfolio. Other components of the Bank’s wholesale funding program include correspondent banks and brokerages, and brokered deposits. For contingency liquidity purposes, the Bank has short term credit arrangements with the Federal Reserve Bank and with certain national banks and brokerages, and the holding company maintains a line of credit. There has been no regular ongoing use of these arrangements. The Company evaluates its use of borrowings and of wholesale funds in general in managing its liquidity and strategic growth plans. This is further discussed in the following section on Liquidity. Total borrowings increased by $51 million, or 4%, in 2016, including $52 million in acquired First Choice borrowings. During the year, the Company sold lower yielding investment securities and used proceeds to reduce borrowings before the fourth quarter. Most borrowings are short term. The weighted average rate on short term borrowings was 0.72% at year-end 2016, compared to 0.43% at year-end 2015. Due to the Federal Reserve Bank’s 0.25% hike in the target Fed Funds rate in December 2016, the Company expects the cost of short term borrowings to increase in 2017. The cost of interest rate swaps is a component of borrowings interest expense; these swaps are discussed in the following section. Other liabilities increased by $42 million to $133 million, including a $29 million settlement payable for asset purchases near year-end 2016. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities. Berkshire utilizes derivative financial instruments to manage the interest rate risk of its borrowings, to offer these instruments to commercial loan customers for similar purposes, and as part of its residential mortgage banking activities. The instruments sold to commercial and residential mortgage customers are an important source of fee income and generally represent fixed rate contracts purchased by customers which are sold or offset by the Company with national counterparties. The notional balance of derivative financial instruments increased by $833 million, or 61%, to $2.2 billion in 2016. This included a $422 million increase in economic hedges related to commercial loan interest rate swaps and a $387 million increase in derivatives related to mortgage banking. The growth in commercial loan interest rate swaps reflected strong customer demand for fixed rate loan protection in the low rate environment that existed prior to year-end 2016. The Company recognizes loan fee income on the sale of these financial instruments, as further discussed in a later section. Customer swaps issued by the Bank are backed by similar swaps transacted with the Company’s national financial institution counterparties. As a result, the increase represented approximately $211 million in net growth from commercial customer loan transactions. Hedging instruments related to mortgage banking increased due to increased volume of interest rate locks due mainly to the acquisition of First Choice mortgage banking operations. Like Berkshire’s existing home lending operations, these new operations record interest rate lock commitments as non-hedging derivatives and then the offsetting forward sale commitment is recorded as an economic hedge. The company uses the following types of forward sale commitments contracts: best efforts loan sales, mandatory delivery loan sales, and to be announced (TBA) mortgage-backed securities sales. At year-end 2016, the Company had $300 million of interest rate swaps recorded as cash flow hedges of one month LIBOR borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. These were fixed payment swaps with a 2.29% weighted average pay rate and a 2.3 year average remaining maturity at year-end. They were hedging borrowings 62 Table of Contents that had a 0.63% variable rate cost at period-end. Based on changes in its balance sheet and in the economic and financial outlook, the Company terminated all of these swaps after year-end 2016 and recorded a cash charge of $6.6 million which will be classified as non-operating and excluded from the determination of adjusted net income in 2017. This charge had no impact on shareholders’ equity since the unrealized loss was already recorded as a component of equity. Stockholders’ Equity. Berkshire pursues a balance of capital to maintain financial soundness while using common equity efficiently with the goal to produce a strong return on equity and a strong return on tangible equity to support opportunities for franchise growth. Long run growth in dividends and in both book value and tangible book value per share are also viewed as elements for shareholder value creation. A sound capital structure reduces risk and enhances shareholder return and access to capital markets to support the Company’s banking activities and the markets that it serves. In its payment of dividends, management of treasury shares, issuance of equity compensation, and balancing of capital sources, the Company strives to achieve a capital structure that is attractive to the investment community and which satisfies the policy and supervision purposes of the Company’s regulators. When Berkshire negotiates business combinations, it generally targets to use its common shares as a significant component of merger consideration and to balance the mix of cash and stock to arrive at targeted capital metrics based on the characteristics of the combined banks. All of the Company’s outstanding equity is owned by common stockholders and its stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In addition to shares held in Treasury, at the start of 2016, a Bank subsidiary also owned 169 thousand Berkshire shares as a result of the conversion of Hampden shares. These shares were excluded from shares outstanding, and all of them were repurchased into treasury by the Company during 2016. Shareholders’ equity increased by $206 million, or 22%, to $1.1 billion in 2016. This increase included $151 million in common stock issued as merger consideration for First Choice Bank, $34 million in retained earnings, and a $13 million gain in accumulated other comprehensive income due to higher prices for the Company’s stock investments. Total shares outstanding increased by 4.7 million, or 15%, including the 4.4 million shares issued as First Choice merger consideration. Book value per share increased by 7% to $30.65 and tangible book value per share increased by 5% to $18.81 even while Berkshire absorbed the dilutive impact of its acquisitions. Including the benefit of the higher First Choice capital metrics, the ratio of equity to assets improved to 11.9% from 11.3% and the ratio of tangible equity to tangible assets increased to 7.7% from 7.4%. Tangible equity is a non-GAAP financial measure commonly used by investors and it excludes goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company was within the range of 7 - 8% that it generally targets for this measure and also considers its return on tangible equity as a source of capital strength for improving its condition and supporting its growth. The Company’s risk based capital ratio remained unchanged at 11.9% at year-end 2016 compared to the start of the year. Most of the other regulatory capital measures for the Company and the Bank improved slightly for these periods. Together with retained earnings, the accretion from the First Choice acquisition offset the dilutive impact of the other business combinations during the year. The Company’s goal is to remain eligible for the regulatory designation of Well Capitalized for the Company and the Bank. One of the requirements of the $10 billion Dodd Frank threshold is increased capital stress testing processes. The Company has invested in staff and resources to develop these processes as well as to model capital sources and requirements related to various strategies that might be considered for crossing this threshold, including acquisitions. The Company’s goal is to develop it's capital stress testing resources so that this requirement will not be a constraining factor for any qualifying potential future acquisitions. Based on its most recent internal modeling, the Company expected to remain well capitalized under the most severe stress test assumptions, including potential reduction in growth in dividends in that most severe scenario. The Company’s future target is to remain well capitalized including maintenance of the capital conservation buffer in normal and severely stressed environments as that buffer becomes fully effective in future years. 63 Table of Contents COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2015 Summary: Berkshire’s 2016 results included the 44 Business Capital operations acquired in April and the First Choice Bank operations acquired in December. Berkshire’s 2015 results included the Hampden operations acquired in April and the Firestone operations acquired in August. As a result, most measures of revenue, expense, income, and average balances increased in 2016 compared to 2015 -- including the impact of acquired operations in both years. Additionally, per share measures were affected by the issuance of common shares as merger consideration. All acquisitions were targeted to be accretive to earnings and earnings per share when fully integrated, and to provide a long term double digit return on equity. As noted previously, Berkshire uses a non-GAAP measure of adjusted net income to supplement its evaluation of its operating results. Adjusted net income excludes certain amounts not viewed as related to ongoing operations. These items are primarily related to acquisitions and restructuring expenses, together with gains recorded on securities and investments in acquired banks. Berkshire views its net acquisition related costs as part of the economic investment for its acquisitions. These investments are intended to contribute to long term earnings growth and franchise value. Please see the Non-GAAP reconciliation section of this report for more discussion and information about adjusted net income and other non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this report. Results in 2016 continued the trend of improving profitability and further demonstrated a rebound from lower profitability in 2014. The GAAP return on assets increased by 9% to 74 basis points and the adjusted return on assets increased by 5% to 86 basis points. This was driven by the improvement in the efficiency ratio to 58.9% from 61.3%, which more than offset compression in the net interest margin and lower net tax credit benefits. The efficiency improvement resulted from positive operating leverage driven by revenue growth in conjunction with disciplined expense management. The improved return on assets contributed to higher return on equity. Current returns provide capital generation which is sufficient to fund the dividend payout and organic business growth as well as contributing to improvement in capital metrics. In 2016, the return on equity measured 6.4% and the adjusted return on tangible equity measured 12.5%. Recent results stem from Berkshire’s strategy to build profitability and shareholder value through disciplined growth based around the power of its investment in a well-positioned regional franchise and a competitive market position supported by its unique brand and culture. This strategy includes taking advantage of opportunities offered by banks, companies, and teams that are looking for a regional partner to provide the resources necessary to meet market demand in light of the regulatory and margin pressures on revenues and earnings. The Company’s long term profitability goals include a return on assets exceeding 1% and a double digit return on equity. Total Net Revenue. Berkshire evaluates its top line with the measure of net revenue, which is the sum of net interest income and non-interest income. The Company also measures adjusted net revenue and adjusted net revenue per share in evaluating its growth strategies, operations, and strategies for generating positive operating leverage. Total net revenue increased by $30 million, or 11% to $298 million in 2016, reaching $304 million annualized in the fourth quarter including the new First Choice operations. On a pro-forma basis, as set forth in the Consolidated Financial Statements, the total 2016 revenue including the combined acquired operations,was estimated at $397 million. Revenue growth included a 9% increase in net interest income and a 19% increase in fee income. Fourth quarter fee income increased to 26% of total revenue and is targeted to exceed Berkshire’s goal of 30% of total revenue based on the full period contribution of First Choice mortgage banking revenues. Total revenue per share increased by 2% to $9.57 for the year 2016. Berkshire believes that these acquired operations present fee revenue synergy opportunities that may be developed in the future. Net Interest Income. Net interest income is the primary contributor to revenue. Berkshire targets growth in net interest income based on increased business volumes related to market share gains in its markets. Pricing disciplines for loans and deposits target a balance of market share and profitability objectives, while taking into account credit, liquidity, and interest rate sensitivity objectives. The Company also borrows to fund an investment portfolio to contribute to income and profitability, together with other balance sheet objectives. Assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are marked to market for carrying value and yield, and balance sheet adjustments are often made at or following the acquisition date to integrate the acquired balance sheet with the Company’s balance sheet. 64 Table of Contents Net interest income includes significant components related to the amortization of purchase accounting adjustments and deferred items. The most significant component is purchased loan accretion related to recoveries on the resolution of acquired impaired assets, where Berkshire has regularly posted significant gains that are included in net interest income. These gains are difficult to forecast and are highly variable from quarter to quarter, and generally reflect the Company’s strong asset management capabilities and continued demand for higher yielding assets in the ongoing low rate environment. Annual net interest income increased by $18 million, or 9%, in 2016. This included the benefit of a 10% increase in average earnings asset from business expansion and was partially offset by a 1% decrease in the net interest margin to 3.27% from 3.31%. Reflecting ongoing compression, the margin decreased steadily during the year from 3.35% in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 3.19% in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company expects that the net interest margin will benefit from the termination of its fixed interest rate swaps which was executed after year-end 2016. Due to the continuing margin pressures in the ongoing low interest rate environment, Berkshire has stressed growth of fee income both to build more profitable customer relationships as well as to diversify from a high reliance on net interest income. The decrease in margin during 2016 primarily reflects an increase in the cost of funds during the year to 0.73% in the final quarter of 2016 from 0.56% in the fourth quarter of 2015. This includes the fixed rate interest rate swaps that became active in the first half of the year, the impact of higher short term interest rates on wholesale funding, the lengthening of time deposit maturities, and the higher cost of acquired First Choice deposits. The fourth quarter yield on earning assets was unchanged in 2016 compared to 2015. Loan yield compression was offset by higher securities yields and the benefit of the First Choice mortgage loans held for sale. While the Company was positioned to benefit from higher interest rates at the beginning of the year, the above funding cost changes together with unfavorable changes in the shape of the yield curve contributed to the overall margin decrease. The contribution of purchased loan accretion to net interest income was $8.0 million in both 2016 and 2015. For these periods, the net interest margin before purchased loan accretion was 3.16% and 3.19%, respectively. Most purchased loan accretion results from recoveries on the resolution of purchased credit impaired loans resulting from bank mergers. The fair market value of these loans is normally discounted from the contractual and carrying value at the time of the merger. Berkshire’s team has produced significant recoveries of value as a result of its problem asset management disciplines and supportive market conditions. At year-end 2016, Berkshire’s remaining carrying amount for purchased credit impaired loans was $47 million, which was a $40 million discount from the $87 million contractual amount. The comparable numbers at year-end 2015 were a $21 million balance discounted by $19 million from a $40 million contractual amount. This increase was due to the impaired loans recorded for the First Choice and 44 Business Capital acquisitions. The Company anticipates that purchased loan accretion will continue to be a significant element contributing to net interest income in 2017 if market conditions remain supportive for recoveries. Non-Interest Income. Most of Berkshire’s non-interest income is fee income, including various revenue sources related to its operations. As previously discussed, Berkshire focuses on fee income to build more enduring customer relationships and to diversify away from potential volatility in net interest income. Additionally, many fee income sources do not require as much investment in assets and consequently to not require as much support from regulatory capital. These revenues therefore have the potential to increase the Company’s return on assets and return on equity towards its long-term goals. Fee income increased by $11 million, or 19%, in 2016 and totaled $69 million. Loan related income grew by $8 million, or 101%, and mortgage banking income by $3 million, or 83%. These revenues benefited from the ongoing low interest rate environment through much of the year. Loan related income included SBA loan sale gains of $3 million, interest rate swap fee income of $5 million, and portfolio loan sale gains of $5 million. SBA loan sales increased due primarily to the contribution of the new 44 Business Capital team. The increase in mortgage banking income was primarily due to the inclusion of First Choice mortgage banking operations in December. These operations rank among the top 50 bank mortgage originators in the U.S, with $2.6 65 Table of Contents billion in reported originations in 2016. As a result, Berkshire is targeting that mortgage banking revenues will increase in 2017, with a goal of total fee income above the target of 30% of total revenue. This operation generally runs at an estimated 0.3% pretax profit contribution (expressed as a percent of loan originations) and excluding interest income on its warehouse of loans held for sale. Berkshire Home Lending, which originates mortgages in Berkshire’s New England and New York markets, originated $368 million in mortgages for sale and recorded $5 million in mortgage banking revenues in 2016. Deposit related fees were flat at $25 million and decreased to 0.43% of average deposit balances in 2016 compared to 0.49% in the prior year. Deposit fees in 2016 included $7 million in consumer overdraft income, $8 million in card related fees, and $10 million in service charges and other income. At the $10 billion Dodd Frank Act threshold, the Company’s card related fee income would be reduced by an amount that the Company has estimated in the $5-6 million annual range. Insurance revenues increased by $200 thousand in 2016 and wealth management revenue decreased by $800 thousand. This included a $400 thousand decrease in the fourth quarter related to the timing of the sale of the Renaissance Investment Group operations (a Berkshire County registered investment advisor) and the purchase of the operations of RNL Associates, ("RNL" or "Lazzaro"), a Rutland, Vermont financial advisor. Total wealth assets under management ended the year unchanged at $1.4 billion. Non-interest income in 2016 included a $1 million net gain on the sale of business operations, including the sale of Renaissance mentioned above and the sale of two New York branches. Berkshire recorded a charge of $3 million for all other non-interest income in 2016, compared to a charge of $5 million in the prior year. This was due to charges for the amortization of tax credit related investments, which were more than offset by benefits to income tax expense, as further discussed below. This amortization charge totaled $9 million in 2016 and $11 million in 2015. This charge was partly offset by income accrued on bank owned life insurance, which totaled $4 million both in 2016 and in 2015. Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses is a charge to earnings in an amount sufficient to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level deemed adequate by the Company. The level of the allowance is a critical accounting estimate, which is subject to uncertainty. The level of the allowance was included in the discussion of financial condition. The provision for loan losses totaled $17 million in both 2016 and 2015. The provision for loan losses exceeded net loan charge-offs in both years, and resulted in an increase in the allowance for loan losses related primarily to growth in the loan portfolio during the year. Non-Interest Expense. Berkshire’s goal is to generate positive operating leverage, growing revenues through business expansion and maintaining expense management disciplines. Non-interest expense increases have generally been related to the Company’s growth, including the impact of acquisitions. The Company also invests in building its infrastructure and adding to its market teams, with a focus on fee generating business lines, as part of its long term strategy to occupy a leading position as a regional provider in its footprint. Additionally, the Company has invested in the increased compliance and risk management resources required for banks at the $10 billion threshold established in the Dodd Frank Act. At this threshold, the Company believes that it will be required to spend about $6-7 million per year for related expenses. It estimated that it had absorbed about 85% of these expenses in its current expense run rate at the end of 2016. Total non-interest expense increased by $6 million, or 3%, in 2016. Excluding merger and restructuring costs, adjusted expenses increased by $8 million, or 5%. In comparison, total revenue increased by $30 million, or 11% and adjusted revenue increased by $32 million, or 12%. The resulting positive operating leverage improved the efficiency ratio to 58.9% in 2016 from 61.3% in 2015. This in turn led to the increases in return on assets and return on equity previously discussed. Expense growth in 2016 was mostly in the primary operating expense components of compensation, and technology due to the acquisitions and growth in business activities. Full time equivalent staff increased by 510 positions to 1,731 positions at year-end 2016 from 1,221 at the start of the year. Staff growth included 505 positions which were added with the First Choice acquisition in December. 66 Table of Contents Expense results also include merger and restructuring costs which the Company excludes from its measure of adjusted earnings. The Company views merger related costs as part of the economic investment in acquired businesses. Merger related costs totaled $14 million in 2016, including $12 million related to the First Choice acquisition. Merger related costs totaled $13 million in 2015, including $11 million related to the Hampden acquisition. Merger related costs primarily consist of severance costs, contract termination charges, professional fees, and variable compensation costs. Restructuring costs have included the write-off of uneconomic contracted costs, as well as restructuring costs to optimize the branch network in light of market changes for branch services based on the emergence of mobile banking as well as changes in customer access patterns. Restructuring and other expense totaled $2 million in 2016 and $4 million in 2015. Income Tax Expense. The effective income tax rate increased to 24% in 2016 from 9% in 2015. This 15% increase in the tax rate included 7% less benefit from tax credits, 4% higher state income tax net impacts, and 4% all other changes, which primarily were due to the higher pretax income in 2016. The benefit to the overall effective rate from tax credit related investments decreased to 8% in 2016 from 15% in the prior year. In July, 2016 the IRS provided updated guidance that reduces the benefits of certain entity structures related primarily to commercial historic rehabilitation projects. For 2016, the Company netted $0.07 in benefit to earnings per share from these programs, as compared to $0.17 per share in 2015 (net of amortization charges recorded in non-interest income). The Company expects that this annual benefit will be further reduced in 2017 and this benefit will continue to vary from quarter to quarter depending on when the projects are completed and put into service. The impact on the overall effective rate from net state income taxes was 2% in 2016 compared to (2%) in 2015. Normally state income taxes increase the overall effective income tax rate. The impact in 2015 was a decrease due to the mix of items affecting New York state taxes; this is not expected to reoccur. The increase in the overall effective tax rate due to higher pretax income reflected the lower proportionate benefit from tax-exempt securities and bank owned life insurance income. These benefits increased by only 10% in 2016, compared to the 42% increase in total pretax income. At year-end 2016, the Company’s deferred tax asset totaled $41 million, compared to $43 million at the end of 2015. The deferred tax asset at year-end 2016 included a $7 million balance related to unrealized capital losses on tax credit investments. The realization of these assets depends on the Company’s ability to generate future capital gains. The company expects to generate future capital gain income from a variety of sources, including gains realized on the sale of equity securities. Based on its plans, the Company has not established a reserve on this component of the deferred tax asset. Berkshire’s tax rate on adjusted pretax income was 26% in 2016 compared to 15% in 2015. The Company expects that this tax rate will be in the area of 25-30% for 2017, based on current tax law. Following the November elections, new federal leadership has announced plans to reduce the corporate income tax rate in the context of a major tax overhaul. A potential reduction in the income tax rate, assuming no other changes in tax policy, is expected by the Company to be mostly realized as a benefit to income tax expense on operations when any changes become effective. Since the deferred tax asset is based on tax rates currently in effect, a potential reduction in the future tax rate could lead to a write-off of some of the deferred tax asset. The Company expects that any such write- off would be viewed as a non-operating adjustment which would not affect reported adjusted net income. The Company currently relies on current tax policy in making its business decisions and any changes remain speculative at this time. Due to planned First Choice integration charges, the Company anticipates that GAAP pretax income may be lower than adjusted pretax income in 2017, with a potentially lower GAAP effective tax rate. Total Comprehensive Income. Total comprehensive income includes net income together with other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income consists primarily of changes in the net fair value of available for sale securities and derivative hedges, net of related income taxes. Total other comprehensive income was $13 million in 2016 due to the increase in the unrealized gain on equity securities following the stock market rally after the presidential election. In 2015, the Company recorded a $10 million loss for total other comprehensive income due to adverse market value changes for investment securities and derivative financial instruments. Including these 67 Table of Contents changes and the increase in net income, the measure of total comprehensive income increased by $32 million to $72 million in 2016 compared to $40 million in 2015. 44 Business Capital Acquisition. The acquisition of certain business operations and assets of 44 Business Capital, LLC was completed on April 29, 2016 and is described in Note 2 - Acquisitions of the Consolidated Financial Statements. This acquisition, based in the greater Philadelphia area, provides access to attractive mid-Atlantic commercial lending markets. 44 Business Capital now operates as a division of Berkshire Bank Specialty Lending and primarily originates SBA 7(a) guaranteed business loans, which generally exceed $1 million in loan size. This business sells the guaranteed portions of the loans and the Bank retains the unguaranteed portion. The business generates gains on the sale of these loans which is reported in loan related fee income. The Bank retains the servicing rights on sold loans; the notional balance of this servicing portfolio was $148 million at acquisition date, and the fair value premium was approximately 2.4% of the notional balance. The unguaranteed portion of the loans had a contractual balance of $43 million and was valued at $37 million at acquisition, representing a fair value discount of approximately 14% of the contractual balance. This business is complementary to Berkshire’s existing SBA loan program which primarily generates smaller SBA loans. 44 Business Capital is also located within the market formerly served by First Choice Bank and Berkshire expects to develop synergies between those operations, as well as with Berkshire’s Firestone Financial equipment lending operations. Berkshire organized a new Specialty Lending group in 2016 to oversee these operations. The 44 Business Capital acquisition by Berkshire Bank was financed primarily with cash and resulted in $16 million in recorded goodwill. Including merger costs, Berkshire estimates that this acquisition resulted in tangible book value dilution of $0.51 per share which the Company targets to earn back from earnings accretion within five years including a first year ramp up period. No cost savings were targeted with this acquisition. These operations generated $0.08 in annualized EPS in 2016, excluding merger costs, and the Company is targeting to expand this earnings source in the future. Lazzaro (RNL) Acquisition. On December 2, 2016, the Company acquired and assumed certain assets and liabilities, as well as the operations, of Ronald N. Lazzaro, P.C. (“RNL”). RNL was an independent financial planning and investment services firm based in Rutland, Vermont. The operations and assets acquired from RNL have been renamed RNL & Associates, a division of BerkshireBanc Investment Services, reflecting RNL & Associates' new position as a key component of Berkshire Bank's financial planning and investment services platform. RNL & Associates is complementary to Berkshire’s existing Vermont wealth management and banking operations and adds additional talent and expertise to the Company’s wealth and investment solutions. The Company agreed to pay $10 million, including $3 million in future contingent consideration comprised of cash and stock. The acquired customer relationships resulted in a $5 million customer relationship intangible which is scheduled to amortize straight line over ten years. This acquisition was estimated to be $0.29 dilutive to tangible book value per share. The Company anticipates revenue synergies and longer term operating efficiencies in planning the payback from the earnings accretion of the acquired operations. First Choice Bank Acquisition. At the close of business on December 2, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of First Choice Bank and the merger of First Choice Bank into Berkshire Bank. As a result of this merger, First Choice Loan Services Inc. became a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Berkshire Bank. With this acquisition, the Company added eight bank branches in the Princeton, New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia areas, as well as First Choice Loan Services, a best in class mortgage banking operations, which originates loans across a national platform. The Company issued 4.410 million total shares of common stock, valued at $34.25 per share based on the December 2, 2016 closing price. This resulted in a consideration value of $151 million. Additionally, all outstanding First Choice stock options and warrants were repurchased for $0.7 million in cash. This acquisition expands Berkshire’s banking operations into the Mid-Atlantic region in an attractive market and is complementary with the 44 Business Capital operations purchased in 2016. The excess capital and deposits at First Choice Bank provided strategic benefit to Berkshire’s resources and growth. The acquisition increased Berkshire’s outstanding stock, improving trading float and overall market capitalization. The mortgage banking operations provide a major new fee income source which is expected to allow Berkshire to achieve its target for fee income to equal or exceed 30% of net revenue, and is expected to be accretive to return on assets and return on equity after integration. Total expected transaction costs are expected to be approximately $20 million pretax and Berkshire is targeting 17% operating cost saves on the acquired operations. The acquisition was completed on schedule and the systems conversion was completed in February 2017 on schedule. This acquisition was negotiated with a total cost of 68 Table of Contents approximately $112 million based on Berkshire’s stock price prior to the year-end stock rally. The final consideration exceeded this target based on the higher price of Berkshire stock, which reflected higher market expectations for industry earnings. The Company estimates that the total dilution to tangible book value per share will be $0.26 and that the accretive earnings from the acquisition will pay back this dilution within two years. Including the benefit of a stronger banking climate anticipated by the markets, the Company expects that the return on equity will achieve the double digit targeted goal. Pro Forma Acquisition Analysis. Note 2 - Acquisitions of the Consolidated Financial Statements includes pro forma summary financial information assuming that the three business combinations in 2016 had been completed as of January 1, 2015. Pursuant to accounting principles, this pro forma financial information is based on the actual financial information of Berkshire and the acquired entities, and it includes purchase accounting adjustments and other changes to accounting principles but does not include targeted expense reductions. For 2015, the pro forma analysis shows that the acquired entities would have added approximately $107 million, a 40% increase, to Berkshire’s existing revenues. This includes the benefit of approximately $8 million in purchase accounting adjustments for purchased loan accretion and time deposit cost reduction. Berkshire views the revenues reported by these entities to be generally characteristic of normal operating conditions in that period. The largest pro forma revenue benefit was approximately $64 million in First Choice non-interest income related mostly to its mortgage banking revenues. The pro forma increase in net interest income contributed another $36 million. Fee income from 44 Business Capital was $6 million and RNL recorded $2 million in fee income. With no cost saves, the acquired entities would have increased non-interest expense by approximately $89 million, or 45%, with no significant impact from purchase accounting adjustments. Berkshire views these expenses as generally characteristic of normal operating conditions in that period. The $5 million loan loss provision actually recorded by First Choice was not a component of the pro forma analysis. The combined $18 million, or 33%, increase in pre-tax income included $7 million in pre-tax income as reported by the entities as well as the purchase accounting adjustments noted above and the elimination of the $5 million loan loss provision. After taxes assumed at 40%, the pro forma increase in net income was $11 million, or 23%. Including the additional diluted shares, diluted pro forma earnings per share increased by $0.11, or 6%. As noted, the pro forma does not included cost saves, which Berkshire targeted at 17% for First Choice, or approximately $9 million after tax. For 2016, the pro forma analysis included a combination of the actual standalone reported results of the acquired entities, together with actual results included in Berkshire’s income statement. The total pro forma combined revenue of Berkshire and the acquired entities was $397 million, a 6% increase over the $375 million in pro forma combined revenues in 2015. This reflects revenue growth at Berkshire, including the full year contribution of 2015 acquisitions, partially offset by lower net interest income at First Choice Bank. Berkshire targets future revenue synergies for all of these acquired businesses. For the determination of pro forma expenses, accounting standards require the exclusion of merger and acquisition related expenses for these entities, which totaled $13 million in 2016, or approximately $0.23 per pro forma share after tax. With this exclusion, total combined expense in 2016 was estimated at $268 million, which was $17 million lower than the $285 million combined estimate for the prior year. This reduction is primarily due to the $18 million in merger and restructuring charges recorded in 2015 which were not related to these acquisitions. Berkshire estimates that the operating expenses of the acquired entities were generally similar in 2016 compared to 2015, and that Berkshire’s operating expenses also benefited from a full year of cost saves on the Hampden operations acquired in 2015. The pro forma combined net income in 2016 totaled $2.24 per share, which was a $0.36 increase compared to the reported net income of $1.88 per share. This increase included the $0.23 benefit of the merger expense exclusion discussed above. It does not include targeted cost saves at First Choice, which was acquired close to the end of 2016. Berkshire’s 2016 reported results included approximately $0.05 in earnings per share, excluding merger related costs, from the 44 Business Capital operations for the partial year that they were owned by Berkshire. Pro-forma 2016 earnings increased by $0.40 per share compared to pro forma 2015 results, due mainly to the 2015 merger and restructuring charges. 69 Table of Contents Quarterly Results. Quarterly results for 2016 and 2015 are presented in a note to the consolidated financial statements. Results for all of these periods have been discussed in previous SEC Forms 10-Q and 10-K, except for operations in the fourth quarter of 2016. During the final quarter of 2016, the Company recorded the acquisition of First Choice Bank on December 2. Most categories of income and expense increased compared to the linked quarter. Merger and restructuring expense totaled $11.6 million during the quarter, and as a result, net income decreased compared to the linked quarter and to the fourth quarter of 2015. Earnings per share were also affected by the additional 4.4 million shares that were issued for the First Choice acquisition. The Company estimated that First Choice operations in December 2016 were neutral to adjusted earnings per share. First Choice operations are expected to be accretive to earnings per share in future periods when integration and targeted cost saves are completed. First Choice mortgage banking operations are expected to seasonally benefit revenues and earnings most significantly in the second and third quarters of 2017. The Company also expects that additional merger related costs will be recorded in the first quarter of 2017, which will likely result in lower earnings and earnings per share compared to the first quarter of 2016. 70 Table of Contents COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 Summary: Berkshire’s 2015 results included the Hampden operations acquired in April and the Firestone operations acquired in August. As a result, most measures of revenue, expense, income, and average balances increased compared to 2014. In some cases, this report refers to annualized fourth quarter results to indicate the run rate of operations including the fully integrated acquired businesses. 2015 results demonstrated a rebound from lower profitability in 2014. The adjusted return on assets increased to 0.85% in the fourth quarter of 2015 from a low of 0.71% in the second quarter of 2014. This included the benefit of an increase in the net interest margin to 3.35% from 3.26% for these dates, and an improvement in the efficiency ratio to 60.6% from 63.0%. The GAAP return on assets in these periods was 0.82% and 0.75% respectively, and included net merger and restructuring charges. The increase in profitability included the benefit of positive operating leverage produced by growth from acquisitions and business activities. Based on adjusted earnings, the adjusted return on tangible equity measured 12.5% in 2015, which is a level of internal capital generation that supports Berkshire’s dividend (36% payout ratio on 2015 adjusted earnings per share) as well as ongoing growth from business activities and further strengthening of the Company’s capital metrics. The GAAP return on equity in 2015 was 6.1%. Total Net Revenue. Total annual net revenue increased by $42 million, or 18%, to $268 million in 2015. Annualized net revenue totaled $284 million in the final quarter of the year, when both acquisitions were fully integrated. Annual results included a 20% increase in net interest income and a 14% increase in non-interest income. Fee income decreased to 21% of net interest and fee income in 2015 from 23% in 2014. Berkshire’s long term goal is to increase fee income to 30% of total revenue by increasing wallet share through cross sales, product expansion, and balance sheet management. The decrease in the fee income contribution in 2015 was due to the lower fee product penetration of the acquired businesses. Berkshire expected that these acquired operations present fee revenue synergy opportunities that may be developed in the future. Both acquisitions were funded significantly with stock consideration, and fourth quarter annualized revenue per share decreased to $9.25 in 2015 from $9.77 in 2014. The acquired businesses reported $39 million in annualized net revenue in the first quarter of 2015, the final reported quarter prior to acquisition. These acquired revenues contributed most of the Company’s revenue growth during the year, and totaled $6.93 per share based on the 5.6 million shares issued as merger consideration. Due to their higher profitability after cost saves at Hampden and improved funding costs at Firestone, both of these businesses were expected to contribute a double digit return on equity to future long term results. Net Interest Income. Annual net interest income increased by $35 million, or 20%, in 2015. This included the benefit of an 18% increase in average earning assets as well as an increase in the net interest margin. Fourth quarter annualized net interest income increased by $48 million, or 26%, to $235 million. The annualized net interest income of the acquired operations was $35 million in their final quarterly reported operations. The net interest margin was generally declining through 2014 and then expanded in 2015, primarily due to the contribution of the acquired operations. The full year net interest margin increased to 3.31% in 2015 from 3.26% in 2014. The expansion mostly reflected higher yields on commercial loans (due to the acquisitions and the remix of the commercial portfolio) which was partially offset by lower yields on mortgages and consumer loans due to yield compression in the ongoing low rate environment. The improved margin also reflected a modest lengthening of asset durations and shortening of liability durations. The net interest margin was 3.35% in the final quarter of 2015. The contribution of purchased loan accretion to net interest income was $7.6 million in 2015, including $2.4 million in the final quarter of the year. This accretion was $6.7 million in 2014. For the above respective periods, the net interest margin measured before purchased loan accretion was 3.19%, 3.22%, and 3.16% respectively. At year-end 2015, Berkshire’s remaining carrying amount for these loans was $21 million, which was a 47% discount from the contractual balance of $40 million. This discount included a balance of $7 million in accretable discount which was expected to be recorded as interest income through the ongoing performance of these loans. The new impaired loans acquired as a result of the Hampden and Firestone transactions had a total carrying balance of $34 million which had a market discount of 46%, resulting in an $18 million carrying balance for Berkshire. 71 Table of Contents Non-Interest Income. Fee income increased by $4 million, or 8%, to $57 million in 2015. Fourth quarter annualized fee income increased by $5 million, or 10%, to $57 million, including the $3 million estimated benefit from acquired operations and net of a $10 million increase in annualized tax credit investment amortization charges. Loan related income increased by $2 million to $8 million for the year. This included a $1 million increase in interest rate swap income to $4 million and a $1 million increase in gains on the sale of seasoned loans to $2 million. Mortgage banking income increased by $2 million to $4 million. Both loan related income and mortgage banking income benefited from higher volume due to low interest rates through much of 2015, as illustrated by the 40 basis point decrease in average ten year U.S. treasury rates to 2.14% in 2015 from 2.54% in the prior year. Additionally, the lower rate environment contributed to wider gain on sale spreads for both mortgage banking revenue and seasoned loan sales. Fee income variances for deposit, wealth, and insurance revenues were no greater than 2% from year to year and generally reflected lower margins on increased business volumes, including lower fee revenue penetration in acquired Hampden operations. Deposit related fee income in 2015 totaled $25 million and included $10 million in overdraft charges, $7 million in card related income, and $8 million in all other deposit related revenue. Annualized fourth quarter deposit related fees declined to 0.46% of average deposits in 2015 from 0.53% in 2014 including the impact of lower Hampden related fees. Wealth management fees in 2015 benefited from higher average securities prices which contributed to portfolio values on which these fees are based. In addition to fee income, non-interest income includes other items, as well as securities/gains losses. Other items include the amortization of the carrying balance in tax credit investment projects, which is more than offset by benefits included in income tax expense. The Company’s investment in these projects increased in 2015 due to certain redevelopment projects in its markets which include capital gains credits which are recorded at origination based on future expected capital gains income. This amortization, which is a charge against non-interest revenues, increased to $11 million in 2015 from $2 million in the prior year. These projects are discussed in the following section on income tax expense. Other items included in non-interest income in 2015 were $4 million in accrued income on bank owned life insurance policies and $1 million in distributions on investments. Securities gains/losses in both years consisted of gains on equity securities offset by bond losses. Stock gains totaled $4 million in 2015 as discussed in the earlier section on Investment Securities. In 2014, a $9 million loss was recorded on the termination of hedges as a result of the New York branch purchase; this loss was already recorded in equity and the income statement charge had no direct impact on total equity when it was recorded. Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses totaled $17 million in 2015, compared to $15 million in 2014. The provision for loan losses exceeded net loan charge-offs in both years, and resulted in an increase in the allowance for loan losses related primarily to growth in the loan portfolio during the year. Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expense increased by $31 million, or 19%, in 2015. Excluding merger and restructuring costs, these expenses increased by $22 million, or 14%. This increase included $16 million in operating expenses of the acquired operations based on their final reported results in the first quarter of 2015. Cost saves related to acquisitions and to restructuring are important elements of the Company’s strategies related to efficiency and return on equity. Based on their final reported results, annualized operating expenses totaled $17 million for Hampden and $10 million for Firestone. The Company believes that it achieved its goal of 35% cost saves for Hampden by the end of 2015. The Company did not target any cost saves for Firestone except for reducing borrowing costs, which are an element of net interest income and were achieved. The efficiency ratio improved to 61.3% from 63.2% as the Company pursues its goal to reduce this ratio below 60%. The efficiency ratio improved to 60.6% in the final quarter of the year including Hampden cost saves. The fourth quarter ratio of adjusted non-interest expense to average assets decreased to 2.43% in 2015 from 2.49% in 2014. Expense growth in 2015 was mostly in the primary operating expense components of compensation, occupancy, and technology due to the acquisitions and growth in business activities. Full time equivalent staff totaled 1,221 at year-end 2015, a 12% increase from 1,091 a year earlier, including staff related to acquired operations. Merger and restructuring expense totaled $18 million in 2015, compared to $8 million in the prior year. These expenses in 2015 included $11 million related to Hampden, $2 million related to Firestone, and $5 million related to restructuring including the 8 branches that were consolidated or sold. Berkshire has consistently focused on 72 Table of Contents managing its branch network in recent years through a combination of consolidations, closings, sales and relocations, as well as purchasing branches and open de novo offices. In 2014, merger costs included $4 million for the New York branch acquisition and $2 million for Hampden, and restructuring costs totaled $2 million. Merger related costs primarily consist of severance costs, contract termination charges, professional fees, and variable compensation costs. Income Tax Expense. In 2015, the company recorded a $16 million reduction in the income tax provision related to tax credits and deductions generated primarily from investment in historic rehabilitation and low income housing projects. The company recorded an $11 million reduction in the carrying balance as a corresponding charge against non-interest income, with a $5 million resulting net contribution to net income. In 2014, there was a $2.3 million reduction in the tax provision and a $1.5 million charge against non-interest income, resulting in a $0.8 million net contribution to net income. As a result of the tax credit program, the Company’s effective income tax rate decreased to 9% in 2015 from 26% in 2014. Measured before the tax credit benefit, the effective income tax rate was 32% in 2015, compared to 30% in 2014. In addition to the tax credit benefit, the Company’s effective tax rate also benefits from its investments in municipal bonds and bank owned life insurance. The Company reports adjusted earnings per share excluding specified items. The effective tax rate on these adjusted earnings per share was estimated to be 15% in 2015. This rate was higher than the 9% GAAP tax rate in 2015 due to the lower proportionate benefit of tax advantaged items compared to the estimated adjusted pretax income. The 15% rate was lower than the 30% equivalent rate in 2014 due to the increased tax credit benefits recorded in 2015. LIQUIDITY AND CASH FLOWS Liquidity is the ability to meet cash needs at all times with available cash and established external liquidity sources or by conversion of other assets to cash at a reasonable price and in a timely manner. Berkshire evaluates liquidity at the holding company and on a consolidated basis, which is primarily a function of the Bank’s liquidity. The primary liquidity need at the holding company is to support its capital structure, including shareholder dividends and debt service. Additionally, the holding company uses cash to support certain organizational expenses, stock purchases and buybacks, merger related costs, and limited business functions that cannot be performed at the Bank or the insurance subsidiary. The holding company primarily relies on dividends from the Bank to meet its ongoing cash needs. The holding company generally expects to maintain cash on hand equivalent to normal cash uses, including common stock dividends, for at least a one year period. Sources and uses of cash at the parent are reported in the condensed s of the parent company included in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. There are certain restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Bank as discussed in Note 18 - Shareholders' Equity and Earnings Per Common Share of the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of year-end 2016, the state statutory limit on future dividend payments by the Bank totaled $82 million. This amount is based on retained earnings of the Bank and is expected to be supplemented by future bank earnings in accordance with the statutory formula. At year-end 2016, the holding company had $43 million in cash and equivalents, compared to $36 million at the start of the year. The Parent’s cash is held on deposit in the Bank. The Bank paid $33 million in dividends to the holding company in 2016, which was an increase from $28 million in 2015. There were no dividends to the holding company from the insurance subsidiary totaled in 2016 and $6 million in 2015. The holding company has a $15 million unsecured line of credit, which had a $10 million outstanding balance at year-end 2016 and which was unused at year-end 2015. During 2016, the holding company also collected $9 million in accumulated taxes payable from its subsidiaries. The holding company invested $18 million in the purchase of equity securities in 2016 in support of the consolidated strategy for investments and asset liability management. The Bank’s primary ongoing source of liquidity is customer deposits and the main use of liquidity is the funding of loans and lending commitments. Additional routine sources are borrowings, repayments of loans and investment securities, and the sale of investment securities. The Bank targets to grow customer deposits by increasing its market share among its regions in order to sustain loan growth as a primary component of its strategy. Deposit strategies also consider relative deposit costs as well as relationship and market share objectives. The Bank’s acquisition strategy is also targeted to supplement business activities including bank acquisitions and acquisitions of 73 Table of Contents branches. The First Choice acquisition was viewed by the Company as an important contribution to the Company’s liquidity position and resources. Additionally, the Bank has expanded its use of wholesale funding sources, including borrowings and brokered time deposits. The Company monitors the loans/deposits ratio in assessing directional changes in its liquidity, and in the past has allowed this metric to reach levels near 110% depending on the timing of business activity, while generally keeping it in the range of 100% - 105% as a working target. The Company also monitors the levels of its wholesale funding in relationship to total assets. Brokered deposits can be more volatile than customer deposits depending on Company and economic events. FHLBB borrowings are in the context of standard, long-term FHLB programs but overall availability is constrained by collateral tests. The Company also monitors the liquidity of investment securities and portfolio loans and has increased its active management of the loan portfolio to accomplish Company objectives, including liquidity goals. The Bank relies on its borrowings availability with the FHLBB for routine operating liquidity, and has other overnight borrowing relationships for contingency liquidity purposes. In 2015, the Bank increased its pledging of investment securities to support municipal deposits and its use of two way reciprocal money market accounts to provide additional deposit assurance to institutional customers following its termination in the Massachusetts Depositors Insurance Fund. The Bank has also expanded its interest rate swaps with national counterparties to provide fixed interest instruments to large commercial borrowers. The Bank has strengthened its liquidity planning and management processes in conjunction with its overall growth and regulatory expectations. In 2016, the Bank’s primary use of funds was loan growth and the primary sources of funds were deposit growth and the run-off of investment securities. The Bank’s balance sheet management in 2016 included the anticipated integration of the $1.1 billion First Choice balance sheet, which resulted in changes in certain asset management and funding strategies. The First Choice acquisition improved the Bank’s ratio of loans/deposits to 99% at year-end 2016 and was viewed as a strategic enhancement to the Bank’s liquidity profile. The Bank’s plans for 2017 include an emphasis on growing loans and deposits at generally similar rates and maintaining the loan/deposit ratio in the 100-105% range. The addition of the First Choice warehouse of mortgage loans held for sale has added another attractive and profitable liquid asset to the Bank’s balance sheet; this warehouse is not included in the total of gross loans, which is based on loans held for investment. The Bank’s total FHLBB unused borrowing availability was $559 million at year-end, compared to $576 million at the start of the year. The Bank is also expanding its list of approved correspondent banks and the availability of federal funds lines to the Company, although there has been no regular use of those lines historically or contemplated. The Bank utilizes the mortgage secondary market as a source of funds for residential mortgages which are sold into that market. Secondary market counterparties include federal mortgage agencies and selected U.S. financial institutions. The Bank works with third parties in hedging interest rate locks with to-be-announced mortgage backed securities and arranging commitments for the sale of individual loans to approved secondary market investors. Most sales are on a servicing released basis. With the addition of First Choice Bank, the secondary market has increased as an element of the Bank’s liquidity management profile. For 2016, the pro-forma combined sale of held for sale residential mortgages to the secondary markets exceeded $2.5 billion for the combined Berkshire and First Choice mortgage banking operations. Berkshire has additionally developed financial institution banking relationships in and around its regions for the wholesale purchase and sale of seasoned loans. The secondary market for jumbo mortgages has been limited in recent years and a significant percentage of these loan originations were retained on the Bank’s books in 2016 and 2015. Berkshire’s financial institution banking has also expanded wholesale transactions of commercial loans, including purchases and sales of whole loans and participations in syndicated loan transactions. The greatest sources of uncertainty affecting liquidity are deposit withdrawals and usage of loan commitments, which are influenced by interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. Due to the unusual and prolonged low interest rate environment, there is uncertainty about the behavior of deposits if interest rates increase at some future time as is anticipated. The Company believes that its market positioning and relationship focus will generally enhance the stability of its deposits, and it also models various scenarios for the purpose of contingency liquidity planning. The Bank manages the concentration of deposits from customers and in various regions and product types. The Company does not believe that it has significant exposure to “surge deposits” that arose after the financial crisis and would be viewed as potentially unstable funding sources in the future. The Bank relies on 74 Table of Contents competitive rates, customer service, and long-standing relationships with customers to manage deposit and loan liquidity. Based on its historical experience, management believes that it has adequately provided for deposit and loan liquidity needs. Both liquidity and capital resources are managed according to policies approved by the Board of Directors and executive management and the Board reviews liquidity metrics and contingency plans on a regular basis. The Bank actively manages all aspects of its balance sheet to achieve its objectives for earnings, liquidity, asset quality, interest rate risk, and capital. CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company and the Bank target to maintain sufficient capital to qualify for the “Well Capitalized” designation by federal regulators. Berkshire’s long term goal is to use capital efficiently to achieve its objective to become a higher performance company with a targeted return on equity exceeding 10%. A double digit return on equity is used to benchmark all lending and investment programs, together with all acquisition analyses. The Company seeks to maintain a competitive cost of capital and capital structure. The Company generally targets to maintain a ratio of tangible equity/tangible assets in the range of 7-8%. Berkshire views its internal return on tangible capital as the primary capital resource of the Company. The return on tangible equity measured 12.5% in 2016 and 2015. This capital generation was sufficient to support shareholder dividends and targeted organic growth while also enhancing the strength of the Company’s capital ratios. The Company maintains a universal shelf registration of capital securities with the SEC. There has been no use of this shelf for several years. The Company sometimes uses issuances of unregistered stock for targeted small contractual payments. The Company has an approved stock repurchase program for 500,000 shares. There have been no recent repurchases under this program and no specific repurchases are presently contemplated. The Company normally uses common stock as a significant component consideration for business combinations. These activities have generally been accretive to the Company’s capital ratios and minimized tangible book value dilution. The resulting stock issuances have meaningfully increased the float and market capitalization of the Company, which exceeded $1 billion for the first time in 2016. The Company regularly evaluates the markets for capital instruments and views itself as well positioned to access additional capital in various ways if appropriate based on future changes in conditions. Additional discussion of the Company’s capital management is contained in the Shareholders’ Equity section of the discussion of Changes in Financial Condition in this report. AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST, AVERAGE YIELDS/COST AND RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS Tables with the above information are presented in Item 6 of this report. 75 Table of Contents CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS The year-end 2016 contractual obligations were as follows: Item 7-7A - Table 1 - Contractual Obligations (In thousands) Total Less than One Year One to Three Years Three to Five Years After Five Years FHLBB borrowings (1) Subordinated notes Operating lease obligations (2) Purchase obligations (3) $ 1,214,835 $ 1,157,118 $ 43,901 $ 5,776 $ 89,161 122,352 95,850 — 14,016 15,657 — 21,728 28,327 — 17,721 26,252 8,040 89,161 68,887 25,614 Total Contractual Obligations $ 1,522,198 $ 1,186,791 $ 93,956 $ 49,749 $ 191,702 _______________________________ Acquisition related obligations are not included. (1) Consists of borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank. The maturities extend through 2027 and the rates vary by borrowing. (2) Consists of leases, bank branches, and ATMs through 2039. (3) Consists of obligations with multiple vendors to purchase a broad range of services. Further information about borrowings and lease obligations is disclosed in Note 12 - Borrowed Funds and Note 17 - Other Commitments, Contingencies, and Off-Balance Sheet Activities of the Consolidated Financial Statements. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS In the normal course of operations, Berkshire engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are not recorded in the Company’s financial statements. The Company views these transactions as ordinary to its business activities and its assessment is that there are no material changes in these arrangements at year-end 2016 compared to year-end 2015 except for the completion of the 44 Business Capital acquisition, which was pending at year-end 2015. The operating lease obligations shown in the table above increased by $38 million in 2016 primarily due to the impact of business combinations. As previously reported in the discussion of changes in financial condition, Berkshire has outstanding derivative financial instruments and engages in hedging activities, and the fair value of these contracts is recorded on the balance sheet. The other commitments listed in the notes to the financial statements included a $141 million increase in loan origination commitments and a $119 million increase in construction related commitments which are related to the Company’s expanded business operations including business combinations. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The most significant fair value measurements recorded by the Company are those related to assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. These measurements are discussed further in the mergers and acquisitions note to the financial statements. The premium or discount value of acquired loans has historically been the most significant element of this presentation. Berkshire provides a summary of estimated fair values of financial instruments at each quarter-end. The premium or discount value of loans has historically been the most significant element of this presentation. This discount is a Level 3 estimate and reflects management’s subjective judgments. At year-end 2016, the premium value of the loan portfolio was $27 million, or 0.4% of carrying value, compared to $42 million, or 0.7% of carrying value at year- end 2015. This decrease reflected the impact of the acquired loans recorded at fair value and higher year-end interest rates and spreads available in the market, which offset the benefit of improved asset quality. The Company makes further measurements of fair value of certain assets and liabilities, as described in the related note in the financial statements. The most significant measurements of recurring fair values of financial instruments primarily relate to securities available for sale and derivative instruments. These measurements were included in the previous discussion of changes in financial condition, and were generally based on Level 2 market based inputs. 76 Table of Contents Non-recurring fair value measurements primarily relate to impaired loans, capitalized mortgage servicing rights, and other real estate owned. When measurement is required, these measures are generally based on Level 3 inputs. Financial instruments comprise the majority of the Company assets and liabilities. The net combined fair value of those instruments contributes to the economic value of the Company’s equity. This net premium value of financial instruments increased by $109 million to $615 million in 2016, reflecting the benefit of the tangible equity contributed by the First Choice acquisition plus the contribution of retained earnings, and less the impact of the lower premium related to loans, together with the other balance sheet changes. Instruments acquired in business combinations were recorded at fair value at acquisition date. These measures do not take into account the non- interest income generated by these customer relationships or the long term intangible value of the Company’s franchise in its markets. IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES The financial statements and related financial data presented in this Form 10-K have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. Unlike many industrial companies, substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Bank are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on the Bank’s performance than the general level of inflation. Interest rates may be affected by inflation, but the direction and magnitude of the impact may vary. A sudden change in inflation (or expectations about inflation), with a related change in interest rates, would have a significant impact on our operations. IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Please refer to the notes on Recently Adopted Accounting Principles and Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 77 Table of Contents ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK MANAGEMENT OF INTEREST RATE RISK AND MARKET RISK ANALYSIS Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk. The Company’s most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk. The Company seeks to avoid fluctuations in its net interest income and to maximize net interest income within acceptable levels of risk through periods of changing interest rates. The Company maintains an Enterprise Risk Management/Asset-Liability Committee (ERM/ALCO) that is responsible for reviewing its asset-liability policies and interest rate risk position. This Committee meets regularly, and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer report trends and interest rate risk position to the Risk Management and Capital Committee of the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The extent of the movement of interest rates is an uncertainty that could have a negative impact on the Company’s net interest income and earnings. The Company manages its interest risk by analyzing the sensitivities and adjusting the mix of its assets and liabilities, including derivative financial instruments. The Company also uses secondary markets, brokerages, and counterparties to accommodate customer demand for long term fixed rate loans and to provide it with flexibility in managing its balance sheet positions. When the Company enters into business combinations, it integrates existing and acquired operations as appropriate to achieve its objectives for the combined businesses. Quantitative Aspects of Market Risk. Berkshire has a targeted position to maintain a neutral or asset sensitive interest rate risk profile, as measured by the sensitivity of net interest income to market interest rate changes. The Company measures this sensitivity primarily by evaluating models of net interest income over one year, two years, and three year time horizons. The Company models a base case assuming no changes in interest rates or balance sheet composition and then assuming various scenarios of ramped interest rate changes, shocked interest rate changes, changes predicted by the forward yield curve, and changes involving twists in the yield curve. The primary focus is on a two-year scenario where interest rates ramp up by 200 basis points in the first year. The Bank also evaluates its equity at risk from interest rate changes through discounted cash flow analysis. This measure assesses the present value of changes to equity based on long term impacts of rate changes beyond the time horizons evaluated for net interest income at risk. The Company uses a simulation model to measure the changes in net interest income. The chart below shows the analysis of the ramped change described above, assuming a parallel shift in the yield curve. Loans, deposits, and borrowings were expected to reprice at the repricing or maturity date. Pricing caps and floors are included in the simulation model. The Company uses prepayment guidelines set forth by market sources as well as Company generated data where applicable. Cash flows from loans and securities are assumed to be reinvested to maintain a static balance sheet. Other assumptions about balance sheet mix are generally held constant. Item 7-7A - Table 2 - Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk Change in Interest Rates-Basis Points (Rate Ramp) (In thousands) At December 31, 2016 +300 +200 +100 -100 At December 31, 2015 +300 +200 +100 -100 1- 12 Months 13- 24 Months $ Change % Change $ Change % Change 3.96% $ 3.00 1.85 (2.34) 2.88% $ 1.93 1.73 (1.75) 7,659 6,527 4,448 (10,100) (3,085) (1,692) 7,608 (4,620) 3.07 % 2.62 1.78 (4.05) (1.45)% (0.79) 3.57 (2.17) $ $ 9,904 7,497 4,632 (5,853) 6,472 4,326 3,888 (3,935) 78 Table of Contents As of year-end 2016, Berkshire remained modestly asset sensitive over the medium term in most interest rate parallel shift scenarios. Increases in interest rates result in higher interest income compared to the scenario of unchanged interest rates based on the static balance sheet as of year-end. The general trend is that results are asset sensitive in the first year as loans and securities tied to short-term indices are expected to reprice quickly. In year two, liability repricing partially catches up with asset repricing, as deposit rates catch-up due to the impact of maturing time deposits. In year three, asset sensitivity becomes more pronounced, as loan repricings accumulate. Berkshire’s asset sensitivity improved over the prior year due to its combined balance sheet strategies. In the base case where interest rates remain flat the Company’s modeled net interest income on the static balance sheet would be adversely affected by margin tightening of 1-2 basis points per quarter on average due to ongoing yield compression that has reduced margins in recent years. However, based on its plans for ongoing asset growth, including the full period contribution of 2016 business combinations, the Company expects that net interest income will continue to grow in 2017 in a flat rate environment. The forward yield curve anticipates that short term interest rates will increase as the economy recovers and the Federal Reserve Bank gradually increases the fed funds rate. In this scenario, the Company expects less margin tightening than in the flat rate scenario. Through its pricing disciplines and mix of business, Berkshire's goal is to manage its balance sheet to support the net interest margin. With interest rates near historic lows, the Company’s focus is on the sensitivity of interest income to current low rates, to gradual increases in short term rates, and to volatility of long term rates in either direction. The Company has positioned itself to benefit from expected increases in interest rates and also seeks to monitor and manage risks associated with possible interest rate spikes if conditions revert suddenly from recent years affected by ongoing interventions from the monetary authorities. The Company’s long term target is to flexibly balance its growth, deposit funding, net interest margin, and interest rate risk management as it pursues its goals of expanding its footprint and improving its profitability. In addition to modeling market risk in relation to net interest income, the Company also models net income at risk in various interest rate scenarios, including sensitivities of mortgage revenue and expense, and income tax impacts. Management considers the risks to net income in evaluating its overall asset liability management and strategies. With the First Choice acquisition, the Company’s income at risk in the event of higher long-term interest rates has increased due to the expected decrease in volume and margins in mortgage banking due to lower demand and heightened competition when interest rates rise. Actual sensitivities will depend on the mix of purchase and refinance activity and the strength of economic conditions if rates are rising. Compared to the base scenario of flat interest rates, the Company estimates that its net income is asset sensitive in the event of the 200 basis point ramped increase scenario, with the benefit of the increase in net interest income not fully offset by the decrease in mortgage banking earnings. In this model, the Company assumes that it will reduce variable mortgage banking expenses to partially offset the impact of lower mortgage banking revenue. In evaluating its risk, the Bank also considers the potential impact of interest rate changes on interest rate swap revenues, seasoned loan sale gains, recoveries on impaired loans, wealth management revenues, and deposit service charge income. Credit underwriting criteria and loan performance can be affected by interest rate and market changes, and overall business volumes and expenses tied to those volumes may be affected. The Company considers a range of factors in the overall net income and enterprise risk management related to market risk. The Company also estimates the sensitivity of the economic value of its equity to interest rate shocks. The Company seeks to avoid having excess long term earnings at risk when interest rates rise in the future, as anticipated. At year- end 2016, the Company estimated that the economic value of equity would decrease by approximately 4% in the event of a 200 basis point upward interest rate shock. This is down from the 11% sensitivity that the Company modeled at year-end 2015 and from 8% that the Company modeled at September 30, 2016, before the First Choice acquisition. While First Choice was expected to have higher sensitivity to interest rate shocks, this was more than offset by the shorter modeled asset lives at year-end 2016 based on economic conditions at that date. Additionally, the modeled sensitivity benefited from certain modeling changes implemented in the fourth quarter which are further discussed below. 79 Table of Contents In a prolonged low rate environment, Berkshire has a number of business strategies to support its financial objectives. These include changes in volumes and mix of interest bearing assets and liabilities, as well as pricing strategies. The Company also considers its investments, borrowings, and derivatives strategies in managing its income and risk profile. Due to the limitations and uncertainties relating to model assumptions, the modeled computations should not be relied on as projections of income. Further, the computations do not reflect any actions that management may take in response to changes in interest rates. In the unusual current economic and financial circumstances in the national markets, modeling assumptions depend significantly on subjective judgment which cannot be readily verified by historic data. Additionally, due to the Company’s expansion into new markets, it has more revenues dependent on customer behaviors in products and markets where it has less historic background for its modeling assumptions. The most significant modeling assumption relates to expectations for the interest sensitivity of non-maturity deposit accounts in a rising rate environment. The model assumes that deposit rate sensitivity will be a percentage of the market interest rate change. The rate sensitivity depends on the underlying amount of market rate change and the type of deposit account. The total impact of deposit sensitivity assumptions in the model for all deposits excluding time deposits results in an estimated deposit beta of approximately 40%. This equates to approximately an 80 basis point upward move in deposit costs at the end of two years in the Company’s model of a 200 basis point upward shift in interest rates. Time deposits include brokered time deposits and are viewed as tied more closely to national short term interest rate conditions. Including these deposits, the modeled deposit beta for total deposits is estimated at approximately 50%. The Company updated various components of its interest rate risk methodologies and assumptions in the fourth quarter of 2016, including engaging a third party vendor to participate in this analysis. While various components of the analysis were adjusted, the net impact on the analysis of net interest income at risk was judged to be immaterial. This analysis included extending the anticipated lives of certain non-maturity deposits. The Company estimates that this assumption change contributed to the improvement in the measure of equity at risk compared to September 30, 2016. During the most recent quarter, the Company also implemented other modeling changes, including: changing to a different modeling system that provides more granularity and functionality for the modeling process; updating loan and time deposit prepayment assumptions, refining estimates and validating inputs related to loan spreads and floors, and expanding sensitivity analysis of various assumptions. The Company does not believe that the collective input of these modeling changes was material to the results of its calculations of net interest income or equity at risk for the period. The Company believes that its modeling enhancements are a significant investment in its risk management processes and will facilitate the Company’s growth, regulatory compliance, and potential profitability improvements. As discussed previously, the Company terminated all of its $300 million in cash flow hedge interest rate swaps subsequent to year-end 2016. The Company believed that its net interest income, as measured at year-end, would remain asset sensitive in the event of a cancellation of the swaps, and the Company believed that it had other options at lower current period costs to support its asset sensitivity as needed. The Company believes that its net income may be neutral or liability sensitive without the swaps, but the Company believes that its net income would still improve in 2017 in this scenario based on its plans for growth and on alternative vehicles for managing its interest rate risk. The termination of the swaps is expected to positively impact the net interest margin in the near term due to the elimination of the higher fixed payment rate associated with these hedges of short term borrowings. 80 Table of Contents ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data required by this item are presented elsewhere in this report beginning on page F-1, in the order shown below: Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES The Company’s management, including the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a and 15(d) -15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) as of December 31, 2016. Based upon their evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of that date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”): (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING The Company evaluated changes in its internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the last fiscal quarter. The Company determined that there were no changes that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and the independent registered public accounting firm’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting are contained in “Item 8 — Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. 81 Table of Contents PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE For information concerning the directors of the Company, the information contained under the sections captioned “Proposals to be Voted on by Stockholders - Proposal 2 - Election of Directors” in Berkshire’s Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Proxy Statement”) is incorporated by reference. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers of the Company. Name Michael P. Daly Age 55 Position President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; Chief Executive Officer - Berkshire Bank Richard M. Marotta 58 Senior Executive Vice President of the Company; President - Berkshire Bank Sean A. Gray James M. Moses 41 40 Senior Executive Vice President of the Company; Chief Operating Officer - Berkshire Bank Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company; Chief Financial Officer - Berkshire Bank George F. Bacigalupo Michael D. Carroll Allan J. Costello Tami F. Gunsch Gregory D. Lindenmuth Allison P. O'Rourke 62 Senior Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking - Berkshire Bank 55 Executive Vice President, Specialty Lending - Berkshire Bank 60 Executive Vice President, Home Lending - Berkshire Bank 54 Executive Vice President, Retail Banking - Berkshire Bank 49 Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer - Berkshire Bank 41 Executive Vice President, Finance - Berkshire Bank The executive officers are elected annually and hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or until they are removed or replaced. Mr. Daly is employed pursuant to a three-year employment agreement which renews automatically if not otherwise terminated pursuant to its terms. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Michael P. Daly. Age 55. Mr. Daly has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since October 2002. Before these appointments, he served as Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer of the Bank. He has been an employee since 1986. He has served as a Director of the Company and the Bank since 2002. Richard M. Marotta. Age 58. Mr. Marotta was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President of the Company and President of the Bank in September 2015, having previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer since January 2010, as well as Chief Administrative Officer since July 2013. He is responsible for overall risk management, compliance, human resources, information technology, legal, and strategic services, and oversees audit, which reports to the Board. Mr. Marotta was previously Executive Vice President and Group Head, Asset Recovery at KeyBank. 82 Table of Contents Sean A. Gray. Age 41. Mr. Gray was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President of the Company and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank in September 2015, having previously served as Executive Vice President, Retail Banking since 2010 and as a Senior Vice President since April 2008. Mr. Gray is responsible for the operating teams of the bank, including retail banking, commercial banking, specialty lending, mortgage banking, wealth management, insurance, and marketing. Mr. Gray joined the Company in January 2007 as First Vice President, Retail Banking. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Gray was Vice President and Consumer Market Manager at Bank of America, in Waltham, Massachusetts. James M. Moses. Age 40. Mr. Moses is Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank, since joining the Bank in July 2016. He is responsible for the accounting, treasury, and investor relations functions. Mr. Moses previously served at Webster Bank as Senior Vice President and Asset/Liability Manager. Mr. Moses joined Webster Bank in 2011 from M&T Bank where he spent four years in various roles including head mortgage trader, deposit products pricing manager and consumer credit card product manager. Prior to his work at M&T Bank Mr. Moses worked with United Benelux Investments and Credit Suisse providing services in the bond and mortgage trading and securitization field. George F. Bacigalupo. Age 62. Mr. Bacigalupo was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking in September 2015, having previously served as an Executive Vice President since October 2013 and Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer since 2011. Mr. Bacigalupo is responsible for commercial banking, including the middle-market and asset based lending teams. Previously, Mr. Bacigalupo was EVP of Specialty Lending at TD Banknorth, where he established the ABL and other middle-market lending groups. Subsequently, at TD Bank, he was the Senior Lender for New England. Michael D. Carroll. Age 55. Mr. Carroll is Executive Vice President, Specialty Lending of Berkshire Bank, a position he was promoted to in September 2016. Mr. Carroll has previously held the positions of EVP, Chief Risk Officer and SVP, Chief Credit Officer managing the risk and credit departments of the Bank. In his role as EVP, Specialty Lending he is responsible for Firestone Financial (equipment leasing) and 44 Business Capital (SBA Lending), along with business banking and is the acting commercial regional leader in the mid-Atlantic. He joined the company in 2009 as SVP, New York Regional Commercial Leader. Previously, Mr. Carroll was Senior Vice President, Middle Market banking at KeyBank. Allan J. Costello. Age 60. Mr. Costello is the EVP, Home Lending and the President of First Choice Loan Services, Inc., a position he was appointed to in January 2017. In this position, Mr. Costello is responsible for all mortgage banking operations of the Company, including originations and secondary marketing. Mr. Costello is also responsible for managing the Bank’s residential mortgage portfolio, mortgage servicing, and wholesale mortgage activities. He joined Berkshire Bank in 2011 and held the position of SVP, Audit prior to transitioning to the Home Lending Division in March 2016. 83 Table of Contents Tami F. Gunsch. Age 54. Ms. Gunsch was promoted to Executive Vice President, Retail Banking of Berkshire Bank in September 2015, having previously served as Senior Vice President since October 2011. Ms. Gunsch joined Berkshire from Citizens Bank in 2009 as First VP of Retail Banking. She is responsible for all aspects of the retail banking consumer experience, including branch operations, consumer lending, call center, and electronic/mobile banking. Gregory D. Lindenmuth. Age 49. Mr. Lindenmuth is the Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer of Berkshire Bank. Mr. Lindenmuth is responsible for Credit, credit/risk administration, and loan workout. Mr. Lindenmuth previously served as Senior Risk Examiner for the Division of Risk Management Supervision with the FDIC, where he was employed for 24 years. With the FDIC, Mr. Lindenmuth was also a Capital Markets, Mortgage Banking, and Fraud Specialist and a member of the National Examination Procedures Committee. Allison P. O’Rourke. Age 41. Ms. O’Rourke assumed the role of Executive Vice President, Finance in January 2017, having previously served as Executive Vice President, Investor Relations Officer and Financial Institutions Banking. She joined the Company in 2013 and is responsible for investor relations, financial institutions banking, and financial planning and analysis. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Ms. O’Rourke joined the Bank as Vice President in 2013 from the NYSE Euronext and previously worked in securities brokerage with Goldman Sachs and Speer Leeds and Kellogg. Reference is made to the cover page of this report and to the section captioned “Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers - Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement for information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. For information concerning the audit committee and the audit committee financial expert, reference is made to the section captioned “Corporate Governance - Committees of the Board of Directors” and “Corporate Governance - Audit Committee” in the Proxy Statement. For information concerning the Company’s code of ethics, the information contained under the section captioned “Corporate Governance - Code of Business Conduct” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference. A copy of the Company’s code of ethics is available to stockholders on the Company’s website at http://ir.berkshirebank.com. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION For information regarding executive compensation, the sections captioned “Director Compensation”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” and “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference. For information regarding the Compensation Committee Report, the section captioned “Compensation Committee Report” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. 84 Table of Contents ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS (a) (b) (c) (d) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement. Security Ownership of Management Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement. Changes in Control Management of Berkshire knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of Berkshire, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant. Equity Compensation Plan Information The following table sets forth information, as of December 31, 2016, about Company common stock that may be issued upon exercise of options under stock-based benefit plans maintained by the Company, as well as the number of securities available for issuance under equity compensation plans: Plan category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders Total Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in the first column) 108,842 $ — 108,842 $ 15.72 — 15.72 622,818 — 622,818 ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers — Transactions with Related Persons” and “Procedures Governing Related Persons Transactions” in the Proxy Statement. Information regarding director independence is incorporated herein by reference to the section “Proposals to be Voted on by Shareholders — Proposal 2 — Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Proposals to be Voted on by Shareholders — Proposal 5 — Ratification of the Selection of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement. 85 Table of Contents PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) [1] Consolidated Financial Statements • • • • • • • Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements The Consolidated Financial Statements required to be filed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are included in Part II, Item 8 hereof. [2] Financial Statement Schedules All financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is either included or is not applicable. 86 Table of Contents [3] Exhibits 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., Berkshire Bank, and First Choice Bank, dated as of June 24, 2016 (1) 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (2) 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (3) 4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (4) Note Subscription Agreement by and among Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and certain subscribers dated September 20, 2012 (5) Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., and Michael P. Daly (5) Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between Berkshire Bank and Michael P. Daly (6) Three Year Executive Change in Control Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., and George F. Bacigalupo (7) Three-Year Executive Change in Control Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., and James M. Moses (8) Three Year Change in Control Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Richard M. Marotta (9) Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between Berkshire Bank and Richard M. Marotta (10) Amended and Restated Three Year Change in Control Agreement by and among Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., and Sean A. Gray (11) Form of Split Dollar Agreement entered into with Michael P. Daly, Sean A. Gray, and Richard M. Marotta (12) Endorsement Agreement by and among Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Geno Auriemma dated as of May 14, 2012 (13) 4.2 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.10 Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (14) 10.11 Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (15) 10.12 Legacy Bancorp, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (16) 10.13 Berkshire Bank 2016 Executive Short Term Incentive Plan 11.0 Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings is incorporated herein by reference to Part II, Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” Subsidiary Information 21.0 23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 101 Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements tagged as blocks of text and in detail 87 Table of Contents (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on November 4, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to Form S-1, Registration Statement and amendments thereto, initially filed on March 10, 2000, Registration No. 333-32146. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on December 16, 2016. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on September 26, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on January 6, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibit to the Form 10-K as filed on March 17, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-K as filed on September 23, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on June 29, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2011. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibit to the Form 8-K as filed on January 19, 2011. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-Q as filed on August 9, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference from the Appendix to the Proxy Statement as filed on March 24, 2011. Incorporated herein by reference from the Appendix to the Proxy Statement as filed on April 2, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K filed by Legacy Bancorp, Inc. on December 22, 2010. ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 88 Table of Contents SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: March 1, 2017 Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. /s/ Michael P. Daly By: Michael P. Daly President & Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 /s/ Michael P. Daly Michael P. Daly /s/ James M. Moses James M. Moses /s/ William J. Ryan William J. Ryan /s/ Paul T. Bossidy Paul T. Bossidy /s/ Robert M. Curley Robert M. Curley /s/ John B. Davies John B. Davies /s/ J. Williar Dunlaevy J. Williar Dunlaevy /s/ Cornelius D. Mahoney Cornelius D. Mahoney /s/ Laurie Norton Moffatt Laurie Norton Moffatt /s/ Richard J. Murphy Richard J. Murphy /s/ Patrick J. Sheehan Patrick J. Sheehan /s/ D. Jeffrey Templeton D. Jeffrey Templeton President & Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) Non-Executive Chairman Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director 89 Table of Contents ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. As of December 31, 2016, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued in 2013, by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 was effective. Management has excluded First Choice Bank and subsidiaries ("First Choice") from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 because this entity was acquired in a business combination in 2016. First Choice represents 15% of total assets and 2% of total revenue, respectively, of the related Consolidated Financial Statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which follows. This report expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. /s/ Michael P. Daly Michael P. Daly President & Chief Executive Officer March 1, 2017 /s/ James M. Moses James M. Moses Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer March 1, 2017 F-1 Table of Contents REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. As described in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management has excluded First Choice Bank and subsidiaries (“First Choice”) from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during 2016. We have also excluded First Choice from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. First Choice is a wholly-owned subsidiary whose total assets and total revenues represent 15% and 2%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Boston, Massachusetts March 1, 2017 F-2 Table of Contents BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) Assets Cash and due from banks Short-term investments Total cash and cash equivalents Trading security Securities available for sale, at fair value Securities held to maturity (fair values of $337,680 in 2016 and $136,904 in 2015) Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other restricted securities Total securities Loans held for sale, at fair value Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages Consumer loans Total loans Less: Allowance for loan losses Net loans Premises and equipment, net Other real estate owned Goodwill Other intangible assets Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance Deferred tax assets, net Other assets Total assets Liabilities Demand deposits NOW deposits Money market deposits Savings deposits Time deposits Total deposits Short-term debt Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances Subordinated notes Total borrowings Other liabilities Total liabilities (continued) F-3 December 31, 2016 2015 $ $ 71,494 41,581 113,075 72,918 30,644 103,562 13,229 1,209,537 334,368 71,112 1,628,246 14,189 1,154,457 131,652 71,018 1,371,316 120,673 13,191 2,616,438 1,062,038 1,893,131 978,180 6,549,787 (43,998) 6,505,789 2,059,767 1,048,263 1,815,035 802,171 5,725,236 (39,308) 5,685,928 93,215 151 403,106 19,445 139,257 41,128 98,457 $ 9,162,542 88,072 1,725 323,943 10,664 125,233 42,526 64,926 $ 7,831,086 $ 1,278,875 570,583 1,781,605 657,486 2,333,543 6,622,092 1,082,044 142,792 89,161 1,313,997 133,155 8,069,244 $ 1,081,860 510,807 1,408,107 601,761 1,986,600 5,589,135 1,071,200 103,135 88,983 1,263,318 91,444 6,943,897 Table of Contents BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Shareholders’ equity Common stock ($.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 36,732,129 shares issued, and 35,672,817 shares outstanding in 2016; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 32,321,962 shares issued, and 30,973,986 shares outstanding in 2015) Additional paid-in capital Unearned compensation Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Treasury stock, at cost (1,059,312 shares in 2016 and 1,179,045 shares in 2015) Total shareholders’ equity Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 366 898,989 (6,374) 217,494 9,766 (26,943) 1,093,298 $ 9,162,542 322 742,619 (6,997) 183,885 (3,305) (29,335) 887,189 $ 7,831,086 F-4 Table of Contents BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share data) Interest and dividend income Loans Securities and other Total interest and dividend income Interest expense Deposits Borrowings and subordinated notes Total interest expense Net interest income Non-interest income Loan related income Mortgage banking income Deposit related fees Insurance commissions and fees Wealth management fees Total fee income Other (Loss) Gain on securities, net Gain on sale of business operations, net Loss on termination of hedges Total non-interest income Total net revenue Provision for loan losses Non-interest expense Compensation and benefits Occupancy and equipment Technology and communications Marketing and promotion Professional services FDIC premiums and assessments Other real estate owned and foreclosures Amortization of intangible assets Merger, restructuring and conversion related expenses Other Total non-interest expense Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income tax expense Net income Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic Diluted Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2016 $ 242,600 $ 211,347 $ 174,467 37,839 280,439 35,683 247,030 32,575 207,042 30,883 17,289 48,172 22,948 10,233 33,181 19,185 9,166 28,351 232,267 213,849 178,691 16,694 7,555 24,963 10,477 8,917 68,606 (3,289) (551) 1,085 — 65,851 298,118 17,362 104,600 27,220 19,883 3,161 6,199 5,066 691 2,927 15,461 18,094 8,310 4,133 25,084 10,251 9,702 57,480 (5,302) 2,110 — — 54,288 268,137 16,726 97,370 28,486 16,881 3,306 5,172 4,649 833 3,563 17,611 18,958 203,302 196,829 77,454 18,784 58,670 1.89 1.88 $ $ $ 54,582 5,064 49,518 1.74 1.73 $ $ $ $ $ $ 6,328 2,561 24,635 10,364 9,546 53,434 2,646 482 — (8,792) 47,770 226,461 14,968 81,768 26,905 14,764 2,572 4,211 4,284 801 4,812 8,491 17,378 165,986 45,507 11,763 33,744 1.36 1.36 30,988 31,167 28,393 28,564 24,730 24,854 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F-5 Table of Contenets BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: Changes in unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale Changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative hedges Changes in unrealized gains and losses on terminated swaps Changes in unrealized gains and losses on pension Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax Income taxes related to other comprehensive income (loss): Changes in unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale Changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative hedges Changes in unrealized gains and losses on terminated swaps Changes in unrealized gains and losses on pension Total income tax (expense) benefit related to other comprehensive income (loss) Total other comprehensive income (loss) Total comprehensive income Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ 58,670 $ 49,518 $ 33,744 18,860 1,958 — 515 21,333 (7,199) (835) — (228) (8,262) 13,071 $ 71,741 $ (9,677) (5,232) — (1,177) (16,086) 3,640 2,094 — 468 6,202 (9,884) 39,634 25,287 (1,010) 3,237 (2,308) 25,206 (9,595) 407 (1,312) 930 (9,570) 15,636 $ 49,380 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F-6 Table of Contents BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (In thousands, except per share data) Shares Amount Additional paid-in capital Unearned compensation Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Treasury stock (1) Total Balance at January 1, 2014 25,036 $ 265 $ 587,247 $ (5,563) $ 141,958 $ (9,057) $ (36,788) $ 678,062 Comprehensive income: Net income Other net comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Cash dividends declared ($0.72 per share) Treasury stock purchased Forfeited shares Exercise of stock options Restricted stock grants Stock-based compensation Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation Other, net — — — (100) (9) 90 187 — — (21) — — — — — — — — — — — — (3) — (19) 41 (1,971) (6) — — — 221 — (4,604) 3,799 — — 33,744 — (18,075) — (1,181) — — — — — 15,636 — — — — — — — — — — (2,468) (218) 2,245 4,623 — — (539) 33,744 15,636 49,380 (18,075) (2,468) — 1,064 — 3,840 (1,971) (545) Balance at December 31, 2014 25,183 $ 265 $ 585,289 $ (6,147) $ 156,446 $ 6,579 $ (33,145) $ 709,287 Comprehensive income: Net income Other net comprehensive loss Total comprehensive income Acquisition of Hampden Bancorp, Inc. Acquisition of Firestone Financial Cash dividends declared ($0.76 per share) Treasury stock purchased Forfeited shares Exercise of stock options Restricted stock grants Stock-based compensation Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation — — 4,186 1,442 — (18) (20) 16 226 — — — — 42 15 — — — — — — — — — 114,562 42,092 — — 47 — 440 — 167 — — — — — — 509 — (6,029) 4,670 — 49,518 — — — (21,903) — — (176) — — — — (9,884) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (550) (556) 415 5,589 — — 49,518 (9,884) 39,634 114,604 42,107 (21,903) (550) — 239 — 4,670 167 Other, net Balance at December 31, 2015 (41) 30,974 $ — 322 22 742,619 $ $ — (6,997) — $ 183,885 $ — (3,305) (1,088) $ (29,335) $ (1,066) 887,189 Comprehensive income: Net income Other net comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Acquisition of 44 Business Capital Acquisition of First Choice Bank Cash dividends declared ($0.80 per share) Treasury stock purchased Forfeited shares Exercise of stock options Restricted stock grants Stock-based compensation Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation Other, net — — 45 4,410 — — (70) 151 211 — — (48) — — — 44 — — — — — — — — — — — 151,004 — 4,632 148 — 575 — (1) 12 — — — — — — 1,789 — (5,787) 4,621 — — 58,670 — — — (24,916) — — (145) — — — — — 13,071 — — — — — — — — — — — — 1,217 — — (4,632) (1,937) 3,857 5,212 — — (1,325) 58,670 13,071 71,741 1,217 151,048 (24,916) — — 3,712 — 4,621 (1) (1,313) (1) Treasury stock adjustment represents the extinguishment of 168,931 shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp stock held by the Company's subsidiary. 35,673 $ 366 $ 898,989 $ (6,374) $ 217,494 $ 9,766 $ (26,943) $ 1,093,298 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F-7 Table of Contents BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses Net amortization of securities Unamortized net loan costs and premiums Premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense Stock-based compensation expense Accretion of purchase accounting entries, net Amortization of other intangibles Write down of other real estate owned Excess tax loss from stock-based payment arrangements Income from cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies (Loss) gain on sales of securities, net Net decrease (increase) in loans held for sale Loss on disposition of assets Loss on sale of real estate Loss on termination of hedges Amortization of tax credits Net change in other Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net decrease in trading security Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of securities available for sale Purchases of securities available for sale Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of securities held to maturity Purchases of securities held to maturity Net change in loans Acquisitions, net of cash paid Net cash used for branch sale Proceeds from surrender of bank-owned life insurance Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank stock Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock Proceeds of premises and equipment Purchase from premises and equipment, net Net investment in limited partnership tax credits Proceeds from sale of other real estate Net cash used in investing activities Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ 58,670 $ 49,518 $ 33,744 17,362 16,726 14,968 4,052 (4,138) 8,393 4,621 (9,407) 2,927 395 (105) (3,913) 551 5,185 1,318 40 — 8,882 3,309 98,142 3,010 (961) 8,594 4,686 (10,074) 3,563 480 (167) (3,356) (2,110) (3,212) 3,514 191 — 11,428 4,458 86,288 2,447 (2,237) 8,292 3,839 (6,938) 4,812 196 (102) (3,058) (482) (3,653) 662 231 3,237 1,668 (1,803) 55,823 599 570 541 421,843 166,736 (400,053) 7,734 (7,115) (334,347) (48,180) — 258 19,461 (19,555) 226 (9,101) (7,616) 1,515 (207,595) 41,169 143,488 184,753 (285,637) 8,534 (62,274) (388,091) 74,324 (11,715) 554 2,357 (10,706) 2,261 (7,340) (5,105) 1,854 (454,492) 131,202 (575,504) 4,800 (3,227) (481,846) 423,416 — — 5,340 (10,778) 2,315 (8,451) (5,384) 4,784 (369,304) (continued) F-8 Table of Contents BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONCLUDED) (In thousands) Cash flows from financing activities: Net increase in deposits Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ 140,730 $ 475,823 $ 340,856 Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings 9,364,599 8,566,300 5,432,069 Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings Purchase of treasury stock Exercise of stock options Excess tax loss from stock-based payment arrangements Common stock cash dividends paid Net cash provided by financing activities (9,365,159) — 3,712 — (24,916) 118,966 (8,620,064) (550) 239 (5,443,853) (2,467) 1,064 167 (21,903) 400,012 102 (18,075) 309,696 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 9,513 31,808 (3,785) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 103,562 71,754 75,539 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 113,075 $ 103,562 $ 71,754 Supplemental cash flow information: Interest paid on deposits Interest paid on borrowed funds Income taxes (refunded) paid, net Acquisition of non-cash assets and liabilities: Assets acquired Liabilities assumed Other non-cash changes: Other net comprehensive income (loss) Real estate owned acquired in settlement of loans $ 28,777 $ 22,130 $ 18,439 16,674 16,229 9,974 429 9,988 746 1,169,086 (965,529) 948,796 (762,261) 18,064 (441,550) 13,071 340 (9,884) 2,085 15,636 4,500 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F-9 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation and Consolidation The consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Berkshire”) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company is a Delaware corporation and the holding company for Berkshire Bank (the “Bank”), a Massachusetts-chartered trust company headquartered in Pittsfield, Mass. These financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and the Bank’s consolidated subsidiaries. In consolidation, all significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The results of operations of companies or assets acquired are included only from the dates of acquisition. All material wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries are consolidated unless GAAP requires otherwise. Reclassifications Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses; the valuation of deferred tax assets; the estimates related to the initial measurement of goodwill and intangible assets and subsequent impairment analyses; the determination of other-than-temporary impairment of securities; and the determination of fair value of financial instruments and subsequent impairment analysis. Business Combinations Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method, the accounts of an acquired entity are included with the acquirer’s accounts as of the date of acquisition with any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) capitalized as goodwill. To consummate an acquisition, the Company will typically issue common stock and/or pay cash, depending on the terms of the acquisition agreement. The value of common shares issued is determined based upon the market price of the stock as of the closing of the acquisition. Cash and Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash, balances due from banks, and short-term investments, all of which had an original maturity within 90 days. Due to the nature of cash and cash equivalents and the near term maturity, the Company estimated that the carrying amount of such instruments approximated fair value. The nature of the Bank’s business requires that it maintain amounts due from banks which at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Bank has not experienced any losses on such amounts and all amounts are maintained with well-capitalized institutions. Trading Security The Company accounts for a tax advantaged economic development bond originated in 2008 at fair value, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320. The bond has been designated as a trading account security and is recorded at fair value, with changes in unrealized gains and losses recorded through earnings each period as part of non-interest income. F-10 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Securities Debt securities that management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. All other securities, including equity securities with readily determinable fair values, are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of other net comprehensive income. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. Restricted equity securities, such as stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) are carried at cost. There are no quoted market prices for the Company’s restricted equity securities. The Bank is a member of the FHLBB, which requires that members maintain an investment in FHLBB stock, which may be redeemed based on certain conditions. The Bank reviews for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost bases in the FHLBB stock. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. The Company evaluates debt and equity securities within the Company’s available for sale and held to maturity portfolios for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), at least quarterly. If the fair value of a debt security is below the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI is required to be recognized if any of the following are met: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is “more likely than not” that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For all impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI through earnings. Credit-related OTTI for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Non- credit related OTTI for such debt securities is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. In evaluating its marketable equity securities portfolios for OTTI, the Company considers its intent and ability to hold an equity security to recovery of its cost basis in addition to various other factors, including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. Any OTTI on marketable equity securities is recognized immediately through earnings. Loans Held for Sale Loans originated with the intent to be sold in the secondary market are accounted for under the fair value option. Non-refundable fees and direct loan origination costs related to residential mortgage loans held for sale are recognized in non-interest income or non-interest expense as earned or incurred. Fair value is primarily determined based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets. Gains and losses on sales of residential mortgage loans (sales proceeds minus carrying value) are recorded in non-interest income. Loans that were previously held for investment that the Company has an active plan to sell are transferred to loans held for sale at the lower of cost or market (fair value). The market price is primarily determined based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets or agreed upon sales prices. Gains are recorded in non-interest income at sale to the extent that the sale price of the loan exceeds carrying value. Any reduction in the loan’s value, prior to being transferred to loans held for sale, is reflected as a charge-off of the recorded investment in the loan resulting in a new cost basis, with a corresponding reduction in the allowance for loan losses. Further changes in the fair value of the loan are recognized in non-interest income or expense, accordingly. Loans Loans are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, the unamortized balance of any deferred fees or costs on originated loans and the unamortized balance of any premiums or discounts on loans purchased or acquired through mergers. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Interest income includes net accretion or amortization of deferred fees or costs and of premiums or discounts. Direct loan origination costs, net of any origination fees, in addition to premiums and discounts on loans, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Interest on loans, excluding automobile loans, is generally not accrued on loans which are ninety days or more past due unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. Automobile loans generally continue accruing until one hundred and twenty days delinquent, at which time they are F-11 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS charged off. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged-off is reversed against interest income, except for certain loans designated as well-secured. The interest on non-accrual loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. All payments received on non-accrual loans are applied against the principal balance of the loan. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Acquired Loans Loans that the Company acquired in acquisitions are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses. Determining the fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows initially expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at an appropriate market rate of interest. For loans that meet the criteria stipulated in ASC 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” the Company recognizes the accretable yield, which is defined as the excess of all cash flows expected at acquisition over the initial fair value of the loan, as interest income on a level-yield basis over the expected remaining life of the loan. The excess of the loan’s contractually required payments over the cash flows expected to be collected is the nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference is not recognized as an adjustment of yield, a loss accrual, or a valuation allowance. Going forward, the Company continues to evaluate whether the timing and the amount of cash to be collected are reasonably expected. Subsequent significant increases in cash flows the Company expects to collect will first reduce any previously recognized valuation allowance and then be reflected prospectively as an increase to the level yield. Subsequent decreases in expected cash flows may result in the loan being considered impaired. Interest income is not recognized to the extent that the net investment in the loan would increase to an amount greater than the estimated payoff amount. For ASC 310-30 loans, the expected cash flows reflect anticipated prepayments, determined on a loan by loan basis according to the anticipated collection plan of these loans. The expected prepayments used to determine the accretable yield are consistent between the cash flows expected to be collected and projections of contractual cash flows so as to not affect the nonaccretable difference. For ASC 310-30 loans, prepayments result in the recognition of the nonaccretable balance as current period yield. Changes in prepayment assumptions may change the amount of interest income and principal expected to be collected. Interest income is also net of recoveries recorded on acquired impaired loans. For loans that do not meet the ASC 310-30 criteria, the Company accretes interest income based on the contractually required cash flows. The Company subjects loans that do not meet the ASC 310-30 criteria to ASC 450, “Contingencies” by collectively evaluating these loans for an allowance for loan loss. Acquired loans that met the criteria for nonaccrual of interest prior to the acquisition are considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if the Company can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if the Company expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, the Company may no longer consider the loan to be nonaccrual or nonperforming and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable yield. The Company has determined that the Company can reasonably estimate future cash flows on the Company’s current portfolio of acquired loans that are past due 90 days or more and on which the Company is accruing interest and the Company expects to fully collect the carrying value of the loans. Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is established based upon the level of estimated probable losses in the current loan portfolio. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the collectability of a loan balance is doubtful. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC 310, “Receivables,” and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies.” The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan types using both a formula-based approach applied to groups of loans and an analysis of certain individual loans for impairment. The formula-based approach emphasizes loss factors derived from actual historical and industry F-12 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS portfolio loss rates, which are combined with an assessment of certain qualitative factors to determine the allowance amounts allocated to the various loan categories. Allowance amounts are based on an estimate of historical average annual percentage rate of loan loss for each loan segment, a temporal estimate of the incurred loss emergence and confirmation period for each loan category, and certain qualitative risk factors considered in the computation of the allowance for loan losses. Qualitative risk factors impacting the inherent risk of loss within the portfolio include the following: • National and local economic conditions, regulatory/legislative changes, or other competitive factors affecting the collectability of the portfolio • Trends in underwriting characteristics, composition of the portfolio, and/or asset quality • Changes in underwriting standards and/or collection, charge off, recovery, and account management practice • The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows: Commercial real estate — Loans in this segment are primarily owner-occupied or income-producing properties throughout New England and Northeastern New York. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties are adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management monitors the cash flows of these loans. In addition, construction loans in this segment primarily include real estate development loans for which payment is derived from sale of the property or long term financing at completion. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions. Commercial and industrial loans — Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. Loans in this segment include asset based loans which generally have no scheduled repayment and which are closely monitored against formula based collateral advance ratios. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Residential mortgage — The Company generally does not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80 percent and does not grant subprime loans. The Company requires private mortgage insurance (PMI) in cases when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80 percent. All loans in this segment are collateralized by residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Consumer loans — Loans in this segment are primarily home equity lines of credit and second mortgages, together with automobile loans and other consumer loans. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. The Company utilizes a blend of historical and industry portfolio loss rates for commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans that are assessed by internal risk rating. Historical loss rates for residential mortgages, home equity and other consumer loans are not risk graded but are assessed based on the total of each loan segment. This approach incorporates qualitative adjustments based upon management’s assessment of various market and portfolio specific risk factors into its formula-based estimate. Due to the imprecise nature of the loan loss estimation process and ever changing conditions, the qualitative risk attributes may not adequately capture amounts of incurred loss in the formula-based loan loss components used to determine allocations in the Company’s analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The Company evaluates certain loans individually for specific impairment. Large groups of small balance homogeneous loans such as the residential mortgage, home equity, and other consumer portfolios are collectively evaluated for impairment. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining F-13 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Loans are selected for evaluation based upon a change in internal risk rating, occurrence of delinquency, loan classification, or non-accrual status. The evaluation of certain loans individually for specific impairment includes loans that were previously classified as Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) or continue to be classified as TDRs. A specific allowance amount is allocated to an individual loan when such loan has been deemed impaired and when the amount of the probable loss is able to be estimated. Estimates of loss may be determined by the present value of anticipated future cash flows or the loan’s observable fair market value, or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. However, for collateral dependent loans, the amount of the recorded investment in a loan that exceeds the fair value of the collateral is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses in lieu of an allocation of a specific allowance amount when such an amount has been identified definitively as uncollectible. Bank-Owned Life Insurance Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are reflected in non- interest income on the consolidated statements of operations and are not subject to income taxes. Foreclosed and Repossessed Assets Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure or repossession are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of the investment in the loan or fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure or repossession, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequently, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations, changes in the valuation allowance, any direct write-downs and gains or losses on sales are included in other real estate owned expense. Capitalized Servicing Rights Capitalized servicing rights are included in “other assets” in the consolidated balance sheet. Servicing assets are initially recognized as separate assets at fair value when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets with servicing retained. The Company's servicing rights accounted for under the fair value method are carried on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in income in the period in which the change occurs. Changes in the fair value of servicing rights are primarily due to changes in valuation inputs, assumptions, and the collection and realization of expected cash flows. The Company’s servicing rights accounted for under the amortization method are initially recorded at fair value. Under that method, capitalized servicing rights are charged to expense in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. Fair value of the servicing rights 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, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the tranches. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Premises and Equipment Land is carried at cost. Buildings, improvements, and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the initial term of the lease, plus optional terms if certain conditions are met. F-14 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment, and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that there may be an impairment. Adverse changes in the economic environment, declining operations, unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel, or other factors could result in a decline in the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount, a loss would be recognized in other non-interest expense to reduce the carrying amount to the implied fair value of goodwill. The Company performs an annual qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the results of the qualitative assessment suggest goodwill impairment, the Company would perform a two-step impairment test through the application of various quantitative valuation methodologies. Step 1, used to identify instances of potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment analysis is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Step 2 of the goodwill impairment analysis compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of goodwill for the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Subsequent reversals of goodwill impairment are prohibited. The Company may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and begin with Step 1. Other Intangibles Intangible assets are acquired assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. The fair values of these assets are generally determined based on appraisals and are subsequently amortized on a straight-line basis or an accelerated basis over their estimated lives. Management assesses the recoverability of these intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to income. Transfers of Financial Assets Transfers of an entire financial asset, group of entire financial assets, or a participating interest in an entire financial asset are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable for future years to differences between financial statement and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes is recognized in the income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the event it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset allowances will not be needed, the valuation allowance will be adjusted. In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying the Company’s income tax positions. Income tax positions and recorded tax benefits are based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have determined the amount of the tax benefit to be recognized by estimating the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties has also been recognized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. F-15 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Insurance Commissions Commission revenue is recognized as of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date the customer is billed, whichever is later, net of return commissions related to policy cancellations. In addition, the Company may receive additional performance commissions based on achieving certain sales and loss experience measures. Such commissions are recognized when determinable, which is generally when such commissions are received or when the Company receives data from the insurance companies that allows the reasonable estimation of these amounts. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. The fair value of restricted stock is recorded as unearned compensation. The deferred expense is amortized to compensation expense based on one of several permitted attribution methods over the longer of the required service period or performance period. For performance-based restricted stock awards, the Company estimates the degree to which performance conditions will be met to determine the number of shares that will vest and the related compensation expense. Compensation expense is adjusted in the period such estimates change. Income tax benefits and/or tax deficiencies related to stock compensation determined as the difference between compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes and the deduction for tax, are recognized in the income statement as income tax expense or benefit in the period in which they occur. Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. If rights to dividends on unvested options/awards are non- forfeitable, these unvested awards/options are considered outstanding in the computation of basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustments to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards and are determined using the treasury stock method. Treasury shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations. Wealth Management Wealth management assets held in a fiduciary or agent capacity are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because they are not assets of the Company. Fees earned from wealth management activities are amortized over the period of the service performed. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy for certain assets and liabilities and not for speculative purposes. Based on the Company’s intended use for the interest rate swap at inception, the Company designates the derivative as either an economic hedge of an asset or liability or a hedging instrument subject to the hedge accounting provisions of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Interest rate swaps designated as economic hedges are recorded at fair value within other assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded directly through earnings. For interest rate swaps that management intends to apply the hedge accounting provisions of ASC 815, the Company formally documents at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the various hedges. Additionally, the Company uses dollar offset or regression analysis at the hedge’s inception and for each reporting period thereafter, to assess whether the derivative used in its hedging transaction is expected to be and has been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it is F-16 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS determined that a derivative is not expected to be or has ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, and then reflects changes in fair value of the derivative in earnings after termination of the hedge relationship. The Company has characterized its interest rate swaps that qualify under ASC 815 hedge accounting as cash flow hedges. Cash flow hedges are used to minimize the variability in cash flows of assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions caused by interest rate fluctuations, and are recorded at fair value in other assets or liabilities within the Company’s balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness assessed as part of the Company’s quarterly analysis is recorded directly to earnings. The Company enters into interest rate lock commitments with borrowers, and forward commitments to sell loans or to-be-announced mortgage-backed bonds to investors to hedge against the inherent interest rate and pricing risk associated with selling loans. The interest rate lock commitments generally terminate once the loan is funded, the lock period expires or the borrower decides not to contract for the loan. The forward commitments generally terminate once the loan is sold, the commitment period expires or the borrower decides not to contract for the loan. These commitments are considered derivatives which are accounted for by recognizing their estimated fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either a freestanding asset or liability. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments. Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments, consisting primarily of credit related financial instruments. These financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded or related fees are incurred or received. Fair Value Hierarchy The Company groups assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. Level 1 — Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 — Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 — Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using unobservable techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. Employee Benefits The Company maintains an employer sponsored 401(k) plan to which participants may make contributions in the form of salary deferrals and the Company provides matching contributions in accordance with the terms of the plan. Contributions due under the terms of the defined contribution plans are accrued as earned by employees. Due to the Rome Bancorp acquisition in 2011, the Company inherited a noncontributory, qualified, defined benefit pension plan for certain employees who met age and service requirements; as well as other post-retirement benefits, principally health care and group life insurance. The Rome pension plan and postretirement benefits that were acquired in connection with the whole-bank acquisition in the second quarter of 2011 were frozen prior to the close of the transaction. The pension benefit in the form of a life annuity is based on the employee’s combined years of service, age, and compensation. The Company also has a long-term care post-retirement benefit plan for certain executives where upon disability, associated benefits are funded by insurance policies or paid directly by the Company. F-17 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS In order to measure the expense associated with the Plans, various assumptions are made including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, anticipated mortality rates, and expected future healthcare costs. The assumptions are based on historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its Plans. As of the measurement date, plan assets are determined based on fair value, generally representing observable market prices. The projected benefit obligation is primarily determined based on the present value of projected benefit distributions at an assumed discount rate. Net periodic pension benefit costs include interest costs based on an assumed discount rate, the expected return on plan assets based on actuarially derived market-related values, and the amortization of net actuarial losses. Net periodic postretirement benefit costs include service costs, interest costs based on an assumed discount rate, and the amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial gains. Differences between expected and actual results in each year are included in the net actuarial gain or loss amount, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The net actuarial gain or loss in excess of a 10% corridor is amortized in net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining service period of active participants in the Plans. The prior service credit is amortized over the average remaining service period to full eligibility for participating employees expected to receive benefits. The Company recognizes in its statement of condition an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status. The Company also measures the Plans’ assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the fiscal year and recognizes those changes in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Operating Segments The Company operates as one consolidated reportable segment. The chief operating decision-maker evaluates consolidated results and makes decisions for resource allocation on this same data. Management periodically reviews and redefines its segment reporting as internal reporting practices evolve and components of the business change. The consolidated financial statements reflect the financial results of the Company's one reportable operating segment. Out of Period Adjustments In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a correction of an error to adjust ($1.4) million in prior period interest income earned on loans acquired in bank acquisitions -- all of which relates to prior periods. After evaluating the quantitative and qualitative aspects of these adjustments, the Company concluded that its prior period financial statements were not materially misstated, and therefore, no restatement was required. Recently Adopted Accounting Principles Effective January 1, 2016, the following new accounting guidance was adopted by the Company: • ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis; • ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs; • ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement; and • ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement - Period Adjustments. The adoption of these accounting standards did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. This ASU contains targeted amendments to the accounting for shared based payment transactions, including income tax consequences for awards, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of activity on the statement of cash flows. Specifically, some of the requirements under the amendments include: (1) excess tax benefits and/or tax deficiencies, determined as the difference between compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes and the deduction for tax, be recognized in the income statement as income tax expense or benefit in the period in which they occur, removing historical equity treatment; (2) excess tax benefits are no longer separately classified as a financing activity but rather should be classified with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows; (3) cash paid by F-18 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS an employer when withholding shares for tax withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity. Additionally, regarding forfeitures, this guidance permits a company to make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest (current GAAP) or account for forfeitures when they occur. ASU No. 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 in April 2016 and the adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company chose a modified retrospective approach and a policy election to account for forfeitures when they occur. This change resulted in a cumulative adjustment immaterial to all periods presented. Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This ASU provides a revenue recognition framework for any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other accounting standards. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period with early adoption not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, ASU No. 2015-14, “Deferral of the Effective Date” was issued and delayed the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. In 2016, ASU No. 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent Considerations,” ASU No. 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” ASU No. 2016-12, “Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” and ASU No. 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers” were issued. These ASUs do not change the core principle for revenue recognition in Topic 606; instead, the amendments provide more detailed guidance in a few areas and additional implementation guidance and examples, which are expected to reduce the degree of judgment necessary to comply with Topic 606. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 are the same as those provided by ASU 2015-14. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2014-09, and will be closely monitoring developments and additional guidance; however, this is not expected to be material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This ASU requires an entity to: i) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (ii) present in other comprehensive income the changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (iii) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (iv) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price and; (v) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses of AFS debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. The guidance provides an election to subsequently measure certain nonmarketable equity investments at cost less any impairment and adjusted for certain observable price changes. The guidance also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is only permitted for the provision related to instrument specific credit risk. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements; however, this is not expected to be material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases”. The new pronouncement improves the transparency and comparability of financial reporting around leasing transactions and more closely aligns accounting for leases with the recently issued International Financial Reporting Standard. The pronouncement affects all entities that are participants to leasing agreements. From a lessee accounting perspective, the ASU requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for operating leases and changes many key definitions, including the definition of a lease. The ASU includes a short-term lease exception for leases with a term of twelve months or less, in which a lessee can make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessees will continue to differentiate between finance leases (previously referred to as capital leases) and operating leases, using classification criteria that are substantially similar to the previous guidance. For lessees, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease have not significantly changed from previous GAAP. From a lessor accounting perspective, the guidance is largely F-19 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS unchanged, except for targeted improvements to align with new terminology under lessee accounting and with the updated revenue recognition guidance in Topic 606. For sale-leaseback transactions, for a sale to occur the transfer must meet the sale criteria under the new revenue standard, ASC 606. Entities will not be required to reassess transactions previously accounted under then existing guidance. Additionally, the ASU includes additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures required by lessees and lessors to help users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply as well as transition guidance specific to nonstandard leasing transactions. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 to determine the potential impact the new standard will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements. It is expected that assets and liabilities will increase based on the present value of remaining lease payments for leases in place at the adoption date; however, this is not expected to be material to the Company's results of operations or financial position. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05, “Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships.” This ASU clarifies that changes in the counterparty to a derivative instrument designated as a hedge does not alone require it to be de-designated and therefore discontinue the application of hedge accounting. Companies are still required to evaluate whether it is probable that a counterparty will perform under the contract as part of the ongoing effectiveness assessment for hedge accounting. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and entities may adopt on a prospective or modified retrospective basis. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-05 as of January 1, 2017. The prior reporting period was not retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-06, “Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments” clarifying the assessment of whether contingent call or put options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of their debt hosts, a criteria in assessing whether to bifurcate an embedded derivative. The new pronouncement clarifies the exercise contingency and the event triggering the contingency does not need to be evaluated in the clearly and closely analysis relative to interest rates or credit risks. Rather, the call or put would be evaluated as a derivative regardless of the exercise contingency. Further, if an entity is no longer required to bifurcate a put or call option per the new guidance, the entity has a one-time option to irrevocably elect to measure that debt instrument in its entirety at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. ASU No. 2016-06 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The ASU should be applied using the modified retrospective basis to existing instruments as of the beginning of the annual period of adoption. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-06 as of January 1, 2017. The prior reporting period was not retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07 “Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting” which eliminates the requirement to retroactively adjust an investment that becomes subject to the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase ownership interest or degree of influence. Alternatively, an investor entity adds the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopts the equity method of accounting prospectively as of the qualifying date; no retroactive adjustment is required. Additionally, ASU No. 2016-07 specifies that when an available-for-sale equity security becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting, a company should recognize the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income through earnings at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. This guidance is effective for all entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted on a prospective basis. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-07 as of January 1, 2017. The prior reporting period was not retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. F-20 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This ASU improves financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. The ASU requires companies to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Forward-looking information will now be used in credit loss estimates. The ASU requires enhanced disclosures to provide better understanding surrounding significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of a company’s portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. Most debt instruments will require a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings on the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted (modified retrospective approach). However, there is instrument-specific transition guidance. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13, and will closely monitor developments and additional guidance to determine the potential impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company expects the primary changes to be the application of the expected credit loss model to the financial statements. In addition, the Company expects the guidance to change the presentation of credit losses within the available-for-sale fixed maturities portfolio through an allowance method rather than as a direct write-down. The expected credit loss model will require a financial asset to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance method for available-for-sale debt securities will allow the Company to record reversals of credit losses if the estimate of credit losses declines. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement to the consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” Current GAAP is unclear or does not include specific guidance on how to classify certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. ASU No. 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application will be permitted provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period. Entities will be required to apply the guidance retrospectively. If it is impracticable to apply the guidance retrospectively for an issue, the amendment related to that issue would be applied prospectively. As this guidance only affects the classification within the statement of cash flows, ASU No. 2016-15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. F-21 Table of Contents NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS 44 Business Capital On April 29, 2016, the Company acquired and assumed the business model, certain assets, and certain liabilities of 44 Business Capital LLC, along with certain loans and other assets of Parke Bank’s (“Parke”) SBA 7(a) loan program operations. 44 Business Capital was a joint venture of Parke (51%) and a management group (49%), 44 Amigos LLC, located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. 44 Business Capital was engaged in originating, servicing, and selling SBA loans using Parke’s SBA PLP preferred lender license. The transaction includes acquiring assets, key people, systems, and processes necessary for a market participant to run operations as a business. In accordance with ASC 805-10-55, the transaction was recorded as a business combination, resulting in acquisition accounting in which all assets acquired and liabilities are assumed at fair value. The loans acquired by the Bank were the unguaranteed portions of SBA loans of which $35.6 million were recorded as commercial real estate and $1.2 million were recorded as commercial & industrial. Servicing rights on a notional loan balance of $148 million were also acquired. The Company expects the acquisition to expand its SBA lending program on a super-regional and national basis with the intent of selling many of these loans on the secondary market. It expands and diversifies the Company's fee revenue sources. Additionally, the acquisition of 44 Business Capital expands the Company’s product lines, creates cross-selling opportunities, and adds niche lending to its portfolio. 44 Business Capital will operate as a direct small business lending division reporting up through the Company’s established Specialty Lending line of business. The following table provides a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the associated fair value adjustments as recorded by the Company at acquisition: (in thousands) Consideration paid: Fair Value As Recorded by As Acquired Adjustments the Company Company common stock issued to certain 44 Business Capital shareholders (44,840 shares) Cash paid to 44 Business Capital shareholders and Parke Total consideration paid Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and (liabilities) assumed, at fair value: Cash and short-term investments $ 107 $ 42,627 69 3,076 (108) — (5,400) (36) 639 — (a) (b) (c) $ 45,771 $ (4,797) $ $ $ $ $ 1,217 55,649 56,866 107 37,227 33 3,715 (108) 40,974 15,892 Loans Premises and equipment Other assets Other liabilities Total identifiable net assets Goodwill ________________________________ Explanation of Certain Fair Value Adjustments (a) The adjustment represents the write down of the book value of loans to their estimated fair value based on current interest rates and expected cash flows, which includes an estimate of expected loan loss inherent in the portfolio. Loans with evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition are accounted for under ASC 310-30 and had a book value of $6.3 million and have a fair value $2.9 million. Non-impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-10 had a book value of $36.4 million and have a fair value of $34.3 million. ASC 310-30 loans have a $708 thousand fair value adjustment discount that is accretable in earnings over an average estimated six-year life using the effective yield as determined on the date of acquisition. The effective yield is periodically adjusted for changes in expected cash flows. ASC 310-10 loans have a $2.1 million fair value adjustment discount that is amortized into income over the remaining term of the loans using the effective interest method. F-22 Table of Contents (b) The fair value of the equipment was assumed to approximate the net carrying value based on overall condition and age. The adjustment represents the immediate expensing of equipment not meeting the thresholds for capitalization in accordance with Company policy. The recorded amount will be depreciated over the remaining estimated economic lives of the assets. (c) The adjustment represents the fair value write up of book value of the loan servicing right asset to its estimated fair value based on current interest rates and expected cash flows, which includes an estimate of cost of service and conditional prepayment rates applied to the underlying unpaid loan pool balance over the remaining life of the loans. The balance includes accrued interest of $221 thousand. The fair values for loans acquired were estimated using cash flow projections based on the remaining maturity and repricing terms. Cash flows were adjusted by estimating future credit losses and the rate of prepayments. Projected monthly cash flows were then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted market rate for similar loans. There was no carryover of the seller’s allowance for credit losses associated with the loans that were acquired in the acquisition as the loans were initially recorded at fair value. Information about the acquired loan portfolio subject to ASC 310-30 as of April 29, 2016 is, as follows (in thousands): Gross contractual receivable amounts at acquisition Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable discount) Expected cash flows at acquisition Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount) Fair value of acquired loans ASC 310-30 Loans $ $ 6,265 (2,623) 3,642 (708) 2,934 Capitalized goodwill, which is not amortized for book purposes, is deductible for tax purposes. Direct acquisition and integration costs of the 44 Business Capital acquisition were expensed as incurred, and totaled $454 thousand during the twelve months ending December 31, 2016 and $285 thousand for the same period of 2015. F-23 Table of Contents Ronald N. Lazzaro, P.C. On December 2, 2016, the Company acquired and assumed certain assets and liabilities, as well as the operations, of Ronald N. Lazzaro, P.C. (“RNL”). RNL was an independent financial planning and investment services firm based in Rutland, Vermont. The operations and assets acquired from RNL have been renamed RNL & Associates, a division of BerkshireBanc Investment Services, reflecting RNL & Associates' new position as a key component of Berkshire Bank's financial planning and investment services platform. The Company expects the acquisition to expand its market share of wealth management services in its footprint, while creating a recurring source of fee revenue. The transaction includes acquiring assets, key people, and processes necessary for a market participant to run operations as a business. In accordance with ASC 805-10-55, the transaction was recorded as a business combination, resulting in acquisition accounting in which all assets acquired and liabilities are assumed at fair value. The Company agreed to pay $10.2 million, including $3.4 million in future contingent consideration comprised of cash and stock. RNL met all of the objectives for the contingent consideration and the payments were fully accrued as of the acquisition date. The acquired customer relationships (or customer account base) of RNL resulted in the capitalization of a $4.7 million customer relationship intangible. The asset will be amortized over the estimated useful life of the underlying customer accounts (10 years). The Company expects this acquisition to expand the market penetration of its wealth management and investment services, with a primary geographic focus on Vermont and the northeastern United States. Capitalized goodwill of $5.5 million, which is not amortized for book purposes, is deductible for tax purposes. Direct acquisition and integration costs of the RNL acquisition were expensed as incurred, and totaled $287 thousand during the twelve months ending December 31, 2016 and none for the same period of 2015. F-24 Table of Contents First Choice Bank At the close of business on December 2, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of First Choice Bank and the merger of First Choice Bank into Berkshire Bank. As a result of this merger, First Choice Loan Services Inc. became a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Berkshire Bank. With this acquisition, the Company added eight bank branches in the Princeton, New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia areas, as well as First Choice Loan Services, a best in class mortgage banking operations, which originates loans across a national platform. The Company expects its expanded branch and lending footprint to yield increased earnings accretion. On acquisition date, First Choice Bank had 3.369 million outstanding common shares. First Choice Bank common shareholders received 1.945 million of the Company’s common shares based on an exchange ratio of 0.5773 shares of the Company’s common stock for each First Choice Bank share. On November 22, 2016, First Choice Bank held a special meeting of its preferred stockholders, who voted to approve the merger of First Choice Bank with and into Berkshire Bank. This vote also determined not to classify the merger as a liquidation event, as defined in First Choice Bank’s certificate of incorporation and the applicable certificates of designation for the series of convertible preferred stock. Accordingly, each outstanding share of First Choice Bank preferred stock was converted into the right to receive such number of Berkshire Hills common stock equal to the number of shares of First Choice Bank common stock issuable upon the conversion of the First Choice Bank preferred stock, multiplied by 0.5773. As of the closing date, 51,000 shares of First Choice Bank preferred stock were outstanding in the following series: • • • • • 7,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, with each share convertible into 57.7300 shares of Berkshire Hills common stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares); 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, with each share convertible into 57.7300 shares of Berkshire Hills common stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares); 6,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, with each share convertible into 50.0694 shares of Berkshire Hills common stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares); 10,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, with each share convertible into 41.2357 shares of Berkshire Hills common stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares); and 12,500 shares of Series E Preferred Stock, with each share convertible into 36.3082 shares of Berkshire Hills common stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares). The Company issued 4.410 million total shares of common stock, valued at $34.25 per share based on the December 2, 2016 closing price. This resulted in a consideration value of $151.0 million. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, all outstanding options and warrants to purchase First Choice Bank common stock, whether or not vested, were terminated with a payment by First Choice Bank to the holder of the option or warrant. The payment was determined as the amount of cash equal to the excess, if any, of $16.00 over the applicable per share price of the option or warrant multiplied by the number of shares of First Choice Bank common stock that the holder could have purchased with the option or warrant if the holder had exercised the option or warrant immediately prior to the date of the merger. F-25 Table of Contents The following table provides a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the associated fair value adjustments as recorded by the Company at acquisition: (in thousands) Consideration Paid: Fair Value As Recorded by As Acquired Adjustments the Company Company common stock issued to First Choice Bank common and preferred shareholders Total consideration paid Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and (liabilities) assumed, at fair value: Cash and short-term investments $ 5,935 $ Investment securities Loans held for sale Loans, net Premises and equipment Core deposit intangibles Deferred tax assets, net Other assets Deposits Borrowings Other liabilities Total identifiable net assets Goodwill ________________________________ Explanation of Certain Fair Value Adjustments 447,960 112,669 437,832 6,354 — 9,626 42,200 (889,993) (51,796) (15,019) $ 105,768 $ — (6,009) — (13,061) (878) 7,690 8,175 (60) (2,804) 68 (5,877) (12,756) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) $ $ $ $ $ 151,048 151,048 5,935 441,951 112,669 424,771 5,476 7,690 17,801 42,140 (892,797) (51,728) (20,896) 93,012 58,036 (a) The adjustment represents the write down of the book value of securities to their estimated fair value based on estimates at the date of acquisition. (b) The adjustment represents the write-off of the balance of $14.7 million in allowance for loan and lease losses and the write down of the book value of loans to their estimated fair value based on interest rates and expected cash flows as of the acquisition date, which includes an estimate of expected loan loss inherent in the portfolio. Loans with evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition are accounted for under ASC 310-30 and had a book value of $63.8 million and had a fair value of $36.4 million. Non-impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-20 had a book value of $388.7 million and have a fair value of $388.3 million. ASC 310-30 loans have a $5.4 million fair value adjustment that is accretable in earnings over an estimated three-year life using the effective yield as determined on the date of acquisition. The effective yield is periodically adjusted for changes in expected flows. ASC 310-20 loans have a $5.8 million fair value adjustment premium that is amortized into expense over the remaining term of the loans using the effective interest method, or a straight-line method if the loan is a revolving credit facility. (c) The amount represents the adjustment of the book value of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, to their estimated fair value and the immediate expensing of equipment not meeting the thresholds for capitalization in accordance with Company policy. The adjustments will be depreciated over the remaining estimated economic lives of the assets. (d) The adjustment represents the value of the core deposit base assumed in the acquisition. The core deposit asset was recorded as an identifiable intangible asset and will be amortized over the estimated useful life of the deposit base (10 years). (e) Represents net deferred tax assets resulting from the fair value adjustments related to the acquired assets and liabilities, identifiable intangibles, and other purchase accounting adjustments. (f) The amount consists of a $0.5 million write-off of goodwill and intangible assets from a prior First Choice Bank acquisition, a $0.1 million fair value adjustment to write-down other real estate owned based on market report data, and a $0.1 million write-off of prepaid assets due to obsolescence. These adjustments are not accretable into earnings in the statement of income. (g) The adjustment is necessary because the weighted average interest rate of deposits exceeded the cost of similar funding at the time of acquisition. The amount will be amortized over the estimated useful life of one year. (h) Adjusts borrowings to their estimated fair value, which is calculated based on the expected future cash flow of the borrowings. F-26 Table of Contents (i) Adjusts the book value of other liabilities to their estimated fair value at the acquisition date. The adjustment consists of a $4.0 million increase for the fair value of the above/below market leases, a $3.4 million establishment of a reserve on certain acquired loans determined to have specific risk at the time of acquisition, a $0.9 million net decrease related to non-level leases, and a $0.6 million write-off of deferred revenue. Except for collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, the fair values for loans acquired were estimated using cash flow projections based on the remaining maturity and repricing terms. Cash flows were adjusted by estimating future credit losses and the rate of prepayments. Projected monthly cash flows were then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted market rate for similar loans. For collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, the Company estimated fair value by analyzing the value of the underlying collateral of the loans, assuming the fair values of the loans were derived from the eventual sale of the collateral. Those values were discounted using market derived rates of return, with consideration given to the period of time and costs associated with the foreclosure and disposition of the collateral. There was no carryover of the seller’s allowance for credit losses associated with the loans acquired, as the loans were initially recorded at fair value. Information about the First Choice Bank acquired loan portfolio subject to ASC 310-30 as of December 2, 2016 is as follows (in thousands): Gross contractual receivable amounts at acquisition Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable discount) Expected cash flows at acquisition Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount) Fair value of acquired loans ASC 310-30 Loans 63,820 (21,926) 41,894 (5,417) 36,477 $ $ Capitalized goodwill, which is not amortized for book purposes, is not deductible for tax purposes. Direct acquisition and integration costs of the First Choice Bank acquisition were expensed as incurred, and totaled $11.9 million during the twelve months ending December 31, 2016 and there were none for the same period of 2015. F-27 Table of Contents Pro Forma Information (unaudited) The following table presents selected unaudited pro forma financial information reflecting the acquisitions of First Choice Bank, RNL, and 44 Business Capital assuming the acquisitions were completed as of January 1, 2015. The unaudited pro forma financial information includes adjustments for scheduled amortization and accretion of fair value adjustments recorded at the acquisitions. These adjustments would have been different if they had been recorded on January 1, 2015, and they do not include the impact of prepayments. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the combined financial results of the Company and the acquisitions had the transactions actually been completed at the beginning of the periods presented, nor does it indicate future results for any other interim or full-year period. Pro forma basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated using Berkshire’s actual weighted-average shares outstanding for the periods presented plus the 45 thousand shares and 4.4 million shares issued as a result of the 44 Business Capital and First Choice Bank acquisitions, respectively. The unaudited pro forma information is based on the actual financial statements of Berkshire and the acquired businesses for the periods shown until the dates of acquisition, at which time the acquired business’ operations became included in Berkshire’s financial statements. For the period from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2016, 44 Business Capital's net revenue was $5.5 million and net income was $1.3 million which includes $454 thousand of acquisition expenses. For whole-bank acquisitions, the Company has determined it is impractical to report the amounts of revenue and earnings of each entity since acquisition date. Due to the integration of their operations with those of the organization, the Company does not record revenue and earnings separately. The revenue and earnings of First Choice Bank’s operations are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The unaudited pro forma information, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, set forth below reflects adjustments related to (a) amortization and accretion of purchase accounting fair value adjustments; (b) amortization of core deposit and customer relationship intangibles; and (c) an estimated tax rate of 40 percent. Direct acquisition expenses incurred by the Company during 2016, as noted above, are reversed for the purposes of this unaudited pro forma information. Furthermore, the unaudited pro forma information does not reflect management’s estimate of any revenue-enhancing or anticipated cost-savings that could occur as a result of the acquisition. Information in the following table is shown in thousands, except earnings per share: Net interest income Non-interest income Net income Pro forma earnings per share: Basic Diluted Pro Forma (unaudited) Years ended December 31, 2016 259,494 137,395 79,011 2.25 2.24 $ $ $ 2015 249,533 125,855 60,852 1.85 1.84 $ $ $ F-28 Table of Contents NOTE 3. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, and short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Short-term investments included $0.9 million and $16.1 million pledged as collateral support for derivative financial contracts at year-end 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Federal Reserve Bank requires the Bank to maintain certain reserve requirements of vault cash and/or deposits. The reserve requirement, included in cash and equivalents, was $17.0 million and $6.4 million at year-end 2016 and 2015, respectively. NOTE 4. TRADING SECURITY The Company holds a tax advantaged economic development bond that is being accounted for at fair value. The security had an amortized cost of $11.4 million and $12.0 million and a fair value of $13.2 million and $14.2 million at year-end 2016 and 2015, respectively. Unrealized (losses) gains recorded through income on this security totaled ($0.4) million, ($0.2) million, and $0.6 million for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. As discussed further in Note 16 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, the Company has entered into a swap contract to swap- out the fixed rate of the security in exchange for a variable rate. The Company does not purchase securities with the intent of selling them in the near term, and there are no other securities in the trading portfolio at year-end 2016 and 2015. F-29 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 5. SECURITIES The following is a summary of securities available for sale (“AFS”) and securities held to maturity (“HTM”): (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Securities available for sale Debt securities: Municipal bonds and obligations Agency collateralized mortgage obligations Agency mortgage-backed securities Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Corporate bonds Trust preferred securities Other bonds and obligations Total debt securities Marketable equity securities Total securities available for sale Securities held to maturity Municipal bonds and obligations Agency collateralized mortgage obligations Agency mortgage-backed securities Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Tax advantaged economic development bonds Other bonds and obligations Total securities held to maturity Total December 31, 2015 Securities available for sale Debt securities: Municipal bonds and obligations Agency collateralized mortgage obligations Agency mortgage-backed securities Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Corporate bonds Trust preferred securities Other bonds and obligations Total debt securities Marketable equity securities Total securities available for sale Securities held to maturity Municipal bonds and obligations Agency collateralized mortgage-backed securities Tax advantaged economic development bonds Other bonds and obligations Total securities held to maturity Total Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value $ 117,910 $ 2,955 $ 652,680 230,308 65,673 56,320 11,578 10,979 1,145,448 47,858 1,193,306 203,463 75,655 9,102 10,545 35,278 325 334,368 2,522 557 229 408 368 195 7,234 19,296 26,530 3,939 1,281 — — 1,596 — 6,816 $1,527,674 $ 33,346 64,534 228,684 (1,049) $ 119,816 (3,291) 651,911 (2,181) (1,368) (722) (59) (16) (8,686) (1,613) (10,299) 65,541 1,209,537 1,143,996 11,887 11,158 56,006 (2,416) (411) (243) (434) — — (3,504) 204,986 76,525 8,859 10,111 36,874 325 337,680 $ (13,803) $1,547,217 $ 99,922 $ 4,763 $ (124) $ 104,561 833,036 833,633 127,274 — 42,849 11,719 3,175 1,118,572 30,522 1,149,094 94,642 68 36,613 329 131,652 4,957 542 — — 182 — 10,444 5,331 15,775 3,359 3 1,924 — 5,286 $1,280,746 $ 21,061 F-30 (5,554) (987) — (1,826) (1) (34) (8,526) (1,886) (10,412) (34) — — — (34) 126,829 — 41,023 11,900 3,141 1,120,490 33,967 1,154,457 97,967 71 38,537 329 136,904 $ (10,446) $1,291,361 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS At year-end 2016 and 2015, accumulated net unrealized gains on AFS securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income were $16.2 million and $5.3 million, respectively. At year-end 2016 and 2015, accumulated net unrealized gains on HTM securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income were $9.0 million and $954 thousand respectively. The year-end 2016 and 2015 related income tax benefit of $9.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, was also included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale (AFS) and held to maturity (HTM) securities, segregated by contractual maturity at year-end 2016 are presented below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Mortgage-backed securities are shown in total, as their maturities are highly variable. Equity securities have no maturity and are also shown in total. (In thousands) Within 1 year Over 1 year to 5 years Over 5 years to 10 years Over 10 years Total bonds and obligations Marketable equity securities Mortgage-backed securities Total Available for sale Held to maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost $ — $ — $ 25,697 48,637 122,453 196,787 26,042 49,397 123,428 198,867 1,803 19,674 17,502 200,087 239,066 47,858 948,661 $ 1,193,306 65,541 945,129 $ 1,209,537 $ — 95,302 334,368 Fair Value 1,806 20,494 17,968 201,917 242,185 — 95,495 337,680 $ $ At year-end 2016 and 2015, the Company had pledged securities as collateral for certain municipal deposits and for interest rate swaps with certain counterparties. The total amortized cost and fair values of these pledged securities follows. Additionally, there is a blanket lien on certain securities to collateralize borrowings from the FHLBB, as discussed further in Note 12 - Borrowed Funds. (In thousands) Securities pledged to swap counterparties Securities pledged for municipal deposits Total 2016 2015 Amortized Cost 51,292 147,950 199,242 $ $ Fair Value 51,290 148,435 199,725 Amortized Cost 27,687 134,865 162,552 $ $ Fair Value 27,626 135,755 163,381 $ $ $ $ Proceeds from the sale of AFS securities in 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $421.8 million, $41.2 million, and $143.5 million, respectively. The components of net realized gains and losses on the sale of AFS securities are as follows. These amounts were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and into earnings: (In thousands) Gross realized gains Gross realized losses Net realized (losses)/gains 2016 2015 2014 $ $ $ 2,762 (3,313) (551) $ 4,567 (2,457) 2,110 $ $ 2,601 (2,119) 482 F-31 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Securities with unrealized losses, segregated by the duration of their continuous unrealized loss positions, are summarized as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Securities available for sale Debt securities: Less Than Twelve Months Over Twelve Months Total Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Municipal bonds and obligations $ 1,049 $ 13,839 $ — $ — $ 1,049 $ 13,839 Agency collateralized mortgage obligations Agency mortgage-backed securities Agency commercial mortgage-back securities Corporate bonds Trust preferred securities Other bonds and obligations Total debt securities Marketable equity securities Total securities available for sale Securities held to maturity Municipal bonds and obligations Agency collateralized mortgage obligations Agency mortgage-backed securities Agency commercial mortgage-back securities Total securities held to maturity 3,291 2,153 1,368 11 — 15 319,448 130,766 44,860 4,780 — 3,014 — 28 — 711 59 1 — 2,061 — 19,655 1,204 27 3,291 2,181 1,368 722 59 16 319,448 132,827 44,860 24,435 1,204 3,041 7,887 157 8,044 516,707 6,600 $ 523,307 $ 799 1,456 2,255 22,947 5,927 $ 28,874 8,686 1,613 $ 10,299 539,654 12,527 $ 552,181 $ 2,416 411 243 434 3,504 69,308 14,724 8,859 10,111 103,002 — — — — — — — — — — 2,416 411 243 434 3,504 69,308 14,724 8,859 10,111 103,002 Total $ 11,548 $ 626,309 $ 2,255 $ 28,874 $ 13,803 $ 655,183 December 31, 2015 Securities available for sale Debt securities: Municipal bonds and obligations $ 9 $ 1,587 $ 115 $ 3,400 $ 124 $ 4,987 Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 2,958 304,907 2,596 136,988 5,554 441,895 Agency mortgage-backed securities Corporate bonds Trust preferred securities Other bonds and obligations Total debt securities Marketable equity securities Total securities available for sale Securities held to maturity Municipal bonds and obligations Total securities held to maturity 306 30 1 — 3,304 534 34,543 6,934 1,269 108 349,348 2,908 681 1,796 — 34 5,222 1,352 35,522 21,587 — 3,032 200,529 5,729 987 1,826 1 34 8,526 1,886 70,065 28,521 1,269 3,140 549,877 8,637 $ 3,838 $ 352,256 $ 6,574 $ 206,258 $ 10,412 $ 558,514 — — — — 34 34 2,143 2,143 34 34 2,143 2,143 Total $ 3,838 $ 352,256 $ 6,608 $ 208,401 $ 10,446 $ 560,657 F-32 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Debt Securities The Company expects to recover its amortized cost basis on all debt securities in its AFS and HTM portfolios. Furthermore, the Company does not intend to sell nor does it anticipate that it will be required to sell any of its securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016, prior to this recovery. The Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities until recovery is supported by the Company’s strong capital and liquidity positions as well as its historical low portfolio turnover. The following summarizes, by investment security type, the basis for the conclusion that the debt securities in an unrealized loss position within the Company’s AFS and HTM portfolios did not maintain other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") at year-end 2016: AFS municipal bonds and obligations At year-end 2016, 16 of the 271 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS municipal bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 7.1% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Company continually monitors the municipal bond sector of the market carefully and periodically evaluates the appropriate level of exposure to the market. At this time, the Company feels that the bonds in this portfolio carry minimal risk of default and that the Company is appropriately compensated for that risk. The bonds are investment grade rated, and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2016. All securities are performing. AFS collateralized mortgage obligations At year-end 2016, 71 of the 218 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS collateralized mortgage obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.0% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), and Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") guarantee the contractual cash flows of all of the Company's collateralized residential mortgage obligations. The securities are investment grade rated, and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2016. All securities are performing. AFS mortgage-backed securities At year-end 2016, 52 out of a total of 105 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS mortgage-backed securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 2.0% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) guarantees the contractual cash flows of the Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2016. All securities are performing. AFS corporate bonds At year-end 2016, 3 out of 11 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS corporate bonds were in an unrealized loss position. The aggregate unrealized loss represents 2.9% of the amortized cost of bonds in unrealized loss positions. The Company reviews the financial strength of these bonds and concluded that the amortized cost remains supported by the expected future cash flows of these securities. At year-end 2016, $0.7 million of the total unrealized losses were attributable to a $17.5 million investment. The Company evaluated these securities, with a Level 2 fair value of $16.8 million, for potential OTTI at December 31, 2016 and determined that OTTI was not evident based on both the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until the recovery of its remaining amortized cost. AFS trust preferred securities At year-end 2016, 1 out of the 3 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS trust preferred securities was in an unrealized loss position. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 4.6% of the amortized cost of the security in an unrealized loss position. The Company’s evaluation of the present value of expected cash flows on this security supports its conclusions about the recoverability of the securities’ amortized cost basis. This security is investment grade rated. The Company reviews the financial strength of all of the single issue trust issuers and has concluded that the amortized cost remains supported by the market value of these securities and they are performing. F-33 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AFS other bonds and obligations At year-end 2016, 5 of the 9 securities in the Company’s portfolio of other bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 0.5% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The securities are all investment grade rated, and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2016. All securities are performing. HTM Municipal bonds and obligations At year-end 2016, 53 of the 199 securities in the Company’s portfolio of other bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 3.4% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during the quarter. All securities are performing. HTM collateralized mortgage obligations At year-end 2016, 1 of the 9 securities in the Company’s portfolio of HTM collateralized mortgage obligations was in an unrealized loss position. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 2.7% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"). Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), and Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") guarantee the contractual cash flows of all of the Company's collateralized residential mortgage obligations. The securities are investment grade rated, and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2016. All securities are performing. HTM mortgage-backed securities At year-end 2016, 2 out of a total of 2 securities in the Company’s portfolio of HTM mortgage-backed securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 3.5% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) guarantees the contractual cash flows of the Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2016. All securities are performing. Marketable Equity Securities In evaluating its marketable equity securities portfolio for OTTI, the Company considers its ability to more likely than not hold an equity security to recovery. The Company additionally considers other various factors including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. Any OTTI is recognized immediately through earnings. At year-end 2016, 7 out of a total of 27 securities in the Company’s portfolio of marketable equity securities were in an unrealized loss position. The unrealized loss represented 11.4% of the amortized cost of the securities. The Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities until a recovery of their cost basis and does not consider the securities other-than- temporarily impaired at year-end 2016. As new information becomes available in future periods, changes to the Company’s assumptions may be warranted and could lead to a different conclusion regarding the OTTI of these securities. F-34 Table of Contents NOTE 6. LOANS NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Company’s loan portfolio is segregated into the following segments: commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, residential mortgage, and consumer. Commercial real estate loans include construction, single and multi- family, and other commercial real estate classes. Commercial and industrial loans include asset based lending loans, lease financing, and other commercial business loans. Residential mortgage loans include classes for 1-4 family owner occupied and construction loans. Consumer loans include home equity, direct and indirect auto and other consumer loan classes. These portfolio segments each have unique risk characteristics that are considered when determining the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is secured by real estate in western Massachusetts, southern Vermont, northeastern New York, and in the Bank’s other New England lending areas. The ability of many of the Bank’s borrowers to honor their contracts is dependent, among other things, on the specific economy and real estate markets of these areas. Total loans include business activity loans and acquired loans. Acquired loans are those loans acquired from First Choice Bank, Parke Bank, Firestone Financial Corp., Hampden Bancorp, Inc., the New York branch acquisition, Beacon Federal Bancorp, Inc., The Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, Legacy Bancorp, Inc., and Rome Bancorp, Inc. The following is a summary of total loans: (In thousands) Commercial real estate: Construction Single and multi-family Other commercial real estate Total commercial real estate December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Business Activities Loans Acquired Loans Total Business Activities Loans Acquired Loans Total $ 253,302 $ 34,207 $ 287,509 $ 210,196 $ 43,474 $ 253,670 191,819 1,481,223 1,926,344 125,672 530,215 690,094 317,491 214,823 2,011,438 1,209,008 2,616,438 1,634,027 36,783 345,483 425,740 251,606 1,554,491 2,059,767 Commercial and industrial loans: Asset based lending Other commercial and industrial loans Total commercial and industrial loans 321,270 586,832 908,102 — 321,270 331,253 — 331,253 153,936 153,936 740,768 1,062,038 495,979 827,232 221,031 221,031 717,010 1,048,263 Total commercial loans 2,834,446 844,030 3,678,476 2,461,259 646,771 3,108,030 Residential mortgages: 1-4 family Construction 1,583,794 297,355 1,881,149 1,454,233 332,747 1,786,980 11,178 804 11,982 26,704 1,351 28,055 Total residential mortgages 1,594,972 298,159 1,893,131 1,480,937 334,098 1,815,035 Consumer loans: Home equity Auto and other Total consumer loans 313,521 478,368 791,889 80,279 106,012 186,291 393,800 584,380 978,180 307,159 311,328 618,487 53,446 130,238 183,684 360,605 441,566 802,171 Total loans $ 5,221,307 $ 1,328,480 $ 6,549,787 $ 4,560,683 $ 1,164,553 $ 5,725,236 F-35 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Total unamortized net costs and premiums included in the year-end total loans for business activity loans were the following: (In thousands) Unamortized net loan origination costs Unamortized net premium on purchased loans Total unamortized net costs and premiums December 31, 2016 21,972 $ 4,849 26,821 $ December 31, 2015 17,448 $ 4,694 22,142 $ The Company occasionally transfers a portion of its originated commercial loans to participating lending partners. The amounts transferred have been accounted for as sales and are therefore not included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company and its lending partners share proportionally in any gains or losses that may result from a borrower’s lack of compliance with contractual terms of the loan. The Company continues to service the loans, collects cash payments from the borrowers, remits payments (net of servicing fees), and disburses required escrow funds to relevant parties. At year-end 2016 and 2015, the Company was servicing loans for participants totaling $459.3 million and $189.0 million, respectively. In 2016, the Company purchased loans aggregating $190.8 million and sold loans aggregating $307.7 million. In 2015, the Company purchased loans aggregating $124.4 million and sold loans aggregating $121.0 million. Net gains (losses) on sales of loans were $8 million, $6 million, and $4 million for the years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. These amounts are included in Loan Related Income on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Most of the Company’s lending activity occurs within its primary markets in Western Massachusetts, Southern Vermont, and Northeastern New York. Most of the loan portfolio is secured by real estate, including residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, and home equity loans. Year-end loans to operators of non-residential buildings totaled $1.1 billion, or 16.8%, and $0.8 billion, or 14.7% of total loans in 2016 and 2015, respectively. There were no other concentrations of loans related to any single industry in excess of 10% of total loans at year-end 2016 or 2015. At year-end 2016, the Company had pledged loans totaling $100 million to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston as collateral for certain borrowing arrangements. Also, residential first mortgage loans are subject to a blanket lien for FHLBB advances. See Note 12 - Borrowed Funds. At year-end 2016 and 2015, the Company’s commitments outstanding to related parties totaled $38.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively, and the loans outstanding against these commitments totaled $25.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Related parties include directors and executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective affiliates in which they have a controlling interest, and immediate family members. For the years 2016 and 2015, all related party loans were performing. The carrying amount of the acquired loans at December 31, 2016 totaled $1.3 billion. A subset of these loans was determined to have evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition date, which is accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30. These purchased credit-impaired loans presently maintain a carrying value of $46.8 million. These loans are evaluated for impairment through the periodic reforecasting of expected cash flows. Of the $46.8 million, $34.8 million are Commercial Real Estate, $3.4 million are Commercial and Industrial loans, $7.3 million are Residential Mortgages and $1.3 million are Consumer loans. The carrying amount of the acquired loans at December 31, 2015 totaled $1.2 billion. A subset of these loans was determined to have evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition date, which is accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30. These purchased credit-impaired loans presently maintain a carrying value of $21.4 million. These loans are evaluated for impairment through the periodic reforecasting of expected cash flows. Of the $21.4 million, $15.8 million are Commercial Real Estate, $2.8 million are Commercial and Industrial loans, $2.6 million are Residential Mortgages, and $249 thousand are Consumer loans. F-36 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table summarizes activity in the accretable yield for the acquired loan portfolio that falls under the purview of ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality: (In thousands) Balance at beginning of period Acquisitions Reclassification from nonaccretable difference for loans with improved cash flows Changes in expected cash flows that do not affect nonaccretable difference Reclassification to TDR Accretion Balance at end of period 2016 2015 $ 6,925 $ 6,125 2,488 (3,018) (185) (3,597) 8,738 $ $ 2,541 4,777 3,640 — — (4,033) 6,925 The following is a summary of past due loans at December 31, 2016 and 2015: Asset based lending — — — — 321,270 321,270 Business Activities Loans (in thousands) December 31, 2016 Commercial real estate: Construction Single and multi-family Commercial real estate Total Commercial and industrial loans Other commercial and industrial loans Total Residential mortgages: 1-4 family Construction Total Consumer loans: Home equity Auto and other Total Total — 155 — 155 — 5 5 1,956 — 1,956 306 16 322 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due >90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Current Total Loans Past Due > 90 days and Accruing $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 253,302 $ 253,302 $ 618 481 1,099 110 2,243 2,353 624 4,212 4,836 1,352 6,936 8,288 190,467 191,819 1,474,287 1,481,223 1,918,056 1,926,344 3,090 3,090 1,393 10 1,403 99 2,483 2,582 1,301 1,301 701 — 701 — 494 494 6,290 6,290 4,179 — 4,179 2,981 968 3,949 10,681 10,681 576,151 897,421 586,832 908,102 6,273 10 6,283 3,080 3,945 7,025 1,577,521 11,168 1,588,689 1,583,794 11,178 1,594,972 310,441 474,423 784,864 313,521 478,368 791,889 $ 8,174 $ 4,849 $ 19,254 $ 32,277 $5,189,030 $5,221,307 $ 2,438 F-37 Table of Contents Business Activities Loans NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands) December 31, 2015 Commercial real estate: Construction Single and multi-family Commercial real estate Total Commercial and industrial loans Asset based lending Other commercial and industrial loans Total Residential mortgages: 1-4 family Construction Total Consumer loans: Home equity Auto and other Total Total Acquired Loans (in thousands) December 31, 2016 Commercial real estate: Construction Single and multi-family Commercial real estate Total Commercial and industrial loans Asset based lending Other commercial and industrial loans Total Residential mortgages: 1-4 family Construction Total Consumer loans: Home equity Auto and other Total Total 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due >90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Current Total Loans Past Due > 90 days and Accruing $ — $ — $ 65 1,523 1,588 — 1,202 1,202 3,537 — 3,537 563 1,230 1,793 160 831 991 — 1,105 1,105 857 — 857 20 132 152 58 70 3,286 3,414 $ 58 $ 210,138 $ 210,196 $ 295 5,640 5,993 214,528 214,823 1,203,368 1,209,008 1,628,034 1,634,027 — — 331,253 331,253 7,770 7,770 4,304 — 4,304 1,658 610 2,268 10,077 10,077 485,902 817,155 495,979 827,232 8,698 — 8,698 2,241 1,972 4,213 1,445,535 26,704 1,472,239 1,454,233 26,704 1,480,937 304,918 309,356 614,274 307,159 311,328 618,487 — — — — — 146 146 2,006 — 2,006 61 59 120 $ 8,120 $ 3,105 $ 17,756 $ 28,981 $4,531,702 $4,560,683 $ 2,272 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due >90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Acquired Credit Impaired Total Loans Past Due > 90 days and Accruing $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 47 $ 34,207 $ 2 1,555 1,557 — 1,850 1,850 321 — 321 753 542 1,295 $ 5,023 $ — — — — 15 15 343 — 343 — 314 314 672 437 765 1,202 — 1,262 1,262 2,015 — 2,015 870 1,686 2,556 439 2,320 2,759 — 3,127 3,127 2,679 — 2,679 1,623 2,542 4,165 4,726 30,047 34,820 — 3,369 3,369 7,283 — 7,283 957 387 1,344 125,672 530,215 690,094 — 153,936 153,936 297,355 804 298,159 80,279 106,012 186,291 $ 7,035 $ 12,730 $ 46,816 $1,328,480 $ — — — — — 24 24 443 — 443 353 791 1,144 1,611 F-38 Table of Contents Acquired Loans (in thousands) December 31, 2015 Commercial real estate: Construction Single and multi-family Commercial real estate Total Commercial and industrial loans: Asset based lending Other commercial and industrial loans Total Residential mortgages: 1-4 family Construction Total Consumer loans: Home equity Auto and other Total Total NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due >90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Acquired Credit Impaired Total Loans Past Due > 90 days and Accruing $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,298 $ 43,474 $ — 547 547 — 1,214 1,214 2,580 — 2,580 82 1,491 1,573 176 43 219 — 505 505 311 — 311 277 145 422 227 1,368 1,595 — 1,420 1,420 1,880 — 1,880 837 1,081 1,918 403 1,958 2,361 — 3,139 3,139 4,771 — 4,771 1,196 2,717 3,913 1,380 13,087 15,765 — 2,775 2,775 2,572 — 2,572 118 132 250 36,783 345,483 425,740 — 221,031 221,031 332,747 1,351 334,098 53,446 130,238 183,684 $ 5,914 $ 1,457 $ 6,813 $ 14,184 $ 21,362 $1,164,553 $ — 127 127 — 785 785 212 — 212 111 187 298 1,422 F-39 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following is summary information pertaining to non-accrual loans at year-end 2016 and 2015: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Business Activities Loans Acquired Loans (1) Total Business Activities Loans Acquired Loans (2) Total (In thousands) Commercial real estate: Construction Single and multi-family Other commercial real estate Total Commercial and industrial loans: Asset based lending Other commercial and industrial loans Total Residential mortgages: 1-4 family Construction Total Consumer loans: Home equity Auto and other Total $ — 469 4,212 4,681 — 6,285 6,285 2,223 — 2,223 2,675 952 3,627 $ — 437 765 1,202 — 1,155 1,155 1,572 — 1,572 517 895 1,412 $ — 906 4,977 5,883 — 7,440 7,440 3,795 — 3,795 3,192 1,847 5,039 $ 59 70 3,285 3,414 — 7,624 7,624 2,298 — 2,298 1,597 551 2,148 $ — 100 1,368 1,468 — 597 597 1,668 — 1,668 727 893 1,620 $ 59 170 4,653 4,882 — 8,221 8,221 3,966 — 3,966 2,324 1,444 3,768 Total non-accrual loans $ 16,816 $ 5,341 $ 22,157 $ 15,484 $ 5,353 $ 20,837 (1) At year-end 2016, acquired credit impaired loans account for $83 thousand of loans greater than 90 days past due that are not presented in the above table. (2) At year-end 2015, acquired credit impaired loans account for $39 thousand of loans greater than 90 days past due that are not presented in the above table. F-40 Table of Contents Loans evaluated for impairment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Business Activities Loans (In thousands) 2016 Loans receivable: Balance at end of year Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Total Individually evaluated for impairment Collectively evaluated Total $ 25,549 1,900,795 $ 1,926,344 $ $ 5,705 $ 2,775 902,397 1,592,197 908,102 $ 1,594,972 Business Activities Loans (In thousands) 2015 Loans receivable: Balance at end of year Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Individually evaluated for impairment Collectively evaluated Total $ 11,560 1,622,467 $ 1,634,027 $ $ 7,191 820,041 $ 2,812 1,478,125 827,232 $ 1,480,937 $ $ $ $ 2,703 $ 36,732 789,186 5,184,575 791,889 $ 5,221,307 Consumer Total 1,810 616,677 $ 23,373 4,537,310 618,487 $ 4,560,683 Acquired Loans (In thousands) 2016 Loans receivable: Balance at end of year Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Total Individually evaluated for impairment $ 4,256 $ 635 $ 308 $ 406 $ 34,820 651,018 3,369 149,932 7,283 290,568 1,344 5,605 46,816 184,541 1,276,059 $ 690,094 $ 153,936 $ 298,159 $ 186,291 $ 1,328,480 Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Total Purchased credit-impaired loans Collectively evaluated Total Acquired Loans (In thousands) 2015 Loans receivable: Balance at end of year Individually evaluated for impairment Purchased credit-impaired loans Collectively evaluated Total $ 3,749 15,765 406,226 $ — $ 2,775 218,256 $ 570 2,572 $ 487 250 4,806 21,362 330,956 182,947 1,138,385 $ 425,740 $ 221,031 $ 334,098 $ 183,684 $ 1,164,553 F-41 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following is a summary of impaired loans at year-end 2016 and 2015 and for the years then ended: Business Activities Loans (In thousands) With no related allowance: Other commercial real estate Other commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer - home equity With an allowance recorded: Commercial real estate - single and multifamily Other commercial real estate Other commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer - home equity Total Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Total impaired loans Business Activities Loans (In thousands) With no related allowance: Commercial real estate - construction Other commercial real estate Other commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer - home equity Consumer - other With an allowance recorded: Other commercial real estate Other commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer - home equity Consumer - other Total Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Total impaired loans Recorded Investment At December 31, 2016 Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance $ $ $ $ 18,905 $ 18,905 $ 382 2,101 1,605 382 2,101 1,605 179 $ 181 $ 6,306 5,060 538 942 6,462 5,324 674 1,098 $ 25,390 5,442 2,639 2,547 $ 25,548 5,706 2,775 2,703 36,018 $ 36,732 $ — — — — 2 156 264 136 156 158 264 136 156 714 Recorded Investment At December 31, 2015 Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance $ $ $ $ F-42 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 4,613 5,828 1,181 702 1 4,613 5,828 1,181 702 1 4,798 $ 4,947 $ 1,341 1,479 903 101 1,362 1,632 999 108 11,411 $ 11,560 $ 7,169 2,660 1,707 7,190 2,813 1,810 22,947 $ 23,373 $ — — — — — — 149 21 153 96 7 149 21 153 103 426 Table of Contents Acquired Loans NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In thousands) With no related allowance: Other commercial real estate loans Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer - home equity Consumer - other With an allowance recorded: Commercial real estate - single and multifamily Other commercial real estate loans Other commercial and industrial loans Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer - home equity Total Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Total impaired loans Acquired Loans (In thousands) With no related allowance: Other commercial real estate loans Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer - home equity Consumer - other With an allowance recorded: Commercial real estate - single and multifamily Other commercial real estate loans Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer - home equity Total Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Total impaired loans Recorded Investment At December 31, 2016 Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance $ $ $ $ 547 208 — — 1,250 2,209 576 89 292 4,006 576 297 292 5,171 $ $ $ $ 547 208 — — 1,358 2,351 635 100 406 4,256 635 308 406 5,605 $ $ $ $ $ $ — — — — 108 142 59 11 114 250 59 11 114 434 Recorded Investment December 31, 2015 Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance 1,722 $ 1,722 $ 274 117 177 638 $ 1,964 266 167 274 117 177 $ $ 655 2,032 296 192 4,324 $ 4,409 $ — 540 461 — 570 486 — — — — 17 68 30 25 85 — 30 25 5,325 $ 5,465 $ 140 $ $ $ $ F-43 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following is a summary of the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: Business Activities Loans (in thousands) With no related allowance: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Average Recorded Investment Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized Average Recorded Investment Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized Commercial real estate - construction $ — $ — $ 2,245 $ Commercial real estate - single and multifamily Other commercial real estate Other commercial and industrial Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer-home equity Consumer-other With an allowance recorded: Commercial real estate - single and multifamily Other commercial real estate Other commercial and industrial Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer-home equity Consumer - other Total Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer loans Total impaired loans 36 6,463 3,349 2,403 612 2 15 7,576 2,002 682 999 103 1 1,155 131 91 5 — 6 349 225 26 35 4 60 12,487 3,870 1,353 442 — — 3,214 810 1,704 83 112 $ $ 14,090 $ 1,511 $ 18,006 $ 5,351 3,085 1,716 356 117 44 4,680 3,057 637 24,242 $ 2,028 $ 26,380 $ 92 — 302 177 38 13 — — 132 37 72 — 4 526 214 110 17 867 F-44 Table of Contents Acquired Loans (in thousands) With no related allowance: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Average Recorded Investment Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized Average Recorded Investment Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized Commercial real estate - construction $ — $ — $ 445 $ Commercial mortgages - single and multifamily Other commercial real estate Commercial business loans Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Consumer - home equity Consumer - other With an allowance recorded: — 521 492 293 — 105 — 20 9 12 — 1 2,014 1,721 — 463 152 59 Commercial real estate - construction $ — $ — $ — $ Commercial real estate - single and multifamily Other commercial real estate Residential mortgages - 1-4 family Other commercial and industrial Consumer - home equity 1,064 2,618 214 369 — 115 165 25 17 — 623 1,384 304 31 195 Total Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer loans Total impaired loans $ $ 4,203 $ 300 $ 6,187 $ 861 507 105 26 37 1 31 767 406 5,676 $ 364 $ 7,391 $ No additional funds are committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans. 60 57 37 — 6 5 5 — 33 96 9 3 7 283 3 15 17 318 F-45 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Troubled Debt Restructuring Loans The Company’s loan portfolio also includes certain loans that have been modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR), where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from the Company’s loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructure and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months. TDRs are evaluated individually for impairment and may result in a specific allowance amount allocated to an individual loan. The following tables include the recorded investment and number of modifications for modified loans identified during the years-ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 respectively. The tables include the recorded investment in the loans prior to a modification and also the recorded investment in the loans after the loans were restructured. The modifications for the year-ended December 31, 2016 were attributable to interest rate concessions, maturity date extensions, modified payment terms, reamortization, and accelerated maturity. The modifications for the year-ended December 31, 2015 were attributable to interest rate concessions, maturity date extensions, modified payment terms, reamortization, and accelerated maturity. The modifications for the year-ended December 31, 2014 were attributable to interest rate concessions, debt consolidations, and changes to payment terms. Troubled Debt Restructurings Commercial - Single and multifamily Commercial - Other Commercial and industrial - Other Residential - 1-4 Family Consumer - Home Equity Troubled Debt Restructurings Commercial - Construction Commercial - Single and multifamily Commercial - Other Commercial and industrial - Other Consumer - Other Troubled Debt Restructurings Commercial - Single and multifamily Commercial - Other Residential - 1-4 Family Residential - Construction Modifications by Class For the twelve months ending December 31, 2016 Number of Modifications Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (In thousands) Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment $ 5 5 4 2 1 437 $ 16,651 555 5 117 437 16,651 555 5 117 17 $ 17,765 $ 17,765 Modifications by Class For the twelve months ending December 31, 2015 Number of Modifications Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (In thousands) Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment $ 1 2 4 6 1 $ 123 307 8,577 9,041 999 123 307 7,274 8,904 999 14 $ 19,047 $ 17,607 Modifications by Class For the twelve months ending December 31, 2014 Number of Modifications Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (In thousands) Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment 1 10 5 1 17 $ $ 623 $ 9,190 600 102 10,515 $ 623 9,190 598 102 10,513 F-46 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following tables disclose the recorded investment and number of modifications for TDRs for the prior years where a concession was made and the borrower subsequently defaulted in the respective reporting period. For the year ended 2016, there were no loans that were restructured that had subsequently defaulted during the period. Troubled Debt Restructurings Commercial - Single and multifamily Commercial - Other Commercial and industrial - Other Residential - 1-4 Family Troubled Debt Restructurings Commercial and industrial - Other Modifications that subsequently defaulted for the twelve months ending December 31, 2015 Number of Contracts Recorded Investment 1 1 4 2 8 $ $ — 373 6,579 169 7,121 Modifications that subsequently defaulted for the twelve months ending December 31, 2014 Number of Contracts Recorded Investment 2 2 $ $ 101 101 The following table presents the Company’s TDR activity in 2016 and 2015: (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year Principal payments TDR status change (1) Other reductions (2) Newly identified TDRs Balance at end of year ________________________________ 2016 2015 $ $ 22,048 (5,870) 2,235 (2,348) 17,764 33,829 $ $ 16,714 (5,460) — (3,160) 13,954 22,048 (1) TDR status change classification represents TDR loans with a specified interest rate equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk and the loan was on current payment status and not impaired based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement. (2) Other reductions classification consists of transfer to other real estate owned, charge-offs to loans, and other loan sale payoffs. The evaluation of certain loans individually for specific impairment includes loans that were previously classified as TDRs or continue to be classified as TDRs. As of December 31, 2016, the Company maintained foreclosed residential real estate property with a fair value of $151 thousand. Additionally, residential mortgage loans collateralized by real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 totaled $4.8 million and $7.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, foreclosed residential real estate property totaled $675 thousand. F-47 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 7. LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE Activity in the allowance for loan losses for 2016, 2015, and 2014 was as follows: Business Activities Loans (In thousands) 2016 Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Unallocated Total Balance at beginning of year $ 14,508 $ 7,317 $ 7,566 $ 4,956 $ 227 $ Charged-off loans Recoveries on charged-off loans Provision for loan losses 2,127 243 3,781 4,620 123 6,551 2,036 159 2,063 1,722 267 1,946 — — 27 Balance at end of year $ 16,405 $ 9,371 $ 7,752 $ 5,447 $ 254 $ Individually evaluated for impairment Collectively evaluated 158 16,247 264 9,107 136 7,616 156 5,291 Total $ 16,405 $ 9,371 $ 7,752 $ 5,447 $ — 254 254 $ 34,574 10,505 792 14,368 39,229 714 38,515 39,229 Business Activities Loans (In thousands) 2015 Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Unallocated Total Balance at beginning of year $ 14,690 $ 5,206 $ 6,836 $ 5,928 $ 135 $ Charged-off loans Recoveries on charged-off loans Provision for loan losses 6,865 164 6,519 2,358 169 4,300 1,215 141 1,804 Balance at end of year $ 14,508 $ 7,317 $ 7,566 $ Individually evaluated for impairment Collectively evaluated 149 14,359 21 7,296 153 7,413 1,183 285 (74) 4,956 103 4,853 Total $ 14,508 $ 7,317 $ 7,566 $ 4,956 $ — — 92 $ 227 $ — 227 227 $ Business Activities Loans (In thousands) 2014 Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Unallocated Total Balance at beginning of year $ 13,705 $ 5,173 $ 6,937 $ 3,644 $ Charged-off loans Recoveries on charged-off loans Provision for loan losses 4,207 9 5,183 2,500 193 2,340 1,455 186 1,168 1,308 285 3,307 68 — — 67 $ 29,527 Balance at end of year $ 14,690 $ 5,206 $ 6,836 $ 5,928 $ 135 $ Individually evaluated for impairment Collectively evaluated 922 13,768 — 5,206 155 6,681 66 5,862 Total $ 14,690 $ 5,206 $ 6,836 $ 5,928 $ — 135 135 $ F-48 32,795 11,621 759 12,641 34,574 426 34,148 34,574 9,470 673 12,065 32,795 1,143 31,652 32,795 Table of Contents Acquired Loans (In thousands) 2016 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Unallocated Total Balance at beginning of year $ 1,903 $ 1,330 $ Charged-off loans Recoveries on charged-off loans Provision for loan losses 977 61 1,316 1,095 266 663 Balance at end of year $ 2,303 $ 1,164 $ Individually evaluated for impairment Purchased credit-impaired loans Collectively evaluated 250 — 2,053 60 — 1,104 Total $ 2,303 $ 1,164 $ 976 829 144 475 766 11 — 755 766 Acquired Loans (In thousands) 2015 Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Balance at beginning of year $ Charged-off loans Recoveries on charged-off loans Provision for loan losses 790 681 418 1,376 $ 1,093 $ 752 289 700 Balance at end of year $ 1,903 $ 1,330 $ Individually evaluated for impairment Purchased credit-impaired loans 43 42 — — Collectively evaluated 1,818 1,330 Total $ 1,903 $ 1,330 $ 615 642 64 939 976 30 — 946 976 $ $ $ $ $ $ 525 620 91 540 536 111 — 425 536 $ $ $ — $ — — — — $ — — — — $ 4,734 3,521 562 2,994 4,769 432 — 4,337 4,769 Consumer Unallocated Total 369 992 78 1,070 $ — $ — — — 525 $ — $ 25 — 500 525 — — — $ — $ 2,867 3,067 849 4,085 4,734 98 42 4,594 4,734 Acquired Loans (In thousands) 2014 Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential mortgages Consumer Unallocated Total $ 625 $ 235 $ — $ 1,141 179 952 615 48 — 567 615 1,255 76 1,313 — — — $ 369 $ — $ 75 — 294 369 $ — — — $ — $ Balance at beginning of year $ 2,339 $ Charged-off loans Recoveries on charged-off loans Provision for loan losses 1,477 261 (333) 597 510 35 971 Balance at end of year $ 790 $ 1,093 $ Individually evaluated for impairment Purchased credit-impaired loans Collectively evaluated Total $ 48 — 742 790 — — 1,093 $ 1,093 $ F-49 3,796 4,383 551 2,903 2,867 171 — 2,696 2,867 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Credit Quality Information Business Activities Loans Credit Quality Analysis The Company monitors the credit quality of its portfolio by using internal risk ratings that are based on regulatory guidance. Loans that are given a Pass rating are not considered a problem credit. Loans that are classified as Special Mention loans are considered to have potential weaknesses and are evaluated closely by management. Substandard and non-accruing loans are loans for which a definitive weakness has been identified and which may make full collection of contractual cash flows questionable. Doubtful loans are those with identified weaknesses that make full collection of contractual cash flows, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. For commercial credits, the Company assigns an internal risk rating at origination and reviews the rating annual, semiannually, or quarterly depending on the risk rating. The rating is also reassessed at any point in time when management becomes aware of information that may affect the borrower’s ability to fulfill their obligations. The Company risk rates its residential mortgages, including 1-4 family and residential construction loans, based on a three rating system: Pass, Special Mention, and Substandard. Loans that are current within 59 days are rated Pass. Residential mortgages that are 60-89 days delinquent are rated Special Mention. Loans delinquent for 90 days or greater are rated Substandard and generally placed on non-accrual status. Home equity loans are risk rated based on the same rating system as the Company’s residential mortgages. Ratings for other consumer loans, including auto loans, are based on a two rating system. Loans that are current within 119 days are rated Performing while loans delinquent for 120 days or more are rated Non-performing. Other consumer loans are placed on non-accrual at such time as they become Non-performing. Acquired Loans Credit Quality Analysis Upon acquiring a loan portfolio, our internal loan review function assigns risk ratings to the acquired loans, utilizing the same methodology as it does with business activities loans. This may differ from the risk rating policy of the predecessor bank. Loans which are rated Substandard or worse according to the rating process outlined below are deemed to be credit impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, regardless of whether they are classified as performing or non-performing. The Bank utilizes a loan risk rating system for acquired loans consistent with loans originated from business activities, as outlined in the Credit Quality Information section of this Note. The ratings system is similar to loans originated through business activities. The Company subjects loans that do not meet the ASC 310-30 criteria to ASC 450-20 by collectively evaluating these loans for an allowance for loan loss. The Company applies a methodology similar to the methodology prescribed for business activities loans, which includes the application of environmental factors to each category of loans. The methodology to collectively evaluate the acquired loans outside the scope of ASC 310-30 includes the application of a number of environmental factors that reflect management’s best estimate of the level of incremental credit losses that might be recognized given current conditions. This is reviewed as part of the allowance for loan loss adequacy analysis. As the loan portfolio matures and environmental factors change, the loan portfolio will be reassessed each quarter to determine an appropriate reserve allowance. Additionally, the Company considers the need for an additional reserve for acquired loans accounted for outside of the scope of ASC 310-30 under ASC 310-20. At acquisition date, the Bank determined a fair value mark with credit and interest rate components. Under the Company’s model, the impairment evaluation process involves comparing the carrying value of acquired loans, including the entire unamortized premium or discount, to the recorded reserve allowance. If necessary, the Company books an additional reserve to account for shortfalls identified through this calculation. Fair value marks are not bifurcated when evaluating for impairment. A decrease in the expected cash flows in subsequent periods requires the establishment of an allowance for loan losses at that time for ASC 310-30 loans. At year-end 2016, the allowance for loan losses related to acquired loans F-50 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS under ASC 310-30 and ASC 310-20 was $4.8 million using the above mentioned criteria. The Company presented several tables within this footnote separately for business activity loans and acquired loans in order to distinguish the credit performance of the acquired loans from the business activity loans. The following tables present the Company’s loans by risk rating at year-end 2016 and 2015: Business Activities Loans Commercial Real Estate Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category (In thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Construction Single and multi-family Real Estate Total commercial real estate Grade: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total $ 253,302 $ 208,138 $ 189,310 $ 212,900 $1,434,762 $1,155,770 $1,877,374 $1,576,808 — — — — 2,058 — 334 2,175 — — 1,923 — 5,827 40,598 36 3,449 49,716 73 6,161 42,773 36 3,449 53,697 73 $ 253,302 $ 210,196 $ 191,819 $ 214,823 $1,481,223 $1,209,008 $1,926,344 $1,634,027 Commercial and Industrial Loans Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category (In thousands) Grade: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total Asset based lending Other Total comm. and industrial 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 $ 321,270 $ 331,253 $ 569,704 $ 455,710 $ 890,974 $ 786,963 — — — — — — 123 13,825 3,180 24,578 15,691 — 123 13,825 3,180 24,578 15,691 — $ 321,270 $ 331,253 $ 586,832 $ 495,979 $ 908,102 $ 827,232 Residential Mortgages Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade (In thousands) Grade: Pass Special mention Substandard Total 1-4 family Construction Total residential mortgages 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 $ 1,578,913 $ 1,449,073 $ 11,178 $ 26,704 $ 1,590,091 $ 1,475,777 701 4,179 857 4,303 — — — — 701 4,179 857 4,303 $ 1,583,793 $ 1,454,233 $ 11,178 $ 26,704 $ 1,594,971 $ 1,480,937 Consumer Loans Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity (In thousands) Performing Nonperforming Total Home equity Auto and other Total consumer 2016 310,846 2,675 313,521 $ $ 2015 305,562 1,597 307,159 $ $ 2016 477,416 952 478,368 $ $ 2015 310,777 551 311,328 $ $ 2016 788,262 3,627 791,889 $ $ 2015 616,339 2,148 618,487 $ $ F-51 Table of Contents Acquired Loans NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Commercial Real Estate Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category (In thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Construction Single and multi-family Real Estate Total commercial real estate Grade: Pass $ 33,461 $ 42,176 $ 119,414 $ 32,796 $ 496,562 $ 324,614 $ 649,437 $ 399,586 Special mention Substandard — 746 — 1,298 907 5,351 655 3,332 1,622 32,031 352 20,517 2,529 38,128 1,007 25,147 Total $ 34,207 $ 43,474 $ 125,672 $ 36,783 $ 530,215 $ 345,483 $ 690,094 $ 425,740 Commercial and Industrial Loans Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category (In thousands) Grade: Pass Special mention Substandard Total Asset based lending Other Total comm. and industrial 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 $ $ — $ — $ 147,102 $ 212,825 $ 147,102 $ 212,825 — — — — 1,260 5,574 487 7,719 1,260 5,574 487 7,719 — $ — $ 153,936 $ 221,031 $ 153,936 $ 221,031 Residential Mortgages Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade (In thousands) Grade: Pass Special mention Substandard Total 1-4 family Construction Total residential mortgages 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 $ 294,983 $ 329,375 $ 804 $ 1,351 $ 295,787 $ 330,726 343 2,029 311 3,061 — — — — 343 2,029 311 3,061 $ 297,355 $ 332,747 $ 804 $ 1,351 $ 298,159 $ 334,098 Consumer Loans Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity (In thousands) Performing Nonperforming Total Home equity Auto and other Total consumer 2016 2015 $ $ 79,762 517 80,279 $ $ 52,719 727 53,446 $ $ 2016 105,117 895 106,012 $ $ 2015 129,345 893 130,238 $ $ 2016 184,879 1,412 186,291 $ $ 2015 182,064 1,620 183,684 F-52 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table summarizes information about total loans rated Special Mention or lower. The table below includes consumer loans that are Special Mention and Substandard accruing that are classified in the above table as performing based on payment activity. (In thousands) Non-Accrual Substandard Accruing Total Classified Special Mention Total Criticized December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Business Business Activities Loans Acquired Loans Total Activities Loans Acquired Loans Total $ 16,816 $ 5,424 $ 22,240 $ 15,484 $ 5,391 $ 51,125 67,941 7,479 44,177 49,601 4,323 95,302 117,542 11,802 60,549 76,033 29,036 32,560 37,951 2,259 20,875 93,109 113,984 31,295 $ 75,420 $ 53,924 $ 129,344 $ 105,069 $ 40,210 $ 145,279 NOTE 8. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT Year-end premises and equipment are summarized as follows: (In thousands) Land Buildings and improvements Furniture and equipment Construction in process Premises and equipment, gross Accumulated depreciation and amortization Estimated Useful Life N/A 5 - 39 years 3 - 7 years 2016 2015 $ 10,563 $ 85,319 42,693 4,084 142,659 (49,444) 10,719 81,058 34,950 1,860 128,587 (40,515) Premises and equipment, net $ 93,215 $ 88,072 Depreciation and amortization expense for the years 2016, 2015, and 2014 amounted to $8.4 million, $8.6 million, and $8.3 million, respectively. F-53 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 9. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES Goodwill and other intangible assets are presented in the tables below. The Company completed three acquisitions during 2016 which resulted in the capitalization of goodwill and other intangibles. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company allocated the amount paid to the fair value of the net assets acquired, with any excess amounts recorded as goodwill. There were two acquisitions during 2015. The goodwill balance is allocated to the consolidated Company. The activity impacting goodwill in 2016 and 2015 is as follows: (In thousands) Balance, beginning of the period Goodwill acquired and adjusted: 44 Business Capital Ronald N. Lazzaro, PC First Choice Bank Hampden Bancorp Acquisition Firestone Financial Adjustments (1) Balance, end of the period 2016 2015 $ 323,943 $ 264,742 15,892 5,492 58,036 — — (257) 403,106 $ $ — — — 42,513 17,503 (814) 323,943 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ (1) In 2016, goodwill related to the Hampden and Firestone acquisitions was adjusted since acquisition dates to reflect new information available during the one-year measurement period. In 2015, goodwill was adjusted to reflect the subsequent sale of the Company's Tennessee operations, which were originally obtained from the acquisition of Beacon Federal in 2012. The Company tests goodwill impairment annually as of September 30, 2016 using third quarter data. The results of the qualitative assessment indicated it is more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value exceeds its carrying amount, and accordingly, the two-step impairment test was not performed. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment is possible, the Company will perform additional reviews. No impairment was recorded on goodwill for 2016 and 2015. The components of other intangible assets are as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Non-maturity deposits (core deposit intangible) Insurance contracts All other intangible assets Total December 31, 2015 Non-maturity deposits (core deposit intangible) Insurance contracts All other intangible assets Total Gross Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Net Intangible Assets $ $ $ $ 44,523 $ 7,558 7,866 59,947 36,833 7,558 3,894 $ $ 48,285 $ (30,099) $ (7,504) (2,899) (40,502) $ (28,099) $ (6,863) (2,659) (37,621) $ 14,424 54 4,967 19,445 8,734 695 1,235 10,664 Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis over their estimated lives, which range from four to fifteen years. Amortization expense related to intangibles totaled $2.9 million in 2016, $3.6 million in 2015, and $4.8 million in 2014. The estimated aggregate future amortization expense for intangible assets remaining at year-end 2016 is as follows: 2017- $3.9 million; 2018- $3.6 million; 2019- $3.3 million; 2020- $3.0 million; 2021- $1.2 million; and thereafter- $4.5 million. For the years 2016, 2015, and 2014, no impairment charges were identified for the Company’s intangible assets. F-54 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 10. OTHER ASSETS Year-end other assets are summarized as follows: (In thousands) Capitalized servicing rights Accrued interest receivable Investment in tax credits Accrued federal and state tax receivable (1) Derivative assets Other Total other assets 2016 2015 $ 11,524 $ 26,113 1,500 19,076 21,617 18,627 $ 98,457 $ 5,187 20,940 2,854 6,731 17,507 11,707 64,926 (1) Accrued federal and state tax receivable as of December 31, 2016 includes $5.9 million of New York State refundable tax credits from investment in historical tax credit partnerships in New York State. This balance was $4 million at year-end 2015. The Bank sells loans in the secondary market and retains the ability to service many of these loans. The Bank earns fees for the servicing provided. Loans sold and serviced for others amounted to $1.3 billion, $807.6 million, and $625.4 million at year-end 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The risks inherent in servicing assets relate primarily to changes in prepayments that result from shifts in interest rates. Contractually specified servicing fees were $3.2 million, $1.7 million, and $1.5 million for the years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and included as a component of loan related fees within non-interest income. The significant assumptions used in the valuation at year-end 2016 included a weighted average discount rate of 11.8% and pre-payment speed assumptions ranging from 7.35% to 14.28%. Servicing rights activity was as follows: (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year Acquired from 44 Business Capital Acquired from First Choice Bank (1) Additions Amortization Balance at end of year 2016 2015 $ 5,187 $ 3,757 3,489 696 4,116 (1,964) 11,524 $ — — 2,622 (1,192) 5,187 $ (1) Amounts acquired from First Choice Bank are accounted for at fair value. The balance as of December 31, 2016 was $798 thousand. F-55 Table of Contents NOTE 11. DEPOSITS A summary of year-end time deposits is as follows: (In thousands) Maturity date: Within 1 year Over 1 year to 2 years Over 2 years to 3 years Over 3 years to 4 years Over 4 years to 5 years Over 5 years Total Account balances: Less than $100,000 $100,000 or more Total 2016 2015 $ 1,316,973 $ 1,264,948 582,764 142,160 150,388 137,845 3,413 2,333,543 656,055 1,677,488 2,333,543 $ $ $ 446,918 100,728 46,146 123,885 3,975 1,986,600 545,819 1,440,781 1,986,600 $ $ $ Included in time deposits are brokered deposits of $787.9 million and $784.1 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Included in the deposit balances contained on the balance sheet are reciprocal deposits of $113.4 million and $101.5 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Included in total deposits are related party deposits of $17.2 million at December 31, 2016. F-56 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 12. BORROWED FUNDS Borrowed funds at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized, as follows: (in thousands, except rates) Short-term borrowings: Advances from the FHLBB Other Borrowings Total short-term borrowings: Long-term borrowings: Advances from the FHLBB Subordinated notes Junior subordinated notes Total long-term borrowings: Total 2016 2015 Principal Weighted Average Rate Principal Weighted Average Rate $ 1,072,044 0.71% $ 1,071,200 0.43% 10,000 1,082,044 142,792 73,697 15,464 231,953 2.42 0.72 1.53 7.00 2.77 3.35 — 1,071,200 103,135 73,519 15,464 192,118 — 0.43 1.89 7.00 2.23 3.88 $ 1,313,997 1.19% $ 1,263,318 0.96% Short-term debt includes Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) advances with an original maturity of less than one year. At year-end 2016, the Company maintained a short-term line-of-credit drawdown through a correspondent bank. The Bank also maintains a $3.0 million secured line of credit with the FHLBB that bears a daily adjustable rate calculated by the FHLBB. There was no outstanding balance on the FHLBB line of credit for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2016. The Bank is approved to borrow on a short-term basis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston as a non-member bank. The Bank has pledged certain loans and securities to the Federal Reserve Bank to support this arrangement. No borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston took place for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Long-term FHLBB advances consist of advances with an original maturity of more than one year. The advances outstanding at December 31, 2016 include callable advances totaling $11 million, and amortizing advances totaling $1.2 million. The advances outstanding at December 31, 2015 include callable advances totaling $11.0 million, and amortizing advances totaling $1.2 million. All FHLBB borrowings, including the line of credit, are secured by a blanket security agreement on certain qualified collateral, principally all residential first mortgage loans and certain securities. A summary of maturities of FHLBB advances at year-end 2016 is as follows: (In thousands) Fixed rate advances maturing: Total fixed rate advances Total FHLBB advances 2016 Amount Weighted Average Rate 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 and beyond $ $ $ 1,157,118 43,901 — 5,543 8,274 1,214,836 1,214,836 0.77% 1.33 — 1.94 4.06 0.81 0.81% F-57 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Company did not have variable-rate FHLB advances for the period ended December 31, 2016. In September 2012, the Company issued fifteen year subordinated notes in the amount of $75.0 million at a discount of 1.15%. The interest rate is fixed at 6.875% for the first ten years. After ten years, the notes become callable and convert to an interest rate of three month LIBOR plus 5.113%. The subordinated note includes reduction to the note principal balance of $706 thousand and $829 thousand for unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016 and December 31 2015, respectively. The Company holds 100% of the common stock of Berkshire Hills Capital Trust I (“Trust I”) which is included in other assets with a cost of $0.5 million. The sole asset of Trust I is $15.5 million of the Company’s junior subordinated debentures due in 2035. These debentures bear interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.85% and had a rate of 2.77% and 2.23% at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company has the right to defer payments of interest for up to five years on the debentures at any time, or from time to time, with certain limitations, including a restriction on the payment of dividends to shareholders while such interest payments on the debentures have been deferred. The Company has not exercised this right to defer payments. The Company has the right to redeem the debentures at par value. Trust I is considered a variable interest entity for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, Trust I is not consolidated into the Company’s financial statements. NOTE 13. OTHER LIABILITIES Year-end other liabilities are summarized as follows: (In thousands) Derivative liabilities Capital lease obligation Asset purchase settlement payable Employee benefits liability Level lease liability Other Total other liabilities 2016 2015 $ $ 24,420 11,639 29,158 11,661 6,997 49,280 133,155 $ $ 28,181 11,939 — 11,692 4,262 35,370 91,444 F-58 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension Plan The Company maintains a legacy, employer-sponsored defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”) for which participation and benefit accruals were frozen on January 1, 2003. The Plan was assumed in connection with the Rome Bancorp acquisition in 2011. Accordingly, no employees are permitted to commence participation in the Plan and future salary increases and years of credited service are not considered when computing an employee’s benefits under the Plan. As of December 31, 2016, all minimum Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) funding requirements have been met. Information regarding the pension plan at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: (In thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year Service Cost Interest cost Actuarial gain Benefits paid Settlements Projected benefit obligation at end of year Accumulated benefit obligation Change in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at plan beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Contributions by employer Benefits paid Settlements Fair value of plan assets at end of year Underfunded status Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet Other Liabilities 2016 2015 $ 6,585 $ 76 267 (308) (318) (176) 6,126 6,126 5,211 404 — (318) (176) 5,121 7,193 — 268 (454) (351) (71) 6,585 6,585 5,756 (123) — (351) (71) 5,211 $ $ 1,005 $ 1,374 1,005 $ 1,374 Net periodic pension cost is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: (In thousands) Service Cost Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss Net periodic pension costs 2016 2015 76 $ 267 (361) 163 145 $ — 268 (455) 175 (12) $ $ F-59 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income during 2016 and 2015 are as follows: (In thousands) Amortization of actuarial (loss) Actuarial (gain) loss Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income Total recognized in net periodic pension cost recognized and other comprehensive income 2016 2015 (163) $ (351) (514) (369) $ (176) 125 (51) (63) $ $ The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are a net loss of $1.5 million and $2.0 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company expects to make no cash contributions to the pension trust during the 2017 fiscal year. The amount expected to be amortized from other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year is $100 thousand. The principal actuarial assumptions used at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Projected benefit obligation Discount rate Net periodic pension cost Discount rate Long term rate of return on plan assets 2016 2015 3.980% 4.170% 4.170% 7.000% 3.820% 8.000% The discount rate that is used in the measurement of the pension obligation is determined by comparing the expected future retirement payment cash flows of the pension plan to the Citigroup Above Median Double-A Curve as of the measurement date. The expected long-term rate of return on Plan assets reflects long-term earnings expectations on existing Plan assets and those contributions expected to be received during the current plan year. In estimating that rate, appropriate consideration was given to historical returns earned by Plan assets in the fund and the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment. The rates of return were adjusted to reflect current capital market assumptions and changes in investment allocations. The Company’s overall investment strategy with respect to the Plan’s assets is primarily for preservation of capital and to provide regular dividend and interest payments. The Plan’s targeted asset allocation is 63% equity securities via investment in the Long-Term Growth - Equity Portfolio (‘LTGE’), 36% intermediate-term investment grade bonds via investment in the Long-Term Growth - Fixed-Income Portfolio (‘LTGFI’), and 1% in cash equivalents portfolio (for liquidity). Equity securities include investments in a diverse mix of equity funds to gain exposure in the US and international markets. The fixed income portion of the Plan assets is a diversified portfolio that primarily invests in intermediate-term bond funds. The overall rate of return is based on the historical performance of the assets applied against the Plan’s target allocation, and is adjusted for the long-term inflation rate. The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted prices in active markets, if available (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3). F-60 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The fair values of the Plan’s assets by category and level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows at December 31, 2016: Asset Category (In thousands) Equity Mutual Funds: Large-Cap Mid-Cap Small-Cap International Fixed Income Funds Fixed Income - US Core Intermediate Duration Cash Equivalents - money market Total Total Level 1 Level 2 $ 1,624 $ — $ 1,624 401 415 757 1,378 472 74 $ 5,121 $ — — — — — 30 30 $ 401 415 757 1,378 472 44 5,091 The fair values of the Plan’s assets by category and level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows at December 31, 2015: Asset Category (In thousands) Equity Mutual Funds: Large-Cap Mid-Cap Small-Cap International Fixed Income Funds Fixed Income - US Core Intermediate Duration Cash Equivalents - money market Total Total Level 1 Level 2 $ 1,516 $ — $ 1,516 374 362 760 1,564 522 113 $ 5,211 $ — — — — — 62 62 $ 374 362 760 1,564 522 51 5,149 The Plan did not hold any assets classified as Level 3, and there were no transfers between levels during 2016 or 2015. Estimated benefit payments under the Company’s pension plans over the next ten years at December 31, 2016 are as follows: Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022-2026 Payments (In thousands) 342 338 375 367 357 1,829 F-61 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Postretirement Benefits The Company has an unfunded post-retirement medical plan which was assumed in connection with the Rome Bancorp acquisition in 2011. The postretirement plan has been modified so that participation is closed to those employees who did not meet the retirement eligibility requirements by March 31, 2011. The Company contributes partially to medical benefits and life insurance coverage for retirees. Such retirees and their surviving spouses are responsible for the remainder of the medical benefits, including increases in premiums levels, between the total premium and the Company’s contribution. The Company also has an executive long-term care (“LTC”) postretirement benefit plan which started August 1, 2014. The LTC plan reimburses executives for certain costs in the event of a future chronic illness. Funding of the plan comes from Company paid insurance policies or direct payments. At plan’s inception, a $558 thousand benefit obligation was recorded against equity representing the prior service cost of plan participants. Information regarding the post-retirement plan at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: (In thousands) 2016 2015 Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation: Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 3,039 $ Prior service cost of long-term care plan participants Service Cost Interest cost Participant contributions Actuarial loss (gain) Benefits paid Amendments Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at end of year Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Contributions by employer Contributions by participant Benefits paid Fair value of plan assets at end of year Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet Other Liabilities — 32 129 47 130 (128) — 1,604 1,595 34 124 47 (284) (81) — $ $ $ $ 3,249 $ 3,039 — $ 81 47 (128) — $ — 34 47 (81) — 3,249 $ 3,039 Net periodic post-retirement cost is comprised of the following for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: (In thousands) Service cost Interest costs Amortization of net prior service credit Amortization of net actuarial loss Net periodic post-retirement costs 2016 2015 32 $ 129 83 — 244 $ 34 124 83 — 241 $ $ F-62 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Changes in benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income during 2016 and 2015 are as follows: (In thousands) Amortization of actuarial loss Amortization of prior service credit Net actuarial (gain) loss Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income Accrued post-retirement liability recognized 2016 2015 — $ (83) (126) (209) 1,718 $ — (83) (257) (340) 1,555 $ $ The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: (In thousands) Net prior service cost (credit) Net actuarial (gain) loss Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income 2016 2015 $ $ 1,659 (126) 1,533 1,742 (257) 1,485 The amount expected to be amortized from other comprehensive income into net periodic postretirement cost over the next fiscal year is $83 thousand. The discount rates used in the measurement of the postretirement medical and LTC plan obligations are determined by comparing the expected future retirement payment cash flows of the plans to the Citigroup Above Median Double-A Curve as of the measurement date. The assumed discount rates on a weighted-average basis were 3.91% and 4.15% as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated post- retirement benefit medical obligation is expected to be 8.15% for 2016, and is gradually expected to decrease to 3.89% by 2075. This assumption may have a significant effect on the amounts reported. However, as noted above, increases in premium levels are the financial responsibility of the plan beneficiary. Thus an increase or decrease in 1% of the health care cost trend rates utilized would have had an immaterial effect on the service and interest cost as well as the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation for the postretirement plan as of December 31, 2016. For participants in the LTC plan covered by insurance policies, no increase in annual premiums is assumed based on the history of the corresponding insurance provider. Estimated benefit payments under the post-retirement benefit plan over the next ten years at December 31, 2016 are as follows: Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 - 2026 Payments (In thousands) 81 100 100 99 102 522 F-63 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 401(k) Plan The Company provides a 401(k) Plan in which most employees participate. The Company contributes a non- elective 3% of gross annual wages for each participant, regardless of the participant’s deferral, in addition to a 100% match up to 4% of gross annual wages. The Company’s contributions vest immediately. Expense related to the plan was $3.9 million in 2016, $3.6 million in 2015, and $3.0 million in 2014. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) As part of the acquisition of Hampden in 2015, along with another merger in 2012 and two during 2011, the Company acquired ESOP plans that were frozen and terminated prior to the completion of those transactions. On the acquisition dates, all amounts in the plans were vested and the loans under the plans were repaid from the sale proceeds of unallocated shares. Other Plans The Company maintains a supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) for a few select executives. Benefits generally commence no earlier than age sixty-two and are payable at the executive’s option, either as an annuity or as a lump sum. Some of these SERPs were assumed in connection with the Beacon acquisition in 2012. In 2015 a SERP was acquired in connection with the Hampden Bank acquisition with accrued liability of $1.4 million at acquisition date in April 2015 and $1.2 million at year-end 2016. At year-end 2016 and 2015, the accrued liability for these SERPs were $7.4 million and $6.5 million, respectively. SERP expense was $917 thousand in 2016, $752 thousand in 2015, and $583 thousand in 2014, and is recognized over the required service period. The Company assumed split-dollar life insurance agreements with the acquisition of Hampden Bank in 2015 with an accrued liability of $860 thousand at acquisition date in April 2015 and $1.2 million as of year-end 2016. The Company has endorsement split-dollar arrangements pertaining to certain current and prior executives. Under these arrangements, the Company purchased policies insuring the lives of the executives, and separately entered into agreements to split the policy benefits with the executive. There are no post-retirement benefits associated with these policies. F-64 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES Provision for Income Taxes The components of the Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were, as follows: (In thousands) Current: Federal tax expense State tax expense Total current expense Deferred: Federal tax expense State tax expense Total deferred tax expense Change in valuation allowance Total income tax expense 2016 2015 2014 $ 6,758 $ 1,101 7,859 9,438 1,591 11,029 (104) 18,784 $ $ 4,696 (1,631) 3,065 2,023 (24) 1,999 — 294 305 599 8,685 2,509 11,194 (30) 11,763 $ 5,064 $ Effective Tax Rate The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014: (In thousands, except rates) Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate Statutory tax rate $ 27,108 35.0% $ 19,104 35.0% $ 15,928 35.0% 2016 2015 2014 Increase (decrease) resulting from: State taxes, net of federal tax benefit Tax exempt income - investments, net Bank-owned life insurance Disallowed merger costs Non-deductible goodwill on disposal operations sale 1,675 (3,849) (1,364) 542 — Tax credits, net of basis reduction (6,225) Change in valuation allowance Other, net 125 772 2.2 (5.0) (1.8) 0.7 — (8.0) 0.2 1.0 Effective tax rate $ 18,784 24.3% $ (974) (3,463) (1,284) 422 313 (8,308) — (746) 5,064 (1.8) (6.3) (2.4) 0.8 0.6 (15.2) — (1.4) 9.3% $ 1,810 (2,796) (1,070) 206 — (1,658) — (657) 11,763 4.0 (6.1) (2.4) 0.5 — (3.6) — (1.5) 25.9% F-65 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, significant components of the Company’s deferred tax asset and liabilities were, as follows: (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Allowance for loan losses Tax credit carryforwards Unrealized capital loss on tax credit investments Net unrealized loss on swaps, securities available for sale, and pension in OCI Employee benefit plans Purchase accounting adjustments Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards Other Deferred tax assets, net before valuation allowances Valuation allowance Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances Deferred tax liabilities: Net unrealized gain on swaps, securities available for sale, and pension in OCI Premises and equipment Loan servicing rights Intangible amortization Other Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets, net 2016 2015 $ 17,747 $ 16,303 4,100 6,999 — 7,813 23,520 2,643 4,997 67,819 (125) 67,694 $ (5,884) $ (2,519) (4,546) (11,543) (2,074) (26,566) $ $ 41,128 7,295 2,892 2,371 8,776 10,755 3,317 2,527 54,236 (229) 54,007 — (2,577) — (8,904) — (11,481) 42,526 $ $ $ $ The Company’s net deferred tax asset decreased by $1.4 million during 2016, including $8.3 million deferred tax expense recognized as an decrease in shareholder's equity, and $17.8 million from the acquisition of First Choice resulting in a reduction in goodwill. Refer to Note 2 for more information about the acquisition. Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, are expected to be realized through the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income. Valuation Allowances The components of the Company’s valuation allowance on its deferred tax asset, net as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were, as follows: (in thousands) State tax basis difference, net of Federal tax benefit (of 35%) Valuation allowances 2016 2015 $ $ (125) $ (125) $ (229) (229) The state tax basis difference, net of Federal tax benefit was also originally recorded in 2012, due to management’s assessment that it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets recorded for the difference between the book basis and the state tax basis in certain tax credit limited partnership investments (LPs) will not be realized. Management anticipates that the remaining excess state tax basis will be realized as a capital loss upon disposition, and that it is unlikely that the Company will have capital gains against which to offset such capital losses. F-66 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS During 2016, the valuation allowance decreased by $104 thousand. A $125 thousand change was recorded as an increase to income tax expense and $229 thousand was recorded as a reduction in state tax basis upon sale of a partnership interest. The valuation allowances as of December 31, 2016 are subject to change in the future as the Company continues to periodically assess the likelihood of realizing its deferred tax assets. Tax Attributes At December 31, 2016, the Company has $7.5 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards, $6.1 million of New Jersey net operating losses, and $13.9 million of Connecticut net operating losses available that were obtained through acquisition, the utilization of which are limited under Internal Revenue Code 382. No deferred tax asset has been recorded on the Connecticut net operating loss since the state of Connecticut does not currently allow a deduction for net operating losses. These net operating losses begin to expire in 2024. The related deferred tax asset is $2.6 million. In addition, the Company has alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $4.1 million with no expiration date. The Company anticipates utilizing these carryforwards prior to their expirations. Unrecognized Tax Benefits On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its income tax positions based on tax laws and regulations and financial reporting considerations, and records adjustments as appropriate. This evaluation takes into consideration the status of taxing authorities’ current examinations of the Company’s tax returns, recent positions taken by the taxing authorities on similar transactions, if any, and the overall tax environment in relation to uncertain tax positions. The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014: (In thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1 Increase in gross amounts of tax positions related to prior years Increase in gross amounts of tax positions related to current year Decrease due to lapse in statute of limitations Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 2016 2015 2014 $ $ 307 270 — (117) 460 $ $ 553 $ — — (246) 307 $ 477 55 93 (72) 553 It is reasonably possible that over the next twelve months the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change from the reevaluation of uncertain tax positions arising in examinations, in appeals, or in the courts, or from the closure of tax statutes. The Company does not expect any significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. All of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense, therefore, affecting the effective tax rate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to the liability for uncertain tax positions as a component in income tax expense. The accrual for interest and penalties was not material in all or any years presented. The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as in various states. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income tax examinations by tax authorities. The Company is no longer subject to examination for tax years prior to 2013 including any related income tax filings from its recent acquisitions. The Company has been selected for audit in the state of New York for tax years 2013-2014. F-67 Table of Contents NOTE 16. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS At year-end 2016, the Company held derivatives with a total notional amount of $2.2 billion. That amount included $300 million in interest rate swap derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. The Company also had economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives totaling $1.7 billion and $208.1 million, respectively, which are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and are therefore recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded directly through earnings. Economic hedges included interest rate swaps totaling $1.3 billion, risk participation agreements with dealer banks of $83.4 million, and $259.9 million in forward commitment contracts. As part of the Company’s risk management strategy, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Interest rate swap agreements involve the risk of dealing with both Bank customers and institutional derivative counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. The agreements are entered into with counterparties that meet established credit standards and contain master netting and collateral provisions protecting the at-risk party. The derivatives program is overseen by the Risk Management Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Based on adherence to the Company’s credit standards and the presence of the netting and collateral provisions, the Company believes that the credit risk inherent in these contracts was not significant at December 31, 2016. The Company pledged collateral to derivative counterparties in the form of cash totaling $0.9 million and securities with an amortized cost of $47.8 million and a fair value of $47.9 million at year-end 2016. At December 31, 2015, the Company pledged cash collateral of $16.1 million and securities with an amortized cost of $24.6 million and a fair value of $24.6 million. The Company does not typically require its commercial customers to post cash or securities as collateral on its program of back-to-back economic hedges. However certain language is written into the International Swaps Dealers Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) and loan documents where, in default situations, the Bank is allowed to access collateral supporting the loan relationship to recover any losses suffered on the derivative asset or liability. The Company may need to post additional collateral in the future in proportion to potential increases in unrealized loss positions. Information about interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 2016 follows: December 31, 2016 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings Total cash flow hedges Economic hedges: Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers Risk participation agreements with dealer banks Forward sale commitments Total economic hedges Non-hedging derivatives: Commitments to lend Total non-hedging derivatives Total Notional Amount (In thousands) Weighted Average Maturity (In years) Weighted Average Rate Received Contract pay rate Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability) (In thousands) 300,000 300,000 11,386 668,541 668,541 83,360 259,889 1,691,717 208,145 208,145 $ 2,199,862 F-68 2.3 0.63% 2.29% 12.9 6.2 6.2 11.6 0.2 0.2 0.98% 2.43% 4.21% 5.09% 4.21% 2.43% $ (6,573) (6,573) (2,021) (6,752) 7,077 5 722 (969) 4,738 4,738 (2,804) Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Information about interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative asset and liabilities at December 31, 2015 follows: December 31, 2015 Cash flow hedges: Forward-starting interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings Total cash flow hedges Economic hedges: Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers Risk participation agreements with dealer banks Forward sale commitments Total economic hedges Non-hedging derivatives: Commitments to lend Total non-hedging derivatives Notional Amount (In thousands) Weighted Average Maturity (In years) Weighted Average Rate Received Contract pay rate Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability) (In thousands) 300,000 300,000 11,984 457,392 457,392 59,016 44,840 1,030,624 36,043 36,043 3.3 0.14% 2.29% (8,532) (8,532) 13.9 6.7 6.7 15.0 0.2 0.2 0.61% 2.18% 4.49% 5.09% (2,450) 4.49% (17,143) 2.18% 17,129 (56) 53 (2,467) 323 323 Total $ 1,366,667 $ (10,676) F-69 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Cash Flow Hedges The effective portion of unrealized changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges is reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Each quarter, the Company assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. The Company has entered into six interest rate swaps contracts with an aggregate notional value of $300 million as of year-end 2016. All have durations of three years. This hedge strategy converts the one month rolling FHLBB borrowings based on the FHLBB’s one month fixed interest rate to fixed interest rates, thereby protecting the Company from floating interest rate variability. Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and in the other comprehensive income section of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows), were as follows: (In thousands) Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Unrealized (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (2,023) $ (5,232) Less: Reclassification of unrealized (loss) from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense Net tax effect on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income Other comprehensive income recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments and tax effects Net interest expense recognized in interest expense on hedged FHLBB borrowings (3,981) — (835) 2,094 $ $ 1,123 3,981 $ $ (3,138) — Hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges was immaterial to the Company’s financial statements during the year-ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate liabilities. On February 7, 2017, the Company initiated and subsequently terminated all of its interest rate swaps associated with FHLB advances with 1-month LIBOR based floating interest rates of an aggregate notional amount of $300 million. As a result, the Company reclassified $6.6 million of losses from the effective portion of the unrealized changes in the fair value of the terminated derivatives from other comprehensive income to non-interest income as the forecasted transactions to the related FHLB advances will not occur. F-70 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Economic hedges As of December 31, 2016 the Company has an interest rate swap with a $11.4 million notional amount to swap out the fixed rate of interest on an economic development bond bearing a fixed rate of 5.09%, currently within the Company’s trading portfolio under the fair value option, in exchange for a LIBOR-based floating rate. The intent of the economic hedge is to improve the Company’s asset sensitivity to changing interest rates in anticipation of favorable average floating rates of interest over the 21-year life of the bond. The fair value changes of the economic development bond are mostly offset by fair value changes of the related interest rate swap. The Company also offers certain derivative products directly to qualified commercial borrowers. The Company economically hedges derivative transactions executed with commercial borrowers by entering into mirror-image, offsetting derivatives with third-party financial institutions. The transaction allows the Company’s customer to convert a variable-rate loan to a fixed rate loan. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for its customer, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts mostly offset each other in earnings. Credit valuation adjustments arising from the difference in credit worthiness of the commercial loan and financial institution counterparties totaled $0.8 million at year-end 2016. The interest income and expense on these mirror image swaps exactly offset each other. The Company has risk participation agreements with dealer banks. Risk participation agreements occur when the Company participates on a loan and a swap where another bank is the lead. The Company earns a fee to take on the risk associated with having to make the lead bank whole on Berkshire’s portion of the pro-rated swap should the borrower default. The Company utilizes forward sale commitments to hedge interest rate risk and the associated effects on the fair value of interest rate lock commitments and loans held for sale. The forward sale commitments are accounted for as derivatives with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings. The company uses the following types of forward sale commitments contracts: • Best efforts loan sales, • Mandatory delivery loan sales, and • To be announced (TBA) mortgage-backed securities sales. A best efforts contract refers to a loan sales agreement where the Company commits to deliver an individual mortgage loan of a specified principal amount and quality to an investor if the loan to the underlying borrower closes. The Company may enter into a best efforts contract once the price is known, which is shortly after the potential borrower’s interest rate is locked. A mandatory delivery contract is a loan sales agreement where the Company commits to deliver a certain principal amount of mortgage loans to an investor at a specified price on or before a specified date. Generally, the Company may enter into mandatory delivery contracts shortly after the loan closes with a customer. The Company may sell to-be-announced mortgage-backed securities to hedge the changes in fair value of interest rate lock commitments and held for sale loans, which do not have corresponding best efforts or mandatory delivery contracts. These security sales transactions are closed once mandatory contracts are written. On the closing date the price of the security is locked-in, and the sale is paired-off with a purchase of the same security. Settlement of the security purchase/sale transaction is done with cash on a net-basis. F-71 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Non-hedging derivatives The Company enters into commitments to lend for residential mortgage loans, which commit the Company to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specific interest rate and within a specified period of time. Commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for sale are considered derivative financial instruments under applicable accounting guidance. Outstanding commitments expose the Company to the risk that the price of the mortgage loans underlying the commitments may decline due to increases in mortgage interest rates from inception of the rate lock to the funding of the loan. The commitments are free-standing derivatives which are carried at fair value with changes recorded in non-interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Changes in the fair value of commitments subsequent to inception are based on changes in the fair value of the underlying loan resulting from the fulfillment of the commitment and changes in the probability that the loan will fund within the terms of the commitment, which is affected primarily by changes in interest rates and the passage of time. Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Income related to economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives were as follows: (In thousands) Economic hedges Interest rate swap on industrial revenue bond: Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in other non-interest income Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers: Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in other non-interest income Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers: Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income Favorable (unfavorable) change in credit valuation adjustment recognized in other non- interest income Risk Participation Agreements: Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in other non-interest income Forward Commitments: Unrealized (loss) recognized in other non-interest income Realized (loss) gain in other non-interest income Non-hedging derivatives Interest rate lock commitments: Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income Realized gain in other non-interest income Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 $ (75) $ (344) 1,312 (4,852) (1,312) 338 (61) (1,176) (3,705) 4,852 (51) (36) (247) 45 $ 8,373 $ 3,650 2,436 1,899 F-72 Table of Contents Assets and Liabilities Subject to Enforceable Master Netting Arrangements NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Interest Rate Swap Agreements (“Swap Agreements”) The Company enters into swap agreements to facilitate the risk management strategies for commercial banking customers. The Company mitigates this risk by entering into equal and offsetting swap agreements with highly rated third party financial institutions. The swap agreements are free-standing derivatives and are recorded at fair value in the Company’s consolidated statements of condition. The Company is party to master netting arrangements with its financial institution counterparties; however, the Company does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes. The master netting arrangements provide for a single net settlement of all swap agreements, as well as collateral, in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. Collateral generally in the form of marketable securities is received or posted by the counterparty with net liability positions, respectively, in accordance with contract thresholds. The Company had net asset positions with its commercial banking counterparties totaling $11.5 million and $17.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company had net liability positions with its financial institution counterparties totaling $15.4 million and $28.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 respectively. At December 31, 2016, the Company had net liability positions with its commercial banking counterparties totaling $4.4 million. At December 31, 2015, The Company did not have a net liability position with it's commercial banking counterparties. The collateral posted by the Company that covered liability positions was $19.8 million and $28.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The following table presents the assets and liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (in thousands) As of December 31, 2016 Interest Rate Swap Agreements: Institutional counterparties $ Commercial counterparties Total 49 11,461 $ 11,510 Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Condition Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statements of Condition Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Condition Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount $ $ — $ — — $ 49 11,461 11,510 $ $ — $ — — $ 49 — $ — 11,461 — $ 11,510 Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities (in thousands) As of December 31, 2016 Interest Rate Swap Agreements: Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Condition Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Condition Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Condition Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount Institutional counterparties Commercial counterparties Total $ (20,077) $ (4,407) $ (24,484) $ 4,689 23 4,712 $ $ (15,388) $ (4,384) (19,772) $ 14,738 — 14,738 $ $ 650 — 650 $ $ — (4,384) (4,384) F-73 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (in thousands) As of December 31, 2015 Interest Rate Swap Agreements: Institutional counterparties $ Commercial counterparties Total 40 17,129 $ 17,169 Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Condition Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statements of Condition Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Condition Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount $ $ — $ — — $ 40 17,129 17,169 $ $ — $ — — $ 40 — $ — 17,129 — $ 17,169 Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Condition Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Condition Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Condition Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount (in thousands) As of December 31, 2015 Institutional counterparties $ (28,220) $ Commercial counterparties Total — $ (28,220) $ — $ — — $ (28,220) $ — (28,220) $ 18,500 $ — 18,500 $ 9,720 — 9,720 $ $ — — — F-74 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 17. OTHER COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ACTIVITIES Credit Related Financial Instruments. The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. A summary of financial instruments outstanding whose contract amounts represent credit risk is as follows at year- end: (In thousands) Commitments to originate new loans Unused funds on commercial and other lines of credit Unadvanced funds on home equity lines of credit Unadvanced funds on construction and real estate loans Standby letters of credit Lease obligation Total 2016 2015 $ 243,519 $ 574,043 281,621 320,635 14,939 11,639 102,145 525,603 258,897 201,764 12,775 11,939 $ 1,446,396 $ 1,113,123 Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The commitments for lines of credit may expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These letters of credit are primarily issued to support borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company considers standby letters of credit to be guarantees and the amount of the recorded liability related to such guarantees was not material at year-end 2016 and 2015. Operating Lease Commitments. Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases at year-end 2016 are as follows: 2017 — $14.0 million; 2018 — $11.6 million; 2019 — $10.2 million; 2020 — $9.6 million; 2021 — $8.2 million; and all years thereafter — $68.9 million. The leases contain options to extend for periods up to twenty years. The cost of such rental options is not included above. Total rent expense for the years 2016, 2015, and 2014 amounted to $8.3 million, $7.5 million, and $7.2 million, respectively. Lease Obligations. Future obligations required under the capital lease at year-end 2016 are $680 thousand in 2017; $647 thousand in 2018; $646 thousand in 2019; $644 thousand in 2020; $612 thousand in 2021 and $5.6 million all years thereafter. Amortization under the capital lease is included with premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense. Future obligations required under the financing lease at year-end 2016 are $81 thousand in 2017; $86 thousand in 2018; $86 thousand in 2019; $86 thousand in 2020; $86 thousand in 2021; and $1.6 million all years thereafter. Amortization under the financing lease is included with premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense. F-75 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Employment and Change in Control Agreements. The Company and the Bank have entered into a three-year employment agreement with one senior executive. The Company and the Bank also have change in control agreements with several officers which provide a severance payment in the event employment is terminated in conjunction with a defined change in control. Legal Claims. Various legal claims arise from time to time in the normal course of business. As of December 31, 2016, neither the Company nor the Bank was involved in any pending legal proceedings believed by management to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits involving the Bank, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which the Bank holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the Bank’s business. However, other than the items noted below, neither the Company nor the Bank is a party to any pending legal proceedings that it believes, in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company. Additionally, an estimate of future, probable losses cannot be estimated as of December 31, 2016. On February 12, 2015, Berkshire Hills was served with a complaint in a putative class action lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Hampden County against Hampden Bancorp, Inc. (“Hampden”), the Directors of Hampden and the Company, in connection with a pending transaction through which Hampden was acquired by Berkshire Hills on April 17, 2015 (the “Hampden shareholder litigation”). The complaint was filed by an individual Hampden shareholder and alleged that (i) the directors of Hampden breached their fiduciary duties to its stockholders by, among other things, failing to take steps necessary to obtain a fair and adequate price for Hampden’s common stock, (ii) Hampden and its directors failed to disclose material facts in its proxy solicitation materials for its shareholder vote to approve the transaction set forth in the Merger Agreement, and (iii) the Company knowingly aided and abetted Hampden’s directors’ breach of fiduciary duty. On April 28, 2016, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank were served with a complaint filed in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, Springfield Division. The complaint was filed by an individual Berkshire Bank depositor, who claims to have filed the complaint on behalf of a purported class of Berkshire Bank depositors, and alleges violations of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and certain regulations thereunder, among other matters. On July 15, 2016, the complaint was amended to add purported claims under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. The complaint seeks, in part, compensatory, consequential, statutory, and punitive damages. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank deny the allegations contained in the complaint and are vigorously defending this lawsuit. On November 3, 2016, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a slip opinion containing an appellate ruling in favor of the Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund (the “Fund”) in a civil case entitled, Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund v. Berkshire Bank, Appeal no. SJC-12019. At issue in this case is the Fund’s right to recover from Berkshire Bank under M.G.L Ch. 175D, § 17 (3), workers compensation benefits paid by the Fund to a former employee after the workers compensation insurer previously responsible for paying those benefits failed. In earlier proceedings in the Massachusetts Superior Court, the trial judge had entered summary judgment in Berkshire Bank’s favor, finding that Berkshire Bank had no liability to the Fund in this instance. The Supreme Judicial Court reversed and remanded the case to the trial court for entry of judgment in favor of the Fund on the issue of liability. The case was originally bifurcated in the trial court to resolve the issue of liability first, and no evidence has been presented to date regarding the amount of any damages that Berkshire Bank may owe to the Fund. Further proceedings will now be required in the trial court to determine the amount of any such damages. On December 22, 2016, Berkshire Bank was served with a complaint filed in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, Springfield Division. The complaint was filed by an individual Berkshire Bank depositor and alleges violations of federal and state electronic funds transfer statutes and the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code in connection with two wire transfers totaling $1.4 million, which were initiated from the customer’s account after his personal email account was allegedly hacked. Berkshire Bank denies the allegations contained in the complaint and is vigorously defending this lawsuit. F-76 Table of Contents NOTE 18. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements The Company and Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if imposed, could have a direct material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). As of year-end 2016 and 2015, the Bank and the Company met the capital adequacy requirements. Regulators may set higher expected capital requirements in some cases based on their examinations. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company and the Bank became subject to the Basel III rule that requires the Company and the Bank to assess their Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets and the Company and the Bank each exceed the minimum to be well capitalized. In addition, the final capital rules added a requirement to maintain a minimum conservation buffer, composed of Common equity tier 1 capital, of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, to be phased in over three years and applied to the Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and the Total risk-based capital ratio. Accordingly, banking organizations, on a fully phased in basis no later than January 1, 2019, must maintain a minimum Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 7.0%, a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.5% and a minimum Total risk-based capital ratio of 10.5%. The required minimum conservation buffer began to be phased in incrementally, starting at 0.625% on January 1, 2016 and will increase to 1.25% on January 1, 2017, 1.875% on January 1, 2018 and 2.5% on January 1, 2019. The final capital rules impose restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary cash bonus payments if the minimum capital conservation buffer is not met. At December 31, 2016, the capital levels of both the Company and the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and their regulatory capital ratios were above the minimum levels required to be considered well capitalized for regulatory purposes. The capital levels of both the Company and the Bank at December 31, 2016 also exceeded the minimum capital requirements including the currently applicable capital conservation buffer of 0.625%. As of year-end 2016 and 2015, the Bank and the Company met the conditions to be classified as “well capitalized” under the relevant regulatory framework. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. F-77 Table of Contents The Company and Bank’s actual and required capital amounts were as follows: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Actual Minimum Capital Requirement Minimum to be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2016 Company (Consolidated) Total capital to risk-weighted assets $ 803,618 11.87% $ 541,603 8.00% $ 677,004 10.00% Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets Tier 1 capital to average assets Bank 670,120 9.90 304,652 681,500 681,500 10.07 7.88 406,202 270,802 4.50 6.00 4.00 440,053 541,603 338,502 6.50 8.00 5.00 Total capital to risk-weighted assets $ 756,792 11.21% $ 539,893 8.00% $ 674,866 10.00% Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets Tier 1 capital to average assets December 31, 2015 Company (Consolidated) 672,244 672,244 672,244 9.96 9.96 7.84 303,690 404,920 269,920 4.50 6.00 4.00 438,663 539,893 337,433 6.50 8.00 5.00 Total capital to risk-weighted assets $ 686,489 11.91% $ 461,231 8.00% $ 576,539 10.00% Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets Tier 1 capital to average assets Bank 564,878 573,033 573,033 9.80 9.94 7.71 259,443 345,924 297,420 4.50 6.00 4.00 374,750 461,231 371,775 6.50 8.00 5.00 Total capital to risk-weighted assets $ 642,866 11.16% $ 460,882 8.00% $ 576,103 10.00% Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets Tier 1 capital to average assets 569,131 569,131 569,131 9.88 9.88 7.66 259,246 345,662 297,313 4.50 6.00 4.00 374,467 460,882 371,641 6.50 8.00 5.00 F-78 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Common stock The Bank is subject to dividend restrictions imposed by various regulators, including a limitation on the total of all dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company in any calendar year. The total of all dividends shall not exceed the Bank’s net income for the current year (as defined by statute), plus the Bank’s net income retained for the two previous years, without regulatory approval. Dividends from the Bank are an important source of funds to the Company to make dividend payments on its common and preferred stock, to make payments on its borrowings, and for its other cash needs. The ability of the Company and the Bank to pay dividends is dependent on regulatory policies and regulatory capital requirements. The ability to pay such dividends in the future may be adversely affected by new legislation or regulations, or by changes in regulatory policies relating to capital, safety and soundness, and other regulatory concerns. The payment of dividends by the Company is subject to Delaware law, which generally limits dividends to an amount equal to an excess of the net assets of a company (the amount by which total assets exceed total liabilities) over statutory capital, or if there is no excess, to the Company’s net profits for the current and/or immediately preceding fiscal year. Accumulated other comprehensive income Year-end components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) are as follows: (In thousands) 2016 2015 Other accumulated comprehensive income/(loss), before tax: Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities Net (loss) on effective cash flow hedging derivatives Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans Income taxes related to items of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss): Net unrealized holding (gain) on AFS securities Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $ $ 25,176 (6,573) (2,954) (9,636) 2,589 1,164 $ 9,766 $ 6,316 (8,532) (3,469) (2,437) 3,424 1,392 (3,305) The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014: (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities: Net unrealized gain arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives: Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income Net gain on cash flow hedging derivatives Net unrealized holding gain on pension plans Net unrealized gain arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income Net unrealized holding gain on pension plans Other Comprehensive Income F-79 Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax $ $ 18,309 (551) 18,860 (6,979) $ 220 (7,199) 11,330 (331) 11,661 (2,023) (3,981) 1,958 351 164 515 $ 21,333 $ 754 1,589 (835) (155) (73) (228) (8,262) $ (1,269) (2,392) 1,123 196 91 287 13,071 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Net unrealized holding (loss) on AFS securities: Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income Net unrealized holding (loss) on AFS securities Net (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives: Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income Net (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) gains realized in net income Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans Other Comprehensive Loss (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities: Net unrealized gain arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities Net (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives: Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income Net (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives Net loss on terminated swap: Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income Net loss on terminated swap Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) realized in net income Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans Other Comprehensive Income $ $ $ $ Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax (7,567) $ 2,110 (9,677) $ 2,793 (847) 3,640 (5,232) — (5,232) (1,436) (259) (1,177) (16,086) $ 2,094 — 2,094 572 104 468 6,202 $ (4,774) 1,263 (6,037) (3,138) — (3,138) (864) (155) (709) (9,884) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax $ 25,769 482 25,287 (9,791) $ (196) (9,595) 15,978 286 15,692 (6,403) (5,393) (1,010) — (3,237) 3,237 2,608 2,201 407 — 1,312 (1,312) (2,308) — (2,308) 25,206 $ 930 — 930 (9,570) $ (3,795) (3,192) (603) — (1,925) 1,925 (1,378) — (1,378) 15,636 F-80 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014: (in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 Balance at Beginning of Year Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) before reclassifications Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income Total Other Comprehensive Income Balance at End of Period Year Ended December 31, 2015 Balance at Beginning of Year Other Comprehensive (Loss) before reclassifications Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income Total Other Comprehensive Loss Balance at End of Period Year Ended December 31, 2014 Balance at Beginning of Year Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) Before reclassifications Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income Total Other Comprehensive Income Balance at End of Period Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on AFS Securities Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives Net loss on terminated swap Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on pension plans Total $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,880 $ (5,108) $ — $ (2,077) $ (3,305) 11,330 (1,269) (331) (2,392) — — 196 10,257 (91) (2,814) 11,661 15,541 $ 1,123 (3,985) $ — — $ 287 (1,790) $ 13,071 9,766 9,916 $ (1,969) $ — $ (1,368) $ 6,579 (4,774) (3,138) 1,263 — — — (864) (8,776) (155) 1,108 (6,037) 3,880 $ (3,138) (5,108) $ — — $ (709) (2,077) $ (9,884) (3,305) (5,776) $ (1,366) $ (1,925) $ 10 $ (9,057) 15,978 (3,795) — (1,378) 10,805 286 (3,192) (1,925) — (4,831) 15,692 9,916 $ (603) (1,969) $ 1,925 — $ (1,378) (1,368) $ 15,636 6,579 F-81 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014: (in thousands) Realized (losses) gains on AFS securities: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2016 2014 $ (551) $ 220 (331) $ 2,110 (847) 1,263 Realized (losses) on cash flow hedging derivatives: Amortization of realized (losses) on terminated swap: (3,981) 1,589 (2,392) — — — — — — — — — 482 (196) 286 (5,393) 2,201 (3,192) (3,237) 1,312 (1,925) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Non-interest income Tax expense Interest income Tax expense Interest income Tax expense Realized (losses) on pension plans Total reclassifications for the period $ 164 (73) 91 (2,632) $ (259) 104 (155) 1,108 $ — Non-interest expense — — (4,831) Tax expense Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock (such as stock options) were exercised or converted into additional common shares that would then share in the earnings of the entity. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year, plus an incremental number of common-equivalent shares computed using the treasury stock method. F-82 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Earnings per common share has been computed based on the following (average diluted shares outstanding is calculated using the treasury stock method): (In thousands, except per share data) Net income Average number of common shares issued Less: average number of treasury shares Less: average number of unvested stock award shares Average number of basic common shares outstanding Plus: dilutive effect of unvested stock award shares Plus: dilutive effect of stock options outstanding Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ 58,670 $ 49,518 $ 33,744 32,604 1,116 500 30,988 122 57 30,074 1,215 466 28,393 106 65 26,525 1,386 409 24,730 67 57 Average number of diluted common shares outstanding 31,167 28,564 24,854 Basic earning per share Diluted earnings per share $ $ 1.89 1.88 $ $ 1.74 1.73 $ $ 1.36 1.36 For the year ended 2016, 52 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. For the year ended 2015, 200 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. For the year ended 2014, 225 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. NOTE 19. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS The 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”) permits the granting of a combination of Restricted Stock awards and incentive and non-qualified stock options (“Stock Options”) to employees and directors. A total of 1.0 million shares was authorized under the Plan. Awards may be granted as either Restricted Stock or Stock Options provided that any shares that are granted as Restricted Stock are counted against the share limit set forth as (1) three for every one share of Restricted Stock granted and (2) one for every one share of Stock Option granted. As of year-end 2016, the Company had the ability to grant approximately 611 thousand shares under this plan. The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) permits the granting of a combination of Restricted Stock awards and incentive and non-qualified stock options to employees and directors. A total of 1.4 million shares was authorized under the Plan. Awards may be granted as either Restricted Stock or Stock Options provided that any shares that are granted as Restricted Stock are counted against the share limit set forth as (1) three for every one share of Restricted Stock granted and (2) one for every one share of Stock Option granted. As of year-end 2016, the Company had the ability to grant approximately 12 thousand shares under this plan. F-83 Table of Contents A summary of activity in the Company’s stock compensation plans is shown below: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Shares in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2015 Granted Stock options exercised Stock awards vested Forfeited Expired Balance, December 31, 2016 Non-vested Stock Awards Outstanding Stock Options Outstanding Number of Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price $ 488 211 — (181) (70) — 25.09 26.81 — 24.44 25.48 — 448 $ 26.28 265 $ 21.11 — (151) — — (5) 109 $ — 24.68 — — 28.49 15.72 Stock Awards The total compensation cost for stock awards recognized as expense was $4.6 million, $4.7 million, and $3.8 million, in the years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit associated with this compensation cost was $1.8 million, $1.9 million, and $1.5 million, respectively. The weighted average fair value of stock awards granted was $26.81, $26.66, and $24.60 in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Stock awards vest over periods up to five years and are valued at the closing price of the stock on the grant date. The total fair value of stock awards vested during 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $4.4 million, $3.4 million, and $2.0 million respectively. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock awards was $6.4 million as of year-end 2016. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of two years. Option Awards Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant, and vest over periods up to five years. The options grant the holder the right to acquire a share of the Company’s common stock for each option held, and have a contractual life of ten years. As of year-end 2016, the weighted average remaining contractual term for options outstanding is two years. The Company generally issues shares from treasury stock as options are exercised. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The expected dividend yield and expected term are based on management estimates. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility. The risk-free interest rates for the expected term are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The Company acquired options in the Beacon transaction in 2012, but did not grant additional options in 2016, 2015, or 2014. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $879.6 thousand, $210.0 thousand, and $1.2 million for the years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. There was no expense pertaining to options vesting in 2016 and 2015. The expense pertaining to options vesting in the 2014 was $41 thousand. There was no tax benefit associated with stock option expense in 2016 or 2015. The total recognized tax benefit associated with stock option expense for 2014 was $16 thousand. There was no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options as of year-ends 2016, 2015, and 2014. F-84 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 20. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are carried at fair value. Recurring Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of year-end 2016 and 2015 segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value: (In thousands) Trading security Available-for-sale securities: Municipal bonds and obligations Agency collateralized mortgage obligations Agency residential mortgage-backed securities Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Corporate bonds Trust preferred securities Other bonds and obligations Marketable equity securities Loans held for sale Derivative assets Other assets Derivative liabilities (In thousands) Trading security Available-for-sale securities: Municipal bonds and obligations Agency collateralized mortgage obligations Agency residential mortgage-backed securities Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Corporate bonds Trust preferred securities Other bonds and obligations Marketable equity securities Loans held for sale Derivative assets Other assets Derivative liabilities December 31, 2016 Level 1 Inputs Level 2 Inputs Level 3 Inputs Total Fair Value $ — $ — $ 13,229 $ 13,229 — — — — — — — 62,284 — 622 — — 119,816 651,911 228,684 64,534 56,006 11,887 11,158 3,257 120,673 16,157 — 24,420 — — — — — — — — — 4,838 798 — 119,816 651,911 228,684 64,534 56,006 11,887 11,158 65,541 120,673 21,617 798 24,420 December 31, 2015 Level 1 Inputs Level 2 Inputs Level 3 Inputs Total Fair Value $ — $ — $ 14,189 $ 14,189 — — — — — — — 32,925 — 45 — — 104,561 833,036 126,829 — 41,023 11,900 3,141 334 13,191 17,130 — 28,181 — — — — — — — 708 — 332 — — 104,561 833,036 126,829 — 41,023 11,900 3,141 33,967 13,191 17,507 — 28,181 F-85 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had one transfer of $708 thousand in marketable equity securities from Level 3 to Level 2 based on a change in valuation technique driven by the availability of market data. There were no transfers between Level 1, 2, and 3 during the year ended December 31, 2015. Trading Security at Fair Value. The Company holds one security designated as a trading security. It is a tax advantaged economic development bond issued to the Company by a local nonprofit which provides wellness and health programs. The determination of the fair value for this security is determined based on a discounted cash flow methodology. Certain inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable and there is little to no market activity in the security; therefore, the security meets the definition of a Level 3 security. The discount rate used in the valuation of the security is sensitive to movements in the 3-month LIBOR rate. Securities Available for Sale. AFS securities classified as Level 1 consist of publicly-traded equity securities for which the fair values can be obtained through quoted market prices in active exchange markets. AFS securities classified as Level 2 include most of the Company’s debt securities. The pricing on Level 2 was primarily sourced from third party pricing services, overseen by management, and is based on models that consider standard input factors such as dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and condition, among other things. Loans held for sale. The Company elected the fair value option for all loans originated for sale (HFS) that were originated for sale on or after May 1, 2012. Loans HFS are classified as Level 2 as the fair value is based on input factors such as quoted prices for similar loans in active markets. December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Loans Held for Sale December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Loans Held for Sale Aggregate Fair Value Aggregate Unpaid Principal Aggregate Fair Value Less Aggregate Unpaid Principal 120,673 $ 118,178 $ 2,495 Aggregate Fair Value Aggregate Unpaid Principal Aggregate Fair Value Less Aggregate Unpaid Principal 13,191 $ 12,914 $ 277 $ $ The changes in fair value of loans held for sale for years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were gains of $2.2 million and losses of $331 thousand, respectively. The changes in fair value are included in mortgage banking income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Interest Rate Swaps. The valuation of the Company’s interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings. Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of year-end 2016, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Commitments to Lend. The Company enters into commitments to lend for residential mortgage loans intended for sale, which commit the Company to lend funds to a potential borrower at a certain interest rate and within a F-86 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS specified period of time. The estimated fair value of commitments to originate residential mortgage loans for sale is based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets. However, this value is adjusted by a factor which considers the likelihood that the loan commitment will ultimately close, and by the non-refundable costs of originating the loan. The closing ratio is derived from the Bank’s internal data and is adjusted using significant management judgment. The costs to originate are primarily based on the Company’s internal commission rates that are not observable. As such, these commitments to lend are classified as Level 3 measurements. Forward Sale Commitments. The Company utilizes forward sale commitments as economic hedges against potential changes in the values of the commitments to lend and loans originated for sale. To be announced (TBA) mortgage-backed securities forward commitment sales are used as hedging instruments, are classified as Level 1, and consist of publicly-traded debt securities for which identical fair values can be obtained through quoted market prices in active exchange markets. The fair values of the Company’s best efforts and mandatory delivery loan sale commitments are determined similarly to the commitments to lend using quoted prices in the market place that are observable. However, costs to originate and closing ratios included in the calculation are internally generated and are based on management’s judgment and prior experience, which are considered factors that are not observable. As such, best efforts and mandatory forward sale commitments are classified as Level 3 measurements. Capitalized Servicing Rights. The Company accounts for certain capitalized servicing rights at fair value in its Consolidated Financial Statements, as the Company is permitted to elect the fair value option for each specific instrument. A loan servicing right asset represents the amount by which the present value of the estimated future net cash flows to be received from servicing loans exceed adequate compensation for performing the servicing. The fair value of servicing rights is estimated using a present value cash flow model. The most important assumptions used in the valuation model are the anticipated rate of the loan prepayments and discount rates. Although some assumptions in determining fair value are based on standards used by market participants, some are based on unobservable inputs and therefore are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. F-87 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The table below presents the changes in Level 3 assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at year- end 2016 and 2015: (In thousands) Assets (Liabilities) Trading Security Securities Available for Sale Commitments to Lend Forward Commitments Capitalized Servicing Rights Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 14,909 $ Sale of AFS Security Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non- interest income Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss Paydown of trading security Transfers to loans held for sale — (150) — (570) — $ 2,326 (1,327) — (291) — — Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 14,189 $ 708 $ 625 $ — 4,364 — — (4,666) 323 3,900 13,563 — — — (13,048) 4,738 $ $ $ $ (93) — 102 — — — 9 — 91 — — — — $ — — — — — — 696 102 — — — — 100 $ 798 100 9 $ $ 102 — Amounts acquired from First Choice Bank Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non- interest income Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss Transfers to Level 2 Paydown of trading security Transfers to loans held for sale Balance as of December 31, 2016 Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2016 Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2015 $ $ $ — (362) — — (598) — — — — (708) — — 13,229 $ — $ 1,843 2,204 $ $ — $ 4,738 (61) $ 323 F-88 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3 recurring assets/(liabilities) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: (In thousands) Assets Fair Value December 31, 2016 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Significant Unobservable Input Value Trading Security Forward Commitments $ 13,229 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 100 Historical Trend Closing Ratio Commitments to Lend 4,738 Historical Trend Closing Ratio Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan Capitalized Servicing Rights 798 Discounted cash flow Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan Constant prepayment rate (CPR) Discount rate Total $ 18,865 Fair Value (In thousands) Assets December 31, 2015 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Trading Security $ 14,189 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate Securities Available for Sale 708 Pricing Model Median Peer Price/ Tangible Book Value Percentage Multiple Forward Commitments 9 Historical Trend Closing Ratio Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan Commitments to Lend 323 Historical Trend Closing Ratio Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan Total $ 15,229 $ $ 2.62% 80.36% 3,692 80.36% 3,692 10.40% 11.00% Significant Unobservable Input Value 2.49% 88.52% 92.57% 2,500 92.57% 2,500 $ $ F-89 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements The Company is required, on a non-recurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP. The following is a summary of applicable non-recurring fair value measurements. There are no liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis. (In thousands) Assets Impaired loans Capitalized servicing rights Other real estate owned Total (In thousands) Assets Impaired loans Capitalized servicing rights Other real estate owned Total December 31, 2016 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016 Level 3 Inputs Level 3 Inputs 17,761 10,726 December 2016 December 2016 151 Feb. 2016 - July 2016 28,638 December 31, 2015 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015 Level 3 Inputs Level 3 Inputs December 2015 November 2015 Feb. 2014 - October 2015 11,657 5,187 1,725 18,569 $ $ $ $ Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3 non-recurring assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: (in thousands) Assets December 31, 2016 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range (Weighted Average) (a) Impaired loans $ 17,761 Fair value of collateral Loss severity 10,726 Discounted cash flow Appraised value Constant prepayment rate (CPR) 0% to 88.70% (9.73%) $0 to $2,192 ($1,026) 7.35% to 14.28% (10.44%) 151 Fair value of collateral Appraised value $101 to $129 ($122) Discount rate 10.00% to 14.00% (11.77%) $ 28,638 Capitalized servicing rights Other real estate owned Total Assets (a) Where dollar amounts are disclosed, the amounts represent the lowest and highest fair value of the respective assets in the population except for adjustments for market/property conditions, which represents the range of adjustments to individuals properties. F-90 Table of Contents (in thousands) Assets NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2015 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range (Weighted Average) (a) Impaired loans $ 11,657 Fair value of collateral Loss severity 5,187 Discounted cash flow Appraised value Constant prepayment rate (CPR) .05% to 29.50% (7.55%) $46.3 to $1962.0 ($999.7) 7.17% to 12.06% (10.02%) 1,725 Fair value of collateral Appraised value $39 to $1,200.0 ($919.9) Discount rate 10.00% to 15.00 (10.88%) $ 18,569 Capitalized servicing rights Other real estate owned Total Assets (a) Where dollar amounts are disclosed, the amounts represent the lowest and highest fair value of the respective assets in the population except for adjustments for market/property conditions, which represents the range of adjustments to individuals properties. There were no Level 1 or Level 2 nonrecurring fair value measurements for year-end 2016 and 2015. Impaired Loans. Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Periodically, the Company records non-recurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans. Non-recurring adjustments can also include certain impairment amounts for collateral-dependent loans calculated when establishing the allowance for credit losses. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and, as a result, the carrying value of the loan less the calculated valuation does not necessarily represent the fair value of the loan. Real estate collateral is typically valued using appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable in the marketplace. However, the choice of observable data is subject to significant judgment, and there are often adjustments based on judgment in order to make observable data comparable and to consider the impact of time, the condition of properties, interest rates, and other market factors on current values. Additionally, commercial real estate appraisals frequently involve discounting of projected cash flows, which relies inherently on unobservable data. Therefore, real estate collateral related nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments have generally been classified as Level 3. Estimates of fair value for other collateral that supports commercial loans are generally based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and therefore such valuations have been classified as Level 3. Capitalized loan servicing rights. A loan servicing right asset represents the amount by which the present value of the estimated future net cash flows to be received from servicing loans exceed adequate compensation for performing the servicing. The fair value of servicing rights is estimated using a present value cash flow model. The most important assumptions used in the valuation model are the anticipated rate of the loan prepayments and discount rates. Adjustments are only recorded when the discounted cash flows derived from the valuation model are less than the carrying value of the asset. Although some assumptions in determining fair value are based on standards used by market participants, some are based on unobservable inputs and therefore are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Other real estate owned (“OREO”). OREO results from the foreclosure process on residential or commercial loans issued by the Bank. Upon assuming the real estate, the Company records the property at the fair value of the asset less the estimated sales costs. Thereafter, OREO properties are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less the estimated sales costs. OREO fair values are primarily determined based on Level 3 data including sales comparables and appraisals. F-91 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments follow. Certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments are excluded from disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented herein may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company. (In thousands) Financial Assets Cash and cash equivalents Trading security Securities available for sale Securities held to maturity FHLB stock and restricted equity securities Net loans Loans held for sale Accrued interest receivable Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies Derivative assets Assets held for sale Financial Liabilities Total deposits Short-term debt Long-term FHLB advances Subordinated notes Derivative liabilities (In thousands) Financial Assets Cash and cash equivalents Trading security Securities available for sale Securities held to maturity FHLB stock and restricted equity securities Net loans Loans held for sale Accrued interest receivable Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies Derivative assets Assets held for sale Financial Liabilities Total deposits Short-term debt Long-term FHLB advances Subordinated notes Derivative liabilities — 4,838 — — — — — — Carrying Amount Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2016 $ $ 113,075 13,229 1,209,537 334,368 71,112 6,505,789 120,673 26,113 $ 113,075 13,229 1,209,537 337,680 71,112 6,532,745 120,673 26,113 139,257 139,257 21,617 322 21,617 322 $ 113,075 — 62,284 — — — — — — 622 — — $ — 1,147,253 300,806 71,112 — 13,229 — 36,874 — — 6,532,745 — — 120,673 26,113 139,257 16,157 322 6,622,092 1,082,044 142,792 89,161 24,420 6,624,108 1,081,996 143,151 96,973 24,420 — 6,624,108 — 1,081,996 143,151 — 96,973 — 24,420 — Carrying Amount Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2015 $ $ 103,562 14,189 1,154,457 131,652 71,018 5,685,928 13,191 20,940 $ 103,562 14,189 1,154,457 136,904 71,018 5,727,570 13,191 20,940 $ 103,562 — 32,925 — — — — — — $ — 1,120,824 98,367 71,018 — 14,189 708 38,537 — — 5,727,570 — — 13,191 20,940 125,233 125,233 17,507 278 17,507 278 — 45 — 125,233 17,130 278 5,589,135 1,071,200 103,135 89,812 28,181 5,582,835 1,071,044 103,397 93,291 28,181 — 5,582,835 — 1,071,044 103,397 — 93,291 — 28,181 — — 332 — — — — — — F-92 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Other than as discussed above, the following methods and assumptions were used by management to estimate the fair value of significant classes of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Cash and cash equivalents. Carrying value is assumed to represent fair value for cash and cash equivalents that have original maturities of ninety days or less. FHLB stock and restricted equity securities. Carrying value approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the issuers. Cash surrender value of life insurance policies. Carrying value approximates fair value. Loans, net. The carrying value of the loans in the loan portfolio is based on their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, the unamortized balance of any deferred fees or costs on originated loans and the unamortized balance of any premiums or discounts on loans purchased or acquired through mergers. The fair value of the loans is estimated by discounting future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans with similar terms would be made to borrowers of similar credit quality. Accrued interest receivable. Carrying value approximates fair value. Deposits. The fair value of demand, non-interest bearing checking, savings and money market deposits is determined as the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of time deposits is estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using market rates offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Borrowed funds. The fair value of borrowed funds is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using market rates for similar borrowings. Such funds include all categories of debt and debentures in the table above. Subordinated borrowings. The Company utilizes a pricing service along with internal models to estimate the valuation of its junior subordinated debentures. The junior subordinated debentures re-price every ninety days. Off-balance-sheet financial instruments. Off-balance-sheet financial instruments include standby letters of credit and other financial guarantees and commitments considered immaterial to the Company’s financial statements. F-93 Table of Contents NOTE 21. CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Condensed financial information pertaining only to the Parent, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, is as follows. Investment in subsidiaries at December 31, 2016 includes $35 million of intercompany subordinated notes. CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) Assets Cash due from Berkshire Bank Investment in subsidiaries Securities available for sale, at fair value Other assets Total assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Short term debt Subordinated notes Accrued expenses Shareholders’ equity Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity December 31, 2016 2015 $ $ $ $ 43,018 1,127,706 23,651 1,372 1,195,747 10,000 89,161 3,288 1,093,298 1,195,747 $ $ $ $ 36,082 931,171 726 10,179 978,158 — 88,983 1,986 887,189 978,158 CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands) Income: Dividends from subsidiaries Other Total income Interest expense Non-interest expenses Total expense Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries Income tax benefit Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ $ 33,000 4,072 37,072 5,743 3,740 9,483 27,589 (2,123) 29,712 28,958 $ 34,000 2,763 36,763 5,674 3,670 9,344 27,419 (2,518) 29,937 19,581 12,000 2,317 14,317 5,847 2,286 8,133 6,184 (2,330) 8,514 25,230 Net income $ 58,670 $ 49,518 $ 33,744 F-94 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used) provided by operating activities: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ 58,670 $ 49,518 $ 33,744 Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries Other, net Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Acquisitions, net of cash paid Purchase of securities Other, net Net cash (used) provided by investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Proceed from issuance of short term debt Net proceeds from common stock Net proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock Payment to repurchase common stock Common stock cash dividends paid Other, net Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (28,958) 1,988 31,700 — (18,016) 9,728 (8,288) 9,349 3,712 — (4,632) (24,916) 11 (16,476) (19,581) 10,904 40,841 (25,230) 3,247 11,761 (3,293) (18) — (3,311) (9,935) — 240 (550) (21,903) 167 (31,981) — — — — — — 1,064 (2,468) (18,075) (1,903) (21,382) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 6,936 5,549 (9,621) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 36,082 30,533 40,154 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 43,018 $ 36,082 $ 30,533 F-95 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 22. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) Quarterly results of operations were as follows: (In thousands, except per share data) Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter Interest and dividend income $72,434 $70,511 $69,018 $68,476 $68,424 $65,452 $60,403 $52,751 2016 2015 Interest expense Net interest income Non-interest income Total revenue Provision for loan losses Non-interest expense Income before income taxes Income tax expense Net income Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share 13,276 59,158 16,725 75,883 4,100 61,090 10,693 362 12,540 57,971 18,941 76,912 4,734 48,844 23,334 6,953 11,577 57,441 14,555 71,996 4,522 46,268 21,206 5,249 10,779 57,697 15,630 73,327 4,006 47,100 22,221 6,220 9,676 58,748 12,248 70,996 4,431 48,279 18,286 2,273 8,481 56,971 12,698 69,669 4,240 49,378 16,051 1,350 7,766 52,637 16,780 69,417 4,204 54,025 11,188 1,144 7,258 45,493 12,562 58,055 3,851 45,148 9,056 297 $10,331 $16,381 $15,957 $16,001 $16,013 $14,701 $10,044 $ 8,759 $ $ 0.32 0.32 $ $ 0.53 0.53 $ $ 0.52 0.52 $ $ 0.52 0.52 $ $ 0.53 0.52 $ $ 0.49 0.49 $ $ 0.35 0.35 $ $ 0.35 0.35 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic Diluted 32,185 32,381 30,621 30,811 30,605 30,765 30,511 30,688 30,500 30,694 29,893 30,069 28,301 28,461 24,803 24,955 F-96 Table of Contents NOTE 23. NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Presented below is net interest income after provision for loan losses for the three years ended 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively: (In thousands) Net interest income Provision for loan losses Net interest income after provision for loan losses Total non-interest income Total non-interest expense Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income tax expense Net income NOTE 24. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 232,267 17,362 214,905 65,851 203,302 77,454 18,784 213,849 16,726 197,123 54,288 196,829 54,582 5,064 $ 58,670 $ 49,518 $ 178,691 14,968 163,723 47,770 165,986 45,507 11,763 33,744 On February 7, 2017 the Company terminated all of its interest rate swaps associated with FHLB advances with 1- month LIBOR based floating interest rates with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million with various institutions. As of the termination date, the Company will not renew any of its 1-month FHLB borrowings and will permit the remaining balance to run-off. As a result, the Company reclassified $6.6 million of losses from the effective portion of the unrealized changes in the fair value of the terminated derivatives from other comprehensive loss to earnings as the forecasted transactions related to the FHLB advances will not occur. F-97 Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. Subsidiaries Exhibit 21 Name Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. Berkshire Bank Beacon Comprehensive Services Corp. RSB Properties, Inc. CSB Service Corp. Legacy Insurance Services of the Berkshires, LLC North Street Securities Corporation Woodland Securities, Inc. Hampden Investment Corporation II Firestone Financial, LLC First Choice Loan Services Inc. Old Spot Properties, LLC FCB New Jersey Investment Company Novus Asset Management Inc. Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc. State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization Delaware Massachusetts New York New York Massachusetts Delaware Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts New Jersey New Jersey New Jersey Delware Massachusetts CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-207429) and S-8 (Nos. 333-185464, 333-177587, 333-191422, and 333-146604) of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. of our report dated March 1, 2017, relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting which appears in this Form 10-K. Exhibit 23.1 /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Boston, Massachusetts March 1, 2017 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Michael P. Daly, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.; Exhibit 31.1 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 1, 2017 /s/ Michael P. Daly Michael P. Daly President and Chief Executive Officer CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, James M. Moses, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.; Exhibit 31.2 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 1, 2017 /s/ James M. Moses James M. Moses Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Exhibit 32.1 In connection with the Annual Report of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Michael P. Daly, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as added by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the period covered by the Report. March 1, 2017 /s/ Michael P. Daly Michael P. Daly President and Chief Executive Officer CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Exhibit 32.2 In connection with the Annual Report of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, James M. Moses, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as added by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the period covered by the Report. March 1, 2017 /s/ James M. Moses James M. Moses Senior Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer Corporate Offices Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. 24 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 800-773-5601 berkshirebank.com Stock Listing Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BHLB”. Investor Information Investor Relations Attn: Erin Duggan Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. P.O. Box 1308 Pittsfield, MA 01202 413-443-5601 investorrelations@berkshirebank.com Transfer Agent and Registrar Shareholders who wish to change the name, address, or ownership of stock, report lost stock certificates, inquire about the Dividend Reinvestment Plan or consolidate stock accounts should contact: Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 1342 Brentwood, NY 11717 844-458-9357 shareholder@broadridge.com shareholder.broadridge.com/bhlb 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Thursday, May 18, 2017 | 10 a.m. ET The Crowne Plaza Hotel One West Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 The X Represents Excitement. Our hope is that our constituents come to see it as representing their exciting moments both big and small. This document contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) which involve significant risks and uncertainties; undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. Actual results may differ materially including factors discussed in “Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet website sec. gov and to which reference is hereby made. This Form can be obtained from ir.berkshirebank.com or will be furnished on written request without charge to persons who are beneficial owners of securities of the Company as of the record date for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Banking products are provided by Berkshire Bank: Member FDIC; Equal Housing Lender. Berkshire Bank is a Massachusetts chartered bank. Insurance and investment products as well as investment securities and obligations of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. are not FDIC-insured, are not a bank deposit, “NOT guaranteed BY THE BANK,” “NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY” and may lose value. 

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