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Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. /NY/ - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023

OR

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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 001-34096

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

N/A

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

New York

    

11-2934195

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. employer identification number)

898 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 560, Hauppauge, NY

11788

 (Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(631) 537-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Title of each class

Trading

Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value

DCOM

The NASDAQ Stock Market

Preferred Stock, Series A, $0.01 Par Value

DCOMP

The NASDAQ Stock Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all the reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   No

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

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

Large Accelerated Filer

Accelerated Filer

Non-Accelerated Filer 

Smaller Reporting Company 

Emerging Growth Company 

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

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

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

Classes of Common Stock

Number of shares outstanding at October 30, 2023

$0.01 Par Value

38,820,886

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page

Item 1.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

4

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

9

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

10

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

37

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

53

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

55

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

55

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

56

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

56

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

56

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

56

Item 5.

Other Information

56

Item 6.

Exhibits

57

Signatures

58

2

Table of Contents

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions;
inflation and fluctuation in market interest rates, which may affect demand for our products, interest margins and the fair value of financial instruments;
changes in deposit flows or composition, loan demand or real estate values;
changes in the quality and composition of our loan or investment portfolios or unanticipated or significant increases in loan losses;
changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines;
changes in corporate and/or individual income tax laws or policies;
general socio-economic conditions, including conditions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, other public health emergencies, international conflict, inflation and recessionary pressures, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which the Company conducts business, or conditions in the securities markets or the banking industry;
legislative, regulatory or policy changes;
technological changes;
breaches or failures of the Company’s information technology security systems;
difficulties or unanticipated expenses incurred in the consummation of new business initiatives or the integration of any acquired entities;
litigation or matters before regulatory agencies; and
the risks referred to in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

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

3

Table of Contents

Item 1.   Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands except share amounts)

September 30, 

December 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

Assets:

 

 

  

Cash and due from banks

$

358,824

$

169,297

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value

869,879

950,587

Securities held-to-maturity

600,291

585,798

Loans held for sale

 

3,924

 

Loans held for investment, net of fees and costs

10,850,611

10,566,831

Allowance for credit losses

 

(72,563)

 

(83,507)

Total loans held for investment, net

 

10,778,048

 

10,483,324

Premises and fixed assets, net

 

45,064

 

46,749

Premises held for sale

905

Restricted stock

 

90,085

 

88,745

Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")

 

347,400

 

333,292

Goodwill

 

155,797

 

155,797

Other intangible assets

5,409

6,484

Operating lease assets

 

55,600

 

57,857

Derivative assets

177,369

154,485

Accrued interest receivable

53,608

48,561

Other assets

 

109,202

 

108,945

Total assets

$

13,651,405

$

13,189,921

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing deposits

$

7,593,622

$

6,734,997

Non-interest-bearing deposits

 

2,935,156

 

3,449,763

Deposits (excluding mortgage escrow deposits)

 

10,528,778

 

10,184,760

Non-interest-bearing mortgage escrow deposits

107,545

69,455

Interest-bearing mortgage escrow deposits

223

192

Total mortgage escrow deposits

107,768

69,647

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") advances

 

1,123,000

 

1,131,000

Other short-term borrowings

 

 

1,360

Subordinated debt, net

 

200,218

 

200,283

Derivative cash collateral

185,620

153,040

Operating lease liabilities

 

58,281

 

60,340

Derivative liabilities

160,712

137,335

Other liabilities

 

82,684

 

82,573

Total liabilities

 

12,447,061

 

12,020,338

 

  

 

  

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

  

 

  

Preferred stock, Series A ($0.01 par, $25.00 liquidation value, 10,000,000 shares authorized and 5,299,200 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022)

 

116,569

 

116,569

Common stock ($0.01 par, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 41,632,327 and 41,621,772 shares issued at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and 38,810,546 shares and 38,573,000 shares outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively)

 

416

 

416

Additional paid-in capital

 

494,470

 

495,410

Retained earnings

 

808,235

 

762,762

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes

 

(106,913)

 

(94,379)

Unearned equity awards

 

(10,170)

 

(8,078)

Treasury stock, at cost (2,821,781 shares and 3,048,772 shares at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively)

 

(98,263)

 

(103,117)

Total stockholders' equity

 

1,204,344

 

1,169,583

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

13,651,405

$

13,189,921

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

Interest income:

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Loans

$

142,995

$

106,306

$

409,744

$

285,828

Securities

7,916

7,374

24,261

 

21,572

Other short-term investments

 

6,930

 

847

 

16,599

 

1,956

Total interest income

 

157,841

 

114,527

 

450,604

 

309,356

Interest expense:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Deposits and escrow

 

62,507

 

10,154

 

152,395

 

16,416

Borrowed funds

 

16,925

 

3,483

 

50,855

 

9,334

Derivative cash collateral

1,930

452

4,904

547

Total interest expense

 

81,362

 

14,089

 

208,154

 

26,297

Net interest income

 

76,479

 

100,438

 

242,450

 

283,059

Provision (recovery) for credit losses

 

1,806

 

6,587

 

(950)

 

5,039

Net interest income after provision (recovery) for credit losses

 

74,673

 

93,851

 

243,400

 

278,020

Non-interest income:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Service charges and other fees

 

3,963

 

3,866

 

12,633

 

12,261

Title fees

291

474

829

1,578

Loan level derivative income

 

783

 

549

 

6,353

 

2,240

BOLI income

 

2,317

 

2,177

 

7,332

 

8,159

Gain on sale of Small Business Administration ("SBA") loans

335

211

1,061

1,176

Gain on sale of residential loans

 

21

 

54

 

103

 

393

Loss on equity securities

(299)

(1,079)

Net loss on sale of securities and other assets

 

(22)

 

1,397

 

(1,469)

 

1,397

Other

 

539

 

634

 

1,571

 

1,485

Total non-interest income

 

7,928

 

9,362

 

27,334

 

28,689

Non-interest expense:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Salaries and employee benefits

 

30,520

 

29,188

 

87,054

 

88,476

Severance

8,562

9,068

2,193

Occupancy and equipment

 

7,277

 

7,884

 

21,794

 

22,864

Data processing costs

 

4,309

 

3,434

 

12,744

 

11,152

Marketing

 

2,079

 

1,531

 

5,016

 

4,341

Professional services

1,277

2,116

4,876

6,238

Federal deposit insurance premiums

 

1,866

 

800

 

5,613

 

3,100

Loss from extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

740

Amortization of other intangible assets

349

431

1,075

1,447

Other

 

3,284

 

2,918

 

11,944

 

9,477

Total non-interest expense

 

59,523

 

48,302

 

159,184

 

150,028

Income before income taxes

 

23,078

 

54,911

 

111,550

 

156,681

Income tax expense

 

8,093

 

15,430

 

31,764

 

44,184

Net income

14,985

39,481

79,786

112,497

Preferred stock dividends

1,822

1,822

5,465

5,465

Net income available to common stockholders

$

13,163

$

37,659

$

74,321

$

107,032

Earnings per common share:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

$

0.34

$

0.98

$

1.92

$

2.74

Diluted

$

0.34

$

0.98

$

1.92

$

2.74

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Table of Contents

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

Net income

$

14,985

$

39,481

$

79,786

$

112,497

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities:

Change in net unrealized loss during the period

 

(4,374)

 

(39,692)

 

(17,967)

 

(142,980)

Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net loss on sale of securities and other assets

1,447

Accretion of net unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity

788

1,112

2,341

2,111

Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:

Reclassification adjustment for expense included in other expense

 

(370)

 

(935)

 

(1,110)

 

(2,805)

Change in the net actuarial gain

518

997

1,553

2,992

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:

Change in net unrealized (loss) gain during the period

 

(246)

 

5,387

 

(771)

 

14,548

Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense

293

(546)

279

(569)

Other comprehensive loss before income taxes

 

(3,391)

 

(33,677)

 

(14,228)

 

(126,703)

Deferred tax benefit

 

(863)

 

(10,591)

 

(1,694)

 

(39,848)

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

(2,528)

 

(23,086)

 

(12,534)

 

(86,855)

Total comprehensive income

$

12,457

$

16,395

$

67,252

$

25,642

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

Table of Contents

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Number of

Additional

Loss,

Unearned

Treasury

Total

Shares of

Preferred

Common

Paid-in

Retained

Net of Deferred

Equity

Stock,

Stockholders’

    

Common Stock

    

Stock

    

Stock

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Taxes

    

Awards

    

at cost

    

Equity

Beginning balance as of January 1, 2023

 

38,573,000

$

116,569

$

416

$

495,410

$

762,762

$

(94,379)

$

(8,078)

$

(103,117)

$

1,169,583

Net income

37,303

37,303

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(4,259)

(4,259)

Release of shares, net of forfeitures

293,106

(1,608)

(6,692)

8,507

207

Stock-based compensation

1,302

1,302

Shares received related to tax withholding

(36,932)

(1)

(1,112)

(1,113)

Cash dividends declared to preferred stockholders

(1,821)

(1,821)

Cash dividends declared to common stockholders

(9,234)

(9,234)

Purchase of treasury stock

(24,813)

(715)

(715)

Ending balance as of March 31, 2023

38,804,361

116,569

416

493,801

789,010

(98,638)

(13,468)

(96,437)

1,191,253

Net income

27,498

27,498

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(5,747)

(5,747)

Release of shares, net of forfeitures

13,262

154

364

(123)

395

Stock-based compensation

1,358

1,358

Shares received related to tax withholding

(2,504)

(46)

(46)

Cash dividends declared to preferred stockholders

(1,822)

(1,822)

Cash dividends declared to common stockholders

(10,154)

(10,154)

Purchase of treasury stock

(12,000)

(232)

(232)

Ending balance as of June 30, 2023

38,803,119

$

116,569

$

416

$

493,955

$

804,532

$

(104,385)

$

(11,746)

$

(96,838)

$

1,202,503

Net income

14,985

14,985

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(2,528)

(2,528)

Release of shares, net of forfeitures

12,598

515

1,038

(1,332)

221

Stock-based compensation

538

538

Shares received related to tax withholding

(5,171)

(93)

(93)

Cash dividends declared to preferred stockholders

(1,822)

(1,822)

Cash dividends declared to common stockholders

(9,460)

(9,460)

Ending balance as of September 30, 2023

38,810,546

$

116,569

$

416

$

494,470

$

808,235

$

(106,913)

$

(10,170)

$

(98,263)

$

1,204,344

7

Table of Contents

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Number of

Additional

Loss,

Unearned

Treasury

Total

Shares of

Preferred

Common

Paid-in

Retained

Net of Deferred

Equity

Stock,

Stockholders’

    

Common Stock

    

Stock

    

Stock

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Taxes

    

Awards

    

at cost

    

Equity

Beginning balance as of January 1, 2022

 

39,877,833

$

116,569

$

416

$

494,125

$

654,726

$

(6,181)

$

(7,842)

$

(59,193)

$

1,192,620

Net income

34,531

 

34,531

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(43,199)

 

(43,199)

Release of shares, net of forfeitures

127,812

844

(3,939)

3,284

 

189

Stock-based compensation

1,219

 

1,219

Shares received related to tax withholding

(40,731)

(1,414)

 

(1,414)

Cash dividends declared to preferred stockholders

(1,821)

 

(1,821)

Cash dividends declared to common stockholders

(9,446)

(9,446)

Purchase of treasury stock

(505,005)

(17,392)

 

(17,392)

Ending balance as of March 31, 2022

 

39,459,909

116,569

416

494,969

677,990

(49,380)

(10,562)

(74,715)

1,155,287

Net income

38,485

38,485

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(20,570)

(20,570)

Release of shares, net of forfeitures

27,125

297

(644)

726

379

Stock-based compensation

946

946

Shares received related to tax withholding

(37)

(1)

(1)

Cash dividends declared to preferred stockholders

(1,822)

(1,822)

Cash dividends declared to common stockholders, net

(9,282)

(9,282)

Purchase of treasury stock

(717,644)

(22,900)

(22,900)

Ending balance as of June 30, 2022

38,769,353

$

116,569

$

416

$

495,266

$

705,371

$

(69,950)

$

(10,260)

$

(96,890)

$

1,140,522

Net income

39,481

39,481

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(23,086)

(23,086)

Release of shares, net of forfeitures

7,227

(33)

20

241

228

Stock-based compensation

1,063

1,063

Shares received related to tax withholding

(4,662)

(1)

(141)

(142)

Cash dividends declared to preferred stockholders

(1,822)

(1,822)

Cash dividends declared to common stockholders

(9,247)

(9,247)

Purchase of treasury stock

(200,346)

(6,206)

(6,206)

Ending balance as of September 30, 2022

38,571,572

$

116,569

$

416

$

495,232

$

733,783

$

(93,036)

$

(9,177)

$

(102,996)

$

1,140,791

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2023

    

2022

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

  

  

Net income

$

79,786

$

112,497

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

  

 

  

Net loss (gain) on sales of securities available-for-sale and other assets

 

1,469

 

(1,397)

Loss on equity securities

 

1,079

 

Net gain on sale of loans held for sale

 

(1,164)

 

(1,569)

Net depreciation, amortization and accretion

 

4,560

 

6,426

Amortization of other intangible assets

1,075

1,447

Loss on extinguishment of debt

740

Stock-based compensation

 

3,198

 

3,228

(Recovery) provision for credit losses

 

(950)

 

5,039

Originations of loans held for sale

 

(6,440)

 

(17,128)

Proceeds from sale of loans originated for sale

 

22,171

 

34,029

Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI

 

(6,687)

 

(6,003)

Gain from death benefits from BOLI

(645)

(2,156)

Decrease (increase) in other assets

 

3,679

 

(27,052)

Increase in other liabilities

 

29,785

 

139,350

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

130,916

 

247,451

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

  

 

  

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale

 

77,804

 

Purchases of securities available-for-sale

 

(80,625)

 

(29,742)

Purchases of securities held-to-maturity

(28,328)

 

(63,210)

Proceeds from calls and principal repayments of securities available-for-sale

 

60,167

 

139,974

Proceeds from calls and principal repayments of securities held-to-maturity

16,433

25,260

Purchase of BOLI

 

(8,000)

 

(30,000)

Proceeds received from cash surrender value of BOLI

1,224

2,843

Proceeds from the sale of portfolio loans transferred to held for sale

 

4,192

 

13,201

Net increase in loans

 

(316,784)

 

(903,287)

Purchases of fixed assets, net

 

(4,230)

 

(2,621)

Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets and premises held for sale

25

Purchases of restricted stock, net

 

(1,340)

 

(27,924)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(279,462)

 

(875,506)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

  

 

  

Increase in deposits

 

382,274

 

29,972

(Repayments) proceeds from FHLBNY advances, short-term, net

 

(170,000)

 

395,000

Proceeds from FHLBNY advances, long-term

162,000

200,000

(Repayments) proceeds of other short-term borrowings, net

 

(1,360)

 

262

Proceeds from subordinated debentures issuance, net

157,559

Redemption of subordinated debentures

(155,000)

Release of stock for benefit plan awards

 

823

 

796

Payments related to tax withholding for equity awards

 

(1,252)

 

(1,557)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

(947)

 

(46,498)

Cash dividends paid to preferred stockholders

(5,465)

(5,465)

Cash dividends paid to common stockholders

 

(28,000)

 

(27,740)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

338,073

 

547,329

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

189,527

 

(80,726)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

169,297

 

393,722

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

$

358,824

$

312,996

 

  

 

  

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

  

 

  

Cash paid for income taxes

$

31,270

$

35,127

Cash paid for interest

 

193,529

 

22,619

Securities available-for-sale transferred to held-to-maturity

372,154

Loans transferred to held for sale

 

22,500

 

27,426

Loans transferred to held for investment

4,051

Premises transferred to held for sale

 

905

 

Operating lease assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities

6,333

2,274

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the “ Holding Company”) is engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dime Community Bank (“the Bank”). The Bank was established in 1910 and is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York. The Holding Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1988 to serve as the holding company for the Bank. The Holding Company functions primarily as the holder of all of the Bank’s common stock. Our bank operations include Dime Community Inc., a real estate investment trust subsidiary which was formerly known as Bridgehampton Community, Inc., as an operating subsidiary. Our bank operations also include Dime Abstract LLC (“Dime Abstract”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank, which is a broker of title insurance services. In September 2021, the Company dissolved two REITs, DSBW Preferred Funding Corporation and DSBW Residential Preferred Funding Corporation, which were wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Bank, and the preferred shares outstanding were redeemed by their shareholders. As of September 30, 2023, we operated 60 branch locations throughout Long Island and the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island.  

The unaudited consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include the collective results of the Holding Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank, which are collectively herein referred to as “we”, “us”, “our” and the “Company.”

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. In preparing the interim financial statements, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reported periods. 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. The annualized results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). 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. The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which remain significantly unchanged and have been followed similarly as in prior periods.

2.SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the results of operations and statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the changes in stockholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

Please see "Part I - Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies" for a discussion of areas in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements utilizing significant estimates.

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Adoption of Recent Accounting Standards

ASU 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging-Portfolio Layer Method

On March 28, 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging – Portfolio Layer Method. The purpose of this updated guidance is to further align risk management objectives with hedge accounting results on the application of the last-of-layer method, which was first introduced in ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. ASU 2022-01 became effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption in the interim period, permitted. For entities who have already adopted ASU 2017-12, immediate adoption is allowed. This ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2023, on a prospective basis; therefore, there was no impact to the consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures

ASU 2022-02 eliminates troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) recognition and measurement guidance and, instead, requires that an entity evaluate whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. ASU 2022-02 enhances existing disclosure requirements and introduces new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. For entities that have adopted the amendments of ASU 2016-13, the amendments in ASU 2022-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 on its effective date using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)

ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to loan and lease agreements, derivative contracts, and other transactions affected by the anticipated transition away from LIBOR toward new interest rate benchmarks. ASU 2020-04 also provides numerous optional expedients for derivative accounting. ASU 2020-04 is effective March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Once optional expedients are elected, the amendments in this ASU must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications for that Topic or Industry Subtopic within the Codification. As of July 1, 2023, the Company has transitioned LIBOR based transactions to other indexes. The LIBOR transition is not anticipated to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope

ASU 2021-01 clarifies that all derivative instruments affected by changes to the interest rates used for discounting, margining, or contract price alignment due to reference rate reform are in the scope of ASC 848. Entities may apply certain optional expedients in ASC 848 to derivative instruments that do not reference LIBOR or another rate expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform if there is a change to the interest rate used for discounting, margining or contract price alignment. ASU 2021-01 became effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. As of July 1, 2023, the Company has transitioned LIBOR based derivatives to other indexes such as fallback rate SOFR. The LIBOR transition is not anticipated to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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3.ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

    

    

    

    

Total

Accumulated

Defined

Other

Benefit

Comprehensive

(In thousands)

    

Securities

    

Plans

    

Derivatives

    

Income (Loss)

Balance as of January 1, 2023

$

(100,870)

$

(5,266)

$

11,757

$

(94,379)

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

 

(15,338)

 

952

 

(229)

 

(14,615)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

2,666

 

(781)

 

196

 

2,081

Net other comprehensive (loss) income during the period

 

(12,672)

 

171

 

(33)

 

(12,534)

Balance as of September 30, 2023

$

(113,542)

$

(5,095)

$

11,724

$

(106,913)

Balance as of January 1, 2022

$

(7,864)

$

(1,306)

$

2,989

$

(6,181)

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

 

(96,565)

 

2,051

 

9,972

 

(84,542)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(1,923)

 

(390)

 

(2,313)

Net other comprehensive (loss) income during the period

 

(96,565)

 

128

 

9,582

 

(86,855)

Balance as of September 30, 2022

$

(104,429)

$

(1,178)

$

12,571

$

(93,036)

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

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

(In thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Change in net unrealized loss during the period

$

(4,374)

$

(39,692)

$

(17,967)

$

(142,980)

Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net loss on sale of securities and other assets

 

 

 

1,447

 

Accretion of net unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity

788

 

1,112

2,341

2,111

Net change

 

(3,586)

 

(38,580)

 

(14,179)

 

(140,869)

Tax benefit

 

(1,062)

 

(12,133)

 

(1,507)

 

(44,304)

Net change in unrealized loss on securities, net of reclassification adjustments and tax

 

(2,524)

 

(26,447)

 

(12,672)

 

(96,565)

Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Reclassification adjustment for expense included in other expense

 

(370)

 

(935)

 

(1,110)

 

(2,805)

Change in the net actuarial gain

 

518

 

997

 

1,553

 

2,992

Net change

 

148

62

 

443

 

187

Tax expense

 

185

 

20

 

272

 

59

Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations

 

(37)

 

42

 

171

 

128

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Change in net unrealized (loss) gain during the period

 

(246)

 

5,387

 

(771)

 

14,548

Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense

 

293

 

(546)

 

279

 

(569)

Net change

 

47

 

4,841

 

(492)

 

13,979

Tax expense (benefit)

 

14

 

1,522

 

(459)

 

4,397

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of reclassification adjustments and tax

 

33

 

3,319

 

(33)

 

9,582

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

$

(2,528)

$

(23,086)

$

(12,534)

$

(86,855)

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4.EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is computed using the same method as basic EPS, but reflects the potential dilution that would occur if "in the money" stock options were exercised and converted into common stock. In determining the weighted-average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS, treasury shares are excluded. Vested restricted stock award (“RSA”) shares are included in the calculation of the weighted-average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS. Unvested RSA and performance-based share awards (“PSA”) shares not yet awarded are recognized as a special class of participating securities under ASC 260, and are included in the calculation of the weighted-average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS.

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

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

(In thousands except share and per share amounts)

    

2023

    

2022

    

2023

    

2022

Net income available to common stockholders

$

13,163

$

37,659

$

74,321

$

107,032

Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities

 

(209)

 

(438)

 

(1,015)

 

(1,244)

Income attributable to common stock

$

12,954

$

37,221

$

73,306

$

105,788

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, including participating securities

 

38,821,541

 

38,614,436

 

38,732,963

 

39,125,192

Less: weighted-average participating securities

 

(617,580)

 

(448,755)

 

(555,259)

 

(446,298)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

38,203,961

 

38,165,681

 

38,177,704

 

38,678,894

Basic EPS

$

0.34

$

0.98

$

1.92

$

2.74

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Income attributable to common stock

$

12,954

$

37,221

$

73,306

$

105,788

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

38,203,961

 

38,165,681

 

38,177,704

 

38,678,894

Weighted-average common equivalent shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common and equivalent shares outstanding

 

38,203,961

 

38,165,681

 

38,177,704

 

38,678,894

Diluted EPS

$

0.34

$

0.98

$

1.92

$

2.74

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

There were 92,137 weighted-average stock options outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, which were not considered in the calculation of diluted EPS since their exercise prices exceeded the average market price during the period. There were 102,581 and 114,961 weighted-average stock options outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, which were not considered in the calculation of diluted EPS since their exercise prices exceeded the average market price during the period.

5.PREFERRED STOCK

On February 5, 2020, Legacy Dime completed an underwritten public offering of 2,999,200 shares, or $75.0 million in aggregate liquidation preference, of its 5.50% Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (the “Legacy Dime Preferred Stock”). The net proceeds received from the issuance of preferred stock at the time of closing were $72.2 million. On June 10, 2020, Legacy Dime completed an underwritten public offering, a reopening of its February 5, 2020, original issuance, of 2,300,000 shares, or $57.5 million in aggregate liquidation preference, of the Legacy Dime Preferred Stock. The net proceeds received from the issuance of preferred stock at the time of closing were $44.3 million.

At the Effective Time of the Merger, each outstanding share of the Legacy Dime Preferred Stock was converted into the right to receive one share of a newly created series of the Company’s preferred stock having the same powers, preferences and rights as the Legacy Dime Preferred Stock.

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The Company expects to pay dividends when, as, and if declared by its board of directors, at a fixed rate of 5.50% per annum, payable quarterly, in arrears, on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The preferred stock is perpetual and has no stated maturity. The Company may redeem the preferred stock at its option at a redemption price equal to $25.00 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends), subject to regulatory approval, on or after June 15, 2025, or within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event, as described in the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering.

6.SECURITIES

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

September 30, 2023

Gross

Gross

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

(In thousands)

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

Securities available-for-sale:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency notes

$

10,000

$

$

(857)

$

9,143

Treasury securities

246,135

(16,262)

229,873

Corporate securities

 

169,549

 

 

(28,462)

 

141,087

Pass-through mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") issued by government sponsored entities ("GSEs")

 

239,509

 

 

(33,306)

 

206,203

Agency collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs")

 

311,632

 

21

 

(56,011)

 

255,642

State and municipal obligations

30,845

(2,914)

27,931

Total securities available-for-sale

$

1,007,670

$

21

$

(137,812)

$

869,879

September 30, 2023

Gross

Gross

Amortized

Unrecognized

Unrecognized

Fair

(In thousands)

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

Securities held-to-maturity:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency notes

$

89,461

$

$

(15,305)

$

74,156

Corporate securities

9,000

(1,945)

7,055

Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs

283,258

(53,777)

229,481

Agency CMOs

 

218,572

 

 

(33,278)

 

185,294

Total securities held-to-maturity

$

600,291

$

$

(104,305)

$

495,986

December 31, 2022

Gross

Gross

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

(In thousands)

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

Securities available-for-sale:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Treasury securities

$

246,899

$

$

(19,643)

$

227,256

Corporate securities

183,791

 

57

 

(17,075)

 

166,773

Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs

 

272,774

 

 

(31,534)

 

241,240

Agency CMOs

 

331,394

 

2

 

(50,057)

 

281,339

State and municipal obligations

 

37,000

(3,021)

33,979

Total securities available-for-sale

$

1,071,858

$

59

$

(121,330)

$

950,587

December 31, 2022

Gross

Gross

Amortized

Unrecognized

Unrecognized

Fair

(In thousands)

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

Securities held-to-maturity:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency notes

$

89,157

$

$

(14,095)

$

75,062

Corporate securities

9,000

(553)

8,447

Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs

278,281

(40,960)

237,321

Agency CMOs

 

209,360

 

 

(24,431)

 

184,929

Total securities held-to-maturity

$

585,798

$

$

(80,039)

$

505,759

There were no transfers to or from securities held-to-maturity during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company transferred securities with an amortized cost of $400.0 million from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The transfers occurred at fair value totaling $372.2 million. The related

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unrealized losses of $27.8 million were converted to a discount that is being accreted through interest income on a level-yield method over the term of the securities, while the unrealized losses recorded in other comprehensive income are amortized out of other comprehensive income through interest income on a level-yield method over the remaining term of securities, with no net change to interest income. No gain or loss was recorded at the time of transfer. There were no transfers of securities held-to-maturity to securities available-for-sale during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2022.

The carrying amount of securities pledged at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $470.0 million and $631.4 million, respectively.

At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders' equity.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities are shown by contractual maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.  

September 30, 2023

Amortized

Fair

(In thousands)

Cost

Value

Available-for-sale

Within one year

$

83,132

$

80,015

One to five years

206,284

188,885

Five to ten years

167,113

139,134

Beyond ten years

Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs and agency CMO

551,141

461,845

Total

$

1,007,670

$

869,879

Held-to-maturity

Within one year

$

$

One to five years

19,772

17,743

Five to ten years

78,689

63,468

Beyond ten years

Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs and agency CMO

501,830

414,775

Total

$

600,291

$

495,986

The following table presents the information related to sales of securities available-for-sale as of the periods indicated:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

(In thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

Securities available-for-sale

Proceeds

$

$

$

77,804

$

Gross gains

130

Tax expense on gains

39

Gross losses

1,577

Tax benefit on losses

467

There were no sales of securities held-to-maturity during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.  

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

September 30, 2023

Less than 12

12 Consecutive

Consecutive Months

Months or Longer

Total

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

(In thousands)

    

Value

    

Losses

    

Value

    

Losses

    

Value

    

Losses

Securities available-for-sale:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency notes

$

$

$

9,143

$

857

$

9,143

$

857

Treasury securities

229,873

16,262

229,873

16,262

Corporate securities

19,118

2,248

121,969

26,214

141,087

28,462

Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs

904

12

205,299

33,294

206,203

33,306

Agency CMOs

2,427

41

248,193

55,970

250,620

56,011

State and municipal obligations

 

1,713

 

137

 

26,218

 

2,777

27,931

2,914

December 31, 2022

Less than 12

12 Consecutive

Consecutive Months

Months or Longer

Total

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

(In thousands)

    

Value

    

Losses

    

Value

    

Losses

    

Value

    

Losses

Securities available-for-sale:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Treasury securities

$

$

$

227,256

$

19,643

$

227,256

$

19,643

Corporate securities

110,707

8,494

50,116

8,581

160,823

17,075

Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs

50,813

2,010

190,427

29,524

241,240

31,534

Agency CMOs

55,924

3,454

220,413

46,603

276,337

50,057

State and municipal obligations

10,848

 

174

 

22,681

 

2,847

33,529

3,021

As of September 30, 2023, none of the Company’s available-for-sale debt securities were in an unrealized loss position due to credit and therefore no allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities was required. Additionally, given the high-quality composition of the Company’s held-to-maturity portfolio, the Company did not record an allowance for credit losses on the held-to-maturity portfolio. With respect to certain classes of debt securities, primarily U.S. Treasuries and securities issued by Government Sponsored Entities, the Company considers the history of credit losses, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, which may indicate that the expectation that nonpayment of the amortized cost basis is or continues to be zero, even if the U.S. government were to technically default. Accrued interest receivable on securities totaling $3.3 million and $5.4 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, was included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet and excluded from the amortized cost and estimated fair value totals in the table above.

Management evaluates available-for-sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions to determine whether the impairment is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. Consideration is given to (1) the extent to which the fair value is less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

At September 30, 2023, 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. The following major security types held by the Company are all issued by U.S. government entities and agencies and therefore either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government: Agency Notes, Treasury Securities, Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs, Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. Substantially all of the corporate bonds within the portfolio have maintained an investment grade rating by either Kroll, Egan-Jones, Fitch, Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s. None of the unrealized losses are related to credit quality of the issuer. Substantially all of the state and municipal obligations within the portfolio have all maintained an investment grade rating by either Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s. 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

16

Table of Contents

anticipated recovery. The issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments on the debt. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach maturity.

7.LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT, NET

The following table presents the loan categories for the period ended as indicated:

(In thousands)

    

September 30, 2023

    

December 31, 2022

Business loans (1)

$

2,271,768

$

2,211,857

One-to-four family residential and cooperative/condominium apartment

892,869

773,321

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

4,102,024

 

4,026,826

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

 

3,374,281

 

3,317,485

Acquisition, development, and construction ("ADC")

 

203,402

 

229,663

Other loans

 

6,267

 

7,679

Total

 

10,850,611

 

10,566,831

Allowance for credit losses

 

(72,563)

 

(83,507)

Loans held for investment, net

$

10,778,048

$

10,483,324

(1) Business loans include commercial and industrial loans, owner-occupied commercial real estate loans and PPP loans.

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

At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

One-to-Four

Family

Multifamily

Residential and

Residential

Cooperative/

and

Non-Owner-Occupied

Business

Condominium

Residential

Commercial

Other

(In thousands)

    

Loans

    

Apartment

    

Mixed-Use

    

Real Estate

    

ADC

    

Loans

    

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

Beginning balance

$

39,700

$

6,419

$

8,190

$

18,440

$

2,558

$

339

    

$

75,646

(Credit) provision for credit losses

 

1,822

787

(621)

(10)

 

(220)

23

 

1,781

Charge-offs

 

(5,147)

 

 

(2)

 

 

 

(26)

 

(5,175)

Recoveries

305

6

311

Ending balance

$

36,680

$

7,206

$

7,567

$

18,430

$

2,338

$

342

$

72,563

At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

One-to-Four

Family

Multifamily

Residential and

Residential

Cooperative/

and

Non-Owner-Occupied

Business

Condominium

Residential

Commercial

Other

(In thousands)

    

Loans

    

Apartment

    

Mixed-Use

    

Real Estate

    

ADC

    

Loans

    

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

Beginning balance

$

45,128

$

4,514

$

7,003

$

18,707

$

3,788

$

286

    

$

79,426

(Credit) provision for credit losses

 

3,246

544

1,051

1,800

 

(169)

(32)

 

6,440

Charge-offs

 

(5,462)

 

 

 

 

 

(49)

 

(5,511)

Recoveries

1,580

1,580

Ending balance

$

44,492

$

5,058

$

8,054

$

20,507

$

3,619

$

205

$

81,935

17

Table of Contents

At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Real Estate Loans

One-to-Four

Family

Multifamily

Residential and

Residential

Cooperative/

and

Non-Owner-Occupied

Business

Condominium

Residential

Commercial

Other

(In thousands)

    

Loans

    

Apartment

    

Mixed-Use

    

Real Estate

    

ADC

    

Loans

    

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

    

Beginning balance

$

47,029

$

5,969

$

8,360

$

20,153

$

1,723

$

273

    

$

83,507

Provision (recovery) for credit losses

 

(328)

 

1,251

 

(791)

 

(1,723)

 

615

 

116

 

(860)

Charge-offs

 

(10,921)

 

(14)

 

(2)

 

 

 

(60)

 

(10,997)

Recoveries

900

13

913

Ending balance

$

36,680

$

7,206

$

7,567

$

18,430

$

2,338

$

342

$

72,563

At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

One-to-Four

Family

Multifamily

Residential and

Residential

Cooperative/

and

Non-Owner-Occupied

Business

Condominium

Residential

Commercial

Other

(In thousands)

    

Loans

    

Apartment

    

Mixed-Use

    

Real Estate

    

ADC

    

Loans

    

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

Beginning balance

$

62,366

$

5,932

$

7,816

$

2,131

$

4,857

$

751

    

$

83,853

(Recovery) provision for credit losses

 

(10,799)

(874)

236

18,322

 

(1,238)

(495)

 

5,152

Charge-offs

 

(8,742)

 

 

 

 

 

(52)

 

(8,794)

Recoveries

 

1,667

2

54

 

1

 

1,724

Ending balance

$

44,492

$

5,058

$

8,054

$

20,507

$

3,619

$

205

$

81,935

The following tables present the amortized cost basis of loans on non-accrual status as of the periods indicated:

September 30, 2023

Non-accrual with

Non-accrual with

(In thousands)

    

No Allowance

    

Allowance

    

 

Reserve

Business loans

$

3,809

$

15,746

$

14,065

One-to-four family residential and cooperative/condominium apartment

2,874

140

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

 

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

15

15

Acquisition, development, and construction

657

305

Other loans

219

219

Total

$

3,809

$

19,511

$

14,744

December 31, 2022

Non-accrual with

Non-accrual with

(In thousands)

    

No Allowance

    

Allowance

    

 

Reserve

Business loans

$

5,403

$

22,384

$

20,812

One-to-four family residential and cooperative/condominium apartment

3,203

181

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

 

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

15

2,476

1,297

Acquisition, development, and construction

657

Other loans

99

99

Total

$

6,075

$

28,162

$

22,389

The Company did not recognize interest income on non-accrual loans held for investment during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.  

18

Table of Contents

The following tables summarize the past due status of the Company’s investment in loans as of the dates indicated:

September 30, 2023

Loans 90

Days or

Total

30 to 59

60 to 89

More Past Due

Past Due

Days

Days

and Still

and

Total

(In thousands)

    

Past Due

    

Past Due

    

Accruing Interest

    

Non-accrual

    

Non-accrual

    

Current

    

Loans

Business loans

$

16,693

$

1,151

$

$

19,555

$

37,399

$

2,234,369

$

2,271,768

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

 

439

 

2,644

 

 

2,874

 

5,957

 

886,912

 

892,869

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

2,976

 

818

 

 

 

3,794

 

4,098,230

 

4,102,024

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

 

2,851

 

6,787

 

 

15

 

9,653

 

3,364,628

 

3,374,281

Acquisition, development, and construction

 

650

657

 

1,307

 

202,095

 

203,402

Other

2

219

221

6,046

6,267

Total

$

22,961

$

12,050

$

$

23,320

$

58,331

$

10,792,280

$

10,850,611

December 31, 2022

Loans 90

Days or

Total

30 to 59

60 to 89

More Past Due

Past Due

Days

Days

and Still

and

Total

(In thousands)

    

Past Due

    

Past Due

    

Accruing Interest

    

Non-accrual

    

Non-accrual

    

Current

    

Loans

Business loans

$

5,861

$

741

$

$

27,787

$

34,389

$

2,177,468

$

2,211,857

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

 

686

 

 

 

3,203

 

3,889

 

769,432

 

773,321

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

4,817

 

 

 

 

4,817

 

4,022,009

 

4,026,826

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

 

11,889

 

 

 

2,491

 

14,380

 

3,303,105

 

3,317,485

Acquisition, development, and construction

 

 

 

 

657

 

657

 

229,006

 

229,663

Other

264

1

99

364

7,315

7,679

Total

$

23,517

$

742

$

$

34,237

$

58,496

$

10,508,335

$

10,566,831

Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due:

The Company did not have accruing loans 90 days or more past due as of September 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022.

Collateral Dependent Loans:

The Company had collateral dependent loans which were individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses as of the dates indicated:

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

Real Estate

Associated Allowance

Real Estate

Associated Allowance

(In thousands)

Collateral Dependent

for Credit Losses

Collateral Dependent

for Credit Losses

Business loans

$

3,771

$

$

5,849

$

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

2,491

1,297

Acquisition, development, and construction

657

305

657

Other

Total

$

4,428

$

305

$

8,997

$

1,297

19

Table of Contents

Loan Restructurings

The Company adopted ASU No. 2022-02 on January 1, 2023, which eliminates the recognition and measurement of a TDR. Due to the removal of the TDR designation, the Company applies the loan refinancing and restructuring guidance to determine whether a modification or other form of restructuring results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that result in a direct change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows include conditions where there is principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, term extensions, and/or a combinations of these modifications. The disclosures related to loan restructuring are only for modifications that directly affect cash flows.

The following tables shows the amortized cost basis as of September 30, 2023 of the loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, disaggregated by loan category and type of concession granted:

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

Significant

Term Extension

Significant Payment Delay

% of Total Class

Term

Payment

and Significant

and Interest

of Financing

(Dollars in thousands)

    

Extension

    

Delay

    

Payment Delay

    

Rate Reduction

    

Total

    

Receivable

Business loans

$

$

9,290

$

$

29

$

9,319

0.4

%

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

24,705

 

 

 

24,705

0.7

Acquisition, development, and construction

0.0

Other

0.0

Total

$

$

33,995

$

$

29

$

34,024

0.3

%

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Significant

Term Extension

Significant Payment Delay

% of Total Class

Term

Payment

and Significant

and Interest

of Financing

(Dollars in thousands)

    

Extension

    

Delay

    

Payment Delay

    

Rate Reduction

    

Total

    

Receivable

Business loans

$

126

$

9,290

$

471

$

301

$

10,188

0.4

%

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

2,854

2,854

0.3

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

 

 

24,705

 

 

 

24,705

0.7

Acquisition, development, and construction

 

 

 

0.0

Other

0.0

Total

$

126

$

36,849

$

471

$

301

$

37,747

0.3

%

The following tables describes the financial effect of the modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty:

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

Weighted Average

Weighted Average

Weighted Average

Payment Delay

Interest Rate

Months of

or Principal

(Dollars in thousands)

    

Reductions

Term Extensions

    

Forgiveness

Business loans

4.50

%

$

$

1,417

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

 

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

 

 

988

Acquisition, development, and construction

 

 

Other loans

Total

4.50

%

$

$

2,405

20

Table of Contents

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Weighted Average

Weighted Average

Weighted Average

Payment Delay

Interest Rate

Months of

or Principal

(Dollars in thousands)

    

Reductions

Term Extensions

    

Forgiveness

Business loans

4.27

%

$

20

$

1,314

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

72

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

988

Acquisition, development, and construction

 

 

Other loans

 

 

Total

4.27

%

$

20

$

2,374

The Bank monitors the performance of loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table describes the performance of loans that have been modified during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

September 30, 2023

30-59

60-89

90+

(Dollars in thousands)

    

Current

    

Days Past Due

    

Days Past Due

    

Days Past Due

    

Non-Accrual

    

Total

Business loans

$

9,290

$

$

$

$

898

$

10,188

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

2,854

2,854

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

 

 

 

 

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

 

24,705

 

 

 

 

24,705

Acquisition, development, and construction

 

 

 

 

 

Other loans

Total

$

36,849

$

$

$

$

898

$

37,747

There were no loans made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that were modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, and that subsequently defaulted. For the purposes of this disclosure, a payment default is defined as 90 or more days past due and still accruing. Non-accrual loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty remain on non-accrual status until the borrower has demonstrated performance under the modified terms.

Prior to our adoption of ASU 2022-02, as of December 31, 2022, the Company had TDRs totaling $22.1 million. The Company has allocated $9.1 million of allowance for those loans at December 31, 2022, with no commitments to lend additional amounts.

The following table presents the loans by category modified as TDRs that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Modifications During the Year Ended December 31, 2022

Pre-

Post-

Modification

Modification

Number

Outstanding

Outstanding

of

Recorded

Recorded

(Dollars in thousands)

Loans

Investment

Investment

Business loans

7

$

21,934

$

21,938

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

2

762

762

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

1

991

991

Acquisition, development, and construction

1

13,500

13,500

Other

1

276

276

Total

12

$

37,463

$

37,467

21

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Credit Quality Indicators

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit structure, loan documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying them based on credit risk. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

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

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

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

22

Table of Contents

The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of loans by internally assigned grade as of the periods indicated, the years represent the year of origination for non-revolving loans:

September 30, 2023

(In thousands)

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018 and Prior

Revolving

Revolving-Term

Total

Business loans

Pass

$

197,831

$

428,588

$

199,606

$

167,826

$

159,084

$

316,910

$

640,980

$

39,015

$

2,149,840

Special mention

506

3,184

1,279

923

4,850

13,541

22,962

9,125

56,370

Substandard

1

1,950

2,446

6,845

2,737

30,088

8,290

8,286

60,643

Doubtful

4,166

749

4,915

Total business loans

198,338

433,722

203,331

175,594

170,837

361,288

672,232

56,426

2,271,768

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

77

38

4,166

2,229

1,021

3,390

10,921

One-to-four family residential, and condominium/cooperative apartment:

Pass

161,750

217,184

103,310

69,919

63,299

215,385

33,259

12,825

876,931

Special mention

756

159

710

1,625

Substandard

1,010

1,218

11,299

786

14,313

Doubtful

Total one-to-four family residential, and condominium/cooperative apartment

161,750

217,184

103,310

70,929

64,517

227,440

33,418

14,321

892,869

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

14

14

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use:

Pass

244,041

1,367,753

589,048

285,272

389,601

1,086,015

12,715

4,340

3,978,785

Special mention

4,223

22,096

3,905

30,476

60,700

Substandard

10,656

5,109

46,774

62,539

Doubtful

Total multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

244,041

1,367,753

593,271

318,024

398,615

1,163,265

12,715

4,340

4,102,024

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

2

2

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

Pass

196,881

728,514

667,899

478,381

358,916

782,593

11,237

7,987

3,232,408

Special mention

78,099

4,585

14,757

97,441

Substandard

15

25,740

6,285

12,392

44,432

Doubtful

Total non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

196,881

728,514

667,914

582,220

369,786

809,742

11,237

7,987

3,374,281

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

Acquisition, development, and construction

Pass

7,668

51,454

81,045

7,647

15,644

495

23,597

238

187,788

Special mention

14,957

14,957

Substandard

657

657

Doubtful

Total acquisition, development, and construction

7,668

51,454

96,659

7,647

15,644

495

23,597

238

203,402

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

Total:

Pass

808,171

2,793,493

1,640,908

1,009,045

986,544

2,401,398

721,788

64,405

10,425,752

Special mention

506

3,184

20,459

101,118

13,340

59,530

23,121

9,835

231,093

Substandard

1

1,950

3,118

44,251

15,349

100,553

8,290

9,072

182,584

Doubtful

4,166

749

4,915

Total Loans

$

808,678

$

2,798,627

$

1,664,485

$

1,154,414

$

1,019,399

$

2,562,230

$

753,199

$

83,312

$

10,844,344

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

$

$

$

77

$

38

$

4,166

$

2,231

$

1,021

$

3,404

$

10,937

23

Table of Contents

December 31, 2022

(In thousands)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017 and Prior

Revolving

Revolving-Term

Total

Business loans

Pass

$

449,699

$

228,143

$

187,522

$

173,527

$

130,576

$

240,131

$

650,960

$

43,552

$

2,104,110

Special mention

6,634

-

894

1,529

15,893

4,213

9,062

478

38,703

Substandard

5,242

1,380

8,843

4,706

2,101

14,938

11,290

9,412

57,912

Doubtful

8,332

752

2,048

11,132

Total business loans

461,575

229,523

197,259

188,094

149,322

261,330

671,312

53,442

2,211,857

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

477

4,720

2,088

2,414

1,460

242

11,401

One-to-four family residential, and condominium/cooperative apartment:

Pass

225,031

108,185

72,732

65,515

66,038

164,338

41,172

12,563

755,574

Special mention

735

1,175

579

726

3,215

Substandard

1,026

1,227

407

10,779

1,093

14,532

Doubtful

Total one-to-four family residential, and condominium/cooperative apartment

225,031

108,185

73,758

66,742

67,180

176,292

41,751

14,382

773,321

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use:

Pass

1,386,549

582,393

316,424

395,933

127,074

1,107,281

12,584

3,928,238

Special mention

11,183

14,168

25,351

Substandard

12,294

7,001

20,311

33,631

73,237

Doubtful

Total multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

1,386,549

582,393

328,718

414,117

147,385

1,155,080

12,584

4,026,826

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

Pass

747,272

662,608

608,133

373,835

198,317

661,311

11,963

3,453

3,266,892

Special mention

19,655

4,652

12,108

36,415

Substandard

15

1,070

6,209

6,884

14,178

Doubtful

Total non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

747,272

662,623

628,858

384,696

198,317

680,303

11,963

3,453

3,317,485

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

Acquisition, development, and construction

Pass

36,877

152,543

11,242

15,943

2,087

10,033

281

229,006

Special mention

Substandard

657

657

Doubtful

Total acquisition, development, and construction

36,877

153,200

11,242

15,943

2,087

10,033

281

229,663

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

Total:

Pass

2,845,428

1,733,872

1,196,053

1,024,753

522,005

2,175,148

726,712

59,849

10,283,820

Special mention

6,634

20,549

17,364

16,628

31,664

9,641

1,204

103,684

Substandard

5,242

2,052

23,233

19,143

22,819

66,232

11,290

10,505

160,516

Doubtful

8,332

752

2,048

11,132

Total Loans

$

2,857,304

$

1,735,924

$

1,239,835

$

1,069,592

$

562,204

$

2,275,092

$

747,643

$

71,558

$

10,559,152

YTD Gross Charge-Offs

$

$

477

$

4,720

$

2,088

$

$

2,414

$

1,460

$

242

$

11,401

For other loans, the Company evaluates credit quality based on payment activity. Other loans that are 90 days or more past due are placed on non-accrual status, while all remaining other loans are classified and evaluated as performing. The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of other loans by internally assigned grade:

(In thousands)

    

September 30, 2023

    

December 31, 2022

Performing

$

6,048

$

7,580

Non-accrual

 

219

 

99

Total

$

6,267

$

7,679

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8.LEASES

Maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at September 30, 2023 are as follows:

Rent to be

(In thousands)

    

Capitalized

2023

 

$

3,242

2024

 

13,009

2025

 

12,833

2026

 

12,173

2027

 

10,217

Thereafter

 

10,557

Total undiscounted lease payments

 

62,031

Less amounts representing interest

 

(3,750)

Operating lease liabilities

$

58,281

Other information related to the Company’s operating leases was as follows:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

(In thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

    

2023

    

2022

Operating lease cost

$

3,236

$

3,336

$

9,529

$

9,869

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities

3,171

3,253

9,330

9,232

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2023

 

2022

 

Weighted average remaining lease term

 

5.2

years

5.9

years

Weighted average discount rate

 

2.33

%

2.03

%

9.DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

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

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. The Company engages in both cash flow hedges and freestanding derivatives.

Cash Flow Hedges

Cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The Company uses these types of derivatives to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing or forecasted issuances of short-term borrowings.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the

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same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s debt. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $7.2 million will be reclassified as a decrease to interest expense.

The Company did not terminate any derivatives during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30 2022, respectively.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated statements of financial condition as of the dates indicated.

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

Notional

Fair Value

Fair Value

Notional

Fair Value

Fair Value

(Dollars in thousands)

    

Count

    

Amount

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

    

Count

    

Amount

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

Included in derivative assets/(liabilities):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest rate swaps related to FHLBNY advances

 

4

$

150,000

$

16,657

$

 

4

$

150,000

$

17,150

$

The table below presents the effect of the cash flow hedge accounting on accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

(In thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

(Loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(246)

$

5,387

$

(771)

$

14,548

(Loss) gain reclassified from other comprehensive income into interest expense

 

(293)

 

546

 

(279)

 

569

All cash flow hedges are recorded gross on the balance sheet.

The cash flow hedges involve derivative agreements with third-party counterparties that contain provisions requiring the Company to post cash collateral if the derivative exposure exceeds a threshold amount and receive collateral for agreements in a net asset position. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company did not post collateral to the third-party counterparties. As of September 30, 2023, the Company received $18.0 million in collateral from its third-party counterparties under the agreements in a net asset position. As of December 31, 2022, the Company received $17.8 million in collateral from its third-party counterparties.

Freestanding Derivatives

The Company maintains an interest-rate risk protection program for its loan portfolio in order to offer loan level derivatives with certain borrowers and to generate loan level derivative income. The Company enters into interest rate swap or interest rate floor agreements with borrowers. These interest rate derivatives are designed such that the borrower synthetically attains a fixed-rate loan, while the Company receives floating rate loan payments. The Company offsets the loan level interest rate swap exposure by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap or interest rate floor with an unaffiliated and reputable bank counterparty. These interest rate derivatives do not qualify as designated hedges, under ASU 815; therefore, each interest rate derivative is accounted for as a freestanding derivative. The notional amounts of the interest rate derivatives do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the

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notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate derivative agreements. The following tables reflect freestanding derivatives included in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of the dates indicated:

September 30, 2023

Notional

Fair Value

Fair Value

(In thousands)

    

Count

    

Amount

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

Included in derivative assets/(liabilities):

Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower

 

4

$

34,050

$

360

$

Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower

 

219

1,549,816

158,976

Loan level interest rate floors with borrower

3

17,625

Loan level interest rate floors with borrower

25

178,032

1,376

Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties

 

4

 

34,050

 

 

360

Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties

219

1,549,816

158,976

Loan level interest rate floors with third-party counterparties

3

17,625

Loan level interest rate floors with third-party counterparties

 

25

 

178,032

 

1,376

 

December 31, 2022

Notional

Fair Value

Fair Value

(In thousands)

    

Count

    

Amount

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

Included in derivative assets/(liabilities):

Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower

 

3

$

53,311

$

1,524

$

Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower

 

185

 

1,214,736

 

 

126,751

Loan level interest rate floors with borrower

40

326,309

9,060

Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties

 

3

 

53,311

 

 

1,524

Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties

185

1,214,736

126,751

Loan level interest rate floors with third-party counterparties

 

40

 

326,309

 

9,060

 

Loan level derivative income is recognized on the mark-to-market of the interest rate swap as a fair value adjustment at the time the transaction is closed. Total loan level derivative income is included in non-interest income as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

(In thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

Loan level derivative income

$

783

$

549

$

6,353

$

2,240

The interest rate swap product with the borrower is cross collateralized with the underlying loan and, therefore, there is no posted collateral. Certain interest rate swap agreements with third-party counterparties contain provisions that require the Company to post collateral if the derivative exposure exceeds a threshold amount and receive collateral for agreements in a net asset position. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company did not post collateral to its third-party counterparties. As of September 30, 2023, the Company received $167.6 million in collateral from its third-party counterparties under the agreements in a net asset position. As of December 31, 2022, the Company received $135.3 million in collateral from its third-party counterparties under the agreements in a net asset position.

Risk Participation Agreements

The Company enters into risk participation agreements to manage economic risks but does not designate the instruments in hedge relationships. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the notional amounts of risk participation agreements for derivative liabilities were $94.0 million and $71.1 million, respectively. The related fair values of the Company’s risk participation agreements were immaterial as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Credit Risk Related Contingent Features

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

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Table of Contents

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

For derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, any breach of the above provisions by the Company may require settlement of its obligations under the agreements at the termination value with the respective counterparty. There were no provisions breached for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.

10.FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

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

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

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

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Securities

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

All MBS, CMOs, treasury securities, and agency notes are guaranteed either implicitly or explicitly by GSEs as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. In accordance with the Company’s investment policy, corporate securities are rated "investment grade" at the time of purchase and the financials of the issuers are reviewed quarterly. Obtaining market values as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 for these securities utilizing significant observable inputs was not difficult due to their liquid nature.

Derivatives

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

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Table of Contents

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

Fair Value Measurements 

at September 30, 2023 Using

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

(In thousands)

    

Total

    

 Inputs

    

 Inputs

    

 Inputs

Financial Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Securities available-for-sale:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency notes

$

9,143

$

$

9,143

$

Treasury securities

229,873

229,873

Corporate securities

 

141,087

 

 

141,087

 

Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs

 

206,203

 

 

206,203

 

Agency CMOs

 

255,642

 

 

255,642

 

State and municipal obligations

27,931

27,931

Derivative – cash flow hedges

 

16,657

 

 

16,657

 

Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net

 

160,712

 

 

160,712

 

Financial Liabilities:

 

Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net

 

160,712

 

 

160,712

 

Fair Value Measurements 

at December 31, 2022 Using

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

(In thousands)

    

Total

    

 Inputs

    

 Inputs

    

 Inputs

Financial Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Securities available-for-sale:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Treasury securities

$

227,256

$

$

227,256

$

Corporate securities

166,773

 

 

166,773

Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs

 

241,240

 

 

241,240

 

Agency CMOs

 

281,339

 

 

281,339

 

State and municipal obligations

 

33,979

33,979

 

Derivative – cash flow hedges

 

17,150

 

 

17,150

 

Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net

 

137,335

 

 

137,335

 

Financial Liabilities:

 

Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net

 

137,335

 

 

137,335

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. That is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances. Financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include certain individually evaluated loans (or impaired loans prior to the adoption of ASC 326) reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.

September 30, 2023

Fair Value Measurements Using:

    

Quoted Prices

    

In Active

Significant

 

Markets for

Other

Significant

Identical

Observable

Unobservable

Carrying

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(In thousands)

    

Value

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

Individually evaluated loans

$

352

$

$

 

$

352

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Table of Contents

December 31, 2022

Fair Value Measurements Using:

    

Quoted Prices

    

In Active

Significant

Markets for

Other

Significant

Identical

Observable

Unobservable

Carrying

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(In thousands)

    

Value

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

Individually evaluated loans

$

1,179

  

$

$

 

$

1,179

Collateral dependent individually evaluated loans with an allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2023 had a carrying amount of $352 thousand. There was no credit loss recovery or provision on collateral dependent individually evaluated loans during the three months ended September 30, 2023. There was a credit loss recovery of $992 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 on collateral dependent individually evaluated loans, which is included in the amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income.

Individually evaluated loans with an allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2022 had a carrying amount of $1.2 million, which is made up of the outstanding balance of $2.5 million, net of a valuation allowance of $1.3 million.

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

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

Fair Value Measurements 

at September 30, 2023 Using

Carrying

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

(In thousands)

    

 Amount

    

 Inputs

    

 Inputs

    

 Inputs

    

Total

Financial Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and due from banks

$

358,824

$

358,824

$

$

$

358,824

Securities held-to-maturity

600,291

 

 

495,986

 

 

495,986

Loans held for investment, net

 

10,777,696

 

 

 

10,255,764

 

10,255,764

Accrued interest receivable

 

53,608

 

 

5,525

 

48,083

 

53,608

Financial Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Savings, money market and checking accounts (1)

 

9,194,247

 

9,194,247

 

 

 

9,194,247

Certificates of Deposits ("CDs")

 

1,442,299

 

 

1,433,548

 

 

1,433,548

FHLBNY advances

 

1,123,000

 

 

1,119,564

 

 

1,119,564

Subordinated debt, net

 

200,218

 

 

162,218

 

 

162,218

Accrued interest payable

 

19,948

 

 

19,948

 

 

19,948

(1) Includes mortgage escrow deposits.

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Table of Contents

Fair Value Measurements 

at December 31, 2022 Using

Carrying

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

(In thousands)

    

 Amount

    

 Inputs

    

 Inputs

    

 Inputs

    

Total

Financial Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and due from banks

$

169,297

$

169,297

$

$

$

169,297

Securities held-to-maturity

585,798

 

 

505,759

 

 

505,759

Loans held for investment, net

 

10,482,145

 

 

 

10,005,121

 

10,005,121

Accrued interest receivable

 

48,561

 

 

6,105

 

42,456

 

48,561

Financial Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Savings, money market and checking accounts (1)

 

9,139,043

 

9,139,043

 

 

 

9,139,043

Certificates of Deposits ("CDs")

 

1,115,364

 

 

1,096,808

 

 

1,096,808

FHLBNY advances

 

1,131,000

 

 

1,131,217

 

 

1,131,217

Subordinated debt, net

 

200,283

 

 

180,583

 

 

180,583

Other short-term borrowings

1,360

1,360

1,360

Accrued interest payable

 

5,323

 

 

5,323

 

 

5,323

(1) Includes mortgage escrow deposits.

11.OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table presents the carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets that are amortizable.

(Dollars in thousands)

Core Deposit Intangibles

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

Gross carrying value

$

10,204

$

10,204

Accumulated amortization

 

(4,795)

 

(3,720)

Net carrying amount

$

5,409

$

6,484

Amortization expense recognized on intangible assets was $349 thousand and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. Amortization expense recognized on intangible assets was $431 thousand and $1.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2023 through 2027 and thereafter is as follows:

(In thousands)

Total

2023

$

349

2024

1,164

2025

958

2026

795

2027

664

Thereafter

1,479

Total

$

5,409

12.FHLBNY ADVANCES

The Bank had borrowings from the FHLBNY Advances totaling $1.12 billion and $1.13 billion at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, all of which were fixed rate. In accordance with its Advances, Collateral Pledge and Security Agreement with the FHLBNY, the Bank was eligible to borrow an additional $4.09 billion as of September 30, 2023 and $4.13 billion as of December 31, 2022, and maintained sufficient qualifying collateral, as defined by the FHLBNY. At September 30, 2023 there were no callable Advances.

The Company did not have extinguishment of debt during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2023 or 2022.

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The following tables present the contractual maturities and weighted average interest rates of FHLBNY advances for each of the next five years. There were no FHLBNY advances with an overnight contractual maturity at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, there were $425.0 million of FHLBNY advances with contractual maturities during 2023 and $698.0 million of FHLBNY advances with contractual maturities after 2023. As of December 31, 2022, there were $1.10 billion of FHLBNY advances with contractual maturities during 2023 and $36.0 million of FHLBNY advances with contractual maturities after 2022.

(Dollars in thousands)

Contractual Maturity

    

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

2023, fixed rate at rates from 5.18% to 5.65%

425,000

1,095,000

2024, fixed rate at rates from 4.85% to 5.16%

650,000

2027, fixed rate at 4.25%

36,000

36,000

2028, fixed rate at 4.04%

12,000

Total FHLBNY advances

$

1,123,000

$

1,131,000

Total FHLBNY advances had a weighted average interest rate of 5.11% and 4.55% at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

13.SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

On May 6, 2022, the Company issued $160.0 million aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2032 (“the Notes”).  The Notes are callable at par after five years, have a stated maturity of May 15, 2032 and bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 5.00% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2022. The last interest payment for the fixed rate period will be May 15, 2027. From and including May 15, 2027 to, but excluding the maturity date or early redemption date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus 218-basis points, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on August 15, 2027.  

The Company used the net proceeds of the offering for the repayment of $115.0 million of the Company’s 4.50% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2027 on June 15, 2022, and $40.0 million of the Company’s 5.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debentures due 2025 on June 30, 2022. The repayment of the subordinated notes due 2027 resulted in a pre-tax write-off of debt issuance costs of $740 thousand, which was recognized in loss on extinguishment of debt in non-interest expense.

The subordinated debentures totaled $200.2 million at September 30, 2023 and $200.3 million at December 31, 2022. Interest expense related to the subordinated debentures was $2.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Interest expense related to the subordinated debentures was $7.7 million and $8.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The subordinated debentures are included in tier 2 capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations.

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14.RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The Bank maintains two noncontributory pension plans that existed before the Merger: (i) the Retirement Plan of Dime Community Bank (“Employee Retirement Plan”) and (ii) the BNB Bank Pension Plan, covering all eligible employees.

Employee Retirement Plan

The Bank sponsors the Employee Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified, noncontributory, defined-benefit retirement plan. Prior to April 1, 2000, substantially all full-time employees of at least 21 years of age were eligible for participation after one year of service. Effective April 1, 2000, the Bank froze all participant benefits under the Employee Retirement Plan.

BNB Bank Pension Plan

During 2012, Bridge amended the BNB Bank Pension Plan by revising the formula for determining benefits effective January 1, 2013, except for certain grandfathered Bridge employees. Additionally, new Bridge employees hired on or after October 1, 2012 were not eligible for the BNB Bank Pension Plan.

The following table represents the components of net periodic benefit (credit) cost included in other non-interest expense, except for service cost which is reported in salaries and employee benefits expense, in the consolidated statements of income. Net expenses associated with these plans were comprised of the following components:

Three Months Ended September 30, 

2023

2022

BNB Bank

Employee

BNB Bank

Employee

(In thousands)

Pension Plan

Retirement Plan

Pension Plan

Retirement Plan

Service cost

$

175

$

$

267

$

Interest cost

330

222

195

155

Expected return on assets

(687)

(382)

(857)

(490)

Amortization of unrealized loss

147

63

Net periodic credit

$

(182)

$

(13)

$

(395)

$

(272)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

2023

2022

BNB Bank

Employee

BNB Bank

Employee

(In thousands)

Pension Plan

Retirement Plan

Pension Plan

Retirement Plan

Service cost

$

525

$

$

802

$

Interest cost

990

667

585

465

Expected return on assets

 

(2,062)

 

(1,147)

 

(2,572)

(1,470)

Amortization of unrealized loss

 

 

442

 

188

Net periodic credit

$

(547)

$

(38)

$

(1,185)

$

(817)

There were no contributions to the BNB Bank Pension Plan or the Employee Retirement Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) that existed before the Merger. The 401(k) Plan covers substantially all current employees. Newly hired employees are automatically enrolled in the plan on the first day of the month following 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 $22,500 for the calendar year ended December 31, 2023. 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

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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. The 401(k) Plan held Company common stock within the accounts of participants totaling $4.8 million at September 30, 2023. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, total expense recognized as a component of salaries and employee benefits expense for the 401(k) Plan was $513 thousand and $2.0 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, total expense recognized as a component of salaries and employee benefits expense for the 401(k) Plan was $509 thousand and $1.8 million, respectively.

15.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

In May 2021, the Company’s shareholders approved the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Equity Incentive Plan”) to provide the Company with sufficient equity compensation to meet the objectives of appropriately incentivizing its officers, other employees, and directors to execute our strategic plan to build shareholder value, while providing appropriate shareholder protections. The Company no longer makes grants under the Legacy Stock Plans. Awards outstanding under the Legacy Stock Plans will continue to remain outstanding and subject to the terms and conditions of the Legacy Stock Plans. At September 30, 2023, there were 635,622 shares reserved for issuance under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

Stock Option Awards

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

    

    

Weighted-

    

Average 

Aggregate 

Weighted-

Remaining 

Intrinsic 

Number of 

Average Exercise 

Contractual 

Value

    

Options

    

Price

    

Years

    

(In thousands)

Options outstanding at January 1, 2023

92,137

$

35.39

6.2

Options exercised

 

Options forfeited

 

Options outstanding at September 30, 2023

 

92,137

$

35.39

 

5.5

$

Options vested and exercisable at September 30, 2023

 

92,137

$

35.39

 

5.5

$

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

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

(In thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

Cash received for option exercise cost

$

$

$

$

Income tax (expense) benefit recognized on stock option exercises

 

 

 

 

Intrinsic value of options exercised

 

 

 

 

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The range of exercise prices and weighted-average remaining contractual lives of both outstanding and vested options (by option exercise cost) as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

Outstanding Options

Vested Options

Weighted 

Weighted 

Average 

Average 

Contractual 

Contractual 

Years 

Years 

    

Amount

    

Remaining

    

Amount

    

Remaining

Exercise Prices:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

$34.87

 

35,671

 

6.4

 

35,671

 

6.4

$35.35

 

32,079

 

5.4

 

32,079

 

5.4

$36.19

 

24,387

 

4.4

 

24,387

 

4.4

Total

 

92,137

 

5.5

 

92,137

 

5.5

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company has made RSA grants to outside Directors and certain officers under the Legacy Stock Plans and the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. Typically, awards to outside Directors fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, while awards to officers’ vest over a pre-determined requisite period. All awards were made at the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense on all RSAs is based upon the fair value of the shares on the respective dates of the grant.

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

    

Weighted-

Average 

Number of 

Grant-Date 

    

Shares

    

Fair Value

Unvested allocated shares outstanding at January 1, 2023

350,758

$

28.63

Shares granted

 

220,750

 

25.47

Shares vested

(133,732)

29.34

Shares forfeited

 

(75,624)

 

26.43

Unvested allocated shares outstanding at September 30, 2023

 

362,152

$

26.89

Information related to RSAs during each period is as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

(Dollars in thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

Compensation expense recognized

$

604

$

1,035

$

2,924

$

2,823

Income tax (expense) benefit recognized on vesting of RSAs

 

(72)

 

(10)

 

(184)

 

178

As of September 30, 2023, there was $6.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSAs to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Performance-Based Share Awards

The Company maintains a long-term incentive award program (“LTIP”) for certain officers, which meets the criteria for equity-based accounting. For each award, threshold (50% of target), target (100% of target) and stretch (150% of target) opportunities are eligible to be earned over a three-year performance period based on the Company’s relative performance on certain goals that were established at the onset of the performance period and cannot be altered subsequently. Shares of common stock are issued on the grant date and held as unvested stock awards until the end of the performance period. Shares are issued at the stretch opportunity in order to ensure that an adequate number of shares are allocated for shares expected to vest at the end of the performance period. Compensation expense on PSAs is based upon the fair value of the shares on the date of the grant for the expected aggregate share payout as of the period end.  

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

    

Weighted-

Average 

Number of 

Grant-Date 

    

Shares

    

Fair Value

Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2023

95,831

$

30.35

Shares granted

 

195,066

 

17.69

Shares forfeited

(60,987)

25.21

Maximum aggregate share payout at September 30, 2023

 

229,910

$

20.97

Minimum aggregate share payout

 

Expected aggregate share payout

 

210,820

$

20.21

Information related to PSAs during each period is as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

(In thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

Compensation (benefit) expense recognized

$

(66)

$

193

$

274

$

570

Income tax expense recognized on vesting of PSAs

 

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2023, there was $3.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested PSAs based on the expected aggregate share payout to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.  

16.INCOME TAXES

During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s consolidated effective tax rates were 35.1% and 28.1%, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s consolidated effective tax rates were 28.5% and 28.2%, respectively. The increase in tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to non-deductible severance expense during the period.

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

Overview

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., a New York corporation, is a bank holding company formed in 1988. On a parent-only basis, the Holding Company has minimal operations, other than as owner of Dime Community Bank. The Holding Company is dependent on dividends from its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dime Community 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 and loan accounts, merchant credit and debit card processing programs, loan swap fees, investment services, income from its title insurance subsidiary, and net gains on sales of securities and loans. The level of non-interest expenses, such as salaries and benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, other general and administrative expenses, expenses from the Bank’s title insurance subsidiary, and income tax expense, further affects our 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.

Selected Financial Highlights and Other Data

(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

    

At or For the

At or For the

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

    

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2023

    

2022

    

Per Share Data:

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Reported EPS (Diluted)

$

0.34

$

0.98

$

1.92

$

2.74

Cash dividends paid per common share

 

0.25

 

0.24

 

0.74

 

0.72

Book value per common share

 

28.03

 

26.55

 

28.03

26.55

Dividend payout ratio

73.53

%  

24.49

%  

38.54

%  

26.28

%  

Performance and Other Selected Ratios:

Return on average assets

0.44

%  

1.26

%  

0.78

%  

1.22

%  

Return on average equity

4.91

13.56

8.78

12.83

Net interest spread

1.31

3.09

1.60

3.09

Net interest margin

2.34

3.38

2.52

3.29

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

141.02

162.03

142.84

164.73

Non-interest expense to average assets

1.73

1.54

1.56

1.63

Efficiency ratio

70.5

44.0

59.0

48.1

Loan-to-deposit ratio at end of period

102.0

96.5

102.0

96.5

Effective tax rate

35.07

28.10

28.48

28.20

Asset Quality Summary:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Non-performing loans (1)

$

23,320

$

41,081

$

23,320

$

41,081

Non-performing assets

23,320

41,081

23,320

41,081

Net charge-offs

4,864

3,931

10,084

7,070

Non-performing assets/Total assets

 

0.17

%  

 

0.32

%  

 

0.17

%  

0.32

%  

Non-performing loans/Total loans

 

0.21

 

0.41

 

0.21

0.41

Allowance for credit losses/Total loans

 

0.67

 

0.81

 

0.67

0.81

Allowance for credit losses/Non-performing loans

 

311.16

 

199.45

 

311.16

199.45

(1)Non-performing loans are defined as all loans on non-accrual status.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 contains a summary of significant accounting policies. These accounting policies may require various levels of subjectivity, estimates or judgment by management. Policies with

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respect to the methodologies it uses to determine the allowance for credit losses on loans held for investment and fair value of loans acquired in a business combinations are critical accounting policies because they are important to the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting estimates involve a significant degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often necessitate assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. The use of different judgments, assumptions or estimates could result in material variations in the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Management has reviewed the following critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with its Audit Committee.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans Held for Investment

Methods and Assumptions Underlying the Estimate

On January 1, 2021, we adopted the Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) Standard, which requires that loans held for investment be accounted for under the current expected credit losses model. The allowance for credit losses is established and maintained through a provision for credit losses based on expected losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis, and additions to the allowance are charged to expense and realized losses, net of recoveries, are charged against the allowance.

Determining the appropriateness of the allowance is complex and requires judgment by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. In determining the allowance for credit losses for loans that share similar risk characteristics, the Company utilizes a model which compares the amortized cost basis of the loan to the net present value of expected cash flows to be collected. Expected credit losses are determined by aggregating the individual cash flows and calculating a loss percentage by loan segment, or pool, for loans that share similar risk characteristics. For a loan that does not share risk characteristics with other loans, the Company will evaluate the loan on an individual basis. Within the model, assumptions are made in the determination of probability of default, loss given default, reasonable and supportable economic forecasts, prepayment rate, curtailment rate, and recovery lag periods. Management assesses the sensitivity of key assumptions at least annually by stressing the assumptions to understand the impact on the model.

Statistical regression is utilized to relate historical macro-economic variables to historical credit loss experience of a peer group of banks that operate in and around Dime’s footprint. These models are then utilized to forecast future expected loan losses based on expected future behavior of the same macro-economic variables. Adjustments to the quantitative results are made using qualitative factors. These factors include: (1) lending policies and procedures; (2) international, national, regional and local economic business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio, including the condition of various markets; (3) the nature and volume of the loan portfolio; (4) the experience, ability, and depth of the lending management and other relevant staff; (5) the volume and severity of past due loans; (6) the quality of our loan review system; (7) the value of underlying collateral for collateralized loans; (8) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and (9) the effect of external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the existing portfolio.

The Company evaluates loans that do not share risk characteristics on an individual basis based on various factors. Factors that may be considered are borrower delinquency trends and non-accrual status, probability of foreclosure or note sale, changes in the borrower’s circumstances or cash collections, borrower’s industry, or other facts and circumstances of the loan or collateral. The expected credit loss is measured based on net realizable value, that is, the difference between the discounted value of the expected future cash flows, based on the original effective interest rate, and the amortized cost basis of the loan. For collateral dependent loans, expected credit loss is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis of the loan and the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell.

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Uncertainties Regarding the Estimate

Estimating the timing and amounts of future losses is subject to significant management judgment as these projected cash flows rely upon the estimates discussed above and factors that are reflective of current or future expected conditions. These estimates depend on the duration of current overall economic conditions, industry, borrower, or portfolio specific conditions. Volatility in certain credit metrics and differences between expected and actual outcomes are to be expected.

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. Bank regulators periodically review our allowance for credit losses and may require us to increase our provision for credit losses or loan charge-offs.

Impact on Financial Condition and Results of Operations

If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover expected losses in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance. 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 through charges to earnings which would materially decrease our net income.

We may experience significant credit losses if borrowers experience financial difficulties, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the examination process, periodically review the allowance for credit 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.

Fair value of loans acquired in a business combination

Methods and Assumptions Underlying the Estimate

On February 1, 2021, the Company completed a merger of equals business combination accounted for as a reverse merger using the acquisition method of accounting. As a part of accounting for the Merger, fair value estimates were calculated with a combination of assumptions by management and by using a third party. The fair value often involved third-party estimates utilizing input assumptions by management which may be complex or uncertain. The fair value of acquired loans was based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considers factors such as type of loan and related collateral, and requires management’s judgment on estimates about discount rates, expected future cash flows, market conditions and other future events.

For purchased financial loans with credit deterioration (“PCD”), an estimate of expected credit losses was made for loans with similar risk characteristics and was added to the purchase price to establish the initial amortized cost basis of the PCD loans. Any difference between the unpaid principal balance and the amortized cost basis is considered to relate to non-credit factors and resulted in a discount or premium. Discounts and premiums are recognized through interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loans. For acquired loans not deemed PCD at acquisition, the differences between the initial fair value and the unpaid principal balance are recognized as interest income on a level-yield basis over the lives of the related loans.

Uncertainties Regarding the Estimate

Management relied on economic forecasts, internal valuations, or other relevant factors which were available at the time of the Merger in the determination of the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of the acquired loans. Discount rates, expected future cash flows, market conditions and other future events are subjective and may differ from estimates.

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Impact on Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The estimate of fair values on acquired loans contributed to the recorded goodwill from the Merger. In future income statement periods, interest income on loans will include the amortization and accretion of any premiums and discounts resulting from the fair value of acquired loans. Additionally, the provision for credit losses on acquired individually analyzed PCD loans may be impacted due to changes in the assumptions used to calculate expected cash flows.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

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

The Bank is a member of AFX, through which it may either borrow or lend funds on an overnight or short-term basis with other member institutions. The availability of funds changes daily.

The Bank utilizes repurchase agreements as part of its borrowing policy to add liquidity. Repurchase agreements represent funds received from customers, generally on an overnight basis, which are collateralized by investment securities. As of September 30, 2023 the Bank did not have any repurchase agreements. As of December 31, 2022, the Bank’s repurchase agreements totaled $1.4 million and were included in other short-term borrowings on the consolidated balance sheets.

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

Total deposits (including escrow) increased $382.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to an increase of $29.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Within deposits, core deposits (i.e., non-CDs) increased $55.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to a decrease of $47.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. CDs increased $326.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to an increase of $77.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in core deposits was primarily due to growth in business deposits. The increase in CDs was primarily due to growth in brokered deposits and promotional consumer CD offerings. In the event that the Bank should require funds beyond its ability or desire to generate them internally, an additional source of funds is available through its borrowing line at the FHLBNY or

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borrowing capacity through AFX and lines of credit with unaffiliated correspondent banks. At September 30, 2023, the Bank had an additional unused borrowing capacity of $1.49 billion through the FHLBNY, subject to customary minimum FHLBNY common stock ownership requirements (i.e., 4.5% of the Bank’s outstanding FHLBNY borrowings).

The Bank decreased its outstanding FHLBNY advances by $8.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a $595.0 million increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. See Note 12. “FHLBNY Advances” for further information.

Subordinated debentures totaled $200.2 million at September 30, 2023 and $200.3 million at December 31, 2022. See Note 13. “Subordinated Debentures” to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, real estate loan originations totaled $772.9 million and $2.13 billion, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, C&I loan originations totaled $41.6 million and $66.2 million, respectively.

Sales of securities available-for-sale totaled $79.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Bank did not have any sales of securities available-for-sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Purchases of available-for-sale securities totaled $80.6 million and $29.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Proceeds from pay downs and calls and maturities of available-for-sale securities were $60.2 million and $140.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.  

The Bank did not have proceeds from sales of held-to-maturity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 or 2022, respectively. Purchases of held-to-maturity securities totaled $28.3 million and $63.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Proceeds from pay downs and calls and maturities of held-to-maturity securities were $16.4 million and $25.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.  

The Company and the Bank are subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements imposed by their primary federal regulators. As a general matter, these capital requirements are based on the amount and composition of an institution’s assets. At September 30, 2023, each of the Company and the Bank were in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements and the Bank was considered "well capitalized" for all regulatory purposes.

The following table summarizes Company and Bank capital ratios calculated under the Basel III Capital Rules framework as of the period indicated:

Actual Ratios at September 30, 2023

 

Basel III

 

Consolidated

Minimum

To Be Categorized as

 

Bank

Company

Requirement

“Well Capitalized” (1)

 

Tier 1 common equity ratio

12.4

%

9.7

%

4.5

%

6.5

%

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

12.4

10.8

6.0

8.0

Total risk-based capital ratio

13.1

13.3

8.0

10.0

Tier 1 leverage ratio

9.6

8.4

4.0

5.0

(1)Only the Bank is subject to these requirements.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Holding Company repurchased 36,813 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $947 thousand. The Holding Company repurchased 1,422,995 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $46.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. As of September 30, 2023, 1,566,947 shares remained available for purchase under the authorized share repurchase programs. See "Part II - Item 2. Other Information - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities" for additional information about repurchases of common stock.

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The Holding Company paid $5.5 million in cash dividends on its preferred stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.  

The Holding Company paid $28.0 million and $27.7 million in cash dividends on its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.    

Contractual Obligations

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of its loan origination business, the Bank generally has outstanding commitments to extend credit to borrowers, which are originated pursuant to its regular underwriting standards. Available lines of credit may not be drawn on or may expire prior to funding, in whole or in part, and amounts are not estimates of future cash flows. As of September 30, 2023, the Bank had $116.0 million of firm loan commitments that were accepted by the borrowers. All of these commitments are expected to close during the remainder of the year ended December 31, 2023.

Additionally, in connection with a loan securitization completed in December 2017, the Bank executed a reimbursement agreement with FHLMC that obligates the Company to reimburse FHLMC for any contractual principal and interest payments on defaulted loans, not to exceed 10% of the original principal amount of the loans comprising the aggregate balance of the loan pool at securitization. The maximum exposure under this reimbursement obligation is $28.0 million. The Bank has pledged $28.0 million of available-for-sale pass-through MBS issued by GSEs as collateral.

Asset Quality

General

We do not originate or purchase loans, either whole loans or loans underlying mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), which would have been considered subprime loans at origination, i.e., real estate loans advanced to borrowers who did not qualify for market interest rates because of problems with their income or credit history. See Note 6 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of evaluation for impaired securities.

Monitoring and Collection of Delinquent Loans

Our management reviews delinquent loans on a monthly basis and reports to our Board of Directors at each regularly scheduled Board meeting regarding the status of all non-performing and otherwise delinquent loans in our loan portfolio.

Our loan servicing policies and procedures require that an automated late notice be sent to a delinquent borrower as soon as possible after a payment is ten days late in the case of multifamily residential, commercial real estate loans, and C&I loans, or fifteen days late in connection with one-to-four family or consumer loans. Thereafter, periodic letters are mailed and phone calls placed to the borrower until payment is received. When contact is made with the borrower at any time prior to foreclosure, we will attempt to obtain the full payment due or negotiate a repayment schedule with the borrower to avoid foreclosure.

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

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We generally initiate foreclosure proceedings on real estate loans when a loan enters non-accrual status based upon non-payment, unless the borrower is paying in accordance with an agreed upon modified payment agreement. We obtain an updated appraisal to calculate a potential collateral shortfall and to reserve appropriately for the potential loss. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before the foreclosure action is completed, the property securing the loan is transferred to Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) status. We generally attempt to utilize all available remedies, such as note sales in lieu of foreclosure, in an effort to resolve non-accrual loans and OREO properties as quickly and prudently as possible in consideration of market conditions, the physical condition of the property and any other mitigating circumstances. We have not initiated any expected or imminent foreclosure proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements. In the event that a non-accrual loan is subsequently brought current, it is returned to accrual status once the doubt concerning collectability has been removed and the borrower has demonstrated performance in accordance with the loan terms and conditions for a period of generally at least six months.

The C&I portfolio is actively managed by our lenders and underwriters. Most credit facilities typically require an annual review of the exposure and borrowers are required to submit annual financial reporting and loans are structured with financial covenants to indicate expected performance levels. Smaller C&I loans are monitored based on performance and the ability to draw against a credit line is curtailed if there are any indications of credit deterioration. Guarantors are also required to update their financial reporting. All exposures are risk rated and those entering adverse ratings due to financial performance concerns of the borrower or material delinquency of any payments or financial reporting are subjected to added management scrutiny. Measures taken typically include amendments to the amount of the available credit facility, requirements for increased collateral, additional guarantor support or a material enhancement to the frequency and quality of financial reporting. Loans determined to reach adverse risk rating standards are monitored closely by Credit Administration to identify any potential credit losses. When warranted, loans reaching a Substandard rating could be reassigned to the Workout Group for direct handling.

Non-accrual Loans

Within our held-for-investment loan portfolio, non-accrual loans totaled $23.3 million at September 30, 2023 and $34.2 million at December 31, 2022.  

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

September 30, 

December 31, 

September 30, 

    

2023

    

2022

2022

(Dollars in thousands)

Non-accrual loans:

Business loans

 

$

19,555

$

27,787

$

34,706

One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment

2,874

3,203

3,219

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

15

2,491

2,499

Acquisition, development, and construction

657

657

657

Other

 

219

 

99

Total non-accrual loans

 

$

23,320

$

34,237

$

41,081

Ratios:

Total non-accrual loans to total loans

0.21

%

0.32

%

0.41

%

Total non-performing assets to total assets

0.17

0.26

0.32

Troubled Debt Restructuring Disclosures Prior to Our Adoption of ASU No. 2022-02

Prior to our adoption of ASU No. 2022-02, we accounted for a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDRs”) as a loan that we, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, granted a concession to the borrower that we would not otherwise grant. Those concessions included a reduction of interest rate for the remaining term of the loan, the maturity date of the loan was extended with a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, and the outstanding principal amount and/or accrued interest have been reduced. In instances in which the interest rate had been reduced, management would not deem the modification a TDR in the event that the reduction in

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interest rate reflected either a general decline in market interest rates or an effort to maintain a relationship with a borrower who could readily obtain funds from other sources at the current market interest rate, and the terms of the restructured loan are comparable to the terms offered by the Bank to non-troubled debtors.

On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-02, which eliminated TDR accounting prospectively for all restructurings occurring on or after January 1, 2023. The accrual status of each restructured loan is determined separately in accordance with our policies for determining accrual or non-accrual status. At the time the modification agreement is entered into between the Bank and the borrower the loan can be on either accrual or non-accrual status.  If a loan is on non-accrual status at the time it is restructured, it continues to be classified as non-accrual until the borrower has demonstrated compliance with the modified loan terms for a period of at least six months. Conversely, if at the time of restructuring the loan is performing (and accruing) it will remain accruing throughout its restructured period, unless the loan subsequently meets any of the criteria for non-accrual status under our policy and agency regulations.

Within the allowance for credit losses, losses are estimated for restructured loans on accrual status and well as restructured loans on non-accrual status that are one-to-four family loans or consumer loans, on a pooled basis with loans that share similar risk characteristics. Restructured loans on non-accrual status excluding one-to-four family and consumer loans are individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses. For restructured loans that are collateral-dependent where we have determined that foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and we expect repayment of the loan to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, the allowance for credit losses is measured based on the difference between the fair value of collateral, less the estimated costs to sell, and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. For non-collateral-dependent loans, the allowance for credit losses is measured based on the difference between the present value of expected cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date.

OREO

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

There was no carrying value of OREO properties on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022. We did not recognize any provisions for losses on OREO properties during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 or 2022.

Past Due Loans

Loans Delinquent 30 to 59 Days

At September 30, 2023, we had loans totaling $23.0 million that were past due between 30 and 59 days. At December 31, 2022, we had loans totaling $23.5 million that were past due between 30 and 59 days. The 30 to 59-day delinquency levels fluctuate monthly, and are generally considered a less accurate indicator of near-term credit quality trends than non-accrual loans.

Loans Delinquent 60 to 89 Days

At September 30, 2023, we had loans totaling $12.1 million that were past due between 60 and 89 days. At December 31, 2022, we had loans totaling $0.7 million that were past due between 60 and 89 days. The 60 to 89-day delinquency levels fluctuate monthly, and are generally considered a less accurate indicator of near-term credit quality trends than non-accrual loans.

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Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due

There were no accruing loans 90 days or more past due at September 30, 2023 or at December 31, 2022.

Allowance for Off-Balance Sheet Exposures

We maintain an allowance, recorded in other liabilities, associated with unfunded loan commitments accepted by the borrower. The amount of our allowance was $2.8 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. This allowance is determined based upon the outstanding volume of loan commitments at each period end. Any increases or reductions in this allowance are recognized in provision for credit losses.

Allowance for Credit Losses

We recorded a credit loss recovery of $950 thousand during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a credit loss provision of $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The $950 thousand credit loss recovery for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was primarily associated with a reduction in reserves on pooled PCD loans that were acquired as part of the Company’s 2021 merger of equals transaction. The $5.0 million credit loss provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was primarily due to changes to the forecasted macroeconomic conditions and loan growth, offset by releases on acquired PCD individually analyzed loans.

For a further discussion of the allowance for credit losses and related activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, please see Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The following table presents our allowance for credit losses allocated by loan type and the percent of loans in each category to total loans as of the dates indicated.

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

Percent

Percent

of Loans

of Loans

in Each

in Each

Category

Category

Allocated

to Total

Allocated

to Total

Amount

    

Loans

    

Amount

    

Loans

    

(Dollars in thousands)

Business loans

$

36,680

20.94

%

$

47,029

20.93

%

One-to-four family residential and cooperative/condominium apartment

7,206

8.23

5,969

7.32

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

 

7,567

37.80

8,360

38.11

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

 

18,430

31.10

20,153

31.40

Acquisition, development, and construction

 

2,338

1.87

1,723

2.17

Other loans

 

342

0.06

273

0.07

Total

$

72,563

 

100.00

%  

$

83,507

 

100.00

%  

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The following table sets forth information about our allowance for credit losses at or for the dates indicated:

At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Total loans outstanding at end of period (1)

$

10,850,611

$

10,116,941

Average total loans outstanding during the period(2)

 

10,753,282

 

9,549,877

Allowance for credit losses balance at end of period

 

72,563

 

81,935

Allowance for credit losses to total loans at end of period

 

0.67

 

0.81

%  

Non-performing loans to total loans at end of period

0.21

0.41

Allowance for credit losses to total non-performing loans at end of period

 

311.16

 

199.45

Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period:

Business loans

0.60

1.01

%  

One-to-four family residential and cooperative/condominium apartment

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate

Acquisition, development, and construction

Other loans

0.94

0.54

Total

0.13

0.10

(1)Total loans represent gross loans (excluding loans held for sale), inclusive of deferred fees/costs and premiums/discounts.
(2)Total average loans represent gross loans (including loans held for sale), inclusive of deferred loan fees/costs and premiums/discounts.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

Assets. Assets totaled $13.65 billion at September 30, 2023, $461.5 million above their level at December 31, 2022, primarily due to increases of $294.7 million in our loan portfolio, $189.5 million in cash and due from banks and $22.9 million in derivative assets, partially offset by a decrease of $66.2 million in total investment securities.

Total loans, net of allowance increased $294.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, to $10.78 billion at September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had loan originations of $814.6 million.

Total investment securities decreased $66.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, to $1.47 billion at September 30, 2023, primarily due to proceeds from principal payments, calls, maturities, and sales of $155.7 million and an increase in unrealized losses of $16.5 million, offset in part by purchases of $109.0 million. There were no transfers to or from securities held-to-maturity during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Liabilities. Total liabilities increased $426.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, to $12.45 billion at September 30, 2023, primarily due to an increase of $382.1 million in deposits (including mortgage escrow accounts), an increase of $32.6 million in derivative cash collateral and $23.4 million in derivative liabilities.

Stockholders’ Equity. Stockholders’ equity increased $34.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, to $1.20 billion at September 30, 2023, primarily due to net income of $79.8 million, partially offset by common stock dividends of $28.8 million, other comprehensive loss of $12.5 million, preferred stock dividends of $5.5 million and repurchases of shares of common stock of $947 thousand.

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

General. Net income was $15.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to net income of $39.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, net interest income decreased by $23.9 million, non-interest income decreased by $1.4 million, non-interest expense increased by $11.2 million, the credit loss provision decreased by $4.8 million, and income tax expense decreased by $7.3 million, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022.

The discussion of net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 should be read in conjunction with the following tables, which set forth certain information related to the consolidated statements of income for those periods, and which also present the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  The average yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of their related assets or liabilities during the periods represented. Average balances were derived from average daily balances. No tax-equivalent adjustments have been made for interest income exempt from federal, state, and local taxation. The yields include loan fees consisting of amortization of loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct and indirect origination costs, prepayment fees, and late charges that are considered adjustments to yields. Loan fees included in interest income were $320 thousand and $1.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in loan fees was primarily due to a decline in loan prepayment fees in 2023.

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Analysis of Net Interest Income

Three Months Ended September 30, 

2023

2022

    

    

    

Average

    

    

    

Average

    

Average

Yield/

Average

Yield/

    

Balance

    

Interest

    

Cost

    

Balance

    

Interest

    

Cost

    

Assets:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Interest-earning assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Business loans (1)(3)

$

2,260,203

$

38,384

6.74

%  

$

2,013,897

$

26,153

5.15

%  

One-to-four family residential, including condo and coop (3)

879,688

9,165

4.13

706,144

6,294

3.54

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use (3)

4,114,476

46,099

4.45

3,831,747

36,423

3.77

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate (3)

3,382,927

44,184

5.18

3,119,262

33,168

4.22

Acquisition, development, and construction (3)

222,039

5,075

 

9.07

251,426

4,108

 

6.48

Other loans (3)

 

6,156

 

88

 

5.67

 

10,566

 

160

 

6.01

Securities

 

1,619,960

 

7,916

 

1.94

 

1,666,398

 

7,374

 

1.76

Other short-term investments

 

498,612

 

6,930

 

5.51

 

182,921

 

847

 

1.84

Total interest-earning assets

 

12,984,061

157,841

 

4.82

%  

 

11,782,361

114,527

 

3.86

%  

Non-interest earning assets

 

775,432

 

 

 

768,265

 

 

Total assets

$

13,759,493

$

12,550,626

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

Interest-bearing checking (2)

$

786,892

$

2,896

 

1.46

%  

$

833,386

$

970

0.46

%  

Money market

 

2,975,267

 

24,275

 

3.24

 

2,651,459

 

2,046

0.31

Savings (2)

 

2,342,424

 

20,316

 

3.44

 

2,243,887

 

4,951

0.88

Certificates of deposit

 

1,494,491

 

15,020

 

3.99

 

988,827

 

2,187

0.88

Total interest-bearing deposits

 

7,599,074

62,507

3.26

6,717,559

10,154

0.60

FHLBNY advances

1,250,717

14,370

4.56

166,739

430

1.02

Subordinated debt, net

200,232

2,553

5.06

200,320

2,553

5.06

Other short-term borrowings

120

2

6.61

75,975

500

2.61

Total borrowings

1,451,069

16,925

4.63

443,034

3,483

3.12

Derivative cash collateral

156,795

1,930

4.88

111,325

452

1.61

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

9,206,938

 

81,362

 

3.51

%

 

7,271,918

 

14,089

0.77

%  

Non-interest-bearing checking (2)

3,065,186

3,894,093

Other non-interest-bearing liabilities

 

265,559

 

 

 

219,883

 

Total liabilities

 

12,537,683

 

 

 

11,385,894

 

Stockholders' equity

 

1,221,810

 

 

 

1,164,732

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

13,759,493

$

12,550,626

Net interest income

$

76,479

$

100,438

Net interest spread (4)

 

 

 

1.31

%  

 

 

3.09

%  

Net interest-earning assets

$

3,777,123

$

4,510,443

Net interest margin (5)

 

 

 

2.34

%  

 

 

3.38

%  

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

 

141.02

%  

 

 

162.03

%  

Deposits (including non-interest-bearing checking accounts) (2)

$

10,664,260

$

62,507

2.33

%  

$

10,611,652

$

10,154

0.38

%  

(1) Business loans include commercial and industrial loans, owner-occupied commercial real estate loans and PPP loans.

(2) Includes mortgage escrow deposits.

(3) Amounts are net of deferred origination costs/(fees) and allowance for credit losses, and include loans held for sale.

(4) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.

(5) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average-interest earning assets.

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Rate/Volume Analysis

    

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

Increase / (Decrease) Due to:

    

Volume

    

Rate

    

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets:

 

Business loans (1)(2)

$

3,712

$

8,519

$

12,231

One-to-four family residential, including condo and coop (2)

1,673

1,198

2,871

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use (2)

3,050

6,626

9,676

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate (2)

3,216

7,800

11,016

Acquisition, development, and construction (2)

(633)

1,600

967

Other loans (2)

 

(65)

(7)

 

(72)

Securities

 

(208)

750

 

542

Other short-term investments

 

2,538

3,545

 

6,083

Total interest-earning assets

$

13,283

$

30,031

$

43,314

Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

Interest-bearing checking

$

(112)

$

2,038

$

1,926

Money market

 

498

21,731

 

22,229

Savings

 

1,631

13,734

 

15,365

Certificates of deposit

 

3,193

9,640

 

12,833

FHLBNY advances

7,803

6,137

13,940

Subordinated debt, net

(7)

7

Other short-term borrowings

(598)

100

(498)

Derivative cash collateral

447

1,031

1,478

Total interest-bearing liabilities

$

12,855

$

54,418

$

67,273

Net change in net interest income

$

428

$

(24,387)

$

(23,959)

(1) Business loans include commercial and industrial loans, owner-occupied commercial real estate loans and PPP loans.

(2) Amounts are net of deferred origination costs/ (fees) and allowance for credit losses, and include loans held for sale.

Net interest income. Net interest income was $76.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of $23.9 million from the three months ended September 30, 2022. Average interest-earning assets were $12.98 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $1.20 billion from $11.78 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Net interest margin was 2.34% during the three months ended September 30, 2023, down from 3.38% during the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Interest Income. Interest income was $157.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $114.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, interest income increased $43.3 million from the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily reflecting increases in interest income of $12.2 million on business loan income, $11.0 million on non-owner occupied loan income, $9.7 million on multifamily loan income, $6.1 million on other short-term investments and $2.9 million on one-to-four family loan income.

The increased interest income on business loans was related to a 159-basis point increase in the average yield and an increase of $246.3 million in the average balance of such loans in the period. The increased interest income on non-owner- occupied loan income was related to a 96-basis point increase in the average yield and an increase of $263.7 million in the average balance of such loans in the period. The increased interest income on multifamily loans was related to a 68-basis point increase in the average yield and an increase of $282.7 million in the average balance of such loans in the period. The increased interest income on short-term investments was due to a 367-basis point increase in the average yield and an increase of $315.7 million in the average balance of such short-term investments during the period. The increased interest income on one-to-four family loans was related to a $173.5 million increase in the average balance and a 59-basis point increase in the average yield of such loans in the period. Increased yields across interest-earning assets were a result of the rising interest rate environment.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $81.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $14.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. During the three months ended September 30, 2023,

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interest expense increased $67.3 million, primarily reflecting increases in interest expense of $52.4 million on deposits, $13.4 million on total borrowings and $1.5 million on derivative cash collateral. The increased interest expense on deposits primarily reflects a 293-basis point increase in rates paid on money market accounts and a $323.8 million increase in average balances of such deposits, a 256-basis point increase in rates paid on savings accounts and an increase of $98.5 million in average balance of such deposits, and a 311-basis point increase in rates paid on CDs and an increase of $505.7 million in average balance of such deposits. The increases in interest expenses on money market accounts, saving accounts and CDs were primarily due to intense price competition among banks and other financial institutions and the rising interest rate environment. The increased interest expense on total borrowings primarily reflects a $1.08 billion increase in the average balance of FHLBNY advances and a 354-basis point increase in rates paid on such advances.

Provision for Credit Losses. We recorded a credit loss provision of $1.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a credit loss provision of $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The $1.8 million credit loss provision for the three months ended September 30, 2023, was primarily associated with increased provisioning for individually analyzed loans. The $6.6 million credit loss provision for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was primarily due to changes in forecasted macroeconomic conditions.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income was $7.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $9.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, non-interest income decreased $1.4 million from the three months ended September 30, 2022, reflecting a decrease of $1.4 million from net gain on sale of securities and other assets, an increase of $299 thousand related to a loss on equity securities and a decrease of $183 thousand on title fees, partially offset by an increase of $234 thousand of loan level derivative income, an increase of $140 thousand in BOLI income and a $93 thousand increase in all other non-interest income during the 2023 period.

Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense was $59.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $48.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, non-interest expense increased $11.2 million from the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to a $8.6 million increase in severance expense, a $1.3 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $1.1 million increase in federal deposit insurance premiums, a $875 thousand increase in data processing costs and a $548 thousand increase in marketing expenses, offset by decreases of $839 thousand in professional services, and $607 thousand in occupancy and equipment expense. The increase in severance expense was due to the Chief Executive Officer succession. The increase in federal deposit insurance premiums relates to an increase in deposit insurance rates due to a special assessment by the FDIC.

Non-interest expense was 1.73% and 1.54% of average assets during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $8.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to income tax expense of $15.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The reported effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was 35.1%, and 28.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

General. Net income was $79.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to net income of $112.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net interest income decreased by $40.6 million, income tax expense decreased by $12.4 million, non-interest expense increased by $9.2 million, the provision for credit losses decreased by $6.0 million, and non-interest income decreased by $1.4 million, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

The discussion of net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 should be read in conjunction with the following tables, which set forth certain information related to the consolidated statements of income for those periods, and which also present the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  The average yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of their related assets or liabilities during the periods represented. Average balances were derived from average daily balances. No tax-

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equivalent adjustments have been made for interest income exempt from federal, state, and local taxation. The yields include loan fees consisting of amortization of loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct and indirect origination costs, prepayment fees, and late charges that are considered adjustments to yields. Loan fees included in interest income were $975 thousand and $2.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in loan fees was primarily due to a decline in loan prepayment fees in 2023.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

2023

2022

    

    

    

Average

    

    

    

Average

    

Average

Yield/

Average

Yield/

    

Balance

    

Interest

    

Cost

    

Balance

    

Interest

    

Cost

    

Assets:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Interest-earning assets:

 

Business loans (1)(3)

$

2,240,390

$

108,790

6.49

%

$

1,984,668

$

68,908

4.64

%

One-to-four family residential, including condo and coop (3)

832,439

25,442

4.09

686,948

17,814

3.47

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use (3)

4,104,684

133,571

4.35

3,566,785

98,904

3.71

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate (3)

3,346,130

126,438

5.05

3,007,107

87,890

3.91

Acquisition, development, and construction (3)

222,897

15,197

9.12

291,789

11,810

5.41

Other loans (3)

 

6,742

 

306

 

6.07

 

12,580

 

502

 

5.34

Securities

 

1,653,662

 

24,261

 

1.96

 

1,695,877

 

21,572

 

1.70

Other short-term investments

 

446,757

 

16,599

 

4.97

 

265,395

 

1,956

 

0.99

Total interest-earning assets

 

12,853,701

450,604

 

4.69

%  

 

11,511,149

309,356

 

3.59

%  

Non-interest earning assets

 

769,869

 

 

 

780,902

 

 

Total assets

$

13,623,570

$

12,292,051

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing checking (2)

$

860,602

$

7,499

 

1.17

%  

$

854,088

$

1,940

0.30

%  

Money market

 

2,797,250

 

56,409

 

2.70

 

3,140,530

 

4,260

0.18

Savings (2)

 

2,316,463

 

52,291

 

3.02

 

1,673,738

 

6,016

0.48

Certificates of deposit

 

1,404,025

 

36,196

 

3.45

 

880,932

 

4,200

0.64

Total interest-bearing deposits

 

7,378,340

 

152,395

 

2.76

 

6,549,288

 

16,416

0.34

FHLBNY advances

 

1,277,828

43,076

 

4.51

 

93,754

 

678

0.97

Subordinated debt, net

200,254

7,659

5.11

223,635

 

8,063

4.82

Other short-term borrowings

4,211

120

3.81

44,490

 

593

1.78

Total borrowings

1,482,293

50,855

4.59

361,879

9,334

3.45

Derivative cash collateral

137,737

4,904

4.76

76,778

547

0.95

Total interest-bearing liabilities

8,998,370

208,154

3.09

%  

6,987,945

26,297

0.50

%  

Non-interest-bearing checking (2)

3,149,251

3,936,219

Other non-interest-bearing liabilities

264,527

198,838

Total liabilities

 

12,412,148

 

 

 

11,123,002

 

Stockholders' equity

 

1,211,422

 

 

 

1,169,049

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

13,623,570

 

 

$

12,292,051

 

Net interest income

$

242,450

 

 

$

283,059

Net interest spread (4)

 

 

1.60

%  

 

 

3.09

%  

Net interest-earning assets

$

3,855,331

$

4,523,204

Net interest margin (5)

 

 

 

2.52

%  

 

 

3.29

%  

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

142.84

%  

 

 

164.73

%  

Deposits (including non-interest-bearing checking accounts) (2)

$

10,527,591

$

152,395

 

1.94

%  

$

10,485,507

$

16,416

0.21

%  

(1) Business loans include commercial and industrial loans, owner-occupied commercial real estate loans and PPP loans.

(2) Includes mortgage escrow deposits.

(3) Amounts are net of deferred origination costs/(fees) and allowance for credit losses, and include loans held for sale.

(4) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.

(5) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average-interest earning assets.

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

Increase / (Decrease) Due to:

    

Volume

    

Rate

    

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets:

 

Business loans (1)(2)

$

10,647

$

29,235

$

39,882

One-to-four family residential, including condo and coop (2)

4,109

3,519

7,628

Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use (2)

16,259

18,408

34,667

Non-owner-occupied commercial real estate (2)

11,411

27,137

38,548

Acquisition, development, and construction (2)

 

(3,749)

 

7,136

 

3,387

Other loans (2)

 

(249)

 

53

 

(196)

Securities

 

(573)

 

3,262

 

2,689

Other short-term investments

 

4,043

 

10,600

 

14,643

Total interest-earning assets

$

41,898

$

99,350

$

141,248

Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing checking

$

8

$

5,551

$

5,559

Money market

 

(3,753)

 

55,902

 

52,149

Savings

 

8,392

 

37,883

 

46,275

Certificates of deposit

 

7,992

 

24,004

 

31,996

FHLBNY advances

24,253

 

18,145

 

42,398

Subordinated debt, net

(866)

 

462

 

(404)

Other short-term borrowings

(843)

 

370

 

(473)

Derivative cash collateral

1,301

 

3,056

 

4,357

Total interest-bearing liabilities

$

36,484

$

145,373

$

181,857

Net change in net interest income

$

5,414

$

(46,023)

$

(40,609)

(1) Business loans include commercial and industrial loans, owner-occupied commercial real estate loans and PPP loans.

(2) Amounts are net of deferred origination costs/ (fees) and allowance for credit losses, and include loans held for sale.

Net interest income. Net interest income was $242.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of $40.6 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Average interest-earning assets were $12.85 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $1.34 billion from $11.51 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Net interest margin was 2.52% during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, down from 3.29% during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Interest Income. Interest income was $450.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $309.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, interest income increased $141.2 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily reflecting increases in interest income of $39.9 million on business loan income, $38.5 million on non-owner occupied loan income, $34.7 million on multifamily loan income, $14.6 million on other short-term investments and $7.6 million on one-to-four family loan income

The increased interest income on business loans was related to a 185-basis point increase in the average yield and an increase of $255.7 million in the average balance of such loans in the period. The increased interest income on non-owner- occupied loan income was related to a 114-basis point increase in the average yield and an increase of $339.0 million in the average balance of such loans in the period. The increased interest income on multifamily loans was related to and a 64-basis point increase in the average yield of such loans in the period, offset by an increase of $537.9 million in the average balance. The increased interest income on one-to-four family loans was related to an increase of $145.5 million in the average balance and a 62-basis point increase in the average yield of such loans in the period. The increased interest income on short-term investments was due to a 398-basis point increase in the average yield and an increase of $181.4 million in the average balance of such short-term investments during the period. Increased yields across interest-earning assets were a result of the rising interest rate environment.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $208.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $26.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, interest expense increased $181.9 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily reflecting increases in interest expense of $136.0 million on deposits, $41.5 million on total borrowings, and $4.4 million on derivative cash collateral. The increased interest expense on deposits primarily reflects a 252-basis point increase in rates paid on money

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market accounts offset by a decrease of $343.3 million in average balances of such deposits, a 254-basis point increase in rates paid on savings accounts and an increase of $642.7 million in average balance of such deposits and a 281-basis point increase in rates paid on CDs and an increase of $523.1 million in average balance of such deposits. The increases in interest expenses on money market accounts, saving accounts and CDs were primarily due to intense price competition among banks and other financial institutions and the rising interest rate environment. The increased interest expense on total borrowings primarily reflects a 354-basis point increase in rates paid and a $1.18 billion increase in the average balance of FHLBNY advances.    

Provision for Credit Losses. We recorded a credit loss recovery of $950 thousand during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a credit loss provision of $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The $950 thousand credit loss recovery for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was primarily associated with a reduction in reserves on pooled PCD loans that were acquired as part of the Company’s 2021 merger of equals transaction. The $5.0 million credit loss provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, was primarily due to changes to the forecasted macroeconomic conditions and loan growth, offset by releases on acquired PCD individually analyzed loans.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income was $27.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $28.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, non-interest income decreased $1.4 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2022, reflecting a decrease of  $2.9 million gain on sale of securities, a $1.1 million increase in loss on equity securities, a $827 thousand decrease in BOLI income, and a $749 thousand decrease in title fees, partially offset by a $4.1 million increase in loan level derivative income and a $53 thousand increase in all other non-interest income.

Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense was $159.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $150.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, non-interest expense increased $9.2 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to a $6.9 million increase in severance expense, a $2.5 million increase in federal deposit insurance premiums, a $1.6 million increase in data processing services and a $1.0 million increase in all other non-interest expenses, partially offset by a $1.4 million decrease in salaries and employee benefits and a $1.4 million decrease in professional services. The increase in severance expense was due to the Chief Executive Officer succession. The increase in federal deposit insurance premiums relates to an increase in deposit insurance rates due to a special assessment by the FDIC.

Non-interest expense was 1.56% and 1.63% of average assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $31.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to income tax expense of $44.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The reported effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 28.5%, and 28.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk were presented at December 31, 2022 in Item 7A of the Holding Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023. The following is an update of the discussion provided therein.

General. The Company’s largest component of market risk remains interest rate risk. The Company is not subject to foreign currency exchange or commodity price risk. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we conducted zero transactions involving derivative instruments requiring bifurcation in order to hedge interest rate or market risk.

Interest Rate Risk Exposure Analysis

Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”) Analysis. In accordance with agency regulatory guidelines, the Company simulates the impact of interest rate volatility upon EVE using several interest rate scenarios. EVE is the difference between the

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present value of the expected future cash flows of the Company’s assets and liabilities and the value of any off-balance sheet items, such as derivatives, if applicable.

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

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

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

The analysis that follows presents, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the estimated EVE at both the Pre-Shock Scenario and the -100 Basis Point, +100 Basis Point Rate and +200 Basis Point Rate Shock Scenarios.

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

 

    

    

Dollar

    

Percentage

    

    

Dollar

    

Percentage

 

(Dollars in thousands)

EVE

Change

Change

EVE

Change

Change

 

Rate Shock Scenarios

 

+ 200 Basis Points

$

1,396,425

$

63,878

4.8%

$

1,717,562

$

78,373

4.8%

+ 100 Basis Points

1,375,112

42,565

 

3.2%

1,703,131

63,942

 

3.9%

Pre-Shock Scenario

 

1,332,547

 

 

 

1,639,189

 

 

- 100 Basis Points

1,276,270

(56,277)

(4.2)%

1,515,010

(124,179)

(7.6)%

The Company’s Pre-Shock Scenario EVE decreased from $1.64 billion at December 31, 2022 to $1.33 billion at September 30, 2023. The primary factors contributing to the decline in EVE include a shift in the deposit mix, coupled with an increase in the cost of the Bank’s interest-bearing non-maturity deposits. Further influencing the change in EVE was a decline in the relative value of the Bank’s loan portfolio as market interest rates have increased more than the overall portfolio yield.

The Company’s EVE in the +100 Basis Point Rate and +200 Basis Point Rate Shock Scenarios decreased from $1.70 billion and $1.72 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2022, to $1.38 billion and $1.40 billion, respectively, at September 30, 2023. In the -100 Basis Point Rate Shock Scenario the Company’s EVE decreased from $1.52 billion at December 31, 2022, to $1.28 billion at September 30, 2023.

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Income Simulation Analysis. As of the end of each quarterly period, the Company also monitors the impact of interest rate changes through a net interest income simulation model. This model estimates the impact of interest rate changes on the Company’s net interest income over forward-looking periods typically not exceeding 36 months (a considerably shorter period than measured through the EVE analysis). Management reports the net interest income simulation results to the Company’s Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The following table discloses the estimated changes to the Company’s net interest income in various time periods assuming gradual changes in interest rates over a 12-month period beginning September 30, 2023, for the given rate scenarios:

Percentage Change in Net Interest Income

Gradual Change in Interest rates of:

Year-One

Year-Two

+ 200 Basis Points

(3.8)%

(2.8)%

+ 100 Basis Points

(2.1)%

(1.7)%

- 100 Basis Points

2.0%

0.9%

Management also examines the potential impact to net interest income by simulating the impact of instantaneous changes to interest rates. The following table discloses the estimated changes to the Company’s net interest income in various time periods associated with the given interest rate shock scenarios.

Percentage Change in Net Interest Income

Instantaneous Rate Shock Scenarios

Year-One

Year-Two

+ 200 Basis Points

(3.7)%

(0.3)%

+ 100 Basis Points

(2.0)%

(0.3)%

- 100 Basis Points

1.5%

(0.6)%

iIte

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, with the participation of its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness, as of September 30, 2023, of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2023 in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management of the Company as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2023, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such controls.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is routinely named as a defendant in or party to various pending or threatened legal actions or proceedings. Certain of these matters may seek substantial monetary damages. In the opinion of management, the Company was not involved in any actions or proceedings that were likely to have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operations as of September 30, 2023.

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Item 1A.Risk Factors

For information regarding the Company’s risk factors, see Part 1, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, each as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(a)Not applicable.
(b)Not applicable.

(c)

Total

Total Number of

Maximum Number

Number

Average

Shares Purchased

of Shares that May

of Shares

Price Paid

as Part of Publicly

Yet be Purchased

Period

    

Purchased

    

Per Share

    

Announced Programs

    

Under the Programs (1)

July 2023

$

1,566,947

August 2023

 

 

 

1,566,947

September 2023

 

 

 

1,566,947

(1)In May 2022, we announced the adoption of a new stock repurchase program of up to 1,948,314 shares, upon the completion of our existing authorized stock repurchase program. The stock repurchase program may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time for any reason, and has no termination date. As of September 30, 2023, there were 1,566,947 shares remaining to be purchased in the program.

Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5.Other Information

During the three months ended September 30, 2023, none of the Company’s directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as that term is used in SEC regulations.

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Item 6.Exhibits

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 2, 2021 (File No. 001-34096))

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 2, 2023 (File No. 001-34096))

4.1

Indenture, dated May 6, 2022, between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Wilmington Trust National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 6, 2022 (File No. 001-34096))

4.2

First Supplemental Indenture, May 6, 2022, between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Wilmington Trust National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 6, 2022 (File No. 001-34096))

4.3

Form of 5.000% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 6, 2022 (File No. 001-34096))

10.1

    

Agreement and General Release, dated July 27, 2023, by and among Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., Dime Community Bank and Kevin M. O’Connor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 2, 2023 (File No. 001-34096))

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 Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2023, filed on November 2, 2023, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and (vi) the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

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

104

Cover page to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted in Inline XBRL

57

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

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

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

Dated: November 2, 2023

By:

/s/ STUART H. LUBOW

Stuart H. Lubow

President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: November 2, 2023

By:

/s/ AVINASH REDDY

Avinash Reddy

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

58