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Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. /NY/ - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K 

 

 

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

  

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 Commission File No. 001-34096

 

 

BRIDGE BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

  NEW YORK       11-2934195  
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (IRS Employer Identification Number)

 

2200 MONTAUK HIGHWAY, BRIDGEHAMPTON, NEW YORK     11932  
(Address of principal executive offices)     (Zip Code)  

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (631) 537-1000

 

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

 

Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, Par Value of $0.01 Per Share The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC

 

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

 

(Title of Class)

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨     No x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

 

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 x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

 

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. x

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x
   
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨    Emerging growth company ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x

 

The approximate aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on June 30, 2017, was $621,775,535.

 

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding on February 28, 2018 was 19,780,705.

 

Portions of the following documents are incorporated into the Parts of this Report on Form 10-K indicated below:

 

The Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on or before April 30, 2018 (Part III).

 

 

   

 

  

Table of Contents

 

PART I        
         
Item 1   Business   1
         
Item 1A   Risk Factors   8
         
Item 1B   Unresolved Staff Comments   12
         
Item 2   Properties   12
         
Item 3   Legal Proceedings   13
         
Item 4   Mine Safety Disclosures   13
         
PART II        
         
Item 5   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   14
         
Item 6   Selected Financial Data   16
         
Item 7   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   17
         
Item 7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   35
         
Item 8   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   37
         
Item 9   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   89
         
Item 9A   Controls and Procedures   89
         
Item 9B   Other Information   89
         
PART III        
         
Item 10   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance   90
         
Item 11   Executive Compensation   90
         
Item 12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   90
         
Item 13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence   90
         
Item 14   Principal Accountant Fees and Services   90
         
PART IV        
         
Item 15   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules   91
         
Item 16   Form 10-K Summary   91
         
SIGNATURES       92
         
EXHIBIT INDEX     93

 

   

Table of Contents 

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the “Registrant” or “Company”), is a registered bank holding company for BNB Bank (the “Bank”), which was formerly known as The Bridgehampton National Bank prior to the Bank’s conversion to a New York chartered commercial bank in December 2017. The Registrant was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1988, at the direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the purpose of becoming a bank holding company pursuant to a plan of reorganization under which the former shareholders of the Bank became the shareholders of the Company. Since commencing business in March 1989, after the reorganization, the Registrant has functioned primarily as the holder of all of the Bank’s common stock. In May 1999, the Bank established a real estate investment trust subsidiary, Bridgehampton Community, Inc. (“BCI”), as an operating subsidiary. The assets transferred to BCI are viewed by the bank regulators as part of the Bank’s assets in consolidation. The operations of the Bank also include Bridge Abstract LLC (“Bridge Abstract”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, which is a broker of title insurance services and Bridge Financial Services LLC (“Bridge Financial Services”), an investment services subsidiary that was formed in March 2014. In October 2009, the Company formed Bridge Statutory Capital Trust II (the “Trust”) as a subsidiary, which sold $16.0 million of 8.5% cumulative convertible Trust Preferred Securities (the “Trust Preferred Securities”) in a private placement to accredited investors. The Trust Preferred Securities were redeemed effective January 18, 2017 and the Trust was cancelled effective April 24, 2017.

 

The Bank was established in 1910 and is headquartered in Bridgehampton, New York. During 2017, the Bank conducted a branch rationalization study analyzing branch performance and market opportunities. As a result of the study, and in an effort to increase efficiency and remove branch redundancy, the Bank closed six locations in the first quarter of 2018. The branches closed in Suffolk County, New York are located in Cutchogue, Center Moriches, and Melville, and the branches closed in Nassau County, New York are located in Massapequa, New Hyde Park and Hewlett. The Bank now operates thirty-eight branches in its primary market areas of Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs, including thirty-five in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, two in Queens and one in Manhattan. For over a century, the Bank has maintained its focus on building customer relationships in its market area. The mission of the Bank is to grow through the provision of exceptional service to its customers, its employees, and the community. The Bank strives to achieve excellence in financial performance and build long-term shareholder value. The Bank engages in full service commercial and consumer banking business, including accepting time, savings and demand deposits from the consumers, businesses and local municipalities in its market area. These deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, are invested primarily in: (1) commercial real estate loans; (2) multi-family mortgage loans; (3) residential mortgage loans; (4) secured and unsecured commercial and consumer loans; (5) home equity loans; (6) construction loans; (7) FHLB, FNMA, GNMA and FHLMC mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and other asset backed securities; (8) New York State and local municipal obligations; and (9) U.S. government sponsored entity (“U.S. GSE”) securities. The Bank also offers the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) and Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) programs, providing multi-millions of dollars of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance on deposits to its customers. In addition, the Bank offers merchant credit and debit card processing, automated teller machines, cash management services, lockbox processing, online banking services, remote deposit capture, safe deposit boxes, and individual retirement accounts as well as investment services through Bridge Financial Services, which offers a full range of investment products and services through a third party broker dealer. Through its title insurance abstract subsidiary, the Bank acts as a broker for title insurance services. The Bank’s customer base is comprised principally of small businesses, municipal relationships and consumer relationships.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had 480 full-time equivalent employees. The Bank provides a variety of employment benefits and considers its relationship with its employees to be positive. In addition, the Company maintains equity incentive plans under which it may issue shares of common stock of the Company.

 

All phases of the Bank’s business are highly competitive. The Bank faces direct competition from a significant number of financial institutions operating in its market area, many with a statewide or regional presence, and in some cases, a national presence. There is also competition for banking business from competitors outside of its market areas. Most of these competitors are significantly larger than the Bank, and therefore have greater financial and marketing resources and lending limits than those of the Bank. The fixed cost of regulatory compliance remains high for community banks as compared to their larger competitors that are able to achieve economies of scale. The Bank considers its major competition to be local commercial banks as well as other commercial banks with branches in the Bank’s market area. Other competitors include savings banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers and financial services firms other than financial institutions such as investment and insurance companies. Increased competition within the Bank’s market areas may limit growth and profitability. Additionally, as the Bank’s market area expands westward, competitive pressure in new markets is expected to be strong. The title insurance abstract subsidiary also faces competition from other title insurance brokers as well as directly from the companies that underwrite title insurance. In New York State, title insurance is obtained on most transfers of real estate and mortgage transactions.

 

The Bank’s principal market areas are Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs with its legacy markets being primarily in Suffolk County and its newer expansion markets being primarily in Nassau County, Queens and

 

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Manhattan. Long Island has a population of approximately 3 million and both counties are relatively affluent and well-educated enjoying above average median household incomes. In total, Long Island has a sizable industry base with a majority of Suffolk County tending towards high tech manufacturing and Nassau County favoring wholesale and retail trade. Suffolk County, particularly Eastern Long Island, is semi-rural and also the point of origin for the Bank. Surrounded by water and including the Hamptons and North Fork, the region is a recreational destination for the New York metropolitan area, and a highly regarded resort locale worldwide. While the local economy flourishes in the summer months as a result of the influx of tourists and second homeowners, the year-round population has grown considerably in recent years, resulting in a reduction of the seasonal fluctuations in the economy which has boosted the Bank’s legacy market opportunities. The Bank’s opportunities in Nassau County are vast as there is a deposit base totaling approximately $17 billion across zip codes in which the Bank operates. As the Bank currently has $362 million, or 2%, of this Nassau County deposit base, there is much room for growth in these expansion markets. Industries represented across the principal market area include retail establishments; construction and trades; restaurants and bars; lodging and recreation; professional entities; real estate; health services; passenger transportation; high-tech manufacturing; and agricultural and related businesses. Given its proximity, Long Island’s economy is closely linked with New York City’s and major employers in the area include municipalities, school districts, hospitals, and financial institutions.

 

The Company, the Bank and its subsidiaries, with the exception of the real estate investment trust, which files its own federal and state income tax returns, report their income on a consolidated basis using the accrual method of accounting and are subject to federal and state income taxation. In general, banks are subject to federal income tax in the same manner as other corporations. However, gains and losses realized by banks from the sale of available for sale securities are generally treated as ordinary income, rather than capital gains or losses. The Bank is subject to the New York State Franchise Tax on Banking Corporations based on certain criteria. The taxation of net income is similar to federal taxable income subject to certain modifications. On December 22, 2017, the President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”), resulting in significant changes to existing tax law, including a lower federal statutory tax rate of 21%. The Tax Act was generally effective as of January 1, 2018. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a charge of $7.6 million, which consisted primarily of the deferred tax asset remeasurement from the previous 35% federal statutory rate to the new 21% federal statutory tax rate.

 

DeNovo Branch Expansion

Since 2010, the Bank has opened fourteen new branches, of which four locations were opened over the last year, to continue expansion into new markets and strengthen the Bank’s position in existing markets. The Bank opened two branches in 2012: one in Ronkonkoma, New York with proximity to MacArthur Airport complementing the Patchogue branch and extending the Bank’s reach into the Bohemia market, and one branch and administrative offices in Hauppauge, New York. In 2013, the Bank opened two branches: one in Rocky Point, New York and one on Shelter Island, New York. In 2014, the Bank opened three branches: one in Bay Shore, New York, one in Port Jefferson, New York and one in Smithtown, New York. In 2017, the Bank opened three branches in Suffolk County, New York: one in Riverhead, capitalizing on a new market opportunity presented by the sale of Suffolk County National Bank to People’s United Bank in the second quarter, one in East Moriches, and a second satellite branch in Sag Harbor. The Bank also opened a branch in Astoria, New York in 2017. This record of consistent branch openings demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to traditional growth through branch expansion and moves the Bank geographically westward.

 

Mergers and Acquisitions

Hamptons State Bank

In May 2011, the Bank acquired Hamptons State Bank (“HSB”) which increased the Bank’s presence in an existing market with a branch located in the Village of Southampton.

 

FNBNY

On February 14, 2014, the Company acquired FNBNY Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, the First National Bank of New York (collectively “FNBNY”) at a purchase price of $6.1 million and issued an aggregate of 240,598 Company shares in exchange for all the issued and outstanding stock of FNBNY. The purchase price was subject to certain post-closing adjustments equal to 60 percent of the net recoveries on $6.3 million of certain identified problem loans over a two-year period after the acquisition. As of February 14, 2016, a net recovery of $0.4 million was realized and $0.3 million has been distributed to the former FNBNY shareholders. At acquisition, FNBNY had total acquired assets on a fair value basis of $211.9 million, with loans of $89.7 million, investment securities of $103.2 million and deposits of $169.9 million. The transaction expanded the Company’s geographic footprint into Nassau County, complemented the existing branch network and enhanced asset generation capabilities.

 

Community National Bank

On June 19, 2015, the Company acquired Community National Bank (“CNB”) at a purchase price of $157.5 million, issued an aggregate of 5.647 million Bridge Bancorp common shares in exchange for all the issued and outstanding common stock of CNB and recorded goodwill of $96.5 million, which is not deductible for tax purposes. At acquisition, CNB had total acquired assets on a fair value basis of $895.3 million, with loans of $729.4 million, investment securities of $90.1 million and deposits of $786.9 million. The transaction expanded the Company’s geographic footprint across Long Island including Nassau County, Queens and into New York City. It complements the Bank’s existing branch network and enhances asset generation capabilities.

 

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Management will continue to seek opportunities to expand its reach into other contiguous markets by network expansion, or through the addition of professionals with established customer relationships. The Bank routinely adds to its menu of products and services, continually meeting the needs of consumers and businesses. Management believes positive outcomes in the future will result from the expansion of the Company’s geographic footprint, investments in infrastructure and technology and continued focus on placing customers first.

 

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

 

BNB Bank

 

The Bank is a New York chartered commercial bank and a member of the Federal Reserve System (a “member bank”). The lending, investment, and other business operations of the Bank are governed by New York and federal laws and regulations, and the Bank is prohibited from engaging in any operations not specifically authorized by such laws and regulations. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYSDFS”) and, as a member bank, by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC under its Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) and the FDIC has certain regulatory authority as deposit insurer. A summary of the primary laws and regulations that govern the operations of the Bank are set forth below.

 

The 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) made extensive changes in the regulation of insured depository institutions. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to delayed effective dates and/or require the issuance of implementing regulations. The regulatory process is ongoing and the impact on operations cannot yet be fully assessed. However, the Dodd-Frank Act has resulted in increased regulatory burden, compliance costs and interest expense for the Company and the Bank.

 

Loans and Investments

 

The powers of a New York commercial bank are established by New York law and applicable federal law. New York commercial banks have authority to originate and purchase any type of loan, including commercial, commercial real estate, residential mortgages or consumer loans. Aggregate loans by a state commercial bank to any single borrower or group of related borrowers are generally limited to 15% of the Bank’s capital and surplus, plus an additional 10% if secured by specified readily marketable collateral.

 

Federal and state law and regulations limit the Bank’s investment authority. Generally, a state member bank is prohibited from investing in corporate equity securities for its own account other than the equity securities of companies through which the bank conducts its business. Under federal and state regulations, a New York state member bank may invest in investment securities for its own account up to specified limit depending upon the type of security. “Investment Securities” are generally defined as marketable obligations that are investment grade and not predominantly speculative in nature. Applicable regulations classify investment securities into five different types and, depending on its type, a state member bank may have the authority to deal in and underwrite the security. New York-chartered state member banks may also purchase certain non-investment securities that can be reclassified and underwritten as loans.

 

Lending Standards

 

The federal banking agencies adopted uniform regulations prescribing standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens on interests in real estate or made for the purpose of financing the construction of a building or other improvements to real estate. Under these regulations, all insured depository institutions, such as the Bank, adopted and maintain written policies that establish appropriate limits and standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens or interests in real estate or are made for the purpose of financing permanent improvements to real estate. These policies must establish loan portfolio diversification standards, prudent underwriting standards (including loan-to-value limits) that are clear and measurable, loan administration procedures, and documentation, approval and reporting requirements. The real estate lending policies must reflect consideration of the Interagency Guidelines for Real Estate Lending Policies that have been adopted by the federal bank regulators.

 

Federal Deposit Insurance

 

The Bank is a member of the DIF, which is administered by the FDIC. Deposit accounts at the Bank are insured by the FDIC. Effective July 22, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act permanently raised the deposit insurance available on all deposit accounts to $250,000 with a retroactive effective date of January 1, 2008.

 

The FDIC assesses insured depository institutions to maintain the DIF. Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, institutions deemed less risky pay lower assessments. Assessments for institutions of less than $10 billion of assets are now based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the probability of an institution’s failure within three years. That system, effective July 1, 2016, replaced the previous system under which institutions were placed into risk categories.

 

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The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to revise its procedures to base assessments upon each insured institution’s total assets less tangible equity instead of deposits. The FDIC finalized a rule, effective April 1, 2011, that set the assessment range at 2.5 basis points to 45 basis points of total assets less tangible equity. In conjunction with the DIF’s reserve ratio achieving 1.15%, the assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) was reduced for insured institutions of less than $10 billion of total assets to 1.5 basis points to 30 basis points, effective July 1, 2016.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target DIF ratio from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC must seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. The Dodd-Frank Act requires insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more to fund the increase from 1.15% to 1.35% and, effective July 1, 2016, such institutions are subject to a surcharge to achieve that goal. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the 1.5% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving it to the discretion of the FDIC, and the FDIC has exercised that discretion by establishing a long-range fund ratio of 2%.

 

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. The Company does not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of 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 maturing beginning in 2017 and continuing through 2019. For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the annualized FICO assessment was equal to 0.54 basis points of average consolidated total assets less average tangible equity.

 

Capitalization

 

Federal regulations require FDIC insured depository institutions, including state member banks, to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets ratio of 8.0%, and a tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio of 4.0%. The existing capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015 and are the result of a final rule implementing regulatory amendments based on recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. Common equity tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity tier 1 and additional tier 1 capital. Additional tier 1 capital generally includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes tier 1 capital (common equity tier 1 capital plus additional tier 1 capital) and tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.

 

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one-to-four family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

 

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. The capital conservation buffer was 1.25% in calendar year 2017 and increased to 1.875% on January 1, 2018.

 

Safety and Soundness Standards

 

Each federal banking agency, including the FRB, has adopted guidelines establishing general standards relating to internal controls, information and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings and compensation, fees, and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and

 

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practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director, or principal shareholder.

 

On April 26, 2016, the federal regulatory agencies approved a second proposed joint rulemaking to implement Section 956 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which prohibits incentive-based compensation that encourages inappropriate risk taking. In addition, the NYSDFS issued guidance applicable to incentive compensation in October 2016.

 

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action

 

Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulatory authorities take “prompt corrective action” with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the statute establishes five capital tiers: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.

 

The FRB may order member banks which have insufficient capital to take corrective actions. For example, a bank, which is categorized as “undercapitalized” would be subject to other growth limitations, would be required to submit a capital restoration plan, and a holding company that controls such a bank would be required to guarantee that the bank complies with the restoration plan. A “significantly undercapitalized” bank would be subject to additional restrictions. Member banks deemed by the FRB to be “critically undercapitalized” would be subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

 

The final rule that increased regulatory capital standards adjusted the prompt corrective action tiers as of January 1, 2015. The various categories have been revised to incorporate the new common equity tier 1 capital requirement, the increase in the tier 1 to risk-based assets requirement and other changes. Under the revised prompt corrective action requirements, insured depository institutions are required to meet the following in order to qualify as “well capitalized:” (1) a common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.5% (new standard); (2) a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% (increased from 6.0%); (3) a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% (unchanged); and (4) a tier 1 leverage ratio of 5.0% (unchanged).

 

Dividends

 

Under federal law and applicable regulations, a New York member bank may generally declare a dividend, without prior regulatory approval, in an amount equal to its year-to-date net income plus the prior two years’ net income that is still available for dividend. Dividends exceeding those amounts require application to and approval by the NYSDFS and FRB. In addition, a member bank may be limited in paying cash dividends if it does not maintain the capital conservation buffer described previously.

 

Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders

 

Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act govern transactions between a national bank and its affiliates, which includes the Company. The FRB has adopted Regulation W, which comprehensively implements and interprets Sections 23A and 23B, in part by codifying prior FRB interpretations under Sections 23A and 23B.

 

An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. A subsidiary of a bank that is not also a depository institution or a “financial subsidiary” under federal law is not treated as an affiliate of the bank for the purposes of Sections 23A and 23B; however, the FRB has the discretion to treat subsidiaries of a bank as affiliates on a case-by-case basis. Sections 23A and 23B limit the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such bank’s capital stock and surplus, and limit all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus. The statutory sections also require that all such transactions be on terms that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of guarantees and other similar types of transactions. Further, most loans by a bank to any of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100 to 130 percent of the loan amounts. In addition, any covered transaction by an association with an affiliate and any purchase of assets or services by an association from an affiliate must be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the bank as those that would be provided to a non-affiliate.

 

A bank’s loans to its executive officers, directors, any owner of more than 10% of its stock (each, an insider) and any of certain entities affiliated with any such person (an insider’s related interest) are subject to the conditions and limitations imposed by Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and the FRB’s Regulation O thereunder. Under these restrictions, the aggregate amount of the loans to any insider and the insider’s related interests may not exceed the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to national banks. All loans by a bank to all insiders and insiders’ related interests in the aggregate may not exceed the bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. With certain exceptions, loans to an executive officer, other than loans for the education of the officer’s children and certain loans secured by the officer’s residence, may not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 2.5% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus, but in no event more than $100,000. Regulation O also requires that any proposed loan to an insider or a related interest of that insider be approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the bank, with any interested director not participating in the voting, if such loan, when aggregated with any existing loans to that insider and the insider’s related interests,

 

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would exceed either $500,000 or the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Generally, such loans must be made on substantially the same terms as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are no less stringent than, those that are prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and must not present more than a normal risk of collectability. An exception is made for extensions of credit made pursuant to a benefit or compensation plan of a bank that is widely available to employees of the bank and that does not give any preference to insiders of the bank over other employees of the bank.

 

Examinations and Assessments

 

The Bank is required to file periodic reports with and is subject to periodic examination by the NYSDFS and the FRB. Applicable laws and regulations generally require periodic on-site examinations and annual audits by independent public accountants for all insured institutions. The Bank is required to pay an annual assessment to the NYSDFS to fund its supervision.

 

Community Reinvestment Act

 

Under the federal Community Reinvestment Acts (“CRA”), the Bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the FRB in connection with its examination of the Bank, to assess its record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take that record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by the Bank. For example, the regulations specify that a bank’s CRA performance will be considered in its expansion (e.g., branching or mergers) proposals and may be the basis for approving, denying or conditioning the approval of an application. As of the date of its most recent CRA examination, which was conducted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Bank’s regulator under its previous national bank charter, the Bank’s CRA performance was rated “satisfactory”.

 

New York law imposes a similar obligation on the Bank to serve the credit needs of its community. New York law contains its own CRA provisions, which are substantially similar to federal law.

 

USA PATRIOT Act

 

The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 gave the federal government new powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. The USA PATRIOT Act also required the federal banking agencies to take into consideration the effectiveness of controls designed to combat money-laundering activities in determining whether to approve a merger or other acquisition application of a member institution. Accordingly, if the Bank engages in a merger or other acquisition, the Bank’s controls designed to combat money laundering would be considered as part of the application process. The Bank has established policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations.

 

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

 

The Company, as a bank holding company controlling the Bank, is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”), and the rules and regulations of the FRB under the BHCA applicable to bank holding companies. The Company is required to file reports with, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the FRB.

 

The FRB previously adopted consolidated capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding structured similarly, but not identically, to those applicable to the Bank. The Dodd-Frank Act directed the FRB to issue consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves. The previously discussed final rule regarding regulatory capital requirements implements the Dodd-Frank Act as to bank holding company capital standards. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the subsidiary banks applied to bank holding companies as of January 1, 2015. As is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer is being phased-in between 2016 and 2019. The new capital rule eliminates from tier 1 capital the inclusion of certain instruments, such as trust preferred securities, that were previously includable by bank holding companies. However, the final rule grandfathers trust preferred issuances prior to May 19, 2010 in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act. The Company issued trust preferred securities that qualified for grandfathering. These securities were redeemed as of January 18, 2017 and the Trust was cancelled effective April 24, 2017. The Company met all capital adequacy requirements under the new capital rules on December 31, 2017.

 

The policy of the FRB is that a bank holding company must serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks by providing capital and other support in times of distress. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength policy.

 

Under the prompt corrective action provisions of federal law, a bank holding company parent of an undercapitalized subsidiary bank is required to guarantee, within specified limits, the capital restoration plan that is required of an undercapitalized bank. If an

 

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undercapitalized bank fails to file an acceptable capital restoration plan or fails to implement an accepted plan, the FRB may prohibit the bank holding company parent of the undercapitalized bank from paying dividends or making any other capital distribution.

 

As a bank holding company, the Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB to acquire more than 5% of a class of voting securities of any additional bank or bank holding company or to acquire all, or substantially all, the assets of any additional bank or bank holding company. In addition, the bank holding companies may generally only engage in activities that are closely related to banking as determined by the FRB. Bank holding companies that meet certain criteria may opt to become a financial holding company and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities.

 

FRB policy is that a bank holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the company’s net income for the past two years is sufficient to fund the dividends and the prospective rate of earnings retention is consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, FRB guidance sets forth the supervisory expectation that bank holding companies will inform and consult with FRB staff in advance of issuing a dividend that exceeds earnings for the quarter and should inform the FRB and should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce dividends if (i) net income available to stockholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends, (ii) prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the bank holding company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition, or (iii) the bank holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

 

A bank holding company that is not well capitalized or well managed, as such terms are defined in the regulations, or that is subject to any unresolved supervisory issues, is required to give the FRB prior written notice of any repurchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for repurchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such repurchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, will be equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The FRB may disapprove such a repurchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice or violate a law or regulation. FRB guidance generally provides for bank holding company consultation with Federal Reserve Bank staff prior to engaging in a repurchase or redemption of a bank holding company’s stock, even if a formal written notice is not required.

 

The NYSDFS and FRB have extensive enforcement authority over the institutions and holding companies that they regulate to prohibit or correct activities that violate law, regulation or a regulatory agreement or which are deemed to be unsafe or unsound banking practices. Enforcement actions may include: the appointment of a conservator or receiver for an institution; the issuance of a cease and desist order; the termination of deposit insurance; the imposition of civil money penalties on the institution, its directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties; the issuance of directives to increase capital; the issuance of formal and informal agreements; the removal of or restrictions on directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties; and the enforcement of any such mechanisms through restraining orders or other court actions. Any change in applicable New York or federal laws and regulations could have a material adverse impact on the Bank and the Company and their operations and stockholders.

 

During 2008, the Company received approval and began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BDGE”. Equity incentive plan grants of stock options and stock awards are recorded directly to the holding company. The Company’s sources of funds are dependent on dividends from the Bank, its own earnings, additional capital raised and borrowings. The information in this report reflects principally the financial condition and results of operations of the Bank. The Bank’s results of operations are primarily dependent on its net interest income. The Bank also generates non-interest income, such as fee income on deposit accounts and merchant credit and debit card processing programs, investment services, income from its title insurance abstract subsidiary, and net gains on sales of securities and loans. The level of its non-interest expenses, such as salaries and benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, other general and administrative expenses, expenses from its title insurance abstract subsidiary, and income tax expense, further affects the Bank’s net income.

 

The Company had nominal results of operations for 2017, 2016, and 2015 on a parent-only basis. The Company’s capital strength is paralleled by the solid capital position of the Bank, as reflected in the excess of its regulatory capital ratios over the risk-based capital adequacy ratio levels required for classification as a “well capitalized” institution by the FDIC (see Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Since 2013, the Company has actively managed its capital position in response to its growth and has raised $260.2 million in capital.

 

The Company files certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the federal securities laws. The Company’s operations are also subject to extensive regulation by other federal, state and local governmental authorities and it is subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing requirements and restrictions on part or all of its operations. Management believes that the Company is in substantial compliance, in all material respects, with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Because the Company’s business is highly regulated, the laws, rules and regulations applicable to it are subject to regular modification and change. There can be no assurance that these proposed laws, rules and regulations, or any other laws, rules or regulations, will not be adopted in the future, which could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or prospects.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION

 

Through a link on the Investor Relations section of the Bank’s website of www.bnbbank.com, copies of the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) for 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are made available, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC. Copies of such reports and other information also are available at no charge to any person who requests them or at www.sec.gov. Such requests may be directed to Bridge Bancorp, Inc., Investor Relations, 2200 Montauk Highway, PO Box 3005, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, (631) 537-1000.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

The concentration of the Bank’s loan portfolio in loans secured by commercial, multi-family and residential real estate properties located on Long Island and the New York City boroughs could materially adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations if general economic conditions or real estate values in this area decline.

 

Unlike larger banks that are more geographically diversified, the Bank’s loan portfolio consists primarily of real estate loans secured by commercial, multi-family and residential real estate properties located in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island, and in the New York City boroughs. The local economic conditions on Long Island and in New York City have a significant impact on the volume of loan originations and the quality of loans, the ability of borrowers to repay these loans, and the value of collateral securing these loans. A considerable decline in the general economic conditions caused by inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond the Bank’s control would impact these local economic conditions and could negatively affect the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, decreases in tenant occupancy may also have a negative effect on the ability of borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on the Bank’s earnings.

 

If bank regulators impose limitations on the Bank’s commercial real estate lending activities, earnings could be adversely affected.

   

In 2006, the federal bank regulatory agencies (collectively, the “Agencies”) issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance did not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure may receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate and construction and land loans, represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital and the outstanding balance of the commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. The Bank’s level of non-owner occupied commercial real estate equaled 345% of total risk-based capital at December 31, 2017. Including owner-occupied commercial real estate, the ratio of commercial real estate loans to total risk-based capital ratio would be 458% at December 31, 2017.

 

In December 2015, the Agencies released a new statement on prudent risk management for commercial real estate lending (the “2015 Statement”). In the 2015 Statement, the Agencies express concerns about easing commercial real estate underwriting standards, direct financial institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise risk management practices to identify, measure and monitor lending risks, and indicate that the Agencies will continue “to pay special attention” to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. If the NYSDFS or FRB were to impose restrictions on the amount of commercial real estate loans the Bank can hold in its portfolio, or require higher capital ratios as a result of the level of commercial real estate loans held, the Bank’s earnings would be adversely affected.

 

Changes in interest rates could affect the Bank’s profitability.

 

The Bank’s ability to earn a profit, like most financial institutions, depends primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income that the Bank earns on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest expense that the Bank pays on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. The Bank’s profitability depends on its ability to manage its assets and liabilities during periods of changing market interest rates.

 

In a period of rising interest rates, the interest income earned on the Bank’s assets may not increase as rapidly as the interest paid on its liabilities. In an increasing interest rate environment, the Bank’s cost of funds is expected to increase more rapidly than interest earned on its loan and investment portfolio as its primary source of funds is deposits with generally shorter maturities than those on its loans and investments. This makes the balance sheet more liability sensitive in the short term.

 

A sustained decrease in market interest rates could adversely affect the Bank’s earnings. When interest rates decline, borrowers tend to refinance higher-rate, fixed-rate loans at lower rates. Under those circumstances, the Bank would not be able to reinvest those prepayments in assets earning interest rates as high as the rates on those prepaid loans or in investment securities. In addition, the majority of the Bank’s loans are at variable interest rates, which would adjust to lower rates.

 

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Changes in interest rates also affect the fair value of the securities portfolio.  Generally, the value of securities moves inversely with changes in interest rates.  As of December 31, 2017, the securities portfolio totaled $976.1 million.

 

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the federal prohibition on paying interest on demand deposits effective July 21, 2011, thus allowing businesses to have interest-bearing checking accounts.  Depending on competitive responses, this change to existing law could increase the Bank’s interest expense.

 

Strong competition within the Bank’s market area may limit its growth and profitability.

 

The Bank’s primary market area is located in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs. Competition in the banking and financial services industry remains intense. The profitability of the Bank depends on the continued ability to successfully compete. The Bank competes with commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms. Many of the Bank’s competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than the Bank and may offer certain services that the Bank does not provide. In addition, competitors may offer deposits at higher rates and loans with lower fixed rates, more attractive terms and less stringent credit structures than the Bank has been willing to offer.

 

Acquisitions involve integrations and other risks.

 

Acquisitions involve a number of risks and challenges including: the Bank’s ability to integrate the branches and operations acquired, and the associated internal controls and regulatory functions, into the Bank’s current operations; the Bank’s ability to limit the outflow of deposits held by the Bank’s new customers in the acquired branches and to successfully retain and manage the loans acquired; and the Bank’s ability to attract new deposits and to generate new interest-earning assets in geographic areas not previously served. Additionally, no assurance can be given that the operation of acquired branches would not adversely affect the Bank’s existing profitability; that the Bank would be able to achieve results in the future similar to those achieved by the Bank’s existing banking business; that the Bank would be able to compete effectively in the market areas served by acquired branches; or that the Bank would be able to manage any growth resulting from the transaction effectively. The Bank faces the additional risk that the anticipated benefits of the acquisition may not be realized fully or at all, or within the time period expected. Finally, acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and trading values and therefore, may result in dilution of the Company’s book and tangible book value per share.

 

The Company’s future success depends on the success and growth of BNB Bank.

 

The Company’s primary business activity for the foreseeable future will be to act as the holding company of the Bank. Therefore, the Company’s future profitability will depend on the success and growth of this subsidiary.  The continued and successful implementation of the Company’s growth strategy will require, among other things that the Bank increases its market share by attracting new customers that currently bank at other financial institutions in the Bank’s market area.  In addition, the Company’s ability to successfully grow will depend on several factors, including favorable market conditions, the competitive responses from other financial institutions in the Bank’s market area, and the Bank’s ability to maintain high asset quality.  While the Company believes it has the management resources, market opportunities and internal systems in place to obtain and successfully manage future growth, growth opportunities may not be available and the Company may not be successful in continuing its growth strategy.  In addition, continued growth requires that the Company incurs additional expenses, including salaries, data processing and occupancy expense related to new branches and related support staff.  Many of these increased expenses are considered fixed expenses.  Unless the Company can successfully continue its growth, its results of operations could be negatively affected by these increased costs. 

 

The loss of key personnel could impair the Company’s future success.

 

The Company’s future success depends in part on the continued service of its executive officers, other key management, and staff, as well as its ability to continue to attract, motivate, and retain additional highly qualified employees. The loss of services of one or more of the Company’s key personnel or its inability to timely recruit replacements for such personnel, or to otherwise attract, motivate, or retain qualified personnel could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.

 

 The Company may be adversely affected by current economic and market conditions.

 

Although economic and real estate conditions improved in 2017, the Company continues to operate in a challenging environment both nationally and locally. This poses significant risks to both the Company’s business and the banking industry as a whole. Although the Company has taken, and continues to take, steps to reduce its exposure to the risks that stem from adverse changes in such conditions, it nonetheless could be impacted by them to the degree that they affect the loans the Bank originates and the securities it invests in. Specific risks include reduced loan demand from quality borrowers; increased competition for loans; increased loan loss provisions resulting from deterioration in loan quality caused by, among other things, depressed real estate values and high levels of unemployment; reduced net interest income and net interest margin caused by a sustained period of low interest rates; interest rate volatility; price competition for deposits due to liquidity concerns or otherwise; and volatile equity markets.

 

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Increases to the allowance for credit losses may cause the Bank’s earnings to decrease.

 

Customers may not repay their loans according to the original terms, and the collateral securing the payment of those loans may be insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance. Hence, the Bank may experience significant loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on its operating results. The Bank makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, the Bank relies on loan quality reviews, past loss experience, and an evaluation of economic conditions, among other factors. If its assumptions prove to be incorrect, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance. Material additions to the allowance through charges to earnings would materially decrease the Bank’s net income.

 

Bank regulators periodically review the allowance for credit losses and may require the Bank to increase its provision for credit losses or loan charge-offs. Any increase in the allowance for credit losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s results of operations and/or financial condition.

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has adopted a new accounting standard that will be effective for the Company for the first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019.  This standard, referred to as Current Expected Credit Loss, will require that the Bank determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans, and recognize the expected credit losses as allowances for loan losses.  This will change the current method of providing allowances for loan losses that are probable, which may require the Bank to increase its allowance for loan losses, and will greatly increase the types of data the Bank would need to collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses.

 

The subordinated debentures the Company issued have rights that are senior to those of the Company’s common shareholders.

 

In 2015, the Company issued $40.0 million of 5.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debentures due 2025 and $40.0 million of 5.75% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debentures due 2030. Because these subordinated debentures rank senior to the Company’s common stock, if the Company fails to timely make principal and interest payments on the subordinated debentures, the Company may not pay any dividends on its common stock. Further, if the Company declares bankruptcy, dissolves or liquidates, it must satisfy all of its subordinated debenture obligations before it may pay any distributions on its common stock.

 

The Company operates in a highly regulated environment, Federal and state regulators periodically examine the Company’s business, and it may be required to remediate adverse examination findings.

 

The FRB and the NYSDFS, periodically examine the Company’s business, including its compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, a federal banking agency were to determine that the Company’s financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of any of its operations had become unsatisfactory, or that the Company was in violation of any law or regulation, it may take a number of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in the Company’s capital, to restrict the Company’s growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against the Company’s officers or directors, to remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate the Bank’s deposit insurance and place it into receivership or conservatorship. If the Company becomes subject to any regulatory actions, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.

 

New and future rulemaking from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) may have a material effect on the Company’s operations and operating costs.

 

The CFPB has the authority to issue new consumer finance regulations and is authorized, individually or jointly with bank regulatory agencies, to conduct investigations to determine whether any person is, or has, engaged in conduct that violates new and existing consumer financial laws or regulations. However, because the Bank has less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, the FRB and NYSDFS, not the CFPB, are responsible for examining and supervising the Bank’s compliance with these consumer protection laws and regulations. In addition, in accordance with a memorandum of understanding entered into between the CFPB and U.S. Department of Justice, the two agencies have agreed to coordinate efforts related to enforcing the fair lending laws, which includes information sharing and conducting joint investigations, and have done so on a number of occasions.

 

In addition, the CFPB has issued a final rule on arbitration that, among other things, prohibits class action waivers in certain consumer financial services contracts. The rule, which became effective on September 18, 2017, applies to contracts entered into on or after March 19, 2018 (and will not apply to prior contracts with class action waivers or arbitration agreements unless such accounts or debts are sold after that date). This rule could increase the likelihood that the Bank becomes subject to class action litigation concerning consumer banking products and services and could result in increased litigation costs.

 

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The Bank is subject to the CRA and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.

 

The CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. With respect to the Bank, the NYSDFS, FRB, the United States Department of Justice and other federal and state agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution’s performance under the CRA or fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity and restrictions on expansion. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Bank faces a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the federal Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”) and other anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing statutes and regulations.

 

The BSA, the USA PATRIOT Act and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among others, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering compliance program and to file reports such as suspicious activity reports and currency transaction reports. The Bank’s products and services, including its debit card issuing business, are subject to an increasingly strict set of legal and regulatory requirements intended to protect consumers and to help detect and prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and other illicit activities. The Banks is required to comply with these and other anti-money laundering requirements. The federal banking agencies and the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network are authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and have recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts against banks and other financial services providers with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service. The Bank is also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the regulations administered and enforced by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. If the Bank violates these laws and regulations, or its policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, the Bank would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on its ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of the Bank’s business plan, including its acquisition plans.

 

Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for the Bank. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

 

The short-term and long-term impact of the changing regulatory capital requirements and anticipated new capital rules are uncertain.

 

In July 2013, federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Among other things, the rule established a new common equity tier 1 minimum capital requirement of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets, set the leverage ratio at a uniform 4.0% of total assets, increased the minimum tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets and assigned a higher risk weight of 150% to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property. The rule also requires unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt-out is exercised. The rule limits a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The final rule became effective January 1, 2015. The “capital conservation buffer’ is being phased in from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer will be effective.

 

The application of more stringent capital requirements could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions if the Company was unable to comply with such requirements. Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with the implementation of Basel III could result in the Company having to lengthen the terms of funding, restructure business models, and/or increase holdings of liquid assets. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital or additional capital conservation buffers, could result in management modifying the Company’s business strategy and could limit its ability to make distributions, including paying dividends or buying back shares. 

 

Risks associated with system failures, interruptions, or breaches of security could negatively affect the Company’s operations and earnings.

 

Information technology systems are critical to the Company’s business. The Company collects, processes and stores sensitive customer data by utilizing computer systems and telecommunications networks operated by it and third party service providers. The

 

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Company has established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of system failures, interruptions, and security breaches, but such events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. In addition, any compromise of the Company’s systems could deter customers from using the Bank’s products and services. Although the Company relies on security systems to provide security and authentication necessary to effect the secure transmission of data, these precautions may not protect the systems from compromises or breaches of security.

 

In addition, the Company maintains interfaces with certain third-party service providers. If these third-party service providers encounter difficulties, or if the Company has difficulty communicating with them, the Company’s ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and business operations could be adversely affected. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.

 

The occurrence of any system failures, interruption, or breach of security could damage the Company’s reputation and result in a loss of customers and business thereby subjecting it to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose it to litigation and possible financial liability. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company is exposed to cyber-security risks, including denial of service, hacking, and identity theft.

 

There have been well-publicized distributed denials of service attacks on large financial services companies. Distributed denial of service attacks are designed to saturate the targeted online network with excessive amounts of network traffic, resulting in slow response times, or in some cases, causing the site to be temporarily unavailable. Hacking and identity theft risks, in particular, could cause serious reputational harm. Cyber threats are rapidly evolving and the Company may not be able to anticipate or prevent all such attacks. The Company may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize these risks and could be held liable for any security breach or loss.

 

Severe weather, acts of terrorism and other external events could impact the Company’s ability to conduct business.

 

In the past, weather-related events have adversely impacted the Company’s market area, especially areas located near coastal waters and flood prone areas. Such events that may cause significant flooding and other storm-related damage may become more common events in the future. Financial institutions have been, and continue to be, targets of terrorist threats aimed at compromising operating and communication systems and the metropolitan New York area remains a central target for potential acts of terrorism. Such events could cause significant damage, impact the stability of the Company’s facilities and result in additional expenses, impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans, reduce the value of collateral securing repayment of loans, and result in the loss of revenue. While the Company has established and regularly tests disaster recovery procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operations and financial condition.

 

The Company may incur impairment to its goodwill.

 

Goodwill arises when a business is purchased for an amount greater than the fair value of the net assets acquired. The Company recognized goodwill as an asset on its balance sheet in connection with the CNB, FNBNY and HSB acquisitions. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually. Although the Company determined that goodwill was not impaired during 2017, a significant and sustained decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in its expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, slower growth rates or other factors could result in impairment of goodwill. If the Company were to conclude that a future write-down of the goodwill was necessary, then it would record the appropriate charge to earnings, which could be materially adverse to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

At present, the Registrant does not own or lease any property. The Registrant uses the Bank’s space and employees without separate payment. Headquarters are located at 2200 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, New York 11932. The Bank’s internet address is www.bnbbank.com.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank owns seven properties in New York: its headquarters and branch office in Bridgehampton; five branches located in Montauk, Southold, Westhampton Beach, Southampton Village, and East Hampton Village; and a drive-up facility located in Sag Harbor. In 2011, the Bank purchased real estate in the Town of Southold, New York, which will also be considered as a site for a future branch facility. The Bank currently leases out a portion of the Montauk and Westhampton Beach buildings. The Bank leases thirty-six additional properties as branch locations in New York: twenty-four in Suffolk County; nine in Nassau County; two in

 

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Queens; and one in Manhattan. The Bank currently subleases a portion of the leased property located in Patchogue and Melville, New York. Additionally, the Bank leases one property as a loan production office in New York City.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

The Registrant and its subsidiary are subject to certain pending and threatened legal actions that arise out of the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the resolution of any such pending or threatened litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

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

 

At December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately 1,000 shareholders of record, not including the number of persons or entities holding stock in nominee or the street name through various banks and brokers.

 

The Company’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BDGE”. The following table details the quarterly high and low sale prices of the Company’s common stock and the dividends declared for such periods.

 

COMMON STOCK INFORMATION

 

   Stock Prices   Dividends 
   High   Low   Declared 
By Quarter 2017               
First  $38.35   $33.20   $0.23 
Second  $37.25   $32.10   $0.23 
Third  $34.65   $29.95   $0.23 
Fourth  $36.85   $33.05   $0.23 

 

   Stock Prices   Dividends 
   High   Low   Declared 
By Quarter 2016               
First  $30.71   $26.23   $0.23 
Second  $31.47   $27.09   $0.23 
Third  $30.62   $27.50   $0.23 
Fourth  $38.95   $26.90   $0.23 

 

Stockholders received cash dividends totaling $18.2 million in 2017 and $16.1 million in 2016. The ratio of dividends paid to net income was 88.80% in 2017 compared to 45.48% in 2016.

 

There are various legal limitations with respect to the Company’s ability to pay dividends to shareholders and the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company.  Under the New York Business Corporation Law, the Company may pay dividends on its outstanding shares unless the Company is insolvent or would be made insolvent by the dividend.  Under the banking laws, the prior approval of the FRB and the NYSDFS may be required in certain circumstances prior to the payment of dividends by the Company or the Bank.  A New York state member bank, such as BNB Bank, may generally declare a dividend, without approval from the NYSDFS or the FRB, in an amount equal to its year-to-date net income plus the prior two years’ net income that is still available for dividends. The NYSDFS and the FRB have the authority to prohibit a New York commercial bank from paying dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice. In addition, as a depository institution, the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, the Bank may not pay dividends or distribute any of its capital assets while it remains in default on any assessment due to the FDIC. The Bank currently is not (and never has been) in default under any of its obligations to the FDIC.

 

The FRB has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the FRB’s policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The FRB has the authority to prohibit the Company from paying dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice.

 

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PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

Pursuant to the regulations of the SEC, the graph below compares the performance of the Company with that of the total return for the NASDAQ® stock market and for certain bank stocks of financial institutions with an asset size of $1 billion to $5 billion, as reported by SNL Financial LC (“SNL”) from December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2017. The graph assumes the reinvestment of dividends in additional shares of the same class of equity securities as those listed below.

 

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

 

 

   Period Ending 
Index  12/31/12   12/31/13   12/31/14   12/31/15   12/31/16   12/31/17 
Bridge Bancorp, Inc.   100.00    131.75    140.72    165.68    213.04    202.10 
NASDAQ Composite   100.00    140.12    160.78    171.97    187.22    242.71 
SNL Bank $1B-$5B   100.00    145.41    152.04    170.20    244.85    261.04 

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

The following table sets forth information in connection with repurchases of shares of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2017:

 

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
   Average Price
Paid per Share
   Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   Maximum Number of
Shares That May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 
October 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017      $        167,041 
November 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017   612   $33.30        167,041 
December 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017      $        167,041 
Total   612   $33.30        167,041 

 

(1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to pay the taxes associated with the vesting of restricted stock awards.

 

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The Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program on March 27, 2006, which authorized the repurchase of 309,000 shares. No shares were purchased during the year ended December 31, 2017. The total number of shares purchased as part of the publicly announced plan totaled 141,959 as of December 31, 2017. The maximum number of remaining shares that may be purchased under the plan totals 167,041 as of December 31, 2017. There is no expiration date for the stock repurchase plan. There is no stock repurchase plan that has expired or that has been terminated during the period ended December 31, 2017.

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

Five-Year Summary of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data and financial ratios)

 

Set forth below are selected consolidated financial and other data of the Company. The Company’s business is primarily the business of the Bank. This financial data is derived in part from, and should be read in conjunction with, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.

 

   December 31, 
Selected Financial Data:  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Securities available for sale, at fair value  $759,916   $819,722   $800,203   $587,184   $575,179 
Securities, restricted   35,349    34,743    24,788    10,037    7,034 
Securities held to maturity   180,866    223,237    208,351    214,927    201,328 
Loans held for investment   3,102,752    2,600,440    2,410,774    1,338,327    1,013,263 
Total assets   4,430,002    4,054,570    3,781,959    2,288,524    1,896,612 
Total deposits   3,334,543    2,926,009    2,843,625    1,833,779    1,539,079 
Total stockholders’ equity   429,200    407,987    341,128    175,118    159,460 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
Selected Operating Data:  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Total interest income  $149,849   $137,716   $106,240   $74,910   $58,430 
Total interest expense   22,689    16,845    10,129    7,460    7,272 
Net interest income   127,160    120,871    96,111    67,450    51,158 
Provision for loan losses   14,050    5,550    4,000    2,200    2,350 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   113,110    115,321    92,111    65,250    48,808 
Total non-interest income   18,102    16,046    12,668    8,166    8,891 
Total non-interest expense   91,727    77,081    72,890    52,414    37,937 
Income before income taxes   39,485    54,286    31,889    21,002    19,762 
Income tax expense   18,946    18,795    10,778    7,239    6,669 
Net income (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)  $20,539   $35,491   $21,111   $13,763   $13,093 
                          
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:                         
Return on average equity(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)   4.64%   9.82%   7.91%   7.76%   9.89%
Return on average assets(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)   0.49%   0.92%   0.71%   0.64%   0.77%
Average equity to average assets   10.53%   9.38%   9.01%   8.27%   7.80%
Dividend payout ratio(6)   88.80%   45.48%   63.55%   77.43%   51.58%
Basic earnings per share(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)  $1.04   $2.01   $1.43   $1.18   $1.36 
Diluted earnings per share(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)  $1.04   $2.00   $1.43   $1.18   $1.36 
Cash dividends declared per common share(6)  $0.92   $0.92   $0.92   $0.92   $0.69 
                          
(1)2017 amount includes $5.2 million, net of taxes, associated with restructuring costs and a charge of $7.6 million associated with the write-down of deferred tax assets due to the enactment of the Tax Act.
(2)2016 amount includes reversal of $0.6 million of acquisition costs, net of taxes, associated with the CNB and FNBNY acquisitions.
(3)2015 amount includes $6.3 million of acquisition costs, net of taxes, associated with the CNB acquisition.
(4)2014 amount includes $3.8 million of acquisition costs, net of taxes, associated with the FNBNY and CNB acquisitions and branch restructuring costs.
(5)2013 amount includes $0.4 million of acquisition costs, net of taxes, associated with the FNBNY acquisition.
(6)The dividend payout ratio and cash dividends declared per common share for 2013 includes three declared quarterly dividends.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

 

This report may contain statements relating to the future results of the Company (including certain projections and business trends) that are considered “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). Such forward-looking statements, in addition to historical information, which involve risk and uncertainties, are based on the beliefs, assumptions and expectations of management of the Company. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “should,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “will,” “potential,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “predict,” “project,” “would,” “estimated,” “assumes,” “likely,” and variation of such similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, possible or assumed estimates with respect to the financial condition, expected or anticipated revenue, and results of operations and business of the Company, including earnings growth; revenue growth in retail banking, lending and other areas; origination volume in the consumer, commercial and other lending businesses; current and future capital management programs; non-interest income levels, including fees from the title abstract subsidiary and banking services as well as product sales; tangible capital generation; market share; expense levels; and other business operations and strategies. The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA.

 

Factors that could cause future results to vary from current management expectations include, but are not limited to, changing economic conditions; legislative and regulatory changes, including increases in FDIC insurance rates; monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; changes in tax policies; rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities; changes in interest rates; deposit flows; the cost of funds; demand for loan products; demand for financial services; competition; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired entities; changes in the quality and composition of the Bank’s loan and investment portfolios; changes in management’s business strategies; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; changes in real estate values; expanded regulatory requirements as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, which could adversely affect operating results; and other factors discussed elsewhere in this report including factors set forth under Item 1A., Risk Factors, and in quarterly and other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this report, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Who The Company Is and How It Generates Income

 

Bridge Bancorp, Inc., a New York corporation, is a bank holding company formed in 1989. On a parent-only basis, the Company has had minimal results of operations. The Company is dependent on dividends from its wholly owned subsidiary, BNB Bank, its own earnings, additional capital raised, and borrowings as sources of funds. The information in this report reflects principally the financial condition and results of operations of the Bank. The Bank’s results of operations are primarily dependent on its net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on loans and investments and interest expense on deposits and borrowings. The Bank also generates non-interest income, such as fee income on deposit accounts and merchant credit and debit card processing programs, investment services, income from its title insurance subsidiary, and net gains on sales of securities and loans. The level of its non-interest expenses, such as salaries and benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, other general and administrative expenses, expenses from its title insurance subsidiary, and income tax expense, further affects the Bank’s net income. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts and the related discussion and analysis to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not have an impact on net income or total stockholders’ equity.

 

Year and Quarterly Highlights

 

Net loss for the 2017 fourth quarter of $6.9 million, or $0.35 per diluted share. Inclusive of:
oCharge of $7.6 million, or $0.39 per share, from the remeasurement of net deferred tax assets related to the Tax Act.
oCharge of $5.2 million, after tax, or $0.26 per share, from restructuring costs.

 

Net income for the full year 2017 was $20.5 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, compared to $35.5 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, for the full year 2016.

 

Net interest income increased to $127.2 million for 2017, compared to $120.9 million in 2016.

 

Net interest margin was 3.31% for 2017 and 3.45% for 2016.

 

Total assets of $4.4 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase of $375.4 million, or 9.3%, over December 31, 2016.

 

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Total loans held for investment at December 31, 2017 totaled $3.1 billion, an increase of $502.3 million, or 19.3%, over December 31, 2016.

 

Total deposits of $3.3 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase of $408.5 million, or 14.0%, over December 31, 2016.

 

Allowance for loan losses was 1.02% of loans as of December 31, 2017, compared to 1.00% at December 31, 2016.

 

A cash dividend of $0.23 per share was declared and paid in January 2018 for the fourth quarter.

 

Significant Recent Events

 

Charter Conversion and Branch Rationalization

In the fourth quarter 2017, the Company executed on two major initiatives: identifying and executing a branch rationalization strategy and the finalization of the Bank’s charter conversion from a national bank to a New York chartered commercial bank effective December 31, 2017. In connection with its charter conversion, the Bank obtained approval from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to remain a member bank of the Federal Reserve System. Following an assessment of the Company’s branch network to ensure it is covering its markets efficiently, the Company identified six branches that it closed in the first quarter of 2018. As a result, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $8.0 million in the fourth quarter 2017, with $7.7 million attributable to existing lease obligations, employee severance, and other related branch charges. The impact on pre-tax income for the year ended December 31, 2018, in the form of cost savings is expected to be $4.0 million, with an expected payback period of no more than 24 months.

 

Current Regulatory Environment

 

The Bank continues to operate in a highly regulated environment with many new regulations issued and remaining to be issued under the Dodd-Frank Act enacted on July 21, 2010.  In 2013, the FDIC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.  Among other things, the rule established a new common equity tier 1 minimum capital requirement of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets, increased the minimum tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets and assigned a higher risk weight of 150% to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property.  The rule also requires unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital unless a one-time opt-out is exercised.  Additional constraints were also imposed on the inclusion in regulatory capital of mortgage-servicing assets, deferred tax assets and minority interests.  The rule limits a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.  The final rule became effective for the Bank on January 1, 2015.  The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer requirement will be effective. The final rules, while more favorable to community banks, require that all banks maintain higher levels of capital. The Bank’s current capital levels meet these requirements.

 

Challenges and Opportunities

 

In December 2017, the Federal Reserve decided to increase the target range for the federal funds rate to 1.25 to 1.50 percent. The Federal Open Market Committee’s (“FOMC”) stance on monetary policy remains accommodative, thereby supporting strong labor market conditions and a sustained return to two percent inflation. In determining the timing and size of future adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the FOMC will assess realized and expected economic conditions relative to its objectives of maximum employment and two percent inflation. This assessment will take into account a wide range of information, including measures of labor market conditions, indicators of inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and readings on financial and international developments. The FOMC will carefully monitor actual and expected inflation developments relative to its symmetric inflation goal. The FOMC stated its expectation that economic conditions will evolve in a manner that would warrant gradual increases in the federal funds rate; the federal funds rate is likely to remain, for some time, below levels that are expected to prevail in the longer run. However, the actual path of the federal funds rate will depend on the economic outlook as informed by incoming data.

 

Interest rates have been at or near historic lows for an extended period of time. Growth and service strategies have the potential to offset the compression on the net interest margin with volume as the customer base grows through expanding the Bank’s footprint, while maintaining and developing existing relationships. Since 2010, the Bank has opened fourteen branches, including one in September 2017 in Astoria, New York, two in April 2017 in Riverhead and East Moriches, New York, and one in March 2017 in Sag Harbor, New York. The Bank has also grown through acquisitions including the June 2015 acquisition of Community National Bank (“CNB”), the February 2014 acquisition of First National Bank of New York (“FNBNY”), and the May 2011 acquisition of Hamptons State Bank (“HSB”). Management will continue to seek opportunities to expand its reach into other contiguous markets by network

 

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expansion, or through the addition of professionals with established customer relationships. Recent and pending acquisitions of local competitors may also provide additional growth opportunities.

  

The Bank continues to face challenges associated with ever-increasing regulations and the current low interest rate environment. Over time, additional rate increases should provide some relief to net interest margin compression as new loans are funded and securities are reinvested at higher rates. However, in the short term, the fair value of available for sale securities declines when rates increase, resulting in net unrealized losses and a reduction in stockholders’ equity. Strategies for managing for the eventuality of higher rates have a cost. Extending liability maturities or shortening the term of assets increases interest expense and reduces interest income. An additional method for managing in a higher rate environment is to grow stable core deposits, requiring continued investment in people, technology and branches. Over time, the costs of these strategies should provide long-term benefits.

 

The key to delivering on the Company’s mission is combining its expanding branch network, improving technology, and experienced professionals with the critical element of local decision-making. The successful expansion of the franchise’s geographic reach continues to deliver the desired results: increasing deposits and loans, and generating higher levels of revenue and income.

 

Corporate objectives include: leveraging the Bank’s branch network to build customer relationships and grow loans and deposits; focusing on opportunities and processes that continue to enhance the customer experience at the Bank; improving operational efficiencies and prudent management of non-interest expense; and maximizing non-interest income. Management believes there remain opportunities to grow its franchise and that continued investments to generate core funding, quality loans and new sources of revenue remain keys to continue creating long-term shareholder value. The ability to attract, retain, train and cultivate employees at all levels of the Company remains significant to meeting corporate objectives. The Company has made great progress toward the achievement of these objectives, and avoided many of the problems facing other financial institutions. This is a result of maintaining discipline in its underwriting, expansion strategies, investing and general business practices. The Company has capitalized on opportunities presented by the market and diligently seeks opportunities to grow and strengthen the franchise. The Company recognizes the potential risks of the current economic environment and will monitor the impact of market events as management evaluates loans and investments and considers growth initiatives. Management and the Board have built a solid foundation for growth and the Company is positioned to adapt to anticipated changes in the industry resulting from new regulations and legislative initiatives.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 contains a summary of significant accounting policies. Various elements of the Company’s accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. The Company’s policy with respect to the methodologies used to determine the allowance for loan losses is its most critical accounting policy. This policy is important to the presentation of the financial condition and results of operations, and it involves a higher degree of complexity and requires management to make difficult and subjective judgments, which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. The use of different judgments, assumptions and estimates could result in material differences in the results of operations or financial condition.

 

The following is a description of this critical accounting policy and an explanation of the methods and assumptions underlying its application.

 

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

Management considers the accounting policy on the allowance for loan losses to be the most critical and requires complex management judgment. The judgments made regarding the allowance for loan losses can have a material effect on the results of operations of the Company.

 

The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on probable incurred losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. The allowance is comprised of both individual valuation allowances and loan pool valuation allowances. The Bank monitors its entire loan portfolio on a regular basis, with consideration given to detailed analysis of classified loans, repayment patterns, probable incurred losses, past loss experience, current economic conditions, and various types of concentrations of credit. Additions to the allowance are charged to expense and realized losses, net of recoveries, are charged to the allowance.

 

Individual valuation allowances are established in connection with specific loan reviews and the asset classification process including the procedures for impairment testing under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) No. 310, “Receivables”. Such valuation, which includes a review of loans for which full collectability in accordance with contractual terms is not reasonably assured, considers the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less the costs to sell, if any, or the present value of expected future cash flows, or the loan’s observable market value. Any shortfall that exists from this analysis results in a specific allowance for the loan. Pursuant to the Company’s policy, loan losses must be charged-off in the period the loans,

 

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or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectable. Assumptions and judgments by management, in conjunction with outside sources, are used to determine whether full collectability of a loan is not reasonably assured. These assumptions and judgments are also used to determine the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows or the loan’s observable market value. Individual loan analyses are periodically performed on specific loans considered impaired. For collateral dependent impaired loans, appraisals are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Company.  Once received, the Credit Administration department reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with independent data sources, such as recent market data or industry-wide statistics.  On a quarterly basis, the Company compares the actual selling price of collateral that has been sold, based on these independent sources, as well as recent appraisals associated with current loan origination activity, to the most recent appraised value to determine if additional adjustments should be made to the appraisal value to arrive at fair value.  Adjustments to fair value are made only when the analysis indicates a probable decline in collateral values. Individual valuation allowances could differ materially as a result of changes in these assumptions and judgments. The results of the individual valuation allowances are aggregated and included in the overall allowance for loan losses.

 

Loan pool valuation allowances represent loss allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risks associated with the Bank’s lending activities, but which, unlike individual allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. Pool evaluations are broken down into loans with homogenous characteristics by loan type and include commercial real estate mortgages, owner and non-owner occupied; multi-family mortgage loans; residential real estate mortgages, home equity loans; commercial, industrial and agricultural loans, secured and unsecured; real estate construction and land loans; and consumer loans. Management considers a variety of factors in determining the adequacy of the valuation allowance and has developed a range of valuation allowances necessary to adequately provide for probable incurred losses in each pool of loans. Management considers the Bank’s charge-off history along with the growth in the portfolio as well as the Bank’s credit administration and asset management philosophies and procedures when determining the allowances for each pool. In addition, management evaluates and considers the credit’s risk rating which includes management’s evaluation of: cash flow, collateral, guarantor support, financial disclosures, industry trends and strength of borrowers’ management, the impact that economic and market conditions may have on the portfolio as well as known and inherent risks in the portfolio. Finally, management evaluates and considers the allowance ratios and coverage percentages of both peer group and regulatory agency data. These evaluations are inherently subjective because, even though they are based on objective data, it is management’s interpretation of that data that determines the amount of the appropriate allowance. If the evaluations prove to be incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance for loan losses.

 

The Credit Risk Management Committee (“CRMC”) is comprised of Bank management. The adequacy of the allowance is analyzed quarterly, with any adjustment to a level deemed appropriate by the CRMC, based on its risk assessment of the entire portfolio. Each quarter, members of the CRMC meet with the Credit Risk Committee of the Board to review credit risk trends and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Based on the CRMC’s review of the classified loans and the overall allowance levels as they relate to the entire loan portfolio at December 31, 2017 and 2016, management believes the allowance for loan losses has been established at levels sufficient to cover the probable incurred losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Future additions or reductions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic, market or other conditions. Changes in estimates could result in a material change in the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of the information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

For additional information regarding the allowance for loan losses, see Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

NET INCOME

 

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $20.5 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, compared to $35.5 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $21.1 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net income decreased $15.0 million, or 42.1%, in 2017 compared to 2016 and net income for 2016 increased $14.4 million, or 68.1%, as compared to 2015. Changes in net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 include: (i) a $6.3 million, or 5.2%, increase in net interest income; (ii) an $8.5 million increase in the provision for loan losses; (iii) a $2.1 million, or 12.8%, increase in total non-interest income; and (iv) a $14.6 million, or 19.0%, increase in total non-interest expense. The effective income tax rate was 48.0% for 2017 compared to 34.6% for 2016. Changes in net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 include: (i) a $24.8 million, or 25.8%, increase in net interest income; (ii) a $1.6 million increase in the provision for loan losses; (iii) a $3.4 million, or 26.7%, increase in total non-interest income; and (iv) a $4.2 million, or 5.7%, increase in total non-interest expense. The effective income tax rate was 34.6% for 2016 compared to 33.8% for 2015.

 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding were higher for the year ended December 31, 2017 versus 2016 due in part to the $50 million common stock offering in November 2016.

 

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ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME

 

Net interest income, the primary contributor to earnings, represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expenses on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends upon the volume of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned or paid on them.

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company’s average consolidated balance sheets and its consolidated statements of income for the periods indicated and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for those periods on a tax equivalent basis based on the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35%. The Tax Act lowered the U.S, federal statutory tax rate to 21% effective as of January 1, 2018. The Company expects its tax equivalent adjustment to interest income will decrease as a result of the lower federal statutory tax rate in 2018. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods shown. Average balances are derived from daily average balances and include nonaccrual loans. The yields and costs include fees and costs, which are considered adjustments to yields. Interest on nonaccrual loans has been included only to the extent reflected in the consolidated statements of income. For purposes of this table, the average balances for investments in debt and equity securities exclude unrealized appreciation/depreciation due to the application of FASB ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities.”

 

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   Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
(Dollars in thousands)  Average
Balance
   Interest   Average
Yield/
Cost
   Average
Balance
   Interest   Average
Yield/
Cost
   Average
Balance
   Interest   Average
Yield/
Cost
 
Interest earning assets:                                             
Loans, net (1)(2)  $2,774,422   $126,802    4.57%  $2,494,750   $117,114    4.69%  $1,876,934   $89,204    4.75%
Mortgage-backed, CMOs and other asset-back securities   737,212    15,231    2.07    681,899    13,484    1.98    562,553    11,173    1.99 
Taxable securities   220,744    6,074    2.75    219,049    5,612    2.56    197,363    4,574    2.32 
Tax exempt securities (2)   90,077    2,835    3.15    83,677    2,689    3.21    73,796    2,590    3.51 
Federal funds sold                           8         
Deposits with banks   24,554    278    1.13    29,054    147    0.51    18,614    47    0.25 
Total interest earning assets(2)   3,847,009    151,220    3.93    3,508,429    139,046    3.96    2,729,268    107,588    3.94 
Non-interest earning assets:                                             
Cash and due from banks   70,053              62,676              55,570           
Other assets   283,966              278,455              179,205           
Total assets  $4,201,028             $3,849,560             $2,964,043           
                                              
Interest bearing liabilities:                                             
Savings, NOW and money market deposits  $1,717,529   $7,858    0.46%  $1,585,158   $5,250    0.33%  $1,289,678   $4,002    0.31%
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more   147,366    1,843    1.25    126,904    932    0.73    134,211    929    0.69 
Other time deposits   72,550    725    1.00    96,842    684    0.71    96,617    673    0.70 
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements   132,514    1,571    1.19    162,118    1,075    0.66    115,648    474    0.41 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   401,258    6,105    1.52    275,591    3,001    1.09    127,358    1,425    1.12 
Subordinated debentures   78,566    4,539    5.78    78,427    4,539    5.79    21,911    1,261    5.76 
Junior subordinated debentures   668    48    7.19    15,620    1,364    8.73    15,875    1,365    8.60 
Total interest bearing liabilities   2,550,451    22,689    0.89    2,340,660    16,845    0.72    1,801,298    10,129    0.56 
Non-interest bearing liabilities:                                             
Demand deposits   1,174,840              1,110,824              873,794           
Other liabilities   33,465              36,839              21,936           
Total liabilities   3,758,756              3,488,323              2,697,028           
Stockholders’ equity   442,272              361,237              267,015           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $4,201,028             $3,849,560             $2,964,043           
                                              
Net interest income/interest rate spread (2) (3)        128,531    3.04%        122,201    3.24%        97,459    3.38%
                                              
Net interest earning assets/net interest margin (2) (4)  $1,296,558         3.34%  $1,167,769         3.48%  $927,970         3.57%
                                              
Tax equivalent adjustment        (1,371)   (0.03)%        (1,330)   (0.03)%        (1,348)   (0.05)%
                                              
Net interest income/net interest margin (4)       $127,160    3.31%       $120,871    3.45%       $96,111    3.52%
                                              
Ratio of interest earning assets to interest bearing liabilities             150.84%             149.89%             151.52%

 

(1)Amounts are net of deferred origination costs/(fees) and the allowance for loan losses.
(2)Presented on a tax equivalent basis based on the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35%.
(3)Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest earning assets and the cost of average interest bearing liabilities.
(4)Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.

 

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RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

 

Net interest income can be analyzed in terms of the impact of changes in rates and volumes. The following table illustrates the extent to which changes in interest rates and in the volume of average interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities have affected the Bank’s interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (ii) changes attributable to changes in rates (changes in rates multiplied by prior volume); and (iii) the net changes. For purposes of this table, changes that are not due solely to volume or rate changes have been allocated to these categories based on the respective percentage changes in average volume and rate. Due to the numerous simultaneous volume and rate changes during the periods analyzed, it is not possible to precisely allocate changes between volume and rates. In addition, average earning assets include nonaccrual loans.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2017 Over 2016
Changes Due To
   2016 Over 2015
Changes Due To
 
(In thousands)  Volume   Rate   Net Change   Volume   Rate   Net Change 
Interest income on interest earning assets:                              
Loans (1) (2)  $12,754   $(3,066)  $9,688   $29,048   $(1,138)  $27,910 
Mortgage-backed, CMOs and other asset-backed   securities   1,137    610    1,747    2,367    (56)   2,311 
Taxable securities   43    419    462    535    503    1,038 
Tax exempt securities (2)   200    (54)   146    331    (232)   99 
Deposits with banks   (26)   157    131    35    65    100 
Total interest income on interest earning assets (2)   14,108    (1,934)   12,174    32,316    (858)   31,458 
                               
Interest expense on interest bearing liabilities:                              
Savings, NOW and money market deposits   463    2,145    2,608    974    274    1,248 
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more   168    743    911    (51)   54    3 
Other time deposits   (198)   239    41    2    9    11 
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements   (225)   721    496    239    362    601 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,662    1,442    3,104    1,615    (39)   1,576 
Subordinated debentures   9    (9)       3,271    7    3,278 
Junior subordinated debentures   (1,111)   (205)   (1,316)   (22)   21    (1)
Total interest expenses on interest bearing liabilities   768    5,076    5,844    6,028    688    6,716 
Net interest income (2)  $13,340   $(7,010)  $6,330   $26,288   $(1,546)  $24,742 

 

(1)Amounts are net of deferred origination costs/(fees) and the allowance for loan losses.

 

(2)Presented on a tax equivalent basis based on the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35%.

 

Net interest income was $127.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $120.9 million in 2016 and $96.1 million in 2015. The increase in net interest income was $6.3 million, or 5.2%, as compared to 2016 and $24.8 million, or 25.8%, in 2016 as compared to 2015. Average net interest earning assets increased $128.8 million to $1.3 billion for the full year 2017 compared to $1.2 billion for the full year 2016, and increased $239.8 million to $1.2 billion for the full year 2016 compared to $928.0 million for the full year 2015. The increases in average net interest earning assets reflect organic growth in loans and an increase in securities, partially offset by increases in average deposits and average borrowings. The net interest margin decreased to 3.31% in 2017 compared to 3.45% in 2016 and 3.52% in 2015. The decrease in the net interest margin for 2017 compared to 2016 reflects the higher overall funding costs due in part to the Fed Funds rate increases in December 2016, March 2017, June 2017, and December 2017, partially offset by the decrease in costs associated with the junior subordinated debentures, which were redeemed in January 2017. The decrease in the net interest margin for 2016 compared to 2015 reflects the higher costs of borrowings associated with the $80 million in subordinated debentures issued in September 2015 and higher overall borrowing costs due to the Fed Funds rate increase in December 2015.

 

Interest income increased $12.1 million, or 8.8%, to $149.8 million in 2017 from $137.7 million in 2016 as average interest earning assets increased $338.6 million, or 9.7%, to $3.8 billion in 2017 compared to $3.5 billion in 2016. Interest income increased $31.5 million, or 29.6%, to $137.7 million in 2016 from $106.2 million in 2015, due to an increase of $779.2 million in average interest earning assets to $3.5 billion for 2016 from $2.7 billion in 2015. The tax adjusted average yield on interest earning assets was 3.93% for the full year 2017, 3.96% in 2016 and 3.94% in 2015.

 

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Interest income on loans increased $9.7 million to $126.4 million in 2017 over 2016, and $27.9 million to $116.7 million in 2016 over 2015, primarily due to growth in the loan portfolio, partially offset by a decrease in the average yield on loans. For the year ended December 31, 2017, average loans grew by $279.7 million, or 11.2%, to $2.8 billion as compared to $2.5 billion in 2016, and increased $617.8 million, or 32.9%, in 2016 as compared to $1.9 billion in 2015. The increases in average loans were the result of the organic growth in commercial real estate mortgage loans, multi-family mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans, and residential mortgage loans, as well as the acquisition of CNB. The Bank remains committed to growing loans with prudent underwriting, sensible pricing and limited credit and extension risk.

 

Interest income on securities increased $2.3 million, or 11.1%, in 2017 to $23.1 million from $20.8 million in 2016, and increased $3.4 million, or 19.6%, in 2016 from $17.4 million in 2015. Interest income on securities included net amortization of premiums on securities of $6.4 million in 2017, compared to $6.5 million in 2016 and $4.9 million in 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2017, average total securities increased by $63.4 million, or 6.4%, to $1.0 billion as compared to $984.6 million in 2016, and increased $150.9 million in 2016 compared to $833.7 million in 2015.

 

Total interest expense increased to $22.7 million in 2017, as compared to $16.8 million in 2016 and $10.1 million in 2015. The increase in interest expense in 2017 is a result of the increase in the cost of average interest bearing liabilities coupled with an increase in average interest bearing liabilities. The cost of average interest bearing liabilities was 0.89% in 2017, 0.72% in 2016, and 0.56% in 2015. The increase in the cost of average interest bearing liabilities is primarily due to higher overall funding costs, due in part to the Fed Funds rate increases in December 2016, March 2017, June 2017 and December 2017, partially offset by the decrease in costs associated with the junior subordinated debentures, which were redeemed in January 2017. Since the Company’s interest bearing liabilities generally reprice or mature more quickly than its interest earning assets, an increase in short term interest rates would initially result in a decrease in net interest income. The Company began extending the terms of certain matured borrowings at the end of the 2017 first quarter in anticipation of further Fed Funds rate increases. Additionally, the large percentages of deposits in money market accounts reprice at short-term market rates making the balance sheet more liability sensitive. The Bank continues its prudent management of deposit pricing. Average total interest bearing liabilities were $2.6 billion in 2017, compared to $2.3 billion in 2016 and $1.8 billion in 2015. The increases in average interest bearing liabilities in 2017 were primarily due to increases in both average borrowings and average deposits. The Bank grew average interest bearing liabilities in 2016 and 2015 as a result of the acquisition of CNB deposits in June 2015.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, average total deposits increased by $192.6 million, or 6.6%, to $3.1 billion, as compared to $2.9 billion in 2016, and increased by $525.4 million, or 21.9%, in 2016 as compared to $2.4 billion in 2015. The increase in average total deposits reflects higher average balances in savings, NOW and money market accounts of $132.4 million, or 8.4%, in 2017 as compared to 2016, and an increase of $295.5 million, or 22.9%, in 2016 as compared to 2015. Average demand deposits increased $64.0 million, or 5.8%, in 2017 as compared to 2016, and increased $237.0 million, or 27.1%, in 2016 as compared to 2015. The Bank’s deposit growth in 2016 over 2015 includes the acquisition of CNB, which closed in June 2015, adding eleven additional branches to the existing branch network. The cost of average savings, NOW and money market accounts was 0.46% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 0.33% in 2016 and 0.31% in 2015. Average public fund deposits comprised 16.0% of total average deposits during 2017, as compared to 17.1% in 2016 and 14.7% in 2015.

 

Average federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements decreased $29.6 million, or 18.3%, to $132.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $162.1 million for 2016, and increased $46.5 million, or 40.2%, in 2016 compared to $115.6 million in 2015. Average FHLB advances increased $125.7 million, or 45.6%, to $401.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $275.6 million for 2016, and increased $148.2 million in 2016 compared to $127.4 million in 2015. Average subordinated debentures increased $139 thousand, or 0.2%, to $78.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $78.4 million for 2016, and increased $56.5 million, or 257.9%, compared to $21.9 million in 2015. The junior subordinated debentures were redeemed in January 2017.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Bank’s loan portfolio consists primarily of real estate loans secured by commercial, multi-family and residential real estate properties located in the Bank’s principal lending areas of Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs. The interest rates charged by the Bank on loans are affected primarily by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes, the rates offered by its competitors, the Bank’s relationship with the customer, and the related credit risks of the transaction. These factors are affected by general and economic conditions including, but not limited to, monetary policies of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, legislative policies and governmental budgetary matters.

 

Based on the Company’s continuing review of the overall loan portfolio, the current asset quality of the portfolio, the growth in the loan portfolio and the net charge-offs, a provision for loan losses of $14.1 million was recorded in 2017, as compared to $5.6 million in 2016 and $4.0 million in 2015. Net charge-offs were $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in charge-offs in 2017 resulted primarily from the charge-off of loans and specific reserves associated with two specific relationships. The Company

 

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considers the losses incurred as isolated and not indicative of any negative trends within either the borrowers’ industries or the Company’s overall credit profile. The ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans was 456%, 2,087% and 1,537%, at December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The allowance for loan losses increased to $31.7 million at December 31, 2017 as compared to $25.9 million at December 31, 2016 and $20.7 million at December 31, 2015. The allowance as a percentage of total loans was 1.02%, 1.00% and 0.86% at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increases in the allowance for loan losses and the provision for loan losses reflect loan growth in all portfolios and an increase in charge-offs and specific reserves, coupled with an increase in substandard loans. Management continues to carefully monitor the loan portfolio as well as real estate trends in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the New York City boroughs.

 

Loans totaling $85.3 million or 2.8%, of total loans at December 31, 2017 were categorized as classified loans compared to $84.3 million, or 3.2%, at December 31, 2016 and $26.9 million, or 1.1%, at December 31, 2015. Classified loans include loans with credit quality indicators with the internally assigned grades of special mention, substandard and doubtful. These loans are categorized as classified loans as management has information that indicates the borrower may not be able to comply with the present repayment terms. These loans are subject to increased management attention and their classification is reviewed at least quarterly.

 

At December 31, 2017, $34.0 million of these classified loans were commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans. Of the $34.0 million of CRE loans, $30.2 million were current and $3.8 million were past due. At December 31, 2017, $6.6 million of classified loans were residential real estate loans with $5.9 million current and $0.7 million past due. Commercial, industrial, and agricultural loans represented $44.4 million of classified loans, with $40.0 million current and $4.4 million past due. Taxi medallion loans represented $24.6 million of the classified commercial, industrial and agricultural loans at December 31, 2017.  The Bank’s taxi medallion loan portfolio was downgraded to special mention at December 31, 2016 due to weakening cash flows and declining collateral values and certain loans have been further downgraded to substandard during 2017.  All of the Bank’s taxi medallion loans are collateralized by New York City – Manhattan medallions and have personal guarantees. All taxi medallion loans were current as of December 31, 2017 except one, which was nonaccrual.  No new originations of taxi medallion loans are currently planned, and management expects these balances to decline through amortization and pay-offs. At December 31, 2017, there were $0.3 million of classified real estate construction and land loans, all of which are current.

 

CRE loans, including multi-family loans, represented $1.9 billion, or 61.0%, of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2017 compared to $1.5 billion, or 59.2%, at December 31, 2016 and $1.4 billion, or 56.1%, at December 31, 2015. The Bank’s underwriting standards for CRE loans require an evaluation of the cash flow of the property, the overall cash flow of the borrower and related guarantors as well as the value of the real estate securing the loan. In addition, the Bank’s underwriting standards for CRE loans are consistent with regulatory requirements with original loan to value ratios generally less than or equal to 75%. The Bank considers charge-off history, delinquency trends, cash flow analysis, and the impact of the local economy on commercial real estate values when evaluating the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had individually impaired loans as defined by FASB ASC No. 310, “Receivables” of $22.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively. For a loan to be considered impaired, management determines after review whether it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management applies its normal loan review procedures in making these judgments. Impaired loans include individually classified nonaccrual loans and TDRs. For impaired loans, the Bank evaluates the impairment of the loan in accordance with FASB ASC 310-10-35-22. Impairment is determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. For loans that are collateral dependent, the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell is used to determine the fair value of the loan. The fair value of the collateral is determined based on recent appraised values. The fair value of the collateral less costs to sell or present value of expected cash flows is compared to the carrying value to determine if any write-down or specific loan loss allowance allocation is required. The increase in impaired loans from December 31, 2016 is the result of the modification of certain CRE mortgage loans to one borrower totaling $7.8 million and certain taxi medallion loans as TDRs totaling $6.8 million, coupled with an increase in nonaccrual loans. The TDR loans are current and classified as performing TDRs at December 31, 2017.

 

Nonaccrual loans increased $5.8 million to $7.0 million, or 0.22%, of total loans at December 31, 2017 from $1.2 million, or 0.05%, of total loans at December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to a $2.1 million CRE loan and $3.5 million in commercial, industrial and agricultural loans to two borrowers, which became nonaccrual during the quarter ended December 31, 2017. TDRs represent $5 thousand of the nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2017 and $0.3 million at December 31, 2016.

 

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The following table sets forth changes in the allowance for loan losses:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Beginning balance  $25,904   $20,744   $17,637   $16,001   $14,439 
Charge-offs:                         
Commercial real estate mortgage loans           (50)   (461)    
Residential real estate mortgage loans       (56)   (249)   (257)   (420)
Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans   (8,245)   (930)   (827)   (104)   (420)
Real estate construction and land loans                   (23)
Installment/consumer loans   (49)   (1)   (2)   (2)   (53)
Total   (8,294)   (987)   (1,128)   (824)   (916)
Recoveries:                         
Commercial real estate mortgage loans       109             
Residential real estate mortgage loans   28    96    79    170    34 
Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans   16    386    149    87    87 
Real estate construction and land loans                   2 
Installment/consumer loans   3    6    7    3    5 
Total   47    597    235    260    128 
Net charge-offs   (8,247)   (390)   (893)   (564)   (788)
Provision for loan losses charged to operations   14,050    5,550    4,000    2,200    2,350 
Ending balance  $31,707   $25,904   $20,744   $17,637   $16,001 
Ratio of net charge-offs during period to average loans outstanding   (0.30)%   (0.02)%   (0.04)%   (0.04)%   (0.09)%

 

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table sets forth the allocation of the total allowance for loan losses by loan classification:

 

   December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Percentage
of Loans
to Total
Loans
   Amount   Percentage
of Loans
to Total
Loans
   Amount   Percentage
of Loans
to Total
Loans
   Amount   Percentage
of Loans
to Total
Loans
   Amount   Percentage
of Loans
to Total
Loans
 
Commercial real estate mortgage loans  $11,048    41.7%  $9,225    42.0%  $7,850    43.8%  $6,994    44.5%  $6,279    47.9%
Multi-family mortgage loans   4,521    19.2    6,264    20.0    4,208    14.6    2,670    16.4    1,597    10.6 
Residential real estate mortgage loans   2,438    15.0    1,495    14.1    2,115    16.3    2,208    11.7    2,712    15.2 
Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans   12,838    19.9    7,837    20.2    5,405    20.8    4,526    21.8    4,006    20.7 
Real estate construction and land loans   740    3.5    955    3.1    1,030    3.8    1,104    4.8    1,206    4.7 
Installment/consumer loans    122    0.7    128    0.6    136    0.7    135    0.8    201    0.9 
Total  $31,707    100.0%  $25,904    100.0%  $20,744    100.0%  $17,637    100.0%  $16,001    100.0%

 

Non-Interest Income

 

Total non-interest income increased by $2.1 million, or 12.8%, to $18.1 million in 2017 compared to $16.0 million in 2016 and increased by $3.3 million, or 26.7%, in 2016 as compared to $12.7 million in 2015. The increase in total non-interest income in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily due to increases in service charges and other fees, gain on sale of SBA loans, title fee income, other operating income, BOLI income, partially offset by a decrease in net securities gains. The increase in total non-interest income in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to higher service charges and other fees, BOLI income, gain on sale of SBA loans, net securities gains, and other operating income.

 

Service charges and other fees for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $0.6 million, or 7.0%, to $9.0 million compared to $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and increased $1.3 million, or 19.2%, in 2016 compared to $7.1 million in 2015. Net securities gains of $38 thousand were recognized in 2017, compared to $0.4 million in 2016 and net securities losses of $8 thousand in 2015. The net securities gains in 2016 were primarily attributable to the sale of $235.7 million of lower yielding securities in the 2016 second quarter as part of a deleveraging strategy by the Company. Bridge Abstract, the Bank’s title insurance subsidiary, generated title fee income of $2.4 million in 2017, $1.8 million in 2016, and $1.9 million in 2015. Gain on sale of SBA loans increased $0.6 million, or 54.0%, to $1.7 million in 2017 compared to $1.1 million in 2016, and increased $0.6 million, or 116.4%, in 2016 compared to $0.5 million in 2015. BOLI income increased $0.4 million, or 16.6%, to $2.3 million in 2017 compared to $1.9 million in 2016, and increased $0.7 million, or 57.5%, in 2016 compared to $1.2 million in 2015.

 

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Other operating income increased $0.4 million to $2.7 million in 2017 compared to $2.3 million in 2016, primarily due to an increase in loan swap fee income of $0.9 million, and increased $0.3 million in 2016 compared to $2.0 million in 2015, primarily due to a $0.9 million increase in miscellaneous income primarily related to a net recovery associated with certain identified FNBNY acquired problem loans recorded in 2016.

 

Non-Interest Expense

 

Total non-interest expense increased $14.6 million, or 19.0%, to $91.7 million in 2017 compared to $77.1 million in 2016, and increased $4.2 million, or 5.7%, in 2016 from $72.9 million in 2015. The increase in 2017 is primarily due to restructuring costs related to branch restructuring and charter conversion, and higher salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, technology and communications, marketing and advertising, and other operating expenses, partially offset lower amortization of other intangible assets, professional services and FDIC assessments. The increase from 2015 to 2016 is a result of increases in all expense categories, offset by a decrease in acquisition costs, all of which were attributable to the CNB acquisition. The reversal of accrued acquisition costs in 2016 is due to the reversal of pending merger related liabilities recorded at the acquisition date, which have since been settled.

 

Salaries and employee benefits increased $4.9 million, or 11.9%, to $45.8 million in 2017 compared to $40.9 million in 2016, and increased $7.0 million, or 20.8%, in 2016 from $33.9 million in 2015. The increase in salaries and employee benefits in 2017 is primarily due to additional staff related to new branches, business development, and risk management. The increase in salaries and employee benefits in 2016 reflect additional positions to support the Company’s expanding infrastructure primarily related to the acquisition of CNB and a larger loan portfolio. Occupancy and equipment increased $1.2 million, or 9.4%, to $14.0 million in 2017 compared to $12.8 million in 2016, and increased $1.8 million, or 15.9%, in 2016 from $11.0 million in 2015. Technology and communications increased $0.8 million, or 17.5%, to $5.7 million in 2017 compared to $4.9 million in 2016, and increased $1.3 million, or 36.1%, in 2016 from $3.6 million in 2015. Marketing and advertising increased $0.7 million, or 17.1%, to $4.7 million in 2017 from $4.0 million in 2016, and increased $0.9 million, or 29.5%, in 2016 from $3.1 million in 2015. Higher occupancy and equipment, technology and communications, and marketing and advertising expenses in 2016 were primarily related to the higher operating costs associated with the acquired CNB operations and facilities, investments in technology and additional marketing costs. Professional services decreased $0.5 million, or 13.5%, to $3.1 million in 2017 from $3.6 million in 2016, and increased $1.3 million, or 56.7%, in 2016 from $2.3 million in 2015. FDIC assessments were $1.3 million in 2017, and $1.6 million in 2016 and 2015. The Company recorded amortization of other intangible assets of $1.0 million in 2017, $2.6 million in 2016, and $1.4 million in 2015 primarily related to the CNB and FNBNY acquisitions. Other operating expenses totaled $7.9 million in 2017, $7.4 million in 2016 and $6.1 million in 2015.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Income tax expense increased $0.1 million, or 0.8%, to $18.9 million in 2017 compared to $18.8 million in 2016, and increased $8.0 million, or 74.4%, in 2016 from $10.8 million in 2015. The effective tax rate was 48.0% in 2017, 34.6% in 2016 and 33.8% in 2015. Income tax expense in 2017 included a $7.6 million charge to write-down the Company’s deferred tax assets due to the enactment of the Tax Act in the fourth quarter 2017. The increase in income tax expense in 2016 compared to 2015 reflects higher income before income taxes. The lower effective tax rate in 2015 compared to 2016 relates primarily to the tax benefit associated with the change in New York City tax law recognized in 2015. The Company estimates it will record income tax at an effective tax rate of approximately 23% in 2018.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

The Company’s total assets increased $375.4 million, or 9.3%, to $4.4 billion at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016, with loan growth funded primarily by deposits. Net loans increased $496.5 million, or 19.3%, to $3.1 billion compared to December 31, 2016. The ability to grow the loan portfolio, while minimizing interest rate risk sensitivity and maintaining credit quality, remains a strong focus of management. Total securities decreased $101.6 million to $976.1 million at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $19.1 million to $94.7 million at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016. Total deposits grew $408.5 million, or 14.0%, to $3.3 billion at December 31, 2017 compared to $2.9 billion at December 2016. Demand deposits increased $187.4 million to $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2017 compared to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2016. Savings, NOW and money market deposits increased $205.5 million to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2017 from $1.6 billion at December 31, 2016. Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more increased $32.4 million to $158.6 million at December 31, 2017 from $126.2 million at December 31, 2016. Other time deposits decreased $16.7 million to $63.8 million as of December 31, 2017 from $80.5 million as of December 31, 2016. Federal funds purchased at December 31, 2017 decreased $50.0 million, or 50.0%, to $50.0 million compared to $100.0 million at December 31, 2016. FHLB advances increased $4.7 million, or 0.9%, to $501.4 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $496.7 million at December 31, 2016. Repurchase agreements increased $0.2 million to $0.9 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $0.7 million at December 31, 2016. Junior subordinated debentures decreased $15.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 due to the redemption in January 2017.

 

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Total stockholders’ equity increased $21.2 million, or 5.2%, to $429.2 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $408.0 million at December 31, 2016. The increase in 2017 is primarily due to net income of $20.5 million, the issuance of common stock related to the trust preferred securities conversions of $14.9 million, and share based compensation of $2.6 million, partially offset by $18.2 million in dividends.

 

Loans

 

During 2017, the Company continued to experience growth in all loan portfolios. The concentration of loans in the Company’s primary market areas may increase risk. Unlike larger banks that are more geographically diversified, the Bank’s loan portfolio consists primarily of real estate loans secured by commercial, multi-family and residential real estate properties located in the Bank’s principal lending areas of Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island and the New York City boroughs. The local economic conditions on Long Island have a significant impact on the volume of loan originations, the quality of loans, the ability of borrowers to repay these loans, and the value of collateral securing these loans. A considerable decline in general economic conditions caused by inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond the Company’s control would impact these local economic conditions and could negatively affect the financial results of the Company’s operations. Additionally, decreases in tenant occupancy may also have a negative effect on the ability of borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on the Company’s earnings.

 

The interest rates charged by the Bank on loans are affected primarily by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes, the rates offered by its competitors, the Bank’s relationship with the customer, and the related credit risks of the transaction. These factors are affected by general and economic conditions including, but not limited to, monetary policies of the federal government, including the FRB, legislative policies and governmental budgetary matters.

 

The Bank targets its business lending and marketing initiatives towards promotion of loans that primarily meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses. These small to medium-sized businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities. If general economic conditions negatively impact these businesses, the results of operations and financial condition of the Company may be adversely affected.

 

With respect to the underwriting of loans, there are certain risks, including the risk of non-payment that is associated with each type of loan that the Bank markets. Approximately 79.4% of the Bank’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2017 is secured by real estate. Commercial real estate loans represent 41.7% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. Multi-family mortgage loans represent 19.2% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. Residential real estate mortgage loans represent 15.0% of the Bank’s loan portfolio and include home equity lines of credit representing 2.1% and residential mortgages representing 12.9% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. Real estate construction and land loans represent 3.5% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. Risks associated with a concentration in real estate loans include potential losses from fluctuating values of land and improved properties. Home equity loans represent loans originated in the Bank’s geographic markets with original loan to value ratios generally of 75% or less. The Bank’s residential mortgage portfolio includes approximately $56.1 million in interest only mortgages. The underwriting standards for interest only mortgages are consistent with the remainder of the loan portfolio and do not include any features that result in negative amortization. The Bank uses conservative underwriting criteria to better insulate itself from a downturn in real estate values and economic conditions on Long Island and the New York City boroughs that could have a significant impact on the value of collateral securing the loans as well as the ability of customers to repay loans.

 

The remainder of the loan portfolio is comprised of commercial and consumer loans, which represent 20.6% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. The commercial loans are made to businesses and include term loans, lines of credit, senior secured loans to corporations, equipment financing and taxi medallion loans. The primary risks associated with commercial loans are the cash flow of the business, the experience and quality of the borrowers’ management, the business climate, and the impact of economic factors. The primary risks associated with consumer loans relate to the borrower, such as the risk of a borrower’s unemployment as a result of deteriorating economic conditions or the amount and nature of a borrower’s other existing indebtedness, and the value of the collateral securing the loan if the Bank must take possession of the collateral.

 

The Bank’s policy for charging off loans is a multi-step process. A loan is considered a potential charge-off when it is in default of either principal or interest for a period of 90, 120 or 180 days, depending upon the loan type, as of the end of the prior month. In addition to date criteria, other triggering events may include, but are not limited to, notice of bankruptcy by the borrower or guarantor, death of the borrower, and deficiency balance from the sale of collateral. These loans identified are presented for evaluation at the regular meeting of the CRMC. A loan is charged off when a loss is reasonably assured. The recovery of charged-off balances is actively pursued until the potential for recovery has been exhausted, or until the expense of collection does not justify the recovery efforts.

 

Total loans grew $502.3 million, or 19.3%, to $3.1 billion at December 31, 2017 compared to $2.6 billion at December 31, 2016 with commercial real mortgage loans being the largest contributor of the growth. Commercial real estate mortgage loans increased $202.2 million, or 18.5%, during 2017. Residential real estate mortgage loans increased $99.4 million, or 27.2%, and multi-family mortgage

 

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loans grew $77.1 million, or 14.9%, during 2017. Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans increased $91.6 million, or 17.5%, in 2017. Real estate construction and land loans increased $27.2 million, or 33.7%, and installment/consumer loans increased $4.7 million in 2017. Fixed rate loans represented 24.3% and 23.0% of total loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth the major classifications of loans at the dates indicated:

 

   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Commercial real estate mortgage loans  $1,293,906   $1,091,752   $1,053,399   $595,397   $484,900 
Multi-family mortgage loans   595,280    518,146    350,793    218,985    107,488 
Residential real estate mortgage loans   464,264    364,884    392,815    156,156    153,417 
Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans   616,003    524,450    501,766    291,743    209,452 
Real estate construction and land loans   107,759    80,605    91,153    63,556    46,981 
Installment/consumer loans   21,041    16,368    17,596    10,124    9,287 
Total loans   3,098,253    2,596,205    2,407,522    1,335,961    1,011,525 
Net deferred loan costs and fees   4,499    4,235    3,252    2,366    1,738 
Total loans held for investment   3,102,752    2,600,440    2,410,774    1,338,327    1,013,263 
Allowance for loan losses   (31,707)   (25,904)   (20,744)   (17,637)   (16,001)
Net loans  $3,071,045   $2,574,536   $2,390,030   $1,320,690   $997,262 

 

Selected Loan Maturity Information

 

The following table sets forth the approximate maturities and sensitivity to changes in interest rates of certain loans, exclusive of real estate mortgage loans and installment/consumer loans to individuals as of December 31, 2017:

 

(In thousands)  Within One
Year
   After One
But Within
Five Years
   After
Five Years
   Total 
Commercial loans  $235,405   $175,457   $224,042   $634,904 
Construction and land loans (1)   44,933    45,378    17,644    107,955 
Total  $280,338   $220,835   $241,686   $742,859 
                     
Rate provisions:                    
Amounts with fixed interest rates  $20,633   $118,909   $64,484   $204,026 
Amounts with variable interest rates   259,705    101,926    177,202    538,833 
Total  $280,338   $220,835   $241,686   $742,859 

 

(1) Included in the “After Five Years” column, are one-step construction loans that contain a preliminary construction period (interest only) that automatically converts to amortization at the end of the construction phase.

 

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Past Due, Nonaccrual and Restructured Loans and Other Real Estate Owned

 

The following table sets forth selected information about past due, nonaccrual, and restructured loans and other real estate owned:

 

   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing  $1,834   $1,027   $964   $144   $1 
Nonaccrual loans excluding restructured loans   6,950    909    850    713    1,856 
Restructured loans  - nonaccrual   5    332    60    490    1,965 
Restructured loans  - performing   16,727    2,417    1,681    5,031    5,184 
Other real estate owned, net           250        2,242 
Total  $25,516   $4,685   $3,805   $6,378   $11,248 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Gross interest income that has not been paid or recorded during the year under original terms:                         
Nonaccrual loans  $110   $17   $6   $33   $66 
Restructured loans       1    1    84    60 
                          
Gross interest income recorded during the year:                         
Nonaccrual loans  $282   $1   $1   $4   $94 
Restructured loans   619    123    109    214    282 
                          
Commitments for additional funds                    

 

The following table sets forth individually impaired loans by loan classification:

 

   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Nonaccrual loans excluding restructured loans:                         
Commercial real estate mortgage loans  $2,305   $185   $238   $295   $352 
Residential real estate mortgage loans   100    719    612    315    1,436 
Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans   4,124            75     
Total   6,529    904    850    685    1,788 
                          
Restructured loans - nonaccrual:                         
Commercial real estate mortgage loans               300    617 
Residential real estate mortgage loans       65    60    69    618 
Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans               118    720 
Total       65    60    487    1,955 
                          
Total non-performing impaired loans   6,529    969    910    1,172    3,743 
                          
Restructured loans - performing:                         
Commercial real estate mortgage loans   8,857    1,354    1,391    4,541    4,260 
Residential real estate mortgage loans                   329 
Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans   7,106    1,030    290    489    526 
Total   15,963    2,384    1,681    5,030    5,115 
                          
Total impaired loans  $22,492   $3,353   $2,591   $6,202   $8,858 

 

Securities

 

Securities totaled $976.1 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2016, including restricted securities totaling $35.3 million at December 31, 2017 and $34.7 million at December 31, 2016. The available for sale portfolio decreased $59.8 million to $759.9 million from $819.7 million at December 31, 2016. Securities classified as available for sale may be sold in response to, or in anticipation of, changes in interest rates and resulting prepayment risk, or other factors. During 2017, the Company sold $52.4 million of securities compared to $264.4 million in 2016. The decrease in securities available for sale is primarily the result of a $60.1 million decrease in residential collateralized mortgage obligations, a $29.1 million decrease in state and municipal obligations, and a $6.5 million decrease in commercial collateralized mortgage obligations, partially offset by a $28.9 million increase in residential mortgage-backed securities, and a $13.4 million increase in corporate bonds. Securities held to maturity decreased $42.3 million to $180.9 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $223.2 million at December 31, 2016. The decrease in securities held to maturity is

 

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primarily the result of an $11.0 million decrease in Corporate bonds, a $10.2 million decrease in commercial collateralized mortgage obligations, a $7.4 million decrease in residential collateralized mortgage obligations, a $5.9 million decrease in state and municipal obligations, and a $5.8 million decrease in commercial mortgage-backed securities. Fixed rate securities represented 87.5% of total available for sale and held to maturity securities at December 31, 2017 compared to 93.9% at December 31, 2016.

  

The following table sets forth the fair values, amortized costs, contractual maturities and approximate weighted average yields of the available for sale and held to maturity securities portfolios at December 31, 2017. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Yields on tax-exempt obligations have been computed on a tax equivalent basis based on the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35%.

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Within
One Year
   After One But
Within Five Years
   After Five But
Within Ten Years
   After
Ten Years
   Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  Estimated
Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Yield   Estimated
Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Yield   Estimated
Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Yield   Estimated
Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Yield   Estimated
Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
 
Available for sale:                                                                      
                                                                       
U.S. GSE securities  $   $    %  $37,271   $37,994    1.73%  $19,543   $20,000    2.29%  $   $    %  $56,814   $57,994 
State and municipal obligations   9,588    9,600    1.75    45,196    45,683    1.94    31,809    31,884    2.85    429    415    4.03    87,022    87,582 
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities                           25,203    25,482    1.91    161,698    164,223    2.10    186,901    189,705 
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations                           5,468    5,543    2.04    301,922    308,847    2.00    307,390    314,390 
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities               5,979    6,017    2.31                            5,979    6,017 
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations                                       48,716    49,965    2.31    48,716    49,965 
Other asset backed securities                                       23,401    24,250    1.33    23,401    24,250 
Corporate bonds                           43,693    46,000    3.09                43,693    46,000 
Total available for sale  $9,588   $9,600    1.75%  $88,446   $89,694    1.88%  $125,716   $128,909    2.63%  $536,166   $547,700    2.03%  $759,916   $775,903 
                                                                       
Held to maturity:                                                                      
                                                                       
State and municipal obligations  $3,766   $3,774    1.71%  $17,610   $17,430    3.31%  $38,599   $37,882    4.17%  $1,695   $1,676    4.16%  $61,670   $60,762 
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities                           5,011    5,103    1.74    6,152    6,321    1.91    11,163    11,424 
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations                           6,769    6,795    2.00    47,059    47,455    2.56    53,828    54,250 
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities               9,373    9,311    2.59    4,916    5,022    2.26    8,303    8,620    3.00    22,592    22,953 
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations               3,851    4,030    1.68                26,781    27,447    2.68    30,632    31,477 
Total held to maturity   3,766    3,774    1.71    30,834    30,771    2.88    55,295    54,802    3.50    89,990    91,519    2.62    179,885    180,866 
Total securities  $13,354   $13,374    1.74%  $119,280   $120,465    2.13%  $181,011   $183,711    2.89%  $626,156   $639,219    2.11%  $939,801   $956,769 

 

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Deposits and Borrowings

 

Borrowings, including federal funds purchased, FHLB advances, repurchase agreements, subordinated debentures and junior subordinated debentures, decreased $60.2 million to $630.9 million at December 31, 2017 from $691.1 million at December 31, 2016. Total deposits increased $408.5 million to $3.3 billion at December 31, 2017 compared to $2.9 billion at December 31, 2016. Individual, partnership and corporate (“core deposits”) account balances increased $384.1 million and public funds deposits increased $24.4 million. The growth in deposits is attributable to increases in savings, NOW and money market deposits of $205.5 million, or 13.1%, to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase in demand deposits of $187.4 million, or 16.3%, to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2017, and an increase in certificates of deposit of $15.6 million, or 7.0%, to $222.4 million at December 31, 2017. Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more increased $32.4 million, or 25.7%, from December 31, 2016 and other time deposits decreased $16.8 million, or 20.8%, as compared to December 31, 2016.

 

The following table sets forth the remaining maturities of the Bank’s time deposits at December 31, 2017:

 

(In thousands)  Less than
$100,000
   $100,000 or
Greater
   Total 
3 months or less  $10,344   $25,976   $36,320 
Over 3 through 6 months   16,068    24,944    41,012 
Over 6 through 12 months   15,533    32,713    48,246 
Over 12 months through 24 months   14,361    23,504    37,865 
Over 24 months through 36 months   5,438    6,283    11,721 
Over 36 months through 48 months   1,128    41,775    42,903 
Over 48 months through 60 months   908    2,656    3,564 
Over 60 months       733    733 
Total  $63,780   $158,584   $222,364 

 

LIQUIDITY

 

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure the sufficiency of funds available to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers, and to take advantage of unanticipated opportunities for Company growth or earnings enhancement. Liquidity management addresses the ability of the Company to meet financial obligations that arise in the normal course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet customer borrowing commitments, deposit withdrawals either on demand or contractual maturity, to repay borrowings as they mature, to fund current and planned expenditures and to make new loans and investments as opportunities arise.

 

The Company’s principal sources of liquidity included cash and cash equivalents of $7.9 million as of December 31, 2017, and dividends from the Bank. Cash available for distribution of dividends to shareholders of the Company is primarily derived from dividends paid by the Bank to the Company. During 2017, the Bank did not pay cash dividends to the Company. Prior regulatory approval is required if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of the Bank’s net income for that year combined with its retained net income of the preceding two years. As of January 1, 2018, the Bank had $48.2 million of retained net income available for dividends to the Company. In the event that the Company subsequently expands its current operations, in addition to dividends from the Bank, it will need to rely on its own earnings, additional capital raised and other borrowings to meet liquidity needs. The Company did not make capital contributions to the Bank during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

The Bank’s most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale and securities held to maturity due within one year. The levels of these assets are dependent upon the Bank’s operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. Other sources of liquidity include loan and investment securities principal repayments and maturities, lines of credit with other financial institutions including the FHLB and FRB, growth in core deposits and sources of wholesale funding such as brokered deposits. While scheduled loan amortization, maturing securities and short-term investments are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan and mortgage-backed securities prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. The Bank adjusts its liquidity levels as appropriate to meet funding needs such as seasonal deposit outflows, loans, and asset and liability management objectives. Historically, the Bank has relied on its deposit base, drawn through its full-service branches that serve its market area and local municipal deposits, as its principal source of funding. The Bank seeks to retain existing deposits and loans and maintain customer relationships by offering quality service and competitive interest rates to its customers, while managing the overall cost of funds needed to finance its strategies.

 

The Bank’s Asset/Liability and Funds Management Policy allows for wholesale borrowings of up to 25% of total assets. At December 31, 2017, the Bank had aggregate lines of credit of $369.5 million with unaffiliated correspondent banks to provide short-term credit for liquidity requirements. Of these aggregate lines of credit, $349.5 million is available on an unsecured basis. As of December 31,

 

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2017, the Bank had $50.0 million in overnight borrowings outstanding under these lines. The Bank also has the ability, as a member of the FHLB system, to borrow against unencumbered residential and commercial mortgages owned by the Bank. The Bank also has a master repurchase agreement with the FHLB, which increases its borrowing capacity. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had $185.0 million outstanding in FHLB overnight borrowings and $316.4 million outstanding in FHLB term borrowings. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank had $175.0 million in FHLB overnight borrowings and $321.7 million outstanding in FHLB term borrowings. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $0.9 million outstanding with customers and nothing outstanding with brokers. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank had securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $0.7 million outstanding with customers and nothing outstanding with brokers. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had $44.9 million outstanding in brokered certificates of deposit and $163.2 million outstanding in brokered money market accounts. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank had $58.6 million outstanding in brokered certificates of deposits and $177.0 million outstanding in brokered money market accounts.

 

Liquidity policies are established by senior management and reviewed and approved by the full Board of Directors at least annually. Management continually monitors the liquidity position and believes that sufficient liquidity exists to meet all of the Company’s operating requirements. The Bank’s liquidity levels are affected by the use of short term and wholesale borrowings and the amount of public funds in the deposit mix. Excess short-term liquidity is invested in overnight federal funds sold or in an interest earning account at the Federal Reserve.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

In the ordinary course of operations, the Company enters into certain contractual obligations.

 

The following table presents contractual obligations outstanding at December 31, 2017:

 

   Total   Less than
One Year
   One to
Three Years
  

Four to

Five Years

   Over Five
Years
 
(In thousands)                    
Operating leases  $47,322   $6,473   $11,698   $10,228   $18,923 
FHLB advances and repurchase agreements   502,251    500,960    1,291         
Subordinated debentures   80,000                80,000 
Time deposits   222,364    125,578    49,586    46,467    733 
Total contractual obligations outstanding  $851,937   $633,011   $62,575   $56,695   $99,656 

 

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

Some financial instruments, such as loan commitments, credit lines, letters of credit, and overdraft protection, are issued to meet customer financing needs. These are agreements to provide credit or to support the credit of others, as long as conditions established in the contract are met, and usually have expiration dates. Commitments may expire without being used. Off-balance sheet risk to credit loss exists up to the face amount of these instruments, although material losses are not anticipated. The same credit policies are used to make such commitments as are used for loans, often including obtaining collateral at exercise of the commitment. At December 31, 2017, the Company had $124.3 million in outstanding loan commitments and $576.7 million in outstanding commitments for various lines of credit including unused overdraft lines. The Company also had $26.9 million of standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2017. See Note 17 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on loan commitments and standby letters of credit.

 

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CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Stockholders’ equity increased to $429.2 million at December 31, 2017 from $408.0 million at December 31, 2016 as a result of undistributed net income; the shares of common stock issued for trust preferred securities conversions; the shares of common stock issued under the DRP, and the stock based compensation plan; partially offset by the declaration of dividends; and the net change in unrealized losses on available for sale securities, pension benefits, and cash flow hedges. The ratio of average stockholders’ equity to average total assets was 10.53% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 9.38% for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

The Company’s capital strength is paralleled by the solid capital position of the Bank, as reflected in the excess of its regulatory capital ratios over the risk-based capital adequacy ratio levels required for classification as a “well capitalized” institution by the FDIC (see Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Since 2013, the Company has actively managed its capital position in response to its growth. During this period, the Company has raised $260.2 million in capital through the following initiatives:

 

·On October 8, 2013, the Company completed a public offering with net proceeds of $37.6 million in capital from the sale of 1,926,250 shares of common stock. The purpose of the offering was in part to provide additional capital to Bridge Bancorp to support its acquisition of FNBNY and for general corporate purposes.
·On February 14, 2014, the Company issued 240,598 shares of common stock with net proceeds of $5.9 million in capital. These shares were issued directly in connection with the acquisition of FNBNY.
·On June 19, 2015, the Company issued 5,647,268 shares of common stock with net proceeds of $157.1 million in capital. These shares were issued in connection with the acquisition of CNB.
·On November 28, 2016, the Company completed a public offering with net proceeds of $47.5 million in capital from the sale of 1,613,000 shares of common stock. The purpose of the offering was in part to provide additional capital to Bridge Bancorp to support organic growth, the pursuit of strategic acquisition opportunities and other general corporate purposes, including contributing capital to Bank.
·Proceeds of $11.9 million in capital through issuance of common stock through the DRP.

 

The Company has the ability to issue additional common stock and/or preferred stock should the need arise under a shelf registration statement filed in April 2016.

 

The Company had returns on average equity of 4.64% and 9.82%, and returns on average assets of 0.49% and 0.92%, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company also utilizes cash dividends and stock repurchases to manage capital levels. In 2017, the Company declared four quarterly cash dividends totaling $18.2 million compared to four quarterly cash dividends of $16.1 million in 2016. The dividend payout ratios for 2017 and 2016 were 88.80% and 45.48%, respectively. The Company continues its trend of uninterrupted dividends. On March 27, 2006, the Company approved its stock repurchase plan allowing the repurchase of up to 5% of its then current outstanding shares, 309,000 shares. There is no expiration date for the share repurchase plan. The Company considers opportunities for stock repurchases carefully. The Company did not repurchase any shares in 2017 and 2016.

 

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto presented herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary effect of inflation on the operations of the Company is reflected in increased operating costs. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, changes in interest rates have a more significant effect on the performance of a financial institution than do the effects of changes in the general rate of inflation and changes in prices. Changes in interest rates could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction, or in the same magnitude, as the prices of goods and services. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, which are beyond the control of the Company, including the influence of domestic and foreign economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government and federal agencies, particularly the FRB.

 

IMPACT OF PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

For a discussion regarding the impact of new accounting standards, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Management considers interest rate risk to be the most significant market risk for the Company. Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. Interest rate risk is the exposure to adverse changes in the net income of the Company as a result of changes in interest rates.

 

The Company’s primary earnings source is net interest income, which is affected by changes in the level of interest rates, the relationship between rates, the impact of interest rate fluctuations on asset prepayments, the level and composition of deposits and liabilities, and the credit quality of earning assets. The Company’s objectives in its asset and liability management are to maintain a strong, stable net interest margin, to utilize its capital effectively without taking undue risks, to maintain adequate liquidity, and to reduce vulnerability of its operations to changes in interest rates.

 

The Company’s Asset and Liability Committee evaluates periodically, but at least four times a year, the impact of changes in market interest rates on assets and liabilities, net interest margin, capital and liquidity. Risk assessments are governed by policies and limits established by senior management, which are reviewed and approved by the full Board of Directors at least annually. The economic environment continually presents uncertainties as to future interest rate trends. The Asset and Liability Committee regularly utilizes a model that projects net interest income based on increasing or decreasing interest rates, in order to be better able to respond to changes in interest rates.

 

At December 31, 2017, $823.2 million, or 87.5%, of the Company’s available for sale and held to maturity securities had fixed interest rates. Changes in interest rates affect the value of the Company’s interest earning assets and in particular its securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. Increases in interest rates could result in decreases in the market value of interest earning assets, which could adversely affect the Company’s stockholders’ equity and its results of operations if sold. The Company is also subject to reinvestment risk associated with changes in interest rates. Changes in market interest rates also could affect the type (fixed-rate or adjustable-rate) and amount of loans originated by the Company and the average life of loans and securities, which can impact the yields earned on the Company’s loans and securities. In periods of decreasing interest rates, the average life of loans and securities held by the Company may be shortened to the extent increased prepayment activity occurs during such periods which, in turn, may result in the investment of funds from such prepayments in lower yielding assets. Under these circumstances, the Company is subject to reinvestment risk to the extent that it is unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates on existing loans and securities. Additionally, increases in interest rates may result in decreasing loan prepayments with respect to fixed rate loans (and therefore an increase in the average life of such loans), may result in a decrease in loan demand, and may make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans.

 

The Company utilizes the results of a detailed and dynamic simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of net interest income to sustained interest rate changes. Management routinely monitors simulated net interest income sensitivity over a rolling two-year horizon. The simulation model captures the impact of changing interest rates on the interest income received and the interest expense paid on all assets and liabilities reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This sensitivity analysis is compared to the asset and liability policy limits that specify a maximum tolerance level for net interest income exposure over a one-year horizon given a 100 and 200 basis point upward shift in interest rates and a 100 basis point downward shift in interest rates. A parallel and pro-rata shift in rates over a twelve-month period is assumed.

 

In addition to the above scenarios, the Company considers other, non-parallel rate shifts that would also exert pressure on earnings. The current low interest rate environment presents the possibility for a flattening of the yield curve. This could happen if the Federal Open Market Committee began to raise short-term interest rates without there being a corresponding rise in long-term rates. This would have the effect of raising short-term borrowing costs without allowing longer term assets to reprice higher.

 

The following reflects the Company’s net interest income sensitivity analysis at December 31, 2017:

 

Change in Interest  Potential Change
in Future Net
Interest Income
 
Rates in Basis Points  Year 1   Year 2 
(Dollars in thousands)  $ Change   % Change   $ Change   % Change 
200  $(4,548)   (3.45)%  $3,217    2.44%
100  $(2,262)   (1.71)%  $2,937    2.23%
Static                
(100)  $918    0.70%  $1,090    0.83%

 

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As noted in the table above, a 200 basis point increase in interest rates is projected to decrease net interest income by 3.45 percent in year 1 and increase net interest income by 2.44 percent in year 2. The Company’s balance sheet sensitivity to such a move in interest rates at December 31, 2017 decreased as compared to December 31, 2016 (which was a decrease of 6.52 percent in net interest income over a twelve-month period). This decrease is the result of a higher proportion of the Company’s assets repricing to market rates, coupled with a large increase in demand deposits and the Company’s ability to hold the costs of interest bearing deposits to below market rates. Overall, the strategy for the Bank remains focused on reducing its exposure to rising rates. Over the intervening year, the effective duration (a measure of price sensitivity to interest rates) of the bond portfolio decreased from 3.73 at December 31, 2016 to 3.23 at December 31, 2017. Additionally, the Bank has increased its use of swaps to extend liabilities. The Company believes that its strong core funding profile also provides protection from rising rates due to the ability of the Bank to lag increases in the rates paid to on these accounts to market rates.

 

The preceding sensitivity analysis does not represent a Company forecast and should not be relied on as being indicative of expected operating results. These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions including, but not limited to, the nature and timing of interest rate levels and yield curve shapes, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and reinvestment and replacement of asset and liability cash flows. While assumptions are developed based on perceived current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions including how customer preferences or competitor influences may change. Also, as market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results will also differ due to prepayment and refinancing levels likely deviating from those assumed, the varying impact of interest rate change caps or floors on adjustable rate assets, the potential effect of changing debt service levels on customers with adjustable rate loans, depositor early withdrawals, prepayment penalties and product preference changes and other internal and external variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that management might take in responding to, or anticipating changes in interest rates and market conditions.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

   December 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks  $76,614   $102,280 
Interest earning deposits with banks   18,133    11,558 
Total cash and cash equivalents   94,747    113,838 
           
Securities available for sale, at fair value   759,916    819,722 
Securities held to maturity (fair value of $179,885 and $222,878, respectively)   180,866    223,237 
Total securities   940,782    1,042,959 
           
Securities, restricted   35,349    34,743 
           
Loans held for investment   3,102,752    2,600,440 
Allowance for loan losses   (31,707)   (25,904)
Loans, net   3,071,045    2,574,536 
           
Premises and equipment, net   33,505    35,263 
Accrued interest receivable   11,652    10,233 
Goodwill   105,950    105,950 
Other intangible assets   5,214    5,824 
Prepaid pension   9,936    7,070 
Bank owned life insurance   87,493    85,243 
Other assets   34,329    38,911 
Total Assets  $4,430,002   $4,054,570 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Demand deposits  $1,338,701   $1,151,268 
Savings, NOW and money market deposits   1,773,478    1,568,009 
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more   158,584    126,198 
Other time deposits   63,780    80,534 
Total deposits   3,334,543    2,926,009 
           
Federal funds purchased   50,000    100,000 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   501,374    496,684 
Repurchase agreements   877    674 
Subordinated debentures, net   78,641    78,502 
Junior subordinated debentures, net   -    15,244 
Other liabilities and accrued expenses   35,367    29,470 
Total Liabilities   4,000,802    3,646,583 
           
Commitments and Contingencies        
           
Stockholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share (2,000,000 shares authorized; none issued)        
Common stock, par value $.01 per share (40,000,000 shares authorized; 19,719,575 and 19,106,246 shares issued, respectively; and 19,709,360 and 19,100,389 shares outstanding, respectively)   197    191 
Surplus   347,691    329,427 
Retained earnings   96,547    91,594 
Treasury stock at cost, 10,215 and 5,857 shares, respectively   (296)   (161)
    444,139    421,051 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes   (14,939)   (13,064)
Total Stockholders’ Equity   429,200    407,987 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  $4,430,002   $4,054,570 

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
Interest income:               
Loans (including fee income)  $126,420   $116,723   $88,760 
Mortgage-backed securities, CMOs and other asset-backed securities   15,231    13,483    11,173 
U.S. GSE securities   1,198    1,294    1,630 
State and municipal obligations   3,788    3,777    3,198 
Corporate bonds   1,233    1,124    840 
Deposits with banks   278    147    47 
Other interest and dividend income   1,701    1,168    592 
Total interest income   149,849    137,716    106,240 
                
Interest expense:               
Savings, NOW and money market deposits   7,858    5,250    4,002 
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more   1,843    932    929 
Other time deposits   725    684    673 
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements   1,571    1,075    474 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   6,105    3,001    1,425 
Subordinated debentures   4,539    4,539    1,261 
Junior subordinated debentures   48    1,364    1,365 
Total interest expense   22,689    16,845    10,129 
                
Net interest income   127,160    120,871    96,111 
Provision for loan losses   14,050    5,550    4,000 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   113,110    115,321    92,111 
                
Non-interest income:               
Service charges and other fees   8,996    8,407    7,054 
Net securities gains (losses)   38    449    (8)
Title fee income   2,394    1,833    1,866 
Gain on sale of Small Business Administration loans   1,689    1,097    507 
BOLI income   2,250    1,929    1,225 
Other operating income   2,735    2,331    2,024 
Total non-interest income   18,102    16,046    12,668 
                
Non-interest expense:               
Salaries and employee benefits   45,766    40,913    33,871 
Occupancy and equipment   13,998    12,798    11,045 
Technology and communications   5,753    4,897    3,599 
Marketing and advertising   4,742    4,048    3,125 
Professional services   3,153    3,646    2,327 
FDIC assessments   1,310    1,635    1,593 
Acquisition costs and branch restructuring   8,020    (920)   9,766 
Amortization of other intangible assets   1,047    2,637    1,447 
Other operating expenses   7,938    7,427    6,117 
Total non-interest expense   91,727    77,081    72,890 
                
Income before income taxes   39,485    54,286    31,889 
Income tax expense   18,946    18,795    10,778 
Net income  $20,539   $35,491   $21,111 
Basic earnings per share  $1.04   $2.01   $1.43 
Diluted earnings per share  $1.04   $2.00   $1.43 

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
Net income  $20,539   $35,491   $21,111 
Other comprehensive income (loss):               
Change in unrealized net losses on securities available for sale, net of reclassifications and deferred income taxes   (505)   (4,082)   (1,434)
Adjustment to pension liability, net of reclassifications and deferred income taxes   193    (630)   380 
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of reclassifications and deferred income taxes   1,089    1,270    (201)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)   777    (3,442)   (1,255)
Comprehensive income  $21,316   $32,049   $19,856 

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

   Common
Stock
   Surplus   Retained
Earnings
   Treasury
Stock
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   Total 
Balance at December 31, 2014  $117   $118,846   $64,547   $(25)  $(8,367)  $175,118 
                               
Net income             21,111              21,111 
Shares issued under the dividend reinvestment plan (“DRP”)        779                   779 
Shares issued in the acquisition of CNB net of offering costs (5,647,268 shares)   56    157,143                   157,199 
Stock awards granted and distributed   1    (263)        262          
Stock awards forfeited        125         (125)         
Repurchase of surrendered stock from vesting of restricted stock awards                  (228)        (228)
Exercise of stock options        (36)        116         80 
Tax effect of stock plans        50                   50 
Share based compensation expense        1,689                   1,689 
Cash dividend declared, $0.92 per share             (13,415)             (13,415)
Other comprehensive loss, net of deferred income taxes                       (1,255)   (1,255)
Balance at December 31, 2015  $174   $278,333   $72,243   $   $(9,622)  $341,128 
                               
Net income             35,491              35,491 
Shares issued under the DRP        921                   921 
Shares issued in common stock offering, net of offering costs (1,613,000 shares)   16    47,505                   47,521 
Shares issued for trust preferred securities conversions (10,344 shares)        292                   292 
Stock awards granted and distributed   1    (205)        204         - 
Stock awards forfeited        173         (173)        - 
Repurchase of surrendered stock from vesting of restricted stock awards                  (344)        (344)
Exercise of stock options        (90)        152         62 
Impact of modification of convertible trust preferred securities        356                   356 
Share based compensation expense        2,142                   2,142 
Cash dividend declared, $0.92 per share             (16,140)             (16,140)
Other comprehensive loss, net of deferred income taxes                       (3,442)   (3,442)
Balance at December 31, 2016  $191   $329,427   $91,594   $(161)  $(13,064)  $407,987 
                               
Net income             20,539              20,539 
Shares issued under the DRP        951                   951 
Shares issued for trust preferred securities conversions (529,292 shares)   5    14,944                   14,949 
Stock awards granted and distributed   1    (434)        433         - 
Stock awards forfeited        218         (218)        - 
Repurchase of surrendered stock from vesting of restricted stock awards                  (350)        (350)
Share based compensation expense        2,585                   2,585 
Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act related to accumulated other comprehensive income reclassification             2,652         (2,652)   - 
Cash dividend declared, $0.92 per share             (18,238)             (18,238)
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes                       777    777 
Balance at December 31, 2017  $197   $347,691   $96,547   $(296)  $(14,939)  $429,200 

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
Cash flows from operating activities:               
Net income  $20,539   $35,491   $21,111 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:               
Provision for loan losses   14,050    5,550    4,000 
Depreciation and (accretion)   (4,109)   (6,746)   (3,789)
Net amortization on securities   6,361    6,501    4,936 
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance   (2,250)   (1,929)   (1,225)
Amortization of intangible assets   1,047    2,637    1,447 
Share based compensation expense   2,585    2,142    1,689 
Net securities (gains) losses   (38)   (449)   8 
Increase in accrued interest receivable   (1,419)   (963)   (267)
Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans originated for sale   (18,596)   (11,944)   (5,043)
Proceeds from sale of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans   20,667    13,286    5,659 
Gain on sale of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans   (1,689)   (1,097)   (507)
Loss (gain) on sale of loans   58    (98)   (477)
Decrease (increase) in other assets   5,426    8,331    (6,815)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities   4,194    (6,476)   10,799 
Net cash provided by operating activities   46,826    44,236    31,526 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Purchases of securities available for sale   (116,956)   (462,702)   (330,646)
Purchases of securities, restricted   (654,017)   (537,930)   (318,887)
Purchases of securities held to maturity   (4,128)   (46,495)   (21,650)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale   52,367    264,358    75,750 
Redemption of securities, restricted   653,411    527,975    308,808 
Maturities, calls and principal payments of securities available for sale   118,092    167,045    113,217 
Maturities, calls and principal payments of securities held to maturity   45,334    30,460    34,897 
Net increase in loans   (526,989)   (206,380)   (354,375)
Proceeds from loan sale   23,171    18,116    21,011 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned (“OREO”), net       278     
Purchase of bank owned life insurance       (30,000)    
Purchase of premises and equipment   (2,069)   (4,270)   (4,325)
Net cash acquired in business combination           24,628 
Net cash used in investing activities   (411,784)   (279,545)   (451,572)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Net increase in deposits   408,597    83,120    223,872 
Net (decrease) increase in federal funds purchased   (50,000)   (20,000)   45,000 
Net increase in Federal Home Loan Bank advances   5,056    199,666    124,087 
Repayment of junior subordinated debentures   (352)        
Net increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements   203    (50,217)   14,628 
Net proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures           78,324 
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock   951    48,442    779 
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options       62    80 
Repurchase of surrendered stock from vesting of restricted stock awards   (350)   (344)   (228)
Excess tax benefit from share based compensation           50 
Cash dividends paid   (18,238)   (16,140)   (13,415)
Other, net           (303)
Net cash provided by financing activities   345,867    244,589    472,874 
                
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (19,091)   9,280    52,828 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   113,838    104,558    51,730 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $94,747   $113,838   $104,558 
                
Supplemental Information-Cash Flows:               
Cash paid for:               
Interest  $22,917   $16,640   $8,793 
Income tax  $8,445   $21,585   $8,744 
                
Noncash investing and financing activities:               
Conversion of junior subordinated debentures  $15,350   $   $ 
Transfers from portfolio loans to OREO  $   $   $250 
                
Acquisition of noncash assets and liabilities:               
Fair value of assets acquired  $   $   $875,302 
Fair value of liabilities assumed  $   $   $831,422 

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of New York. The Company’s business currently consists of the operations of its wholly-owned subsidiary, BNB Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank’s operations include its real estate investment trust subsidiary, Bridgehampton Community, Inc.; a financial title insurance subsidiary, Bridge Abstract LLC (“Bridge Abstract”); and an investment services subsidiary, Bridge Financial Services, Inc. (“Bridge Financial Services”). In addition to the Bank, the Company had another subsidiary, Bridge Statutory Capital Trust II (“the Trust”), which was formed in 2009 and sold $16.0 million of 8.5% cumulative convertible trust preferred securities (“TPS”) in a private placement to accredited investors. In accordance with accounting guidance, the Trust was not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. The TPS were redeemed effective January 18, 2017 and the Trust was cancelled effective April 24, 2017.

 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial institution industry. The following is a description of the significant accounting policies that the Company follows in preparing its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

a) Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

 

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of each consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statement of income for the years then ended. Such estimates are subject to change in the future as additional information becomes available or previously existing circumstances are modified. Actual future results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

b) Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold, which mature overnight. Cash flows are reported net for customer loan and deposit transactions, federal funds purchased, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, and repurchase agreements.

 

c) Securities

 

Debt and equity securities are classified in one of the following categories: (i) “held to maturity” (management has a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity), which are reported at amortized cost, (ii) “available for sale” (all other debt and marketable equity securities), which are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity, and (iii) “restricted” which represents FHLB, FRB and bankers’ banks stock which are reported at cost.

 

Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the respective securities using the interest method. Gains and losses on the sales of securities are recognized upon realization based on the specific identification method. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary are reflected as realized losses. In determining other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), management considers many factors including: (1) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Company has the intent to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet these criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components: (1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and (2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.

 

d) Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

 

The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a particular amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost and classified as a restricted

 

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security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

 

e) Loans, Loan Interest Income Recognition and Loans Held for Sale

 

Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of partial charge-offs, deferred origination costs and fees and purchase premiums and discounts. Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct and indirect costs incurred in connection with loan originations are deferred and amortized to income over the life of the related loans as an adjustment to yield. When a loan prepays, the remaining unamortized net deferred origination fees or costs are recognized in the current year. Interest on loans is credited to income based on the principal outstanding during the period. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. Loans that are 90 days past due are automatically placed on nonaccrual and previously accrued interest is reversed and charged against interest income. However, if the loan is in the process of collection and the Bank has reasonable assurance that the loan will be fully collectable based upon an individual loan evaluation assessing such factors as collateral and collectability, accrued interest will be recognized as earned. If a payment is received when a loan is nonaccrual or a troubled debt restructuring loan is nonaccrual, the payment is applied to the principal balance. A troubled debt restructured loan performing in accordance with its modified terms is maintained on accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans for which the terms have been modified as a concession to the borrower due to the borrower experiencing financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructurings and are classified as impaired. Loans considered to be troubled debt restructurings can be categorized as nonaccrual or performing. The impairment of a loan is measured at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent. Generally, the Bank measures impairment of such loans by reference to the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. Loans that experience minor payment delays and payment shortfall generally are not classified as impaired.

 

Non-residential real estate loans over $200,000 and residential real estate loans over $1.0 million are individually evaluated for impairment. Smaller balance loans may also be individually evaluated for impairment if they are part of a larger impaired relationship. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate or at the fair value of collateral less costs to sell if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Loans with balances below the aforementioned thresholds are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

 

Loans that were acquired through the acquisition of Community National Bank (“CNB”) on June 19, 2015 and First National Bank of New York (“FNBNY”) on February 14, 2014, were initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, losses are recognized through the allowance for loan losses. Determining fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of expected principal and interest cash flows to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at a market interest rate. Some of the loans at the time of acquisition showed evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These loans are considered purchased credit impaired loans.

 

For purchased credit impaired loans, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable discount. The nonaccretable discount represents estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Subsequent increases to the expected cash flows result in the reversal of a corresponding amount of the nonaccretable discount, which is then reclassified as accretable discount and recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require management to evaluate the need for an addition to the allowance for loan losses.

 

Purchased credit impaired loans that were nonaccrual prior to acquisition may be considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if management can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if management expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, management may no longer consider the loans to be nonaccrual or nonperforming and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount.

 

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value. Any subsequent declines in fair value below the initial carrying value are recorded as a valuation allowance, which is established through a charge to earnings.

 

Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan classes.

 

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f) Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on probable incurred losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. The allowance is comprised of both individual valuation allowances and loan pool valuation allowances. The Bank monitors its entire loan portfolio regularly, with consideration given to detailed analysis of classified loans, repayment patterns, probable incurred losses, past loss experience, current economic conditions, and various types of concentrations of credit. Additions to the allowance are charged to expense and realized losses, net of recoveries, are charged to the allowance.

 

Individual valuation allowances are established in connection with specific loan reviews and the asset classification process including the procedures for impairment testing under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 310, “Receivables”. Such valuation, which includes a review of loans for which full collectability in accordance with contractual terms is not reasonably assured, considers the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less the costs to sell, if any, or the present value of expected future cash flows, or the loan’s observable market value. Any shortfall that exists from this analysis results in a specific allowance for the loan. Pursuant to the Company’s policy, loan losses must be charged-off in the period the loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectable. Assumptions and judgments by management, in conjunction with outside sources, are used to determine whether full collectability of a loan is not reasonably assured. These assumptions and judgments are also used to determine the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows or the loan’s observable market value. Individual valuation allowances could differ materially as a result of changes in these assumptions and judgments. Individual loan analyses are periodically performed on specific loans considered impaired. The results of the individual valuation allowances are aggregated and included in the overall allowance for loan losses.

 

Loan pool valuation allowances represent loss allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risks associated with the Bank’s lending activities, but which, unlike individual allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. Pool evaluations are broken down into loans with homogenous characteristics by loan type and include commercial real estate mortgages, owner and non-owner occupied; multi-family mortgage loans; home equity loans; residential real estate mortgages; commercial, industrial and agricultural loans, secured and unsecured; real estate construction and land loans; and consumer loans. Management considers a variety of factors in determining the adequacy of the valuation allowance and has developed a range of valuation allowances necessary to adequately provide for probable incurred losses in each pool of loans. Management considers the Bank’s charge-off history along with the growth in the portfolio as well as the Bank’s credit administration and asset management philosophies and procedures when determining the allowances for each pool. In addition, management evaluates and considers the credit’s risk rating, which includes management’s evaluation of: cash flow, collateral, guarantor support, financial disclosures, industry trends and strength of borrowers’ management, the impact that economic and market conditions may have on the portfolio as well as known and inherent risks in the portfolio. Finally, management evaluates and considers the allowance ratios and coverage percentages of peer group and regulatory agency data. These evaluations are inherently subjective because, even though they are based on objective data, it is management’s interpretation of that data that determines the amount of the appropriate allowance. If the evaluations prove to be incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance for loan losses.

 

For PCI loans, a valuation allowance is established when it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all the cash flows expected at acquisition plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition. A specific allowance is established when subsequent evaluations of expected cash flows from PCI loans reflect a decrease in those estimates. The allowance established represents the excess of the recorded investment in those loans over the present value of the currently estimated future cash flow, discounted at the last effective accounting yield.

 

The Bank uses assumptions and methodologies that are relevant to estimating the level of impairment and probable losses in the loan portfolio. To the extent that the data supporting such assumptions has limitations, management's judgment and experience play a key role in recording the allowance estimates. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by provisions charged to earnings. Furthermore, an improvement in the expected cash flows related to PCI loans would result in a reduction of the required specific allowance with a corresponding credit to the provision.

 

Future additions or reductions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic, market or other conditions. Changes in estimates could result in a material change in the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of the information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

A loan is considered a potential charge-off when it is in default of either principal or interest for a period of 90, 120 or 180 days, depending upon the loan type, as of the end of the prior month. In addition to delinquency criteria, other triggering events may include, but are not limited to, notice of bankruptcy by the borrower or guarantor, death of the borrower, and deficiency balance from the sale of collateral.

 

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Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan segments.

 

g) Premises and Equipment

 

Buildings, furniture and fixtures, and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method using a useful life of fifty years for buildings and a range of two to ten years for equipment, computer hardware and software, and furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lives of the respective leases or the service lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Land is recorded at cost.

 

Improvements and major repairs are capitalized, while the cost of ordinary maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to expense.

 

h) Bank-Owned Life Insurance

 

The Bank is the owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies on certain employees. Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

 

i) Other Real Estate Owned

 

Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are charged to expense as incurred.

 

j) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill resulting from business combinations is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount of the asset may be impaired. The Company has selected November 30 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Goodwill and the BNB Bank trademark are intangible assets with indefinite lives on the Company’s balance sheet.

 

Other intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives of ten years. Non-compete intangible assets arising from whole bank acquisitions were fully amortized as of December 31, 2016.

 

Other intangible assets also include servicing rights, which result from the sale of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans with servicing rights retained. Servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. Servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method, which requires servicing rights to be amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Servicing assets totaled $1.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $975 thousand at December 31, 2016.

 

k) Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

 

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

 

l) Derivatives

 

The Company records cash flow hedges at the inception of the derivative contract based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. Cash flow hedges represent a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as noninterest income.

 

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

 

The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.

 

When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

 

m) Income Taxes

 

The Company follows the asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not that a future benefit will be realized. It is management’s position, as currently supported by the facts and circumstances, that no valuation allowance is necessary against any of the Company’s deferred tax assets.

 

In accordance with FASB ASU 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, a tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. There are no such tax positions in the Company’s financial statements at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company did not have any amounts accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

n) Treasury Stock

 

Repurchases of common stock are recorded as treasury stock at cost. Treasury stock is reissued using the first in, first out method.

 

o) Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities”. This ASC addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing EPS. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS, which reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options were exercised and if junior subordinated debentures were converted into common shares, is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders including assumed conversions by the weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.

 

p) Dividends

 

Cash available for distribution of dividends to stockholders of the Company is primarily derived from cash and cash equivalents of the Company and dividends paid by the Bank to the Company. Prior regulatory approval is required if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of the Bank’s net income of that year combined with its retained net income of the preceding two years. Dividends from the Bank to the Company at January 1, 2018 are limited to $48.2 million, which represents the Bank’s net retained earnings from the previous two years. During 2017, the Bank did not pay dividends to the Company.

 

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q) Segment Reporting

 

While management monitors the revenue streams of the various products and services, the identifiable segments are not material and operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

 

r) Stock Based Compensation Plans

 

Stock based compensation awards are recorded in accordance with FASB ASC No. 718, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” which requires companies to record compensation cost for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units granted to employees in return for employee service. The cost is measured at the fair value of the options and awards when granted, and this cost is expensed over the employee service period, which is normally the vesting period of the options and awards.

 

s) Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income includes net income and all other changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Other comprehensive income includes revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income but excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income are reported net of deferred income taxes. Accumulated other comprehensive income for the Company includes unrealized holding gains or losses on available for sale securities, unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges and changes in the funded status of the pension plan. FASB ASC 715-30 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – Pension” requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year the changes occur through comprehensive income.

 

t) Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Newly Issued Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards

 

The following are new accounting standards that are likely to be broadly applicable to financial institutions.

 

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)

In May 2014, the FASB amended existing guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. This amendment supersedes and replaces nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance, establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. In addition, the amendment specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. These amendments are effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that period. The amendments allow for one of two transition methods: full retrospective or modified retrospective. The full retrospective approach requires application to all periods presented. The modified retrospective transition requires application to uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption. Periods prior to the date of adoption are not retrospectively revised, but a cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application on uncompleted contracts. While the guidance in ASU 2014-09 supersedes most existing industry-specific revenue recognition accounting guidance, much of a bank’s revenue comes from financial instruments such as debt securities and loans, which are scoped-out of the guidance. Most of the Company’s revenue comes from financial instruments, i.e. loans and securities, which are not within the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company determined its service charges on deposit accounts and fees for other customer services within non-interest income are in scope of the amended guidance. As a result of the Company’s assessment of revenue recognition, it has determined the recognition, measurement and presentation of services charges on deposit accounts and fees for other customer services will not change. The Company has not identified any material differences in the amount and timing of revenue recognition for these revenue streams that are within the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018, using the modified retrospective method of adoption. The Company’s adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)

In February 2016, the FASB amended existing guidance that requires lessees recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date (1) A lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) A right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align, where necessary, the lessor accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees

 

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and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the consolidated financial statements. Based on leases outstanding at December 31, 2017, the Company does not expect the updates to have a material impact on the income statement, but does anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in an increase in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

 

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

In June 2016, FASB issued guidance to replace the incurred loss model with an expected loss model, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model. The CECL model is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables, held-to maturity debt securities, and reinsurance receivables. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor. For public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer, like the Company, the standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may early adopt for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of 2020 using the required modified retrospective method with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the reporting period. The Company has created a cross-functional committee responsible for evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13, assessing data and system needs, and implementing required changes to loss estimation methods under the CECL model. The Company cannot yet determine the overall impact this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB amended existing guidance to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments require an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amendments also eliminate the requirement for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments are effective for public business entities that are an SEC filer, like the Company, for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The amendments should be applied prospectively. An entity is required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition in the first annual period and in the interim period within the first annual period when the entity initially adopts the amendments. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

 

ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

In March 2017, the FASB amended existing guidance to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The amendments require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit costs are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The line item used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. Additionally, only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization, if applicable. For public business entities, like the Company, ASU 2017-07 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement. The amendments allow a practical expedient that permits an employer to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The amendment requires disclosure that the practical expedient was used. The components of net benefit cost are disclosed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018. The Company will present its other components of net benefit expense outside of Salaries and employee benefits in the Other operating expenses income statement line. The change in presentation will not change the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

 

ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Scope of Modification Accounting

In May 2017, the FASB provided guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The current disclosure requirements in Topic 718 apply regardless of whether an entity is required to apply modification accounting under the amendments in ASU 2017-09. The amendments in ASU 2017-09 are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The amendments should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

 

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ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities 

In August 2017, the FASB provided guidance to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. The amendments also simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The amendments in the Update better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes in both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted. ASU 2017-12 requires a modified retrospective transition method in which the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet as of the date of adoption. While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of the standard, ASU 2017-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB amended existing guidance to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 at the beginning of the fourth quarter 2017 and reclassified $2.7 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. For additional information, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

u) Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

 

2. SECURITIES

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the available for sale and held to maturity investment securities portfolio and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses therein:

 

   December 31, 
   2017   2016 
(In thousands)  Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Available for sale:                                        
U.S. GSE securities   $57,994   $   $(1,180)  $56,814   $64,993   $   $(1,344)  $63,649 
State and municipal obligations    87,582    259    (819)   87,022    117,292    212    (1,339)   116,165 
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities    189,705    29    (2,833)   186,901    160,446    16    (2,414)   158,048 
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations   314,390    16    (7,016)   307,390    373,098    149    (5,736)   367,511 
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities    6,017    2    (40)   5,979    6,337    6    (36)   6,307 
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations   49,965        (1,249)   48,716    56,148        (956)   55,192 
Other asset backed securities   24,250        (849)   23,401    24,250        (1,697)   22,553 
Corporate bonds   46,000        (2,307)   43,693    32,000        (1,703)   30,297 
Total available for sale    775,903    306    (16,293)   759,916    834,564    383    (15,225)   819,722 
                                         
Held to maturity:                                        
State and municipal obligations    60,762    972    (64)   61,670    66,666    1,085    (130)   67,621 
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities    11,424        (261)   11,163    13,443        (287)   13,156 
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations    54,250    244    (666)   53,828    61,639    352    (552)   61,439 
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities    22,953    77    (438)   22,592    28,772    136    (509)   28,399 
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations   31,477        (845)   30,632    41,717    93    (573)   41,237 
     Corporate bonds                   11,000    26        11,026 
Total held to maturity    180,866    1,293    (2,274)   179,885    223,237    1,692    (2,051)   222,878 
Total securities   $956,769   $1,599   $(18,567)  $939,801   $1,057,801   $2,075   $(17,276)  $1,042,600 

 

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The following table summarizes securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2017 and 2016, aggregated by category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 

   December 31, 
   2017   2016 
   Less than 12 months   Greater than 12 months   Less than 12 months   Greater than 12 months 
   Estimated   Gross   Estimated   Gross   Estimated   Gross   Estimated   Gross 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
(In thousands)  Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
Available for sale:                                        
U.S. GSE securities   $   $   $56,815   $(1,180)  $63,649   $(1,344)  $   $ 
State and municipal obligations    35,350    (301)   28,165    (518)   78,883    (1,338)   240    (1)
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities   107,408    (1,153)   69,571    (1,680)   140,514    (2,409)   241    (5)
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations    77,705    (759)   224,932    (6,257)   319,197    (5,221)   15,627    (515)
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities   2,345    (40)           2,573    (36)        
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations   452    (1)   48,264    (1,248)   48,901    (886)   6,292    (70)
Other asset backed securities           23,401    (849)           22,552    (1,697)
Corporate bonds   13,588    (412)   30,105    (1,895)   17,834    (1,166)   12,463    (537)
Total available for sale    236,848    (2,666)   481,253    (13,627)   671,551    (12,400)   57,415    (2,825)
                                         
Held to maturity:                                        
    State and municipal obligations    7,709    (57)   1,009    (7)   21,867    (130)        
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities    1,359    (16)   9,804    (245)   13,156    (287)        
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations    21,329    (94)   21,112    (572)   31,297    (455)   3,873    (97)
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities    8,789    (121)   8,303    (317)   12,860    (286)   5,877    (223)
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations    10,341    (116)   20,290    (729)   22,666    (372)   3,790    (201)
Total held to maturity   $49,527   $(404)  $60,518   $(1,870)  $101,846   $(1,530)  $13,540   $(521)

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) quarterly and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant. The investment securities portfolio is evaluated for OTTI by segregating the portfolio into two general segments and applying the appropriate OTTI model. Investment securities classified as available for sale or held to maturity are generally evaluated for OTTI under FASB ASC 320, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”. In determining OTTI under the FASB ASC 320 model, management considers many factors, including: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Company has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet these criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components: (1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and (2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.

 

At December 31, 2017, substantially all of the securities in an unrealized loss position had a fixed interest rate and the cause of the temporary impairment was directly related to changes in interest rates. The Company generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary, which is consistent with its experience. Other asset backed securities are comprised of student loan backed bonds, which are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education for 97% to 100% of principal. Additionally, the bonds have credit support of 3% to 5% and have maintained their Aaa Moody’s rating during the time the Bank has owned them.  The corporate bonds within the portfolio have all maintained an investment grade rating by either Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s. None of the unrealized losses is related to credit losses. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery. Therefore, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2017.

 

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The following table sets forth the estimated fair value, amortized cost and contractual maturities of the securities portfolio at December 31, 2017. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Within   After One but   After Five but   After     
   One Year   Within Five Years   Within Ten Years   Ten Years   Total 
   Estimated       Estimated       Estimated       Estimated       Estimated     
   Fair   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair   Amortized 
(In thousands)  Value   Cost   Value   Cost   Value   Cost   Value   Cost   Value   Cost 
Available for sale:                                                  
                                                   
U.S. GSE securities   $   $   $37,271   $37,994   $19,543   $20,000   $   $   $56,814   $57,994 
State and municipal obligations    9,588    9,600    45,196    45,683    31,809    31,884    429    415    87,022    87,582 
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities                   25,203    25,482    161,698    164,223    186,901    189,705 
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations                    5,468    5,543    301,922    308,847    307,390    314,390 
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities           5,979    6,017                    5,979    6,017 
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations                           48,716    49,965    48,716    49,965 
Other asset backed securities                           23,401    24,250    23,401    24,250 
Corporate bonds                   43,693    46,000            43,693    46,000 
Total available for sale    9,588    9,600    88,446    89,694    125,716    128,909    536,166    547,700    759,916    775,903 
                                                   
Held to maturity:                                                  
                                                   
State and municipal obligations    3,766    3,774    17,610    17,430    38,599    37,882    1,695    1,676    61,670    60,762 
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities                   5,011    5,103    6,152    6,321    11,163    11,424 
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations                    6,769    6,795    47,059    47,455    53,828    54,250 
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities           9,373    9,311    4,916    5,022    8,303    8,620    22,592    22,953 
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations           3,851    4,030            26,781    27,447    30,632    31,477 
Total held to maturity    3,766    3,774    30,834    30,771    55,295    54,802    89,990    91,519    179,885    180,866 
Total securities   $13,354   $13,374   $119,280   $120,465   $181,011   $183,711   $626,156   $639,219   $939,801   $956,769 

 

Sales and Calls of Securities

 

There were $52.4 million of proceeds on sales of available for sale securities with gross gains of approximately $0.3 million and gross losses of approximately $0.3 million realized in 2017. There were $264.4 million of proceeds on sales of available for sale securities with gross gains of approximately $1.6 million and gross losses of approximately $1.2 million realized in 2016. There were $75.8 million of proceeds on sales of available for sale securities with gross gains of approximately $0.5 million and gross losses of approximately $0.5 million realized in 2015.

 

Pledged Securities

 

Securities having a fair value of $513.5 million and $570.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and FHLB and FRB overnight borrowings.

 

Trading Securities

 

The Company did not hold any trading securities during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Restricted Securities

 

The Bank is a member of the FHLB of New York. Members are required to own a particular amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. The Bank is a member of the Atlantic Central Banker’s Bank (“ACBB”) and is required to own ACBB stock. The Bank is also a member of the FRB system and required to own FRB stock. FHLB, ACBB and FRB stock is carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. The Bank owned $35.3 million and $34.7 million in FHLB, ACBB and FRB stock at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These amounts were reported as restricted securities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there was no issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its sponsored entities, where the Bank had invested holdings that exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity.

  

3. FAIR VALUE

 

FASB ASC No. 820-10 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. FASB ASC 820-10 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

The following tables summarize assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

   December 31, 2017 
       Fair Value Measurements Using: 
(In thousands)  Carrying
Value
   Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  

Significant
Other

Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Financial assets:                    
Available for sale securities:                    
U.S. GSE securities  $56,814      $56,814    
State and municipal obligations   87,022         87,022      
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities   186,901         186,901      
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations   307,390         307,390      
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities   5,979         5,979      
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations   48,716         48,716      
Other asset backed securities   23,401         23,401      
Corporate bonds   43,693         43,693      
Total available for sale securities  $759,916        $759,916      
Derivatives  $4,546        $4,546      
                     
Financial liabilities:                    
Derivatives  $1,823        $1,823    

 

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   December 31, 2016 
       Fair Value Measurements Using: 
(In thousands)  Carrying
Value
   Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets 
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Financial assets:                    
Available for sale securities:                    
U.S. GSE securities  $63,649        $63,649      
State and municipal obligations   116,165         116,165      
U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities   158,048         158,048      
U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations   367,511         367,511      
U.S. GSE commercial mortgage-backed securities   6,307         6,307      
U.S. GSE commercial collateralized mortgage obligations   55,192         55,192      
Other asset backed securities   22,553         22,553      
Corporate bonds   30,297         30,297      
Total available for sale securities  $819,722        $819,722      
Derivatives  $2,510        $2,510      
                     
Financial liabilities:                    
Derivatives  $1,670        $1,670      

 

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The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:

 

   December 31, 2017 
       Fair Value Measurements Using: 
(In thousands)  Carrying
Value
   Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets 
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Impaired loans  $         $ 

 

   December 31, 2016 
       Fair Value Measurements Using: 
(In thousands)  Carrying
Value
   Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets 
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Impaired loans  $64         $64 

 

Impaired loans with an allocated allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2017 had a carrying amount of zero, which is made up of the outstanding balance of $1.7 million, net of a valuation allowance of $1.7 million. This resulted in an additional provision for loan losses of $1.7 million that is included in the amount reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Impaired loans with an allocated allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2016 had a carrying amount of $64 thousand, which is made up of the outstanding balance of $65 thousand, net of a valuation allowance of $1 thousand. This resulted in an additional provision for loan losses of $1 thousand that is included in the amount reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income. There was no other real estate owned at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

The Company used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:

 

Cash and Due from Banks and Interest Earning Deposits with Banks: Carrying amounts approximate fair value, since these instruments are either payable on demand or have short-term maturities and as such are classified as Level 1.

 

Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity: If available, the estimated fair values are based on independent dealer quotations on nationally recognized securities exchanges and are classified as Level 1. For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair value is based on matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities resulting in a Level 2 classification.

 

Restricted Securities: It is not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB, ACBB and FRB stock due to restrictions placed on transferability.

 

Derivatives: Represents interest rate swaps for which the estimated fair values are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date resulting in a Level 2 classification.

 

Loans: The estimated fair values of real estate mortgage loans and other loans receivable are based on discounted cash flow calculations that use available market benchmarks when establishing discount factors for the types of loans resulting in a Level 3 classification. Exceptions may be made for adjustable rate loans with resets of one year or less, which would be discounted straight to their rate index plus or minus an appropriate spread. All nonaccrual loans are carried at their current fair value. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price and therefore, while permissible for presentation purposes under FASB ASC 825-10, do not conform to FASB ASC 820-10.

 

Impaired Loans and Other Real Estate Owned: For impaired loans, the Company evaluates the fair value of the loan in accordance with current accounting guidance.  For loans that are collateral dependent, the fair value of the collateral is used to determine the fair value of the loan. The fair value of the collateral is determined based on recent appraised values. The fair value of other real estate owned is also evaluated in accordance with current accounting guidance and determined based on recent appraised values less the estimated cost to sell. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for

 

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differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Adjustments may relate to location, square footage, condition, amenities, market rate of leases as well as timing of comparable sales. All appraisals undergo a second review process to insure that the methodology employed and the values derived are reasonable. The fair value of the loan is compared to the carrying value to determine if any write-down or specific reserve is required. Impaired loans are evaluated quarterly for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly.

  

Appraisals for collateral-dependent impaired loans are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Company. Once received, the Credit Department reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with independent data sources such as recent market data or industry-wide statistics. On a quarterly basis, the Company compares the actual sale price of collateral that has been sold to the most recent appraised value to determine what additional adjustments should be made to appraisal values to arrive at fair value. Management also considers the appraisal values for commercial properties associated with current loan origination activity. Collectively, this information is reviewed to help assess current trends in commercial property values. For each collateral dependent impaired loan, management considers information that relates to the type of commercial property to determine if such properties may have appreciated or depreciated in value since the date of the most recent appraisal. Adjustments to fair value are made only when the analysis indicates a probable decline in collateral values. Adjustments made in the appraisal process are not deemed material to the overall consolidated financial statements given the level of impaired loans measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

 

Deposits: The estimated fair values of certificates of deposit are based on discounted cash flow calculations that use a replacement cost of funds approach to establishing discount rates for certificate of deposit maturities resulting in a Level 2 classification. Stated value is fair value for all other deposits resulting in a Level 1 classification.

 

Borrowed Funds: Represents federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements and FHLB advances for which the estimated fair values are based on discounted cash flow calculations that use a replacement cost of funds approach to establishing discount rates for funding maturities resulting in a Level 1 classification for overnight federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements and FHLB advances and a Level 2 classification for all other maturity terms.

 

Subordinated Debentures: The estimated fair value is based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date resulting in a Level 2 classification.

 

Junior Subordinated Debentures: The estimated fair value is based on estimates using market data for similarly risk weighted items and takes into consideration the convertible features of the debentures into Company common stock, which is an unobservable input resulting in a Level 3 classification.

 

Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable: For these short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of the fair value resulting in a Level 1, 2 or 3 classification consistent with the underlying asset or liability the interest is associated with.

 

Off-Balance-Sheet Liabilities: The fair value of off-balance-sheet commitments to extend credit is estimated using fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements. The fair value is immaterial as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Fair value estimates are made at specific points in time and are based on existing on-and off-balance sheet financial instruments. These estimates are subjective in nature and dependent on a number of significant assumptions associated with each financial instrument or group of financial instruments, including estimates of discount rates, risks associated with specific financial instruments, estimates of future cash flows, and relevant available market information. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. In addition, fair value estimates do not reflect the value of anticipated future business, premiums or discounts that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, or the tax consequences of realizing gains or losses on the sale of financial instruments.

 

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The following tables summarize the estimated fair values and recorded carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

   December 31, 2017 
       Fair Value Measurement Using:     
(In thousands)  Carrying
Amount
  

Quoted Prices In
Active Markets for 

Identical Assets

(Level 1)

   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
   Total 
Fair Value
 
Financial assets:                         
Cash and due from banks  $76,614   $76,614   $   $   $76,614 
Interest bearing deposits with banks   18,133    18,133            18,133 
Securities available for sale   759,916        759,916        759,916 
Securities restricted   35,349    n/a    n/a    n/a    n/a 
Securities held to maturity   180,866        179,885        179,885 
Loans, net   3,071,045            3,010,023    3,010,023 
Derivatives   4,546        4,546        4,546 
Accrued interest receivable   11,652        3,211    8,441    11,652 
                          
Financial liabilities:                         
Certificates of deposit   222,364        220,775        220,775 
Demand and other deposits   3,112,179    3,112,179            3,112,179 
Federal funds purchased   50,000    50,000            50,000 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   501,374    185,000    313,558        498,558 
Repurchase agreements   877        877        877 
Subordinated debentures   78,641        77,933        77,933 
Derivatives   1,823        1,823        1,823 
Accrued interest payable   1,574        462    1,112    1,574 

 

   December 31, 2016 
       Fair Value Measurement Using:     
(In thousands)  Carrying
Amount
   Quoted Prices In
Active Markets for
Identical Assets 
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
   Total
Fair Value
 
Financial assets:                         
Cash and due from banks  $102,280   $102,280   $   $   $102,280 
Interest bearing deposits with banks   11,558    11,558            11,558 
Securities available for sale   819,722        819,722        819,722 
Securities restricted   34,743    n/a    n/a    n/a    n/a 
Securities held to maturity   223,237        222,878        222,878 
Loans, net   2,574,536            2,542,395    2,542,395 
Derivatives   2,510        2,510        2,510 
Accrued interest receivable   10,233        3,480    6,753    10,233 
                          
Financial liabilities:                         
Certificates of deposit   206,732        206,026        206,026 
Demand and other deposits   2,719,277    2,719,277            2,719,277 
Federal funds purchased   100,000    100,000            100,000 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   496,684    175,000    321,249        496,249 
Repurchase agreements   674        674        674 
Subordinated debentures   78,502        78,303        78,303 
Junior subordinated debentures   15,244            15,258    15,258 
Derivatives   1,670        1,670        1,670 
Accrued interest payable   1,849        403    1,446    1,849 

 

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4. LOANS

 

The following table sets forth the major classifications of loans:

 

   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016 
Commercial real estate mortgage loans  $1,293,906   $1,091,752 
Multi-family mortgage loans   595,280    518,146 
Residential real estate mortgage loans   464,264    364,884 
Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans   616,003    524,450 
Real estate construction and land loans   107,759    80,605 
Installment/consumer loans   21,041    16,368 
Total loans   3,098,253    2,596,205 
Net deferred loan costs and fees   4,499    4,235 
Total loans held for investment   3,102,752    2,600,440 
Allowance for loan losses   (31,707)   (25,904)
Loans, net  $3,071,045   $2,574,536 

 

In June 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Community National Bank (“CNB”) resulting in the addition of $729.4 million of acquired loans recorded at their fair value. There were approximately $359.4 million and $464.2 million of acquired CNB loans remaining as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

In February 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of FNBNY Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary First National Bank of New York (collectively “FNBNY”) resulting in the addition of $89.7 million of acquired loans recorded at their fair value. There were approximately $15.4 million and $26.5 million of acquired FNBNY loans remaining as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Lending Risk

 

The principal business of the Bank is lending in commercial real estate mortgage loans, multi-family mortgage loans, residential real estate mortgage loans, construction loans, home equity loans, commercial, industrial and agricultural loans, land loans and consumer loans. The Bank considers its primary lending area to be Nassau and Suffolk Counties located on Long Island and the New York City boroughs. A substantial portion of the Bank’s loans is secured by real estate in these areas. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of the loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market and economic conditions in this region.

 

Commercial Real Estate Mortgages

 

Loans in this classification include income producing investment properties and owner occupied real estate used for business purposes. The underlying properties are located largely in the Bank’s primary market area. The cash flows of the income producing investment properties are adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on credit quality. Generally, management seeks to obtain annual financial information for borrowers with loans in excess of $250,000 in this category. In the case of owner-occupied real estate used for business purposes, a weakened economy and resultant decreased consumer and/or business spending will have an adverse effect on credit quality.

 

Multi-Family Mortgages

 

Loans in this classification include income producing residential investment properties of five or more families. The loans are usually made in areas with limited single-family residences generating high demand for these facilities.  Loans are made to established owners with a proven and demonstrable record of strong performance. Loans are secured by a first mortgage lien on the subject property with a loan to value ratio generally not exceeding 75%. Repayment is derived generally from the rental income generated from the property and may be supplemented by the owners’ personal cash flow. Credit risk arises with an increase in vacancy rates, property mismanagement and the predominance of non-recourse loans that are customary in the industry. 

 

Residential Real Estate Mortgages and Home Equity Loans

 

Loans in these classifications are generally secured by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, can have an effect on the credit quality in this loan class. The Bank generally does not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80% and does not grant subprime loans.

 

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Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural Loans

 

Loans in this classification are made to businesses and include term loans, lines of credit, senior secured loans to corporations, equipment financing and taxi medallion loans. Generally, these loans are secured by assets of the business and repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer and/or business spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this loan class.

 

Real Estate Construction and Land Loans

 

Loans in this classification primarily include land loans to local individuals, contractors and developers for developing the land for sale or for the purpose of making improvements thereon. Repayment is derived primarily from sale of the lots/units including any pre-sold units. Credit risk is affected by market conditions, time to sell at an adequate price and cost overruns. To a lesser extent, this class includes commercial development projects that the Company finances, which in most cases require interest only during construction, and then convert to permanent financing. Construction delays, cost overruns, market conditions and the availability of permanent financing, to the extent such permanent financing is not being provided by the Bank, all affect the credit risk in this loan class.

 

Installment and Consumer Loans

 

Loans in this classification may be either secured or unsecured. Repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower and, if applicable, sale of the collateral securing the loan, such as automobiles. Therefore, the overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this loan class.

 

Credit Quality Indicators

 

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories of pass, special mention, substandard and doubtful based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt including repayment patterns, probable incurred losses, past loss experience, current economic conditions, and various types of concentrations of credit. Assigned risk rating grades are continuously updated as new information is obtained. Loans risk rated special mention, substandard and doubtful are reviewed on a quarterly basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk rating grades:

 

Pass: Loans classified as pass include current loans performing in accordance with contractual terms, pools of homogenous residential real estate and installment/consumer loans that are not individually risk rated and loans which do not exhibit certain risk factors that require greater than usual monitoring by management.

 

Special mention: Loans classified as special mention, while generally not delinquent, have potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or in the Bank's credit position at some future date.

 

Substandard: Loans classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. There is a distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in a substandard loan, and may also be in delinquency status and have defined weaknesses based on currently existing facts, conditions and values making collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable.

 

The following tables represent loans categorized by class and internally assigned risk grades:

 

   December 31, 2017 
(In thousands)  Pass   Special Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied  $451,264   $1,796   $19,589   $   $472,649 
Non-owner occupied   808,612    8,056    4,589        821,257 
Multi-family   595,280                595,280 
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgage   393,029    4,854    290        398,173 
Home equity   64,601    698    792        66,091 
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured   86,116    12,637    13,560        112,313 
Unsecured   485,598    14,553    3,539        503,690 
Real estate construction and land loans   107,440        319        107,759 
Installment/consumer loans   21,020    16    5        21,041 
Total loans  $3,012,960   $42,610   $42,683   $   $3,098,253 

 

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At December 31, 2017 there were $0.4 million and $1.6 million of acquired CNB loans included in the special mention and substandard grades, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.3 million of acquired FNBNY loans included in the special mention and substandard grades, respectively.

 

   December 31, 2016 
(In thousands)  Pass   Special Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied  $404,584   $18,909   $722   $   $424,215 
Non-owner occupied   643,426    20,035    4,076        667,537 
Multi-family   518,146                518,146 
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgage   299,297    82    370        299,749 
Home equity   64,195    563    377        65,135 
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured   75,837    31,143    2,254        109,234 
Unsecured   409,879    2,493    2,844        415,216 
Real estate construction and land loans   80,272        333        80,605 
Installment/consumer loans   16,268        100        16,368 
Total loans  $2,511,904   $73,225   $11,076   $   $2,596,205 

 

At December 31, 2016 there were $0.01 million and $1.5 million of acquired CNB loans included in the special mention and substandard grades, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.2 million of acquired FNBNY loans included in the special mention and substandard grades, respectively.

 

Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans

 

The following tables represent the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 by class of loans, as defined by FASB ASC 310-10:

 

   December 31, 2017 
(In thousands)  30-59 
Days 
Past Due
   60-89 
Days 
Past Due
   >90 Days
Past Due
And
Accruing
   Nonaccrual
Including 90
Days or More
Past Due
   Total Past
Due and
Nonaccrual
   Current   Total Loans 
Commercial real estate:                                   
Owner occupied  $284   $   $175   $2,205   $2,664   $469,985   $472,649 
Non-owner occupied           1,163        1,163    820,094    821,257 
Multi-family                       595,280    595,280 
Residential real estate:                                   
Residential mortgages   2,074    398        401    2,873    395,300    398,173 
Home equity   329        271    161    761    65,330    66,091 
Commercial and industrial:                                   
Secured   113    41    225    570    949    111,364    112,313 
Unsecured   18    35        3,618    3,671    500,019    503,690 
Real estate construction and land loans       281            281    107,478    107,759 
Installment/consumer loans   36    5            41    21,000    21,041 
Total loans  $2,854   $760   $1,834   $6,955   $12,403   $3,085,850   $3,098,253 

 

   December 31, 2016 
(In thousands)  30-59 
Days 
Past Due
   60-89 
Days 
Past Due
   >90 Days
Past Due
And
Accruing
   Nonaccrual
Including 90
Days or More
Past Due
   Total Past
Due and
Nonaccrual
   Current   Total Loans 
Commercial real estate:                                   
Owner occupied  $222   $   $467   $184   $873   $423,342   $424,215 
Non-owner occupied                       667,537    667,537 
Multi-family                       518,146    518,146 
Residential real estate:                                   
Residential mortgages   1,232            770    2,002    297,747    299,749 
Home equity   532        238    265    1,035    64,100    65,135 
Commercial and industrial:                                   
Secured   27        204        231    109,003    109,234 
Unsecured   115        118    22    255    414,961    415,216 
Real estate construction and land loans                       80,605    80,605 
Installment/consumer loans   28                28    16,340    16,368 
Total loans  $2,156   $   $1,027   $1,241   $4,424   $2,591,781   $2,596,205 

 

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There were $2.4 million and $1.0 million of acquired loans that were 30-89 days past due at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. All loans 90 days or more past due that are still accruing interest represent loans acquired from CNB, FNBNY and Hamptons State Bank (“HSB”) which were recorded at fair value upon acquisition. These loans are considered to be accruing as management can reasonably estimate future cash flows and expects to fully collect the carrying value of these acquired loans. Therefore, the difference between the carrying value of these loans and their expected cash flows is being accreted into income.

 

Impaired Loans

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had individually impaired loans as defined by FASB ASC No. 310, “Receivables” of $22.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Bank modified certain commercial real estate mortgage loans as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) totaling $7.8 million, which are classified as special mention, and certain taxi medallion loans totaling $6.8 million, which are classified as substandard, which, coupled with an increase in nonaccrual loans, caused the increase in impaired loans from December 31, 2016. For a loan to be considered impaired, management determines after review whether it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management applies its normal loan review procedures in making these judgments. Impaired loans include individually classified nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). For impaired loans, the Bank evaluates the impairment of the loan in accordance with FASB ASC 310-10-35-22. Impairment is determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. For loans that are collateral dependent, the fair value of the collateral is used to determine the fair value of the loan. The fair value of the collateral is determined based on recent appraised values. The fair value of the collateral or present value of expected cash flows is compared to the carrying value to determine if any write-down or specific loan loss allowance allocation is required.

 

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The following tables set forth the recorded investment, unpaid principal balance and related allowance by class of loans at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 for individually impaired loans. The tables also set forth the average recorded investment of individually impaired loans and interest income recognized while the loans were impaired during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

   December 31, 2017   Year Ended December 31, 2017 
(In thousands)  Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Related
Allocated
Allowance
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:                         
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied  $2,073   $2,073   $   $173   $80 
Non-owner occupied   9,089    9,089        7,001    400 
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgages                    
Home equity   100    100        8     
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured   7,368    8,013        2,633    211 
Unsecured   2,154    2,408        592    36 
Total with no related allowance recorded   20,784    21,683        10,407    727 
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied                    
Non-owner occupied                    
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgages                    
Home equity                    
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured                    
Unsecured   1,708    3,235    1,708    142    174 
Total with an allowance recorded   1,708    3,235    1,708    142    174 
                          
Total:                         
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied   2,073    2,073        173    80 
Non-owner occupied   9,089    9,089        7,001    400 
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgages                    
Home equity   100    100        8     
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured   7,368    8,013        2,633    211 
Unsecured   3,862    5,643    1,708    734    210 
Total  $22,492   $24,918   $1,708   $10,549   $901 

 

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   December 31, 2016   Year Ended December 31, 2016 
(In thousands)  Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Related
Allocated
Allowance
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:                         
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied  $326   $538   $   $176   $10 
Non-owner occupied   1,213    1,213        614    75 
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgages   520    558        276     
Home equity   264    285        328     
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured   556    556        274    12 
Unsecured   408    408        227    19 
Total with no related allowance recorded   3,287    3,558        1,895    116 
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied                    
Non-owner occupied                    
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgages                    
Home equity                    
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured                    
Unsecured   66    66    1    43    7 
Total with an allowance recorded   66    66    1    43    7 
                          
Total:                         
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied   326    538        176    10 
Non-owner occupied   1,213    1,213        614    75 
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgages   520    558        276     
Home equity   264    285        328     
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured   556    556        274    12 
Unsecured   474    474    1    270    26 
Total  $3,353   $3,624   $1   $1,938   $123 
                          

 

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   December 31, 2015   Year Ended December 31, 2015 
(In thousands)  Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Related
Allocated
Allowance
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:                         
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied  $384   $564   $   $412   $10 
Non-owner occupied   927    928        938    62 
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgages   62    73        66     
Home equity   610    700        631     
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured   96    96        93    6 
Unsecured                    
Total with no related allowance recorded   2,079    2,361        2,140    78 
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied                    
Non-owner occupied   318    318    20    320    15 
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgages                    
Home equity                    
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured                    
Unsecured   194    194    9    223    17 
Total with an allowance recorded   512    512    29    543    32 
                          
Total:                         
Commercial real estate:                         
Owner occupied   384    564        412    10 
Non-owner occupied   1,245    1,246    20    1,258    77 
Residential real estate:                         
Residential mortgages   62    73        66     
Home equity   610    700        631     
Commercial and industrial:                         
Secured   96    96        93    6 
    Unsecured   194    194    9    223    17 
Total  $2,591   $2,873   $29   $2,683   $110 

 

The recorded investment in loans excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net due to immateriality. For purposes of this disclosure, the unpaid principal balance is not reduced for partial charge-offs.

 

The Bank had no other real estate owned at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

 

The terms of certain loans were modified and are considered TDRs. The modification of the terms of such loans generally includes one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan. The modification of these loans involved loans to borrowers who were experiencing financial difficulties.

 

In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed to determine if that borrower is currently in payment default under any of its obligations or whether there is a probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification.

 

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The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings during the years indicated:

 

   Modifications During the Years Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
(Dollars in thousands)  Number of
Loans
   Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Number of
Loans
   Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Number of
Loans
   Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Commercial real estate:                                             
Owner occupied      $   $       $   $       $   $ 
Non-owner occupied   2    7,764    7,764                         
Residential real estate:                                             
Residential mortgages               1    252    252             
Home equity               1    69    69             
Commercial and industrial:                                             
Secured   7    6,828    6,828    3    459    459             
Unsecured   2    189    189    1    525    525    3    160    160 
Installment/consumer loans                                    
Total   11   $14,781   $14,781    6   $1,305   $1,305    3   $160   $160 

 

The TDRs described above did not increase the allowance for loan losses during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

There were $0.4 million, $0.1 million and $0.7 million of charge-offs related to TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017 there were two loans modified as TDRs for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification. There was one loan modified as a TDR during 2016 and no loans modified as TDRs during 2015 for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification. A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 30 days contractually past due under the modified terms.

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $5 thousand and $0.3 million, respectively, of nonaccrual TDRs and $16.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively, of performing TDRs. The nonaccrual TDR at December 31, 2017 was unsecured. At December 31, 2016, total nonaccrual TDRs were secured with collateral that had an appraised value of $1.3 million. The Bank has no commitment to lend additional funds to these debtors.

 

The terms of certain other loans were modified during the year ended December 31, 2017 that did not meet the definition of a TDR. These loans have a total recorded investment at December 31, 2017 of $52.5 million. These loans were to borrowers who were not experiencing financial difficulties.

 

Purchased Credit Impaired Loans

 

Loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. Credit discounts are included in the determination of fair value; therefore, an allowance for loan losses is not recorded at the acquisition date.

 

In determining the acquisition date fair value of purchased loans, acquired loans are aggregated into pools of loans with common characteristics. Each loan is reviewed at acquisition to determine if it should be accounted for as a loan that has experienced credit deterioration and it is probable that at acquisition, the Company will not be able to collect all the contractual principal and interest due from the borrower. All loans with evidence of deterioration in credit quality are considered purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans unless the loan type is specifically excluded from the scope of FASB ASC 310-30 “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” such as loans with active revolver features or because management has minimal doubt about the collection of the loan.

 

The Bank makes an estimate of the loans’ contractual principal and contractual interest payments as well as the expected total cash flows from the pools of loans, which includes undiscounted expected principal and interest. The excess of contractual amounts over the total cash flows expected to be collected from the loans is referred to as non-accretable difference, which is not accreted into income. The excess of the expected undiscounted cash flows over the fair value of the loans is referred to as accretable discount. Accretable discount is recognized as interest income on a level-yield basis over the life of the loans. Management has not included prepayment assumptions in its modeling of contractual or expected cash flows. The Bank continues to estimate cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the loans. Subsequent increases in total cash flows expected to be collected are recognized as an adjustment to the accretable yield with the amount of periodic accretion adjusted over the remaining life of the loans. Subsequent decreases in cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the loans are recognized as impairment in the current period through the allowance for loan losses.

 

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A PCI loan may be resolved either through a sale of the loan, by working with the customer and obtaining partial or full repayment, by short sale of the collateral, or by foreclosure. When a loan accounted for in a pool is resolved, it is removed from the pool at its carrying amount. Any differences between the amounts received and the outstanding balance are absorbed by the non-accretable difference of the pool. For loans not accounted for in pools, a gain or loss on resolution would be recognized based on the difference between the proceeds received and the carrying amount of the loan.

 

Payments received earlier than expected or in excess of expected cash flows from sales or other resolutions may result in the carrying value of a pool being reduced to zero even though outstanding contractual balances and expected cash flows remain related to loans in the pool. Once the carrying value of a pool is reduced to zero, any future proceeds from the remaining loans, representing further realization of accretable yield, are recognized as interest income upon receipt. These proceeds may include cash or real estate acquired in foreclosure.

 

At the acquisition date, the PCI loans acquired as part of the FNBNY acquisition had contractually required principal and interest payments receivable of $40.3 million; expected cash flows of $28.4 million; and a fair value (initial carrying amount) of $21.8 million. The difference between the contractually required principal and interest payments receivable and the expected cash flows of $11.9 million represented the non-accretable difference. The difference between the expected cash flows and fair value of $6.6 million represented the initial accretable yield. At December 31, 2017, the contractually required principal and interest payments receivable and carrying amount of the PCI loans was $4.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively, with a remaining non-accretable difference of $0.7 million. At December 31, 2016, the contractually required principal and interest payments receivable and carrying amount of the PCI loans was $12.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively, with a remaining non-accretable difference of $1.3 million.

 

At the acquisition date, the PCI loans acquired as part of the CNB acquisition had contractually required principal and interest payments receivable of $23.4 million, expected cash flows of $10.1 million, and a fair value (initial carrying amount) of $8.7 million. The difference between the contractually required principal and interest payments receivable and the expected cash flows of $13.3 million represented the non-accretable difference. The difference between the expected cash flows and fair value of $1.4 million represented the initial accretable yield. At December 31, 2017, the contractually required principal and interest payments receivable and carrying amount of the PCI loans was $7.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, with a remaining non-accretable difference of $5.3 million. At December 31, 2016, the contractually required principal and interest payments receivable and carrying amount of the PCI loans was $12.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively, with a remaining non-accretable difference of $6.9 million.

 

The following table summarizes the activity in the accretable yield for the PCI loans:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016 
Balance at beginning of period  $6,915   $7,113 
Accretion   (5,221)   (4,924)
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference during the period   457    4,492 
Other   -    234 
Accretable discount at end of period  $2,151   $6,915 

 

The allowance for loan losses was increased $0.1 million during the year ended December 31 2017 for those PCI loans disclosed above and a $0.1 million charge-off was recorded. The allowance for loan losses was not increased during the year ended December 31, 2016 for those PCI loans disclosed above and there were no charge-offs recorded.

 

Related Party Loans

 

Certain directors, executive officers, and their related parties, including their immediate families and companies in which they are principal owners, were loan customers of the Bank during 2017 and 2016.

 

The following table sets forth selected information about related party loans for the year ended December 31, 2017:

 

(In thousands)  Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 
Balance at beginning of period  $22,116 
New loans   1,645 
Repayments   (2,619)
Balance at end of period  $21,142 

 

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5. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on probable incurred losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance quarterly. The allowance is comprised of both individual valuation allowances and loan pool valuation allowances.

 

The following tables represent the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment, as defined under FASB ASC 310-10, and based on impairment method as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The tables include loans acquired from CNB and FNBNY.

 

   December 31, 2017 
(In thousands)  Commercial
Real Estate
Mortgage Loans
   Multi-family
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Mortgage
Loans
   Commercial,
Industrial and
Agricultural
Loans
   Real Estate
Construction
and Land
Loans
   Installment/
Consumer
Loans
   Total 
Allowance for loan losses:                                   
Individually evaluated for impairment  $   $   $   $1,708   $   $   $1,708 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   11,048    4,521    2,438    11,130    740    122    29,999 
Loans acquired with deteriorated   credit quality                            
Total allowance for loan losses  $11,048   $4,521   $2,438   $12,838   $740   $122   $31,707 
                                    
Loans:                                   
Individually evaluated for impairment  $11,162   $   $100   $11,230   $   $   $22,492 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,281,837    593,645    463,575    604,329    107,759    21,041    3,072,186 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   907    1,635    589    444            3,575 
Total loans  $1,293,906   $595,280   $464,264   $616,003   $107,759   $21,041   $3,098,253 

 

   December 31, 2016 
(In thousands)  Commercial
Real Estate
Mortgage Loans
   Multi-family
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Mortgage
Loans
   Commercial,
Industrial and
Agricultural
Loans
   Real Estate
Construction
and Land Loans
   Installment/
Consumer
Loans
   Total 
Allowance for loan losses:                                   
Individually evaluated for impairment  $   $   $   $1   $   $   $1 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   9,225    6,264    1,495    7,836    955    128    25,903 
Loans acquired with deteriorated   credit quality                            
Total allowance for loan losses  $9,225   $6,264   $1,495   $7,837   $955   $128   $25,904 
                                    
Loans:                                   
Individually evaluated for impairment  $1,539   $   $784   $1,030   $   $   $3,353 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,088,332    514,853    363,230    519,686    80,605    16,368    2,583,074 
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   1,881    3,293    870    3,734            9,778 
Total loans  $1,091,752   $518,146   $364,884   $524,450   $80,605   $16,368   $2,596,205 

 

The recorded investment in loans excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net due to immateriality.

 

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The following tables represent the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, by portfolio segment, as defined under FASB ASC 310-10. The portfolio segments represent the categories that the Bank uses to determine its allowance for loan losses.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2017 
(In thousands)  Commercial 
Real Estate
Mortgage Loans
   Multi-family 
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Mortgage
Loans
   Commercial,
Industrial and
Agricultural
Loans
   Real Estate
Construction
and Land
Loans
   Installment/
Consumer
Loans
   Total 
Allowance for loan losses:                                   
Beginning balance  $9,225   $6,264   $1,495   $7,837   $955   $128   $25,904 
Charge-offs               (8,245)       (49)   (8,294)
Recoveries           28    16        3    47 
Provision   1,823    (1,743)   915    13,230    (215)   40    14,050 
Ending balance  $11,048   $4,521   $2,438   $12,838   $740   $122   $31,707 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2016 
(In thousands)  Commercial
Real Estate
Mortgage Loans
   Multi-family
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Mortgage
Loans
   Commercial,
Industrial and
Agricultural
Loans
   Real Estate
Construction
and Land
Loans
   Installment/
Consumer
Loans
   Total 
Allowance for loan losses:                                   
Beginning balance  $7,850   $4,208   $2,115   $5,405   $1,030   $136   $20,744 
Charge-offs           (56)   (930)       (1)   (987)
Recoveries   109        96    386        6    597 
Provision   1,266    2,056    (660)   2,976    (75)   (13)   5,550 
Ending balance  $9,225   $6,264   $1,495   $7,837   $955   $128   $25,904 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2015 
(In thousands)  Commercial
Real Estate
Mortgage Loans
   Multi-family
Loans
   Residential
Real Estate
Mortgage
Loans
   Commercial,
Industrial and
Agricultural
Loans
   Real Estate
Construction
and Land
Loans
   Installment/
Consumer
Loans
   Total 
Allowance for loan losses:                                   
Beginning balance  $6,994   $2,670   $2,208   $4,526   $1,104   $135   $17,637 
Charge-offs   (50)       (249)   (827)       (2)   (1,128)
Recoveries           79    149        7    235 
Provision   906    1,538    77    1,557    (74)   (4)   4,000 
Ending balance  $7,850   $4,208   $2,115   $5,405   $1,030   $136   $20,744 

 

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6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

The following table details the components of premises and equipment:

 

   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016 
Land  $7,980   $7,951 
Building and improvements   15,368    15,272 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment   21,464    20,295 
Leasehold improvements   12,271    13,562 
    57,083    57,080 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (23,578)   (21,817)
Total premises and equipment, net  $33,505   $35,263 

 

Depreciation and amortization amounted to $3.8 million, $3.5 million and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

FASB ASC No. 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, requires a company to perform an impairment test on goodwill annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstance indicate that the asset might be impaired, by comparing the fair value of such goodwill to its recorded or carrying amount. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge must be recorded in an amount equal to the excess. The FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent.

 

The Company tested goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2017. The Company has one reporting unit, Bridge Bancorp. Inc., and evaluated goodwill at that reporting unit level. The Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, including goodwill. The qualitative assessment indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and no further testing was required. The results of this assessment indicated that goodwill was not impaired.

 

Goodwill

 

The following table reflects the changes in goodwill:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016 
Balance at beginning of period  $105,950   $98,445 
Measurement period adjustments(1)       7,505 
Balance at end of period  $105,950   $105,950 

 

(1)See Note 22 for details on the measurement period adjustments.

 

Acquired Intangible Assets

 

The following table reflects acquired intangible assets:

 

   December 31, 
   2017   2016 
(In thousands)  Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization:                    
Core deposit intangibles  $7,211   $3,409   $7,211   $2,362 
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:                    
Trademark   255             
Total intangible assets  $7,466   $3,409   $7,211   $2,362 

 

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Aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets with finite lives for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $1.0 million, $2.6 million, and $1.4 million, respectively.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company acquired a trademark of $255 thousand related to the Bank’s name change to BNB Bank.

 

The following table reflects estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter:

 

(In thousands)  Total 
2018  $917 
2019   787 
2020   656 
2021   531 
2022   413 
Thereafter   498 
Total   $3,802 

 

8. DEPOSITS

 

Time Deposits

 

The following table sets forth the remaining maturities of the Bank’s time deposits at December 31, 2017:

 

(In thousands)  Total 
2018  $125,578 
2019   37,865 
2020   11,721 
2021   42,903 
2022   3,564 
Thereafter    733 
Total  $222,364 

 

The deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $93.0 million and $65.4 million, respectively. Deposits from principal officers, directors and their affiliates at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were approximately $23.2 million and $13.9 million, respectively.

 

9. SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $0.9 million at December 31, 2017 and $0.7 million at December 31, 2016. The repurchase agreements were collateralized by investment securities, of which 52% were U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations and 48% were U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities with a carrying amount of $1.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 49% were U.S. GSE residential collateralized mortgage obligations and 51% were U.S. GSE residential mortgage-backed securities with a carrying amount of $2.3 million at December 31, 2016.

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are financing arrangements with $0.9 million maturing during the first quarter of 2018. At maturity, the securities underlying the agreements are returned to the Company. The primary risk associated with these secured borrowings is the requirement to pledge a market value based balance of collateral in excess of the borrowed amount. The excess collateral pledged represents an unsecured exposure to the lending counterparty. As the market value of the collateral changes, both through changes in discount rates and spreads as well as related cash flows, additional collateral may need to be pledged. In accordance with the Company’s policies, eligible counterparties are defined and monitored to minimize exposure.

 

The following table summarizes information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016 
Average daily balance during the year  $867   $45,630 
Average interest rate during the year   0.05%   0.85%
Maximum month-end balance during the year  $1,300   $51,197 
Weighted average interest rate at year-end   0.05%   0.83%

 

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10. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

 

The following table summarizes information concerning FHLB advances:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016 
Average daily balance during the year   $401,258   $275,592 
Average interest rate during the year    1.52%   1.09%
Maximum month-end balance during the year   $563,974   $496,684 
Weighted average interest rate at year-end    1.57%   0.80%

 

The following tables set forth the contractual maturities and weighted average interest rates of FHLB advances for each of the next five years. There are no FHLB advances with contractual maturities after 2019.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  December 31, 2017 
Contractual Maturity  Amount   Weighted
Average Rate
 
Overnight  $185,000    1.53%
           
2018   315,083    1.59 
2019   1,291    0.94 
    316,374    1.59 
Total FHLB advances  $501,374    1.57%

 

(Dollars in thousands)  December 31, 2016 
Contractual Maturity  Amount   Weighted
Average Rate
 
Overnight  $175,000    0.74%
           
2017   294,113    0.82 
2018   25,431    1.05 
2019   2,140    1.04 
    321,684    0.84 
Total FHLB advances  $496,684    0.80%

 

Each advance is payable at its maturity date, with a prepayment penalty for fixed rate advances. The advances were collateralized by $1.2 billion and $923.9 million of residential and commercial mortgage loans under a blanket lien arrangement at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Based on this collateral and the Company’s holdings of FHLB stock, the Company is eligible to borrow up to a total of $1.3 billion at December 31, 2017.

 

11. BORROWED FUNDS

 

Subordinated Debentures

 

In September 2015, the Company issued $80.0 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debentures. $40.0 million of the subordinated debentures are callable at par after five years, have a stated maturity of September 30, 2025 and bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 5.25% per year, from and including September 21, 2015 until but excluding September 30, 2020. From and including September 30, 2020 to the maturity date or early redemption date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the then-current three-month LIBOR plus 360 basis points. The remaining $40.0 million of the subordinated debentures are callable at par after ten years, have a stated maturity of September 30, 2030 and bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 5.75% per year, from and including September 21, 2015 until but excluding September 30, 2025. From and including September 30, 2025 to the maturity date or early redemption date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the then-current three-month LIBOR plus 345 basis points. The subordinated debentures totaled $78.6 million at December 31, 2017 and $78.5 million at December 31, 2016.

 

The subordinated debentures are included in tier 2 capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations.

 

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Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

In December 2009, the Company completed the private placement of $16.0 million in aggregate liquidation amount of 8.50% cumulative convertible trust preferred securities (“TPS”), through its subsidiary, Bridge Statutory Capital Trust II (the “Trust”). The TPS had a liquidation amount of $1,000 per security, were convertible into the Company’s common stock, at a modified effective conversion price of $29 per share, matured in 2039 and were callable by the Company at par after September 30, 2014.

 

The Company issued $16.0 million of junior subordinated debentures (the “Debentures”) to the Trust in exchange for ownership of all of the common securities of the Trust and the proceeds of the TPS sold by the Trust. In accordance with accounting guidance, the Trust was not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the Debentures were shown as a liability. The Debentures had the same interest rate, maturity and prepayment provisions as the TPS.

 

On December 15, 2016, the Company notified holders of the $15.8 million in outstanding TPS of the full redemption of the TPS on January 18, 2017. The redemption price equaled the liquidation amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest until but not including the redemption date. TPS not converted into shares of the Company’s common stock on or prior to January 17, 2017 were redeemed as of January 18, 2017. 15,450 shares of TPS with a liquidation amount of $15.5 million were converted into 532,740 shares of the Company’s common stock, which includes 100 shares of TPS with a liquidation amount of $100,000, which were converted into 3,448 shares of the Company’s common stock on December 28, 2016. The remaining 350 shares of TPS with a liquidation amount of $350,000 were redeemed on January 18, 2017. The Trust was cancelled effective April 24, 2017.

 

12. DERIVATIVES

 

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

 

As part of its asset liability management, the Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to help manage its interest rate risk position. The notional amount of the interest rate swap does not represent the amount exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate swap agreements.

 

Interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $290.0 million and $175.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were designated as cash flow hedges of certain FHLB advances. The swaps were determined to be fully effective during the periods presented and therefore no amount of ineffectiveness has been included in net income. The aggregate fair value of the swaps is recorded in other assets/(other liabilities) with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) would be reclassified to current earnings should the hedges no longer be considered effective. The Company expects the hedges to remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swaps.

 

The following table summarizes information about the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

   December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016 
Notional amounts  $290,000   $175,000 
Weighted average pay rates   1.78%   1.61%
Weighted average receive rates   1.61%   0.95%
Weighted average maturity   2.64 years    2.98 years 

 

Interest expense recorded on these swap transactions totaled $1.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is reported as a component of interest expense on FHLB Advances. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest income/expense as interest payments are made/received on the Company’s variable-rate assets/liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had $1.4 million of reclassifications to interest expense. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $0.2 million will be reclassified as a decrease in interest expense.

 

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The following table presents the net gains (losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and the Consolidated Statements of Income relating to the cash flow derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

(In thousands)

Interest rate contracts

  Amount of gain
(loss) recognized in
OCI (Effective
Portion)
   Amount of loss
reclassified from
OCI to interest
expense
   Amount of loss
recognized in other non-
interest income
(Ineffective Portion)
 
Year ended December 31, 2017  $463   $(1,419)  $ 
Year ended December 31, 2016  $1,191   $(944)  $ 
Year ended December 31, 2015  $(1,008)  $(657)  $ 

 

The following table reflects the cash flow hedges included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the dates indicated:

 

   December 31, 
   2017   2016 
       Fair   Fair       Fair   Fair 
(In thousands)  Notional   Value   Value   Notional   Value   Value 
Included in other assets/(liabilities):  Amount   Asset   Liability   Amount   Asset   Liability 
Interest rate swaps related to FHLB  advances  $290,000   $3,133   $(410)  $175,000   $1,994   $(1,153)

 

Non-Designated Hedges

 

Derivatives not designated as hedges may be used to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements or to provide service to customers but do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP. The Company executes interest rate swaps with commercial lending customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. These interest rate swaps with customers are simultaneously offset by interest rate swaps that the Company executes with a third party in order to minimize the net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. These interest-rate swap agreements do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, and therefore changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings.

 

The following table presents summary information about the interest rate swaps at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

   December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016 
Notional amounts  $147,967   $62,472 
Weighted average pay rates   3.96%   3.50%
Weighted average receive rates   3.96%   3.50%
Weighted average maturity   12.37 years    13.97 years 
Fair value of combined interest rate swaps  $   $ 

 

Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features

 

As of December 31, 2017, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $0.3 million and the termination value of derivatives in a net asset position was $2.0 million. The Company has minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties. If the termination value of derivatives is a net liability position, the Company is required to post collateral against its obligations under the agreements. However, if the termination value of derivatives is a net asset position, the counterparty is required to post collateral to the Company. At December 31, 2017, the Company did not post collateral to its counterparty under the agreements in a net liability position and received collateral of $2.1 million from its counterparty under the agreements in a net asset position. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at December 31, 2017, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value.

 

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13. INCOME TAXES

 

The following table details the components of income tax expense:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015 
Current:               
Federal  $8,762   $14,730   $8,248 
State   937    780    1,230 
Total current   9,699    15,510    9,478 
Deferred:               
Federal   10,251    2,388    1,457 
State   (1,004)   897    (157)
Total deferred   9,247    3,285    1,300 
Total income tax expense  $18,946   $18,795   $10,778 

 

The following table is a reconciliation of the expected federal income tax expense at the statutory tax rate to the actual provision:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Percentage
of Pre-tax
Earnings
   Amount   Percentage
of Pre-tax
Earnings
   Amount   Percentage
of Pre-tax
Earnings
 
Federal income tax expense computed by applying the statutory rate to income before income taxes  $13,820    35%  $19,000    35%  $11,161    35%
Tax exempt income   (1,808)   (5)   (1,661)   (3)   (1,356)   (4)
State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit   725    2    1,090    2    1,087    3 
Deferred tax asset remeasurement (1)   7,572    19    -    -    -    - 
Other   (1,363)   (3)   366    1    (114)   - 
Income tax expense  $18,946    48%  $18,795    35%  $10,778    34%

 

(1)2017 amount includes a charge to write-down deferred tax assets due to the enactment of the Tax Act of $7.6 million.

 

The following table summarizes the composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities:

 

   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016 
Deferred tax assets:          
Allowance for loan losses and off-balance sheet credit exposure  $9,906   $11,401 
Net unrealized losses on securities   4,650    6,019 
Compensation and related benefit obligations   2,508    2,226 
Purchase accounting fair value adjustments   7,576    14,376 
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits plans   2,279    3,249 
Net operating loss carryforward   1,997    2,470 
Other   1,119    756 
Total deferred tax assets   30,035    40,497 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Pension and SERP expense   (3,915)   (4,715)
Depreciation   (808)   (1,537)
REIT undistributed net income   (2,146)   (86)
Net deferred loan costs and fees   (1,406)   (1,844)
Net gain on cash flow hedges   (792)   (341)
State and local taxes   (1,255)   (1,862)
Other   (221)   (179)
Total deferred tax liabilities   (10,543)   (10,564)
Net deferred tax asset  $19,492   $29,933 

 

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On December 22, 2017, the President signed the Tax Act, resulting in significant changes to existing tax law, including a lower federal statutory tax rate of 21%. The Tax Act was generally effective as of January 1, 2018. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a charge of $7.6 million, which consisted primarily of the deferred tax asset remeasurement from the previous 35% federal statutory rate to the new 21% federal statutory tax rate.

 

On December 22, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides a measurement period of up to one year from the enactment date to refine and complete the accounting. The Company has completed its accounting for the effects of the Tax Act, and has made reasonable estimates of the effect of the change in federal statutory tax rate and remeasurement of deferred tax assets based on the rate at which they are expected to reverse in the future.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the State and City of New York and the State of New Jersey. The Company is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2014. There are no unrecorded tax benefits, and the Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits to significantly increase in the next twelve months.

 

In connection with the acquisition of FNBNY, the Company acquired a federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company recorded a deferred tax asset that it expects to realize within the carryforward period. At December 31, 2017, the remaining federal NOL carryforward was $3.5 million. In connection with the CNB and FNBNY acquisitions, the Company acquired New York State and New York City NOL carryforwards. The Company recorded a deferred tax asset that it expects to realize within the carryforward period. At December 31, 2017, the remaining New York State and New York City NOL carryforwards were $18.0 million and $8.8 million, respectively.

 

14. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

 

Pension Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

 

The Bank maintains a noncontributory pension plan (the “Plan”) covering all eligible employees. The Bank uses a December 31 measurement date for this plan in accordance with FASB ASC 715-30 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – Pension”. During 2012, the Company amended the pension plan revising the formula for determining benefits effective January 1, 2013, except for certain grandfathered employees. Additionally, new employees hired on or after October 1, 2012 are not eligible for the pension plan.

 

During 2001, the Bank adopted the Bridgehampton National Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). As recommended by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and approved by the full Board of Directors, the SERP provides benefits to certain employees, whose benefits under the pension plan are limited by the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The benefit under the SERP is equal to the additional amount the employee would be entitled to under the Pension Plan and the 401(k) Plan in the absence of such Internal Revenue Code limitations. The assets of the SERP are held in a rabbi trust to maintain the tax-deferred status of the plan and are subject to the general, unsecured creditors of the Company. As a result, the assets of the trust are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company.

 

The following table provides information about changes in obligations and plan assets of the defined benefit pension plan and the defined benefit plan component of the SERP:

 

   Pension Benefits   SERP Benefits 
   Year Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2017   2016 
Change in benefit obligation:                    
Benefit obligation at beginning of year  $20,844   $18,515   $3,004   $2,555 
Service cost   1,129    1,153    212    176 
Interest cost   750    794    105    105 
Benefits paid and expected expenses   (285)   (279)   (112)   (112)
Assumption changes and other   2,321    661    710    280 
Benefit obligation at end of year  $24,759   $20,844   $3,919   $3,004 
                     
Change in plan assets:                    
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year  $27,914   $24,562   $   $ 
Actual return on plan assets   4,859    1,416         
Employer contribution   2,207    2,215    112    112 
Benefits paid and actual expenses   (285)   (279)   (112)   (112)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year  $34,695   $27,914   $   $ 
                     
Funded status at end of year  $9,936   $7,070   $(3,919)  $(3,004)

 

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The following table presents amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31:

 

   Pension Benefits   SERP Benefits 
   December 31,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2017   2016 
Net actuarial loss  $6,987   $7,874   $1,459   $800 
Prior service cost   (639)   (715)        
Transition obligation           5    32 
Net amount recognized  $6,348   $7,159   $1,464   $832 

 

The accumulated benefit obligation was $23.1 million for the pension plan and $2.5 million for the SERP as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the accumulated benefit obligation was $19.4 million for the pension plan and $2.2 million for the SERP.

 

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income:

 

   Pension Benefits   SERP Benefits 
  Year Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)   2017    2016    2015    2017    2016    2015 
Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income:                              
Service cost  $1,129   $1,153   $1,134   $212   $176   $168 
Interest cost   750    794    706    105    105    91 
Expected return on plan assets   (2,129)   (1,927)   (1,838)            
Amortization of net loss   479    406    376    51    27    32 
Amortization of prior service credit   (77)   (77)   (77)            
Amortization of transition obligation               27    28    28 
Net periodic benefit cost  $152   $349   $301   $395   $336   $319 
                               
Net loss (gain)  $(409)  $1,172   $(123)  $710   $280   $(48)
Amortization of net loss   (479)   (406)   (376)   (51)   (27)   (32)
Amortization of prior service credit   77    77    77             
Amortization of transition obligation               (27)   (28)   (27)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income  $(811)  $843   $(422)  $632   $225   $(107)

 

The estimated net loss and prior service credit for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $330 thousand and $77 thousand, respectively. The estimated net loss and transition obligation for the SERP that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $121 thousand and $5 thousand, respectively.

 

Expected Long-Term Rate-of-Return

 

The expected long-term rate-of-return on plan assets reflects long-term earnings expectations on existing plan assets and those contributions expected to be received during the current plan year. In estimating that rate, appropriate consideration was given to historical returns earned by plan assets in the fund and the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment. Average rates of return over the past 1, 3, 5 and 10-year periods were determined and subsequently adjusted to reflect current capital market assumptions and changes in investment allocations.

 

   Pension Benefits   SERP Benefits 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2017   2016   2015 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:                              
Discount rate   3.52%   4.05%   4.30%   3.50%   4.01%   4.20%
Rate of compensation increase   3.00    3.00    3.00    5.00    5.00    5.00 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:                              
Discount rate   4.05%   4.30%   3.90%   4.01%   4.20%   3.80%
Rate of compensation increase   3.00    3.00    3.00    5.00    5.00    5.00 
Expected long-term rate of return   7.25    7.50    7.50             

 

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Plan Assets

 

The Plan seeks to provide retirement benefits to the employees of the Bank who are entitled to receive benefits under the Plan. The Plan assets are overseen by a committee comprised of management, who meet semi-annually, and sets the investment policy guidelines.

 

The Plan’s overall investment strategy is to achieve a mix of approximately 97% of investments for long-term growth and 3% for near-term benefit payments with a wide diversification of asset types, fund strategies, and fund managers. Cash equivalents consist primarily of short-term investment funds. Equity securities primarily include investments in common stock, mutual funds, depository receipts and exchange traded funds. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds, government issues, mortgage backed securities, high yield securities and mutual funds.

 

The weighted average expected long-term rate-of-return is estimated based on current trends in Plan assets as well as projected future rates of return on those assets and reasonable actuarial assumptions based on the guidance provided by Actuarial Standard of Practice No. 27 for the real and nominal rate of investment return for a specific mix of asset classes. The long-term rate of return considers historical returns for the S&P 500 index and corporate bonds from 1926 to 2015 representing cumulative returns of approximately 10% and 5%, respectively. These returns were considered along with the target allocations of asset categories.

 

The following table indicates the target allocations for Plan assets:

 

   Target
Allocation
   Percentage of Plan Assets
At December 31,
   Weighted-Average
Expected Long-
term Rate of
 
Asset Category  2018   2017   2016   Return 
Cash Equivalents   0 – 5%    8.1%   3.0%    
Equity Securities   45 - 65%    58.7%   64.0%   10.0%
Fixed income securities   35 - 55%    33.2%   33.0%   5.0%
Total        100.0%   100.0%     

 

Except for pooled vehicles and mutual funds, which are governed by the prospectus, and unless expressly authorized by management, the Plan and its investment managers are prohibited from purchasing the following investments: letter stock, private placements, or direct payments; securities not readily marketable; Bridge Bancorp, Inc. stock.; pledging or hypothecating securities, except for loans of securities that are fully collateralized; purchasing or selling derivative securities for speculation or leverage; and investments by the investment managers in their own securities, their affiliates or subsidiaries (excluding money market funds).

 

Fair value is defined under FASB ASC 820 as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under ASC 820 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. These levels are described in Note 3.

 

In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Investments valued using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) are classified as level 2 if the Plan can redeem its investment with the investee at the NAV at the measurement date. If the Plan can never redeem the investment with the investee at the NAV, it is considered as level 3. If the Plan can redeem the investment at the NAV at a future date, the Plan's assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset.

 

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In accordance with FASB ASC 715-20, the following table represents the Plan’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

   December 31, 2017: 
       Fair Value Measurements Using: 
(Dollars in thousands)  Carrying
Value
   Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets 
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Cash and cash equivalents:                    
Cash  $   $   $      
Short term investment funds   2,821        2,821      
Total cash and cash equivalents   2,821        2,821     
Equities:                    
U.S. large cap   9,587    9,587          
U.S. mid cap/small cap   3,131    3,131          
International   7,283    7,283          
Equities blend   367    367          
Total equities   20,368    20,368          
Fixed income securities:                    
Government issues   1,634    1,507    127      
Corporate bonds   2,837        2,837      
Mortgage backed   1,007        1,007      
High yield bonds and bond funds   6,028        6,028      
Total fixed income securities   11,506    1,507    9,999      
Total plan assets  $34,695   $21,875   $12,820      

 

  

   December 31, 2016 
       Fair Value Measurements Using: 
(Dollars in thousands)  Carrying
Value
   Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Cash and cash equivalents:                    
Cash  $   $   $     
Short term investment funds   822        822      
Total cash and cash equivalents   822        822      
Equities:                    
U.S. large cap   8,950    8,950          
U.S. mid cap/small cap   3,038    3,038          
International   5,770    5,770          
Equities blend   124    124          
Total equities   17,882    17,882          
Fixed income securities:                    
Government issues   1,948    1,706    242      
Corporate bonds   1,795        1,795      
Mortgage backed   960        960      
High yield bonds and bond funds   4,507        4,507      
Total fixed income securities   9,210    1,706    7,504      
Total plan assets  $27,914   $19,588   $8,326      

 

The Company has no minimum required pension contribution due to the overfunded status of the plan. 

 

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Estimated Future Payments

 

The following table summarizes benefits expected to be paid under the pension plan and SERP as of December 31, 2017, which reflect expected future service:

 

   Pension and SERP
Payments
 
Year  (in thousands) 
2018  $667 
2019   743 
2020   915 
2021   1,030 
2022   1,113 
2023-2027   7,256 

 

401(k) Plan

 

The Company provides a 401(k) plan, which covers substantially all current employees. Newly hired employees are automatically enrolled in the plan on the 60th day of employment, unless they elect not to participate. Participants may contribute a portion of their pre-tax base salary, generally not to exceed $18,000 for the calendar year ended December 31, 2017. Under the provisions of the 401(k) plan, employee contributions are partially matched by the Bank as follows: 100% of each employee’s contributions up to 1% of each employee’s compensation plus 50% of each employee’s contributions over 1% but not in excess of 6% of each employee’s compensation for a maximum contribution of 3.5% of a participating employee’s compensation. Participants can invest their account balances into several investment alternatives. The 401(k) plan does not allow for investment in the Company’s common stock. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 the Bank made cash contributions of $1.0 million, $786 thousand, and $623 thousand, respectively. The 401(k) plan also includes a discretionary profit-sharing component. The Company made discretionary profit sharing contributions of $550 thousand in 2017, $424 thousand in 2016 and $276 thousand in 2015.

  

15. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Bridge Bancorp, Inc. 2012 Stock-Based Incentive Plan (the “2012 Equity Incentive Plan”) provides for the grant of stock-based and other incentive awards to officers, employees and directors of the Company. The plan superseded the Bridge Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The number of shares of common stock of Bridge Bancorp, Inc. available for stock-based awards under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan is 525,000 plus 278,385 shares that were remaining under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Of the total 803,385 shares of common stock approved for issuance under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, 411,748 shares remain available for issuance at December 31, 2017, including shares that may be granted in the form of restricted stock awards or restricted stock units.

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determines awards under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company accounts for the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan under FASB ASC No. 718.

 

Stock Options

 

The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. No new grants of stock options were awarded during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and there was no compensation expense attributable to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 because all stock options were vested. There were no stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

The following table summarizes stock option exercise activity:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015 
Intrinsic value of options exercised  $  $115   $52 
Cash received from options exercised      62    80 
Tax benefit realized from option exercised            

  

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Restricted Stock Awards

 

The following table summarizes the unvested restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2017:

 

   Shares   Weighted
Average Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Unvested, January 1, 2017   301,991   $24.59 
Granted   71,781   $35.61 
Vested   (47,867)  $23.62 
Forfeited   (8,213)  $27.07 
Unvested, December 31, 2017   317,692   $27.16 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, restricted stock awards of 71,781 shares were granted. Of the 71,781 shares granted, 31,860 shares vest over seven years with a third vesting after years five, six and seven, 25,396 shares vest over five years with a third vesting after years three, four and five, 11,070 shares vest ratably over three years and 3,455 shares vest ratably over nine months. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company granted restricted stock awards of 69,309 shares. Of the 69,309 shares granted, 36,000 shares vest over seven years with a third vesting after years five, six and seven, 27,709 shares vest over five years with a third vesting after years three, four and five, and 5,600 shares vest ratably over three years. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted restricted stock awards of 71,187 shares. Of the 71,187 shares granted, 30,625 shares vest over seven years with a third vesting after years five, six and seven, 24,812 shares vest over five years with a third vesting after years three, four and five, 10,550 shares vest ratably over five years, 4,000 shares vest ratably over three years and 1,200 shares vest ratably over two years. Compensation expense attributable to these awards was $1.7 million, $1.5 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was $1.1 million, $935 thousand and $732 thousand, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, there was $5.0 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested restricted stock awards granted under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.92 years.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Effective in 2015, the Board revised the design of the Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTI Plan”) for Named Executive Officers to include performance-based awards. The LTI Plan includes 60% performance vested awards based on three-year relative Total Shareholder Return to the proxy peer group and 40% time vested awards. The awards are in the form of restricted stock units which cliff vest after five years and require an additional two year holding period before being delivered in shares of common stock. The Company recorded expense of $309 thousand, $193 thousand and $81 thousand in connection with these awards for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

In April 2009, the Company adopted a Directors Deferred Compensation Plan (“Directors Plan”). Under the Directors Plan, independent directors may elect to defer all or a portion of their annual retainer fee in the form of restricted stock units. In addition, directors receive a non-election retainer in the form of restricted stock units. These restricted stock units vest ratably over one year and have dividend rights but no voting rights. In connection with the Directors Plan, the Company recorded expense of $530 thousand, $493 thousand and $342 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

16. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) No. 260-10-45 addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share (“EPS”).  The restricted stock awards and certain restricted stock units granted by the Company contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and therefore are considered participating securities.  The two-class method for calculating basic EPS excludes dividends paid to participating securities and any undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities.  

 

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The following table presents the computation of EPS for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015: 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands, except per share data)  2017   2016   2015 
Net income  $20,539   $35,491   $21,111 
Dividends paid on and earnings allocated to participating securities   (415)   (732)   (451)
Income attributable to common stock  $20,124   $34,759   $20,660 
                
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities   19,759    17,670    14,792 
Weighted average participating securities   (404)   (366)   (319)
Weighted average common shares outstanding   19,355    17,304    14,473 
Basic earnings per common share  $1.04   $2.01   $1.43 
                
Income attributable to common stock  $20,124   $34,759   $20,660 
Impact of assumed conversions - interest on 8.5% trust preferred securities       878     
Income attributable to common stock including assumed conversions  $20,124   $35,637   $20,660 
                
Weighted average common shares outstanding   19,355    17,304    14,473 
Incremental shares from assumed conversions of options and restricted stock units   24    13    4 
Incremental shares from assumed conversions of 8.5% trust preferred securities       534     
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding   19,379    17,851    14,477 
Diluted earnings per common share  $1.04   $2.00   $1.43 

 

There were no stock options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2017. There were no stock options that were antidilutive at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The assumed conversion of the TPS was antidilutive for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015, and therefore was not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share during those years. The assumed conversion of the TPS was dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2016, and therefore was included in the computation of diluted earnings per share during that year.

  

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS

 

In the normal course of business, there are various outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities, such as claims and legal actions, minimum annual rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases, guarantees and commitments to extend credit, which are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. No material losses are anticipated as a result of these commitments and contingencies.

 

Leases

 

At December 31, 2017, the Company was obligated to make minimum annual rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases for its premises. Projected minimum rental payments under existing leases are as follows:

 

   Amount 
Year  (In thousands) 
2018  $6,473 
2019   6,089 
2020   5,609 
2021   5,386 
2022   4,842 
Thereafter   18,923 
Total  $47,322 

 

Certain leases contain rent escalation clauses, which are reflected in the amounts, listed above. In addition, certain leases provide for additional payments based on real estate taxes, interest and other charges. Certain leases contain renewal options, which are not reflected in the table. Rent expense under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 totaled $7.3 million, $6.8 million, and $5.3 million, respectively, net of subleases. 

 

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Loan commitments

 

Some financial instruments, such as loan commitments, credit lines, letters of credit, and overdraft protection, are issued to meet customer-financing needs. These are agreements to provide credit or to support the credit of others, as long as conditions established in the contract are met, and usually have expiration dates. Commitments may expire without being used. Off-balance-sheet risk of credit loss exists up to the face amount of these instruments, although material losses are not anticipated. The same credit policies are used to make such commitments as are used for loans, often including obtaining collateral at exercise of the commitment.

 

The following represents commitments outstanding:

 

   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016 
Standby letters of credit  $26,913   $21,507 
Loan commitments outstanding (1)   124,284    66,779 
Unused lines of credit   576,698    466,271 
Total commitments outstanding  $727,895   $554,557 

 

(1)Of the $124.3 million of loan commitments outstanding at December 31, 2017, $36.8 million are fixed rate commitments and $87.5 million are variable rate commitments. Of the $66.8 million of loan commitments outstanding at December 31, 2016, $21.2 million are fixed rate commitments and $45.6 million are variable rate commitments.

 

Litigation

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain pending and threatened legal actions that arise out of the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the resolution of any such pending or threatened litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Other

 

During 2017, the Bank was required to maintain certain cash balances with the FRB for reserve and clearing requirements. The required cash balance at December 31, 2017 was $3.9 million. During 2017, the Bank invested overnight with the FRB and the average balance maintained during 2017 was $22.4 million.

 

During 2017, the Bank maintained an overnight line of credit with the FHLB. The Bank has the ability to borrow against its unencumbered residential and commercial mortgages and investment securities owned by the Bank. At December 31, 2017, the Bank had aggregate lines of credit of $369.5 million with unaffiliated correspondent banks to provide short-term credit for liquidity requirements. Of these aggregate lines of credit, $349.5 million is available on an unsecured basis. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had $50.0 million of such borrowings outstanding.

 

In March 2001, the Bank entered into a Master Repurchase Agreement with the FHLB whereby the FHLB agrees to purchase securities from the Bank, upon the Bank’s request, with the simultaneous agreement to sell the same or similar securities back to the Bank at a future date. Securities are limited, under the agreement, to government securities, securities issued, guaranteed or collateralized by any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government or any government sponsored enterprise, and non-agency AA and AAA rated mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2017, there was up to $1.3 billion available for transactions under this agreement, assuming availability of required collateral.

 

18. REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

 

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital requirements that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and Bank’s capital amounts and classifications also are subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets and of tier 1 capital to average assets. Tier 1 capital, risk weighted assets and average assets are as defined by regulation. The required minimums for the Company and Bank are set forth in the tables that follow. The Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements at December 31, 2017 and 2016. 

 

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On January 1, 2015, the Basel III Capital Rules became effective and include transition provisions through January 1, 2019. These rules provide for the following minimum capital to risk-weighted assets ratios as of January 1, 2015: a) 4.5% based on common equity tier 1 capital ("CET1"); b) 6.0% based on tier 1 capital; and c) 8.0% based on total regulatory capital. A minimum leverage ratio (tier 1 capital as a percentage of total average assets) of 4.0% is also required under the Basel III Capital Rules. When fully phased in, the Basel III Capital Rules will additionally require institutions to retain a capital conservation buffer, composed of CET1, of 2.5% above these required minimum capital ratio levels. The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing by 0.625% each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019. When the capital conservation buffer is fully phased in on January 1, 2019, the Company and the Bank will effectively have the following minimum capital to risk-weighted assets ratios: a) 7.0% based on CET1; b) 8.5% based on tier 1 capital; and c) 10.5% based on total regulatory capital.

 

The Company and the Bank made the one-time, permanent election to continue to exclude the effects of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss items included in stockholders' equity for the purposes of determining the regulatory capital ratios.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, tier 1 risk-based and tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the tables below. Since that notification, there are no conditions or events that management believes have changed the institution’s category.

 

The following tables present actual capital levels and minimum required levels for the Company and the Bank under Basel III rules at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

   December 31, 2017 
               Minimum Capital   Minimum To Be Well 
           Minimum Capital   Adequacy Requirement with   Capitalized Under Prompt 
   Actual Capital   Adequacy Requirement   Capital Conservation Buffer   Corrective Action Provisions 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated  $336,393    10.0%  $152,011    4.5%  $194,237    5.75%    n/a      n/a  
Bank   408,089    12.1    152,002    4.5    194,224    5.75   $219,558    6.5%
Total capital to risk weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated   448,376    13.3    270,242    8.0    312,468    9.25     n/a      n/a  
Bank   440,072    13.0    270,225    8.0    312,448    9.25    337,781    10.0 
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated   336,393    10.0    202,682    6.0    244,907    7.25     n/a      n/a  
Bank   408,089    12.1    202,669    6.0    244,892    7.25    270,225    8.0 
Tier 1 capital to average assets:                                        
Consolidated   336,393    7.9    170,440    4.0     n/a      n/a      n/a      n/a  
Bank   408,089    9.6    170,441    4.0     n/a      n/a     213,051    5.0 

 

   December 31, 2016 
               Minimum Capital   Minimum To Be Well 
           Minimum Capital   Adequacy Requirement with   Capitalized Under Prompt 
   Actual Capital   Adequacy Requirement   Capital Conservation Buffer   Corrective Action Provisions 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated  $312,731    10.8%  $130,065    4.5%  $148,129    5.125%   n/a    n/a 
Bank   378,352    13.1    130,054    4.5    148,117    5.125   $187,856    6.5%
Total capital to risk weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated   434,184    15.0    231,226    8.0    249,290    8.625    n/a    n/a 
Bank   404,532    14.0    231,208    8.0    249,271    8.625    289,010    10.0 
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated   328,004    11.3    173,419    6.0    191,484    6.625    n/a    n/a 
Bank   378,352    13.1    173,406    6.0    191,469    6.625    231,208    8.0 
Tier 1 capital to average assets:                                        
Consolidated   328,004    8.6    152,391    4.0    n/a    n/a    n/a    n/a 
Bank   378,352    9.9    152,382    4.0    n/a    n/a    190,478    5.0 

 

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19. PARENT COMPANY ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Condensed financial information of Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (Parent Company only) follows:

 

Condensed Balance Sheets

 

  December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016 
Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $7,858   $29,049 
Other assets   210    228 
Investment in the Bank   500,896    474,035 
Total assets  $508,964   $503,312 
           
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:          
Subordinated debentures  $78,641   $78,502 
Junior subordinated debentures       15,244 
Other liabilities   1,123    1,579 
Total liabilities   79,764    95,325 
           
Total stockholders’ equity   429,200    407,987 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $508,964   $503,312 

 

Condensed Statements of Income

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015 
Dividends from the Bank  $   $14,800   $10,000 
Interest expense   4,588    5,903    2,626 
Non-interest expense   147    260    73 
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of the Bank   (4,735)   8,637    7,301 
Income tax benefit   (1,774)   (2,126)   (933)
(Loss) income before equity in undistributed earnings of the Bank   (2,961)   10,763    8,234 
Equity in undistributed earnings of the Bank   23,500    24,728    12,877 
Net income  $20,539   $35,491   $21,111 

 

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Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015 
Cash flows from operating activities:               
Net income  $20,539   $35,491   $21,111 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:               
Equity in undistributed earnings of the Bank   (23,500)   (24,728)   (12,877)
Amortization   139    152    44 
Decrease (increase) in other assets   18    (212)   72 
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities   (398)   351    1,228 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (3,202)   11,054    9,578 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Investment in the Bank       (39,500)   (50,000)
Net cash used in investing activities       (39,500)   (50,000)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Net proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures           78,324 
Repayment of junior subordinated debentures   (352)        
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock   951    48,442    779 
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options       62    80 
Repurchase of surrendered stock from vesting of restricted stock awards   (350)   (344)   (228)
Excess tax benefit from share based compensation           50 
Cash dividends paid   (18,238)   (16,140)   (13,415)
Other, net           (303)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (17,989)   32,020    65,287 
                
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (21,191)   3,574    24,865 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   29,049    25,475    610 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $7,858   $29,049   $25,475 

 

 

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20. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The following table summarizes the components of other comprehensive loss and related income tax effects:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015 
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities  $(1,107)  $(6,428)  $(2,489)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in income   (38)   (449)   8 
Income tax effect   640    2,795    1,047 
Net change in unrealized losses on available for sale securities   (505)   (4,082)   (1,434)
                
Unrealized net (loss) gain arising during the period   (302)   (1,452)   196 
Reclassification adjustment for amortization realized in income   480    384    358 
Income tax effect   15    438    (174)
Net change in post-retirement obligation   193    (630)   380 
                
Change in fair value of derivatives used for cash flow hedges   463    1,191    (1,008)
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in income   1,419    944    657 
Income tax effect   (793)   (865)   150 
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges   1,089    1,270    (201)
                
Other comprehensive income (loss)  $777   $(3,442)  $(1,255)

 

The following is a summary of the accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of income taxes at the dates indicated:

 

(In thousands)  December 31,
2016
   Other
Comprehensive
Income
   Impact of
Tax Act
(1)
   December 31,
2017
 
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities   $(8,823)  $(505)  $(2,009)  $(11,337)
Unrealized (losses) gains on pension benefits   (4,741)   193    (985)   (5,533)
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges   500    1,089    342    1,931 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes  $(13,064)  $777   $(2,652)  $(14,939)

 

(1)Impact of Tax Act related to reclassification to retained earnings.

 

The following represents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

   Year Ended December 31,   Affected Line Item in the
(In thousands)  2017   2016   2015   Consolidated Statements of Income
Realized gains (losses) on sale of available for sale securities  $38   $449   $(8)  Net securities gain (losses)
Amortization of defined benefit pension plan and defined benefit plan component of the SERP:                  
Prior service credit   77    77    77   Salaries and employee benefits
Transition obligation   (27)   (28)   (27)  Salaries and employee benefits
Actuarial losses   (530)   (433)   (408)  Salaries and employee benefits
Realized losses on cash flow hedges   (1,419)   (944)   (657)  Interest expense
Total reclassifications, before income taxes   (1,861)   (879)   (1,023)   
Income tax benefit   762    356    414   Income tax expense
Total reclassifications, net of income taxes  $(1,099)  $(523)  $(609)   

 

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21. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

Selected Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data

 

   2017 Quarter Ended 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)  March 31,   June 30,   September 30,   December 31, 
Interest income  $35,217   $36,234   $38,438   $39,960 
Interest expense   4,756    5,441    6,093    6,399 
Net interest income   30,461    30,793    32,345    33,561 
Provision for loan losses   800    950    1,900    10,400(1)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   29,661    29,843    30,445    23,161 
Non-interest income   4,122    4,509    4,972    4,499 
Non-interest expense   20,296    21,006    21,271    29,154(2)
Income (loss) before income taxes   13,487    13,346    14,146    (1,494)
Income tax expense   4,316    4,505    4,703    5,422(3)
Net income (loss)  $9,171   $8,841   $9,443   $(6,916)
Basic earnings (loss) per share  $0.47   $0.45   $0.48   $(0.35)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share  $0.47   $0.45   $0.48   $(0.35)

 

   2016 Quarter Ended 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)  March 31,   June 30,   September 30,   December 31, 
Interest income  $33,607   $34,733   $34,761   $34,615 
Interest expense   4,175    4,143    4,077    4,450 
Net interest income   29,432    30,590    30,684    30,165 
Provision for loan losses   1,250    900    2,000    1,400 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   28,182    29,690    28,684    28,765 
Non-interest income   3,995    4,269    4,034    3,748 
Non-interest expense   18,907(4)   20,441    19,204    18,529(5)
Income before income taxes   13,270    13,518    13,514    13,984 
Income tax expense   4,644    4,664    4,663    4,824 
Net income  $8,626   $8,854   $8,851   $9,160 
Basic earnings per share  $0.49   $0.51   $0.50   $0.50 
Diluted earnings per share  $0.49   $0.50   $0.50   $0.50 

 

(1) 2017 amount includes net charge-offs primarily from loans and specific reserves associated with two relationships of $8.0 million.

(2) 2017 amount includes restructuring costs associated with branch restructuring and charter conversion of $8.0 million.

(3) 2017 amount includes a charge to write-down deferred tax assets due to the enactment of the Tax Act of $7.6 million.

(4) 2016 amount includes reversal of costs associated with the CNB and FNBNY acquisitions of $0.3 million.

(5) 2016 amount includes reversal of costs associated with the CNB and FNBNY acquisitions of $0.7 million.

 

22. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

On June 19, 2015, the Company acquired CNB at a purchase price of $157.5 million, issued an aggregate of 5.647 million Bridge Bancorp common shares in exchange for all the issued and outstanding common stock of CNB and recorded goodwill of $96.5 million, which is not deductible for tax purposes. The transaction expanded the Company’s geographic footprint across Long Island including Nassau County, Queens and into New York City. It complements the Bank’s existing branch network and enhances asset generation capabilities. The expanded branch network allows the Bank to serve a greater portion of Long Island and the New York City boroughs.

 

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets were recorded at fair value. The operating results of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 include the operating results of CNB since the acquisition date of June 19, 2015.

 

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The following table summarizes the finalized fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on June 19, 2015:

 

       Measurement     
   As Initially   Period     
(In thousands)  Reported   Adjustments (1)   As Adjusted 
Cash and due from banks  $24,628   $-   $24,628 
Securities   90,109    -    90,109 
Loans   736,348    (6,935)   729,413 
Bank owned life insurance   21,445    -    21,445 
Premises and equipment   6,398    (5,122)   1,276 
Other intangible assets   6,698    -    6,698 
Other assets   14,484    7,245    21,729 
Total assets acquired  $900,110   $(4,812)  $895,298 
                
Deposits  $786,853   $-   $786,853 
Federal Home Loan Bank term advances   35,581    -    35,581 
Other liabilities and accrued expenses   5,647    6,214    11,861 
Total liabilities assumed  $828,081   $6,214   $834,295 
                
Net assets acquired   72,029    (11,026)   61,003 
Consideration paid   157,503    -    157,503 
Goodwill recorded on acquisition  $85,474   $11,026   $96,500 

 

(1)Explanation of measurement period adjustments:

 

Loans – represents adjustments to the initial fair values related to certain PCI loans based on the finalization of the initial provisional analyses.

 

Premises and equipment – represents write down to estimated fair value based on the final valuation performed on leasehold improvements.

 

Other assets – represents adjustments to the net deferred tax asset resulting from the adjustments to the initial fair values related to acquired assets and liabilities assumed.

 

Other liabilities and accrued expenses - represents adjustments to the initial fair values reported to adjust other liabilities to estimated fair value and record certain liabilities directly related to the CNB acquisition.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Shareholders and the Audit Committee of Bridge Bancorp, Inc.
Bridgehampton, New York

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as “financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

 
  Crowe Horwath LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

 

New York, New York

March 9, 2018

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by the annual report.

 

Report by Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2017, the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting based on those criteria.

 

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements that are included in this annual report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The attestation report of Crowe Horwath LLP appears on the previous page.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

On March 9, 2018, the Company and the Bank amended their employment agreement with Howard H. Nolan, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and the Company, and entered into substantially similar employment agreements with James J. Manseau, Executive Vice President, Chief Retail Banking Officer of the Bank and the Company, John M. McCaffery, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Bank and the Company, and Kevin L. Santacroce, Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer of the Bank and the Company, which agreements superseded and replaced their prior change in control agreements. The term of each employment agreement is two years, renewing daily, so that the remaining term is twenty-four months, unless notice of non-renewal is provided to the executive. Base salary is reviewed annually and can be increased but not decreased.

 

Pursuant to these agreements, if an executive voluntarily terminates his employment without “good reason,” or if the executive’s employment is terminated for cause, no benefits are provided under the agreement.

 

In the event of (i) the executive’s involuntary termination for any reason other than disability, death, retirement or termination for cause, or (ii) the executive’s resignation upon the occurrence of certain events constituting “good reason,” including a reduction in the executive’s duties, responsibilities or base salary, the executive would be entitled to a severance benefit equal to a cash lump sum payment equal to 24 months base salary and the value of continued health and medical insurance coverage for 24 months, payable within ten business days following the date of termination of employment.

 

In the event of (i) the executive’s involuntary termination for any reason other than cause, or (ii) the executive’s resignation upon the occurrence of certain events constituting “good reason,” including a reduction in the executive’s duties, responsibilities or pay, within

 

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two years (one year for Mr. Nolan) following a change in control, the executive would be entitled to a severance benefit equal to a cash lump sum payment equal to three times the sum of base salary and the highest annual bonus earned during the prior three years and the value of continued health and medical insurance coverage for 36 months, payable within ten business days following the date of termination of employment. Each employment agreement provides that the executive’s cash severance will be reduced to the limitation under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code only if this will result in the executive receiving a greater total payment as measured on an after-tax basis.

 

Except in the event of a change in control, following termination of employment each executive is subject to non-competition restrictions.

 

The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the amendment to employment agreement and form of employment agreement that are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1(iii) and 10.7, respectively, and are incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K. 

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information regarding Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance will be set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2018 and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information regarding Executive Compensation will be set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2018 and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

  

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The information regarding Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters will be set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2018 and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

Set forth below is certain information as of December 31, 2017, regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans that have been approved by stockholders. The Company does not have any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by shareholders.

 

Equity compensation
plan approved by
stockholders
  Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options
and awards
   Weighted average
exercise price with
respect to outstanding
stock options
   Number of securities
remaining available for
issuance under the Plan
 
2006 Equity Incentive Plan   19,928         
2012 Equity Incentive Plan   133,468        411,748 
Total   153,396        411,748 

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information regarding Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence will be set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2018 and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information regarding the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm’s fees and services will be set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2018, and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) The following Consolidated Financial Statements, including notes thereto, and financial schedules of the Company, required in response to this item are included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

  1. Financial Statements   Page No.
           
      Consolidated Balance Sheets   37
      Consolidated Statements of Income   38
      Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income   39
      Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity   40
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows   41
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   42
      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   88
           
  2. Financial Statement Schedules    

 

Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

  3. Exhibits  
       
      See Exhibit Index on page 93.

 

  

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

 

Not applicable. 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  BRIDGE BANCORP, INC.  
  Registrant  
     
March 9, 2018 /s/ Kevin M. O’Connor  
  Kevin M. O’Connor  
  President and Chief Executive Officer  
     
March 9, 2018 /s/ John M. McCaffery  
  John M. McCaffery  
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
     
March 9, 2018 /s/ Nicholas Parrinelli  
  Nicholas Parrinelli  
  Vice President, Principal Accounting Officer  
     

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

 

March 9, 2018 /s/ Marcia Z. Hefter   Director
  Marcia Z. Hefter    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Dennis A. Suskind   Director
  Dennis A. Suskind    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Kevin M. O’Connor   Director
  Kevin M. O’Connor    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Emanuel Arturi   Director
  Emanuel Arturi    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Charles I. Massoud   Director
  Charles I. Massoud    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Albert E. McCoy Jr.   Director
  Albert E. McCoy Jr.    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Howard H. Nolan   Director
  Howard H. Nolan    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Rudolph J. Santoro   Director
  Rudolph J. Santoro    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Thomas J. Tobin   Director
  Thomas J. Tobin    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Raymond A. Nielsen   Director
  Raymond A. Nielsen    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Daniel Rubin   Director
  Daniel Rubin    
       
March 9, 2018 /s/ Christian Yegen   Director
  Christian Yegen    

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX      
       
Exhibit Number   Description of Exhibit   Exhibit
         
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s amended Form 10-QSB, File No. 0-18546, filed October 15, 1990)   *
         
3.1(i)   Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form 10-Q, File No. 0-18546, filed August 13, 1999)   *
         
3.1(ii)   Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement, File No. 001-34096, filed November 18, 2008)   *
         
3.2   Revised Bylaws of the Registrant    
         
10.1   Amended and Restated Employment Contract – Howard H. Nolan (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form 8-K, File No. 001-34096, filed June 24, 2015   *
         
10.1(i)   First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Contract – Howard H. Nolan (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form 10-Q, File No. 0-18546, filed May 10, 2016   *
         
10.1(ii)   Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Contract – Howard H. Nolan (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form 10-Q, File No. 0-18546, filed August 8, 2016   *
         
10.1(iii)   Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Contract – Howard H. Nolan    
         
10.2   Employment Contract – Kevin M. O’Connor (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form 8-K, File No. 0-18546, filed October 15, 2007)   *
         
10.3   Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement, File No. 0-18546, filed March 24, 2006)   *
         
10.4   Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Revised for 409A) (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form 10-K, File No. 0-18546, filed March 14, 2008)   *
         
10.5   2012 Stock-Based Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement, File No. 001-34096, filed April 2, 2012)   *
         
10.6   Bridge Bancorp, Inc. Amended and Restated Directors Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form 10-K, File No. 001-34096, filed March 10, 2017)   *
         
10.7   Form of Employment Agreement entered into with James J. Manseau, John M. McCaffery and Kevin L. Santacroce    
         
21.1   Subsidiaries of Bridge Bancorp, Inc.    
         
23.1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    
         
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)    
         
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)    
         
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350    
         
101   The following financial statements from Bridge Bancorp, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2017, filed on March 9, 2018, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.    
       
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document    

 

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101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document    
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document    
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document    
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document    
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document    
*   Denotes incorporated by reference.    

 

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