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BCB BANCORP INC - Annual Report: 2012 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

ý Annual Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) Of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal ended December 31, 2012.

or

o 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: 000-50275

 

BCB BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New Jersey 26-0065262
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
104-110 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (201) 823-0700

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

YES o          NO ý

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

YES o          NO ý

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES ý          NO o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YES ý          NO o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o                    Accelerated filer ý                     Non-accelerated filer o                    Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price on June 30, 2012, as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Market, was approximately $75.9 million.

 

As of March 1, 2013, there were issued 8,473,583 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

(1) Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Registrant (Part III).

 
 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item     Page Number
       
ITEM 1. BUSINESS   1
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS   23
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS   25
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES   26
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS   27
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES   27
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES   28
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA   30
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS   31
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK   42
ITEM 8. FINANICAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA   42
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES   42
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES   43
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION   43
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE   44
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION   44
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS   44
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE   44
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES   44
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES   44

  

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This report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions and may describe future plans, strategies and expectations of BCB Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries. This document may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strive,” “try,” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or similar expressions. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations, as reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved or realized. By identifying these statements for you in this manner, we are alerting you to the possibility that our actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those discussed below and under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our expectations only as of the date of this report. We do not assume any obligation to revise forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

 

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

 

BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a New Jersey corporation, and is the holding company parent of BCB Community Bank (the “Bank”). The Company has not engaged in any significant business activity other than owning all of the outstanding common stock of BCB Community Bank. Our executive office is located at 104-110 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002. Our telephone number is (201) 823-0700. At December 31, 2012 we had $1.17 billion in consolidated assets, $940.8 million in deposits and $91.6 million in consolidated stockholders’ equity. The Company is subject to extensive regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

 

BCB Community Bank

 

BCB Community Bank opened for business on November 1, 2000 as Bayonne Community Bank, a New Jersey chartered commercial bank. We changed our name from Bayonne Community Bank to BCB Community Bank in April of 2007. On October 14, 2011, the Bank completed its acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank. At December 31, 2012, we operated through eleven branches in Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Monroe Township, South Orange, and Woodbridge, New Jersey and through our executive office located at 104-110 Avenue C and our administrative office located at 591-595 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002. Our deposit accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and we are a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System.

 

We are a community-oriented financial institution. Our business is to offer FDIC-insured deposit products and to invest funds held in deposit accounts at the Bank, together with funds generated from operations, in investment securities and loans. We offer our customers:

 

·loans, including commercial and multi-family real estate loans, one- to four-family mortgage loans, home equity loans, construction loans, consumer loans and commercial business loans. In recent years the primary growth in our loan portfolio has been in loans secured by commercial real estate and multi-family properties;
·FDIC-insured deposit products, including savings and club accounts, non-interest bearing accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts; and
·retail and commercial banking services including wire transfers, money orders, traveler’s checks, safe deposit boxes, a night depository, bond coupon redemption and automated teller services.

 

Recent Development

 

On October 29th and 30th, 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast section of the country. The Bank’s market area was significantly impacted by the storm which resulted in widespread flooding, wind damage and power outages. The storm temporarily disrupted our branch network and our ability to service our customers, however within one week all of our offices were fully functional. Our assessment of the underlying collateral of our loan facilities we have in those areas affected by the storm that may have suffered damage and possible loss of value has resulted in a preliminary conclusion that while our qualitative and quantitative analysis is progressing, initial indications are that asset balances of the Bank in the affected area are approximately $41.6 million, which encompasses roughly one hundred six properties. Additionally, we are in the process of determining whether or not the storm has impacted our borrowers’ ability to repay their obligations to the Bank. The Bank is generally named as a loss payee on hazard and flood insurance policies covering collateral properties and carries both mortgage impairment and business interruption insurance. These policies should mitigate losses that the Bank may sustain due to the effects of the hurricane. Presently, that process remains on-going and it is premature to determine what, if any impact this may have on our level of loan losses or non-performing loans. Predicated upon the completion of the aforementioned, the Company may experience increased levels of non-performing loans and losses which may negatively impact future operating results.

 

At December 31, 2012, the Company closed a private placement of its Series A noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“preferred stock”). The Company sold $8.65 million to certain investors at a purchase price of $10,000 per share. The net proceeds of the private placement are expected to be used primarily to support the capital of BCB Community Bank.

 

Business Strategy

 

Our business strategy is to operate as a well-capitalized, profitable and independent community-oriented financial institution dedicated to providing quality customer service. Management’s and the Board of Directors’ extensive knowledge of the Hudson County market differentiates us from our competitors. Our business strategy incorporates the following elements: maintaining a community focus, focusing on profitability, continuing our growth, concentrating on real estate based lending, capitalizing on market dynamics, providing attentive and personalized service and attracting highly qualified and experienced personnel. As a result, our decision to sell a portion of our non-performing loan portfolio allowed us to significantly reduce our non-performing loan balances compared to prior periods. Management’s efforts to reduce these balances remain on-going and we continue to research and implement initiatives to further mitigate those risks associated with elevated levels of non-performing loans.

 

Maintaining a community focus. Our management and Board of Directors have strong ties to the communities we serve. Many members of the management team are Bayonne natives and are active in the community through non-profit board membership, local business development organizations, and industry associations. In addition, our board members are well established professionals and business people in the communities we serve. Management and the Board are interested in making a lasting contribution to these communities and have succeeded in attracting deposits and loans through attentive and personalized service.

 

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Strengthening our balance sheet while returning to profitability. For the year ended December 31, 2012, our loss on average equity was 2.26% and our loss on average assets was 0.17%. Our loss per diluted share was $0.23 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.64 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Earnings per share results have come under pressure recently, primarily as a result of the pervasive economic downturn in both the national and local economy as well as several unusual events, including the sale of non-performing loans during 2012 to strengthen our statements of financial condition, and the effects of Hurricane Sandy. During 2012, we sold $25.9 million in non-performing loans in an effort to reduce the overhang and cost associated with these non-performing assets. Management is committed to strengthening the Bank’s statements of financial condition and returning to profitability by diversifying the products, pricing and services we offer. As a result of our efforts, our loans delinquent over 90 days have decreased from $39.6 million at December 31, 2011 to $14.8 million at December 31, 2012.

 

Concentrating on real estate-based lending. A primary focus of our business strategy is to originate loans secured by commercial and multi-family properties. Such loans provide higher returns than loans secured by one- to four-family real estate. As a result of our underwriting practices, including debt service requirements for commercial real estate and multi-family loans, management believes that such loans offer us an opportunity to obtain higher returns, in the absence of a measurable increased level of risk.

 

Capitalizing on market dynamics. The consolidation of the banking industry in Hudson County, New Jersey has provided a unique opportunity for a customer focused banking institution, such as the Bank. We believe our local roots and community focus provides the Bank with an opportunity to capitalize on the consolidation in our market area. This consolidation has moved decision making away from local, community-based banks to much larger banks headquartered outside of New Jersey. We believe our local roots and community focus provides the Bank with an opportunity to capitalize on the consolidation in our market area.

 

Providing attentive and personalized service. Management believes that providing attentive and personalized service is the key to gaining deposit and loan relationships in Bayonne and its surrounding communities. Since we began operations, our branches have been open seven (7) days a week.

 

Attracting highly experienced and qualified personnel. An important part of our strategy is to hire bankers who have prior experience in the markets we serve, as well as pre-existing business relationships. Our management team has an average of over 27 years of banking experience, while our lenders and branch personnel have significant prior experience at community banks and regional banks throughout New Jersey. Management believes that its knowledge of these markets has been a critical element in the success of BCB Community Bank. Management’s extensive knowledge of the local communities has allowed us to develop and implement a highly focused and disciplined approach to lending and has enabled the Bank to attract a high percentage of low cost deposits.

 

Our Market Area

 

We are located in the City of Bayonne, Jersey City and Hoboken in Hudson County, Monroe Township and Woodbridge in Middlesex County, and South Orange in Essex County, New Jersey. The Bank’s locations are easily accessible and provide convenient services to businesses and individuals throughout our market area. Following our acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank in 2011 our market area expanded to include branch offices in South Orange and Woodbridge, New Jersey.

 

Our market area includes the City of Bayonne, Jersey City, portions of Hoboken, South Orange, Woodbridge, and Monroe Township, New Jersey. These areas are all considered “bedroom” or “commuter” communities to Manhattan. Our market area is well-served by a network of arterial roadways including Route 440 and the New Jersey Turnpike.

 

Our market area has a high level of commercial business activity. Businesses are concentrated in the service sector and retail trade areas. Major employers in our market area include certain medical centers and local boards of education. As a result of Hurricane Sandy, a significant number of businesses in our market area sustained losses which resulted in reduced economic activity during the last two months of 2012 and into 2013.

 

Competition

 

The banking business in New Jersey is extremely competitive. We compete for deposits and loans with existing New Jersey and out-of-state financial institutions that have longer operating histories, larger capital reserves and more established customer bases. Our competition includes large financial service companies and other entities in addition to traditional banking institutions such as savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions. Our larger competitors have a greater ability to finance wide-ranging advertising campaigns through their greater capital resources. Our marketing efforts depend heavily upon referrals from officers, directors, stockholders, selective advertising in local media and direct mail solicitations. We compete for business principally on the basis of personal service to customers, customer access to our officers and directors and competitive interest rates and fees.

 

In the financial services industry in recent years, intense market demands, technological and regulatory changes and economic pressures have eroded industry classifications that were once clearly defined. Banks have diversified their services, increased rates paid on deposits and become more cost effective as a result of competition with one another and with new types of financial service companies, including non-banking competitors. Some of the results of these market dynamics in the financial services industry have been a number of new bank and non-bank competitors, increased merger activity, and increased customer awareness of product and service differences among competitors.

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Lending Activities

 

Analysis of Loan Portfolio. Set forth below is selected data relating to the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan as a percentage of the respective portfolio.

 

   At December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008 
     
   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent 
Type of loans:  (Dollars in Thousands) 
Real estate loans:                                                  
  One- to four-family  $202,926    21.68%  $218,085    25.58%  $234,435    29.98%  $76,490    18.70%  $74,039    17.94%
  Construction   23,310    2.49    17,000    1.99    17,848    2.28    51,330    12.55    62,483    15.14 
  Commercial and multi-family   588,268    62.84    472,424    55.42    410,212    52.45    223,792    54.71    223,179    54.07 
  Home equity(2)   60,393    6.45    69,075    8.10    63,603    8.13    34,298    8.39    38,065    9.22 
Commercial business(1)    59,668    6.37    74,573    8.75    54,160    6.93    22,487    5.50    14,098    3.42 
Consumer   1,634    0.17    1,308    0.16    1,816    0.23    641    0.15    920    0.21 
                                                   
    Total   936,199    100.00%   852,465    100.00%   782,074    100.00%   409,038    100.00%   412,784    100.00%
Less:                                                  
Deferred loan fees, net   1,535         1,193         556         522         654      
Allowance for loan losses   12,363         10,509         8,417         6,644         5,304      
    Total loans, net  $922,301        $840,763        $773,101        $401,872        $406,826      

 

__________

(1) Includes business lines of credit.

(2) Includes home equity lines of credit.

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Loan Maturities. The following table sets forth the contractual maturity of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2012. The amount shown represents outstanding principal balances. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity and overdrafts are reported as being due in one year or less. Variable-rate loans are shown as due at the time of repricing. The table does not include prepayments or scheduled principal repayments.

 

   Due within 1
Year
   Due after 1
through 5 Years
   Due After 5
Years
   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
One- to four-family  $75   $4,132   $198,719   $202,926 
Construction   14,070    6,045    3,195    23,310 
Commercial business(1)    24,688    15,559    19,421    59,668 
Commercial and multi-family   9,970    41,300    536,998    588,268 
Home equity(2)    282    8,728    51,383    60,393 
Consumer   327    406    901    1,634 
Total amount due  $49,412   $76,170   $810,617   $936,199 

__________

(1) Includes business lines of credit.

(2) Includes home equity lines of credit.

 

 

Loans with Predetermined or Floating or Adjustable Rates of Interest. The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans at December 31, 2012 that are due after December 31, 2013, and have predetermined interest rates and that have floating or adjustable interest rates.

 

   Fixed Rates   Floating or
Adjustable Rates
   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
One- to four-family  $184,365   $18,486   $202,851 
Construction   1,697    7,543    9,240 
Commercial business(1)    13,410    21,570    34,980 
Commercial and multi-family   165,946    412,352    578,298 
Home equity(2)    41,928    18,183    60,111 
Consumer   1,026    281    1,307 
Total amount due  $408,372   $478,415   $886,787 

 

__________

(1) Includes business lines of credit.

(2) Includes home equity lines of credit.

 

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Commercial and Multi-family Real Estate Loans. Our commercial and multi-family real estate loans are secured by commercial real estate (for example, shopping centers, medical buildings, retail offices) and multi-family residential units, consisting of five or more units. Permanent loans on commercial and multi-family properties are generally originated in amounts up to 75% of the appraised value of the property. Our commercial real estate loans are secured by improved property such as office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, church buildings and other non-residential buildings. Commercial and multi-family real estate loans are generally made at rates that adjust above the five year U.S. Treasury interest rate, with terms of up to 25 years, or are balloon loans with fixed interest rates which generally mature in three to five years with principal amortization for a period of up to 30 years. Our largest commercial loan had a principal balance of $12.9 million at December 31, 2012, was secured by commercial property and was performing in accordance with its terms on that date. Our largest multi-family loan had a principal balance of $8.0 million at December 31, 2012. This loan was performing in accordance with its terms on that date.

 

Loans secured by commercial and multi-family real estate are generally larger and involve a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. The borrower’s creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the project is of primary concern in commercial and multi-family real estate lending. Loans secured by income properties are generally larger and involve greater risks than residential mortgage loans because payments on loans secured by income properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to a greater extent than residential real estate loans to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. As a result of Hurricane Sandy, a number of our commercial borrowers have had diminished cash flows which may continue over a period of time and which may impair the ability of these borrowers to comply with the terms of their commercial loans. We are monitoring these loans to identify weaknesses, including a higher level of delinquencies. We intend to continue emphasizing the origination of loans secured by commercial real estate and multi-family properties.

 

One- to Four-Family Lending. Our one- to four-family residential mortgage loans are secured by property located primarily in the State of New Jersey. We generally originate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans in amounts up to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or selling price of the mortgaged property without requiring mortgage insurance. We will originate loans with loan to value ratios up to 90% provided the borrowers obtain private mortgage insurance. We originate both fixed rate and adjustable rate loans. One- to four-family loans may have terms of up to 30 years. The majority of one- to four-family loans we originate for retention in our portfolio have terms no greater than 15 years. We offer adjustable rate loans with fixed rate periods of up to five years, with principal and interest calculated using a maximum 30-year amortization period. We offer these loans with a fixed rate for the first five years with repricing every year after the initial period. Adjustable rate loans may adjust up to 200 basis points annually and 600 basis points over the term of the loan. We also broker for a third party lender one- to four-family residential loans, which are primarily fixed rate loans with terms of 30 years. Our loan brokerage activities permit us to offer customers longer-term fixed rate loans we would not otherwise originate while providing a source of fee income. During 2012, we originated for sale $31.5 million in one- to four-family loans and recognized gains of $665,000 from the sale of such loans.

 

As a result of Hurricane Sandy, the homes collateralizing a number of our one-to four-family loans have been severely damaged. We are assessing the impact of the hurricane on our borrowers’ ability to service their loans in accordance with their terms, and the impaired value of the underlying collateral. All of our one- to four-family mortgages include “due on sale” clauses, which are provisions giving us the right to declare a loan immediately payable if the borrower sells or otherwise transfers an interest in the property to a third party.

 

Property appraisals on real estate securing our single-family residential loans are made by state certified and licensed independent appraisers approved by our Board of Directors. Appraisals are performed in accordance with applicable regulations and policies. As a result of Hurricane Sandy, we anticipate that appraised home values in our market area will be significantly lower than would otherwise be the case. At our discretion, we obtain either title insurance policies or attorneys’ certificates of title on all first mortgage real estate loans originated. We also require fire and casualty insurance on all properties securing our one- to four-family loans. We also require the borrower to obtain flood insurance where appropriate. In some instances, we charge a fee equal to a percentage of the loan amount commonly referred to as points.

 

Construction Loans. We offer loans to finance the construction of various types of commercial and residential property. Construction loans to builders generally are offered with terms of up to eighteen months and interest rates are tied to the prime rate plus a margin. These loans generally are offered as adjustable rate loans. We will originate residential construction loans for individual borrowers and builders, provided all necessary plans and permits are in order. Construction loan funds are disbursed as the project progresses. As of December 31, 2012, our largest construction loan was $4.3 million, of which $1.6 million was disbursed. This construction loan has been made for the construction of eleven condominium units. As of December 31, 2012, this loan was performing in accordance with its terms.

 

Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved, occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction and development and the estimated cost (including interest) of construction. During the construction phase, a number of factors could result in delays and cost overruns. If the estimate of construction costs proves to be inaccurate, we may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to permit completion of the project. Additionally, if the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, we may be confronted, at or prior to the maturity of the loan, with a project having a value which is insufficient to assure full repayment.

 

Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit. We offer home equity loans and lines of credit that are secured by the borrower’s primary residence. Our home equity loans can be structured as loans that are disbursed in full at closing or as lines of credit. Home equity loans and lines of credit are offered with terms up to 15 years. Virtually all of our home equity loans are originated with fixed rates of interest and home equity lines of credit are originated with adjustable interest rates tied to the prime rate. Home equity loans and lines of credit are underwritten under the same criteria that we use to underwrite one- to four-family loans. Home equity loans and lines of credit may be underwritten with a loan-to-value ratio of 80% when combined with the principal balance of the existing mortgage loan. At the time we close a home equity loan or line of credit, we file a mortgage to perfect our security interest in the underlying collateral. At December 31, 2012, the outstanding balances of home equity loans and lines of credit totaled $60.4 million, or 6.45% of total loans.

 

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Commercial Business Loans. Our commercial business loans are underwritten on the basis of the borrower’s ability to service such debt from income. Our underwriting standards for commercial business loans include a review of the applicant’s tax returns, financial statements, credit history and an assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan based on cash flow generated by the applicant’s business. Commercial business loans are generally made to small and mid-sized companies located within the State of New Jersey. In most cases, we require collateral of real estate, equipment, accounts receivable, inventory, chattel or other assets before making a commercial business loan. Our largest commercial business loan at December 31, 2012 was an unsecured line of credit loan to a local Board of Education for $15.0 million, of which $7.3 million was dispersed. This loan was performing in accordance with its terms as of that date.

 

Commercial business loans generally have higher rates and shorter terms than one- to four-family residential loans, but they may also involve higher average balances and a higher risk of default since their repayment generally depends on the successful operation of the borrower’s business. As a result of Hurricane Sandy, economic activity in our market area has been disrupted and many of our commercial business borrowers have had their businesses impaired. Until our business borrowers recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy we may experience higher than customary levels of delinquencies and losses.

 

Consumer Loans. We make various types of secured and unsecured consumer loans and loans that are collateralized by new and used automobiles. Consumer loans generally have terms of three years to ten years.

 

Consumer loans are advantageous to us because of their interest rate sensitivity, but they also involve more credit risk than residential mortgage loans because of the higher potential for default, the nature of the collateral and the difficulty in disposing of the collateral.

 

Loan Approval Authority and Underwriting. We establish various lending limits for executive management and also maintain a loan committee. The loan committee is comprised of the Chairman of the Board, the President, the Senior Lending Officer and a minimum of five non-employee members of the Board of Directors. The President or the Senior Lending Officer, together with one other loan officer, have authority to approve applications for real estate loans up to $500,000, other secured loans up to $500,000 and unsecured loans up to $25,000. The loan committee considers all applications in excess of the above lending limits and the entire board of directors ratifies all such loans.

 

Upon receipt of a completed loan application from a prospective borrower, a credit report is ordered. Income and certain other information is verified. If necessary, additional financial information may be requested. An appraisal is required for the underwriting of all one- to four-family loans. We may rely on an estimate of value of real estate performed by our Senior Lending Officer for home equity loans or lines of credit of up to $250,000. Appraisals are processed by state certified independent appraisers approved by the Board of Directors.

 

An attorney’s certificate of title is required on all newly originated real estate mortgage loans. In connection with refinancing and home equity loans or lines of credit in amounts up to $250,000, we will obtain a record owner’s search in lieu of an attorney’s certificate of title. Borrowers also must obtain fire and casualty insurance. Flood insurance is also required on loans secured by property that is located in a flood zone.

 

Loan Commitments. Written commitments are given to prospective borrowers on all approved real estate loans. Generally, we honor commitments for up to 90 days from the date of issuance. At December 31, 2012, our outstanding loan origination commitments totaled $39.1 million, standby letters of credit totaled $2.4 million, outstanding construction loans in progress totaled $13.8 million and undisbursed lines of credit totaled $41.8 million.

 

Loan Delinquencies. We send a notice of nonpayment to borrowers when their loan becomes 15 days past due. If such payment is not received by month end, an additional notice of nonpayment is sent to the borrower. After 60 days, if payment is still delinquent, a notice of right to cure default is sent to the borrower giving 30 additional days to bring the loan current before foreclosure is commenced. If the loan continues in a delinquent status for 90 days past due and no repayment plan is in effect, foreclosure proceedings will be initiated. In an effort to more closely monitor the performance of our loan portfolio and asset quality, the Bank has created various concentration of credit reports, specifically as it relates to our construction and commercial real estate portfolios. These reports stress test declining property values up to and including a 25% value deprecation to the original appraised value to determine our potential exposure.

 

Loans are reviewed and are placed on a non-accrual status when the loan becomes more than 90 days delinquent or when, in our opinion, the collection of additional interest is doubtful. Once placed on non-accrual status, the accrual of interest income is discontinued. Income is subsequently recognized only to the extent that cash payments are received until delinquency status is reduced to less than ninety days, in which case the loan is returned to accrual status. At December 31, 2012, we had $20.1 million in non-accruing loans. Our largest exposure of non-performing loans consisted of a relationship with one borrowing entity which is collateralized by two commercial strip malls whose balance at December 31, 2012 was $1.6 million. Presently, there is a pending contract for sale on one of the properties, which upon consummation, will reduce the outstanding balance to approximately $600,000.00. This facility will remain in foreclosure until such time as the property is sold. While there has been a certain level of depreciation of the underlying collateral, the Bank believes that upon conveyance and ultimate disposition of these two properties, the Bank will not incur a loss on these facilities.

 

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable the borrower will not repay the loan according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. We have determined that first mortgage loans on one- to four-family properties and all consumer loans represent large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated. Additionally, we have determined that an insignificant delay (less than 90 days) will not cause a loan to be classified as impaired if we expect to collect all amounts due including interest accrued at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay. We independently evaluate all loans identified as impaired. We estimate credit losses on impaired loans based on the present value of expected cash flows or the fair value of the underlying collateral if the loan repayment will be derived from the sale or operation of such collateral. Impaired loans, or portions of such loans, are charged off when we determine that a realized loss has occurred. Until such time, an allowance for loan losses is maintained for estimated losses. Cash receipts on impaired loans are applied first to accrued interest receivable unless otherwise required by the loan terms, except when an impaired loan is also a nonaccrual loan, in which case the portion of the receipts related to interest is recognized as income. At December 31, 2012, we had one hundred forty-five loans with an unpaid principal balance totaling $47.6 million which are classified as impaired and on which loan loss allowances totaling $2.1 million have been established. During 2012, interest income of $2.1 million was recognized on impaired loans during the time of impairment.

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The following table sets forth delinquencies in our loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

   At December 31, 2012   At December 31, 2011 
   60-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   60-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days 
   Number   Principal   Number   Principal   Number   Principal   Number   Principal 
   of   Balance   of   Balance   of   Balance   of   Balance 
   Loans   of Loans   Loans   of Loans   Loans   of Loans   Loans   of Loans 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Real estate mortgage:                                        
One- to four-                                        
 family residential   10   $1,941    10   $2,348    8   $2,495    38   $11,847 
Construction   1    1,174    1    130    1    130    8    3,660 
Home equity   7    717    12    1,516    13    1,018    19    1,181 
Commercial and multi-family   11    5,245    22    9,275    14    6,340    56    21,080 
Total   29    9,077    45    13,269    36    9,983    121    37,768 
                                         
Commercial business   2    152    9    1,514            11    1,785 
Consumer                   1    10         
Total delinquent loans   31   $9,229    54   $14,783    37   $9,993    132   $39,553 
                                         
Delinquent loans to total loans        0.99%        1.58%        1.17%        4.64%

 

 

   At December 31, 2010   At December 31, 2009 
   60-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   60-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days 
   Number   Principal   Number   Principal   Number   Principal   Number   Principal 
   of   Balance   of   Balance   of   Balance   of   Balance 
   Loans   of Loans   Loans   of Loans   Loans   of Loans   Loans   of Loans 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Real estate mortgage:                                        
One- to four-                                        
 family residential   9   $3,706    48   $15,115    3   $3,973    5   $1,559 
Construction           7    2,773            7    4,343 
Home equity   7    694    20    1,632    2    517    2    251 
Commercial and multi-family   9    5,391    64    21,147    5    2,729    8    5,280 
Total   25    9,791    139    40,667    10    7,219    22    11,433 
                                         
Commercial business   4    456    5    861    1    369    1    500 
Consumer   1    5    4    283                 
Total delinquent loans   30   $10,252    148   $41,811    11   $7,588    23   $11,933 
                                         
Delinquent loans to total loans        1.31%        5.35%        1.86%        2.92%

 

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   At December 31, 2008 
   60-90 Days   Greater Than 90 Days 
       Principal       Principal 
   Number   Balance   Number   Balance 
   of Loans   of Loans   of Loans   of Loans 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Real estate mortgage:                    
One- to four-                    
 family residential   3   $1,507    4   $1,213 
Construction   1    360         
Home equity                
Commercial and multi-family   2    265    5    2,515 
Total   6    2,132    9    3,728 
                     
Commercial business                
Consumer                
Total delinquent loans   6   $2,132    9   $3,728 
                     
Delinquent loans to total loans        0.51%        0.90%

 

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The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of non-performing assets in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when delinquent more than 90 days or when the collection of principal and/or interest become doubtful. Foreclosed assets include assets acquired in settlement of loans.

 

   At December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Non-accruing loans:                         
One-to four-family residential  $2,163   $15,511   $15,115   $1,559   $1,213 
Construction   130    4,040    2,773    4,343     
Home equity   1,564    1,729    1,632    251     
Commercial and multi-family   13,043    22,280    21,147    5,280    2,515 
Commercial business   3,159    4,265    861    500     
Consumer           283         
Total   20,059    47,825    41,811    11,933    3,728 
                          
Accruing loans delinquent more than 90 days:                         
One-to four-family residential   1,223                 
Construction                    
Home equity   227                 
Commercial and multi-family   1,386                 
Commercial business                    
Consumer                    
Total   2,836                 
                          
Total non-performing loans   22,895    47,825    41,811    11,933    3,728 
Foreclosed assets   3,274    6,570    3,602    1,270    1,435 
                          
Total non-performing assets  $26,169   $54,395   $45,413   $13,203   $5,163 
Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets                         
    2.23%   4.47%   4.10%   2.09%   0.89%
Total non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans                         
    2.45%   5.61%   5.35%   2.92%   0.90%

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012, gross interest income which would have been recorded had our non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms amounted to $1.06 million. We received and recorded $649,000 in interest income for such loans for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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Classified Assets. Our policies provide for a classification system for problem assets. When we classify problem assets, we may establish general allowances for loan losses in an amount deemed prudent by management. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. A portion of general loss allowances established to cover possible losses related to assets classified as substandard or doubtful may be included in determining our regulatory capital. Specific valuation allowances for loan losses generally do not qualify as regulatory capital. At December 31, 2012, we had $5.7 million in assets classified as doubtful, of which $5.7 million were classified as impaired, $22.2 million in assets classified as substandard, of which $18.6 million were classified as impaired and $25.1 million in assets classified as special mention, of which $17.3 million were classified as impaired. The loans classified as substandard represent primarily commercial loans secured either by residential real estate, commercial real estate or heavy equipment. The loans that have been classified substandard were classified as such primarily because either updated financial information has not been timely provided, or the collateral underlying the loan is in the process of being revalued. As a result of Hurricane Sandy, our levels of classified assets are expected to remain elevated through at least the first half of 2013.

 

The Company’s internal credit risk grades are based on the definitions currently utilized by the banking regulatory agencies.  The grades assigned and definitions are as follows, and loans graded excellent, above average, good and watch list (risk ratings 1-4) are treated as “pass” for grading purposes:

 

5 – Special Mention- Loans currently performing but with potential weaknesses including adverse trends in borrower’s operations, credit quality, financial strength, or possible collateral deficiency.

 

6 – Substandard- Loans that are inadequately protected by current sound worth, paying capacity, and collateral support. Loans on “nonaccrual” status. The loan needs special and corrective attention.

 

7 – Doubtful- Weaknesses in credit quality and collateral support make full collection improbable, but pending reasonable factors remain sufficient to defer the loss status.

 

8 – Loss- Continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted. However, this does not preclude future attempts at partial recovery.

 

Allowances for Loan Losses. A provision for loan losses is charged to operations based on management’s evaluation of the losses that may be incurred in our loan portfolio. In addition, our determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses is subject to review by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and the FDIC, as part of their examination process. After a review of the information available, our regulators might require the establishment of an additional allowance. Any increase in the loan loss allowance required by regulators would have a negative impact on our earnings. Management reviews the adequacy of the allowance on at least a quarterly basis to ensure that the provision for loan losses has been charged against earnings in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level that is adequate based on management’s assessment of probable estimated losses.  The Company’s methodology for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses consists of several key elements.  These elements include a general allocated allowance for impaired loans, a specific allowance for impaired loans, and an unallocated portion.  

 

The Company consistently applies the following comprehensive methodology.  During the quarterly review of the allowance for loan losses, the Company considers a variety of factors that include:

 

·General economic conditions.

 

·Trends in charge-offs.

 

·Trends and levels of delinquent loans.

 

·Trends and levels of non-performing loans, including loans over 90 days delinquent.

 

·Trends in volume and terms of loans.

 

·Levels of allowance for specific classified loans.

 

·Credit concentrations

 

The methodology includes the segregation of the loan portfolio into two divisions. Loans that are performing and loans that are impaired. Loans which are performing are evaluated homogeneously by loan class or loan type. The allowance of performing loans is evaluated based on historical loan experience, including consideration of peer loss analysis, with an adjustment for qualitative factors due to economic conditions in the market. Impaired loans are loans which are more than 60 days delinquent or troubled debt restructured. These loans are individually evaluated for loan loss either by current appraisal, estimated economic factor, or net present value. Management reviews the overall estimate for feasibility and bases the loan loss provision accordingly. As of December 31, 2012, non-accrual loans differed from the amount of total loans past due greater than 90 days due to troubled debt restructuring of loans which are maintained on non-accrual status for a minimum of six months until the borrower has demonstrated their ability to satisfy the terms of the restructured loan. The Company also maintains an unallocated allowance.  The unallocated allowance is used to cover any factors or conditions which may cause a potential loan loss but are not specifically identifiable.  It is prudent to maintain an unallocated portion of the allowance because no matter how detailed an analysis of potential loan losses is performed, these estimates lack some element of precision.  Management must make estimates using assumptions and information that is often subjective and subject to change.

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The following table sets forth an analysis of the Bank’s allowance for loan losses.

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008 
       (Dollars in Thousands)     
                     
Balance at beginning of period  $10,509   $8,417   $6,644   $5,304   $4,065 
                          
Charge-offs:                         
One- to four-family residential   793    122             
Construction   292    687    15        90 
Commercial business(1)    612    24    351        3 
Commercial and multi-family   1,360    1,173    323    205     
Home equity(2)    24                 
Consumer       27        7    8 
Total charge-offs   3,081    2,033    689    212    101 
                          
Recoveries   35    25    12    2    40 
Net charge-offs   3,046    2,008    677    210    61 
Provisions charge to operations   4,900    4,100    2,450    1,550    1,300 
Ending balance  $12,363   $10,509   $8,417   $6,644   $5,304 
                          
Ratio of non-performing assets to total assets at the end of period   2.23%   4.47%   4.10%   2.09%   0.89%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans outstanding   1.32%   1.23%   1.08%   1.62%   1.28%
                          
Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to total loans outstanding at end of the period   0.33%   0.24%   0.09%   0.05%   0.01%
Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to non-performing loans   13.30%   4.20%   1.62%   1.79%   1.64%

 

 

_____________________

(1) Includes business lines of credit.

(2) Includes home equity lines of credit.

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Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table illustrates the allocation of the allowance for loan losses for each category of loan. The allocation of the allowance to each category is not necessarily indicative of future loss in any particular category and does not restrict our use of the allowance to absorb losses in other loan categories.

 

   At December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008 
   Amount   Percent of
Loans in
each
Category in
Total Loans
   Amount   Percent of
Loans in
each
Category in
Total Loans
   Amount   Percent of
Loans in
each
Category in
Total Loans
   Amount   Percent of
Loans in
each
Category in
Total Loans
   Amount   Percent of
Loans in
each
Category in
Total Loans
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Type of loan:                                                  
One- to four-family  $1,967    21.68%  $2,679    25.58%  $171    29.98%  $430    18.70%  $688    17.94%
Construction   959    2.49    304    1.99    426    2.28    1,437    12.55    941    15.14 
Home equity   475    6.45    677    8.10    204    8.13    186    8.39    167    9.22 
Commercial and multi-family   8,051    62.84    5,798    55.42    6,179    52.45    4,184    54.71    3,175    54.07 
Commercial business   820    6.37    1,041    8.75    1,286    6.93    365    5.50    216    3.42 
Consumer   59    0.17    10    0.16    18    0.23    42    0.15    117    0.21 
Unallocated   32                133                     
Total  $12,363    100.00%  $10,509    100.00%  $8,417    100.00%  $6,644    100.00%  $5,304    100.00%

 

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Investment Activities

Investment Securities. We are required under federal regulations to maintain a minimum amount of liquid assets that may be invested in specified short-term securities and certain other investments. The level of liquid assets varies depending upon several factors, including: (i) the yields on investment alternatives, (ii) our judgment as to the attractiveness of the yields then available in relation to other opportunities, (iii) expectation of future yield levels, and (iv) our projections as to the short-term demand for funds to be used in loan origination and other activities. Investment securities, including mortgage-backed securities, are classified at the time of purchase, based upon management’s intentions and abilities, as securities held-to-maturity or securities available for sale. Debt securities acquired with the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are stated at cost and adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, which are computed using the level yield method and recognized as adjustments of interest income. All other debt and equity securities are classified as available for sale to serve principally as a source of liquidity.

 

Current regulatory and accounting guidelines regarding investment securities require us to categorize securities as held-to-maturity, available for sale or trading. As of December 31, 2012, the amortized cost of securities classified as held-to-maturity was $164.6 million. We had $1.2 million in securities classified as available for sale, and no securities classified as trading. Securities classified as available for sale are reported for financial reporting purposes at the fair value with net changes in the fair value from period to period included as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes. As of December 31, 2012, our securities classified as held-to-maturity had a fair value of $171.6 million. Changes in the fair value of securities classified as held-to-maturity or available for sale do not affect our income, unless we determine there to be an other-than-temporary impairment for those securities in an unrealized loss position. As of December 31, 2012, management concluded that all unrealized losses were temporary in nature since they are related to interest rate fluctuations rather than any underlying credit quality of the issuers. Additionally, the Company has no plans to sell these securities and has concluded that it is unlikely it would have to sell these securities prior to the anticipated recovery of the unrealized losses. While these securities were classified as held to maturity, ASC 320 (formerly FAS 115) allows sales of securities so designated, provided that a substantial portion (at least 85%) of the principal balance has been amortized prior to the sale. During the year ended December 31, 2012, proceeds from sales of securities held to maturity totaled approximately $30.6 million and resulted in gross gains of $405,000 and gross losses of $56,000.

 

As of December 31, 2012, our investment policy allowed investments in instruments such as: (i) U.S. Treasury obligations; (ii) U.S. federal agency or federally sponsored agency obligations; (iii) mortgage-backed securities; and (iv) certificates of deposit. The Board of Directors may authorize additional investments. As of December 31, 2012, we no longer had a U.S. Government agency securities portfolio. The decrease during 2012 reflects the exercise of call options of $6.3 million in U.S. government agency securities.

 

As a source of liquidity and to supplement our lending activities, we have invested in residential mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities generally yield less than the loans that underlie such securities because of the cost of payment guarantees or credit enhancements that reduce credit risk. Mortgage-backed securities can serve as collateral for borrowings and, through repayments, as a source of liquidity. Mortgage-backed securities represent a participation interest in a pool of single-family or other type of mortgages. Principal and interest payments are passed from the mortgage originators, through intermediaries (generally government-sponsored enterprises) that pool and repackage the participation interests in the form of securities, to investors, like us. The government-sponsored enterprises guarantee the payment of principal and interest to investors and include Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, and Fannie Mae.

 

Mortgage-backed securities typically are issued with stated principal amounts. The securities are backed by pools of mortgage loans that have interest rates that are within a set range and have varying maturities. The underlying pool of mortgages can be composed of either fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are generally referred to as mortgage participation certificates or pass-through certificates. The interest rate risk characteristics of the underlying pool of mortgages (i.e., fixed rate or adjustable rate) and the prepayment risk, are passed on to the certificate holder. The life of a mortgage-backed pass-through security is equal to the life of the underlying mortgages. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities due to scheduled repayments and because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

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Securities Portfolio. The following table sets forth the carrying value of our securities portfolio and FHLB stock at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010 
   (In Thousands) 
Securities available for sale:               
Equity securities  $1,240   $1,045   $1,098 
Securities held to maturity:               
U.S. Government and Agency securities       6,315    30,838 
Mortgage-backed securities   162,909    198,877    126,955 
Corporate subordinated notes           6,000 
Municipal obligations   1,363    1,370    1,376 
Trust originated preferred security   376    403    403 
   Total securities held to maturity   164,648    206,965    165,572 
FHLB stock   7,698    7,498    6,723 
Total investment securities  $173,586   $215,508   $173,393 

 

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The following table shows our securities held-to-maturity purchase sale and repayment activities for the periods indicated.

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010 
   (In Thousands) 
             
Securities acquired through merger  $   $34,969   $86,770 
                
Purchases:               
Fixed-rate  $57,331   $95,537   $104,997 
Total purchases  $57,331   $95,537   $104,997 
                
Sales:               
Fixed-rate  $30,235   $2,420   $ 
Total sales  $30,235   $2,420   $ 
                
Principal Repayments:               
Repayment of principal  $(67,489)  $(85,088)  $(156,757)
(Decrease) in other items, net   (1,924)   (1,605)   (2,082)
Net (decrease) increases  $(42,317)  $41,393   $32,928 

 

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Maturities of Securities Portfolio. The following table sets forth information regarding the scheduled maturities, carrying values, estimated market values, and weighted average yields for the Bank’s debt securities portfolio at December 31, 2012 by contractual maturity. The following table does not take into consideration the effects of scheduled repayments or the effects of possible prepayments.

 

   December 31, 2012 
   Within one year   More than One to
five years
   More than five to ten
years
   More than ten years   Total investment securities 
   Carrying
Value
   Average
Yield
   Carrying
Value
   Average
Yield
   Carrying
Value
   Average
Yield
   Carrying
Value
   Average
Yield
   Fair
Value
   Carrying
Value
   Average
Yield
 
                                             
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                                             
Mortgage-backed securities  $    %  $4    5.86%  $9,480    2.28%  $153,425    3.04%  $169,771   $162,909    3.01%
Municipal obligations                   388    4.96    975    5.64    1,456    1,363    5.45 
Trust originated preferred security                           376    7.68    376    376    7.68 
    Total investment securities  $    %  $4    5.86%  $9,868    2.39%  $154,776    3.07%  $171,603   $164,648    3.03%

 

 

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Sources of Funds

Our major external source of funds for lending and other investment purposes are deposits. Funds are also derived from the receipt of payments on loans, prepayment of loans, maturities of investment securities and mortgage-backed securities and borrowings. Scheduled loan principal repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments are significantly influenced by general interest rates and market conditions.

 

Deposits. Consumer and commercial deposits are attracted principally from within our primary market area through the offering of a selection of deposit instruments including demand, NOW, savings and club accounts, money market accounts, and term certificate accounts. Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time period the funds must remain on deposit, and the interest rate.

 

The interest rates paid by us on deposits are set at the direction of our senior management. Interest rates are determined based on our liquidity requirements, interest rates paid by our competitors, our growth goals, and applicable regulatory restrictions and requirements. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 we had $6.8 million and $9.2 million in brokered deposits, respectively.

 

Deposit Accounts. The following table sets forth the dollar amount of deposits in the various types of deposit programs we offered as of the dates indicated.

 

   December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010 
   Weighted
Average
Rate(1)
   Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate(1)
   Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate(1)
   Amount 
                         
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                         
Demand   %  $85,950    %  $78,589    %  $69,471 
NOW   0.25    120,765    0.54    112,605    0.85    80,775 
Savings and club accounts   0.18    256,769    0.40    265,546    0.73    245,951 
Money market   0.39    63,834    0.68    67,592    0.85    55,676 
Certificates of deposit   1.33    413,468    1.50    453,291    1.77    434,415 
    Total   0.78%  $940,786    1.00%  $977,623    1.33%  $886,288 

 

__________

(1) Represents the average rate paid during the year.

 

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The following table sets forth our deposit flows during the periods indicated.

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010 
             
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
             
Beginning of period  $977,623   $886,288   $463,738 
Net deposits(1)    (43,702)   83,010    414,034 
Interest credited on deposit accounts   6,865    8,325    8,516 
  Total (decrease) increase in deposit accounts   (36,837)   91,335    422,550 
Ending balance  $940,786   $977,623   $886,288 
Percent (decrease) increase   (3.77)%   10.31%   91.12%

__________

(1) Includes deposits totaling $111,365 received in 2011 in connection with the Allegiance Community Bank acquisition and $435,810 in 2010 received in connection with the Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc., acquisition.

 

Jumbo Certificates of Deposit. As of December 31, 2012, the aggregate amount of outstanding certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was approximately $234.6 million. The following table indicates the amount of our certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more by time remaining until maturity.

 

   At December 31, 2012 
Maturity Period  (In Thousands) 
Within three months  $56,670 
Three through twelve months   96,874 
Over twelve months   81,034 
Total  $234,578 

 

The following table presents, by rate category, our certificate of deposit accounts as of the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010 
   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent 
                         
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Certificate of deposit rates:                        
0.00% - 0.99%  $210,897    51.01%  $165,931    36.60%  $    %
1.00% - 1.99%   108,379    26.21    172,983    38.16    312,597    71.96 
2.00% - 2.99%   53,719    12.99    58,390    12.88    74,265    17.1 
3.00% - 3.99%   39,757    9.62    52,382    11.56    41,004    9.44 
4.00% - 4.99%   36    0.01    2,884    0.64    5,531    1.27 
5.00% - 5.99%   680    0.16    721    0.16    1,018    0.23 
Total  $413,468    100.00%  $453,291    100.00%  $434,415    100.00%

 

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The following table presents, by rate category, the remaining period to maturity of certificate of deposit accounts outstanding as of December 31, 2012.

                     
   Maturity Date 
   1 Year   Over 1   Over 2   Over     
   or Less   to 2 Years   to 3 Years   3 Years   Total 
                     
   (In Thousands) 
Interest rate:                         
0.00% - 0.99%  $196,511   $14,272   $111   $3   $210,897 
1.00% - 1.99%   69,255    29,398    2,528    7,198    108,379 
2.00% - 2.99%   10,192    19,883    15,639    8,005    53,719 
3.00% - 3.99%   9,523    30,234            39,757 
4.00% - 4.99%       36            36 
5.00% - 5.99%   680                680 
Total  $286,161   $93,823   $18,278   $15,206   $413,468 

 

Borrowings. Beginning September 7, 2010, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) replaced the existing Overnight Repricing Advance Program and its associated companion products, the Overnight Line of Credit (“OLOC”), OLOC Plus, OLOC Companion, and OLOC Companion Plus with the new Overnight Advance. The new Overnight Advance permits the Bank to borrow overnight up to its maximum borrowing capacity at the FHLBNY. The Bank is no longer restricted to the previous borrowing limits of 10% (OLOC) or up to 20% (OLOC Plus) of total assets. At December 31, 2012, the Bank’s total credit exposure cannot exceed 50% of its total assets, or $585.7 million, based on the borrowing limitations outlined in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s member products guide. The total credit exposure limit to 50% of total assets is recalculated each quarter. Additionally, at December 31, 2012 we had a floating rate junior subordinated debenture of $4.1 million which has been callable at the Company’s option since June 17, 2009, and quarterly thereafter.

 

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our short-term borrowings at the dates and for the periods indicated.

   At or For the Years Ended December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010 
             
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
             
Balance at end of period  $17,000   $   $ 
Average balance during period  $1,710   $   $ 
Maximum outstanding at any month end  $17,000   $   $ 
Weighted average interest rate at end of period   0.31%   %   %
Average interest rate during period   0.31%   %   %
                

Employees

 

At December 31, 2012, we had 206 full-time equivalent and 63 part-time employees. None of our employees is represented by a collective bargaining group. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

 

Subsidiaries

 

We have three non-bank subsidiaries. BCB Holding Company Investment Corp. was established in 2004 for the purpose of holding and investing in securities. Only securities authorized to be purchased by BCB Community Bank are held by BCB Holding Company Investment Corp. At December 31, 2012, this company held $138.0 million in securities. With the merger with Pamrapo Bancorp. Inc., we acquired Pamrapo Service Corporation which has been inactive since May 2010. BCB New York Management, Inc. was established in October 2012 for the purpose of holding and investing in various loan products and investing in securities. For the period ended December 31, 2012, there was no activity related to this subsidiary.

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Supervision and Regulation

Bank holding companies and banks are extensively regulated under both federal and state law. These laws and regulations are intended to protect depositors, not shareholders. The description below is limited to certain material aspects of the statutes and regulations addressed, and is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on the Company or the Bank.

 

As further described below under the heading “The Dodd-Frank Act”, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), will significantly change the current bank regulatory structure described in this section and will affect the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. These and any other changes in applicable laws or regulations, whether by Congress or regulatory agencies, may have a material effect on the business and prospects of the Company and the Bank.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act

The Dodd-Frank Act has changed the current bank regulatory structure and is affecting the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the Office of Thrift Supervision and requires that federal savings associations be regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the primary federal regulator for national banks). The Dodd-Frank Act also authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board (“Federal Reserve”) to supervise and regulate all savings and loan holding companies.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for insured depository institutions, and the components of Tier 1 capital would be restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. In addition, the proceeds of trust preferred securities are excluded from Tier 1 capital unless such securities were issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank or savings and loan holding companies with less than $15 billion of assets. The legislation also establishes a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect today, and directs the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements within 18 months. These new leverage and capital requirements must take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets will be examined by their applicable bank regulators. The new legislation also weakens the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives the state attorneys general the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act also broadens the base for FDIC insurance assessments. In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC has promulgated rules under which assessments are based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increases the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008, and non-interest bearing transaction accounts had unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012. Lastly, the Dodd-Frank Act increases stockholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments, and by authorizing the Securities and Exchange Commission to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to nominate and solicit votes for their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials. The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded.

 

Bank Holding Company Regulation

As a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, the Company is subject to the regulation and supervision applicable to bank holding companies by the Federal Reserve. The Company is also subject to the provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948 (the “New Jersey Banking Act”) and the regulations of the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (“Commissioner”). The Company is required to file reports with the Federal Reserve and the Commissioner regarding its business operations and those of its subsidiaries.

 

Federal Regulation. The Bank Holding Company Act requires, among other things, the prior approval of the Federal Reserve in any case where a bank holding company proposes to (i) acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any other bank, (ii) acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock of any bank (unless it owns a majority of such company’s voting shares) or (iii) merge or consolidate with any other bank holding company. The Federal Reserve will not approve any acquisition, merger, or consolidation that would have a substantially anti-competitive effect, unless the anti-competitive impact of the proposed transaction is clearly outweighed by a greater public interest in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve also considers capital adequacy and other financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the companies and the banks concerned, together with the convenience and needs of the community to be served, when reviewing acquisitions or mergers.

 

The Bank Holding Company Act generally prohibits a bank holding company, with certain limited exceptions, from (i) acquiring or retaining direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock of any company which is not a bank or bank holding company, or (ii) engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks, or performing services for its subsidiaries, unless such non-banking business is determined by the Federal Reserve to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be properly incident thereto.

 

The Bank Holding Company Act has been amended to permit bank holding companies and banks, which meet certain capital, management and Community Reinvestment Act standards, to engage in a broader range of non-banking activities. In addition, bank holding companies which elect to become financial holding companies may engage in certain banking and non-banking activities without prior Federal Reserve approval. At this time, the Company has elected not to become a financial holding company, as it does not engage in any activities not permissible for banks.

 

There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on bank holding companies and their depository institution subsidiaries by law and regulatory policy that are designed to minimize potential loss to the depositors of such depository institutions and the FDIC insurance funds in the event the depository institution is in danger of default. Under a policy of the Federal Reserve with respect to bank holding company operations, a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it might not do so absent such policy. The Federal Reserve also has the authority under the Bank Holding Company Act to require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or to relinquish control of a non-bank subsidiary upon the Federal Reserve’s determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness and stability of any bank subsidiary of the bank holding company.

 

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The Federal Reserve has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies. The risk-based capital guidelines are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profile among banks and bank holding companies, to account for off-balance sheet exposure, and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Under these guidelines, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories each with appropriate weights. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items.

 

The Company is subject to regulatory capital requirements and guidelines imposed by the Federal Reserve, which are substantially similar to those imposed by the FDIC on depository institutions within their jurisdictions. At December 31, 2012, the Company, was considered to be a well capitalized Bank Holding Company.

 

 

The Federal Reserve may set higher capital requirements for holding companies whose circumstances warrant it. For example, holding companies experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions are expected to maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels, without significant reliance on intangible assets.

 

As noted above, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for insured depository institutions, and the components of Tier 1 capital would be restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. In June 2012, proposed rules were issued that would implement these directives. Such changes when finalized, and others that may be proposed and implemented in the future, may affect the Company’s capital ratios and risk-adjusted assets.

 

New Jersey Regulation. Under the New Jersey Banking Act, a company owning or controlling a savings bank is regulated as a bank holding company and must file certain reports with the Commissioner and is subject to examination by the Commissioner. Under the New Jersey Banking Act, as well as Federal law, no person may acquire control of the Company or the Bank without first obtaining approval of such acquisition of control from the Federal Reserve and the Commissioner.

 

Bank Regulation

 

As a New Jersey-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to the regulation, supervision, and examination of the Commissioner. As an FDIC-insured institution, the Bank is subject to the regulation, supervision and examination of the FDIC. The regulations of the FDIC and the Commissioner impact virtually all of our activities, including the minimum level of capital we must maintain, our ability to pay dividends, our ability to expand through new branches or acquisitions and various other matters.

 

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC insured financial institutions such as the Bank. Deposit accounts in the Bank are insured by the FDIC generally up to a maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts.

 

Under the FDIC’s current risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other risk factors. Assessments are based on an institution’s risk category and certain specified adjustments with higher assessments applying to institutions deemed most risky.

 

As part of its plan to restore the Deposit Insurance Fund in the wake of the large number of bank failures following the financial crisis, the FDIC imposed a special assessment of 5 basis points for the second quarter of 2009. In addition, the FDIC required all insured institutions to prepay their quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. As part of this prepayment, the FDIC assumed a 5% annual growth in the assessment base and applied a 3 basis point increase in assessment rates effective January 1, 2011. As of December 31, 2012 our prepaid FDIC premium assessment was fully utilized.

 

In February 2011, the FDIC published a final rule under the Dodd-Frank Act to reform the deposit insurance assessment system. The rule redefined the assessment base used for calculating deposit insurance assessments effective April 1, 2011. Under the new rule, assessments are based on an institution’s average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity as opposed to total deposits. Since the new base is much larger than the current base, the FDIC also lowered assessment rates so that the total amount of revenue collected from the industry is not significantly altered. The new rule is expected to benefit smaller financial institutions, which typically rely more on deposits for funding, and shift more of the burden for supporting the insurance fund to larger institutions, which have greater access to non-deposit sources of funding.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act also extended the unlimited deposit insurance on non-interest bearing transaction accounts through December 31, 2012. Unlike the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program, the insurance provided under the Dodd-Frank Act did not extend to low-interest NOW accounts, and there was no separate assessment on covered accounts.

 

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. We do not currently know of any practice, condition or violation that may lead to termination of our deposit insurance.

 

In addition to the FDIC assessments, the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) is authorized to impose and collect, with the approval of the FDIC, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the FICO are due to mature in 2017 through 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we paid $72,000 in FICO assessments.

 

Capital Adequacy Guidelines. The FDIC has promulgated risk-based capital rules, which are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profile among banks, to account for off-balance sheet exposure, and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Under these rules, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate weights. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items. These rules are substantially similar to the Federal Reserve rules discussed above.

 

In addition to the risk-based capital rules, the FDIC has adopted a minimum Tier 1 capital (leverage) ratio. This measurement is substantially similar to the Federal Reserve leverage capital measurement discussed above. At December 31, 2012, the Bank’s ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets was 14.03%. Our Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 12.78%, and our Tier 1 capital to average assets was 8.38%.

 

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As noted above, the Dodd-Frank Act establishes a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect today, and directs the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements within 18 months. These new leverage and capital requirements must take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives. In June 2012, the Federal Bank Regulators issued proposed rules that would implement the Dodd-Frank Act’s directives as well as recommendations of the international Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The proposed rules would substantially revise capital requirements including establishing a new common equity Tier 1 requirement, certain raised risk-based requirement, and certain increased risk weights. It is not known when the rule will be finalized.

 

Transactions with Affiliates. Transactions between banks and their related parties or affiliates are limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. In a holding company context, the parent bank holding company and any companies which are controlled by such parent holding company are affiliates of the bank. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W (i) limit the extent to which the bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10.0% of such institution’s capital stock and surplus, and contain an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20.0% of such institution’s capital stock and surplus and (ii) require that all such transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the institution or subsidiary as those provided to non-affiliates. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and other similar transactions. In addition, loans or other extensions of credit by the financial institution to the affiliate are required to be collateralized in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits loans by a company to its executive officers and directors. However, the law contains a specific exception for loans by a depository institution to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking laws assuming such loans are also permitted under the law of the institution’s chartering state. Under such laws, the Bank’s authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and 10% shareholders (“insiders”), as well as entities such person’s control, is limited. The law limits both the individual and aggregate amount of loans the Bank may make to insiders based, in part, on the Bank’s capital position and requires certain board approval procedures to be followed. Such loans are required to be made on terms substantially the same as those offered to unaffiliated individuals and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. There is an exception for loans made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to all employees of the institution and does not give preference to insiders over other employees. Loans to executive officers are further limited by specific categories.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act requires that the Federal Reserve make certain changes to the regulations governing transactions with affiliates described above. It is uncertain when such changes will become effective.

 

Dividends. The Bank may pay dividends as declared from time to time by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available, subject to certain restrictions. Under the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended, the Bank may not pay a cash dividend unless, following the payment, the Bank’s capital stock will be unimpaired and the Bank will have a surplus of no less than 50% of the Bank capital stock or, if not, the payment of the dividend will not reduce the surplus. In addition, the Bank cannot pay dividends in amounts that would reduce the Bank’s capital below regulatory imposed minimums.

 

Federal Securities Laws

The Company’s common stock is registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). The Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Under the Exchange Act, we are required to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the adequacy of our existing financial systems and controls. For the year ended December 31, 2012, our auditors are required to audit our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”), contains a broad range of legislative reforms intended to address corporate and accounting fraud. In addition to the establishment of a new accounting oversight board that will enforce auditing, quality control and independence standards and will be funded by fees from all publicly traded companies, Sarbanes-Oxley places certain restrictions on the scope of services that may be provided by accounting firms to their public company audit clients. Any non-audit services being provided to a public company audit client will require preapproval by the company’s audit committee. In addition, Sarbanes-Oxley makes certain changes to the requirements for audit partner rotation after a period of time. Sarbanes-Oxley requires chief executive officers and chief financial officers, or their equivalent, to certify to the accuracy of periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, subject to civil and criminal penalties if they knowingly or willingly violate this certification requirement. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have signed certifications to this Form 10-K as required by Sarbanes-Oxley. In addition, under Sarbanes-Oxley, counsel will be required to report evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or a breach of fiduciary duty by a company to its chief executive officer or its chief legal officer, and, if such officer does not appropriately respond, to report such evidence to the audit committee or other similar committee of the board of directors or the board itself.

 

Under Sarbanes-Oxley, longer prison terms will apply to corporate executives who violate federal securities laws; the period during which certain types of suits can be brought against a company or its officers is extended; and bonuses issued to top executives prior to restatement of a company’s financial statements are now subject to disgorgement if such restatement was due to corporate misconduct. Executives are also prohibited from trading the company’s securities during retirement plan “blackout” periods, and loans to company executives (other than loans by financial institutions permitted by federal rules and regulations) are restricted. In addition, a provision directs that civil penalties levied by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a result of any judicial or administrative action under Sarbanes-Oxley be deposited to a fund for the benefit of harmed investors. The Federal Accounts for Investor Restitution provision also requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to develop methods of improving collection rates. The legislation accelerates the time frame for disclosures by public companies, as they must immediately disclose any material changes in their financial condition or operations. Directors and executive officers must also provide information for most changes in ownership in a company’s securities within two business days of the change.

 

Sarbanes-Oxley also increases the oversight of, and codifies certain requirements relating to, audit committees of public companies and how they interact with the company’s “registered public accounting firm.” Audit Committee members must be independent and are absolutely barred from accepting consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the issuer. In addition, companies must disclose whether at least one member of the committee is a “financial expert” (as such term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission) and if not, why not. Under Sarbanes-Oxley, a company’s registered public accounting firm is prohibited from performing statutorily mandated audit services for a company if such company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer, comptroller, chief accounting officer or any person serving in equivalent positions had been employed by such firm and participated in the audit of such company during the one-year period preceding the audit initiation date. Sarbanes-Oxley also prohibits any officer or director of a company or any other person acting under their direction from taking any action to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead any independent accountant engaged in the audit of the company’s financial statements for the purpose of rendering the financial statements materially misleading. Sarbanes-Oxley also requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to prescribe rules requiring inclusion of any internal control report and assessment by management in the annual report to shareholders. Sarbanes-Oxley requires the company’s registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report to report on the company’s internal control over financial planning.

 

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Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the adequacy of our existing financial systems and controls.

 

AVAILABILITY OF ANNUAL REPORT

Our Annual Report is available on our website, www.bcbbancorp.com. We will also provide our Annual Report on Form 10-K free of charge to shareholders who write to the Corporate Secretary at 104-110 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

The effects of Hurricane Sandy impacted our operations and potentially affected loan facilities in those areas affected by the storm. Consequently, our profitability will be adversely affected.

 

On October 29th and 30th, 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast section of the country. The Bank’s market area was significantly impacted by the storm which resulted in widespread flooding, wind damage and power outages. We are assessing whether the underlying collateral of any loan facilities we have in those areas affected by the storm have suffered damage and possible loss of value. Additionally, we are determining whether or not the storm has impacted our borrowers’ ability to repay their obligations to the Bank. The Bank is generally named as a loss payee on hazard and flood insurance policies covering collateral properties and carries both mortgage impairment and business interruption insurance. These policies could mitigate losses that the Bank may sustain due to the effects of the hurricane. Presently, that process remains on-going and it is premature to determine what, if any impact this may have on our level of loan losses or non-performing loans. Predicted upon the completion of the aforementioned, the Company may experience increased levels of non-performing loans and loan losses which may negatively impact future operating results.

 

Our loan portfolio consists of a high percentage of loans secured by commercial real estate and multi-family real estate. These loans are riskier than loans secured by one- to four-family properties.

 

At December 31, 2012, $588.3 million, or 62.84% of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial and multi-family real estate loans. We intend to continue to emphasize the origination of these types of loans. These loans generally expose a lender to greater risk of nonpayment and loss than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation and income stream of the borrower’s business. Such loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan.

 

We may not be able to successfully maintain and manage our growth.

 

Our growth since July 2010 has primarily been driven by acquisitions. Our ability to continue to grow depends, in part, upon our ability to expand our market presence, successfully attract core deposits, identify attractive commercial lending opportunities, and identify potential acquisitions and complete such acquisitions.

 

We cannot be certain as to our ability to manage increased levels of assets and liabilities. We may be required to make additional investments in equipment and personnel to manage higher asset levels and loans balances, which may adversely impact our efficiency ratio, earnings and shareholder returns.

 

If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.

 

Our loan customers may not repay their loans according to the terms of their loans, and the collateral securing the payment of their loans may be insufficient to assure repayment. We may experience significant credit losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans and our loss and delinquency experience, and we evaluate economic conditions. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our allowance for loan losses may not cover losses in our loan portfolio at the date of the financial statements. Material additions to our allowance would materially decrease our net income. At December 31, 2012, our allowance for loan losses totaled $12.4 million, representing 1.32% of total loans.

 

While we have only been operating for twelve years, we have experienced significant growth in our loan portfolio, particularly our loans secured by commercial real estate. Although we believe we have underwriting standards to manage normal lending risks, and although we had $26.2 million, or 2.23% of total assets consisting of non-performing assets at December 31, 2012, it is difficult to assess the future performance of our loan portfolio due to the relatively recent origination of many of these loans. We can give you no assurance that our non-performing loans will not increase or that our non-performing or delinquent loans will not adversely affect our future performance.

 

In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory agencies could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We depend primarily on net interest income for our earnings rather than fee income.

 

Net interest income is the most significant component of our operating income. We do not rely on traditional sources of fee income utilized by some community banks, such as fees from sales of insurance, securities or investment advisory products or services. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, our net interest income was $41.7 million and $39.6 million, respectively. The amount of our net interest income is influenced by the overall interest rate environment, competition, and the amount of interest-earning assets relative to the amount of interest-bearing liabilities. In the event that one or more of these factors were to result in a decrease in our net interest income, we do not have significant sources of fee income to make up for decreases in net interest income.

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If Our Investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is Classified as Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired, Our Earnings and Stockholders’ Equity Could Decrease.

 

We own common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. We hold the FHLBNY common stock to qualify for membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and to be eligible to borrow funds under the FHLBNY’s advance program. The aggregate cost and fair value of our FHLBNY common stock as of December 31, 2012 was $7.7 million based on its par value. There is no market for our FHLBNY common stock.

 

Recent published reports indicate that certain member banks of the Federal Home Loan Bank System may be subject to accounting rules and asset quality risks that could result in materially lower regulatory capital levels. In an extreme situation, it is possible that the capitalization of a Federal Home Loan Bank, including the FHLBNY, could be substantially diminished or reduced to zero. Consequently, we believe that there is a risk that our investment in FHLBNY common stock could be deemed other-than-temporarily impaired at some time in the future, and if this occurs, it would cause our earnings and stockholders’ equity to decrease by the after-tax amount of the impairment charge.

 

Fluctuations in interest rates could reduce our profitability.

 

We realize income primarily from the difference between the interest we earn on loans and investments and the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings. The interest rates on our assets and liabilities respond differently to changes in market interest rates, which means our interest-bearing liabilities may be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates change, this “gap” between the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities that reprice in response to these interest rate changes may work against us, and our earnings may be negatively affected.

 

We are unable to predict fluctuations in market interest rates, which are affected by, among other factors, changes in the following:

 

·inflation rates;

 

·business activity levels;

 

·money supply; and

 

·domestic and foreign financial markets.

 

The value of our investment portfolio and the composition of our deposit base are influenced by prevailing market conditions and interest rates. Our asset-liability management strategy, which is designed to mitigate the risk to us from changes in market interest rates, may not prevent changes in interest rates or securities market downturns from reducing deposit outflow or from having a material adverse effect on our results of operations, our financial condition or the value of our investments.

 

Adverse events in New Jersey, where our business is concentrated, could adversely affect our results and future growth.

 

Our business, the location of our branches and the real estate collateralizing our real estate loans are concentrated in New Jersey. As a result, we are exposed to geographic risks. The occurrence of an economic downturn in New Jersey, or adverse changes in laws or regulations in New Jersey, could impact the credit quality of our assets, the business of our customers and our ability to expand our business.

 

Our success significantly depends upon the growth in population, income levels, deposits and housing in our market area. If the communities in which we operate do not grow or if prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally are unfavorable, our business may be negatively affected. In addition, the economies of the communities in which we operate are substantially dependent on the growth of the economy in the State of New Jersey. To the extent that economic conditions in New Jersey are unfavorable or do not continue to grow as projected, the economy in our market area would be adversely affected. Moreover, we cannot give any assurance that we will benefit from any market growth or favorable economic conditions in our market area if they do occur.

 

In addition, the market value of the real estate securing loans as collateral could be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in market and economic conditions. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 93.5% of our total loans were secured by real estate. Adverse developments affecting commerce or real estate values in the local economies in our primary market areas could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio. In addition, substantially all of our loans are to individuals and businesses in New Jersey. Our business customers may not have customer bases that are as diverse as businesses serving regional or national markets. Consequently, any decline in the economy of our market area could have an adverse impact on our revenues and financial condition. In particular, we may experience increased loan delinquencies, which could result in a higher provision for loan losses and increased charge-offs. Any sustained period of increased non-payment, delinquencies, foreclosures or losses caused by adverse market or economic conditions in our market area could adversely affect the value of our assets, revenues, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in federal, state and local laws and regulations.

 

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by federal and state banking authorities. Any change in applicable regulations or federal, state or local legislation could have a substantial impact on us and our operations. Additional legislation and regulations that could significantly affect our powers, authority and operations may be enacted or adopted in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, regulators have significant discretion and authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of laws by banks and bank holding companies in the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties. The exercise of regulatory authority may have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Like other bank holding companies and financial institutions, we must comply with significant anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws. Under these laws, we are required, among other things, to enforce a customer identification program and file currency transaction and suspicious activity reports with the federal government. Government agencies have substantial discretion to impose significant monetary penalties on institutions which fail to comply with these laws or make required reports. Because we operate our business in the highly urbanized greater Newark/New York City metropolitan area, we may be at greater risk of scrutiny by government regulators for compliance with these laws.

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Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could harm our business and operating results and/or result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.

 

Under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we were required to furnish a report by our management on our internal control over financial reporting in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. In the course of our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, which assessment was conducted during the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 in connection with the preparation of 2011 audited consolidated financial statements and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, we identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting resulting from (i) a failure to document that monitoring controls were in place with respect to outside service organizations, and that (ii) we failed to test the operating effectiveness of such controls as of December 31, 2011. The Company did test the operating effectiveness of its monitoring controls subsequent to December 31, 2011 and found them to be effective. The material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, as described in Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as well as any other weaknesses or deficiencies that may exist or hereafter arise or be identified, could harm our business and operating results, and could result in adverse publicity and a loss in investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our stock price, and, if such weaknesses are not properly remediated, could adversely affect our ability to report our financial results on a timely basis.

 

As a result of the foregoing our independent registered public accounting firm identified a material weakness in the Company’s internal controls and procedures citing the Company’s failure to document monitoring controls over the use of outside service organizations and to test the operating effectiveness of such controls as of December 31, 2011. The material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing and extent of audit tests applied in the independent public accounting firm’s audit of our 2011 consolidated financial statements. Consequently, our independent registered public accounting firm concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.

 

Although we believe that we have identified the material weakness, identified in Item 9A. Controls and Procedures, of this report, we cannot assure you that additional deficiencies or weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting will not be identified. In addition, we have as of the date of this filing revised our internal control over financial reporting to ensure that the material deficiency noted above does not occur in the future.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

The Bank conducts its business through an executive office, one administrative office, and eleven branch offices. Six offices have drive-up facilities. The Bank has eleven automatic teller machines at its branch facilities and two other off-site locations. The following table sets forth information relating to each of the Bank’s offices as of December 31, 2012. The total net book value of the Bank’s premises and equipment at December 31, 2012 was $13.6 million.

 

Location  Year Office Opened  Net Book Value 
        
      (In Thousands) 
Executive Office        
104-110 Avenue C        
Bayonne, New Jersey  2003  $2,743 
Administrative Office        
591-597 Avenue C        
Bayonne, New Jersey  2010   2,628 
Branch Offices        
860 Broadway        
Bayonne, New Jersey  2000   814(1)
510 Broadway        
Bayonne, New Jersey  2003   269(1)
401 Washington St.        
Hoboken, New Jersey  2010   76(1)
987 Broadway        
Bayonne, New Jersey  2010   706 
473 Spotswood Englishtown Rd        
Monroe Township, New Jersey  2010   194 
611 Avenue C        
Bayonne, New Jersey  2010   2,797 
181 Avenue A        
Bayonne, New Jersey  2010   62(1)
211-A Washington Street        
Jersey City, New Jersey  2010   52(1)
200 Valley Street        
S. Orange, New Jersey  2011   1,517 
34 Main Street        
Woodbridge, New Jersey  2011   227(1)
3499 Route 9 North Suite 2A        
Freehold, New Jersey  2012   40(1) 
         
Net book value of properties      12,125 
Furnishings and equipment      1,443(2)
Total premises and equipment     $13,568 

 

(1) Leased Property

(2)Includes off-site ATM’s

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are involved, from time to time, as plaintiff or defendant in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. Other than as set forth below, as of December 31, 2012, we were not involved in any material legal proceedings, the outcome of which, if determined in a manner adverse to the Company, would have a material adverse affect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

The Company is a named defendant in the lawsuit Kontos v. Robbins, et al., filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey on May 15, 2012. The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Robbins, the former Chairman of the Board of Allegiance Community Bank and currently a director of the Company, and others defrauded Mr. Kontos with respect to his investment in a real estate project and induced Mr. Kontos to borrow money from Allegiance Community Bank, also a named defendant. The lawsuit seeks an unspecified dollar amount of damages, as well as equitable and other relief. Insurance coverage is currently in effect. The Company has filed its Answer to the lawsuit. The Company, after preliminary review, believes the lawsuit is without merit and frivolous. The Company intends to vigorously defend its interests in this litigation.

 

The Company is the successor to Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc., a named defendant in the lawsuit Brian Campbell v. Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc., et al, filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey in December 2010. The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Campbell sustained personal injuries in an automobile accident while on a work-related trip and should be compensated for his injuries. Insurance coverage is currently in effect. The Company believes that the lawsuit is without merit and it intends to vigorously defend its interests.

 

The Company, as the successor to Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc., and in its own corporate capacity, is a named defendant in a shareholder derivative lawsuit, Kube, et al., v. Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc., et al., filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Hudson County, Chancery Division, General Equity. On May 9, 2012, the Company obtained partial summary judgment, dismissing three of the five Counts of the Complaint. On May 9, 2012, plaintiff’s counsel was awarded interim legal fees of approximately $350,000. The Company’s obligation to pay that amount has been stayed. The Company’s motion for leave to file an interlocutory appeal of that award was denied by the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. The Company is vigorously defending its interests in the litigation.

 

The Company is a named defendant in the lawsuit Armstrong v. BCB Bancorp, Inc., and Brian M. Campbell, which was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Atlantic County, Law Division, on September 27, 2011. The Company is a named defendant as the successor to Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. The lawsuit accuses Brian Campbell, the former Managing Director of Pamrapo Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc., of various violations of federal and state securities laws, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence. Prime Capital, Inc., and other entities have been named as additional, potentially-responsible parties by the Company and/or the plaintiff. The case has been transferred to FINRA arbitration. The arbitration is in its early stages. The plaintiff is seeking unspecified damages. Insurance coverage is currently in effect for the Company. The Company intends to vigorously defend its interests in this litigation.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

BCB Bancorp, Inc.’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “BCBP.” In order to list common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, the presence of at least three registered and active market makers is required and BCB Bancorp, Inc. has at least three market makers.

 

The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices for BCB Bancorp, Inc. common stock for the periods indicated. As of December 31, 2012, there were 8,496,508 shares of BCB Bancorp, Inc. common stock outstanding. At December 31, 2012, BCB Bancorp, Inc. had approximately 2,000 stockholders of record.

 

             
Fiscal 2012  High   Low   Cash Dividend Declared 
Quarter Ended December 31, 2012  $10.74   $8.71   $0.12 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012   10.80    10.05    0.12 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2012   10.99    9.80    0.12 
Quarter Ended March 31, 2012   10.60    9.68    0.12 

 

Fiscal 2011  High   Low   Cash Dividend Declared 
Quarter Ended December 31, 2011  $10.65   $8.55   $0.12 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011   11.68    8.75    0.12 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2011   11.45    10.21    0.12 
Quarter Ended March 31, 2011   12.00    9.90    0.12 

 

Please see “Item 1. Business—Bank Regulation—Dividends” for a discussion of restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay the Company dividends.

 

Compensation Plans

Set forth below is information as of December 31, 2012 regarding equity compensation plans that have been approved by shareholders. The Company has no equity based benefit plans that were not approved by shareholders.

 

             
Plan  Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options and rights
   Weighted average
Exercise price(2)
   Number of securities remaining
available for issuance under
plan
 
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders   274,296(1)  $11.97    845,469 
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders           -0- 
Total   274,296   $11.97    845,469 

 

_____________________________

 

(1)Consists of options to purchase (i) 27,319 shares of common stock under the 2002 Stock Option Plan and (ii) 173,977 shares of common stock under the 2003 Stock Option Plan and (iii) 19,000 shares of common stock under the 2003 Stock Option Plan from the former Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc., converted to options to purchase shares of common stock of BCB Bancorp under the terms of the merger agreement and 54,000 under the 2011 Stock Option Plan.
(2)The weighted average exercise price reflects the exercise prices ranging from $9.34 to $15.65 per share for options granted under the 2003 Stock Option Plan and ranging from $10.18 to $15.65 per share for options under the 2002 Stock Option Plan and ranging from $18.41 to $29.25 per share for options under the 2003 Stock Option Plan from the former Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc., converted to options to purchase shares of common stock of BCB Bancorp under the terms of the merger agreement and at $8.93 per share for options under the 2011 Stock Option Plan.
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Set forth hereunder is a stock performance graph comparing (a) the cumulative total return on the common stock for the period beginning with the closing sales price on January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2012, (b) the cumulative total return on all publicly traded commercial bank stocks over such period, and (c) the cumulative total return of Nasdaq Market Index over such period. Cumulative return assumes the reinvestment of dividends, and is expressed in dollars based on an assumed investment of $100.

 

BCB BANCORP, INC.

 

 

 

    Period Ending  
Index 12/31/07 12/31/08 12/31/09 12/31/10 12/31/11 12/31/12
BCB Bancorp, Inc. 100.00 68.87 62.71 72.03 77.61 76.13
NASDAQ Composite 100.00 60.02 87.24 103.08 102.26 120.42
SNL Bank 100.00 57.06 56.47 63.27 49.00 66.13

 

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On May 9, 2012, the Company announced a sixth stock repurchase plan to repurchase 5% or 462,800 shares of the Company’s common stock. On June 28, 2012, the Company announced a seventh stock repurchase plan to repurchase 5% of 440,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company’s stock purchases for three months ended December 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

Period  Total number of shares
purchased
   Average price per
share paid
   Total number of shares
purchased as part of a
publicly announced
program
   Number of shares
remaining to be purchased
under program
 
October 1-31, 2012   24,276    10.52    24,276    223,968 
November 1-30, 2012   23,371    9.99    47,647    200,597 
December 1-31, 2012                
Total   47,647    10.34    47,647    200,597 

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following tables set forth selected consolidated historical financial and other data of BCB Bancorp, Inc. at and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008. The information is derived in part from, and should be read together with, the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto of BCB Bancorp, Inc. Per share data has been adjusted for all periods to reflect the common stock dividends paid by the Company.

 

   Selected financial condition data at December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008 
                     
   (In Thousands) 
Total assets  $1,171,358   $1,216,908   $1,106,888   $631,503   $578,624 
Cash and cash equivalents   35,133    117,087    121,127    67,347    6,761 
Securities, held to maturity   164,648    206,965    165,572    132,644    141,280 
Loans receivable   922,301    840,763    773,101    401,872    406,826 
Deposits   940,786    977,623    886,288    463,738    410,503 
Borrowings   131,124    129,531    114,124    114,124    116,124 
Stockholders’ equity   91,581    100,048    98,974    51,391    49,715 

 

   Selected operating data for the year ended December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008 
                     
   (In thousands, except for per share amounts) 
Net interest income  $41,700   $39,582   $26,432   $19,384   $19,960 
Provision for loan losses   4,900    4,100    2,450    1,550    1,300 
Non-interest income (loss)   (7,225)   2,448    14,207    931    (2,054)
Non-interest expense   33,889    28,506    22,358    12,396    11,314 
Income tax (benefit) expense   (2,252)   3,373    1,505    2,621    1,820 
Net (loss) income  $(2,062)  $6,051   $14,326   $3,748   $3,472 
Net (loss) income per share:                         
   Basic  $(0.23)  $0.64   $2.06   $0.81   $0.75 
   Diluted  $(0.23)  $0.64   $2.05   $0.80   $0.74 
Dividends declared per share  $0.48   $0.48   $0.48   $0.48   $0.41 
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   At or for the Years Ended December 31, 
   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008 
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:                         
Return (loss) on average assets (ratio of net income to average total assets)   (0.17)%   0.54%   1.62%   0.61%   0.60%
Return (loss) on average stockholders’ equity (ratio of net income to average stockholders’ equity)   (2.26)   6.14    22.67    7.34    7.00 
Non-interest income (loss) to average assets   (0.61)   0.22    1.61    0.15    (0.36)
Non-interest expense to average assets   2.86    2.52    2.53    2.03    1.97 
Net interest rate spread during the period   3.44    3.40    2.81    2.88    3.09 
Net interest margin (net interest income to average interest earning assets)   3.60    3.60    3.05    3.24    3.54 
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   115.23    116.03    115.05    114.07    115.05 
Cash dividend payout ratio   (208.7)   75.00    23.30    59.26    54.67 
                          
Asset Quality Ratios:                         
Non-performing loans to total loans at end of period   2.45    5.61    5.35    2.92    0.90 
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans at end of period   54.00    21.97    20.13    55.68    142.27 
Allowance for loan losses to total loans at end of period   1.32    1.23    1.08    1.62    1.28 
                          
Capital Ratios:                         
Stockholders’ equity to total assets at end of period   7.82    8.22    8.94    8.14    8.59 
Average stockholders’ equity to average total assets   7.72    8.73    7.14    8.35    8.61 
Tier 1 capital to average assets   8.38    8.66    9.16    8.68    9.22 
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets   12.78    15.34    14.95    13.11    13.38 

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

General

 

This discussion, and other written material, and statements management may make, may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s prospective performance and strategies 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 Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and is including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions.

 

Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by the use of the words “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “predicts,” “forecasts,” “potential,” or “continue” or similar terms or the negative of these terms. The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effects of its plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

 

Factors that could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, changes in market interest rates, general economic conditions, legislation, and regulation; changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the United States Government, including policies of the United States Treasury and Federal Reserve Board; changes in the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios; changes in deposit flows, competition, and demand for financial services, loans, deposits and investment products in the Company’s local markets; changes in accounting principles and guidelines; war or terrorist activities; and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, geopolitical and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, pricing and services.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this discussion. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which such statements were made.

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that can have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations that require the use of complex and subjective estimates based upon past experiences and management’s judgment. Because of the uncertainty inherent in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates. Below are those policies applied in preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements that management believes are the most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions. For additional accounting policies, see Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans receivable are presented net of an allowance for loan losses. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance, management considers a combination of factors, such as economic and industry trends, real estate market conditions, size and type of loans in portfolio, nature and value of collateral held, borrowers’ financial strength and credit ratings, and prepayment and default history. The calculation of the appropriate allowance for loan losses requires a substantial amount of judgment regarding the impact of the aforementioned factors, as well as other factors, on the ultimate realization of loans receivable. In addition, our determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses is subject to review by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and the FDIC, as part of their examination process. After a review of the information available, our regulators might require the establishment of an additional allowance. Any increase in the loan loss allowance required by regulators would have a negative impact on our earnings.

Other-than-Temporary Impairment of Securities

If the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost, the security is deemed to be impaired. Management evaluates all securities with unrealized losses quarterly to determine if such impairments are “temporary” or “other-than-temporary” in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 320,

Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.

 

Accordingly, temporary impairments are accounted for based upon the classification of the related securities as either available for sale or held to maturity. Temporary impairments on available for sale securities are recognized, on a tax-effected basis, through Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) with offsetting entries adjusting the carrying value of the securities and the balance of deferred taxes. Conversely, the carrying values of held to maturity securities are not adjusted for temporary impairments. Information concerning the amount and duration of temporary impairments on both available for sale and held to maturity securities is generally disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Other-than-temporary impairments are accounted for based upon several considerations. First, other-than-temporary impairments on equity securities and on debt securities that the Company has decided to sell as of the close of a fiscal period, or will, more likely than not, be required to sell prior to the full recovery of fair value to a level equal to or exceeding amortized cost, are recognized in earnings. If neither of these conditions regarding the likelihood of the sale of debt securities are applicable, then the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated into credit-related and noncredit-related components. A credit-related impairment represents the amount by which the present value of the cash flows that are expected to be collected on a debt security fall below its amortized cost. The noncredit-related component represents the remaining portion of the impairment not otherwise designated as credit-related. Credit-related other-than-temporary impairments are recognized in earnings and noncredit-related other-than-temporary impairments are recognized in OCI. Equity securities on which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed other-than-temporary are written down to fair value with the write-down recognized in earnings.

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

The Company records income taxes using the asset and liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities: (i) are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or the consolidated and separate entity tax returns; (ii) are attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases; and (iii) are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years when those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making this assessment, management considers the profitability of current core operations, future market growth, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and ongoing, feasible and permissible tax planning strategies. Deferred tax assets have been reduced by a valuation allowance for all portions determined not likely to be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period of enactment. The valuation allowance is adjusted, by a charge or credit to income tax expense, as changes in facts and circumstances warrant.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Management uses its best judgment in estimating fair value measurements of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique. Management utilized various inputs to determine fair value including but not limited to the use of, valuation techniques based on various assumptions, including, but not limited to cash flows, discount rates, rate of return, adjustments for nonperformance and liquidity, quoted market prices, and appraisals. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction on the dates indicated. The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective year-ends and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these consolidated financial statements subsequent to those respective dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each year-end.

 

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Financial Condition

 

Comparison at December 31, 2012 and at December 31, 2011

 

Total assets decreased by $45.6 million or 3.7% to $1.171 billion at December 31, 2012 from $1.217 billion at December 31, 2011. The decrease in total assets occurred primarily as a result of decreases in securities held to maturity of $42.3 million, loans held for sale of $4.3 million and cash and cash equivalents of $82.0 million which more than offset the increases in loans receivable of $81.5 million and other assets of $5.2 million. Management is concentrating on controlled balance sheet growth and maintaining adequate liquidity in anticipation of funding loans in the loan pipeline as well as seeking opportunities in the secondary market that provide reasonable returns. During the second and third quarters, the Bank sold a portion of the non-performing loan portfolio which totaled approximately $25.9 million resulting in a pre-tax loss of $10.8 million. Management continues to evaluate its non-performing loans, and based upon market conditions and the ability to obtain satisfactory pricing may consider future sales of a portion of its non-performing loan portfolio. It is our intention to grow our assets at a measured pace consistent with our capital levels and as business opportunities permit.

 

Total cash and cash equivalents decreased by $82.0 million or 70.0% to $35.1 million at December 31, 2012 from $117.1 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents resulted primarily from funding new loans and deposit outflow. Investment securities classified as held-to-maturity decreased by $42.3 million or 20.4% to $164.6 million at December 31, 2012 from $207.0 million at December 31, 2011. This decrease in investment securities resulted primarily from purchases of $57.3 million offset by allowable sales of $30.6 million of mortgage-backed securities from the held-to-maturity portfolio, $61.2 million of repayments and prepayments in the mortgage-backed securities portfolio, $3.3 million in maturities of certain Government Sponsored Enterprise bonds and $3.0 million of call options exercised on certain callable agency securities during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Loans receivable increased by $81.5 million or 9.7% to $922.3 million at December 31, 2012 from $840.8 million at December 31, 2011. The increase resulted primarily from a $107.0 million increase in real estate mortgages comprising residential, commercial and multi-family, construction and participation loans with other financial institutions partially offset by a $14.9 million decrease in commercial loans comprising business loans and commercial lines of credit, net of amortization, and a $8.4 million decrease in consumer loans, net of amortization partially offset by a $1.9 million increase in the allowance for loan losses. The increase was partially off-set by the sale of certain commercial loans obtained as part of the Allegiance Community Bank acquisition in April 2011 totaling approximately $10.8 million. The sale of the aforementioned in loans receivable resulted in a gain on sale of loans of approximately $286,000. Further, during the year ended December 31, 2012, the Bank sold approximately $25.9 million of loans that were classified as non-performing loans. The $25.9 million of non-performing loans sold included $9.1 million of residential mortgage loans, $14.6 million of commercial and multi-family loans, $1.1 million of home equity loans, $781,000 of commercial business loans, and $313,000 of construction loans. The primary reason for this transaction was the elimination of ongoing carrying costs associated with these non-interest earning assets. The sale of this sub-set of the non-performing loan portfolio resulted in a pre-tax loss of approximately $10.8 million. As of December 31, 2012, the allowance for loan losses was $12.4 million or 54.0% of non-performing loans and 1.32% of gross loans. As a result of the loans acquired in the business combination transactions being recorded at their fair value, the balance in the allowance for loan losses that were on the balance sheet of the former Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc., and Allegiance Community Bank are precluded from being reported in the allowance balance previously discussed, consistent with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Deposit liabilities decreased by $36.8 million or 3.8% to $940.8 million at December 31, 2012 from $977.6 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease resulted primarily from a $39.8 million decrease in certificate of deposits, a decrease of $8.7 million in savings and club deposits and a decrease of $3.8 million in money market interest bearing deposits which more than offset a $7.4 million increase in non-interest bearing deposits and an increase of $8.2 million in NOW deposits. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has continued its mindset of a continuing accommodative monetary policy. This has resulted in historically low short term market rates that have further resulted in low time deposit account yields which in turn has had the effect of decreasing interest expense.

 

Long-term borrowed money decreased by $15.4 million or 11.9% to $114.1 million at December 31, 2012 from $129.5 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease in borrowed money resulted primarily from the pre-payment of $15.4 million in Federal Home Loan Bank advances that were acquired in the business combination transaction with Allegiance Community Bank. As a result, a pre-payment penalty of $49,000 was recognized as interest expense. Short-term borrowed money increased by $17.0 million to $17.0 million at December 31, 2012 compared to no corresponding amount at December 31, 2011. The purpose of the borrowings reflects the use of long term and short term Federal Home Loan Bank advances to augment deposits as the Bank’s funding source for originating loans and investing in investment securities.

 

Stockholders’ equity decreased by $8.4 million or 8.4% to $91.6 million at December 31, 2012 from $100.0 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease in stockholders’ equity is primarily attributable to the repurchase of 1,046,726 shares of the Company’s common stock at a cost of $10.9 million, as well as the payment of cash dividends during the year totaling $4.3 million, along with a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2012 of $2.1 million, partially offset by the issuance of $8.6 million of Series A 6% noncumulative perpetual preferred stock in the fourth quarter of 2012 and an increase of $109,000 resulting from the exercise of stock options totaling 29,661 shares. As of December 31, 2012, the Bank’s Tier 1, Tier 1 Risk-Based and Total Risk Based Capital Ratios were 8.38%, 12.78% and 14.03% respectively.

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Analysis of Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends on the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned or paid on them, respectively.

 

The following tables set forth balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. All average balances are daily average balances. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums, which are included in interest income.

 

   At December 31, 2012   Year ended December 31, 2012   Year ended December 31, 2011 
   Actual
Balance
   Actual
Yield/
Cost
   Average
Balance
   Interest
earned/paid
   Average
Yield/Cost
(5)
   Average
Balance
   Interest
earned/paid
   Average
Yield/Cost
(5)
 
                                 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Interest-earning assets:                                        
Loans receivable (1)  $934,664    5.10%  $864,561   $47,756    5.52%  $804,026   $45,023    5.60%
Investment securities(2)   173,586    3.33    204,417    5,779    2.83    217,444    7,769    3.57 
Interest-earning deposits   28,891    0.39    88,798    112    0.13    78,814    87    0.11 
Total interest-earning assets   1,137,141    4.71%   1,157,776    53,647    4.63%   1,100,284    52,879    4.81%
                                         
                                         
Interest-earning liabilities:                                        
Total interest-bearing                                        
 demand deposits  $120,765    0.25%  $119,175   $297    0.25%  $92,624   $500    0.54%
Money market deposits   63,834    0.42    67,825    267    0.39    51,553    349    0.68 
Savings deposits   256,769    0.19    260,314    477    0.18    257,065    1,020    0.40 
Certificates of deposit   413,468    1.42    439,757    5,849    1.33    429,375    6,421    1.50 
Borrowings   131,124    3.86    117,651    5,057    4.30    117,642    5,007    4.26 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   985,960    1.21%   1,004,722    11,947    1.19%   948,259    13,297    1.41%
                                         
Net interest income                 $41,700             $39,582      
                                         
Interest rate spread(3)        3.50%             3.44%             3.40%
Net interest margin(4)        3.66%             3.60%             3.60%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to                                        
interest-bearing liabilities   115.33%        115.23%             116.03%          

 

___________________________

(1)Excludes allowance for loan losses.
(2)Includes Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock.
(3)Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(5)Average yields are computed using annualized interest income and expense for the periods.

 

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Analysis of Net Interest Income (Continued)

 

 

   Year ended December 31, 2010 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Interest-earning assets:               
Loans receivable (1)  $605,269   $34,502    5.70%
Investment securities(2)   153,006    5,481    3.58 
Interest-earning deposits   107,369    117    0.11 
Total interest-earning assets   865,644    40,100    4.63%
                
Interest-earning liabilities:               
Interest-bearing demand deposits  $65,169   $553    0.85%
Money market deposits   45,195    385    0.85 
Savings deposits   179,020    1,304    0.73 
Certificates of deposit   348,229    6,220    1.77 
Borrowings   114,778    5,206    4.54 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   752,391    13,668    1.82%
                
Net interest income       $26,432      
                
Interest rate spread(3)             2.81%
Net interest margin(4)             3.05%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities   115.05%          

 

___________________________

(1)Excludes allowance for loan losses.
(2)Includes Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock.
(3)Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(5)Average yields are computed using annualized interest income and expense for the periods.
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Rate/Volume Analysis

The table below sets forth certain information regarding changes in our interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in average volume (changes in average volume multiplied by old rate); (ii) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by old average volume); (iii) changes due to combined changes in rate and volume; and (iv) the net change.

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2012 vs. 2011   2011 vs. 2010 
   Increase (Decrease) Due to       Increase (Decrease) Due to     
   Volume   Rate   Rate/Volume   Total
Increase
(Decrease)
   Volume   Rate   Rate/Volume   Total
Increase
(Decrease)
 
                                 
   (In thousands) 
Interest income:                                        
Loans receivable  $3,390   $(611)  $(46)  $2,733   $11,330   $(609)  $(200)  $10,521 
Investment securities   (465)   (1,622)   97    (1,990)   2,308    (14)   (6)   2,288 
Interest-earning deposits                                        
with other banks   11    12    2    25    (31)   1        (30)
Total interest-earning assets   2,936    (2,221)   53    768    13,607    (622)   (206)   12,779 
                                         
Interest expense:                                        
Interest-bearing demand accounts   143    (269)   (77)   (203)   233    (201)   (85)   (53)
Money market   110    (146)   (46)   (82)   54    (79)   (11)   (36)
Savings and club   13    (549)   (7)   (543)   569    (594)   (259)   (284)
Certificates of Deposits   155    (710)   (17)   (572)   1,449    (1,012)   (236)   201 
Borrowed funds       50        50    130    (321)   (8)   (199)
                                         
Total interest-bearing liabilities   421    (1,624)   (147)   (1,350)   2,435    (2,207)   (599)   (371)
Change in net interest income  $2,515   $(597)  $200   $2,118   $11,172   $1,585   $393   $13,150 

 

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Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

 

We experienced a net loss of $2.06 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with net income of $6.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The net loss was due to a decrease in the non-interest income primarily associated with losses incurred from the sale of non-performing loans in 2012, and increases in the provision for loans losses and in non-interest expense, partially offset by an increase in net interest income and a decrease in income taxes.

 

Net interest income increased by $2.12 million or 5.4% to $41.70 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $39.58 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase in net interest income resulted primarily from an increase of $57.5 million or 5.3% in the average balance of interest earning assets to $1.16 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.10 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011, partially offset by a decrease in the average yield on interest earning assets to 4.63% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 4.81% for the year ended December 31, 2011. The average balance of interest bearing liabilities increased by $56.5 million or 6.0% to $1.01 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $948.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, while the average cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased to 1.19% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 1.41% for the year ended December 31, 2011. As a consequence of the aforementioned, our net interest margin remained static at 3.60% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The increase in the average balance of interest earning assets and the average balance of interest bearing liabilities reflects the completion of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank.

 

Interest income on loans receivable increased by $2.73 million or 6.1% to $47.76 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $45.02 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the average balance of loans receivable of $60.6 million or 7.5% to $864.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $804.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, partially offset by a decrease in the average yield on loans receivable to 5.52% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 5.60% for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in the average balance of loans is primarily attributable to the completion of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank. The decrease in average yield reflects the competitive price environment prevalent in the Bank’s primary market area on loan facilities as well as the repricing downward of variable rate loans.

Interest income on securities decreased by $1.99 million or 25.6% to $5.78 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $7.77 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease was due to a decrease in the average balance of securities held-to-maturity of $13.0 million or 6.0% to $204.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $217.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, along with a decrease in the average yield of securities held-to-maturity to 2.83% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 3.57% for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in the average yield reflects the low interest rate environment during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Interest income on other interest-earning assets increased by $25,000 or 28.7% to $112,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $87,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to an increase of $10.0 million or 12.7% in the average balance of other interest-earning assets to $88.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $78.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The average yield on other interest-earning assets remained relatively static at 0.13% for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 0.11% for the year ended December 31, 2011. The static nature of the average yield on other interest-earning assets reflects the current philosophy by the FOMC of keeping short term interest rates at historically low levels for the last several years. The increased balance of other interest earning assets reflects management’s decision to have higher liquid investments affording the Bank the latitude of capitalizing on advantageous market opportunities.

Total interest expense decreased by $1.35 million or 10.2% to $11.95 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $13.30 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities of twenty-one basis points to 1.19% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 1.40% for the year ended December 31, 2011, partially offset by an increase in the balance of average interest-bearing liabilities of $56.5 million or 5.9% to $1.01 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $948.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in the balance of average interest- bearing liabilities is primarily attributable to the completion of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank. The decrease in the average cost reflects the lower short term interest rate environment and our ability to reduce our pricing on a select number of retail deposit products.

The provision for loan losses totaled $4.9 million and $4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The provision for loan losses is established based upon management’s review of the Bank’s loans and consideration of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, (1) the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, (2) current economic conditions, (3) actual losses previously experienced, (4) the dynamic activity and fluctuating balance of loans receivable, and (5) the existing level of reserves for loan losses that are probable and estimable. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Bank experienced $3.05 million in net charge-offs (consisting of $3.08 million in charge-offs and $35,000 in recoveries). During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Bank experienced $2.01 million in net charge-offs (consisting of $2.03 million in charge-offs and $25,000 in recoveries). The Bank had non-performing loans totaling $22.9 million or 2.45% of gross loans at December 31, 2012 and $47.8 million or 5.61% of gross loans at December 31, 2011. The decrease in non-performing loans resulted primarily from the sales of approximately $25.9 million in non-performing loans during the second quarter and third quarters of 2012. The primary reason for this transaction was the elimination of carrying and legacy costs associated with these non-interest earning assets. These sales resulted in a pre-tax loss of approximately $10.8 million. The allowance for loan losses was $12.4 million or 1.32% of gross loans at December 31, 2012 as compared to $10.5 million or 1.23% of gross loans at December 31, 2011. Despite the decrease in non-performing loans, the provision and allowance for loan losses increased in recognition of the growth in the loan portfolio and due to uncertainty regarding the impact of Hurricane Sandy. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and the ultimate losses may vary from such estimates. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and makes provisions for loan losses as necessary in order to maintain the adequacy of the allowance. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future loan loss provisions may be necessary based on changes in the aforementioned criteria. In addition various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require the Bank to recognize additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses was adequate at both December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

Total non-interest income (loss) was a loss of ($7.23) million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with income of $2.45 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in non-interest income resulted primarily from the aforementioned $10.8 million loss on sale of non-performing loans partially offset by an increase of $333,000 or 37.5% in gain on sale of loans originated for sale to $1.22 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $887,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in gain on sale of loans originated for sale occurred primarily as a result of the active local market for refinancing one-four family residential mortgages, aided in large part by the low interest rate environment. In addition, the Bank sold approximately $10.6 million of commercial business loans acquired in the Allegiance Community Bank acquisition which resulted in a gain of approximately $286,000. Gain on sale of securities held to maturity increased by $331,000 or 1,838.9% to $349,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $18,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Fees and service charges and other non-interest income increased by $627,000 or 57.2% to $1.72 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 primarily due to increases in deposit account service charges, loan application fees, and late charges from $1.10 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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Total non-interest expense increased by $5.38 million or 18.9% to $33.89 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $28.51 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Unless specified otherwise, the increase in the categories of non-interest expense occurred primarily as a result of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased by $2.34 million or 18.5% to $15.02 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $12.68 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Occupancy expense increased by $519,000 or 17.1% to $3.56 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $3.04 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Equipment expense increased by $606,000 or 14.2% to $4.91 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $4.30 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The primary component of this expense item is data service provider expense which increases with the growth of the Bank’s assets. In addition, system conversion costs following the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank totaled approximately $250,000. Professional fees increased by $1.2 million or 93.5% to $2.49 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.29 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase is primarily due to several legacy lawsuits that arose as a result of the business combination transaction with Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. Director fees increased by $39,000 or 5.7% to $728,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $689,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Regulatory assessments decreased by $9,000 or 0.85% to $1.17 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.18 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to the new assessment base methodology pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act which lowered the Bank’s insurance premiums. Advertising expense increased by $85,000 or 21.3% to $484,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $399,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Merger related expenses decreased by $538,000, as we had no such expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012. Other real estate owned expenses increased by $732,000 or 60.8% to $1.94 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.20 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase was primarily due to an increase in write-downs of OREO properties of $455,000 or 89.2% to $965,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $510,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011, along with increases in losses on sales of OREO properties by $183,000 or 36.5% to $681,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $498,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Other non-interest expense increased by $409,000 or 12.83% to $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $3.19 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Other non-interest expense is comprised of loan expense, stationary, forms and printing, check printing, correspondent bank fees, telephone and communication, and other fees and expenses. Also included in other non-interest expense were settlements in the amount of $353,000 relating to several lawsuits that arose as a result of the business combination transaction with Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc and during normal course of business.

 

We had an income tax benefit of $2.25 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with a tax provision of $3.37 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The tax benefit resulted from the pre-tax loss we experienced during the year ended December 31, 2012. The consolidated effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was a tax benefit of 52.2% compared to tax provision of 35.8% for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

 

Net income decreased by $8.28 million or 57.8% to $6.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $14.33 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in net income resulted primarily from a decrease in non-interest income and increases in the provision for loan losses, non-interest expense and income taxes, partially offset by an increase in net interest income.

 

Net interest income increased by $13.2 million or 50.0% to $39.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $26.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $234.4 million or 27.1% to $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $865.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, and an increase in the average yield on interest earning assets to 4.81% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 4.63% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The average balance of interest bearing liabilities increased by $195.9 million or 26.0 % to $948.3 million at December 31, 2011 from $752.4 million at December 31, 2010 while the average cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased to 1.40% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 1.82% for the year ended December 31, 2010. As a result of the aforementioned, our net interest margin increased to 3.60% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 3.05% for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

The decrease in non-interest income resulted primarily from a decrease in the gain on bargain purchase of $11.4 million or 90.5% to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The gain on bargain purchase of $1.2 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011 was associated with the completion of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank. The gain on bargain purchase of $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 was associated with the completion of the acquisition of Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. A bargain purchase is defined as a business combination in which the total acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration transferred plus any non-controlling interest in the acquisition, and it requires the acquiror to recognize that excess in earnings as a gain attributable to the acquisition.

 

Interest income on loans receivable increased by $10.5 million or 30.4% to $45.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $34.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average loans receivable of $198.7 million or 32.8% to $804.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $605.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, partially offset by a decrease in the average yield on loans receivable to 5.60% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 5.70% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in the average balance of loans is primarily attributable to the effect of a full year of the balances of the Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. acquisition impacting our balance sheet and the completion of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank during 2011. The decrease in average yield reflects the competitive price environment prevalent in the Bank’s primary market area on loan facilities as well as the repricing downward of variable rate loans, partially offset by the inclusion of the loan portfolio from Allegiance Community Bank whose average yield was 6.42%.

 

Interest income on securities increased by $2.3 million or 41.8% to $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the average balance of securities of $64.4 million or 42.1% to $217.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $153.0 for the year ended December 31, 2010, partially offset by a slight decrease in the average yield on securities to 3.57% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 3.58% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The relatively static yield reflects the persistent lower long term interest rate environment prevalent for investment securities over the last several years. The increase in the average balance is primarily attributable to the effect of a full year of the balances of the Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. acquisition impacting our balance sheet and the completion of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank as well as the purchase of $95.5 million of investment securities during 2011, partially offset by repayments, prepayments and call options exercised on investment securities of $85.1 million as well as $2.4 million in proceeds from the sale of certain investment securities.

 

Interest income on other interest-earning assets consisting primarily of interest earning demand deposits decreased by $30,000 or 25.6% to $87,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $117,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of other interest earning assets of $28.6 million or 26.6% to $78.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $107.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The average yield on other interest-earning assets remained stable at 0.11% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. As a result of the lower interest rate environment for overnight deposits during the year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease in the average balance resulted, as management deployed funds into loans and investment securities in an effort to achieve higher returns and funding an outflow of retail deposits. The static nature of the average yield on other interest earning assets reflects the current philosophy by the FOMC of keeping short term interest rates at historically low levels for the last several years.

 

Total interest expense decreased by $371,000 or 2.7% to $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. This decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in the average cost of interest bearing liabilities to 1.41% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 1.82% for the year ended December 31, 2010, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of total interest bearing liabilities of $195.9 million or 26.0% to $948.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $752.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in the average cost reflects the Company’s ability to reduce the pricing on a select number of retail deposit products. The increase in the balance of average interest bearing liabilities is primarily attributable to the effect of a full year of the balances of the Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. acquisition impacting our balance sheet and the completion of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank.

 

The provision for loan losses totaled $4.1 million and $2.45 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The provision for loan losses is established based upon management’s review of the Bank’s loans and consideration of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, (1) the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, (2) current economic conditions, (3) actual losses previously experienced, (4) the significant level of loan growth and (5) the existing level of reserves for loan losses that are probable and estimable. During 2011, the Bank experienced $2.01 million in net charge-offs (consisting of $2.04 million in charge-offs and $30,000 in recoveries). During 2010, the Bank experienced $677,000 in net charge-offs (consisting of $689,000 in charge-offs and $12,000 in recoveries). The Bank had non-accrual loans totaling $47.8 million at December 31, 2011 and $41.8 million at December 31, 2010. The allowance for loan losses stood at $10.5 million or 1.23% of gross total loans at December 31, 2011 as compared to $8.4 million or 1.08% of gross total loans at December 31, 2010. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and the ultimate losses may vary from such estimates. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and makes provisions for loan losses as necessary in order to maintain the adequacy of the allowance. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future loan loss provisions may be necessary based on changes in the aforementioned criteria. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require the Bank to recognize additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses was adequate at both December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

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Total non-interest income decreased by $11.76 million or 82.8% to $2.45 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $14.21 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in non-interest income resulted primarily from a decrease in the gain on bargain purchase of $11.4 million or 90.5% to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The gain on bargain purchase of $1.2 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011 was associated with the completion of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank. The gain on bargain purchase of $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 was associated with the completion of the acquisition of Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. The decrease in non-interest income also reflects a $716,000 decrease in losses from write-downs and the sales of fixed assets and property held for sale to a loss of $716,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 from no such corresponding entries for the year ended December 31, 2010. This decrease occurred primarily as a result of the closing of one of our Hoboken offices and the realization of the full amortization of the remaining life of the fixed assets remaining on our balance sheet at the time of closing which totaled $592,000. Additionally, the sale of a former branch site resulted in a loss on the sale of that property of $124,000. Fees and service charges decreased by $61,000 or 6.7% to $846,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $907,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. Other fees and service charges decreased by $172,000 or 40.7% to $251,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $423,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. This decrease resulted primarily as a result of three items occurring in 2010 for a total of $345,500 where no such items occurred in 2011. Those items were as a result of a $237,500 litigation settlement with the Bayonne Medical Center, a $50,000 recovery from a previous charge-off regarding a check kiting incident and a $67,000 recovery received through litigation on a real estate facility where insurance proceeds were improperly retained by a third party. These decreases in non-interest income were partially offset by an increase in gain on sale of loans originated for sale of $592,000 or 200.7% to $887,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $295,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in gain on sale of loans originated for sale occurred primarily as a result of the active local market for refinancing one-to four-family residential mortgages aided in large part by the low interest rate environment. Additionally, during 2011 the Bank engaged in the underwriting and sale of certain Small Business Administration, (SBA) loans. Fees generated through this activity in 2011 totaled $479,000, as opposed to no such corresponding gain in 2010. Gain on sale of securities totaled $18,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. No such corresponding gain occurred for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

Total non-interest expense increased by $6.15 million or 27.6% to $28.51 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $22.36 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Unless specified otherwise, the increase in the categories of non-interest expense occurred primarily as a result of the effect of a full year of the expenses of the combined institution subsequent to the completion of the acquisition of Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. and the completion of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased by $1.9 million or 17.6% to $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. This increase occurred primarily as a result of an increase in the number of full time equivalent employees to two hundred six (206) at December 31, 2011 from one hundred sixty nine (169) at December 31, 2010 and from eighty-eight (88) at December 31, 2009. Equipment expense increased by $1.0 million or 30.3% to $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The primary component of this expense item is data service provider expense which increases as the Bank’s assets increase. Occupancy expense increased by $1.1 million or 57.9% to $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Occupancy expense increased primarily as a result of the beginning of the amortization of significant renovations completed on certain offices that were acquired as a result of the acquisition of Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. Advertising expense increased by $63,000 or 18.8% to $399,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $336,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. Professional fees increased by $507,000 or 65.0% to $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $780,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in professional fees resulted primarily from an increase in legal fees in conjunction with various representations of legal issues encountered in the normal course of a growing franchise. Directors’ fees increased by $136,000 or 24.6% to $689,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $553,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in directors’ fees resulted primarily from an increase in the number of board and committee meetings, facilitating directorial awareness of the challenging operating, regulatory and compliance environment. Other real estate owned expenses increased by $859,000 or 249.0% to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $345,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to an increase in loss on sales of OREO properties of $153,000 or 41.4% to $498,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $345,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010 along with an increase in write-downs of an OREO property of $510,000 or 100% to $510,000 compared to no corresponding entry for December 31, 2010. Other non-interest expense increased by $702,000 or 28.24% to $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in other non-interest expense occurred primarily as a result of an increase in loan expense and fees associated with the collection process on certain delinquent loan facilities. Additionally, other non-interest expense is comprised of stationary, forms and printing, check printing, correspondent bank fees, telephone and communication, shareholder relations and other fees and expenses. The aforementioned increases in non-interest expense were partially offset by a decrease in regulatory assessments of $23,000 or 1.9% to $1.18 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $1.20 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Merger related expenses decreased by $106,000 or 16.5% to $538,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $644,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in merger related expenses occurred primarily as a result of the acquisition of Allegiance Community Bank being completed over a shorter time frame than the acquisition of Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc.

 

Income tax expense increased by $1.86 million or 123.2% to $3.37 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $1.51 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Net income decreased during the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, as the majority of income recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 was primarily attributable to the gain on bargain purchase related to the completion of the acquisition of Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. which was considerably larger than the gain associated with the Allegiance Community Bank in 2011. As the gains associated with these transactions are non-taxable, the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was calculated exclusive of these gains. Conversely, a portion of the expenses associated with the consummation of the Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. and Allegiance Community Bank transactions categorized as merger related expenses are not deductible for income tax purposes. The consolidated effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were 35.8% and 9.5%, respectively.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and commercial commitments at December 31, 2012.

 

   Payments due by period 
Contractual obligations  Total   Less than 1 Year   1-3 Years   More than 3-5
Years
   More than 5
Years
 
                     
   (In Thousands) 
Benefit Plans  $10,444   $649   $1,300   $1,309   $7,186 
                          
Borrowed money   131,124    17,000        110,000    4,124 
                          
Lease obligations   7,960    1,007    1,641    1,400    3,912 
                          
Certificates of deposit   413,468    286,161    93,823    33,286    198 
                          
Total  $562,996   $304,817   $96,764   $145,995   $15,420 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, to improve the transparency of reporting reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in this ASU do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. All of the information that this ASU requires already is required to be disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

 

The new amendments will require an organization to present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, but only if the item reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The new amendments will also require an organization to present cross-references to other disclosures currently required under U.S. GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under U.S. GAAP) to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. This would be the case when a portion of the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income is initially transferred to a balance sheet account (e.g. pension-related amounts) instead of directly to income or expense.

 

The amendments apply to all public and private companies that report items of other comprehensive income. Public companies are required to comply with these amendments for all reporting periods (interim and annual). Nonpublic companies are required to meet the reporting requirements of the amended paragraphs about the roll forward of accumulated other comprehensive income for both interim and annual reporting periods. However, private companies are only required to provide the information about the impact of reclassifications on line items of net income for annual reporting periods, not for interim reporting periods.

 

The amendments of ASU 2013-02 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012, for public companies and are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, for nonpublic companies. The Company does not believe this pronouncement, when adopted, will have a material impact on operations or financial position.

 

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05.” This standard indefinitely defers certain provisions of ASU 2011-05 (described below). The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not result in a change in financial condition or operations, but did result in the presentation of comprehensive income in a separate Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income. The ASU eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and will require it be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The single statement format would include the traditional income statement and the components of total other comprehensive income as well as total comprehensive income. In the two statement approach, the first statement would be the traditional income statement which would be immediately followed by a separate statement which includes the components of other comprehensive income, total other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income. The amendments in this ASU will be applied retrospectively. For public companies, they are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments in this update result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Some of the amendments in this update clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements.  This update is effective during interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and is to be applied prospectively and early adoption is not permitted.  Adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Management of Market Risk

 

Qualitative Analysis. The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, one of our most significant forms of market risk is interest rate risk. Our assets, consisting primarily of mortgage loans, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage interest rate risk and reduce the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, our Board of Directors has established an Asset/Liability Committee which is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. Senior management monitors the level of interest rate risk on a regular basis and the Asset/Liability Committee, which consists of senior management and outside directors operating under a policy adopted by the Board of Directors, meets as needed to review our asset/liability policies and interest rate risk position.

 

Quantitative Analysis. The following table presents the Company’s net portfolio value (“NPV”). These calculations were based upon assumptions believed to be fundamentally sound, although they may vary from assumptions utilized by other financial institutions. The information set forth below is based on data that included all financial instruments as of December 31, 2012. Assumptions have been made by the Company relating to interest rates, loan prepayment rates, core deposit duration, and the market values of certain assets and liabilities under the various interest rate scenarios. Actual maturity dates were used for fixed rate loans and certificate accounts. Investment securities were scheduled at either the maturity date or the next scheduled call date based upon management’s judgment of whether the particular security would be called in the current interest rate environment and under assumed interest rate scenarios. Variable rate loans were scheduled as of their next scheduled interest rate repricing date. Additional assumptions made in the preparation of the NPV table include prepayment rates on loans and mortgage-backed securities, core deposits without stated maturity dates were scheduled with an assumed term of 48 months, and money market and noninterest bearing accounts were scheduled with an assumed term of 24 months. The NPV at “PAR” represents the difference between the Company’s estimated value of assets and estimated value of liabilities assuming no change in interest rates. The NPV for a decrease of 200 to 300 basis points has been excluded since it would not be meaningful in the interest rate environment as of December 31, 2012. The following sets forth the Company’s NPV as of December 31, 2012.

               NPV as a % of Assets     
Change in calculation  Net Portfolio Value   $ Change from PAR   % Change from PAR   NPV Ratio   Change     
                         
+300bp  $100,075   $(41,414)  $(29.27)%   8.81%   (270)   bps 
+200bp   121,760    (19,729)   (13.94)   10.40    (111)   bps 
+100bp   135,347    (6,142)   (4.34)   11.26    (25)   bps 
PAR   141,489            11.51        bps 
-100bp   147,570    6,081    4.30    11.82    31    bps 

_________

bp-basis points

 

The table above indicates that at December 31, 2012, in the event of a 100 basis point increase in interest rates, we would experience a 4.34% decrease in NPV.

 

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurement. Modeling changes in NPV require making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the NPV table presented assumes that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the NPV table provides an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income, and will differ from actual results.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The financial statements identified in Item 15(a)(1) hereof are included as Exhibit 13 and are incorporated hereunder.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

The required disclosure is incorporated by reference to the BCB Bancorp, Inc. Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

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ITEM 9A. (T) CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2012 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to the material information relating to us (or our consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our periodic SEC filings.

 

(b)Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

 

Management of BCB Bancorp, Inc., and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s system of internal control is designed under the supervision of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with the authorization of management and the Board of Directors; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections on any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate.

 

As of December 31, 2012, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based upon its assessment, management believes that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 is effective using these criteria.

 

(c)Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting.

 

There were no significant changes made in our internal controls during the fourth quarter of 2012 or, to our knowledge, in other factors that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

See the Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer or, controller or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics is available for free by writing to: President and Chief Executive Officer, BCB Bancorp, Inc., 104-110 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002. The Code of Ethics was filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

The “Proposal I—Election of Directors” section of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2013 Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference in response to the disclosure requirements of Items 401, 405, 406, 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.

 

The information concerning directors and executive officers of the Company under the caption “Proposal I-Election of Directors” and information under the captions “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance” and “The Audit Committee” of the 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

There have been no changes during the last year in the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company’s board of directors.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The “Executive Compensation” section of the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The “Proposal I—Election of Directors” section of the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The “Transactions with Certain Related Persons” section and “Proposal I-Election of Directors—Board Independence” of the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

Information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, “Proposal II-Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Auditors—Fees Paid to ParenteBeard LLC.”

 

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)(1) Financial Statements

 

The exhibits and financial statement schedules filed as a part of this Form 10-K are as follows:

 

(A)Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(B)Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2012 and 2011
(C)Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the Years in the Three-Year period ended December 31, 2012
(D)Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the Years in the Three-Year period ended December 31, 2012
(E)Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for each of the Years in the Three-Year period ended December 31, 2012
(F)Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the Years in the Three-Year period ended December 31, 2012
(G)Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

All schedules are omitted because they are not required or applicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated statements or the notes thereto.

(b)Exhibits
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3.1Certificate of Incorporation of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (1)
3.2Bylaws of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (2)
3.3Specimen Stock Certificate (3)
10.1BCB Community Bank 2002 Stock Option Plan (4)
10.2BCB Community Bank 2003 Stock Option Plan (5)
10.3Amendment to 2002 and 2003 Stock Option Plans (6)
10.42005 Director Deferred Compensation Plan (7)
10.5Employment Agreement with Donald Mindiak (8)
10.6Employment Agreement with Thomas M. Coughlin (9)
10.7Employment Agreement with Kenneth Walter (10)
10.8Executive Agreement with Donald Mindiak (11)
10.9Executive Agreement with Thomas M. Coughlin (12)
10.10Executive Agreement with Kenneth Walter (13)
10.11Consulting Agreement with Dr. August Pellegrini, Jr. (14)
10.12Consulting Agreement with James E. Collins (15)
10.13BCB Bancorp, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan (16)
10.14Employment Agreement with Amer Saleem
10.15Executive Agreement with Amer Saleem
13Consolidated Financial Statements
14Code of Ethics (17)
21Subsidiaries of the Company
23Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(1)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, (Commission File Number 333-128214) originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 9, 2005.
(2)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 12, 2007.
(3)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Form 8-K-12g3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 2003.
(4)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 2004.
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(5)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 2004.
(6)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2006.
(7)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, (Commission File Number 333-128214) originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 9, 2005.
(8)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2012.
(9)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2012.
(10)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2010.
(11)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15, 2008.
(12)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15, 2008.
(13)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2010.
(14)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2010.
(15)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2010.
(16)Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the proxy statement for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders (File No. 000-50275), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Schedule 14A on March 28, 2011.
(17)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2004.

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Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 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.

    BCB BANCORP, INC.
     
     
Date: March 18, 2013 By: Donald Mindiak
    Donald Mindiak
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (Duly Authorized Representative)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

         
Signatures   Title   Date
         
/s/ Donald Mindiak        
Donald Mindiak   President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Kenneth D. Walter        
Kenneth D. Walter   Chief Financial Officer and Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Mark D. Hogan        
Mark D. Hogan   Chairman of the Board   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Robert Ballance        
Robert Ballance   Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Judith Q. Bielan        
Judith Q. Bielan   Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Joseph J. Brogan        
Joseph J. Brogan   Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ James. E. Collins        
James. E. Collins   Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Thomas Coughlin        
Thomas Coughlin   Chief Operating Officer and Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Robert A. Hughes        
Robert A. Hughes   Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Joseph Lyga        
Joseph Lyga   Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Alexander Pasiechnik        
Alexander Pasiechnik   Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Spencer B. Robbins        
Spencer B. Robbins   Director   March 18, 2013
         
/s/ Gary S. Stetz        
Gary S. Stetz   Director   March 18, 2013

 

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