UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
OR

☐  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 0-27782

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Delaware
 
11-3297463
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer identification number)
     
300 Cadman Plaza West, 8 th Floor, Brooklyn, NY
 
11201
 ( Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(718) 782-6200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all the 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). YES ☒   NO ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

LARGE ACCELERATED FILER  ☐
ACCELERATED FILER 
NON -ACCELERATED FILER  ☐
SMALLER REPORTING COMPANY  ☐
 
EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES    NO

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Title of each class
 
Trading
Symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common
 
DCOM
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market

Classes of Common Stock
 
Number of Shares Outstanding at May 10, 2019
$.01 Par Value
 
36,056,385



 

Page
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
4
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
  8
  9
Item 2.
30
Item 3.
41
Item 4.
42
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
43
Item 1A.
43
Item 2.
43
Item 3.
43
Item 4.
43
Item 5.
43
Item 6.
44
  45
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). These statements may be identified by use of words such as “annualized,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

Forward-looking statements are based upon various assumptions and analyses made by Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the “Company”, in light of management’s experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors (many of which are beyond the Company’s control) that could cause actual conditions or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following:


there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions;

the net interest margin is subject to material short-term fluctuation based upon market rates;

changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may affect the business of Dime Community Bank (the “Bank”);

changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause the Company’s financial condition to be perceived differently;

changes in corporate and/or individual income tax laws may adversely affect the Company's business or financial condition or results of operations;

general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which the Company conducts business, or conditions in the securities markets or the banking industry, may different than the Company currently anticipates;

legislative, regulatory or policy changes may adversely affect the Company’s business or results of operations;

technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than the Company anticipates;

success or consummation of new business initiatives or the integration of any acquired entities may be more difficult or expensive than the Company anticipates;

litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, may delay the occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than the Company anticipates; and

the risks referred to in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.

Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except share amounts)

   
March 31,
2019
   
December 31,
2018
 
ASSETS:
           
Cash and due from banks
 
$
143,473
   
$
147,256
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
   
143,473
     
147,256
 
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
    511,623       502,885  
Marketable equity securities, at fair value
   
5,912
     
5,667
 
Loans:
               
Real estate
   
5,238,882
     
5,163,122
 
Commercial and industrial ("C&I") loans
   
266,415
     
229,504
 
Other loans
   
1,139
     
1,192
 
Less allowance for loan losses
   
(21,941
)
   
(21,782
)
Total loans, net
   
5,484,495
     
5,372,036
 
Premises and fixed assets, net
   
23,708
     
24,713
 
Loans held for sale
   
682
     
1,097
 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") capital stock
   
55,840
     
57,551
 
Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")
   
112,121
     
111,427
 
Goodwill
   
55,638
     
55,638
 
Operating lease assets
   
40,401
     
 
Other assets
   
41,408
     
42,308
 
Total Assets
 
$
6,475,301
   
$
6,320,578
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Due to depositors:
               
Interest-bearing deposits
 
$
3,990,147
   
$
3,961,277
 
Non-interest-bearing deposits
   
417,475
     
395,477
 
Total deposits
   
4,407,622
     
4,356,754
 
Escrow and other deposits
   
137,116
     
85,234
 
FHLBNY advances
   
1,087,325
     
1,125,350
 
Subordinated debt, net
   
113,796
     
113,759
 
Other borrowings
   
45,000
     
 
Operating lease liabilities
   
46,868
     
 
Other liabilities
   
31,300
     
37,400
 
Total Liabilities
   
5,869,027
     
5,718,497
 
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock ($0.01 par, 9,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018)
   
     
 
Common stock ($0.01 par, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 53,690,825 shares and 53,690,825 shares issued at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and 36,020,112 shares and 36,081,455 shares outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)
   
537
     
537
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
278,358
     
277,512
 
Retained earnings
   
572,175
     
565,713
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes
   
(5,232
)
   
(6,500
)
Unearned Restricted Stock Award common stock
   
(6,068
)
   
(3,623
)
Common stock held by Benefit Maintenance Plan ("BMP")
   
(1,509
)
   
(1,509
)
Treasury stock, at cost (17,670,713 shares and 17,609,370 shares at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)
   
(231,987
)
   
(230,049
)
Total Stockholders' Equity
   
606,274
     
602,081
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
6,475,301
   
$
6,320,578
 

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Interest income:
           
Loans secured by real estate
 
$
49,177
   
$
49,575
 
C&I loans
   
3,436
     
1,656
 
Other loans
   
18
     
19
 
Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and Agency Collaterized Mortgage Obligation (“CMO”) securities
   
3,197
     
2,257
 
Marketable equity and investment securities
   
420
     
15
 
Other short-term investments
   
1,447
     
1,511
 
Total interest income
   
57,695
     
55,033
 
Interest expense:
               
Deposits and escrow
   
15,017
     
10,751
 
Borrowed funds
   
7,354
     
6,267
 
Total interest expense
   
22,371
     
17,018
 
Net interest income
   
35,324
     
38,015
 
Provision for loan losses
   
321
     
193
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
35,003
     
37,822
 
Non-interest income:
               
Service charges and other fees
   
1,099
     
911
 
Mortgage banking income, net
   
68
     
111
 
Net gain on securities and other assets (1)
   
192
     
1,366
 
Gain on sale of loans
   
255
     
90
 
Income from BOLI
   
694
     
712
 
Other
   
52
     
54
 
Total non-interest income
   
2,360
     
3,244
 
Non-interest expense:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
11,884
     
11,177
 
Stock benefit plan compensation expense
   
284
     
388
 
Occupancy and equipment
   
3,869
     
3,872
 
Data processing costs
   
2,066
     
1,754
 
Marketing
   
466
     
1,047
 
Federal deposit insurance premiums
   
454
     
665
 
Other
   
3,029
     
2,831
 
Total non-interest expense
   
22,052
     
21,734
 
Income before income taxes
   
15,311
     
19,332
 
Income tax expense
   
3,810
     
4,587
 
Net income
 
$
11,501
   
$
14,745
 
                 
Earnings per Share:
               
Basic
 
$
0.32
   
$
0.39
 
Diluted
 
$
0.32
   
$
0.39
 

(1)
Amount includes periodic valuation gains or losses on marketable equity securities.

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Net Income
 
$
11,501
   
$
14,745
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Change in holding gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale
   
4,687
     
(2,558
)
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations
   
492
     
155
 
Change in gain (loss) on derivative assets
   
(3,284
)
   
2,016
 
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before income taxes
   
1,895
     
(387
)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
   
627
     
(112
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
   
1,268
     
(275
)
Total comprehensive income
 
$
12,769
   
$
14,470
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
   
Number
of Shares
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss,
Net of Deferred
Taxes
   
Unearned
Stock Award
Common
Stock
   
Common
Stock
Held by
BMP
   
Treasury
Stock, at
cost
   
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
                                                       
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2019
   
36,081,455
   
$
537
   
$
277,512
   
$
565,713
   
$
(6,500
)
 
$
(3,623
)
 
$
(1,509
)
 
$
(230,049
)
 
$
602,081
 
Net Income
   
     
     
     
11,501
     
     
     
     
     
11,501
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
     
     
     
     
1,268
     
     
     
     
1,268
 
Release of shares, net of forfeitures
   
138,329
     
     
846
     
     
     
(2,729
)
   
     
1,883
     

Stock-based compensation
   
     
     
     
     
     
284
     
     
     
284
 
Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation
    (418
)
   
     
     
     
     
     
      (7
)
    (7
)
Cash dividends declared and paid
   
     
     
     
(5,039
)
   
     
     
     
     
(5,039
)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock
   
(199,254
)
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
(3,814
)
   
(3,814
)
Ending balance as of March 31, 2019
   
36,020,112
   
$
537
   
$
278,358
   
$
572,175
   
$
(5,232
)
 
$
(6,068
)
 
$
(1,509
)
 
$
(231,987
)
 
$
606,274
 


 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 

 
Number
of Shares
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss,
Net of Deferred
Taxes
   
Unearned
Stock Award
Common
Stock
   
Common
Stock
Held by
BMP
   
Treasury
Stock, at
cost
   
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
                                                       
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2018
   
37,419,070
   
$
536
   
$
276,730
   
$
535,130
   
$
(3,641
)
 
$
(2,894
)
 
$
(2,736
)
 
$
(204,558
)
 
$
598,567
 
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on marketable equity securities
   
     
     
     
153
     
(153
)
   
     
     
     
 
A djusted beginning balance as of January 1, 2018
   
37,419,070
     
536
     
276,730
     
535,283
     
(3,794
)
   
(2,894
)
   
(2,736
)
   
(204,558
)
   
598,567
 
Net Income
   
     
     
     
14,745
     
     
     
     
     
14,745
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
     
     
     
     
(275
)
   
     
     
     
(275
)
Exercise of stock options, net
   
19,726
     
1
     
454
     
     
     
     
     
(165
)
   
290
 
Release of shares, net of forfeitures
   
73,019
     
     
426
     
     
     
(1,349
)
   
     
923
     
 
Stock-based compensation
   
     
     
     
     
     
388
     
     
     
388
 
Shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits
   
(27,545
)
   
     
(540
)
   
     
     
     
540
     
(524
)
   
(524
)
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income (loss)
   
     
     
     
(32
)
   
32
     
     
     
     
 
Cash dividends declared and paid
   
     
     
     
(5,234
)
   
     
     
     
     
(5,234
)
Ending balance as of March 31, 2018
   
37,484,270
   
$
537
   
$
277,070
   
$
544,762
   
$
(4,037
)
 
$
(3,855
)
 
$
(2,196
)
 
$
(204,324
)
 
$
607,957
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net Income
 
$
11,501
   
$
14,745
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Net (gain) loss on sales of securities available-for-sale
   
76
     
(1,370
)
Net (gain) loss recognized on marketable equity securities
   
(268
)
   
4
 
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale
   
(255
)
   
(90
)
Net depreciation, amortization and accretion
   
2,875
     
2,184
 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
   
(1,712
)
   
 
Stock plan compensation
   
284
     
388
 
Provision for loan losses
   
321
     
193
 
Originations of loans held for sale
   
(569
)
   
 
Proceeds from sale of loans originated for sale
    618      
 
Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI
   
(694
)
   
(712
)
Deferred income tax provision
   
(807
)
   
(1,728
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease (Increase) in other assets
   
(262
)
   
3,204
 
Decrease in other liabilities
   
(923
)
   
(4,072
)
Net cash provided by Operating activities
   
10,185
     
12,746
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from sales securities available-for-sale
   
15,499
     
158,484
 
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities
   
137
     
393
 
Purchases of securities available-for-sale
   
(38,319
)
   
(189,874
)
Acquisition of marketable equity securities
   
(114
)
   
(109
)
Proceeds from calls and principal repayments of securities available-for-sale
   
18,530
     
25,958
 
Proceeds from sale of portfolio loans held for sale
    8,659
     
765
 
Net decrease (increase) in loans
   
(120,886
)
   
93,994
 
Purchases of fixed assets, net
   
(50
)
   
(1,879
)
Sale of FHLBNY capital stock, net
   
1,711
     
7,182
 
Net cash provided by (used in) Investing Activities
   
(114,833
)
   
94,914
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Increase in due to depositors
   
50,868
     
26,994
 
Increase in escrow and other deposits
   
51,882
     
49,785
 
Repayments of FHLBNY advances
   
(1,030,150
)
   
(1,034,600
)
Proceeds from FHLBNY advances
   
992,125
     
875,000
 
Repayments of other borrowings
   
(571,000
)
   
 
Proceeds from other borrowings
   
616,000
     
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
     
290
 
Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation
    (7
)
   
 
BMP ESOP shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits
   
     
(524
)
Treasury shares repurchased
   
(3,814
)
   
 
Cash dividends paid to stockholders, net
   
(5,039
)
   
(5,234
)
Net cash provided by (used in) Financing Activities
   
100,865
     
(88,289
)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
(3,783
)
   
19,371
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
147,256
     
169,455
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
 
$
143,473
   
$
188,826
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
4,406
   
$
2,928
 
Cash paid for interest
   
24,013
     
15,323
 
Loans transferred to held for sale
   
2,329
     
675
 
Operating lease assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities
   
41,641
     
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

1.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the "Holding Company" and together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the "Company") is a Delaware corporation organized by Dime Community Bank (the "Bank") for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock of the Bank issued in the Bank's conversion to stock ownership on June 26, 1996. On January 24, 2019, the Bank filed an application with the New York Department of Financial Services (“NYSDFS”) seeking approval to convert from a New York stock form savings bank to a New York commercial bank (the “Charter Conversion”).  Simultaneous with the Charter Conversion application to NYSDFS, the Company filed an application with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia to delist as a savings and loan holding company and elect to become a bank holding company.  Having received all applicable regulatory approvals, on April 25, 2019 the Bank completed the Charter Conversion, and began operating as a New York commercial bank. Simultaneously, the Company began operating as a bank holding company. At March 31, 2019 the significant assets of the Holding Company were the capital stock of the Bank and investments retained by the Holding Company.  The liabilities of the Holding Company were comprised primarily of $113,796 subordinated notes due in 2027, which become callable commencing in 2022.  The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Bank was originally founded in 1864 as a New York State-chartered mutual savings bank, and operated as a New York State-chartered stock savings bank until April 2019.  Effective August 1, 2016, the Bank changed its name from The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh to Dime Community Bank.  The new name more accurately reflected the Bank's evolving business model and emphasized its broader geographic and business reach while retaining the Bank's mission to be in and of the communities it served, including the virtual online community. The Bank's principal business is gathering deposits from customers within its market area and via the internet, and investing them primarily in multifamily residential, commercial real estate, mixed use, and, to an increasing extent, commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans, and one-to-four family residential real estate loans, as well as mortgage-backed securities, obligations of the U.S. government and government- sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”), and corporate debt and equity securities.

The Holding Company neither owns nor leases any property, but instead uses the back office of the Bank, located in the Brooklyn Heights section of the borough of Brooklyn, New York. The Bank maintains its principal office in the Williamsburg section of the borough of Brooklyn, New York. As of March 31, 2019, the Bank had twenty-nine retail banking offices located throughout the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and in Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York.

2.
SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial condition as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the results of operations and statements of comprehensive income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and the changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.  The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2019.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Please see "Part I - Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies" for a discussion of areas in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements utilizing significant estimates.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

3.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Updates ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . ASU 2016-02 requires companies that lease valuable assets to recognize on their balance sheets the assets and liabilities generated by contracts longer than a year. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases , and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) : Targeted Improvements.  The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. An entity may adopt the new guidance by either restating prior periods and recording a cumulative effect adjustment at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented (the modified retrospective transition approach) or by recording a cumulative adjustment at the beginning of the period of adoption (the additional transition method).  The Company used the additional transition method approach.  Topic 842 includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. The practical expedients relate to the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. The Company adopted these practical expedients: not reevaluating whether or not a contract contains a lease; retaining current lease classification; not reassessing initial direct costs for existing leases; and not reassessing existing land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under current lease accounting rules. The Company did not utilize the practical expedient of hindsight in its lease assessments. An entity that elects to apply these practical expedients will, in effect, continue to account for leases that commence before the effective date in accordance with previous GAAP unless the lease is modified, except that lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all operating leases at each reporting date based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments that were tracked and disclosed under previous GAAP.  The adoption of ASU 2016-02 resulted in increases of $41,641 to the Company's assets and liabilities.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) , which requires that the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date be based on historical experience, current condition, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. This guidance also amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. For the Company, this guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2019. The Company has established a committee that has assessed system requirements, gathered data, and will evaluate the impact of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has engaged a third party software provider in order to evaluate the potential impact of ASU 2016-13, and is currently working through implementation of the software. The Company expects to recognize a one-time cumulative effect increase to the allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the reporting period in which ASU 2016-13 takes effect, however, cannot yet determine the magnitude of the impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities . ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2017-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

4.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, was as follows:

   
Securities
Available-for-Sale
   
Defined
Benefit Plans
   
Derivative
Asset
   
Total
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Balance as of January 1, 2019
 
$
(1,957
)
 
$
(6,290
)
 
$
1,747
   
$
(6,500
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
3,129
     
252
     
(2,007
)
   
1,374
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
51
     
82
     
(239
)
   
(106
)
Net other comprehensive income during the period
   
3,180
     
334
     
(2,246
)
   
1,268
 
Balance as of March 31, 2019
 
$
1,223
   
$
(5,956
)
 
$
(499
)
 
$
(5,232
)
                                 
Balance as of January 1, 2018
 
$
285
   
$
(6,633
)
 
$
2,707
   
$
(3,641
)
Reclassification for adoption of ASU 2016-01 (1)
   
(153
)
   
     
     
(153
)
Adjusted balance as of January 1, 2018
   
132
     
(6,633
)
   
2,707
     
(3,794
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
(786
)
   
(88
)
   
1,373
     
499
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(922
)
   
192
     
(44
)
   
(774
)
Net other comprehensive income during the period
   
(1,708
)
   
104
     
1,329
     
(275
)
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income (2)
   
     
32
     
     
32
 
Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
$
(1,576
)
 
$
(6,497
)
 
$
4,036
   
$
(4,037
)

(1)
Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 allowing the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.
(2)
Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2018-02 allowing the reclassification of certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act") from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Act (or portion thereof) is recorded. The amount of the reclassification is an adjustment for the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate (35%) and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate.

The before and after tax amounts allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated.

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Change in holding gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale:
           
Change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) during the period
 
$
4,611
   
$
(1,188
)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net gain on securities and other assets
   
76
     
(1,370
)
Net change
   
4,687
     
(2,558
)
Tax expense (benefit)
   
1,507
     
(850
)
Net change in holding gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale
   
3,180
     
(1,708
)
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:
               
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in other expense
   
122
     
286
 
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss
   
370
     
(131
)
Net change
   
492
     
155
 
Tax expense
   
158
     
51
 
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations
   
334
     
104
 
Change in gain (loss) on derivative assets:
               
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) during the period
   
(2,928
)
   
2,081
 
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense
   
(356
)
   
(65
)
Net change
   
(3,284
)
   
2,016
 
Tax expense (benefit)
   
(1,038
)
   
687
 
Net change in unrealized loss on derivative asset or liability
   
(2,246
)
   
1,329
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
1,268
   
$
(275
)

5.
EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  Diluted EPS is computed using the same method as basic EPS, but reflects the potential dilution that would occur if "in the money" stock options were exercised and converted into Common Stock, and if all likely aggregate Long-term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") and Sales Incentive Plan ("SIP") share are issued.  In determining the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS, treasury shares are excluded.  Vested restricted stock award ("RSA") shares are included in the calculation of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS.  Unvested RSA and SIP shares not yet awarded are recognized as a special class of participating securities under ASC 260, and are included in the calculation of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS.

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted EPS for the periods presented:

   
Three Months Ended March
31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Net income per the Consolidated Statements of Income
 
$
11,501
   
$
14,745
 
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities
   
(37
)
   
(29
)
Income attributable to common stock
 
$
11,464
   
$
14,716
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities
   
36,000,140
     
37,495,317
 
Less: weighted average participating securities
   
(153,793
)
   
(145,725
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
35,846,347
     
37,349,592
 
Basic EPS
 
$
0.32
   
$
0.39
 
Income attributable to common stock
 
$
11,464
   
$
14,716
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
35,846,347
     
37,349,592
 
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding
   
130,568
     
115,133
 
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding
   
35,976,915
     
37,464,725
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
0.32
   
$
0.39
 

Common and equivalent shares resulting from the dilutive effect of "in-the-money" outstanding stock options are calculated based upon the excess of the average market value of the common stock over the exercise price of outstanding in-the-money   stock options during the period.

There were no "out-of-the-money" stock options during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 or 2018.

For information about the calculation of expected aggregate LTIP and SIP share payouts, see Note 14.

6.
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , on January 1, 2018. Under ASC 2014-09, an entity is required to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  ASU 2014-09 also requires disclosure of sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, as well as qualitative and quantitative disclosure related to contracts with certain customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.

In accordance with ASU 2014-09, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these services. The Company applies the following five steps to properly recognize revenue:


1.
Identify the contract with a customer


2.
Identify the performance obligations in the contract


3.
Determine the transaction price


4.
Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract


5
Recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation

The Company's only in-scope revenue stream that is subject to the accounting standard is service fees on deposit accounts (including interchange fees), which is disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as "Service charges and other fees." For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, service charges and other fees totaled $1,099 and $911, respectively.

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts . The Company earns fees from its deposits customers for transaction-based, account maintenance, and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as ATM use fees, stop payments, statement rendering, and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the Company fulfills the customer's request. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of the month, representing the period over which the Company satisfied the performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs. Service charges on deposits are withdrawn from the customer's account balance.

Interchange Income . The Company earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions conducted through various payment networks. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provide to the cardholder.

7.
INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

The Company adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, on January 1, 2018. As a result of adoption all registered mutual funds were reclassified as marketable equity securities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded through the income statement. Additionally, $153 of unrealized gains, net of taxes, was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to beginning retained earnings on January 1, 2018. Marketable equity securities are excluded from the tables below.

The following tables summarize the major categories of securities owned by the Company as of the dates indicated:

   
At March 31, 2019
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Securities available-for-sale:
                       
Agency Notes
 
$
25,124
   
$
52
   
$
3
   
$
25,173
 
Corporate Securities
   
29,131
     
166
     
64
     
29,233
 
Pass-through MBS issued by Government-sponsored Enterprises ("GSEs")
   
346,338
     
2,829
     
560
     
348,607
 
Agency CMOs
   
109,244
     
142
     
776
     
108,610
 
Total securities available-for-sale
 
$
509,837
   
$
3,189
   
$
1,403
   
$
511,623
 

   
At December 31, 2018
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Securities available-for-sale:
                       
Agency Notes
 
$
25,110
   
$
45
   
$
10
   
$
25,145
 
Corporate Securities
   
11,167
     
0
     
32
     
11,135
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
356,039
     
574
     
2,000
     
354,613
 
Agency CMOs
   
113,470
     
157
     
1,635
     
111,992
 
Total securities available-for-sale
 
$
505,786
   
$
776
   
$
3,677
   
$
502,885
 

The carrying amount of securities pledged as collateral for the Bank's first loss guarantee was $23,786 and $27,248 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

At March 31, 2019, the available-for-sale agency notes possessed a weighted average contractual maturity of 3.9 years.  At March 31, 2019, available-for-sale agency CMO and MBS securities possessed a weighted average contractual maturity of 12.9 years.  At March 31, 2019, the corporate securities possessed had a weighted average contractual maturity of 5.9 years.

   
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs:
           
Proceeds
 
$
6,117
   
$
 
Gross gains
   
     
 
Tax expense on gain
   
     
 
Gross losses
   
174
     
 
Tax benefit on loss
   
(56
)
   
 
Agency CMOs:
               
Proceeds
   
9,382
     
158,484
 
Gross gains
   
98
     
1,370
 
Tax expense on gain
   
31
     
440
 
Gross losses
   
     
 
Tax benefit on loss
   
     
 

The Company holds marketable equity securities as the underlying mutual fund investments of the BMP, held in a rabbi trust. The Company may sell these securities on a periodic basis in order to pay retirement benefits to plan retirees. There are no gains or losses recognized from the sales of marketable equity securities.  A summary of the sales of marketable equity securities is listed below for the periods indicated:

   
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Proceeds:
           
Marketable equity securities
 
$
137
   
$
393
 

The remaining gain or loss on securities shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income was due to market valuation changes.  Net gains (losses) of $268 and $(4) were recognized on marketable equity securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of investment securities aggregated by investment category and the length of time the securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated:

   
March 31, 2019
 
   
Less than 12
Consecutive Months
   
12 Consecutive
Months or Longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Securities available-for-sale:
                                   
Agency Notes
 
$
5,121
   
$
3
   
$
   
$
   
$
5,121
   
$
3
 
Corporate Securities
   
10,104
     
64
     
     
     
10,104
     
64
 
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs
   
     
     
81,834
     
560
     
81,834
     
560
 
Agency CMOs
   
86,626
     
716
     
4,583
     
60
     
91,209
     
776
 

   
December 31, 2018
 
   
Less than 12
Consecutive Months
   
12 Consecutive
Months or Longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Securities available-for-sale:
                                   
Agency Notes
 
$
5,100
   
$
10
   
$
   
$
   
$
5,100
   
$
10
 
Corporate Securities
   
11,135
     
32
     
     
     
11,135
     
32
 
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs
   
216,451
     
1,049
     
45,489
     
951
     
261,940
     
2,000
 
Agency CMOs
   
52,605
     
439
     
39,833
     
1,196
     
92,438
     
1,635
 

The issuers of securities available-for-sale are U.S. government-sponsored entities or agencies. The decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality. It is likely that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, and as such, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily-impaired at March 31, 2019.

8.
LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY

Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned fees or costs.  Interest income on loans is recorded using the level yield method.  Under this method, discount accretion and premium amortization are included in interest income.  Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized as yield adjustments over the contractual loan terms.

Credit Quality Indicators:

On a quarterly basis, the Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying them as to credit risk.  This analysis includes all loans, such as multifamily residential, mixed-use residential ( i.e., loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the residential units), mixed-use commercial real estate ( i.e. ,   loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the commercial units), commercial real estate loans, acquisition, development, and construction ("ADC") loans (which includes land loans), C&I loans, as well as one-to-four family residential and cooperative and condominium apartment loans.

The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Special Mention.   Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the Bank's credit position at some future date.

Substandard.   Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful.   Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of then existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

The Bank had no loans classified as doubtful as of March 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018. All real estate and C&I loans not classified as Special Mention or Substandard were deemed pass loans at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of real estate and C&I loans (including deferred costs) by internally assigned grade as of the dates indicated:

     
Balance at March 31, 2019
 
     
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
Real Estate:
                               
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
   
$
106,659
   
$
   
$
1,050
   
$
   
$
107,709
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use
     
3,793,706
     
25,326
     
12,113
     
     
3,831,145
 
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use
     
1,230,111
     
6,110
     
9,585
     
     
1,245,806
 
ADC
     
54,222
     
     
     
     
54,222
 
Total real estate
     
5,184,698
     
31,436
     
22,748
     
     
5,238,882
 
C& I

   
265,521
     
49
     
845
     
     
266,415
 
Total Real Estate and C&I
   
$
5,450,219
   
$
31,485
   
$
23,593
   
$
   
$
5,505,297
 

     
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
     
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
Real Estate:
                               
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
   
$
95,782
   
$
   
$
1,065
   
$
   
$
96,847
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use
     
3,829,643
     
32,682
     
4,463
     
     
3,866,788
 
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use
     
1,162,429
     
1,209
     
6,447
     
     
1,170,085
 
ADC
     
29,402
     
     
     
     
29,402
 
Total real estate
     
5,117,256
     
33,891
     
11,975
     
     
5,163,122
 
C& I

   
228,924
     
     
580
     
     
229,504
 
Total Real Estate and C&I
   
$
5,346,180
   
$
33,891
   
$
12,555
   
$
   
$
5,392,626
 

The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of consumer loans by internally assigned grade:

   
Balance at
 
Grade
 
March 31, 2019
   
December 31, 2018
 
Performing
 
$
1,133
   
$
1,189
 
Non-accrual
   
6
     
3
 
Total
 
$
1,139
   
$
1,192
 

The following is a breakdown of the past due status of the Company's investment in loans (excluding accrued interest) as of the dates indicated:

     
At March 31, 2019
 
     
30 to 59
Days
Past Due
   
60 to 89
Days
Past Due
   
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
Interest
   
Non-
accrual (1)
   
Total
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total
Loans
 
Real Estate:
                                           
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
   
$
133
   
$
8
   
$
   
$
706
   
$
847
   
$
106,862
   
$
107,709
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use
     
145
     
     
768
     
276
     
1,189
     
3,829,956
     
3,831,145
 
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use
     
     
     
5,622
     
4,205
     
9,827
     
1,235,979
     
1,245,806
 
ADC
     
     
     
     
     
     
54,222
     
54,222
 
Total real estate
   
$
278
   
$
8
   
$
6,390
   
$
5,187
   
$
11,863
   
$
5,227,019
   
$
5,238,882
 
C& I

 
$
49
   
$
   
$
565
   
$
232
   
$
846
   
$
265,569
   
$
266,415
 
Consumer
   
$
3
   
$
1
   
$
   
$
6
   
$
10
   
$
1,129
   
$
1,139
 

(1)
Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of March 31, 2019.

     
At December 31, 2018
 
     
30 to 59
Days
Past Due
   
60 to 89
Days
Past Due
   
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
Interest
   
Non-
accrual (1)
   
Total
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total
Loans
 
Real Estate:
                                           
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
   
$
312
   
$
   
$
   
$
712
   
$
1,024
   
$
95,823
   
$
96,847
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use
     
     
     
100
     
280
     
380
     
3,866,408
     
3,866,788
 
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use
     
     
     
     
1,041
     
1,041
     
1,169,044
     
1,170,085
 
ADC
     
     
     
     
     
     
29,402
     
29,402
 
Total real estate
   
$
312
   
$
   
$
100
   
$
2,033
   
$
2,445
   
$
5,160,677
   
$
5,163,122
 
C&I

 
$
50
   
$
49
   
$
   
$
309
   
$
408
   
$
229,096
   
$
229,504
 
Consumer
   
$
12
   
$
1
   
$
   
$
3
   
$
16
   
$
1,176
   
$
1,192
 

(1)
Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2018.

Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due

The Bank continued accruing interest on eleven loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of 6,955 at March 31, 2019, and one real estate loan with an aggregate outstanding balance of $100 at December 31, 2018, all of which were 90 days or more past due on their respective contractual maturity dates. These loans continued to make monthly payments consistent with their initial contractual amortization schedule exclusive of the balloon payments due at maturity.  These loans were well secured and were expected to be refinanced, and therefore remained on accrual status and were deemed performing assets at the dates indicated above.

Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs")

A TDR has been created in the event that, for economic or legal reasons, any of the following concessions has been granted that would not have otherwise been considered to a debtor experiencing financial difficulties. The following criteria are considered concessions:


A reduction of interest rate has been made for the remaining term of the loan

The maturity date of the loan has been extended with a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk

The outstanding principal amount and/or accrued interest have been reduced

I n instances in which the interest rate has been reduced, management would not deem the modification a TDR in the event that the reduction in interest rate reflected either a general decline in market interest rates or an effort to maintain a relationship with a borrower who could readily obtain funds from other sources at the current market interest rate, and the terms of the restructured loan are comparable to the terms offered by the Bank to non-troubled debtors.  The following table summarizes outstanding TDRs by underlying collateral types as of the dates indicated:

   
As of March 31, 2019
   
As of December 31, 2018
 
   
No. of
Loans
   
Balance
   
No. of
Loans
   
Balance
 
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
   
1
   
$
12
     
1
   
$
14
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use
   
2
     
261
     
2
     
271
 
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use
   
1
     
4,061
     
1
     
4,084
 
Total real estate
   
4
   
$
4,334
     
4
   
$
4,369
 

Accrual status for TDRs is determined separately for each TDR in accordance with the Bank's policies for determining accrual or non-accrual status.  At the time an agreement is entered into between the Bank and the borrower that results in the Bank's determination that a TDR has been created, the loan can be on either accrual or non-accrual status.  If a loan is on non-accrual status at the time it is restructured, it continues to be classified as non-accrual until the borrower has demonstrated compliance with the modified loan terms for a period of at least six months.  Conversely, if at the time of restructuring the loan is performing (and accruing), it will remain accruing throughout its restructured period, unless the loan subsequently meets any of the criteria for non-accrual status under the Bank's policy and agency regulations. There were no TDRs on non-accrual status at March 31, 2019 or at December 31, 2018.

The Company has not restructured any C&I or consumer loans, as these loan portfolios have not experienced any problem issues warranting restructuring. Therefore, all TDRs were collateralized by real estate at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

There were no loans modified in a manner that met the criteria of a TDR during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 or 2018.

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Bank had no loan commitments to borrowers with outstanding TDRs.

A TDR is considered to be in payment default once it is 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms. All TDRs are considered impaired loans and are evaluated individually for measurable impairment, if any.

There were no TDRs which defaulted within twelve months following the modification during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 or 2018 (thus no impact to the allowance for loan losses during those periods).

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on then current information and events, it is probable that all contractual amounts due will not be collected in accordance with the terms of the loan.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays or shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

The Bank considers TDRs and all non-accrual loans, except one-to-four family loans equal to or less than the FNMA conforming loan limits for high-cost areas, such as the Bank's primary lending area, ("FNMA Limits") and consumer loans, to be impaired.  Non-accrual one-to-four family loans equal to or less than the FNMA Limits and all consumer loans, are considered homogeneous loan pools and are not required to be evaluated individually for impairment unless considered a TDR.

Impairment is typically measured using the difference between the outstanding loan principal balance and either: 1) the likely realizable value of a note sale; 2) the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of likely disposal costs, if repayment is expected to come from liquidation of the collateral; or 3) the present value of estimated future cash flows (using the loan's pre-modification rate for some of the performing TDRs).  If a TDR is substantially performing in accordance with its restructured terms, management will look to either the potential net liquidation proceeds of the underlying collateral or the present value of the expected cash flows from the debt service in measuring impairment (whichever is deemed most appropriate under the circumstances).  If a TDR has re-defaulted, generally the likely realizable net proceeds from either a note sale or the liquidation of the collateral is considered when measuring impairment. Measured impairment is either charged off immediately or, in limited instances, recognized as an allocated reserve within the allowance for loan losses.

Please refer to Note 9 for tabular information related to impaired loans.

9.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components. At March 31, 2019, the Bank's periodic evaluation of its allowance for loan losses (specific or general) was comprised of two primary components: (1) impaired loans and (2) pass graded loans. Within these components, the Company has identified the following portfolio segments for purposes of assessing its allowance for loan losses: (1) real estate loans; (2) C&I loans; and (3) consumer loans.  Within these segments, the Bank analyzes the allowance for loan losses based upon the underlying collateral type (classes). Smaller balance homogeneous real estate loans, such as condominium or cooperative apartment and one-to-four family residential real estate loans with balances equal to or less than the FNMA Limits, and consumer loans are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

Impaired Loan Component

All loans that are deemed to meet the definition of impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. Impairment is typically measured using the difference between the outstanding loan principal balance and either: (1) the likely realizable value of a note sale; (2) the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of likely disposal costs, if repayment is expected to come from liquidation of the collateral; or (3) the present value of estimated future cash flows (using the loan's pre-modification rate in the case of certain performing TDRs).  For impaired loans on non-accrual status, either of the initial two measurements is utilized.

All TDRs are considered impaired loans and are evaluated individually for measurable impairment, if any.  If a TDR is substantially performing in accordance with its restructured terms, management will look to either the present value of the expected cash flows from the debt service or the potential net liquidation proceeds of the underlying collateral in measuring impairment (whichever is deemed most appropriate under the circumstances). If a TDR has re-defaulted, the likely realizable net proceeds from either a note sale or the liquidation of the collateral are generally considered when measuring impairment.  While measured impairment is generally charged off immediately, impairment attributed to a reduction in the present value of expected cash flows of a performing TDR is generally reflected as an allocated reserve within the allowance for loan losses. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no allocated reserves related to TDRs within the allowance for loan losses.

Non-Impaired Loan Component

The Bank initially looks to the underlying collateral type when determining the allowance for loan losses associated with non-impaired real estate loans.  The following underlying collateral types are analyzed separately: 1) one-to-four family residential and condominium or cooperative apartment; 2) multifamily residential and residential mixed-use; 3) commercial mixed-use real estate, 4) commercial real estate; 5) ADC; and 6) C&I.  Within the analysis of each underlying collateral type, the following elements are additionally considered and provided weighting in determining the allowance for loan losses for non-impaired real estate loans:


(i)
Charge-off experience (including peer charge-off experience)

(ii)
Economic conditions

(iii)
Underwriting standards or experience

(iv)
Loan concentrations

(v)
Regulatory climate

(vi)
Nature and volume of the portfolio

(vii)
Changes in the quality and scope of the loan review function

The following is a brief synopsis of the manner in which each element is considered:


(i)
Charge-off experience Loans within the non-impaired loan portfolio are segmented by significant common characteristics, against which historical loss rates are applied to reflect probable incurred loss percentages.  The Bank also reviews and considers the charge-off experience of peer banks in its lending marketplace in order to determine whether probable incurred losses that could take a longer period to flow through its allowance for loan losses possibly exist.

(ii)
Economic conditions The Bank assigned a loss allocation to its entire non-impaired real estate loan portfolio based, in part, upon a review of economic conditions affecting the local real estate market. Specifically, the Bank considered both the level of, and recent trends in: 1) the local and national unemployment rate, 2) residential and commercial vacancy rates, 3) real estate sales and pricing, and 4) delinquencies in the Bank's loan portfolio.

(iii)
Underwriting standards or experience Underwriting standards are reviewed to ensure that changes in the Bank's lending policies and practices are adequately evaluated for risk and reflected in its analysis of potential credit losses.  Loss expectations associated with changes in the Bank's lending policies and practices, if any, are then incorporated into the methodology.

(iv)
Loan concentrations The Bank regularly reviews its loan concentrations (borrower, collateral type, location, etc.) in order to ensure that heightened risk has not evolved that has not been captured through other factors.  The risk component of loan concentrations is regularly evaluated for reserve adequacy.

(v)
Regulatory climate – Consideration is given to public statements made by the banking regulatory agencies that have a potential impact on the Bank's loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses.

(vi)
Nature and volume of the portfolio – The Bank considers any significant changes in the overall nature and volume of its loan portfolio.

(vii)
Changes in the quality and scope of the loan review function – The Bank considers the potential impact upon its allowance for loan losses of any adverse change in the quality and scope of the loan review function.

Consumer Loans

Due to their small individual balances, the Bank does not evaluate individual consumer loans for impairment.  Loss percentages are applied to aggregate consumer loans based upon both their delinquency status and loan type.  These loss percentages are derived from a combination of the Company's historical loss experience and/or nationally published loss data on such loans.  Consumer loans in excess of 120 days delinquent are typically fully charged off against the allowance for loan losses.

Reserve for Loan Commitments

At both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, the Bank maintained a reserve of $0.03 million associated with unfunded loan commitments accepted by the borrower.  This reserve is determined based upon the outstanding volume of loan commitments at each period end.  Any increases or reductions in this reserve are recognized in periodic non-interest expense.

The following tables present data regarding the allowance for loan losses activity for the periods indicated:

   
At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
   
Real Estate Loans
             
   
One-to-Four Family
Residential, Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential
and
Residential
Mixed-Use
   
Commercial
Real Estate
and
Commercial
Mixed-Use
   
ADC
   
Total
Real
Estate
     
C&I

 
Consumer
Loans
 
Beginning balance
 
$
198
   
$
13,446
   
$
3,777
   
$
397
   
$
17,818
   
$
3,946
   
$
18
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
   
4
     
(453
)
   
250
     
246
     
47
     
273
     
1
 
Charge-offs
   
(1
)
   
(5
)
   
(5
)
   
     
(11
)
   
(150
)
   
(1
)
Recoveries
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Ending balance
 
$
201
   
$
12,988
   
$
4,022
   
$
643
   
$
17,854
   
$
4,069
   
$
18
 

   
At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
   
Real Estate Loans
             
   
One- to Four Family
Residential, Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential
and
Residential
Mixed-Use
   
Commercial
Real Estate
and
Commercial
Mixed-Use
   
ADC
   
Total
Real
Estate
     
C&I

 
Consumer
Loans
 
Beginning balance
 
$
116
   
$
15,219
   
$
3,535
   
$
123
   
$
18,993
   
$
2,021
   
$
19
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
   
     
(223
)
   
(13
)
   
3
     
(233
)
   
424
     
2
 
Charge-offs
   
(15
)
   
     
(4
)
   
     
(19
)
   
     
(4
)
Recoveries
   
1
     
     
     
     
1
     
     
 
Ending balance
 
$
102
   
$
14,996
   
$
3,518
   
$
126
   
$
18,742
   
$
2,445
   
$
17
 

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment evaluation method as of the dates indicated:

   
At March 31, 2019
 
   
Real Estate Loans
         
Consumer
Loans
 
   
One-to-Four Family
Residential, Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential
and
Residential
Mixed-Use
   
Commercial
Real Estate
and
Commercial
Mixed-Use
   
ADC
   
Total
Real Estate
     
C&I

Allowance for loan losses:
                                           
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
116
   
$
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
201
     
12,988
     
4,022
     
643
     
17,854
     
3,953
     
18
 
Total ending allowance balance
 
$
201
   
$
12,988
   
$
4,022
   
$
643
   
$
17,854
   
$
4,069
   
$
18
 
                                                         
Loans:
                                                       
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
12
   
$
537
   
$
8,266
   
$
   
$
8,815
   
$
232
   
$
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
107,697
     
3,830,608
     
1,237,540
     
54,222
     
5,230,067
     
266,183
     
1,139
 
Total ending loans balance
 
$
107,709
   
$
3,831,145
   
$
1,245,806
   
$
54,222
   
$
5,238,882
   
$
266,415
   
$
1,139
 

   
At December 31, 2018
 
   
Real Estate Loans
             
   
One-to-Four Family
Residential, Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential
and
Residential
Mixed-Use
   
Commercial
Real Estate
and
Commercial
Mixed-Use
   
ADC
   
Total
Real Estate
     
C&I

 
Consumer
Loans
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                           
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
230
   
$
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
198
     
13,446
     
3,777
     
397
     
17,818
     
3,716
     
18
 
Total ending allowance balance
 
$
198
   
$
13,446
   
$
3,777
   
$
397
   
$
17,818
   
$
3,946
   
$
18
 
                                                         
Loans:
                                                       
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
14
   
$
551
   
$
5,125
   
$
   
$
5,690
   
$
309
   
$
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
96,833
     
3,866,237
     
1,164,960
     
29,402
     
5,157,432
     
229,195
     
1,192
 
Total ending loans balance
 
$
96,847
   
$
3,866,788
   
$
1,170,085
   
$
29,402
   
$
5,163,122
   
$
229,504
   
$
1,192
 

The following table summarizes impaired loans recorded as of the dates indicated (by collateral type within the real estate loan segment):

     
At March 31, 2019
   
At December 31, 2018
 
 
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment
(1)
   
Related
Allowance
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment
  (1)
   
Related
Allowance
 
 
                                     
With no related allowance recorded:
                                     
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
   
$
12
   
$
12
   
$
   
$
14
   
$
14
   
$
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use
     
537
     
537
     
     
551
     
551
     
 
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use
     
8,266
     
8,266
     
     
5,125
     
5,125
     
 
Total with no related allowance recorded
     
8,815
     
8,815
     
     
5,690
     
5,690
     
 
With an allowance recorded:
                                                 
C&I

   
232
     
232
     
116
     
309
     
309
     
230
 
Total with an allowance recorded
     
232
     
232
     
116
     
309
     
309
     
230
 
Total
   
$
9,047
   
$
9,047
   
$
116
   
$
5,999
   
$
5,999
   
$
230
 

(1)
The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.

The following table presents information for impaired loans for the periods indicated :

   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
 
   
Average
Recorded
Investment (1)
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment (1)
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
                         
With no related allowance recorded:
                       
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
 
$
13
   
$
   
$
21
   
$
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use
   
544
     
13
     
611
     
12
 
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use
   
6,695
     
99
     
7,542
     
76
 
Total with no related allowance recorded
   
7,252
     
112
     
8,174
     
88
 
                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                               
C&I
   
271
     
6
     
589
     
 
Total
 
$
7,523
   
$
118
   
$
8,763
   
$
88
 

(1)
The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.

10.
LEASES

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019. As a result of adoption, the Company recognized operating lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities related to its office facilities and retail branches. The operating lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the lease liability represents the Company’s obligation to make lease payments over the lease term.

The operating lease asset and lease liability are determined at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company used its incremental borrowing rate, the rate of interest to borrow on a collateralized basis for a similar term, at the lease commencement date.

The Company made a policy election to exclude the recognition requirements of ASU 2016-02 to short-term leases, those leases with original terms of 12 months or less. Short-term lease payments are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain leases may include one or more options to renew. The exercise of lease renewal options is typically at the Company’s discretion, and are included in the operating lease liability if it is reasonably certain that the renewal option will be exercised. Certain real estate leases may contain lease and non-lease components, such as common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, and insurance, which are generally accounted for separately and are not included in the measurement of the lease liability since they are generally able to be segregated. The Company does not sublease any of its leased properties. The Company does not lease properties from any related parties.

Maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities at March 31, 2019 are as follows:


 
Rent to be
Capitalized
 
2019
 
$
5,184
 
2020
   
6,807
 
2021
   
6,664
 
2022
   
6,362
 
2023
   
5,395
 
Thereafter
   
23,573
 
Total undiscounted lease payments
   
53,985
 
Less amounts representing interest
   
7,117
 
Lease liability
 
$
46,868
 

Other information related to our operating leases was as follows:


 
At March 31, 2019
 
Operating lease cost
 
$
1,620
 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities
   
1,712
 
Weighted average remaining lease term
 
8.55 years
 
Weighted average discount rate
   
3.28
%

11.
DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments.  Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.  The Company's derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company's known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company's loan portfolio.

The Company's objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.   The Company uses derivatives to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing or forecasted issuances of short term borrowings debt.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. 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 debt.  During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $907 will be reclassified as a reduction to interest expense.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of the periods indicated.



At March 31, 2019
   
At December 31, 2018
 

 
Count
   
Notional
Amount
   
Fair
Value
Assets
   
Fair
Value
Liabilities
   
Count
   
Notional
Amount
   
Fair
Value
Assets
   
Fair
Value
Liabilities
 
Included in other assets/(liabilities):

                                             
Interest rate swaps related to FHLBNY advances

 
17
   
$
295,000
   
$
3,258
   
$
(3,970
)
   
14
   
$
245,000
   
$
4,669
   
$
(2,097
)

The table below presents the effect of the cash flow hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss as of March 31, 2019 and 2018.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Interest rate products
           
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income
 
$
(2,928
)
 
$
2,081
 
Amount of loss reclassified from other comprehensive income into interest expense
   
(356
)
   
(65
)

The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting of derivative assets, and a net presentation of the Company's derivatives for the periods indicated.  The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of fair value. The tabular disclosure of fair value in Note 12 provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Balance Sheet.

   
At March 31, 2019
 
   
Gross
Amounts
of
Recognized
Assets
   
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
   
Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in
the Statement of
Financial
Position
    
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the
Statement of Financial
Position
     
Net
Amount
  
Financial
Instruments
   
Cash
Collateral
Received
FHLB Advances
 
$
3,258
   
$
(3,970
)
 
$
(712
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
(712
)

   
At December 31, 2018
 
   
Gross
Amounts
of
Recognized
Assets
   
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
   
Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in
the Statement of
Financial
Position
    
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the
Statement of Financial
Position
    
Net
Amount
 
Financial
Instruments
   
Cash
Collateral
Received
FHLB Advances
 
$
4,669
   
$
(2,097
)
 
$
2,572
   
$
   
$
   
$
2,572
 

The Company's agreements with each of its derivative counterparties state that if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, it could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations and could be required to terminate its derivative positions with the counterparty.

The Company's agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties state that if the Bank fails to maintain its status as a well-capitalized institution, the Bank could be required to terminate its derivative positions with the counterparty.

As of March 31, 2019, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $(597). If the Company had breached any of the above provisions at March 31, 2019, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value and would have been required to pay any additional amounts due in excess of amounts previously posted as collateral with the respective counterparty. There were no provisions breached for the period ended March 31, 2019.

12.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

Level 1 Inputs – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs – Significant other observable inputs such as any of the following: (1) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, (2) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, (3) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability ( e.g. , interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates), or (4) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market-corroborated inputs).

Level 3 Inputs – Significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  Significant unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).  Significant unobservable inputs shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Securities

The Company's marketable equity securities and available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, which were determined utilizing prices obtained from independent parties. The valuations obtained are based upon market data, and often utilize evaluated pricing models that vary by asset and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information. For securities that do not trade on a daily basis, pricing applications apply available information such as benchmarking and matrix pricing. The market inputs normally sought in the evaluation of securities include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes (obtained only from market makers or broker/dealers recognized as market participants), issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. For certain securities, additional inputs may be used or some market inputs may not be applicable.  Prioritization of inputs may vary on any given day based on market conditions.

All securities available-for-sale are guaranteed either implicitly or explicitly by GSEs as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Obtaining market values as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 for these securities utilizing significant observable inputs was not difficult due to their considerable demand.

Derivatives

Derivatives represent interest rate swaps and estimated fair values are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date.

The following tables present financial assets liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated, segmented by level within the fair value hierarchy.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.


  
Total
     
Fair Value Measurements
at March 31, 2019 Using
  
Level 1
Inputs
   
Level 2
Inputs
   
Level 3
Inputs
Financial Assets
                       
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
                       
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
 
$
1,611
   
$
1,611
   
$
   
$
 
International Equity Mutual Funds
   
416
     
416
     
     
 
Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
3,885
     
3,885
     
     
 
Securities available-for-sale:
                               
Agency Notes
   
25,173
     
     
25,173
     
 
Corporate Securities
   
29,233
     
     
29,233
     
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
348,607
     
     
348,607
     
 
Agency CMOs
   
108,610
     
     
108,610
     
 
Loans Held for Sale
   
682
     
     
682
     
 
Derivative – interest rate product
   
3,258
     
     
3,258
     
 
Financial Liabilities
                               
Derivative – interest rate product
   
3,970
     
     
3,970
     
 


  
Total
     
Fair Value Measurements
at December 31, 2018 Using
  
Level 1
Inputs
   
Level 2
Inputs
   
Level 3
Inputs
Financial Assets
                       
Marketable Equity Securities (Registered Mutual Funds)
                       
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
 
$
1,420
   
$
1,420
   
$
   
$
 
International Equity Mutual Funds
   
377
     
377
     
     
 
Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
3,870
     
3,870
     
     
 
Securities available-for-sale:
                               
Agency Notes
   
25,145
     
     
25,145
     
 
Corporate Securities
   
11,135
     
     
11,135
     
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
354,613
     
     
354,613
     
 
Agency CMOs
   
111,992
     
     
111,992
     
 
Loans Held for Sale
   
1,097
     
     
1,097
     
 
Derivative – interest rate product
   
4,669
     
     
4,669
     
 
Financial Liabilities
                               
Derivative – interest rate product
   
2,097
     
     
2,097
     
 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment), and are subject to fair value adjustments. Financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include certain impaired loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

The methods of determining the fair value of assets and liabilities presented in this note are consistent with our methodologies disclosed in Note 23 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.   Other borrowings consists of overnight or short-term borrowings carried at amortized cost, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (deemed a Level 1 valuation).

The following tables present the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments other than those measured at fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring is as follows for the dates indicated, segmented by level within the fair value hierarchy. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.



  
Carrying
Amount
     
Fair Value Measurements
at March 31, 2019 Using
  
Level 1
Inputs
   
Level 2
Inputs
   
Level 3
Inputs
   
Total

                             
Financial Assets
                             
Cash and due from banks
 
$
143,473
   
$
143,473
   
$
   
$
   
$
143,473
 
Loans, net
   
5,484,495
     
     
     
5,410,989
     
5,410,989
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
18,868
     
27
     
1,664
     
17,177
     
18,868
 
Financial Liabilities
                                       
Savings, money market and checking accounts
   
2,826,844
     
2,826,844
     
     
     
2,826,844
 
Certificates of Deposits ("CDs")
   
1,580,778
     
     
1,577,338
     
     
1,577,338
 
Escrow and other deposits
   
137,116
     
137,116
     
     
     
137,116
 
FHLBNY Advances
   
1,087,325
     
     
1,085,118
     
     
1,085,118
 
Subordinated debt, net
   
113,796
     
     
112,089
     
     
112,089
 
Other borrowings
   
45,000
     
45,000
     
     
     
45,000
 
Accrued interest payable
   
4,352
     
10
     
4,342
     
     
4,352
 


  
Carrying
Amount
     
Fair Value Measurements
at December 31, 2018 Using
  
Level 1
Inputs
   
Level 2
Inputs
   
Level 3
Inputs
   
Total
Financial Assets
                             
Cash and due from banks
 
$
147,256
   
$
147,256
   
$
   
$
   
$
147,256
 
Loans, net
   
5,372,036
     
     
     
5,301,281
     
5,301,281
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
17,875
     
     
1,296
     
16,579
     
17,875
 
Financial Liabilities
   
     
     
     
     
 
Savings, money market and checking accounts
   
2,946,717
     
2,946,717
     
     
     
2,946,717
 
CDs
   
1,410,037
     
     
1,407,747
     
     
1,407,747
 
Escrow and other deposits
   
85,234
     
85,234
     
     
     
85,234
 
FHLBNY Advances
   
1,125,350
     
     
1,119,548
     
     
1,119,548
 
Subordinated debt, net
   
113,759
     
     
110,346
     
     
110,346
 
Accrued interest payable
   
2,710
     
     
2,710
     
     
2,710
 

13.
RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The Holding Company or the Bank maintains the Retirement Plan of Dime Community Bank (the "Employee Retirement Plan"), the Retirement Plan for Board Members of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the "Outside Director Retirement Plan"), the BMP, and the Postretirement Welfare Plan of Dime Community Bank (the "Postretirement Plan").

The Company adopted ASU 2017-07 , Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), on January 1, 2018.  The components of net periodic costs are included in other non-interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Net expenses associated with these plans were comprised of the following components:


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 

 
2019
   
2018
 

 
BMP, Employee and
Outside Director
Retirement Plans
   
Postretirement
Plan
   
BMP, Employee and
Outside Director
Retirement Plans
   
Postretirement
Plan
 
                         
Service cost
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 
Interest cost
   
313
     
14
     
292
     
14
 
Expected return on assets
   
(382
)
   
     
(430
)
   
 
Unrecognized past service liability
   
     
(2
)
   
     
(2
)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)
   
243
     
(3
)
   
289
     
 
Net periodic cost
 
$
174
   
$
9
   
$
151
   
$
12
 

The following table presents the Company's planned contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of each benefit plan as disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, as well as the actual contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of each benefit plan during the period indicated:


 
Planned
Contributions/Benefit
Payments for the
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
   
Actual
Contributions/Benefit
Payments for the
Three Months Ended
March, 31, 2019
 

           
Employee Retirement Plans
 
$
1,492
   
$
 
Outside Director Retirement Plans
   
225
     
56
 
Post Retirement Plan
   
109
     
44
 
BMP
   
564
     
137
 

The Company expects to make the remainder of the contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of, each benefit plan during 2019.

The BMP exists in order to compensate executive officers for any curtailments in benefits due to statutory limitations on qualifying benefit plans. In addition to benefit payments from the defined benefit component of the BMP discussed above, the following distributions were made to retired participants:


  
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
   
2018
 

           
Cash
 
$
   
$
257
 
Market value of Common Stock from Employee Stock Ownership Plan of BMP (22,051 shares   for March 31, 2018)
   
     
942
 
Gross lump-sum distribution
 
$
   
$
1,199
 
Non-cash tax benefit
 
$
   
$
285
 

14.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company maintains the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees, the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan ("2013 Equity Plan") (collectively, the "Stock Plans"), which are discussed more fully in Note 21 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and which are subject to the accounting requirements of ASC 505-50 and ASC 718.

Stock Option Awards

The following table presents a summary of activity related to stock options granted under the Stock Plans, and changes during the period then ended:


 
Number of
Options
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Years
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Options outstanding at January 1, 2019
   
72,395
   
$
13.58
             
Options granted
   
     
             
Options expired
   
     
             
Options exercised
   
     
             
Options outstanding at March 31, 2019
   
72,395
   
$
13.58
     
1.7
   
$
373
 
Options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2019
   
72,395
   
$
13.58
     
1.7
   
$
373
 

Information related to stock options during each period is as follows:


 
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

 
2019
   
2018
 
Cash received for option exercise cost
 
$
   
$
290
 
Income tax benefit recognized on stock option exercises
   
     
4
 
Intrinsic value of options exercised
   
     
97
 

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company has made restricted stock award grants to outside Directors and certain officers under the Stock Plans. Typically, awards to outside Directors fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, while awards to officers may vest in equal annual installments over a four-year period or at the end of the pre-determined requisite period.  All awards were made at the fair value of Common Stock on the grant date. Compensation expense on all restricted stock awards are based upon the fair value of the shares on the respective dates of the grant.

The following table presents a summary of activity related to the RSAs granted, and changes during the period then ended:


 
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Unvested allocated shares outstanding at January 1, 2019
   
148,235
   
$
19.48
 
Shares granted
   
11,584
     
17.24
 
Shares vested
   
(4,329
)
   
20.50
 
Shares forfeited
   
(3,743
)
   
19.45
 
Unvested allocated shares at March 31, 2019
   
151,747
   
$
19.28
 

Information related to restricted stock awards during each period is as follows:

   
At or for the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 

 
2019
   
2018
 
Compensation expense recognized
 
$
289
   
$
304
 
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of RSA
   
(3
)
   
(2
)
Weighted average remaining years for which compensation expense is to be recognized
   
2.4
     
2.7
 

Performance Based Equity Awards

The Company established the LTIP, a long term incentive award program for certain officers, which meets the criteria for equity-based accounting.  For each award, threshold (50% of target), target (100% of target) and maximum (150% of target) opportunities are eligible to be earned over a three-year performance period based on the Company's relative performance on certain goals that were established at the onset of the performance period and cannot be altered subsequently.  Shares of Common Stock are issued on the grant date and held as unvested stock awards until the end of the performance period. They are issued at the maximum opportunity in order to ensure that an adequate number of shares are allocated for shares expected to vest at the end of the performance period.

The following table presents a summary of activity related to performance based equity awards, and changes during the period then ended:

   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2019
   
120,880
   
$
18.90
 
Shares granted
   
138,562
     
19.18
 
Shares vested
   
(2,276
)
   
17.35
 
Shares forfeited
   
(2,574
)
   
17.35
 
Maximum aggregate share payout at March 31, 2019
   
254,592
   
$
19.08
 
Minimum aggregate share payout
   
     
 
Expected aggregate share payout
   
112,388
   
$
19.28
 

Compensation expense recorded for performance based equity awards was $(75) and $84 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

Sales Incentive Awards

The Company established the SIP, a sales incentive award program for certain officers, which meets the criteria for equity-based accounting.  For each quarter an individual can earn their shares based on their sales performance in that quarter.  The shares then vest one year from the quarter in which they are earned.  Shares of Common Stock are issued on the grant date and held as unvested stock awards until the end of the performance period. They are issued at the maximum opportunity in order to ensure that an adequate number of shares are allocated for shares expected to vest at the end of the performance period.

The following table presents a summary of activity related to performance based equity awards, and changes during the period then ended:


 
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2019
   
8,151
   
$
18.40
 
Shares granted
   
     
 
Shares vested
   
     
 
Shares forfeited
   
(5,500
)
   
18.40
 
Maximum aggregate share payout at March 31, 2019
   
2,651
   
$
18.40
 
Minimum aggregate share payout
   
     
 
Expected aggregate share payout
   
2,651
   
$
18.40
 

Compensation expense recorded for sales incentive based equity awards was $70 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.  No compensation expense was recognized for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.

15.
OTHER BORROWINGS

Other borrowings consists of overnight or short-term borrowings with member commercial banks within a network of financial institutions. The availability of funds changes daily. As of March 31, 2019, the Bank had $45,000 of such borrowings outstanding. Interest expense for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 was $65.  There was no activity during 2018.

16.
INCOME TAXES

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company's consolidated effective tax rates were 24.9% and 23.7%, respectively. There were no significant unusual income tax items during the three-month periods ended either March 31, 2019 or 2018.

Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the "Holding Company" and together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the "Company") is a Delaware corporation organized by Dime Community Bank (the "Bank") for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock of the Bank issued in the Bank's conversion to stock ownership on June 26, 1996. On January 24, 2019, the Bank filed an application with the New York Department of Financial Services (“NYSDFS”) seeking approval to convert from a New York stock form savings bank to a New York commercial bank (the “Charter Conversion”).  Simultaneous with the Charter Conversion application to NYSDFS, the Company filed an application with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia to delist as a savings and loan holding company and elect to become a bank holding company.  Having received all applicable regulatory approvals, on April 25, 2019 the Bank completed the Charter Conversion, and began operating as a New York commercial bank. Simultaneously, the Company began operating as a bank holding company. At March 31, 2019 the significant assets of the Holding Company were the capital stock of the Bank and investments retained by the Holding Company.  The liabilities of the Holding Company were comprised primarily of $113,796 subordinated notes due in 2027, which become callable commencing in 2022.  The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Bank was originally founded in 1864 as a New York State-chartered mutual savings bank, and operate as a New York State-chartered stock savings bank until April 2019.  Effective August 1, 2016, the Bank changed its name from The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh to Dime Community Bank.  The new name more accurately reflects the Bank's evolving business model and emphasizes its broader geographic and business reach while retaining the Bank's mission to be in and of the communities it serves, including the virtual online community. The Bank's principal business is gathering deposits from customers within its market area and via the internet, and investing them primarily in multifamily residential, commercial real estate, mixed use, and, to an increasing extent, commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans, and one-to-four family residential real estate loans, as well as mortgage-backed securities, obligations of the U.S. government and government- sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”), and corporate debt and equity securities.

In addition to the Bank, the Holding Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries consist of seven corporations, which are wholly-owned by the Bank. The following table presents an overview of the Holding Company's indirect subsidiaries, other than the Bank, as of March 31, 2019:

Direct Subsidiaries of the Bank
Year/ State of
Incorporation
Primary Business Activities
Boulevard Funding Corp.
1981 / New York
Management and ownership of real estate
Dime Insurance Agency Inc. ( f/k/a Havemeyer Investments, Inc.)
1997 / New York
Sale of non-FDIC insured investment products
DSBW Preferred Funding Corp.
1998 / Delaware
Real Estate Investment Trust investing in multifamily residential and commercial real estate loans
DSBW Residential Preferred Funding Corp.
1998 / Delaware
Real Estate Investment Trust investing in one-to-four family residential loans
Dime Reinvestment Corporation
2004 / Delaware
Community Development Entity.  Currently inactive.
195 Havemeyer Corp.
2008 / New York
Management and ownership of real estate.  Currently inactive.
DSB Holdings NY, LLC
2015 / New York
Management and ownership of real estate.  Currently inactive.

Executive Summary

The Holding Company’s primary business is the ownership of the Bank. The Company’s consolidated results of operations are dependent primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. The Bank additionally generates non-interest income such as service charges and other fees, mortgage banking related income, and income associated with bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”). Non-interest expense primarily consists of employee compensation and benefits, federal deposit insurance premiums, data processing costs, occupancy and equipment, marketing and other operating expenses. The Company’s consolidated results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions (particularly fluctuations in market interest rates), government policies, changes in accounting standards and actions of regulatory agencies.

The Bank’s primary deposit strategy is generally to increase its product and service utilization for each depositor, and to increase its household and deposit market shares in the communities that it serves. In recent years, particular emphasis has been placed upon growing individual and small business commercial checking account balances. The Bank also actively strives to obtain checking account balances affiliated with the operation of the collateral underlying its real estate and C&I loans, as well as personal deposit accounts from its borrowers.  Historically, the Bank’s primary lending strategy included the origination of, and investment in, real estate loans secured by multifamily and mixed-use properties, and, to a lesser extent, real estate loans secured by commercial real estate properties, primarily located in the greater NYC metropolitan area. As part of its strategic plan for 2019, the Bank is investing in the development of its Business Banking division, by adding products and services to serve both the credit and business banking needs in its footprint.

The Business Banking division is focused on total relationship banking and will enable the Bank to diversify its loan portfolio into areas such as C&I loans, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans (a portion of which is guaranteed by the SBA), ADC loans, finance loans and leases, one-to-four family loans and consumer loans. These business lines are intended to supplement core deposit growth and provide greater funding diversity. In the first quarter of 2017, the Bank hired seasoned executives, and bolstered its lending and credit and administrative staff. In the third quarter of 2017, the Bank was approved by the SBA as a lender, and in December 2018 the Bank received “Preferred Lender” status from the SBA, thus better positioning the Business Banking division for future expansion.

Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Bank resumed offering one-to-four family loan products.

The Bank also purchases securities primarily for liquidity purposes as defined by the Bank's investment policy. The Bank seeks to maintain the asset quality of its loans and other investments, and uses portfolio and asset/liability management techniques in an effort to manage the effects of interest rate volatility on its profitability and capital.

Selected Financial Highlights and Other Data
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)


 
At or For the Three
Months Ended March 31,
 

 
2019
   
2018
 
Per Share Data:
           
EPS (Diluted)
 
$
0.32
   
$
0.39
 
Cash dividends paid per share
   
0.14
     
0.14
 
Book value per share
   
16.83
     
16.22
 
Dividend payout ratio
   
43.75
%
   
35.90
%
Performance and Other Selected Ratios:
               
Return on average assets
   
0.72
%
   
0.93
%
Return on average common equity
   
7.62
     
9.77
 
Net interest spread
   
2.02
     
2.28
 
Net interest margin
   
2.31
     
2.47
 
Average interest earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
   
118.14
     
115.84
 
Non-interest expense to average assets
   
1.39
     
1.36
 
Efficiency ratio
   
59.22
     
54.60
 
Loan-to-deposit ratio at end of period
   
124.93
     
124.31
 
Effective tax rate
   
24.88
     
23.73
 
Asset Quality Summary:
               
Non-performing loans
 
$
5,425
   
$
1,719
 
Non-performing assets
   
5,425
     
1,719
 
Net charge-offs
   
162
     
23
 
Non-performing loans/Total loans
   
0.10
%
   
0.03
%
Non-performing assets/Total assets
   
0.08
     
0.03
 
Allowance for loan loss/Total loans
   
0.40
     
0.39
 
Allowance for loan loss/Non-performing loans
   
404.44
     
1,233.51
 

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's policies with respect to the methodologies it uses to determine the allowance for loan losses (including reserves for loan commitments), are its most critical accounting policies because they are important to the presentation of the Company's consolidated financial condition and results of operations, involve a significant degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often necessitate assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. The use of different judgments, assumptions or estimates could result in material variations in the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The Bank's methods and assumptions utilized to periodically determine its allowance for loan losses are summarized in Note 9 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Board of Directors of the Bank has approved a liquidity policy that it reviews and updates at least annually. Senior management is responsible for implementing the policy. The Bank's ALCO is responsible for general oversight and strategic implementation of the policy and management of the appropriate departments are designated responsibility for implementing any strategies established by ALCO. On a daily basis, appropriate senior management receives a current cash position report and one-week forecast to ensure that all short-term obligations are timely satisfied and that adequate liquidity exists to fund future activities. Reports detailing the Bank's liquidity reserves and forecasted cash flows are presented to appropriate senior management on a monthly basis, and the Board of Directors at each of its meetings. In addition on a monthly basis, a twelve-month liquidity forecast is presented to ALCO in order to assess potential future liquidity concerns. A forecast of cash flow data for the upcoming 12 months is presented to the Board of Directors on an annual basis.

The Bank's primary sources of funding for its lending and investment activities include deposits, loan and MBS payments, investment security principal and interest payments and advances from the FHLBNY. The Bank may also sell or securitize selected multifamily residential, mixed-use or one-to-four family residential real estate loans to private sector secondary market purchasers, and has in the past sold such loans to FNMA and FHLMC. The Company may additionally issue debt under appropriate circumstances. Although maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and investments are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and prepayments on real estate loans and MBS are influenced by interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

In December 2018, the Bank became a member of the American Financial Exchange ("AFX"), through which it may either borrow or lend funds on an overnight or short-term basis with other member institutions.  The availability of funds changes daily.  As of March 31, 2019, the Bank had $45.0 million of borrowings through AFX.

The Bank gathers deposits in direct competition with commercial banks, savings banks and brokerage firms, many among the largest in the nation. It must additionally compete for deposit monies against the stock and bond markets, especially during periods of strong performance in those arenas. The Bank's deposit flows are affected primarily by the pricing and marketing of its deposit products compared to its competitors, as well as the market performance of depositor investment alternatives such as the U.S. bond or equity markets. To the extent that the Bank is responsive to general market increases or declines in interest rates, its deposit flows should not be materially impacted.  However, favorable performance of the equity or bond markets could adversely impact the Bank’s deposit flows.

Total deposits increased $50.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to an increase of $27.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Within deposits, core deposits ( i.e., non-CDs) decreased $119.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and decreased $105.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. CDs increased $170.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to an increase of $132.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in deposits during the current period was primarily due to successful gathering efforts tied to CD products, offset by declines in money market deposits.

In the event that the Bank should require funds beyond its ability or desire to generate them internally, an additional source of funds is available through its borrowing line at the FHLBNY. At March 31, 2019, the Bank had an additional potential borrowing capacity of $988.4 million through the FHLBNY, subject to customary minimum FHLBNY common stock ownership requirements ( i.e. , 4.5% of the Bank's outstanding FHLBNY borrowings).

The Bank reduced its outstanding FHLBNY advances by $38.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to a $159.6 million reduction during the three months ended March 31, 2018, reflecting deposit inflows.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, principal repayments on real estate loans (including refinanced loans) tota led $150.5 million compared to $183.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease resulted primarily from lower prepayment activity. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, real estate loan originations totaled $233.9 million and $75.0 million, respectively.

Sales of mortgage-backed securities total ed $15.5 million and $158.5 mil lion during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Purchases of mortgage-backed securities totaled $20.3 million and $189.9 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively. Proceeds from pay downs were $18.5 million and $25.0 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company and the Bank are subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements imposed by its primary federal regulator.  As a general matter, these capital requirements are based on the amount and composition of an institution's assets. At March 31, 2019, each of the Company and the Bank were in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements and the Bank was considered "well-capitalized" for all regulatory purposes.

The following table summarizes Company and Bank capital ratios calculated under the Basel III Capital Rules framework as of March 31, 2019:



Actual Ratios at March
31, 2019


Basel III




Bank
   
Consolidated
Company
   
Minimum
Requirement
   
Minimum
Requirement
Plus
2.5%
Buffer (1)
   
Well Capitalized
Requirement Under FDIC
Prompt
Corrective Action
Framework (2)
 
Tier 1 common equity ratio
   
12.39
%
   
11.04
%
   
4.50
%
   
7.0
%
   
6.5
%
Tier 1 risk-based based capital ratio
   
12.39
     
11.04
     
6.0
     
8.5
     
8.0
 
Total risk-based based capital ratio
   
12.84
     
13.77
     
8.0
     
10.5
     
10.0
 
Tier 1 leverage ratio
   
9.77
     
8.81
     
4.00
     
n/a
     
5.0
 

(1)
The 2.5% buffer percentage represents the fully phased-in requirement as of January 1, 2019.
(2)
Only the Bank is subject to these requirements.

Implementation of the Basel III Capital Rules on January 1, 2019 did not have a material impact upon the operations of the Bank or Holding Company.

As a result of the recently enacted Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, the federal banking agencies are required to develop a “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” (the ratio of a bank’s tangible equity capital to average total consolidated assets) for financial institutions with assets of less than $10 billion.  A “qualifying community bank” that exceeds this ratio will be deemed to be in compliance with all other capital and leverage requirements, including the capital requirements to be considered “well capitalized” under Prompt Corrective Action statutes.  The federal banking agencies may consider a financial institution’s risk profile when evaluating whether it qualifies as a community bank for purposes of the capital ratio requirement. The federal banking agencies must set the minimum capital for the new Community Bank Leverage Ratio at not less than 8% and not more than 10%.  A financial institution can elect to be subject to this new definition.

The Holding Company repurchased 199,254 shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2019.  No shares were repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2019, up to 1,267,886 shares remained available for purchase under authorized share purchase programs.  See "Part II - Item 2. Other Information - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" for additional information about repurchases of common stock.

The Holding Company paid $5.0 million and $5.2 million in cash dividends on common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Contractual Obligations

The Bank is obligated to make rental payments under leases on certain of its branches and equipment.  In addition, the Bank generally has outstanding at any time significant borrowings in the form of FHLBNY advances, as well as customer CDs with fixed contractual interest rates.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of its loan origination business, the Bank generally has outstanding commitments to extend credit to third parties, which are granted pursuant to its regular underwriting standards.  Since these loan commitments may expire prior to funding, in whole or in part, the contract amounts are not estimates of future cash flows.

The following table presents off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2019:


 
Less than
One Year
   
One Year to
Three Years
   
Over Three
Years to
Five Years
   
Over Five
Years
   
Total
 

 
(Dollars in thousands)
       
Credit Commitments:
                             
Available lines of credit
 
$
212,650
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
212,650
 
Other loan commitments
   
120,515
     
     
     
     
120,515
 
Stand-by letters of credit
   
2,011
     
     
     
     
2,011
 
Total Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
$
335,176
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
335,176
 

Asset Quality

General

The Bank does not originate or purchase loans, either whole loans or loans underlying mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), which would have been considered subprime loans at origination, i.e ., real estate loans advanced to borrowers who did not qualify for market interest rates because of problems with their income or credit history. See Note 6 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of evaluation for impaired investment securities and MBS.

Monitoring and Collection of Delinquent Loans

Management of the Bank reviews delinquent loans on a monthly basis and reports to its Board of Directors at each regularly scheduled Board meeting regarding the status of all non-performing and otherwise delinquent loans in the Bank's portfolio.

The Bank's loan servicing policies and procedures require that an automated late notice be sent to a delinquent borrower as soon as possible after a payment is ten days late in the case of multifamily residential, commercial real estate loans, and C&I loans, or fifteen days late in connection with one-to-four family or consumer loans. A second letter is sent to the borrower if payment has not been received within 30 days of the due date, or 32 days for one-to-four family loans serviced by the subservicer. Thereafter, periodic letters are mailed and phone calls placed to the borrower until payment is received. When contact is made with the borrower at any time prior to foreclosure, the Bank will attempt to obtain the full payment due or negotiate a repayment schedule with the borrower to avoid foreclosure.

Accrual of interest is generally discontinued on a loan that meets any of the following three criteria: (i) full payment of principal or interest is not expected; (ii) principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more (unless the loan is both deemed to be well secured and in the process of collection); or (iii) an election has otherwise been made to maintain the loan on a cash basis due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower. Such non-accrual determination practices are applied consistently to all loans regardless of their internal classification or designation. Upon entering non-accrual status, the Bank reverses all outstanding accrued interest receivable.

The Bank generally initiates foreclosure proceedings on real estate loans when a loan enters non-accrual status based upon non-payment, and typically does not accept partial payments once foreclosure proceedings have commenced. At some point during foreclosure proceedings, the Bank procures current appraisal information in order to prepare an estimate of the fair value of the underlying collateral. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before the foreclosure action is completed, the property securing the loan is transferred to Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) status. The Bank generally attempts to utilize all available remedies, such as note sales in lieu of foreclosure, in an effort to resolve non-accrual loans and OREO properties as quickly and prudently as possible in consideration of market conditions, the physical condition of the property and any other mitigating circumstances. In the event that a non-accrual loan is subsequently brought current, it is returned to accrual status once the doubt concerning collectability has been removed and the borrower has demonstrated performance in accordance with the loan terms and conditions for a period of at least six months.

The C&I portfolio is actively managed by the Bank's lenders and underwriters. All credit facilities at a minimum require an annual review of the exposure and typically terms of the loan require annual and interim financial reporting and have financial covenants to indicate expected performance levels. Guarantors are also required to, at a minimum, annually update their financial reporting. All exposures are risk rated and those entering adverse ratings due to financial performance concerns of the borrower or material delinquency of any payments or financial reporting are subjected to added management scrutiny. Measures taken typically include amendments to the amount of the available credit facility, requirements for increased collateral, a request for a capital infusion, additional guarantor support or a material enhancement to the frequency and quality of financial reporting. Loans determined to reach adverse risk rating standards are subject to quarterly updating to Credit Administration and executive management. When warranted, loans reaching a Substandard rating could be reassigned to Credit Administration for direct handling.

Non-accrual Loans

Within the Bank's held-for-investment loan portfolio (excluding consumer loans), eighteen non-accrual loans totaled $5.4 million at March 31, 2019, and sixteen non-accrual loans totaled $2.3 million at December 31, 2018.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019, five loans totaling $3.4 million were placed on non-accrual status, two loans totaling $0.1 million were returned to accrual status, one loan totaling $0.2 million was fully charged off, and principal amortization of $0.04 million was recognized on eight non-accrual loans. There were no changes on the remaining five non-accrual loans during the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.

Impaired Loans

The recorded investment in loans deemed impaired (as defined in Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements) totaled $9.0 million, consisting of fifteen loans, at March 31, 2019, compared to $6.0 million, consisting of thirteen loans, at December 31, 2018.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019, five loans totaling $3.4 million were added to impaired status, two loans totaling $0.1 million were removed from impaired status, one loan totaling $0.02 million was fully charged off, and principal amortization totaling $0.07 million was recognized on eight impaired loans.

The following is a reconciliation of non-accrual and impaired loans as of the dates indicated:


 
March 31,
2019
   
December
31, 2018
 

 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans (1) :
           
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
 
$
706
   
$
712
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate
   
276
     
280
 
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use
   
4,205
     
1,041
 
C& I

 
232
     
309
 
Consumer
   
6
     
3
 
Total non-accrual loans
   
5,425
     
2,345
 
Non-accrual one-to-four family residential and consumer loans deemed homogeneous loans
   
(712
)
   
(715
)
TDRs:
               
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
   
12
     
14
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate
   
261
     
271
 
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use
   
4,061
     
4,084
 
Total TDRs
   
4,334
     
4,369
 
Impaired loans
 
$
9,047
   
$
5,999
 

(1)
There were no non-accruing TDRs for the periods indicated.

Ratios:
           
Total non-accrual loans to total loans
   
0.10
%
   
0.04
%
Total non-performing assets to total assets
   
0.08
     
0.04
 

TDRs

Under ASC 310-40-15, the Bank is required to recognize loans for which certain modifications or concessions have been made as TDRs.  A TDR has been created in the event that, for economic or legal reasons, any of the following concessions has been granted that would not have otherwise been considered to a debtor experiencing financial difficulties. The following criteria are considered concessions:


A reduction of interest rate has been made for the remaining term of the loan

The maturity date of the loan has been extended with a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk

The outstanding principal amount and/or accrued interest have been reduced

In instances in which the interest rate has been reduced, management would not deem the modification a TDR in the event that the reduction in interest rate reflected either a general decline in market interest rates or an effort to maintain a relationship with a borrower who could readily obtain funds from other sources at the current market interest rate, and the terms of the restructured loan are comparable to the terms offered by the Bank to non-troubled debtors.  The Bank did not modify any loans in a manner that met the criteria for a TDR during the three months ended March 31, 2019 or 2018.

Accrual status for TDRs is determined separately for each TDR in accordance with the Bank's policies for determining accrual or non-accrual status.  At the time an agreement is entered into between the Bank and the borrower that results in the Bank's determination that a TDR has been created, the loan can be on either accrual or non-accrual status.  If a loan is on non-accrual status at the time it is restructured, it continues to be classified as non-accrual until the borrower has demonstrated compliance with the modified loan terms for a period of at least three months. Conversely, if at the time of restructuring the loan is performing (and accruing) it will remain accruing throughout its restructured period, unless the loan subsequently meets any of the criteria for non-accrual status under the Bank's policy and agency regulations.

The Bank does not accept receivables or equity interests in satisfaction of TDRs.

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, all TDRs but one were collateralized by real estate that generated rental income.  For TDRs that demonstrated conditions sufficient to warrant accrual status, the present value of the expected net cash flows of the underlying property was utilized as the primary means of determining impairment.  Any shortfall in the present value of the expected cash flows calculated at each measurement period (typically quarter-end) compared to the present value of the expected cash flows at the time of the original loan agreement was recognized as either an allocated reserve (in the event that it related to lower expected interest payments) or a charge-off (if related to lower expected principal payments).  For TDRs on non-accrual status, an appraisal of the underlying real estate collateral is deemed the most appropriate measure to utilize when evaluating impairment and any shortfall in valuation from the recorded balance is accounted for through a charge-off.  In the event that either an allocated reserve or a charge-off is recognized on TDRs, the periodic loan loss provision is impacted.

Please refer to Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of TDRs.

OREO

Property acquired by the Bank, or a subsidiary, as a result of foreclosure on a mortgage loan or a deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as OREO.  Upon entering OREO status, the Bank obtains a current appraisal on the property and reassesses the likely realizable value ( a/k/a fair value) of the property quarterly thereafter. OREO is carried at the lower of the fair value or book balance, with any write downs recognized through a provision recorded in non-interest expense. Only the appraised value, or either a contractual or formal marketed value that falls below the appraised value, is used when determining the likely realizable value of OREO at each reporting period.  The Bank typically seeks to dispose of OREO properties in a timely manner.  As a result, OREO properties have generally not warranted subsequent independent appraisals.

The Bank had no OREO properties at March 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018. The Bank did not recognize any provisions for losses on OREO properties during the three months ended March 31, 2019 or 2018.

Other Potential Problem Loans

Loans Delinquent 30 to 89 Days

The Bank had two real estate loans totaling $0.3 million and three real estate loans totaling $0.3 million that were delinquent between 30 and 89 days at March 31, 2019 and at December 31, 2018, respectively. The 30 to 89 day delinquency levels fluctuate monthly, and are generally considered a less accurate indicator of near-term credit quality trends than non-accrual loans.

Reserve for Loan Commitments

The Bank maintains a reserve associated with unfunded loan commitments accepted by the borrower. The amount of reserve was $0.03 million at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. This reserve is determined based upon the outstanding volume of loan commitments at each period end.  Any increases or reductions in this reserve are recognized in periodic non-interest expense.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The methodology utilized to determine the Company's allowance for loan losses on real estate, C&I, and consumer loans, along with periodic associated activity, remained constant during the periods ended March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.  The following is a summary of the components of the allowance for loan losses as of the following dates:

   
March 31,
2019
   
December
31, 2018
   
March 31,
2018
 

 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Impaired loans
 
$
116
   
$
230
   
$
294
 
Non-impaired loans:
                       
Real estate loans
   
17,854
     
17,818
     
18,742
 
C&I loans
   
3,953
     
3,716
     
2,151
 
Consumer loans
   
18
     
18
     
17
 
Total
 
$
21,941
   
$
21,782
   
$
21,204
 

Provisions of $0.3 million and $0.2 million were recorded during the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  During the three month period ended March 31, 2019, the loan loss provision was driven mainly by a charge-off of one C&I loan.

For a further discussion of the allowance for loan losses and related activity during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and as of December 31, 2018, please see Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018

Assets.   Assets totaled $6.48 billion at March 31, 2019, $154.7 million above their level at December 31, 2018, primarily due to an increase in the loan portfolio, the initial recognition of the operating lease asset as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, and an increase in securities available-for-sale.

Total loans increased $112.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019. During the period, the Bank had originations of $286.7 million which exceeded $165.7 million of aggregate amortization on loans (also including refinancing of existing loans).

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 which resulted in $41.6 million of operating lease assets.

Total securities increased by $9.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, as a result of holding increased on-balance sheet liquidity, which will be based on monetary policy, interest rates, the Bank's funding needs, and periodic stress testing analysis.

Liabilities.   Total liabilities increased $150.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, primarily due to an increase of $50.9 million in deposits, an increase of $51.9 million in escrow and other deposits, and $48.2 million for the initial recognition of the operating lease liabilities as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-02.  The $51.9 million increase in escrow and other deposits at March 31, 2019 was in part due to the annual reassessment of borrower escrow accounts.

Stockholders' Equity.   Stockholders' equity increased $4.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, due primarily to net income of $11.5 million, and a decrease of $1.3 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss, partially offset by $5.0 million in cash dividends paid during the period, and the repurchase of 199,254 shares into treasury at a cost of $3.8 million.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

General.   Net income was $11.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $3.2 million from net income of $14.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019, net interest income decreased by $2.7 million, non-interest income decreased by $0.9 million, non-interest expense increased by $0.3 million and the provision for loan losses increased by $0.1 million, offset in part by a decrease in income tax expense of $0.8 million due to lower pre-tax income.  The decrease in non-interest income was primarily due to $1.4 million of gains from the sale of securities that the Bank had retained from its Freddie Mac sponsored Q-deal securitization completed in December of 2017 recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Net Interest Income.  The discussion of net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 should be read in conjunction with the following tables, which set forth certain information related to the consolidated statements of income for those periods, and which also present the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  The average yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of their related assets or liabilities during the periods represented. Average balances were derived from average daily balances. The yields include fees that are considered adjustments to yields.

Analysis of Net Interest Income


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 

 
2019
   
2018
 

 
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/Cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/Cost
 
Assets:
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Real estate loans
 
$
5,195,951
   
$
49,177
     
3.79
%
 
$
$5,435,400
   
$
$49,575
     
3.65
%
C&I loans
   
248,267
     
3,436
     
5.54
     
140,720
     
1,656
     
4.71
 
Other loans
   
1,083
     
18
     
6.65
     
1,189
     
19
     
6.39
 
MBS and CMO securities
   
464,303
     
3,197
     
2.75
     
351,196
     
2,257
     
2.57
 
Investment securities
   
47,177
     
420
     
3.56
     
6,492
     
15
     
0.92
 
Other
   
154,512
     
1,447
     
3.75
     
210,016
     
1,511
     
2.88
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
6,111,293
     
57,695
     
3.78
%
   
6,145,013
   
$
55,033
     
3.58
%
Non-interest earning assets
   
252,805
                     
224,297
                 
Total assets
 
$
6,364,098
                   
$
$6,369,310
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing checking accounts
 
$
115,243
   
$
22
     
0.08
%
 
$
$124,440
   
$
$54
     
0.18
%
Money Market accounts
   
2,029,794
     
7,640
     
1.53
     
2,432,242
     
6,318
     
1.05
 
Savings accounts
   
331,662
     
45
     
0.06
     
359,638
     
59
     
0.07
 
CDs
   
1,466,439
     
7,310
     
2.02
     
1,151,146
     
4,320
     
1.52
 
Borrowed funds
   
1,229,607
     
7,354
     
2.43
     
1,237,094
     
6,267
     
2.05
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
5,172,745
     
22,371
     
1.75
%
   
5,304,560
   
$
17,018
     
1.30
%
Non-interest-bearing checking accounts
   
397,907
                     
310,651
                 
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
   
189,372
                     
150,544
                 
Total liabilities
 
$
5,760,024
                   
$
5,765,755
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
604,074
                     
603,555
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
6,364,098
                   
$
$6,369,310
                 
Net interest income
         
$
35,324
                   
$
$38,015
         
Net interest spread
                   
2.02
%
                   
2.28
%
Net interest-earning assets
 
$
938,548
                   
$
$840,453
                 
Net interest margin
                   
2.31
%
                   
2.47
%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
                   
118.14
%
                   
115.84
%
                                                 
Deposits
 
$
4,341,045
   
$
15,017
     
1.40
%
 
$
$4,378,117
   
$
$10,751
     
1.00
%

Rate/Volume Analysis

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Compared to Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
Increase/ (Decrease) Due to:
 

 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 

 
(Dollars In thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Real estate loans
 
$
(2,242
)
 
$
1,844
   
$
(398
)
C&I loans
   
1,377
     
403
     
1,780
 
Other loans
   
(2
)
   
1
     
(1
)
MBS and CMO securities
   
755
     
185
     
940
 
Investment securities
   
228
     
177
     
405
 
Other
   
(460
)
   
396
     
(64
)
Total
 
$
(344
)
 
$
3,006
   
$
2,662
 
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Interest-bearing checking accounts
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(29
)
 
$
(32
)
Money market accounts
   
(1,301
)
   
2,623
     
1,322
 
Savings accounts
   
(5
)
   
(9
)
   
(14
)
CDs
   
1,377
     
1,613
     
2,990
 
Borrowed funds
   
(55
)
   
1,142
     
1,087
 
Total
 
$
13
   
$
5,340
   
$
5,353
 
Net change in net interest income
 
$
(357
)
 
$
(2,334
)
 
$
(2,691
)

Net interest income was $35.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $2.7 million from the three months ended March 31, 2018.  Average interest-earning assets were $6.11 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $33.7 million from $6.15 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.31% during the three months ended March 31, 2019, down from 2.47% during the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily due to a reduction in prepayment fee income.

Interest Income.   Interest income was $57.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $2.7 million from the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily reflecting increases of interest income of $1.8 million on C&I loans, $0.9 million on mortgage-backed securities, and $0.4 in investment securities, offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in interest income on real estate loans. The increased interest income on C&I loans reflected the build out of the Business Banking division and growth of $107.5 million in the average balance of such loans during the period. The increased interest income from mortgage-backed securities and investment securities was due to the increased average balance of $113.1 million and $40.7 million, respectively.  The decreased interest income from real estate loans was due to a decrease in average balance of $239.4 million and a decrease in prepayment fee income.

Interest Expense.   Interest expense increased $5.4 million, to $22.4 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, from $17.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increased interest expense was mainly attributable to both growth in certificates of deposits average balances of $315.3 million and increased offering rates on CD products. This was offset by a decrease in average balance of $402.4 million of money market accounts, offsetting increased offering rates on such products.

Provision for Loan Losses. The Company recognized a provision for loan losses of $0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Non-Interest Income.     Non-interest income was $2.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $0.9 million from $3.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily due to gains of $1.4 million on sales of securities and other assets realized during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to a loss of $0.08 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Non-Interest Expense.   Non-interest expense was $22.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $0.3 million from $21.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, reflecting increases in salary and employee benefits of $0.7 million and an increase of data processing c osts of $0.3 million, offset by a decrease in marketing expense of $0.6 million and a decrease in FDIC deposit insurance premiums of $0.2 million. The inc rease of $0.7 million in salaries and employee benefits was due to new employees and their associated employee benefits expense.  The increase of $0.3 million in data processing costs was primarily due to various technology enhancement initiatives related to customer banking services. The $0.2 million decrease in FDIC insurance premiums is due to lower FDIC assessment rates.

Non-interest expense was 1.39% and 1.36% of average assets during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Income Tax Expense.    Income tax expense was $3.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, down $0.8 million from $4.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018.  The Company's consolidated tax rate was 24.9% during the three months ended March 31, 2019, up from 23.7% during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk were presented at December 31, 2018 in Item 7A of the Holding Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2019.  The following is an update of the discussion provided therein.

General .  Virtually all of the Company's market risk continues to reside at the Bank level.  The Bank's largest component of market risk remains interest rate risk.  The Company is not subject to foreign currency exchange or commodity price risk.  At March 31, 2019, the Company owned thirteen marketable equity securities carried at a fair value of $5.9 million, in which market value adjustments are recorded through the statement of income.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company conducted seventeen transactions involving derivative instruments requiring bifurcation in order to hedge interest rate or market risk.

Interest Rate Risk Exposure Analysis

Economic Value of Equity ("EVE") Analysis .  In accordance with agency regulatory guidelines, the Bank simulates the impact of interest rate volatility upon EVE using several interest rate scenarios.  EVE is the difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows of the Bank's assets and liabilities and the value of any off-balance sheet items, such as or derivatives, if applicable.

Traditionally, the fair value of fixed-rate instruments fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. Increases in interest rates thus result in decreases in the fair value of interest-earning assets, which could adversely affect the Company's consolidated results of operations in the event they were to be sold, or, in the case of interest-earning assets classified as available-for-sale, reduce the Company's consolidated stockholders' equity, if retained.  The changes in the value of assets and liabilities due to fluctuations in interest rates measure the interest rate sensitivity of those assets and liabilities.

In order to measure the Bank's sensitivity to changes in interest rates, EVE is calculated under market interest rates prevailing at a given quarter-end ("Pre-Shock Scenario"), and under various other interest rate scenarios ("Rate Shock Scenarios") representing immediate, permanent, parallel shifts in the term structure of interest rates from the actual term structure observed in the Pre-Shock Scenario. An increase in the EVE is considered favorable, while a decline is considered unfavorable.  The changes in EVE between the Pre-Shock Scenario and various Rate Shock Scenarios due to fluctuations in interest rates reflect the interest rate sensitivity of the Bank's assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet items that are included in the EVE. Management reports the EVE results to the Bank's Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The report compares the Bank's estimated Pre-Shock Scenario EVE to the estimated EVE calculated under the various Rate Shock Scenarios.

The Bank's valuation model makes various estimates regarding cash flows from principal repayments on loans and deposit decay rates at each level of interest rate change.  The Bank's estimates for loan repayment levels are influenced by the recent history of prepayment activity in its loan portfolio, as well as the interest rate composition of the existing portfolio, especially in relation to the existing interest rate environment. In addition, the Bank considers the amount of fee protection inherent in the loan portfolio when estimating future repayment cash flows.  Regarding deposit decay rates, the Bank tracks and analyzes the decay rate of its deposits over time, with the assistance of a reputable third party, and over various interest rate scenarios.  Such results are utilized in determining estimates of deposit decay rates in the valuation model.  The Bank also generates a series of spot discount rates that are integral to the valuation of the projected monthly cash flows of its assets and liabilities.  The Bank's valuation model employs discount rates that it considers representative of prevailing market rates of interest, with appropriate adjustments it believes are suited to the heterogeneous characteristics of the Bank's various asset and liability portfolios.  No matter the care and precision with which the estimates are derived, actual cash flows could differ significantly from the Bank's estimates, resulting in significantly different EVE calculations.

The analysis that follows presents, as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the estimated EVE at both the Pre-Shock Scenario and the +200 Basis Point Rate Shock Scenario. The +200 scenario models the majority of any balance sheet optionality affected by interest rates, which may not be true in the +100 scenario. The analysis additionally presents the percentage change in EVE from the Pre-Shock Scenario to the +200 Basis Point Rate Shock Scenario at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

   
At March 31, 2019
   
At December 31, 2018
 
   
EVE
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
   
EVE
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
 
Rate Shock Scenario
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
+ 200 Basis Points
 
$
610,878    
$
14,100
    2.4
%
 
$
643,531
   
$
(27,967
)
   
(4.2
)%
Pre-Shock Scenario
    596,777      
     
     
671,498
     
     
 

The Bank's Pre-Shock Scenario EVE decreased from $671.5 million at December 31, 2018 to $596.8 million at March 31, 2019. The primary factors contributing to the lower EVE at March 31, 2019 were the payment of a $30.0 million dividend from the Bank to the Holding Company and an increase in the value of the Bank's core deposit liability and borrowings. These factors were partially offset by an increase in the value of the Bank's loan portfolio due to a slightly lower duration.

The Bank's EVE in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario decreased from $643.5 million at December 31, 2018 to $610.9 million at March 31, 2019. 

Income Simulation Analysis.   As of the end of each quarterly period, the Bank also monitors the impact of interest rate changes through a net interest income simulation model.  This model estimates the impact of interest rate changes on the Bank's net interest income over forward-looking periods typically not exceeding 36 months (a considerably shorter period than measured through the EVE analysis).  Management reports the net interest income simulation results to the Bank's Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The following table discloses the estimated changes to the Bank's net interest income over the 12-month period beginning March 31, 2019 assuming gradual changes in interest rates for the given rate scenarios:

Gradual Change in Interest rates of:
 
Percentage Change in
Net Interest Income
 
+ 200 Basis Points
   
(2.5
)%
+ 100 Basis Points
   
(1.3
)%

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness as of March 31, 2019, of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2019 in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management of the Company as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such controls.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is routinely named as a defendant in or party to various pending or threatened legal actions or proceedings.  Certain of these matters may seek substantial monetary damages.  In the opinion of management, the Company is involved in no actions or proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operations as of March 31, 2019.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There were no material changes from the risks disclosed in the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a)
Not applicable.

(b)
Not applicable.

(c)

 
 
 
Period
 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Programs
   
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet be
Purchased Under the
Programs
 
January 2019
   
76,000
     
17.76
     
76,000
     
1,397,140
 
February 2019
   
53,254
     
20.24
     
53,254
     
1,321,140
 
March 2019
   
70,000
     
19.96
     
70,000
     
1,267,886
 

No existing repurchase programs expired during the three months ended March 31, 2019, nor did the Company terminate any repurchase programs prior to expiration during the period.  On October 26, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to 1,824,040 shares, or 5.0% of the Company’s currently outstanding common stock.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5.
Other Information

None.

Item 6.
Exhibits

Exhibit Number


 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Transition Report on Form 10-K for the transition period ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2003 (File No. 000-27782))
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 28, 2018 (File No. 000-27782))
4.1
Draft Stock Certificate of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, filed with the SEC on September 28, 1998 (File No. 000-27782))
Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2017, by and between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 13, 2017 (File No. 000-27782))
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2017, by and between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, including the form of 4.50% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debentures due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 13, 2017 (File No. 000-27782))
Change in Control Employment Agreement between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Conrad Gunther
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
101
Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2019 is formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) interactive data files: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited), (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income f(Unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited), (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited), and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements **

** Furnished, not filed, herewith.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

Dated: May 10, 2019
By:
/s/ KENNETH J. MAHON



Kenneth J. Mahon



President and Chief Executive Officer


Dated: May 10, 2019
By:
/s/ AVINASH REDDY



Avinash Reddy



Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



45

Dime Community Bancshares (NASDAQ:DCOM)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Dime Community Bancshares Charts.
Dime Community Bancshares (NASDAQ:DCOM)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Dime Community Bancshares Charts.