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Northfield Bancorp, Inc. - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 
ý
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015
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 No. 001-35791
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
80-0882592
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
 
 
581 Main Street, Suite 810 Woodbridge, New Jersey
 
07095
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
Zip Code
(732) 499-7200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  ¨    No  þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  ¨    No  þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  þ   No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one): 
Large accelerated filer
¨
 
Accelerated filer
 þ
Non-accelerated filer
¨
 
Smaller reporting company
¨


Table of Contents

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes    ¨    No     þ 
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to price at which the common equity was last sold on June 30, 2015 was $607,400,542.
As of February 29, 2016, there were outstanding 48,287,468 shares of the registrant’s common stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (the 2016 Proxy Statement) for the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders to be held May 25, 2016, will be incorporated by reference in Part III. The 2016 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2015.



Table of Contents

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.
 
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12
Item 13
Item 14
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Annual Report contains certain “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of such words as “estimate”, “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan”, “seek”, “expect” and words of similar meaning.  These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:  
statements of our goals, intentions, and expectations;
statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;
statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and
estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.
 
These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control.  In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change.
 
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:   
general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;
competition among depository and other financial institutions;
inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;
adverse changes in the securities or credit markets;
changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements;
our ability to manage operations in the current economic conditions;
our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;
our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities, including Hopewell Valley Community Bank (Hopewell Valley), which we acquired on January 8, 2016;
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;
cyber attacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information and destroy data or disable our systems;
changes in our organization, compensation, and benefit plans;
changes in the level of government support for housing finance;
significant increases in our loan losses; and
changes in the financial condition, results of operations, or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.
 
Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements.  Except as required by law, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this Form 10-K, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), was organized in June 2010 and is the single bank holding company for Northfield Bank. Northfield Bancorp, Inc. uses the support staff and offices of Northfield Bank and reimburses Northfield Bank for these services.  If Northfield Bancorp, Inc. expands or changes its business in the future, it may hire its own employees. In the future, we may pursue other business activities, including mergers and acquisitions, investment alternatives and diversification of operations.
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.’s main office is located at 581 Main Street, Suite 810, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095, and its telephone number at this address is (732) 499-7200.  Its website address is www.eNorthfield.com.  Information on this website is not and should not be considered to be a part of this annual report. 
 
Northfield Bank
 
Northfield Bank was organized in 1887 and is a federally chartered savings bank. Northfield Bank conducts business primarily from its home office located in Staten Island, New York, its operations center located in Woodbridge, New Jersey, its 38 additional branch offices (including nine branches acquired as part of the Hopewell Valley acquisition) located in New York and New Jersey, and a non-branch office located in Brooklyn, New York. The branch offices are located in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Union.
 
On January 8, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Hopewell Valley. Total consideration paid for Hopewell Valley was $55.4 million, consisting of $13.7 million in cash and 2,707,381 shares of common stock valued at $41.7 million based upon the $15.41 per share closing price of Northfield Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock on January 8, 2016. At December 31, 2015, Hopewell Valley had approximately $508.3 million in assets and operated nine branches in Hunterdon and Mercer counties in New Jersey.
    
Northfield Bank’s principal business consists of originating multifamily and other commercial real estate loans, purchasing investment securities, including mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds, and to a lesser extent depositing funds in other financial institutions. Northfield Bank also offers construction and land loans, commercial and industrial loans, one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, and home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as acquires pools of loans from time to time. Northfield Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts, including certificates of deposit, passbook, statement, and money market savings accounts, transaction deposit accounts (negotiable orders of withdrawal (NOW) accounts and non-interest bearing demand accounts), individual retirement accounts, and to a lesser extent when it is deemed cost effective, brokered deposits. Deposits are Northfield Bank’s primary source of funds for its lending and investing activities. Northfield Bank also borrows funds, principally repurchase agreements with brokers and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of New York advances.  Northfield Bank owns 100% of NSB Services Corp., which, in turn, owns 100% of the voting common stock of a real estate investment trust, NSB Realty Trust, that holds primarily mortgage loans and other real estate related investments.  In addition, Northfield Bank refers its customers to independent third parties that provide non-deposit investment products and one-to-four family residential mortgage products.

Northfield Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
 
Northfield Bank’s main office is located at 1731 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314, and its telephone number at this address is (718) 448-1000. Its website address is www.eNorthfield.com. Information on this website is not and should not be considered to be a part of this annual report.
 
Market Area and Competition
 
We have been in business for over 128 years, offering a variety of financial products and services to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Our commercial and retail banking network consists of multiple delivery channels including full-service banking offices, automated teller machines, telephone, and internet banking capabilities including mobile banking and remote deposit capture. We consider our competitive products and pricing, branch network, customer service, and financial strength, as our major strengths in attracting and retaining customers in our market areas.
 

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We face intense competition in our market areas both in making loans and attracting deposits. Our market areas have a high concentration of financial institutions, including large money center and regional banks, community banks, and credit unions. We face additional competition for deposits from money market funds, brokerage firms, mutual funds, and insurance companies. Some of our competitors offer products and services that we do not offer, such as trust services and private banking.
 
Our deposit sources are primarily concentrated in the communities surrounding our branch offices in the New York counties of Richmond (Staten Island) and Kings (Brooklyn), and Union and Middlesex counties in New Jersey.  As of June 30, 2015 (the latest date for which information is publicly available), we ranked fourth in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured deposit market share in Staten Island with an 11.19% market share.  As of that date, we had a 0.63% deposit market share in Brooklyn, New York, and a combined deposit market share of 0.84% in the Middlesex and Union counties in New Jersey. In addition, after completion of our acquisition of Hopewell Valley, we also gained deposit sources in the Hunterdon and Mercer counties of New Jersey, which as of June 30, 2015, had a combined deposit market share of 2.39%. This market share data does not reflect deposits held by credit unions.
 
The following table sets forth the unemployment rates for the communities we serve and the national average for the last five years, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
 
Unemployment Rate At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Hunterdon County, NJ
3.1%
 
4.0%
 
4.6%
 
6.2%
 
6.2%
Mercer County, NJ
3.7
 
4.9
 
5.6
 
7.5
 
7.8
Union County, NJ
4.6
 
5.8
 
6.9
 
9.2
 
8.8
Middlesex County, NJ
3.8
 
4.7
 
5.9
 
7.9
 
7.6
Richmond County, NY
5.0
 
5.8
 
6.6
 
7.9
 
7.9
Kings County, NY
5.1
 
6.8
 
8.2
 
9.5
 
9.5
National Average
5.0
 
5.6
 
6.7
 
7.8
 
8.5
 
The following table sets forth median household income at December 31, 2015 and 2014, for the communities we serve, as published by the U.S. Census Bureau:
 
 
Median Household Income
 
At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Hunterdon County, NJ
$106,925
 
$97,113
Mercer County, NJ
72,375
 
74,047
Union County, NJ
69,222
 
68,442
Middlesex County, NJ
78,734
 
75,361
Richmond County, NY
72,559
 
70,814
Kings County, NY
46,965
 
44,890
 
Lending Activities
 
Our principal lending activity is the origination of multifamily real estate loans and, to a lesser extent, other commercial real estate loans (typically on office, retail, and industrial properties), in New York City, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania. We also originate one-to-four family residential real estate loans (investment properties), construction and land loans, commercial and industrial loans, and home equity loans and lines of credit.
 
Loan Originations, Purchases, Sales, Participations, and Servicing.  All loans we originate for our portfolio are underwritten pursuant to our policies and procedures or are properly approved as exceptions to our policies and procedures. In addition, historically we used to originate both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate residential real estate loans under an origination assistance agreement with a third-party underwriter that conformed to secondary market underwriting standards, whereby the third-party underwriter would process and underwrite one-to-four family residential real estate loans that we funded at origination, and we elected either to portfolio the loans or sell them to the third-party.  The agreement with this third party

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underwriter was discontinued in the fourth quarter of 2015. Our ability to originate fixed- or adjustable-rate loans is dependent on the relative customer demand for such loans, which is affected by various factors including current market interest rates as well as anticipated future market interest rates. Our loan origination and sales activity may be adversely affected by changes in economic conditions that result in decreased loan demand. Our home equity loans and lines of credit typically are generated through direct mail advertisements, newspaper advertisements, online applications through our website, and referrals from branch personnel. A significant portion of our multifamily real estate loans and other commercial real estate loans are generated with the use of third-party loan brokers and referrals from accountants and other professional contacts. Our commercial and industrial loans typically are generated through referrals from professional contacts.
 
We generally retain in our portfolio all adjustable-rate residential real estate loans we originate, as well as shorter-term, fixed-rate residential real estate loans (terms of 10 years or less).  Loans we sell consist primarily of conforming, longer-term, fixed-rate residential real estate loans. We sold $2.4 million of one-to-four family residential real estate loans (generally fixed-rate loans, with terms of 15 years or longer) during the year ended December 31, 2015.
 
We sell our loans without recourse, except for standard representations and warranties typical in secondary market transactions. During 2012, we sold the servicing rights of one-to-four family residential real estate loans owned by others to a third-party bank. Historically, the origination of loans held-for-sale and related servicing activity has not been material to our operations.
 
Loans acquired in assisted transactions with the FDIC and in the merger with Flatbush Federal Bancorp, Inc. with deteriorated credit quality, herein referred to as purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans, have a carrying value of $33.1 million at December 31, 2015.  The accounting and reporting for these loans differs substantially from those loans originated and classified as held-for-investment. For purposes of reporting, discussion and analysis, management has classified its loan portfolio into four categories: (1) PCI loans, which are held-for-investment, and initially valued at estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, with no initial related allowance for loan losses, (2) loans originated and held-for-sale, which are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value, less costs to sell, and therefore have no associated allowance for loan losses, (3) originated loans held-for-investment, which are carried at amortized cost, less net charge-offs and the allowance for loan losses, and (4) acquired loans with no evidence of credit deterioration,  which are held-for-investment, and initially valued at an estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, with no initial related allowance for loan losses. PCI and acquired loans are periodically evaluated for impairment after their initial valuation and could have an associated allowance for loan losses.
 
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority.   Our lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards approved by our board of directors.  The loan approval process is intended to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and the value of the collateral that will secure the loan, if any. To assess the borrower’s ability to repay, we review the borrower’s income and credit history, and information on the historical and projected income and expenses of the borrower.
 
In underwriting a loan secured by real property, we require an appraisal of the property by an independent licensed appraiser approved by our board of directors. The appraisals of multifamily, mixed-use, and other commercial real estate properties are also reviewed by an independent third-party appraiser. We review and inspect properties before disbursement of funds during the term of a construction loan. Generally, management obtains updated appraisals when a loan is deemed impaired. These appraisals may be more limited than those prepared for the underwriting of a new loan. In addition, when we acquire other real estate owned, we generally obtain a current appraisal to substantiate the net carrying value of the asset.
 
The board of directors maintains a loan committee consisting of bank directors to: periodically review and recommend for approval our policies related to lending (collectively, the loan policies) as prepared by management; approve or reject loan applicants meeting certain criteria; and monitor loan quality including concentrations and certain other aspects of our lending functions, as applicable.  Certain Northfield Bank officers, at levels beginning with senior vice president, have individual lending authority that is approved by the board of directors.

Loan Portfolio Composition.  The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio, by type of loan, at the dates indicated, excluding loans held for sale of $471,000, $5.4 million and $3.9 million, at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. There were no loans held for sale at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

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At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans originated:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multifamily
$
1,318,461

 
55.66
%
 
$
1,072,193

 
55.31
%
 
$
870,951

 
58.61
%
 
$
610,129

 
49.18
%
 
$
458,370

 
42.72
%
Commercial
402,073

 
16.97

 
390,288

 
20.13

 
340,174

 
22.89
%
 
315,450

 
25.43

 
327,074

 
30.48

One-to-four family residential
98,332

 
4.15

 
74,401

 
3.84

 
64,753

 
4.36
%
 
64,733

 
5.22

 
72,592

 
6.77

Home equity and lines of credit
61,413

 
2.59

 
54,533

 
2.81

 
46,231

 
3.11
%
 
33,573

 
2.71

 
29,666

 
2.76

Construction and land 
18,652

 
0.79

 
21,412

 
1.10

 
14,152

 
0.95
%
 
23,243

 
1.87

 
23,460

 
2.19

Commercial and industrial loans
25,554

 
1.08

 
12,945

 
0.67

 
10,162

 
0.68
%
 
14,786

 
1.19

 
12,710

 
1.18

Insurance premium finance

 

 

 

 

 

 
26

 

 
59,096

 
5.51

Other loans
2,256

 
0.10

 
2,157

 
0.12

 
2,310

 
0.16
%
 
1,804

 
0.15

 
1,496

 
0.14

PCI loans
33,115

 
1.40

 
44,816

 
2.31

 
59,468

 
4.00
%
 
75,349

 
6.07

 
88,522

 
8.25

Loans acquired:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
330,672

 
13.96

 
234,478

 
12.10

 
60,262

 
4.06

 
78,237

 
6.31

 

 

Multifamily
64,779

 
2.73

 
18,844

 
0.97

 
3,930

 
0.26

 
5,763

 
0.46

 

 

Commercial
11,160

 
0.47

 
11,999

 
0.62

 
13,254

 
0.89

 
17,053

 
1.38

 

 

Home equity and lines of credit
2,404

 
0.10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land

 

 
364

 
0.02

 
371

 
0.03

 
380

 
0.03

 

 

Total loans acquired
409,015

 
17.26

 
265,685

 
13.71

 
77,817

 
5.24

 
101,433

 
8.18

 

 

Total loans
$
2,368,871

 
100.00
%
 
$
1,938,430

 
100.00
%
 
$
1,486,018

 
100.00
%
 
$
1,240,526

 
100.00
%
 
$
1,072,986

 
100.00
%
Other items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred loan costs (fees), net
4,844

 
 
 
4,565

 
 
 
3,458

 
 
 
2,456

 
 
 
1,481

 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(24,770
)
 
 
 
(26,292
)
 
 
 
(26,037
)
 
 
 
(26,424
)
 
 
 
(26,836
)
 
 
Net loans held-for-investment
$
2,348,945

 
 
 
$
1,916,703

 
 
 
$
1,463,439

 
 
 
$
1,216,558

 
 
 
$
1,047,631

 
 
 
At December 31, 2015, PCI loans consisted of approximately 28% commercial real estate loans and 52% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans.  At December 31, 2014, these loans consisted of approximately 33% commercial real estate loans and 53% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans.  At December 31, 2013, these loans consisted of approximately 37% commercial real estate loans and 47% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans. At December 31, 2012, these loans consisted of approximately 39% commercial real estate loans and 52% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans. At December 31, 2011, these loans consisted of approximately 39% commercial real estate loans and 53% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans.

Loan Portfolio Maturities.  The following table summarizes the scheduled repayments of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2015.  Demand loans (loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity) and overdraft loans are reported as being due in the year ending December 31, 2016.  Maturities are based on the final contractual payment date and do not reflect the effect of prepayments, repricing and scheduled principal amortization.

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Originated Loans
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
One-to-Four Family Residential
 
Home Equity and Lines of Credit
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Due during the years ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
$
301

 
4.48
%
 
$
2,050

 
3.57
%
 
$
109

 
4.19
%
 
$
129

 
4.41
%
2017

 

 
766

 
6.97

 
543

 
6.97

 
820

 
3.48

2018
365

 
5.03

 
406

 
6.85

 
1,108

 
4.78

 
1,317

 
3.19

2019 to 2020
464

 
3.59

 
3,091

 
14.09

 
1,197

 
5.45

 
2,959

 
3.38

2021 to 2025
48,938

 
3.65

 
17,978

 
4.70

 
3,087

 
4.83

 
10,413

 
3.60

2026 to 2030
66,028

 
4.70

 
56,030

 
4.68

 
9,500

 
4.24

 
15,680

 
3.88

2031 and beyond
1,202,365

 
3.65

 
321,752

 
4.42

 
82,788

 
4.02

 
30,095

 
2.96

Total
$
1,318,461

 
3.70
%
 
$
402,073

 
4.55
%
 
$
98,332

 
4.12
%
 
$
61,413

 
3.33
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and Land 
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Due during the years ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
$
11,421

 
5.02
%
 
$
10,773

 
3.99
%
 
$
1,966

 
0.02
%
 
 
 
 
2017
2,370

 
5.38

 
3,360

 
4.92

 
62

 
7.68

 
 
 
 
2018
174

 
5.38

 
573

 
4.81

 
36

 
4.97

 
 
 
 
2019 to 2020

 

 
2,468

 
4.41

 
26

 
10.16

 
 
 
 
2021 to 2025

 

 
7,909

 
4.02

 

 

 
 
 
 
2026 to 2030

 

 
311

 
4.80

 

 

 
 
 
 
2031 and beyond
4,687

 
4.13

 
160

 
5.43

 
166

 
4.02

 
 
 
 
Total
$
18,652

 
4.84
%
 
$
25,554

 
4.20
%
 
$
2,256

 
0.72
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquired Loans
 
One-to-Four Family Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Home Equity and Lines of Credit
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Due during the years ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
$
23

 
6.69
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
1,061

 
6.25
%
 
$

 
%
2017
151

 
6.00

 

 

 
67

 
7.76

 

 

2018
1,685

 
4.78

 
63

 
7.01

 

 

 

 

2019 to 2020
2,045

 
5.39

 
11,892

 
3.51

 
7,122

 
4.59

 

 

2021 to 2025
3,921

 
5.46

 
48,458

 
3.38

 
2,492

 
6.05

 

 

2026 to 2030
3,008

 
4.98

 
4,366

 
3.71

 
418

 
6.79

 
2,404

 
2.93

2031 and beyond
319,839

 
2.71

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
330,672

 
2.80
%
 
$
64,779

 
3.43
%
 
$
11,160

 
5.18
%
 
$
2,404

 
2.93
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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PCI loans(1)
 
Total Loans
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Due during the years ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
$
3,172

 
9.78
%
 
$
31,005

 
4.77
%
2017
2,910

 
7.03

 
11,049

 
5.76

2018
723

 
16.04

 
6,450

 
5.90

2019 to 2020
5,132

 
12.34

 
36,396

 
6.09

2021 to 2025
3,641

 
7.76

 
146,837

 
3.92

2026 to 2030
1,408

 
6.10

 
159,153

 
4.55

2031 and beyond
16,129

 
9.40

 
1,977,981

 
3.68

Total
$
33,115

 
9.51
%
 
$
2,368,871

 
3.82
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents estimated accretable yield.
 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, 2015, the Company had a total of $1.98 billion in loans due to mature in 2031 and beyond, of which $55.5 million, or 2.80%, are fixed rate loans.

The following table sets forth the scheduled repayments of fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2015, that are contractually due after December 31, 2016:
 
Due After December 31, 2016
 
Fixed Rate
 
Adjustable Rate
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Multifamily
$
95,795

 
$
1,222,365

 
$
1,318,160

Commercial
39,774

 
360,249

 
400,023

One-to-four family residential 
28,749

 
69,474

 
98,223

Construction and land

 
7,231

 
7,231

Home equity and lines of credit
31,880

 
29,404

 
61,284

Commercial and industrial loans
9,538

 
5,243

 
14,781

Other loans
290

 

 
290

PCI loans
4,837

 
25,106

 
29,943

Acquired loans
49,714

 
358,217

 
407,931

Total loans
$
260,577

 
$
2,077,289

 
$
2,337,866

 
Multifamily Real Estate Loans. We currently focus on originating multifamily real estate loans. Loans secured by multifamily properties totaled approximately $1.32 billion, or 55.7% of our total loan portfolio, at December 31, 2015. We include in this category mixed-use properties having more than four residential units and a business or businesses where the majority of space is utilized for residential purposes.  At December 31, 2015, we had 821 originated multifamily real estate loans, with an average loan balance of approximately $1.6 million, although there are a large number of loans with balances substantially greater than this average. At December 31, 2015, our largest multifamily real estate loan had a principal balance of $30.9 million and was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms. Substantially all of our multifamily real estate loans are secured by properties located in our primary market areas and Eastern Pennsylvania.
 
Our multifamily real estate loans typically amortize over 20 to 30 years with negotiated interest rates that adjust after an initial five-, seven-, or 10-year period, and every five years thereafter. Interest rates adjust at margins generally ranging from 275 basis points to 350 basis points above the average yield on U.S. Treasury securities, adjusted to a constant maturity of similar term, as published by the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) for loans originated prior to 2009.  Adjustable rate loans originated subsequent to 2008 generally have been indexed to the five-year London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swaps rate as published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release adjusted for a negotiated margin. We also originate, to a lesser extent, 10- to 15-year fixed-rate, fully amortizing loans. In general, our multifamily real estate loans have interest rate floors equal to the interest rate on the date the loan is originated, and have prepayment penalties should the loan be prepaid in the initial five-, seven-, or 10-year term.   

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In underwriting multifamily real estate loans, we consider a number of factors, including the ratio of the projected net cash flow to the loan’s debt service requirement (generally requiring a minimum ratio of 120%, computed after deduction for a vacancy factor, when applicable, and property expenses we deem appropriate), the age and condition of the collateral, the financial resources and income of the sponsor, and the sponsor’s experience in owning or managing similar properties. Multifamily real estate loans generally are originated in amounts up to 75% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan. We require title insurance, fire and extended coverage casualty insurance, and, if appropriate, flood insurance up to the regulatory required amount of $500,000, in order to protect our security interest in the underlying property.  Although a significant portion of our multifamily real estate loans are referred to us by third-party loan brokers, we underwrite all multifamily real estate loans in accordance with our underwriting standards. Due to competitor considerations, as is customary in our marketplace, we typically do not obtain personal guarantees of the principals on multifamily real estate loans, except where warranted.
 
Loans secured by multifamily real estate properties generally have less credit risk than other commercial real estate loans. The repayment of loans secured by multifamily real estate properties typically depends on the successful operation of the property. If the cash flow from the property is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired.
 
In a ruling that was contrary to a 1996 advisory opinion from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal that owners of housing units who benefited from the receipt of “J-51” tax incentives under the Rent Stabilization Law are eligible to decontrol apartments, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled on October 22, 2009, that residential housing units located in two major housing complexes in New York City had been illegally decontrolled by the current and previous property owners. This ruling may subject other property owners that have previously or are currently benefiting from a J-51 tax incentive to litigation, possibly resulting in a significant reduction to property cash flows. Based on management’s assessment of our multifamily loan portfolio, we believe that only one loan may be affected by the ruling regarding J-51.  The loan had a principal balance of $6.9 million at December 31, 2015, and was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms at that date.    
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans.  Commercial real estate loans (other than multifamily real estate loans) totaled $402.1 million, or 17.0% of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015.  At December 31, 2015, our commercial real estate loan portfolio consisted of 388 loans with an average loan balance of approximately $1.0 million, although there are a large number of loans with balances substantially greater than this average.  At December 31, 2015, our largest commercial real estate loan had a principal balance of $21.6 million, was secured by a mall with two small retail buildings, and was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms.  Substantially all of our commercial real estate loans are secured by properties located in our primary market areas.
 
The following table sets forth the property types collateralizing our commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2015:
 
At December 31, 2015
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Mixed Use (majority non-residential)
$
110,159

 
27.4
%
Retail
92,142

 
22.9

Office Buildings
83,544

 
20.8

Warehousing
22,274

 
5.5

Accommodations
23,497

 
5.8

Services
22,793

 
5.7

Manufacturing
14,111

 
3.5

Restaurant
8,661

 
2.2

Recreational
6,934

 
1.7

Schools/Day Care
4,184

 
1.0

Other
13,774

 
3.5

 
$
402,073

 
100.0
%
 

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Our commercial real estate loans typically amortize over 20 to 25 years with negotiated interest rates that adjust after an initial five-, seven-, or 10-year period, and every five years thereafter.  Interest rates adjust at margins generally ranging from 275 basis points to 350 basis points above the average yield on U.S. Treasury securities, adjusted to a constant maturity of similar term, as published by the FRB for loans originated prior to 2009.  Adjustable rate loans originated subsequent to 2008 generally have been indexed to the five-year LIBOR swaps rate as published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release, adjusted for a negotiated margin. We also originate, to a lesser extent, 10- to 15-year fixed-rate, fully amortizing loans. In general, our commercial real estate loans have interest rate floors equal to the interest rate on the date the loan is originated, and generally have prepayment penalties if the loan is repaid in the initial five-, seven-, or 10-year term.  
 
In underwriting commercial real estate loans, we generally lend up to the lesser of 75% of either the property’s appraised value or purchase price.  Our policies permit the origination of certain single-use property types but at lower loan-to-appraised value ratios. We base our decision to lend primarily on the economic viability of the property and the creditworthiness of the borrower. In evaluating a proposed commercial real estate loan, we emphasize the ratio of the property’s projected net cash flow to the loan’s debt service requirement (generally requiring a minimum ratio of 125%), computed after deduction for a vacancy factor, when applicable, and property expenses we deem appropriate. Personal guarantees of the principals are typically obtained. We require title insurance, fire and extended coverage casualty insurance, and, if appropriate, flood insurance up to the regulatory required amount of $500,000, in order to protect our security interest in the underlying property. Although a significant portion of our commercial real estate loans were referred to us by third-party loan brokers, we underwrite all commercial real estate loans in accordance with our underwriting standards.
 
Commercial real estate loans generally carry higher interest rates and have shorter terms than one-to-four family residential real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans also generally have greater credit risk compared to one-to-four family residential real estate loans, as they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers.  In addition, the payment of loans secured by income-producing properties typically depends on the successful operation of the property or business. Changes in economic conditions that are not in the control of the borrower or lender may affect the value of the collateral for the loan or the future cash flow of the property. Additionally, any decline in real estate values may be more pronounced for commercial real estate than for residential properties.
 
Construction and Land Loans. At December 31, 2015, construction and land loans total $18.7 million, or 0.8% of total loans receivable, and the additional un-advanced portion of these construction loans totaled $4.9 million. At December 31, 2015, we had 20 construction and land loans with an average loan balance of approximately $934,000 and our largest construction and land loan had a principal balance of $4.1 million and was for the purpose of financing land.  At December 31, 2015, this loan was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms.
 
Our construction and land loans typically are interest-only loans with interest rates that are tied to the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal. Margins generally range from zero basis points to 200 basis points above the prime rate. We also originate, to a lesser extent, 10- to 15-year fixed-rate, fully amortizing land loans. In general, our construction and land loans have interest rate floors equal to the interest rate on the date the loan is originated, and we do not typically charge prepayment penalties.
 
We grant construction and land loans to experienced developers for the construction of single-family residences, including condominiums, and commercial properties. Construction and land loans also are made to individuals for the construction of their personal residences. Advances on construction loans are made in accordance with a schedule reflecting the cost of construction, but are generally limited to a loan-to-completed appraised value ratio of 70%. Repayment of construction loans on residential properties normally is expected from the sale of units to individual purchasers, or in the case of individuals building their own residences, with a permanent mortgage. In the case of income-producing property, repayment usually is expected from permanent financing upon completion of construction. We typically offer permanent mortgage financing on our construction loans on income-producing properties.
 
Land loans also help finance the purchase of land intended for future development, including single-family housing, multifamily housing, and commercial property. In some cases, we may make an acquisition loan before the borrower has received approval to develop the land. In general, the maximum loan-to-value ratio for land acquisition loans is 50% of the appraised value of the property, and the maximum term of these loans is two years. Generally, if the maturity of the loan exceeds three years, the loan must be an amortizing loan.
 
Construction and land loans generally carry higher interest rates and have shorter terms than one-to-four family residential real estate loans. Construction and land loans have greater credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the real estate value at completion of construction as compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction and other

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assumptions. If the estimate of construction costs is inaccurate, we may decide to advance additional funds beyond the amount originally committed in order to protect our security interest in the underlying property. However, if the estimated value of the completed project is inaccurate, the borrower may hold the real estate with a value that is insufficient to assure full repayment of the construction loan upon its sale. In the event we make a land acquisition loan on real estate that is not yet approved for the planned development, there is a risk that approvals will not be granted or will be delayed. Construction loans also expose us to a risk that improvements will not be completed on time in accordance with specifications and projected costs. In addition, the ultimate sale or rental of the real estate may not occur as anticipated and the market value of collateral, when completed, may be less than the outstanding loans against the real estate and there may be no permanent financing available upon completion. Substantially all of our construction and land loans are secured by real estate located in our primary market areas. 
 
Commercial and Industrial Loans. At December 31, 2015, commercial and industrial loans totaled $25.6 million or 1.1% of the total loan portfolio and the additional un-advanced portion of these commercial and industrial loans totaled $16.7 million.  As of December 31, 2015, we had 150 commercial and industrial loans with an average loan balance of approximately $171,000, although we originate these types of loans in amounts substantially greater than this average.  At December 31, 2015, our largest commercial and industrial loan had a principal balance of $5.0 million and was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms.
 
Our commercial and industrial loans typically amortize over 10 years with interest rates that are tied to the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal. Margins generally range from zero basis points to 300 basis points above the prime rate. We also originate, to a lesser extent, 10-year fixed-rate, fully amortizing loans. In general, our commercial and industrial loans have interest rate floors equal to the interest rate on the date the loan is originated and have prepayment penalties.
 
We make various types of secured and unsecured commercial and industrial loans for the purpose of working capital and other general business purposes. The terms of these loans generally range from less than one year to a maximum of 15 years. The loans either are negotiated on a fixed-rate basis or carry adjustable interest rates indexed to the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal.
 
Commercial credit decisions are based on our credit assessment of the applicant. We evaluate the applicant’s ability to repay in accordance with the proposed terms of the loan and assess the risks involved. Personal guarantees of the principals are typically obtained. In addition to evaluating the loan applicant’s financial statements, we consider the adequacy of the secondary sources of repayment for the loan, such as pledged collateral and the financial stability of the guarantors. Credit agency reports of each guarantor’s personal credit history supplement our analysis of the applicant’s creditworthiness. We also attempt to confirm with other banks and conduct trade investigations as part of our credit assessment of the borrower. Collateral securing a loan also is analyzed to determine its marketability.
 
During 2013, the Company expanded its small business lending to include unsecured loans of up to $250,000 using a scoring system developed by a third-party vendor.  The scoring system provides a consistent method of timely decisions related to these small business loans. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company began assembling a commercial and industrial lending team to serve primarily the Company's existing markets.
 
Commercial and industrial loans generally carry higher interest rates than one-to-four family residential real estate loans of like maturity because they have a higher risk of default since their repayment generally depends on the successful operation of the borrowers’ business.

One-to-Four Family Residential Real Estate Loans. At December 31, 2015, we had 271 originated one-to-four family residential real estate loans outstanding with an aggregate balance of $98.3 million, or 4.2% of our total loan portfolio.  As of December 31, 2015, the average balance of originated one-to-four family residential real estate loans was approximately $365,000, although we originate this type of loan in amounts substantially greater than this average.  At December 31, 2015, our largest loan of this type had a principal balance of $5.0 million, was collateralized by 48 two-bedroom individual condominiums, and was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms.   
    
For all one-to-four family residential real estate loans originated through the origination assistance agreement with our third-party underwriter, upon receipt of a completed loan application from a prospective borrower: (1) a credit report is reviewed; (2) income, assets, indebtedness and certain other information are reviewed; (3) if necessary, additional financial information is required of the borrower; and (4) an appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is ordered from an independent appraiser. This agreement was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2015. One-to-four family residential real estate loans sold to our third-party underwriter under a Loan and Servicing Rights Purchase and Sale Agreement totaled $2.4 million and $1.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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We generally do not offer “interest-only” mortgage loans on one-to-four family residential real estate properties, where the borrower pays interest for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan. However, during 2014 and 2015, we purchased pools of one-to-four family residential real estate loans, a substantial amount of which are interest-only mortgage loans. For further details on this purchase, see “Acquired Loans” discussion below. We also do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on the loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not offer “subprime loans” (loans to borrowers with weak credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidenced by low credit scores or high debt-burden ratios).
 
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit.  At December 31, 2015, we had 1,078 home equity loans and lines of credit with an aggregate outstanding balance of $61.4 million, or 2.6% of our total loan portfolio.  Of this total, outstanding home equity lines of credit totaled $29.8 million, or 1.3%, of our total loan portfolio and home equity loans totaled $31.6 million, or 1.3%, of our total loan portfolio. At December 31, 2015, the average home equity loan and line of credit balance was approximately $58,000, although we originate these types of loans in amounts substantially greater than this average.  At December 31, 2015, our largest outstanding home equity line of credit was $379,000 and was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms. At December 31, 2015, our largest outstanding home equity loan was $251,000 and was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms.
 
We offer home equity loans and home equity lines of credit that are secured by the borrower’s primary residence or second home. Home equity lines of credit are adjustable rate loans tied to the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal adjusted for a margin, and have a maximum term of 20 years during which time the borrower is required to make principal payments based on a 20-year amortization. Home equity lines generally have interest rate floors and ceilings. The borrower is permitted to draw against the line during the entire term on originations occurring prior to June 15, 2011. For home equity loans originated beginning June 15, 2011, forward, the borrower is only permitted to draw against the line for the initial 10 years. Our home equity loans typically are fully amortizing with fixed terms to 20 years. Home equity loans and lines of credit generally are underwritten with the same criteria we use to underwrite fixed-rate, one-to-four family residential real estate loans. Home equity loans and lines of credit may be underwritten with a loan-to-value ratio of 80% when combined with the principal balance of the existing mortgage loan. We appraise the property securing the loan at the time of the loan application to determine the value of the property. At the time we close a home equity loan or line of credit, we record a mortgage to perfect our security interest in the underlying collateral.    
 
PCI Loans. PCI loans are accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Subtopic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” since all of these loans were acquired at a discount attributable, at least in part, to credit quality.  PCI loans are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance (i.e., allowance for loan losses). Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the PCI loans are aggregated and accounted for as pools of loans based on common risk characteristics. PCI loans had a carrying balance of approximately $33.1 million at December 31, 2015, or 1.4% of our total loan portfolio. PCI loans consisted of approximately 28% commercial real estate loans and 52% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans. At December 31, 2015, 7.9% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 21.4% were past due 90 days or more.
 
The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the investment in the PCI loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income utilizing the level-yield method over the life of the loans in each pool. Contractually required payments of interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “non-accretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield adjustment or as a loss accrual or a valuation allowance. Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to the acquisition are recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the yield on the pool over its remaining life, while decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment through a loss provision and an increase in the allowance for loan losses.
 
Acquired Loans.  Loans acquired with no evidence of credit deterioration, are held-for-investment, and initially valued at estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, with no initial related allowance for loan losses. These loans are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis as part of our analysis of the allowance for loan losses. During 2015, we purchased approximately $185.0 million loans, the most significant of which were a $127.4 million pool of one-to-four family residential loans and a $47.4 million pool of multifamily loans.




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The following table provides the details of the one-to-four family residential loans purchased in 2015 (dollars in thousands): 
Purchases*
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change
 
Amortization Term
 
Amortization Type
$
49,345

 
2.49%
 
62%
 
44
 
30 Years
 
Fully amortizing
78,086

 
2.38%
 
59%
 
35
 
20 Years**
 
Delayed amortizing
$
127,431

 
2.42%
 
60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Balances are at time of purchase
** After an interest-only period for the first 10 years
    
The weighted average coupon of 2.42% noted in the above table is net of the servicing fee retained by the originating bank.  Of the total loans purchased, $78.1 million, or 61%, are interest-only for the first 10 years and will re-price in less than five years at one month LIBOR plus a weighted average margin of 1.6%; a floor rate is also included in the terms.  The remainder of the loan pool is scheduled to make principal and interest payments and will re-price in less than five years at one month LIBOR plus a weighted average margin of 1.9%, also with a floor rate included in the terms.  The geographic locations of the properties securing the loans are as follows: 62.5% in New York, 22.2% in Massachusetts, and 15.3% in other states.

The multifamily loans purchased have a weighted average interest rate of 3.37%, a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 41.1%, with terms of 10 to 15 years and amortization ranging from 15 to 30 years. The properties securing the loans are geographically located in New York City.

The following table provides the details of the one-to-four family residential loans purchased in 2014 (dollars in thousands): 
Purchases*
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change
 
Amortization Term
 
Amortization Type
$
71,782

 
2.47%
 
67%
 
53
 
30 Years
 
Fully amortizing
114,692

 
2.57%
 
61%
 
51
 
20 Years**
 
Delayed amortizing
$
186,474

 
2.53%
 
63%
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Balances are at time of purchase
** After an interest-only period for the first 10 years
The weighted average coupon of 2.53% noted in the table above is net of the servicing fee retained by the originating bank. Of the total loans purchased, $114.7 million, or 62%, are interest-only for the initial 10 years and will re-price in less than five years at one month LIBOR plus a weighted average margin of 1.7%. The remainder of the loan pool is scheduled to make principal and interest payments and will re-price in less than five years at one month LIBOR plus a weighted average margin of 1.8%. The geographic locations of the properties securing the loans are as follows: 46.0% in New York, 30.5% in Massachusetts, and 23.5% in other states.

At December 31, 2015, acquired loans totaled approximately $409.0 million and consisted of approximately 80.8% one-to-four family residential loans and 15.8% multifamily loans, with the remaining balance in commercial real estate and home equity loans. At December 31, 2014, acquired loans totaled approximately $265.7 million and consisted of approximately 88.3% one-to-four family residential loans and 7.1% multifamily loans, with the remaining balance in commercial real estate and industrial loans. 

Non-Performing and Problem Assets
 
When a loan is over 15 days delinquent, we generally send the borrower a late charge notice. When a loan is 30 days past due, we generally mail the borrower a letter reminding the borrower of the delinquency and, except for loans secured by one-to-four family residential real estate, we attempt personal, direct contact with the borrower to determine the reason for the delinquency, to ensure the borrower correctly understands the terms of the loan, and to emphasize the importance of making

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payments on or before the due date.  If necessary, additional late charges and delinquency notices are issued and the account will be monitored.  After 90 days of delinquency, we send the borrower a final demand for payment and generally refer the loan to legal counsel to commence foreclosure and related legal proceedings.   At times, we may shorten these time frames. 
 
Generally, loans (excluding PCI loans) are placed on non-accrual status when payment of principal or interest is 90 days or more delinquent unless the loan is considered well secured and in the process of collection. Loans also are placed on non-accrual status at any time if the ultimate collection of principal or interest in full is in doubt. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, unpaid accrued interest is reversed, and further income is recognized only to the extent received, and only if the principal balance is deemed fully collectible. The loan may be returned to accrual status if both principal and interest payments are brought current and factors indicating doubtful collection no longer exist, including performance by the borrower under the loan terms for a six-month period. Our Chief Lending Officer reports monitored loans, including all loans rated watch, special mention, substandard, doubtful or loss, to the loan committee of the board of directors at least quarterly.
 
To minimize our losses on delinquent loans we work with borrowers experiencing financial difficulties and will consider modifying existing loan terms and conditions that we would not otherwise consider, commonly referred to as troubled debt restructurings (TDR). We record an impairment loss associated with TDRs, if any, based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the original loan’s effective interest rate or the underlying collateral value, less cost to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Once an obligation has been restructured because of credit problems, it continues to be considered restructured until paid in full or, if the obligation yields a market rate (a rate equal to or greater than the rate we were willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk), until the year subsequent to the year in which the restructuring takes place, provided the borrower has performed under the modified terms for a consecutive six-month period.
 
PCI loans are subject to the same internal and external credit review process as non-PCI loans. If and when unexpected credit deterioration occurs at the loan pool level subsequent to the acquisition date, a provision for credit losses for PCI loans will be charged to earnings for the full amount of the decline in the discounted expected cash flows for the pool. Under the accounting guidance of ASC Subtopic 310-30, for acquired credit-impaired loans, the allowance for loan losses on PCI loans is measured at each financial reporting date based on future expected cash flows. This assessment and measurement is performed at the pool level and not at the individual loan level. Accordingly, decreases in expected cash flows resulting from further credit deterioration on a pool of acquired PCI loan pools as of such measurement date compared to those originally estimated are recognized by recording a provision and allowance for credit losses on PCI loans. Subsequent increases in the expected cash flows of the loans in that pool would first reduce any allowance for loan losses on PCI loans, and any excess will be accreted prospectively as a yield adjustment.
 
We consider our PCI loans to be performing due to the application of the yield accretion method under ASC Subtopic 310-30. ASC Subtopic 310-30 allows us to aggregate credit-impaired loans acquired in the same fiscal quarter into one or more pools, provided that the loans have common risk characteristics. A pool is then accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows.  Accordingly, loans that may have been classified as non-performing loans are no longer classified as non-performing because, at the respective dates of acquisition, we believed that we would fully collect the new carrying value of these loans. The new carrying value represents the contractual balance, reduced by the portion expected to be uncollectible (referred to as the non-accretable difference) and by an accretable yield (discount) that is recognized as interest income. Management’s judgment is required in reclassifying loans subject to ASC Subtopic 310-30 as performing loans, and is dependent on having a reasonable expectation about the timing and amount of the cash flows to be collected, even if a loan is contractually past due.

Non-Performing and Restructured Loans (excluding PCI Loans).  The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.  At December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we had TDRs of $4.4 million, $9.5 million, $10.7 million, $19.3 million, and $23.3 million, respectively, which are included in the appropriate categories within non-accrual loans.  Additionally, we had $22.3 million, $24.2 million, $26.2 million, $25.7 million, and $18.3 million of TDRs on accrual status at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, which do not appear in the table below.  Generally, the types of concessions that we make to troubled borrowers include reductions in interest rates and payment extensions and to a lesser extent interest and principal forgiveness.  At December 31, 2015, 77.1% of TDRs were commercial real estate loans, 14.1% were one-to-four family residential loans, 7.0% were multifamily loans, 1.3% were home equity loans, and 0.5% were commercial and industrial loans.  At December 31, 2015, loans totaling $7.2 million, or 32.3%, of the $22.3 million accruing TDRs were not performing in accordance with their restructured terms. The majority of the $7.2 million is attributable to one commercial real estate loan with a balance of $5.6 million which was 31 days delinquent at December 31, 2015. Based on the results of the impairment analysis for this loan as of December 31, 2015, no impairment reserve was necessary as the loan is adequately covered by collateral (a hotel and catering hall in Central New Jersey) with an estimated fair value of approximately $7.6 million. At December 31, 2015, the borrower was paying on a regular, but delayed basis. At December 31, 2015, loans totaling $2.3 million, or 53.2%, of the non-accruing $4.4 million TDRs were not

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performing in accordance with their restructured terms. Two separate relationships account for these loans, which are primarily collateralized by real estate with an aggregate appraised value of $2.6 million.
 
At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
5,232

 
$
11,164

 
$
12,450

 
$
22,425

 
$
34,659

One-to-four family residential
2,574

 
2,205

 
2,989

 
6,333

 
1,338

Construction and land
113

 

 
108

 
2,070

 
2,131

Multifamily
559

 

 
544

 
1,169

 
2,175

Home equity and lines of credit
329

 
98

 
1,239

 
1,694

 
1,766

Commercial and industrial loans

 
408

 
441

 
1,256

 
1,575

Insurance premium loans

 

 

 

 
137

Total non-accrual loans
8,807

 
13,875

 
17,771

 
34,947

 
43,781

Loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial

 

 

 
349

 
13

One-to-four family residential

 
708

 

 
270

 

Multifamily

 

 

 

 
72

Other

 

 
32

 
2

 

Commercial and industrial loans
15

 

 

 

 

Total loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing
15

 
708

 
32

 
621

 
85

Total non-performing loans
8,822

 
14,583

 
17,803

 
35,568

 
43,866

Other real estate owned
45

 
752

 
634

 
870

 
3,359

Total non-performing assets
$
8,867

 
$
15,335

 
$
18,437

 
$
36,438

 
$
47,225

Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing loans to total loans held-for-investment, net
0.37
%
 
0.75
%
 
1.20
%
 
2.86
%
 
4.08
%
Non-performing assets to total assets
0.28

 
0.51

 
0.68

 
1.30

 
1.99

Total assets
$
3,202,584

 
$
3,020,869

 
$
2,702,764

 
$
2,813,201

 
$
2,376,918

Loans held-for-investment, net
$
2,373,715

 
$
1,942,995

 
$
1,489,476

 
$
1,242,982

 
$
1,074,467

 
At December 31, 2015, 7.9% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 21.4% were past due 90 days or more.  At December 31, 2014, 7.8% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 24.1% were past due 90 days or more. At December 31, 2013, 6.6% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 14.9% were past due 90 days or more. At December 31, 2012, 5.4% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 11.4% were past due 90 days or more. At December 31, 2011, 9.0% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 16.1% were past due 90 days or more.

The following table sets forth the property types collateralizing non-accrual commercial real estate loans at December 31, 2015:
 
At December 31, 2015
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Restaurants
$
2,313

 
44.2
%
Manufacturing
1,297

 
24.8

Mixed Use
846

 
16.2

Office Buildings
432

 
8.3

Services
344

 
6.5

Total
$
5,232

 
100.0
%
 

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Other Real Estate Owned.  Real estate acquired by us as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as other real estate owned.  On the date the property is acquired, it is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, establishing a new cost basis.  Estimated fair value generally represents the sale price a buyer would be willing to pay on the basis of current market conditions, including normal terms from other financial institutions, less the estimated costs to sell the property.  Holding costs and declines in estimated fair value result in charges to expense after acquisition.  Other real estate owned consisted of one property with a carrying value of approximately $45,000 at December 31, 2015, as compared to six properties with an aggregate carrying value of approximately $752,000 at December 31, 2014, the decrease in the carrying value being due to property sales.
 
Potential Problem Loans and Classification of Assets.  Our loan officers and credit administration department continuously monitor their loan portfolios, including evaluation of borrowers’ business operations, current financial condition, underlying values of any collateral, and assessment of their financial prospects in the current and deteriorating economic environment. Based on these evaluations, we determine an appropriate strategy for individual potential problem loans, with the objective of maximizing the recovery of the related loan balances.
 
Our policies, consistent with regulatory guidelines, provide for the classification of loans and other assets that are considered to be of lesser quality as substandard, doubtful, or loss assets. An asset is classified substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Substandard assets include those assets characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Assets (or portions of assets) classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted. Assets that do not expose us to risk sufficient to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but which possess potential weaknesses that deserve our close attention, are designated as special mention. At December 31, 2015, classified assets, excluding loans on nonaccrual status, consisted of substandard assets of $30.1 million and no doubtful or loss assets.  At December 31, 2015, we also had $10.6 million of assets designated as special mention. At December 31, 2014, classified assets, excluding loans on non-accrual status, consisted of substandard assets of $42.2 million and no doubtful or loss assets.  At December 31, 2014, we also had $20.8 million of assets designated as special mention.
 
Our determination as to the classification of our assets (and the amount of our loss allowances) is subject to review by our principal federal regulator, the OCC, which can require that we adjust our classification and related loss allowances. We regularly review our asset portfolio to determine whether any assets require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. We also engage the services of a third party to review, on a sample basis, our classifications on a semi-annual basis.
At December 31, 2015, the Company had $21.6 million of accruing loans that were 30 to 89 days delinquent, as compared to $12.3 million at December 31, 2014.  The following table sets forth the total amounts of delinquencies for accruing loans that were 30 to 89 days past due by type and by amount at the dates indicated:

 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
13,957

 
$
6,493

One-to-four family residential
4,209

 
4,353

Multifamily
2,965

 
1,090

Construction and land

 
122

Home equity and lines of credit
374

 
135

Commercial and industrial loans
104

 

Other loans
11

 
60

Total
$
21,620

 
$
12,253

    
The increase in the delinquent loans is primarily attributable to one commercial real estate loan with a balance of $5.6 million, which was 31 days delinquent and classified as an accruing TDR at December 31, 2015. Based on the results of the impairment analysis for this loan as of December 31, 2015, no impairment reserve was necessary as the loan is adequately

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covered by collateral (a hotel and catering hall in Central New Jersey) with an estimated fair value of approximately $7.6 million. At December 31, 2015, the borrower was paying on a regular, but delayed basis.

Allowance for Loan Losses
 
We provide for loan losses based on the consistent application of our documented allowance for loan loss methodology.  Loan losses are charged to the allowance for loans losses and recoveries are credited to it.  Additions to the allowance for loan losses are provided by charges against income based on various factors, which, in our judgment, deserve current recognition in estimating probable losses.  Loan losses are charged-off in the period the loans, or portion thereof, are deemed uncollectible.  Generally, the Company will record a loan charge-off (including a partial charge-off) to reduce a loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less cost to sell, for collateral dependent loans.  We regularly review the loan portfolio in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Polices - Allowance for Loan Losses” for a description of our allowance methodology.
 
The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the years indicated:
 
At or For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
26,292

 
$
26,037

 
$
26,424

 
$
26,836

 
$
21,819

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
(1,431
)
 
(103
)
 
(1,208
)
 
(1,828
)
 
(5,398
)
One-to-four family residential
(277
)
 
(58
)
 
(414
)
 
(1,300
)
 
(101
)
Construction and land

 

 

 
(43
)
 
(693
)
Multifamily
(120
)
 
(7
)
 
(657
)
 
(729
)
 
(718
)
Home equity and lines of credit
(115
)
 
(489
)
 
(491
)
 
(2
)
 
(62
)
Commercial and industrial
(71
)
 
(135
)
 
(379
)
 
(90
)
 
(638
)
Insurance premium finance loans

 

 

 
(198
)
 
(70
)
Other
(1
)
 

 
(25
)
 
(3
)
 

Total charge-offs
(2,015
)
 
(792
)
 
(3,174
)
 
(4,193
)
 
(7,680
)
Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
2

 
72

 
1

 
107

 
55

One-to-four family residential
20

 

 
18

 

 

Construction and land

 
246

 
567

 

 

Multifamily
25

 
35

 

 
9

 

Home equity and lines of credit
42

 

 

 

 

Commercial and industrial
34

 
8

 
201

 
86

 
23

Insurance premium finance loans

 

 

 
18

 
30

Other
17

 
41

 
73

 
25

 

Total recoveries
140

 
402

 
860

 
245

 
108

Net charge-offs
(1,875
)
 
(390
)
 
(2,314
)
 
(3,948
)
 
(7,572
)
Provision for loan losses
353

 
645

 
1,927

 
3,536

 
12,589

Balance at end of year
$
24,770

 
$
26,292

 
$
26,037

 
$
26,424

 
$
26,836

Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
0.09
%
 
0.02
%
 
0.17
%
 
0.36
%
 
0.78
%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans held-for-investment at end of year (1)
280.78

 
180.29

 
150.23

 
87.73

 
66.40

Allowance for loan losses to originated loans held-for-investment, net at end of year (2)
1.24

 
1.58

 
1.88

 
2.46

 
2.72

Allowance for loan losses to total loans held-for-investment at end of year (3)
1.04

 
1.35

 
1.75

 
2.13

 
2.50

(1)  Excludes nonperforming loans held-for-sale, carried at lower of cost or estimated fair value, less costs to sell.

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(2)  Excludes PCI loans, acquired loans held-for-investment and loans held-for-sale (and related reserve balances).
(3)  Includes PCI and acquired loans held-for-investment.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the allowance for loan losses related to PCI loans was $783,000 and $400,000, respectively.  Loans held-for-sale are excluded from the allowance for loan losses coverage ratios in the table above.

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses.  The following tables set forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated.  The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.
 
At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
7,106

 
16.97
%
 
$
9,309

 
20.13
%
 
$
12,619

 
22.89
%
One-to-four family residential
787

 
4.15

 
951

 
3.84

 
875

 
4.36

Construction and land
261

 
0.79

 
266

 
1.10

 
205

 
0.95

Multifamily
12,387

 
55.66

 
12,219

 
55.31

 
9,374

 
58.61

Home equity and lines of credit
795

 
2.59

 
901

 
2.81

 
860

 
3.11

Commercial and industrial 
1,288

 
1.08

 
841

 
0.67

 
425

 
0.68

PCI loans
783

 
1.40

 
400

 
2.31

 
588

 
4.00

Loans Acquired
115

 
17.26

 
62

 
13.71

 

 
5.24

Other
155

 
0.10

 
134

 
0.12

 
67

 
0.16

Total allocated allowance
23,677

 
100.00
%
 
25,083

 
100.00
%
 
25,013

 
100.00
%
Unallocated
1,093

 
 
 
1,209

 
 
 
1,024

 
 
Total
$
24,770

 
 
 
$
26,292

 
 
 
$
26,037

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
14,480

 
25.43
%
 
$
15,180

 
30.48
%
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
623

 
5.22

 
967

 
6.77

 
 
 
 
Construction and land
994

 
1.87

 
1,189

 
2.19

 
 
 
 
Multifamily
7,086

 
49.18

 
6,772

 
42.72

 
 
 
 
Home equity and lines of  credit
623

 
2.71

 
418

 
2.76

 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial 
1,160

 
1.19

 
975

 
1.18

 
 
 
 
Insurance premium finance loans
3

 

 
186

 
5.51

 
 
 
 
PCI loans
236

 
6.07

 

 
8.25

 
 
 
 
Loans Acquired

 
8.18

 

 

 
 
 
 
Other 
18

 
0.15

 
40

 
0.14

 
 
 
 
Total allocated allowance
25,223

 
100.00
%
 
25,727

 
100.00
%
 
 
 
 
Unallocated
1,201

 
 
 
1,109

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
26,424

 
 
 
$
26,836

 
 
 
 
 
 



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Table of Contents


Investments
 
We conduct securities portfolio transactions in accordance with our board-approved investment policy, which is reviewed at least annually by the risk committee of the board of directors. Any changes to the policy are subject to ratification by the full board of directors. This policy dictates that investment decisions give consideration to the safety of the investment, liquidity requirements, potential returns, the ability to provide collateral for pledging requirements, and consistency with our interest rate risk management strategy. Our Chief Investment Officer executes our securities portfolio transactions, within policy requirements, with the approval of either the Chief Executive Officer or the President.  NSB Services Corp.’s and NSB Realty Trust’s investment officers execute security portfolio transactions in accordance with investment policies that substantially mirror Northfield Bank’s investment policy. All purchase and sale transactions are reviewed by the risk committee at least quarterly.
 
Our current investment policy permits investments in mortgage-backed securities, including pass-through securities and real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs). The investment policy also permits, with certain limitations, investments in debt securities issued by the U.S. Government, agencies of the U.S. Government or U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), asset-backed securities, municipal bonds, money market mutual funds, federal funds, investment grade corporate bonds, reverse repurchase agreements, and certificates of deposit.
 
Northfield Bank’s investment policy does not permit investment in preferred and common stock of other entities including GSEs, other than our required investment in the common stock of the FHLB of New York or as permitted for community reinvestment purposes or for the purposes of funding the Bank’s deferred compensation plan. Northfield Bancorp, Inc. may invest in equity securities of other financial institutions up to certain limitations. As of December 31, 2015, we held no asset-backed securities other than mortgage-backed securities.  Our board of directors may change these limitations in the future.
 
Our current investment policy does not permit hedging through the use of derivative instruments such as financial futures or interest rate options and swaps.
 
At the time of purchase, we designate a security as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading, based upon our ability and intent to hold such securities.  Trading securities and securities available-for-sale are reported at estimated fair value, and securities held-to-maturity are reported at amortized cost. A periodic review and evaluation of the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities portfolios is conducted to determine if the estimated fair value of any security has declined below its carrying value and whether such impairment is other-than-temporary. If such impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to a new cost basis and the resulting loss is charged against earnings. The estimated fair values of our securities are obtained from an independent nationally recognized pricing service (see “Item.7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies - Securities Valuation and Impairment”) for further discussion. At December 31, 2015, our investment portfolio consisted primarily of mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by GSEs and to a lesser extent private label mortgage-backed securities, mutual funds and corporate debt securities. The market for these securities primarily consists of other financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, and mutual funds.
 
We purchase mortgage-backed securities insured or guaranteed primarily by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae),  the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), or the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and to a lesser extent, securities issued by private companies (private label). We invest in mortgage-backed securities to achieve positive interest rate spreads with minimal administrative expense, and to lower our credit risk as a result of the guarantees provided by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae as well as to provide us liquidity to fund loan originations and deposit outflows. In September 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency placed Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae into conservatorship.  The U.S. Treasury Department has established financing agreements to ensure that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae meet their obligations to holders of mortgage-backed securities that they have issued or guaranteed.
 
Mortgage-backed securities are securities sold in the secondary market that are collateralized by pools of mortgages. Certain types of mortgage-backed securities are commonly referred to as “pass-through” certificates because the principal and interest of the underlying loans is “passed through” pro rata to investors, net of certain costs, including servicing and guarantee fees, in proportion to an investor’s ownership in the entire pool. The issuers of such securities, pool mortgages and resell the participation interests in the form of securities to investors. The interest rate on the security is lower than the interest rates on the underlying loans to allow for payment of servicing and guaranty fees. Ginnie Mae, a U.S. Government agency, and GSEs,

18

Table of Contents

such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, may guarantee the payments, or guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest to investors.
 
Mortgage-backed securities are more liquid than individual mortgage loans since there is a more active market for such securities. In addition, mortgage-backed securities may be used to collateralize our specific liabilities and obligations. Investments in mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GSEs involve a risk that actual payments will be greater or less than estimated at the time of purchase, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such interests, thereby affecting the net yield on our securities. We periodically review current prepayment speeds to determine whether prepayment estimates require modification that could cause adjustment of amortization or accretion.

REMICs are a type of mortgage-backed security issued by special-purpose entities that aggregate pools of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities and create different classes of securities with varying maturities and amortization schedules, as well as a residual interest, with each class possessing different risk characteristics. The cash flows from the underlying collateral are generally divided into “tranches” or classes that have descending priorities with respect to the distribution of principal and interest cash flows.
 
The timely payment of principal and interest on these REMICs is generally supported (credit enhanced) in varying degrees by either insurance issued by a financial guarantee insurer, letters of credit, over collateralization, or subordination techniques. Substantially all of these securities are rated “AAA” by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s at the time of purchase. Privately issued REMICs and pass-throughs can be subject to certain credit-related risks normally not associated with U.S. Government agency and GSE mortgage-backed securities. The loss protection generally provided by the various forms of credit enhancements is limited, and losses in excess of certain levels are not protected. Furthermore, the credit enhancement itself is subject to the creditworthiness of the credit enhancer. Thus, in the event a credit enhancer does not fulfill its obligations, the holder could be subject to risk of loss similar to a purchaser of a whole loan pool. Management believes that the credit enhancements are adequate to protect us from material losses on our private label mortgage-backed securities investments.  
 
At December 31, 2015, our corporate bond portfolio consisted of investment-grade securities with remaining maturities generally shorter than three years. Our investment policy provides that we may invest up to 15% of our tier-one risk-based capital in corporate bonds from individual issuers which, at the time of purchase, are within the investment-grade ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch. The maturity of these bonds may not exceed 10 years, and there is no aggregate limit for this security type. Corporate bonds from individual issuers not rated investment grade at the time of purchase, are limited to the lesser of 1% of our total assets or 15% of our tier-one risk-based capital, and must have a maturity of less than one year. Aggregate holdings of this security type cannot exceed 5% of our total assets. Additionally, at the time of purchase, management performs due diligence to conclude that the security meets the regulatory standard for investment-grade. Bonds that subsequently experience a decline in credit rating below investment grade are monitored at least quarterly.

19

Table of Contents

    
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities portfolios (excluding FHLB of New York common stock) at the dates indicated.  As of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, we also had a trading portfolio with a market value of $6.7 million, $6.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, consisting of mutual funds quoted in actively traded markets.  These securities are utilized to fund non-qualified deferred compensation obligations.
 
At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
$
228,557

 
$
231,700

 
$
292,162

 
$
299,340

 
$
366,884

 
$
370,344

REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
305,387

 
297,824

 
408,328

 
400,450

 
497,575

 
485,227

Non-GSEs
597

 
579

 
1,060

 
1,026

 
4,474

 
4,552

Equity investments (1) 
481

 
481

 
410

 
410

 
510

 
510

Corporate bonds
11,002

 
11,011

 
69,975

 
70,013

 
76,491

 
76,452

Total securities available-for-sale
$
546,024

 
$
541,595

 
$
771,935

 
$
771,239

 
$
945,934

 
$
937,085

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  Mutual funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Securities held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates - GSEs
$
10,346

 
$
10,369

 
$
3,609

 
$
3,691

 
$

 
$

Total securities held-to-maturity
$
10,346

 
$
10,369

 
$
3,609

 
$
3,691

 
$

 
$


The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities as of December 31, 2015, for issuers that exceeded 10% of our stockholders’ equity as of that date:
 
At December 31, 2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
Freddie Mac
$
267,301

 
$
267,148

Fannie Mae
$
267,007

 
$
262,780



20

Table of Contents

Portfolio Maturities and Yields.  The composition and maturities of the investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2015, are summarized in the following table.  Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the effect of scheduled principal repayments, prepayments, or early redemptions that may occur.  All of our securities at December 31, 2015, were taxable securities.    
 
One Year or Less
 
More than One Year through Five Years
 
More than Five Years through Ten Years
 
More than Ten Years
 
Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted Average Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted Average Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted Average Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted Average Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Weighted Average Yield
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
$
88

 
5.66
%
 
$
14,103

 
4.47
%
 
$
84,924

 
2.83
%
 
$
129,442

 
2.44
%
 
$
228,557

 
$
231,700

 
2.71
%
REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs

 

 
19,311

 
2.04

 
34,491

 
1.99

 
251,585

 
1.71

 
305,387

 
297,824

 
1.76
%
Non-GSEs

 

 
348

 
1.34

 

 

 
249

 
0.59

 
597

 
579

 
1.03
%
Equity investments
481

 
0.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
481

 
481

 
0.05
%
Corporate bonds
11,002

 
1.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
11,002

 
11,011

 
1.28
%
Total securities available-for-sale
$
11,571

 
1.27
%
 
$
33,762

 
3.05
%
 
$
119,415

 
2.59
%
 
$
381,276

 
1.95
%
 
$
546,024

 
$
541,595

 
2.15
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
10,346

 
3.50
%
 
$
10,346

 
$
10,369

 
3.50
%
Total securities held-to-maturity
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
10,346

 
3.50
%
 
$
10,346

 
$
10,369

 
3.50
%
 
Sources of Funds
 
General.  Deposits traditionally have been our primary source of funds for our securities and lending activities. We also borrow from the FHLB of New York and other financial institutions to supplement cash flow needs, to manage the maturities of liabilities for interest rate and investment risk management purposes, and to manage our cost of funds. Our additional sources of funds are the proceeds of loan sales, scheduled loan and investment payments, maturing investments, loan prepayments, brokered deposits, and retained income on other earning assets.
 
Deposits.  We accept deposits primarily from the areas in which our offices are located. We rely on our convenient locations, customer service, and competitive products and pricing to attract and retain deposits. We offer a variety of deposit accounts to businesses and consumers with a range of interest rates and terms. Our deposit accounts consist of transaction accounts (NOW and non-interest bearing checking accounts), savings accounts (money market, passbook, and statement savings), and certificates of deposit, including individual retirement accounts. We accept brokered deposits when it is deemed cost effective. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had brokered deposits totaling $157.1 million and $40.9 million, respectively.
 
Interest rates offered generally are established weekly, while maturity terms, service fees, and withdrawal penalties are reviewed on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies, market interest rates, and liquidity requirements.

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At December 31, 2015, we had a total of $499.9 million in certificates of deposit, of which $222.4 million had remaining maturities of one year or less.

The following table sets forth the distribution of our average total deposit accounts, by account type, for the periods indicated: 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-interest bearing demand
$
262,318

 
13.68
%
 
%
 
$
236,425

 
15.83
%
 
%
 
$
222,832

 
14.14
%
 
%
NOW
181,341

 
9.47
%
 
0.25
%
 
120,680

 
8.08

 
0.36

 
114,702

 
7.28

 
0.39

Money market accounts
490,418

 
25.60
%
 
0.48
%
 
431,406

 
28.89

 
0.31

 
471,220

 
29.90

 
0.32

Savings
468,749

 
24.47
%
 
0.46
%
 
398,148

 
26.66

 
0.11

 
396,903

 
25.18

 
0.17

Certificates of deposit
512,977

 
26.78
%
 
1.07
%
 
306,803

 
20.54

 
1.04

 
370,351

 
23.50

 
1.04

Total deposits
$
1,915,803

 
100.00
%
 
0.55
%
 
$
1,493,462

 
100.00
%
 
0.36
%
 
$
1,576,008

 
100.00
%
 
0.41
%
 
As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate amount of our outstanding certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was $163.7 million.  The following table sets forth the maturity of these certificates at December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
$
14,847

Over three months through six months
12,808

Over six months through one year
28,083

Over one year to three years
33,425

Over three years
74,556

Total
$
163,719

 
Borrowings.  Our borrowings consist primarily of securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements) with third-party financial institutions, as well as advances from the FHLB of New York and the Federal Reserve Bank.  As of December 31, 2015, our FHLB advances totaled $487.1 million, or 18.4%, of total liabilities, repurchase agreements totaled $63.0 million, or 2.4%, of total liabilities, floating rate advances totaled $7.3 million, or 0.3%, of total liabilities and capitalized lease obligations totaled $727,000, or 0.03%, of total liabilities. At December 31, 2015, the Company had the ability to obtain additional funding from the FHLB of New York and Federal Reserve Bank discount window of approximately $698.8 million, utilizing unencumbered securities of $128.5 million and multifamily loans of $570.3 million.  Repurchase agreements are primarily secured by mortgage-backed securities.  Advances from the FHLB of New York are secured by our investment in the common stock of the FHLB of New York as well as by pledged mortgage-backed securities and loans.
 
The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our borrowings at and for the years indicated: 
 
At or For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of year
$
558,129

 
$
778,658

 
$
470,325

Average balance during year
$
594,926

 
$
588,890

 
$
429,332

Maximum outstanding at any month end
$
760,088

 
$
830,092

 
$
492,181

Weighted average interest rate at end of year
1.57
%
 
1.42
%
 
2.08
%
Weighted average interest rate during year
1.56
%
 
1.69
%
 
2.43
%
 

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Employees
 
As of December 31, 2015, we had 274 full-time employees and 32 part-time employees.  Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group.  Management believes that we have a good working relationship with our employees.

Subsidiary Activities
 
Northfield-Bancorp, Inc. owns 100% of Northfield Investments, Inc., an inactive New Jersey investment company, and 100% of Northfield Bank.  Northfield Bank owns 100% of NSB Services Corp., a Delaware corporation, which in turn owns 100% of the voting common stock of NSB Realty Trust. NSB Realty Trust is a Maryland real estate investment trust that holds mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities and other investments. These entities enable us to segregate certain assets for management purposes, and promote our ability to raise regulatory capital in the future through the sale of preferred stock or other capital-enhancing securities or borrow against assets or stock of these entities for liquidity purposes. At December 31, 2015, Northfield Bank’s investment in NSB Services Corp. was $676.1 million, and NSB Services Corp. had assets of $676.2 million and liabilities of $109,000 at that date. At December 31, 2015, NSB Services Corp.’s investment in NSB Realty Trust was $676.2 million, and NSB Realty Trust had $676.2 million in assets, and liabilities of $29,000 at that date. NSB Insurance Agency, Inc. is a New York corporation that receives nominal commissions from the sale of life insurance by employees of Northfield Bank.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
In the normal course of business, we may be party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements will not be materially affected by the outcome of such legal proceedings and claims as of December 31, 2015.  
 
Expense and Tax Allocation Agreements
 
Northfield Bank has an agreement with Northfield Bancorp, Inc. to provide it with certain administrative support services, whereby Northfield Bank will be compensated at not less than the fair market value of the services provided.  In addition, Northfield Bank and Northfield Bancorp, Inc. have an agreement for allocating and reimbursing Northfield Bancorp, Inc. for Northfield Bank's portion of its consolidated tax liability.
 



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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
 
General
 
Northfield Bank is a federally chartered savings bank that is regulated, examined, and supervised by the OCC and the FDIC. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund and depositors, and not for the protection of security holders. Under this system of federal regulation, financial institutions are periodically examined to ensure that they satisfy applicable standards with respect to their capital adequacy, assets, management, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity to market interest rates. Northfield Bank also is regulated to a lesser extent by the FRB, governing reserves to be maintained against deposits and other matters, including payments of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock. The OCC examines Northfield Bank and prepares reports for the consideration of its board of directors on any operating deficiencies. Northfield Bank’s relationship with its depositors and borrowers also is regulated to a great extent by federal law and, to a much lesser extent, state law, especially in matters concerning the ownership of deposit accounts and the form and content of Northfield Bank’s loan documents. Northfield Bank is also a member of and owns stock in the FHLB of New York, which is one of the twelve regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
 
As a savings and loan holding company, Northfield Bancorp, Inc. is required to comply with the rules and regulations of the FRB.  It is required to file certain reports with and is subject to examination by and the enforcement authority of the FRB. Northfield Bancorp, Inc. is also subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.
 
Any change in applicable laws or regulations, whether by the FDIC, the OCC, the FRB, or Congress, could have a material adverse effect on Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and Northfield Bank and their operations.

Set forth below is a brief description of material regulatory requirements that are or will be applicable to Northfield Bank and Northfield Bancorp, Inc. The description is limited to certain material aspects of the statutes and regulations addressed and is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on Northfield Bank and Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
 
Business Activities
 
A federal savings bank derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, and the regulations of the OCC. Under these laws and regulations, Northfield Bank may originate mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial business loans, and consumer loans, and it may invest in certain types of debt securities and certain other assets. Certain types of lending, such as commercial and consumer loans, are subject to aggregate limits calculated as a specified percentage of Northfield Bank’s capital or assets. Northfield Bank also may establish subsidiaries that may engage in a variety of activities, including some that are not otherwise permissible for Northfield Bank, including real estate investment and securities and insurance brokerage.
 
Loans-to-One-Borrower
 
We generally may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of Northfield Bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. An additional amount may be lent, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which is defined to include certain financial instruments and bullion, but generally does not include real estate. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with our loans-to-one-borrower limitations.
 
Qualified Thrift Lender Test
 
Northfield Bank is required to satisfy a qualified thrift lender (QTL) test, under which we either must qualify as a “domestic building and loan” association as defined by the Internal Revenue Code or maintain at least 65% of our “portfolio assets” in “qualified thrift investments.” “Qualified thrift investments” consist primarily of residential mortgages and related investments, including mortgage-backed and related securities. “Portfolio assets” generally mean total assets less specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets and the value of property used to conduct business. A savings institution that fails the qualified thrift lender test must operate under specified restrictions. The Dodd-Frank Act made noncompliance with the QTL test also subject to agency enforcement action for a violation of law. As of December 31, 2015, we maintained 82.2% of our portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments and, therefore, we met the QTL test.
 

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Table of Contents

Standards for Safety and Soundness 
 
Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe for insured depository institutions under its jurisdiction standards relating to, among other things, internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, employee compensation, and other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. The federal banking agencies adopted Interagency Guidelines Prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement the safety and soundness standards required under federal law.  The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. If an institution fails to submit or implement an acceptable plan, the appropriate federal banking agency may issue an enforceable order requiring correction of the deficiencies.
 
Capital Requirements
 
Federal regulations require federally insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8.0%, and a 4.0% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. These capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015, and are the result of a final rule implementing recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act.

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the OCC takes into consideration, not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions when deemed necessary.

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

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action

Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulators take “prompt corrective action” with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For this purpose, the law establishes five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. OCC regulations were amended to incorporate the previously mentioned increased regulatory capital standards that were effective January 1, 2015. Under the amended regulations, an institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater. An institution is “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or greater. An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 3.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%. An institution is considered to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%.

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Table of Contents

 
The regulations provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the OCC within 45 days of the date a savings institution receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Any holding company for the savings institution required to submit a capital restoration plan must guarantee the lesser of an amount equal to 5.0% of the savings institution’s assets at the time it was notified or deemed to be undercapitalized by the OCC, or the amount necessary to restore the savings institution to adequately capitalized status. This guarantee remains in place until the OCC notifies the savings institution that it has maintained adequately capitalized status for each of four consecutive calendar quarters, and the OCC has the authority to require payment and collect payment under the guarantee. Various restrictions, including as on growth and capital distributions, also apply to “undercapitalized” institutions. If an “undercapitalized” institution fails to submit an acceptable capital plan, it is treated as “significantly undercapitalized.” “Significantly undercapitalized” institutions must comply with one or more additional restrictions including, but not limited to, an order by the OCC to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets, cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks or dismiss officers or directors and restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers and capital distributions by the parent holding company. The OCC may also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.

Capital Distribution 

Federal regulations restrict “capital distributions” by savings institutions. For purposes of the regulations, capital distributions generally include cash dividends and other transactions charged to the capital account of a savings institution. A federal savings institution must file an application with the OCC for approval of the capital distribution if:

the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceeds the sum of the institution’s net income for that year to date plus the institution’s retained net income for the preceding two years that is still available for dividend;
the institution would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution;
the distribution would violate any applicable statute, regulation, agreement or written regulatory condition; or
the institution is not eligible for expedited review of its filings (i.e., generally, institutions that do not have safety and soundness, compliance and Community Reinvestment Act ratings in the top two categories or fail a capital requirement).
    
A savings institution that is a subsidiary of a holding company, which is the case with Northfield Bank, must file a notice with the FRB at least 30 days before the board of directors declares a dividend or approves a capital distribution and receive FRB non-objection to the payment of the dividend.
 
Applications or notices may be denied if the institution will be undercapitalized after the proposed dividend raises safety and soundness concerns or the proposed dividend would violate a law, regulation enforcement order, or regulatory condition.
 
In the event that a savings institution’s capital falls below its regulatory requirements or it is notified by the regulatory agency that it is in need of more than normal supervision, its ability to make capital distributions would be restricted. In addition, any proposed capital distribution could be prohibited if the regulatory agency determines that the distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.


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Table of Contents

Transactions with Related Parties

A savings institution’s authority to engage in transactions with related parties or “affiliates” is limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and its implementing regulation, FRB Regulation W. The term “affiliate” generally means any company that controls or is under common control with an institution, including Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and its non-savings institution subsidiaries (although certain subsidiaries of the institution itself are not considered affiliates). Applicable law limits the aggregate amount of “covered” transactions with any individual affiliate, including loans to the affiliate, to 10.0% of the capital and surplus of the savings institution. The aggregate amount of covered transactions with all affiliates is limited to 20.0% of the savings institution’s capital and surplus. Certain covered transactions with affiliates, such as loans to or guarantees issued on behalf of affiliates, are required to be secured by specified amounts of collateral. Purchasing low quality assets from affiliates is generally prohibited. Regulation W also provides that transactions with affiliates, including covered transactions, must be on terms and under circumstances, including credit standards, that are substantially the same or at least as favorable to the institution as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-affiliated companies. In addition, savings institutions are prohibited by law from lending to any affiliate that is engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and no savings institution may purchase the securities of any affiliate other than a subsidiary.

Authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and 10% or greater shareholders (insiders), as well as entities controlled by insiders, is governed by Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and its implementing regulation, FRB Regulation O. Among other things, loans to insiders must be made on terms substantially the same as those offered to unaffiliated individuals and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. There is an exception for bank-wide lending programs that do not discriminate in favor of insiders. Regulation O also places individual and aggregate limits on the amount of loans that may be made to insiders based, in part, on the institution’s capital position, and requires that certain prior board approval procedures be followed. Extensions of credit to executive officers are subject to additional restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that may be made. At December 31, 2015, Northfield Bank was in compliance with these regulations.
 
Enforcement
 
The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over federal savings institutions, including the authority to bring enforcement action against “institution-related parties,” including officers, directors, certain shareholders, and attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on an insured institution. Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution, receivership, conservatorship or the termination of deposit insurance.  Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions, and range up to $25,000 per day, unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case penalties may be as high as $1 million per day.
 
Deposit Insurance
 
Northfield Bank is a member of the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC. Deposit accounts in Northfield Bank are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 for each separately insured depositor by the FDIC.  
 
The FDIC imposes an assessment for deposit insurance on all insured depository institutions. Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the category to which it is assigned and certain adjustments specified by FDIC regulations, with less risky institutions paying lower rates. Assessment rates (inclusive of possible adjustments) currently range from two and one half to 45 basis points of each institution’s total assets less tangible capital.  The FDIC may increase or decrease the scale uniformly, except that no adjustment can deviate more than two basis points from the base scale without notice and comment rulemaking.  The FDIC’s current system represents a change, required by the Dodd-Frank Act, from its prior practice of basing the assessment on an institution’s volume of deposits.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target ratio for the Deposit Insurance Fund from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC must seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more are supposed to fund the increase. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the 1.5% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving it to the discretion of the FDIC and the FDIC has exercised that discretion by establishing a long range fund ratio of 2%.

The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. Any significant increases would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of Northfield Bank. Future insurance assessments cannot be predicted.
 

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Table of Contents

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed in writing. Management of Northfield Bank does not know of any practice, condition, or violation that may lead to termination of the Company's deposit insurance.

In addition to the FDIC assessments, the Financing Corporation is authorized to impose and collect, through the FDIC, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation in the 1980s to recapitalize the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the Financing Corporation are due to mature in 2017 through 2019. For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the annualized Financing Corporation assessment was equal to 0.60 basis points of total quarterly average assets less quarterly average tangible capital.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank System
 
Northfield Bank is a member of the FHLB of New York, and therefore is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. Members of the FHLB are required to acquire and hold a specified amount of shares of FHLB capital stock. Northfield Bank was in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2015.

Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws
 
Savings institutions have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. An institution’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could, at a minimum, result in regulatory restrictions on certain activities such as branching and acquisitions. Northfield Bank received a “Satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recent examination.
 
Other Regulations
 
Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by Northfield Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. Northfield Bank’s operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:

Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, requiring that borrowers for mortgage loans for one-to-four family residential real estate receive various disclosures, including good faith estimates of settlement costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices, and prohibiting certain practices that increase the cost of settlement services;
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;
Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;
Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies;
Truth in Savings Act; and
Rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.
    
The operations of Northfield Bank also are subject to the:
 
Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;

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Table of Contents

Electronic Funds Transfer Act, which governs automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services;
Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as Check 21), which gives “substitute checks,” such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check;
The USA PATRIOT Act, which requires banks and savings institutions to, among other things, establish broadened anti-money laundering compliance programs and due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such required compliance programs are intended to supplement pre-existing compliance requirements that apply to financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations; and
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which places limitations on the sharing of consumer financial information by financial institutions with unaffiliated third parties and requires all financial institutions offering products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with the financial institution’s privacy policy and allow such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of certain personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties.
 
Holding Company Regulation
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. is a unitary savings and loan holding company subject to regulation and supervision by the FRB.  The FRB has enforcement authority over Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and its non-savings institution subsidiaries.  Among other things, that authority permits the FRB to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a risk to Northfield Bank.
 
As a savings and loan holding company, Northfield Bancorp, Inc.'s activities are limited to those activities permissible by law for financial holding companies (if Northfield Bancorp elects financial holding company status and otherwise qualifies to be a financial holding company) or multiple savings and loan holding companies.  A financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature, incidental to financial activities or complementary to a financial activity. Such activities include lending and other activities permitted for bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act, insurance and underwriting equity securities. The Dodd-Frank Act added that any savings and loan holding company that engages in activities that are solely permissible for a financial holding company must meet the qualitative requirements for a bank holding company to be a financial holding company and conduct the activities in accordance with the requirements that would apply to a financial holding company’s conduct of the activity. Multiple savings and loan companies are authorized to engage in activities specified by FRB regulation, including activities permitted for bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act.
 
Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring more than 5% of another savings institution or savings and loan holding company without prior written approval of the FRB and from acquiring or retaining control of any depository not insured by the FDIC. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the FRB must consider such things as the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on and the risk to the federal deposit insurance fund, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors. An acquisition by a savings and loan holding company of a savings institution in another state to be held as a separate subsidiary may not be approved unless it is a supervisory acquisition under Section 13(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or the law of the state in which the target is located authorizes such acquisitions by out-of-state companies.
 
Savings and loan holding companies have not historically been subjected to consolidated regulatory capital requirements. However, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the FRB to set for all depository institution holding companies minimum consolidated capital levels that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries. The previously discussed final rule regarding regulatory capital requirements implements the Dodd-Frank Act as to savings and loan holding companies.  Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the subsidiary depository institutions applied to savings and loan holding companies as of January 1, 2015.  As is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer is being phased in between 2016 and 2019. Northfield Bancorp, Inc. exceeded the FRB’s consolidated capital requirements as of December 31, 2015.

The Dodd-Frank Act extended the “source of strength” doctrine to savings and loan holding companies. The FRB has issued regulations implementing the “source of strength” policy that requires holding companies act as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital, liquidity, and other support in times of financial stress.

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The FRB has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank and savings and loan holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.  Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory review of capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. The policy statement also specifies that a holding company should advise FRB supervisory staff prior to redeeming or repurchasing common or perpetual preferred stock when the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock such that the repurchase or redemption would result in a net reduction as of the end of a quarter in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurs. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. to pay dividends, repurchase common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

 
Federal Securities Laws
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.’s common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Northfield Bancorp, Inc. is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions, and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information.  As directed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are required to certify that our quarterly and annual reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact.  The rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have several requirements, including having these officers certify that: (i) they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (ii) they have made certain disclosures to our auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors about our internal control over financial reporting; and (iii) they have included information in our quarterly and annual reports about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and whether there have been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could materially affect internal control over financial reporting.
 
Change in Control Regulations
 
Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of a savings and loan holding company, such as Northfield Bancorp, Inc., unless the FRB has been given 60 days prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition.  Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the institution’s directors, or a determination by the regulator that the acquirer has the power to direct, or directly or indirectly to exercise a controlling influence over, the management or policies of the institution. Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a savings and loan holding company’s voting stock constitutes a rebuttable determination of control under the regulations under certain circumstances including where, as is the case with Northfield Bancorp, Inc., the issuer has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
In addition, federal regulations provide that no company may acquire control of a savings and loan holding company without the prior approval of the FRB. Any company that acquires such control becomes a “savings and loan holding company” subject to registration, examination, and regulation by the FRB.
 
TAXATION
Federal Taxation
 
General. Northfield Bank and Northfield Bancorp, Inc. are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below.  The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to Northfield Bancorp, Inc. or Northfield Bank.

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Northfield Bancorp, Inc.'s consolidated federal tax returns are not currently under audit.
 
Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, Northfield Bancorp, Inc. currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its federal and state income tax returns.
    
Bad Debt Reserves.  Historically, Northfield Bank was subject to special provisions in the tax law applicable to qualifying savings banks regarding allowable tax bad debt deductions and related reserves. Tax law changes were enacted in 1996 that eliminated the ability of savings banks to use the percentage of taxable income method for computing tax bad debt reserves for tax years after 1995, and required recapture into taxable income over a six-year period of all bad debt reserves accumulated after a savings bank’s last tax year beginning before January 1, 1988. Northfield Bank recaptured its post December 31, 1987, bad-debt reserve balance over the six-year period ended December 31, 2004.
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. is required to use the specific charge-off method to account for tax bad debt deductions.
 
Taxable Distributions and Recapture.  Prior to 1996, bad debt reserves created prior to 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income if Northfield Bank failed to meet certain thrift asset and definitional tests or made certain distributions. Tax law changes in 1996 eliminated thrift-related recapture rules. However, under current law, pre-1988 tax bad debt reserves remain subject to recapture if Northfield Bank makes certain non-dividend distributions, repurchases any of its common stock, pays dividends in excess of earnings and profits, or fails to qualify as a “bank” for tax purposes. At December 31, 2015, the total federal pre-base year bad debt reserve of Northfield Bank was approximately $5.9 million.

Alternative Minimum Tax. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences, less any available exemption. The alternative minimum tax is imposed to the extent it exceeds the regular income tax. Net operating losses can offset no more than 90% of alternative taxable income. Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years. Northfield Bancorp, Inc.’s consolidated group has not been subject to the alternative minimum tax and has no such amounts available as credits for carryover.
 
Net Operating Loss Carryovers. A financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years. At December 31, 2015, Northfield Bancorp, Inc.’s consolidated group had no net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes.
 
Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction. Northfield Bancorp, Inc. may exclude from its federal taxable income 100% of dividends received from Northfield Bank as a wholly-owned subsidiary by filing consolidated tax returns.  The corporate dividends-received deduction is 80% when the corporation receiving the dividend owns at least 20% of the stock of the distributing corporation. The dividends-received deduction is 70% when the corporation receiving the dividend owns less than 20% of the distributing corporation.
 
State Taxation
 
On March 31, 2014, New York State (NYS) enacted several reforms (the Tax Reform Package) to its tax structure, including changes to the franchise, sales, estate, and personal income taxes. These changes were effective on January 1, 2015. The Tax Reform Package is intended to simplify the existing corporate tax code for NYS businesses while remaining relatively neutral in relation to corporate tax receipts.

Under the Tax Reform Package, the NYS corporate income tax rate drops, effective January 1, 2016, from 7.10% to 6.50%. Effective January 1, 2015, the metropolitan commuter transportation district surcharge (MTA Tax) increases from 17.0% to 25.6% of the surcharge tax base. The MTA Tax rate for years beginning on or after January 1, 2016 will be adjusted based on future Metropolitan Transit Authority budget projections.

Some of the most significant elements of the Tax Reform Package include the merger of the bank tax into the general corporate franchise tax, expanded application of economic nexus, adoption of water’s-edge unitary reporting, and apportionment of source income solely by reference to customer location.

Merger of the Bank Tax into the Corporate Franchise Tax. NYS has historically imposed a franchise tax on general business corporations, commonly referred to as the “Article 9-A Corporate Franchise Tax,” and a separate franchise tax on

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banking corporations, commonly referred to as the “Article 32 Bank Tax.” Under these statutes, NYS financial service companies and banks are taxed under different regimes, even though the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which became federal law in 1999, changed the federal regulatory system to permit the cross-ownership of finance and banking firms.

The Tax Reform Package repeals the Article 32 Bank Tax, merging it into the Article 9-A Corporate Franchise Tax. It also makes several modifications to the Article 9-A Corporate Franchise Tax to accommodate the merger, most notably providing a choice between two potential financial institution tax deductions: 1) a deduction equal to 32% of modified NYS taxable income available to all thrifts and banks with assets that do not exceed $8 billion; and 2) a deduction based upon 50% of the net interest income received from loans secured by real estate located in NYS or business loans made to NYS borrowers with a principal amount of less than $5 million. Alternatively, for financial institutions with assets that do not exceed $8 billion that owned a captive real estate investment trust (REIT) as of April 1, 2014, the Tax Reform Package preserves the ability to exclude a percentage of dividends received from the REIT in determining NYS taxable income and increases this exclusion from the current level of 60% to 160% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015. Financial institutions that continue to maintain these grandfathered REITs are prohibited from claiming either of the two financial institution tax deductions described above.

Consequently, under the revised Article 9-A Corporate Franchise Tax structure, for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, the Bank will be required to claim the 160% exclusion for dividends received from its captive REIT subsidiary for any year the REIT remains in existence. If the REIT is liquidated, then the Bank will be entitled to choose on an annual basis between: 1) the 32% of modified taxable income deduction; or 2) the deduction based upon 50% of the net interest income received from NYS real estate loans and small commercial loans to NYS customers.

Expansion of the Application of Economic Nexus. The Tax Reform Package requires that all companies availing themselves of the NYS market, referred to as having an “economic nexus with New York,” will be subject to NYS tax, regardless of whether they have any other connection with NYS. A corporation could thus become a NYS taxpayer without a physical presence in NYS.

Adoption of a Full Water’s-Edge Unitary Combined Filing. The Tax Reform Package requires all firms meeting an ownership test of 50% or more be deemed a unitary business and required to file a combined tax return. Substantial intercompany transactions are eliminated, and a domestic corporation without any assets or customers in NYS, but engaged in a unitary business with a related New York taxpayer, would become part of the NYS unitary group.

Source Income Solely by Reference to the Location of the Customer. The Tax Reform Package requires business income to be apportioned to and taxed by NYS using a single receipts factor based on the customer’s location. These provisions also contain favorable apportionment rules for asset-backed securities that will be beneficial to the Bank.
 
Northfield Bank reports income on a calendar year basis to New York City (NYC).  On April 13, 2015, NYC enacted corporate tax reforms, which are effective retroactive for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015. NYC generally conforms its tax law to NYS tax law and adopted conforming Tax Reform Package provisions similar to those described above for NYS. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, the NYC income tax rate applied to the Company apportioned NYC taxable income is 8.85%.
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and Northfield Bank file New Jersey Corporation Business Tax returns on a calendar year basis.  Generally, the income derived from New Jersey sources is subject to New Jersey tax. Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and Northfield Bank pay the greater of the corporate business tax at 9% of taxable income or the minimum tax of $1,200 per entity.
 
Our NYS and NYC tax returns are currently under audit for tax years 2010 through 2012.

As a Delaware business corporation, Northfield Bancorp, Inc. is required to file an annual report with and pay franchise taxes to the state of Delaware.
 

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ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect us are described below.  You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference herein.  The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us.  Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair our business operations.  This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.  See also, “Forward-Looking Statements.”
 
The level of our commercial real estate loan portfolio subjects us to additional regulatory scrutiny.

The FDIC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies have promulgated joint guidance on sound risk management practices for financial institutions with concentrations in commercial real estate lending.  Under the guidance, a financial institution that, like us, is actively involved in commercial real estate lending should perform a risk assessment to identify concentrations. A financial institution may have a concentration in commercial real estate lending if, among other factors, (i) total reported loans for construction, land acquisition and development, and other land represent 100% or more of total capital, or (ii) total reported loans secured by multifamily and non-farm residential properties, loans for construction, land acquisition and development and other land, and loans otherwise sensitive to the general commercial real estate market, including loans to commercial real estate related entities, represent 300% or more of total capital.  Based on these factors we have a concentration in multifamily and commercial real estate lending, as such loans represent 353.7% of total bank capital as of December 31, 2015. The particular focus of the guidance is on exposure to commercial real estate loans that are dependent on the cash flow from the real estate held as collateral and that are likely to be at greater risk to conditions in the commercial real estate market (as opposed to real estate collateral held as a secondary source of repayment or as an abundance of caution).  The purpose of the guidance is to guide banks in developing risk management practices and capital levels commensurate with the level and nature of real estate concentrations.  The guidance states that management should employ heightened risk management practices including board and management oversight and strategic planning, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment, and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing.  While we believe we have implemented policies and procedures with respect to our commercial real estate loan portfolio consistent with this guidance, bank regulators could require us to implement additional policies and procedures consistent with their interpretation of the guidance that may result in additional costs to us or that may result in a curtailment of our multifamily and commercial real estate lending and/or the requirement that we maintain higher levels of regulatory capital, either of which would adversely affect our loan originations and profitability.

Our concentration in multifamily loans and commercial real estate loans could expose us to increased lending risks and related loan losses.
 
Our current business strategy is to continue to emphasize multifamily loans and to a lesser extent commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2015, $1.72 billion, or 89.1% of our originated total loan portfolio held-for-investment, net, consisted of multifamily and commercial real estate loans.
 
These types of loans generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation of the properties and the income stream of the borrowers. Such loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. Also, many of our borrowers have more than one of these types of loans outstanding. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one-to-four family residential real estate loan.
 
In addition, if loans that are collateralized by real estate become troubled and the value of the real estate has been significantly impaired, then we may not be able to recover the full contractual amount of principal and interest that we anticipated at the time we originated the loan, which could cause us to increase our provision for loan losses and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
 
A significant portion of our loan portfolio is unseasoned. It is difficult to judge the future performance of unseasoned loans.
 
Our net loan portfolio has grown to $2.35 billion at December 31, 2015, from $1.05 billion at December 31, 2011. A large portion of this increase is due to increases in multifamily real estate loans. It is difficult to assess the future performance of these recently originated loans. These loans may experience higher delinquency or charge-off levels than our historical loan portfolio experience, which could adversely affect our future performance.


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Our business strategy includes the continuation of significant growth plans, and our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if we fail to grow or fail to manage our growth effectively.
We expect to continue to experience growth in the amount of our assets, the level of our deposits and the scale of our operations. Achieving our growth targets requires us to attract customers that currently bank at other financial institutions in our market, thereby increasing our share of the market. Our ability to grow successfully will depend on a variety of factors, including our ability to attract and retain experienced bankers, the continued availability of desirable business opportunities, the competitive responses from other financial institutions in our market areas and our ability to manage our growth. Growth opportunities may not be available or we may not be able to manage our growth successfully. If we do not manage our growth effectively, our financial condition and operating results could be negatively affected.
If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings and capital could decrease.
 
We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans and our loss and delinquency experience, as well as the experience of other similarly situated institutions, and we evaluate other factors including, among other things, current economic conditions. If our assumptions are incorrect, or if delinquencies do not continue to improve or non-accrual and non-performing loans increase, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, which would require additions to our allowance. Material additions to our allowance would materially decrease our net income.
 
In addition, bank regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and, based on information available to them at the time of their review, may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. An increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
  
A worsening of economic conditions could reduce demand for our products and services and/or result in increases in our level of non-performing loans, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Unlike larger financial institutions that are more geographically diversified, our profitability depends primarily on the general economic conditions in New York, New Jersey and to a lesser extent Eastern Pennsylvania. Local economic conditions have a significant impact on our commercial real estate, construction, and consumer loans, the ability of the borrowers to repay these loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans. Almost all of our loans are to borrowers located in or secured by collateral in the New York metropolitan area.
Deterioration in economic conditions could result in the following consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations:
 
demand for our products and services may decline;
loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase;
collateral for loans, especially real estate, may decline in value, in turn reducing customers’ future borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with existing loans;
the value of our securities portfolio may decline; and
the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us.

Moreover, a significant decline in general economic conditions, caused by inflation, recession, acts of terrorism, an outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic calamities, unemployment or other factors beyond our control could further impact these local economic conditions and could further negatively affect the financial results of our banking operations. In addition, deflationary pressures, while possibly lowering our operating costs, could have a significant negative effect on our borrowers, especially our business borrowers, and the values of underlying collateral securing loans, which could negatively affect our financial performance.

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Strong competition within our market areas may limit our growth and profitability. 
 
We face intense competition in making loans and attracting deposits. Price competition for loans and deposits sometimes results in us charging lower interest rates on our loans and paying higher interest rates on our deposits and may reduce our net interest income. Competition also makes it more difficult and costly to attract and retain qualified employees. Many of the institutions with which we compete have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have and may offer services that we do not provide. Our competitors also may price loan and deposit products aggressively when they enter into new lines of business or new market areas. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory, and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. If we are not able to compete effectively in our market area, our profitability may be negatively affected. The greater resources and broader offering of deposit and loan products of some of our competitors may also limit our ability to increase our interest-earning assets.
 
The composition of our balance sheet continues to be more heavily weighted towards loans and therefore changes in market interest rates in an increasing rate environment could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. 
 
Our financial condition and results of operations are significantly affected by changes in market interest rates. Our results of operations substantially depend on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets and the interest expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. Our interest-bearing liabilities generally reprice or mature more quickly than our interest-earning assets. If rates increase rapidly, we would likely have to increase the rates we pay on our deposits and borrowed funds more quickly than any changes in interest rates earned on our loans and investments, resulting in a negative effect on interest spreads and net interest income. In addition, the effect of rising rates could be compounded if deposit customers move funds from savings accounts to higher rate certificate of deposit accounts. Conversely, should market interest rates fall below current levels, our net interest margin could also be affected negatively if competitive pressures keep us from further reducing rates on our deposits, while the yields on our assets decrease more rapidly through loan prepayments and interest rate adjustments.

Increases in interest rates also may decrease loan demand and/or may make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans.  Additionally, increases in interest rates may increase capitalization rates utilized in valuing income-producing properties. This can result in lower appraised values, which can limit the ability of borrowers to refinance existing debt and may result in higher charge-offs of our non-performing collateral dependent loans.

Our balance sheet composition continues to shift towards investments in assets with longer durations.
 
We are subject to reinvestment risk associated with changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates may affect the average life of loans and mortgage-related securities. Decreases in interest rates often result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities, as borrowers refinance their loans to reduce borrowings costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk to the extent we are unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments in loans or other investments that have interest rates that are comparable to the interest rates on existing loans and securities.
 
Changes in interest rates also affect the carrying value of our interest earning assets and in particular our securities portfolio.  Generally, the value of securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates.  At December 31, 2015, the fair value of our securities portfolio (excluding FHLB of New York stock) totaled $558.7 million.  
 
At December 31, 2015, our simulation model indicated that our net portfolio value (the net present value of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities) would decrease by 14.14% if there was an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point increase in market interest rates. Although interest rate risk calculations provide an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net portfolio value or net interest income and will likely differ from actual results.
 
Historically low interest rates may adversely affect our net interest income and profitability.
 
The FRB has maintained interest rates at historically low levels through its targeted federal funds rate and purchases of mortgage-backed securities. As a general matter, our interest-bearing liabilities reprice or mature more quickly than our interest-earning assets, which has resulted in increases in net interest income in the short term.  Our ability to lower our interest expense is limited at these interest rate levels while the average yield on our interest-earning assets may continue to decrease. Accordingly, our net interest income (the difference between interest income earned on assets and interest expense paid on liabilities) may decrease, which may have an adverse effect on our profitability.

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Our funding sources may prove insufficient to replace deposits and support our future growth.

We must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. As a part of our liquidity management, we use a number of funding sources in addition to core deposit growth and repayments and maturities of loans and investments. These additional sources consist primarily of FHLB advances, proceeds from the sale of loans, federal funds purchased, and brokered certificates of deposit. As we continue to grow, we are likely to become more dependent on these sources. Adverse operating results or changes in industry conditions could lead to difficulty or an inability to access these additional funding sources. Our financial flexibility will be severely constrained if we are unable to maintain our access to funding or if adequate financing is not available to accommodate future growth at acceptable interest rates. If we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources to support future growth, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our costs. In this case, our operating margins and profitability would be adversely affected.
Our success depends on hiring and retaining certain key personnel.
Our performance largely depends on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. We rely on key personnel to manage and operate our business, including major revenue generating functions such as loan and deposit generation. The loss of key staff may adversely affect our ability to maintain and manage these functions effectively, which could negatively affect our revenues. In addition, loss of key personnel could result in increased recruiting and hiring expenses, which could cause a decrease in our net income. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate our existing employees.
Changes in our accounting policies or in accounting standards could materially affect how we report our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our accounting policies are essential to understanding our financial results and condition. Some of these policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and financial results. Some of our accounting policies are critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective, and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. If such estimates or assumptions underlying our financial statements are incorrect, we may experience material losses.
 
From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission change the financial accounting and reporting standards or the interpretation of those standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes are beyond our control, can be hard to predict and could materially affect how we report our results of operations and financial condition. We could also be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in our restating prior period financial statements in material amounts. 

We hold certain intangible assets that could be classified as impaired in the future. If these assets are considered to be either partially or fully impaired in the future, our earnings and the book values of these assets would decrease.
 
We are required to test our goodwill for impairment on a periodic basis. The impairment testing process considers a variety of factors, including the current market price of our common shares, the estimated net present value of our assets and liabilities and information concerning the terminal valuation of similarly situated insured depository institutions. It is possible that future impairment testing could result in a partial or full impairment of the value of our goodwill. If an impairment determination is made in a future reporting period, our earnings and the book value of goodwill will be reduced by the amount of the impairment.
 
We are required to maintain a significant percentage of our total assets in residential mortgage loans and investments secured by residential mortgage loans, which restricts our ability to diversify our loan portfolio.
 
A federal savings bank differs from a commercial bank in that it is required to maintain at least 65% of its total assets in “qualified thrift investments,” which generally includes loans and investments for the purchase, refinance, construction, improvement, or repair of residential real estate, as well as home equity loans, education loans and small business loans. To maintain our federal savings bank charter we have to be a “qualified thrift lender” or “QTL” in nine out of each 12 immediately preceding months. The QTL requirement limits the extent to which we can grow our commercial loan portfolio, and failing the QTL test can result in an enforcement action. However, a loan that does not exceed $2 million (including a group of loans to one borrower) that is for commercial, corporate, business, or agricultural purposes is included in our qualified thrift investments. As of December 31, 2015, we maintained 82.2% of our portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments. Because

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of the QTL requirement, we may be limited in our ability to change our asset mix and increase the yield on our earning assets by growing our commercial loan portfolio.
 
In addition, if we continue to grow our commercial real estate loan portfolio and our residential mortgage loan portfolio decreases, it is possible that in order to maintain our QTL status, we could be forced to buy mortgage-backed securities or other qualifying assets at times when the terms of such investments may not be attractive. Alternatively, we may find it necessary to pursue different structures, including converting Northfield Bank’s savings bank charter to a commercial bank charter.

Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, we face significant operational risks.
 
We operate in diverse markets and rely on the ability of our employees and systems to process a high number of transactions over short periods of time. Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including but not limited to, the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside our company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and technology, breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements, and business continuation and disaster recovery. Insurance coverage may not be available for such losses, or where available, such losses may exceed insurance limits. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation, and customer attrition due to potential negative publicity. In the event of a breakdown in the internal control system, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, we could suffer financial loss, face regulatory action, and suffer damage to our reputation.

Risks associated with system failures, interruptions, or breaches of security could affect our earnings negatively.
 
Information technology systems are critical to our business. We use various technology systems to manage our customer relationships, general ledger, securities, deposits, and loans. We have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the effect of system failures, interruptions, and security breaches, but such events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. In addition, any compromise of our systems could deter customers from using our products and services. Although we rely on security systems to provide security and authentication necessary to effect the secure transmission of data, these precautions may not protect our systems from compromises or breaches of security.
 
In addition, we outsource a majority of our data processing to certain third-party providers. If these third-party providers encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely affected. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.
 
The occurrence of any system failures, interruption, or breach of security could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business thereby subjecting us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose us to litigation and possible financial liability. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
We are subject to extensive regulatory oversight.
 
We are subject to extensive supervision, regulation, and examination by the OCC, the FRB, and the FDIC. As a result, we are limited in the manner in which we conduct our business, undertake new investments and activities, and obtain financing. This regulatory structure is designed primarily for the protection of the Deposit Insurance Fund and our depositors, and not to benefit our stockholders. This regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement actions and examination policies, including policies with respect to capital levels, the timing and amount of dividend payments, the classification of assets, the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes and the timing and amounts of assessments and fees.
 
In addition, we must comply with significant anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws and regulations, Community Reinvestment Act laws and regulations, and fair lending laws and regulations. Government agencies have the authority to impose monetary penalties and other sanctions on institutions that fail to comply with these laws and regulations, which could significantly affect our business activities, including our ability to acquire other financial institutions or expand our branch network.
 

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Legislative or regulatory responses to perceived financial and market problems could impair our rights against borrowers.
 
Federal, state and local laws and policies could reduce the amount distressed borrowers are otherwise contractually obligated to pay under their mortgage loans, and may limit the ability of lenders to foreclose on mortgage collateral. Restrictions on Northfield Bank’s rights as creditor could result in increased credit losses on our loans and mortgage-backed securities, or increased expense in pursuing our remedies as a creditor.

Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions.
 
The USA PATRIOT and Bank Secrecy Acts require financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities.  If such activities are detected, financial institutions are obligated to file suspicious activity reports with the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.  These rules require financial institutions to establish procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of customers seeking to open new financial accounts.  Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or sanctions.  Recently, several banking institutions have received large fines for non-compliance with these laws and regulations.  While we have developed policies and procedures designed to assist in compliance with these laws and regulations, these policies and procedures may not be effective in preventing violations of these laws and regulations. 

Financial reform legislation has, among other things, tightened capital standards, and created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, resulting in new laws and regulations that are expected to increase our costs of operations.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new implementing rules and regulations, and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting the implementing rules and regulations, and consequently, many of the details and much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act may not be known for many months or years. We expect that our operating and compliance costs, and possibly our interest expense, could increase as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act and the implementing rules and regulations. The need to comply with additional rules and regulations, as well as state laws and regulations to which we were not subject previously, will also divert management’s time from managing the remainder of our operations. Higher capital levels could require us to maintain higher levels of assets that earn less interest and dividend income.
 
Changes in the valuation of our securities portfolio could reduce net income and lower our capital levels. 
 
Our securities portfolio may be affected by fluctuations in market value, potentially reducing accumulated other comprehensive income and/or earnings.  Fluctuations in market value may be caused by changes in market interest rates, lower market prices for securities and limited investor demand.  Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis, with more frequent evaluation for selected issues.  In analyzing a debt issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, industry analysts’ reports and, to a lesser extent given the relatively insignificant levels of depreciation in our debt portfolio, spread differentials between the effective rates on instruments in the portfolio compared to risk-free rates.  In analyzing an equity issuer’s financial condition, management considers industry analysts’ reports, financial performance, and projected target prices of investment analysts within a one-year time period.  If this evaluation shows impairment to the actual or projected cash flows associated with one or more securities, a potential loss to earnings may occur.  Changes in interest rates can also have an adverse effect on our financial condition, as our available-for-sale securities are reported at their estimated fair value, and therefore are impacted by fluctuations in interest rates.  We increase or decrease our stockholders’ equity by the amount of change in the estimated fair value of the available-for-sale securities, net of taxes.  The declines in market value could result in other-than-temporary impairments of these assets, which would lead to accounting charges that could have a material adverse effect on our net income and capital levels. Changes in interest rates can also have an adverse effect on our financial condition, as our available-for-sale securities are reported at their estimated fair value, and therefore are impacted by fluctuations in interest rates.
 
Federal banking regulations restrict insured depository institutions and their affiliated companies from engaging in short-term proprietary trading of certain securities, investing in funds with collateral comprised of less than 100% loans that are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and from engaging in hedging activities that do not hedge a specific identified risk. We continue to analyze the impact of this regulation on our investment portfolio, and whether any changes are required to our investment strategies that could negatively affect our earnings.
 

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We have become subject to more stringent capital requirements, which may adversely affect our return on equity, require us to raise additional capital, or constrain us from paying dividends or repurchasing shares.
 
“Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act were effective for us on January 1, 2015, and substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and Northfield Bank.  The new minimum capital requirements are: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. The final rule also establishes a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%, and will result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such actions.
 
We have analyzed the effects of these new capital requirements as if these new requirements had been in effect as of December 31, 2015, and we believe that Northfield Bank and the Company meet all of these new requirements, including the full 2.5% capital conservation buffer.
 
The application of more stringent capital requirements, among other things, could result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements.  Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with the implementation of Basel III could result in our having to lengthen the term of our funding, restructure our business models, and/or increase our holdings of liquid assets.  Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk-based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital and/or additional capital conservation buffers could result in management modifying its business strategy, and could limit our ability to make distributions, including paying out dividends or buying back shares.  Specifically, beginning in 2016, Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s ability to pay dividends will be limited if it does not have the capital conservation buffer required by the new capital rules, which may limit our ability to pay dividends to stockholders.  See “Supervision and Regulation.”
  
The value of our deferred tax asset could be reduced if corporate tax rates in the U.S. are decreased.
 
There have been recent discussions by the executive branch regarding potentially decreasing the U.S. corporate tax rate. While we may benefit in some respects from any decreases in these corporate tax rates, any reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate would result in a decrease to the value of our net deferred tax asset, which could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
  
Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risk and reducing the potential for significant losses.
 
Our risk management framework is designed to minimize risk and loss to us. We seek to identify, measure, monitor, report, and control our exposure to the types of risk to which we are subject, including strategic, market, liquidity, compliance, and operational risks. While we employ a broad and diversified set of risk monitoring and mitigation techniques, those techniques are inherently limited because they cannot anticipate the existence or future development of currently unanticipated or unknown risks. Recent economic conditions, heightened legislative and regulatory scrutiny of the financial services industry, among other developments, have resulted in a heightened level of risk for us. Accordingly, we could suffer losses as a result of our failure to properly anticipate and manage these risks.
 
Our business may be adversely affected by an increasing prevalence of fraud and other financial crimes.
 
Our loans to businesses and individuals and our deposit relationships and related transactions are subject to exposure to the risk of loss due to fraud and other financial crimes.  Nationally, reported incidents of fraud and other financial crimes have increased.  We have also experienced losses due to apparent fraud and other financial crimes.  While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent such losses, losses may still occur.
 
Acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute stockholder value.
 
We regularly evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities and conduct due diligence activities related to possible transactions with other financial institutions and financial services companies. As a result, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving cash, debt, or equity securities may occur at any time. We seek acquisition partners

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that offer us either significant market presence or the potential to expand our market footprint and improve profitability through economies of scale or expanded services.

Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branches (including our acquisition of Hopewell Valley which we completed on January 8, 2016) may have an adverse effect on our financial results and may involve various other risks commonly associated with acquisitions. These include:

integrating personnel with diverse business backgrounds;
converting customers to new systems;
combining different corporate cultures; and
retaining key employees.

The success of an acquisition will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings. If we are unable to integrate an acquired company successfully, the anticipated benefits and cost savings may not be realized fully or may take longer to realize than expected. A significant decline in asset valuations or cash flows may also cause us not to realize expected benefits.  
Various factors may make takeover attempts more difficult to achieve.
 
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, federal regulations, Northfield Bank’s charter, Delaware law, shares of restricted stock and stock options that we have granted or may grant to employees and directors, stock ownership by our management and directors and employment agreements that we have entered into with our executive officers, and various other factors may make it more difficult for companies or persons to acquire control of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. without the consent of our board of directors.
 
We may not pay dividends on our shares of common stock.
 
Although we currently pay dividends on a quarterly basis, stockholders are not entitled to receive dividends.  Federal regulations also may restrict capital distributions, which include cash dividends, to ensure the institution maintains adequate capital requirements.
 
Legal and regulatory proceedings and related matters could adversely affect us or the financial services industry in general.

We, and other participants in the financial services industry upon whom we rely to operate, have been and may in the future become involved in legal and regulatory proceedings. Most of the proceedings we consider to be in the normal course of our business or typical for the industry; however, it is inherently difficult to assess the outcome of these matters, and other participants in the financial services industry or we may not prevail in any proceeding or litigation. Any adverse determination could negatively affect our business, brand or image, or our financial condition and results of our operations.

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and we could become subject to environmental liabilities with respect to one or more of these properties. During the ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing defaulted loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous conditions or toxic substances are found on these properties, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage, civil fines and criminal penalties regardless of when the hazardous conditions or toxic substances first affected any particular property. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses to address unknown liabilities and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Although we have policies and procedures to perform an environmental review before initiating any foreclosure action on nonresidential real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on us.






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Cyber-attacks or other security breaches could adversely affect our operations, net income, or reputation.

We regularly collect, process, transmit and store significant amounts of confidential information regarding our customers, employees and others and concerning our own business, operations, plans and strategies. In some cases, this confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted, or stored by third parties on our behalf.

Information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial and other transactions and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks and mobile phishing. Mobile phishing, a means for identity thieves to obtain sensitive personal information through fraudulent e-mail, text or voice mail, is an emerging threat targeting the customers of popular financial entities. A failure in or breach of our operational or information security systems, or those of our third-party service providers, as a result of cyber-attacks or information security breaches or due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions could adversely affect our business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs and/or cause losses.

If this confidential or proprietary information were to be mishandled, misused, or lost, we could be exposed to significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage, civil litigation, and financial loss.

Although we employ a variety of physical, procedural, and technological safeguards to protect this confidential and proprietary information from mishandling, misuse, or loss, these safeguards do not provide absolute assurance that mishandling, misuse or loss of the information will not occur, and that if mishandling, misuse or loss of information does occur, those events will be promptly detected and addressed. Similarly, when confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on our behalf, our policies and procedures require that the third party agree to maintain the confidentiality of the information, establish and maintain policies and procedures designed to preserve the confidentiality of the information, and permit us to confirm the third party’s compliance with the terms of the agreement. As information security risks and cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to enhance our information security measures and/or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.


 

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ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
There are no unresolved staff comments.
 
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
 
The Company operates from the Bank’s home office in Staten Island, New York, our corporate offices located at 581 Main Street, Woodbridge, New Jersey, and our additional 38 branch offices (including nine branches acquired as a result of the Hopewell Valley acquisition) located in New York and New Jersey, and its lending office located in Brooklyn, New York.  Our branch offices are located in the New York counties of Richmond, and Kings and the New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Union.  The net book value of our premises, land, and equipment was $23.6 million at December 31, 2015.
 
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
In the normal course of business, we may be party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims.  In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements will not be materially affected by the outcome of such legal proceedings and claims as of December 31, 2015.
 
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.


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PART II
 
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Our shares of common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “NFBK.”  The approximate number of holders of record of Northfield Bancorp, Inc.’s common stock as of February 29, 2016, was 4,625.  Certain shares of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. are held in “nominee” or “street” name and accordingly, the number of beneficial owners of such shares is not known or included in the foregoing number.  The following table presents quarterly market and dividend information for Northfield Bancorp, Inc. common stock for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.  The following market information was provided by the NASDAQ Global Stock Market.
 
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
Quarter ended December 31, 2015
$
16.40

 
$
14.71

 
$
0.07

Quarter ended September 30, 2015
$
15.86

 
$
14.60

 
$
0.07

Quarter ended June 30, 2015
$
15.26

 
$
14.32

 
$
0.07

Quarter ended March 31, 2015
$
14.90

 
$
14.06

 
$
0.07

Quarter ended December 31, 2014
$
15.15

 
$
12.65

 
$
0.07

Quarter ended September 30, 2014
$
13.88

 
$
12.64

 
$
0.07

Quarter ended June 30, 2014
$
13.52

 
$
12.40

 
$
0.06

Quarter ended March 31, 2014
$
13.28

 
$
12.27

 
$
0.06

 
The Company is subject to state law limitations and federal banking regulatory policy on the payment of dividends. Delaware law generally limits dividends to our capital surplus or, if there is no capital surplus, our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.  In addition, see “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation - Holding Company Regulation.”
 
The sources of funds for the payment of a cash dividend are the retained proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock and earnings on those proceeds, interest, and principal payments on Northfield Bancorp, Inc.’s investments, including its loan to Northfield Bank’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and dividends from Northfield Bank.
 
For a discussion of Northfield Bank’s ability to pay dividends, see “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation.”

Stock Performance Graph
 
Set forth below is a stock performance graph (Source: SNL Financial) comparing (a) the cumulative total return on the Northfield Bancorp, Inc.’s common stock for the period December 31, 2010, through December 31, 2015, (b) the cumulative total return of the stocks included in the NASDAQ Composite Index over such period, (c) the cumulative total return on stocks included in the NASDAQ Bank Index over such period, and, (d) the cumulative total return on stocks included in the SNL U.S. Thrift Index over such period. Cumulative return assumes the reinvestment of dividends, and is expressed in dollars based on an assumed investment of $100.
 

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As of
Index
 
12/31/2010
 
12/31/2011
 
12/31/2012
 
12/31/2013
 
12/31/2014
 
12/31/2015
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
 
100.00

 
108.16

 
117.47

 
148.71

 
170.09

 
186.43

NASDAQ Composite Index
 
100.00

 
99.21

 
116.82

 
163.75

 
188.03

 
201.40

NASDAQ Bank Index
 
100.00

 
89.50

 
106.23

 
150.55

 
157.95

 
171.92

SNL U.S. Thrift Index
 
100.00

 
84.12

 
102.32

 
131.30

 
141.22

 
158.80

 
Equity Incentive Plans    

The 2014 Equity Incentive Plan was approved by stockholders on May 28, 2014.  The 2014 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the issuance of up to 4,978,249 equity awards.  As of December 31, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors had awarded 1,378,480 shares of restricted stock, and 3,501,560 stock options, net of forfeitures.

The 2008 Equity Incentive Plan was approved by stockholders on December 17, 2008.  The 2008 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the issuance of up to 4,311,796 equity awards.  As of December 31, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded 1,171,856 shares of restricted stock, and 2,928,410 stock options with tandem stock appreciation rights.  


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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
The following table shows the Company’s repurchase of its common stock for each calendar month in the three months ended December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Purchased
 
Maximum Number
 
 
Total Number
 
Average
 
as Part of Publicly
 
of Shares that May Yet
 
 
of Shares
 
Price Paid per
 
Announced Plans
 
Be Purchased Under
Period
 
Purchased
 
Share
 
or Programs (1)
 
Plans or Programs (1)
October 1, 2015, through October 31, 2015
 
13,365

 
$
14.86

 
12,644

 

November 1, 2015, through November 30, 2015
 
71

 
$
15.96

 

 

December 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015
 
196

 
$
15.74

 

 

Total
 
13,632

 
$
14.88

 
12,644

 
 
 
(1) In 2014, the Company's Board of Directors revised its stock repurchase program to allow for the repurchase of a total of $170.0 million of the Company's common stock. On May 27, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase of $15.0 million to its stock repurchase plan bringing the total authorized to $185.0 million at that date. The repurchase program permits shares to be repurchased in open market or private transactions, through block trades, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. There were no shares remaining to be purchased at December 31, 2015.

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ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The summary information presented below at the dates or for each of the years presented is derived in part from our consolidated financial statements.  The following information is only a summary, and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Annual Report:
 
At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Selected Financial Condition Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
3,202,584

 
$
3,020,869

 
$
2,702,764

 
$
2,813,201

 
$
2,376,918

Cash and cash equivalents
51,853

 
76,709

 
61,239

 
128,761

 
65,269

Trading securities
6,713

 
6,422

 
5,998

 
4,677

 
4,146

Securities available-for-sale, at estimated market value
541,595

 
771,239

 
937,085

 
1,275,631

 
1,098,725

Securities held-to-maturity
10,346

 
3,609

 

 
2,220

 
3,617

Loans held-for-sale

 

 

 

 
452

Loans held-for-sale  (non-performing)

 

 
471

 
5,447

 
3,448

Loans held-for-investment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PCI loans
33,115

 
44,816

 
59,468

 
75,349

 
88,522

Loans acquired
409,015

 
265,685

 
77,817

 
101,433

 

Originated loans, net
1,931,585

 
1,632,494

 
1,352,191

 
1,066,200

 
985,945

Loans held-for-investment, net
2,373,715

 
1,942,995

 
1,489,476

 
1,242,982

 
1,074,467

Allowance for loan losses
(24,770
)
 
(26,292
)
 
(26,037
)
 
(26,424
)
 
(26,836
)
Net loans held-for-investment
2,348,945

 
1,916,703

 
1,463,439

 
1,216,558

 
1,047,631

Bank owned life insurance
132,782

 
129,015

 
125,113

 
93,042

 
77,778

FHLB of New York stock, at cost
25,803

 
29,219

 
17,516

 
12,550

 
12,677

Other real estate owned
45

 
752

 
634

 
870

 
3,359

Deposits
2,052,929

 
1,620,665

 
1,492,689

 
1,956,860

 
1,493,526

Borrowed funds
558,129

 
778,658

 
470,325

 
419,122

 
481,934

Total liabilities
2,642,805

 
2,426,941

 
1,986,656

 
2,398,328

 
1,994,268

Total stockholders’ equity
$
559,779

 
$
593,928

 
$
716,108

 
$
414,873

 
$
382,650

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Selected Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
101,758

 
$
91,701

 
$
92,470

 
$
91,539

 
$
91,017

Interest expense
19,688

 
15,352

 
16,948

 
22,644

 
25,413

Net interest income before provision for loan losses
82,070

 
76,349

 
75,522

 
68,895

 
65,604

Provision for loan losses 
353

 
645

 
1,927

 
3,536

 
12,589

Net interest income after provision  for loan losses
81,717

 
75,704

 
73,595

 
65,359

 
53,015

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bargain purchase gain, net of tax

 

 

 

 
3,560

Non-interest income (other)
7,898

 
8,460

 
10,161

 
8,586

 
8,275

Non-interest expense 
58,109

 
52,042

 
53,873

 
48,998

 
41,530

Income before income taxes
31,506

 
32,122

 
29,883

 
24,947

 
23,320

Income tax expense
11,975

 
11,856

 
10,736

 
8,916

 
6,497

Net income
$
19,531

 
$
20,266

 
$
19,147

 
$
16,031

 
$
16,823

Net income per common share - basic
$
0.46

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.30

Net income per common share - diluted
$
0.45

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.34

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.30

Weighted average basic shares outstanding
42,285,712

 
49,006,129

 
54,637,680

 
54,339,467

 
56,216,794

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
43,478,481

 
50,032,259

 
55,560,309

 
55,115,680

 
56,842,889

 
 
Note: Weighted average basic and diluted shares have been restated to reflect the completion of our second-step conversion on January 24, 2013, at an exchange ratio of 1.4029-to-one.


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At or For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on assets (ratio of net income to average total assets)
0.63
%
 
0.73
%
 
0.70
%
 
0.65
%
 
0.72
%
Return on equity (ratio of net income to average equity)
3.41

 
3.07

 
2.70

 
4.08

 
4.27

Interest rate spread(1)    
2.63

 
2.74

 
2.68

 
2.76

 
2.75

Net interest margin(2) 
2.83

 
2.97

 
2.97

 
2.98

 
3.01

Dividend payout ratio(3) 
62.38

 
63.57

 
140.28

 
10.74

 
22.00

Efficiency ratio(4) 
64.59

 
61.36

 
62.87

 
63.24

 
53.63

Non-interest expense to average total assets
1.86

 
1.88

 
1.97

 
1.99

 
1.79

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
129.12

 
139.12

 
142.73

 
122.83

 
122.23

Average equity to average total assets
18.32

 
23.75

 
25.90

 
15.94

 
16.95

Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing assets to total assets
0.28

 
0.51

 
0.68

 
1.30

 
1.99

Non-performing loans(5) to total loans(6)
0.37

 
0.75

 
1.19

 
2.86

 
4.07

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans held-for-investment(7)
280.78

 
180.29

 
150.23

 
87.73

 
66.40

Allowance for loan losses to total loans held-for-investment, net(8)
1.04

 
1.35

 
1.75

 
2.13

 
2.50

Allowance for loan losses to originated loans held-for-investment, net(9)
1.24

 
1.58

 
1.88

 
2.46

 
2.72

Capital Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)(10)
20.19

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)(10) 
21.21

 
22.95

 
28.94

 
22.30

 
24.71

Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)(10)
20.19

 
21.77

 
27.69

 
21.04

 
23.42

Tier I capital (to adjusted assets)(10)
15.72

 
16.46

 
19.88

 
12.65

 
13.42

Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of full service offices
30

 
30

 
30

 
29

 
24

Full time equivalent employees
290

 
302

 
306

 
306

 
277

 
 
 
(1)
The interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted-average yield on interest earning assets and the weighted-average costs of interest-bearing liabilities.
(2)
The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets for the period.
(3)
Dividend payout ratio is calculated as total dividends declared for the year (excluding any dividends waived by Northfield Bancorp, MHC) divided by net income for the year. 2013 includes a special dividend of $0.25 per share.
(4)
The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
(5)
Non-performing loans consist of non-accruing loans and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing (excluding PCI loans), and are included in total loans held-for-investment, net, and non-performing loans held-for-sale.
(6)
Includes originated loans held-for-investment, PCI loans, acquired loans and non-performing loans held-for-sale.
(7)
Excludes nonperforming loans held-for-sale, carried at lower of cost or estimated fair value, less costs to sell.
(8)
Includes PCI and acquired loans held-for-investment.
(9)
Excludes PCI loans, acquired loans held-for-investment and loans held-for-sale (and related reserve balances).
(10)
Capital Ratios are presented for Northfield Bank only.

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ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and the Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report (collectively, the Financial Statements).  
 
Overview
 
Net income was $19.5 million and $20.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Significant variances from the prior year are as follows: a $5.7 million increase in net interest income, a $292,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $562,000 decrease in non-interest income, and a $6.1 million increase in non-interest expense. Net income in 2015 reflected the following: merger related expenses of $672,000 ($574,000, after tax), related to the merger with Hopewell Valley and a charge of $795,000 related to the write-down of deferred assets as a result of tax laws enacted by the City of New York.
 
Our assets increased by $181.7 million, or 6.0%, to $3.20 billion at December 31, 2015, from $3.02 billion at December 31, 2014.  The increase was primarily attributable to a $430.7 million increase in loans-held-for-investment, net, partially offset by a $229.6 million decrease in securities available-for sale, and a $24.9 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

Our liabilities increased by $215.9 million, or 8.9%, to $2.64 billion, at December 31, 2015, from $2.43 billion at December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in deposits of $432.3 million, partially offset by decreases in securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $140.2 million and FHLB advances and other borrowings of $80.3 million.
 
Our stockholders’ equity decreased by $34.1 million, or 5.7%, to $559.8 million at December 31, 2015, from $593.9 million at December 31, 2014. This decrease was attributable to stock repurchases of $48.4 million, dividend payments of $12.2 million, and a $2.2 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and $9.2 million in Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and stock compensation activity.

On January 8, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Hopewell Valley. Total consideration paid for Hopewell Valley was $55.4 million, consisting of $13.7 million in cash and 2,707,381 shares of common stock valued at $41.7 million based upon the $15.41 per share closing price of Northfield Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock on January 8, 2016. At December 31, 2015, Hopewell Valley had approximately $508.3 million in assets and operated nine branches in Hunterdon and Mercer counties in New Jersey.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that involve significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.  We believe that the most critical accounting policies upon which our financial condition and results of operation depend, and which involve the most complex subjective decisions or assessments, are the following:
 
Allowance for Loan Losses, Impaired Loans, and Other Real Estate Owned.  The allowance for loan losses is the estimated amount considered necessary to cover probable and reasonably estimable incurred losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date.  The allowance is established through the provision for loan losses that is charged against income.  In determining the allowance for loan losses, we make significant estimates and judgments.  The determination of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy by management because of the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions used, and the potential for changes in the economic environment that could result in changes to the amount of the recorded allowance for loan losses.
 
The allowance for loan losses has been determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  We are responsible for the timely and periodic determination of the amount of the allowance required.  We believe that our allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover identifiable losses, as well as estimated losses inherent in our portfolio for which certain losses are probable but not specifically identifiable.
 
Management performs a formal quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  This quarterly process is performed by the accounting department, in conjunction with the credit administration department, and approved by

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the Controller.  The Chief Financial Officer performs a final review of the calculation.  All supporting documentation with regard to the evaluation process is maintained by the accounting department.  Each quarter a summary of the allowance for loan losses is presented by the Chief Financial Officer to the audit committee of the board of directors.
 
The analysis of the allowance for loan losses has a component for impaired loans held-for-investment, PCI loans, and a component for general loan losses, including unallocated reserves.  Management has defined an impaired loan (excluding PCI loans) to be a loan for which it is probable, based on current information, that we will not collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  We have defined the population of impaired loans to be all non-accrual loans with an outstanding balance of $500,000 or greater, and all loans subject to a TDR.  Impaired loans are individually assessed to determine that the loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the estimated fair value of the collateral (less cost to sell), if the loan is collateral dependent, or the present value of the expected future cash flows, if the loan is not collateral dependent. Management performs a detailed evaluation of each impaired loan and generally obtains updated appraisals as part of the evaluation.  In addition, management adjusts estimated fair values down to appropriately consider recent market conditions, our willingness to accept a lower sales price to effect a quick sale, and costs to dispose of any supporting collateral.  Determining the estimated fair value of underlying collateral (and related costs to sell) can be difficult in illiquid real estate markets and is subject to significant assumptions and estimates.  Management employs an independent third-party expert in appraisal preparation and review to ascertain the reasonableness of updated appraisals.  Projecting the expected cash flows under TDRs is inherently subjective and requires, among other things, an evaluation of the borrower’s current and projected financial condition.  Actual results may be significantly different than our projections, and our established allowance for loan losses on these loans, and could have a material effect on our financial results.
 
The second component of the allowance for loan losses is the general loss allocation.  This assessment excludes impaired, trouble-debt restructured, and PCI loans, with loans being grouped into similar risk characteristics, primarily loan type, loan-to-value (if collateral dependent) and internal credit risk rating.  We apply an estimated loss rate to each loan group.  The loss rates applied are based on our net loss experience (using appropriate look-back and loss emergence periods) as adjusted, if appropriate, for our qualitative assessment of factors which may not be fully captured in our historical quantitative net loss rates applied to:


changes in lending policies and procedures
changes in local, regional, national, and international economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of our portfolio, including the condition of various market segments;
changes in the nature and volume of our portfolio and in the terms of our loans;
changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff;
changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of nonaccrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded loans;
changes in the quality of our loan review system;
changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans;
the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and
the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in our existing portfolio.

The loss emergence period is the estimated time from the date of the loss event to the actual recognition of the loss (typically the first charge-off), and is determined based upon a study of the Company's past loss experience by loan groups.  This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revisions based on changes in economic and real estate market conditions.  Actual loan losses may be significantly different than the allowance for loan losses we have established, which could have a material effect on our financial results.  We also maintain an amount identified as the unallocated component related to indicators of loan losses not fully captured in other components of the allowance for loan losses methodology as well as for the inherent imprecision of the loss estimation process.
 
We have a concentration of loans secured by real property located in New York City, New Jersey, and to a lesser extent Eastern Pennsylvania.  As a substantial amount of our loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, appraisals of the underlying value of property securing loans are critical in determining the amount of the allowance required for specific loans. Assumptions for appraisal valuations are instrumental in determining the value of properties.  Overly optimistic assumptions or

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negative changes to assumptions could significantly impact the valuation of a property securing a loan and the related allowance determined.  The assumptions supporting such appraisals are reviewed by management and an independent third-party appraiser to determine that the resulting values reasonably reflect amounts realizable on the collateral.  Based on the composition of our loan portfolio, we believe the primary risks are increases in interest rates, a decline in the economy generally, or a decline in real estate market values in New York, or New Jersey, or Eastern Pennsylvania.  Any one or a combination of these events may adversely affect our loan portfolio resulting in delinquencies, increased loan losses, and future loan loss provisions.
 
Although we believe we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, changes may be necessary if future economic or other conditions differ substantially from our estimation of the current operating environment.  Although management uses the information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate that is subject to significant judgment and short-term change.  In addition, the OCC, as an integral part of their examination process, will review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Additionally, held-for-investment loans acquired with no evidence of credit deterioration are initially valued at an estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, with no initial related allowance for loan losses. These loans are collectively evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis as part of our analysis of the allowance for loan losses. 

We also maintain an allowance for estimated losses on off-balance sheet credit risks related to loan commitments and standby letters of credit.  Management utilizes a methodology similar to its allowance for loan loss methodology to estimate losses on these items.  The allowance for estimated credit losses on these items is included in other liabilities and any changes to the allowance are recorded as a component of other non-interest expense.
 
Real estate acquired by us as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as other real estate owned.  When we acquire other real estate owned, we generally obtain a current appraisal to substantiate the net carrying value of the asset.  The asset is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, establishing a new carrying value.  Holding costs and declines in estimated fair value result in charges to expense after acquisition.

Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans.  PCI loans are subject to our internal credit review.  If and when credit deterioration occurs at the loan pool level subsequent to the acquisition date, a provision for credit losses for PCI loans will be charged to earnings for the full amount of the decline in expected cash flows for the pool.  Under the accounting guidance for acquired credit-impaired loans, the allowance for loan losses on PCI loans is measured at each financial reporting date based on future expected cash flows.  This assessment and measurement is performed at the pool level and not at the individual loan level.  Accordingly, decreases in expected cash flows resulting from further credit deterioration, on a pool basis, as of such measurement date compared to those originally estimated are recognized by recording a provision and allowance for credit losses on PCI loans.  Subsequent increases in the expected cash flows of the loans in each pool would first reduce any allowance for loan losses on PCI loans; and any excess will be accreted prospectively as a yield adjustment.  The analysis of expected cash flows for pools incorporates updated pool level expected prepayment rates, default rates, delinquency levels, and loan level loss severity given default assumptions.  The expected cash flows are estimated based on factors which include loan grades established in Northfield Bank's ongoing credit review program, likelihood of default based on observations of specific loans during the credit review process as well as applicable industry data, loss severity based on updated evaluation of cash flows from available collateral, and the contractual terms of the underlying loan agreement.  Actual cash flows could differ from those expected, and others provided with the same information could draw different reasonable conclusions and calculate different expected cash flows.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangibles.  We record all assets and liabilities in acquisitions, including goodwill and other intangible assets, at fair value as of the acquisition date, and expense all acquisition related costs as incurred.  Goodwill totaling $16.2 million at December 31, 2015, is not amortized but is subject to annual tests for impairment or more often if events or circumstances indicate it may be impaired.  Other intangible assets, such as core deposit intangibles, are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to impairment tests if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount. Such evaluation of other intangible assets is based on undiscounted cash flow projections. The initial recording of goodwill and other intangible assets requires subjective judgments concerning estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities.
 
The goodwill impairment analysis is generally a two-step test. However, under current accounting guidance, we may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. We are not required to calculate the fair value of our reporting unit if, based on a qualitative assessment, we determine that it was more likely than not that the unit’s fair value was not less than its carrying amount. During 2015, we elected to perform

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step one of the two-step goodwill impairment test for our reporting unit, but may perform the optional quantitative assessment in future periods. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired; however, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an additional step must be performed. That additional step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, i.e., by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step above, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangibles, as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination at the impairment test date. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. The loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill and subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses are not permitted.
 
Securities Valuation and Impairment.  Our securities portfolio is comprised of mortgage-backed securities and to a lesser extent corporate bonds, agency bonds, and mutual funds.  Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is carried at estimated fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in stockholders’ equity.  Our trading securities portfolio is reported at estimated fair value.  Our held-to-maturity securities portfolio, consisting of debt securities for which we have a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, is carried at amortized cost.  We conduct a quarterly review and evaluation of the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities portfolios to determine if the estimated fair value of any security has declined below its amortized cost, and whether such decline is other-than-temporary.  If such decline is deemed other-than-temporary, we adjust the cost basis of the security by writing down the security to estimated fair value through a charge to current period operations.  The estimated fair values of our securities are primarily affected by changes in interest rates, credit quality, and market liquidity.
 
Management is responsible for determining the estimated fair value of the securities in our portfolio.  In determining estimated fair values, each quarter management utilizes the services of an independent third-party service, recognized as a specialist in pricing securities.  The independent pricing service utilizes market prices of same or similar securities whenever such prices are available.  Prices involving distressed sellers are not utilized in determining fair value, if identifiable.  Where necessary, the independent third-party pricing service estimates fair value using models employing techniques such as discounted cash flow analyses.  The assumptions used in these models typically include assumptions for interest rates, credit losses, and prepayments, utilizing observable market data, where available.  Where the market price of the same or similar securities is not available, the valuation becomes more subjective and involves a high degree of judgment.  In addition, we compare securities prices to a second independent pricing service that is utilized as part of our asset liability risk management process and analyze significant anomalies in pricing including significant fluctuations, or lack thereof, in relation to other securities.  At December 31, 2015, and for each quarter end in 2015, all securities were priced by an independent third-party pricing service, and management made no adjustment to the prices received.
 
Determining that a decline in a security’s estimated fair value is other-than-temporary is inherently subjective, and becomes increasing difficult as it relates to mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government, or a U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprise (e.g., Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac).  In performing our evaluation of securities in an unrealized loss position, we consider, among other things, the severity and duration of time that the security has been in an unrealized loss position and the credit quality of the issuer.  As it relates to private label mortgage-backed securities not guaranteed by the U.S. Government, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac, we perform a review of the key underlying loan collateral risk characteristics including, among other things, origination dates, interest rate levels, composition of variable and fixed rates, reset dates (including related pricing indices), current loan to original collateral values, locations of collateral, delinquency status of loans, and current credit support.  In addition, for securities experiencing declines in estimated fair values of over 10%, as compared to its amortized cost, management also reviews published historical and expected prepayment speeds, underlying loan collateral default rates, and related historical and expected losses on the disposal of the underlying collateral on defaulted loans.  This evaluation is subjective as it requires estimates of future events, many of which are difficult to predict.  Actual results could be significantly different than our estimates and could have a material effect on our financial results. 
              
Deferred Income Taxes.  We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established.  We consider the determination of this valuation allowance to be a critical accounting policy because of the need to exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income.  These judgments and estimates

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are reviewed quarterly as regulatory and business factors change.  A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required if the amounts of taxes recoverable through loss carry backs decline, or if we project lower levels of future taxable income.  Such a valuation allowance would be established and any subsequent changes to such allowance would require an adjustment to income tax expense that could adversely affect our operating results.
 
Stock Based Compensation.  We recognize the cost of director and employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value.
 
We estimate the per share fair value of options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using assumptions for the expected dividend yield, expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected option term.  These assumptions are based on our judgments regarding future option exercise experience and market conditions.  These assumptions are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties, and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision.  The Black-Scholes option pricing model also contains certain inherent limitations when applied to options that are not traded on public markets.
 
The per share fair value of options is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions.  In general, the per share fair value of options will move in the same direction as changes in the expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected option term, and in the opposite direction of changes in the expected dividend yield.  The use of different assumptions or different option pricing models could result in materially different per share fair values of options.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2015 and 2014
 
Total assets increased $181.7 million, or 6.0%, to $3.20 billion at December 31, 2015, from $3.02 billion at December 31, 2014.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in loans held-for-investment, net, of $430.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in securities available-for-sale of $229.6 million and a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $24.9 million.
 
Total loans held-for-investment, net, increased $430.7 million to $2.37 billion at December 31, 2015, as compared to $1.94 billion at December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in originated loans held-for-investment, net, and loans acquired, partially offset by a decrease in PCI loans held-for-investment.
 
Originated loans held-for-investment, net, totaled $1.93 billion at December 31, 2015, as compared to $1.63 billion at December 31, 2014.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in multifamily real estate loans, which increased $246.3 million, or 23.0%, to $1.32 billion at December 31, 2015, from $1.07 billion at December 31, 2014. The following table details our multifamily originations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
Year ended December 31, 2015
Multifamily Originations
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
(F)ixed or (V)ariable
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change or Maturity for Fixed Rate Loans
 
Amortization Term
$
394,694

 
3.37%
 
60%
 
V
 
75
 
15 to 30 Years
5,829

 
4.01%
 
26%
 
F
 
180
 
15 Years
$
400,523

 
3.37%
 
59%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2014
Multifamily Originations
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
(F)ixed or (V)ariable
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change or Maturity for Fixed Rate Loans
 
Amortization Term
$
293,037

 
3.48%
 
59%
 
V
 
80
 
5 to 30 Years
5,710

 
4.57%
 
42%
 
F
 
172
 
2 to 15 Years
$
298,747

 
3.50%
 
59%
 
 
 
 
 
 

Acquired loans increased by $143.3 million to $409.0 million at December 31, 2015, from $265.7 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due to two loan pool purchases comprised of a $127.4 million pool of one-to-four family residential real estate loans and a $47.4 million pool of multifamily loans, partially offset by paydowns.


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The following table provides the details of the one-to-four family residential real estate loans purchased during the year ended December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

Purchases*
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change
 
Amortization Term
 
Amortization Type
$
49,345

 
2.49%
 
62%
 
44
 
30 Years
 
Fully amortizing
78,086

 
2.38%
 
59%
 
35
 
20 Years**
 
Delayed amortizing
$
127,431

 
2.42%
 
60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Balances are at time of purchase
** After an interest-only period for the first 10 years
The weighted average coupon of 2.42% noted in the above table is net of the servicing fee retained by the originating bank.  Of the total loans purchased, $78.1 million, or 61%, are interest-only for the first 10 years and will re-price in less than five years at one month LIBOR plus a weighted average margin of 1.6%; a floor rate is also included in the terms.  The remainder of the loan pools are scheduled to make principal and interest payments and will re-price in less than five years at one month LIBOR plus a weighted average margin of 1.9%, also with a floor rate included in the terms.  The geographic locations of the properties securing the loans are as follows: 62.5% in New York, 22.2% in Massachusetts, and 15.3% in other states.

The multifamily loans purchased have a weighted average interest rate of 3.37%, a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 41.1%, and an amortization term of 10 to 15 years. The loans are secured by properties geographically located in New York City.

The following table provides the details of the one-to-four family residential loans purchased in 2014 (dollars in thousands): 
Purchases*
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change
 
Amortization Term
 
Amortization Type
$
71,782

 
2.47%
 
67%
 
53
 
30 Years
 
Fully amortizing
114,692

 
2.57%
 
61%
 
51
 
20 Years**
 
Delayed amortizing
$
186,474

 
2.53%
 
63%
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Balances are at time of purchase
** After an interest-only period for the first 10 years
The weighted average coupon of 2.53% noted in the table above is net of the servicing fee retained by the originating bank. Of the total loans purchased, $114.7 million, or 62%, are interest-only for the initial 10 years and will re-price in less than five years at one month LIBOR plus a weighted average margin of 1.7%. The remainder of the loan pools are scheduled to make principal and interest payments and will re-price in less than five years at one month LIBOR plus a weighted average margin of 1.8%. The geographic locations of the properties securing the loans are as follows: 46.0% in New York, 30.5% in Massachusetts, and 23.5% in other states.

PCI loans, primarily acquired as part of an assisted transaction with the FDIC, totaled $33.1 million at December 31, 2015, as compared to $44.8 million at December 31, 2014.  The Company recorded accretion of interest income of $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $24.9 million, or 32.4%, to $51.9 million at December 31, 2015, from $76.7 million at December 31, 2014. Balances fluctuate based on the timing of receipt of security and loan repayments and the redeployment of cash into higher yielding assets, or the funding of deposit or borrowing obligations.

The securities available-for-sale portfolio totaled $541.6 million at December 31, 2015, compared to $771.2 million at December 31, 2014.  At December 31, 2015, $529.5 million of the portfolio consisted of residential mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae.  In addition, the Company held $11.0 million in corporate bonds, all of which were considered investment grade at December 31, 2015, and also held $481,000 of equity investments in money market mutual funds. The effective duration of the securities portfolio at December 31, 2015 was 4.12 years.

Securities held-to-maturity increased to $10.3 million at December 31, 2015, from $3.6 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due to purchases of securities, partially offset by principal payments.

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Bank owned life insurance increased $3.8 million, or 2.9%, to $132.8 million at December 31, 2015 from $129.0 million at December 31, 2014.  The increase was due to income earned in 2015.
 
FHLB of New York stock, at cost, decreased $3.4 million, or 11.7%, to $25.8 million at December 31, 2015, from $29.2 million at December 31, 2014. This decrease was attributable to a decrease in borrowings outstanding with the FHLB of New York over the same period.
 
Premises and equipment, net, decreased $2.6 million, or 9.8%, to $23.6 million at December 31, 2015, from $26.2 million at December 31, 2014.  This decrease was primarily attributable to depreciation expense of $3.4 million, partially offset by additions to leasehold improvements from the renovation of existing branches. 
 
Other real estate owned decreased $707,000 to $45,000 at December 31, 2015, from $752,000 at December 31, 2014.  This decrease was attributable to sales during the year. 

Deposits increased $432.3 million, or 26.7%, to $2.05 billion at December 31, 2015, from $1.62 billion at December 31, 2014. The increase was attributable to increases of $146.7 million in certificate of deposit accounts ($116.1 million of which were brokered deposits), $91.8 million in savings accounts, $107.2 million in money market accounts, and $86.5 million in transaction accounts.

Borrowings, consisting primarily of FHLB advances and repurchase agreements, decreased by $220.5 million, or 28.3%, to $558.1 million at December 31, 2015, from $778.7 million at December 31, 2014. Management utilizes borrowings to mitigate interest rate risk, for short-term liquidity to fund loan growth, and to a lesser extent as part of leverage strategies. The growth in deposits enabled the Company to reduce its borrowings in 2015.
 
Total stockholders’ equity decreased by $34.1 million to $559.8 million at December 31, 2015, from $593.9 million at December 31, 2014.  This decrease was primarily attributable to stock repurchases of $48.4 million, dividend payments of $12.2 million, and a $2.2 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and an $9.2 million increase in ESOP and stock compensation activity.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
 
Net Income.  Net income was $19.5 million and $20.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Significant variances from the prior year are as follows: a $5.7 million increase in net interest income, a $292,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $562,000 decrease in non-interest income, and a $6.1 million increase in non-interest expense.
 
Interest Income.  Interest income increased by $10.1 million, or 11.0%, to $101.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $91.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The increase was primarily due to a $335.1 million, or 13.0%, increase in average interest-earning assets, partially offset by a six basis point decline in the yields earned to 3.51% from 3.57% for the prior year. The increase in average interest-earning assets was due primarily to an increase in average loans outstanding of $520.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in average mortgage-backed securities of $176.5 million. The decline in yields was primarily due to lower rates earned on loans. The year ended December 31, 2015 included loan prepayment income of $2.1 million compared to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $4.3 million, or 28.2%, to $19.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in interest expense on deposits, resulting from a $396.4 million, or 31.5%, increase in the average balance of interest bearing deposits and a 20 basis point increase in the cost of interest bearing deposits to 0.63% from 0.43% for the prior year, due to higher rates offered on our deposit products to remain competitive.
 
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $5.7 million, or 7.5%, to $82.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $76.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was driven by a $335.1 million, or 13.0%, increase in average interest-earning assets, partially offset by a 14 basis point decrease in our net interest margin to 2.83% from 2.97% for the prior year. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2015, also was affected by an increase in interest expense, driven by a $402.5 million, or 21.8%, increase in our average interest-bearing liabilities. The cost

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of interest-bearing liabilities increased five basis points to 0.88% from 0.83% for the prior year, resulting from an increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by lower rates on borrowed funds.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses decreased $292,000, or 45.3%, to $353,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $645,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. While the loan portfolio has grown during the year, continued improvement in asset quality indicators, non-accrual trends, and general improvement in economic and business conditions, have helped lower the provision. Net charge-offs were $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to net charge-offs of $390,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increased level of charge-offs was primarily related to five previously impaired loans to one borrower that were restructured during the first quarter of 2015 and then subsequently sold in the fourth quarter of 2015. These loans had existing specific reserves associated with them that adequately covered the charge-offs, resulting in no significant effect on the provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2015.
 
Non-interest Income.    Non-interest income decreased $562,000, or 6.6%, to $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, due to decreases in fees and service charges for customer services of $128,000, income on bank owned life insurance of $135,000, and gains on securities transactions, net, of $566,000. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in other income of $267,000, primarily related to realized gains on sales of other real estate owned properties during the year ended December 31, 2015. Securities losses, net, in 2015 included losses of $396,000 related to the Company’s trading portfolio, while 2014 results included losses of $155,000 related to the Company’s trading portfolio.  The trading portfolio is utilized to fund the Company’s deferred compensation obligation to certain employees and directors of the Company's deferred compensation plan (the Plan). The participants of this Plan, at their election, defer a portion of their compensation. Gains and losses on trading securities have no effect on net income since participants benefit from, and bear the full risk of, changes in the trading securities market values. Therefore, the Company records an equal and offsetting amount in compensation expense, reflecting the change in the Company’s obligations under the Plan. 

Non-interest Expense  Non-interest expense increased $6.1 million, or 11.7%, to $58.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $52.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This was primarily due to a $3.6 million increase in compensation and employee benefits, primarily attributable to increased salary expense and equity compensation expense, related to equity awards issued in June 2014 and May 2015, a $423,000 increase in occupancy costs, attributable to higher rent and real estate taxes, a $579,000 increase in professional fees, primarily attributable to merger expenses associated with the Company's merger with Hopewell Valley, which was completed on January 8, 2016, and a $1.3 million increase in other expenses, largely due to an increase in Directors' equity awards. By comparison, non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, was favorably affected by a pre-tax gain of $937,000 related to the settlement of the former Flatbush Federal Savings & Loan Association pension plan.
 
Income Tax Expense.  The Company recorded income tax expense of $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $11.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015, was 38.0% compared to 36.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2015, included a deferred tax asset write-down of $795,000 related to New York City tax reforms enacted in April 2015, whereas the prior year included a deferred tax asset write-down of $570,000 related to New York State tax reforms enacted in March 2014. The year ended December 31, 2015, also included $574,000 in non-deductible merger related expenses.
 
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Net Income.  Net income was $20.3 million and $19.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Significant variances from the prior year are as follows: an $827,000 increase in net interest income, a $1.3 million decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $1.7 million decrease in non-interest income, a $1.8 million decrease in non-interest expense, and a $1.1 million increase in income tax expense.
 
Interest Income.  Interest income decreased by $769,000, or 0.8%, to $91.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to $92.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The decrease was primarily due to a six basis point decrease in yields earned on interest-earning assets to 3.57% from 3.63% for the prior year, partially offset by an increase in average interest-earning assets of $23.9 million, or 0.9%, from $2.54 billion at December 31, 2013, to $2.57 billion at December 31, 2014. The increase in average interest-earning assets was due primarily to an increase in average loans outstanding of $289.0 million, partially offset by a decrease in mortgage-backed securities of $217.7 million and other securities of $50.0 million. Generally, rates on all earning assets decreased due to the general decline in market interest rates for these asset types. The year-ended December 31, 2014 included loan prepayment income of $1.2 million compared to $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  

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Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased $1.6 million, or 9.4%, to $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The decrease was attributable to a decrease in interest expense on borrowings of $486,000, or 4.7%, and a decrease in interest expense on deposits of $1.1 million, or 17.1%.  The decrease in interest expense on borrowings was attributable to a decrease of 74 basis points in the average cost of borrowings to 1.69% from 2.43% for the prior year, reflecting lower market interest rates for borrowed funds, partially offset by an increase of $159.6 million, or 37.2%, in average borrowings outstanding. The decrease in interest expense on deposits was attributable to a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits of five basis points to 0.43% from 0.48% for the prior year, reflecting lower market interest rates for short-term deposits, as well as a decrease of $96.1 million, or 7.1%, in average interest-bearing deposits.  The decrease in average deposit balances was attributable to a decrease of $63.5 million in certificates of deposit and a decrease of $32.6 million in savings, NOW, and money market accounts.
 
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $827,000, or 1.1%, to $76.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $75.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was driven by a $23.9 million, or 0.9%, increase in average interest-earning assets and a 12 basis point decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 0.83% for the current year as compared to 0.95% for the prior year. Net interest margin remained level at 2.97%. The increase in average interest-earning assets was due primarily to an increase in average loans outstanding of $289.0 million partially offset by decreases in average mortgage-backed securities of $217.7 million and other securities of $50.0 million.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses decreased $1.3 million, or 66.5%, to $645,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to continued improvement in asset quality indicators, and to a lesser extent, the Company's PCI portfolio, which had a reversal of a previously recorded impairment, and lower originated loan growth of $280.3 million, or 20.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $286.0 million, or 26.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2013. Net charge-offs were $390,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to net charge-offs of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Non-interest Income.    Non-interest income decreased $1.7 million, or 16.7%, to $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $10.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  This decrease was primarily a result of a $3.0 million decrease in gains on securities, net, and a $331,000 decrease in other non-interest income, primarily related to the sale in 2013 of vacant land adjacent to a branch, partially offset by increases of $295,000 in income on bank owned life insurance and $891,000 in fees and service charges for customer services. Additionally, there were no other than temporary impairment charges in 2014, as compared to $434,000 in 2013. Securities gains, net, in 2014 included losses of $155,000 related to the Company’s trading portfolio, while 2013 included gains of $963,000 related to the Company’s trading portfolio, discussed above.  
Non-interest Expense  Non-interest expense decreased $1.8 million, or 3.4%, to $52.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $53.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  This was due primarily to a $947,000 decrease in compensation and employee benefits, attributable to the combined effects of a benefit recorded on the settlement of a pension plan acquired in the Flatbush Federal Bancorp, Inc. and Flatbush Federal Savings & Loan Association merger (the Flatbush merger) and a decrease in the mark-to-market expense adjustment related to the Company's deferred compensation plan which is described above, partially offset by increased health benefit costs. Additionally, there were decreases of $621,000 in data processing costs due to conversion costs related to the Flatbush merger, and $427,000 in professional fees, also related primarily to the Flatbush merger. These decreases were partially offset by a $498,000 increase in other expenses, primarily related to higher costs in respect of one PCI loan, and excise taxes recorded related to the settlement of the Flatbush pension plan noted above.
 
Income Tax Expense.  The Company recorded income tax expense of $11.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014, was 36.9%, as compared to 35.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013, as a result of higher pre-tax earnings and the deferred tax asset write-down of $570,000 related to the New York State tax law change enacted in the first quarter of 2014.

Average Balances and Yields

The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the years indicated.  No tax-equivalent yield adjustments have been made, as we had no tax-free interest-earning assets during the years.  All average balances are daily average balances based upon amortized costs.  Non-accrual loans are included in the computation of average balances.  The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts, and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or interest expense.


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For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average Outstanding Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield/ Rate
 
Average Outstanding Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield/ Rate
 
Average Outstanding Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield/ Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans (1)
$
2,149,011

 
$
87,179

 
4.06
%
 
$
1,628,325

 
$
73,407

 
4.51
%
 
$
1,339,348

 
$
68,472

 
5.11
%
Mortgage-backed securities (2)
620,653

 
12,982

 
2.09

 
797,146

 
16,861

 
2.12

 
1,014,856

 
21,920

 
2.16

Other securities(2)
42,017

 
328

 
0.78

 
79,879

 
604

 
0.76

 
129,908

 
1,459

 
1.12

FHLB of New York stock
25,484

 
1,149

 
4.51

 
21,349

 
772

 
3.62

 
13,905

 
536

 
3.85

Interest-earning deposits
66,017

 
120

 
0.18

 
41,373

 
57

 
0.14

 
46,156

 
83

 
0.18

Total interest-earning assets
2,903,182

 
101,758

 
3.51

 
2,568,072

 
91,701

 
3.57

 
2,544,173

 
92,470

 
3.63

Non-interest-earning assets
219,566

 
 
 
 
 
207,490

 
 
 
 
 
192,007

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
3,122,748

 
 
 
 
 
$
2,775,562

 
 
 
 
 
$
2,736,180

 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings, NOW, and money market accounts
$
1,140,508

 
4,957

 
0.43

 
$
950,234

 
2,211

 
0.23

 
$
982,825

 
2,635

 
0.27

Certificates of deposit
512,977

 
5,466

 
1.07

 
306,803

 
3,180

 
1.04

 
370,351

 
3,866

 
1.04

Total interest-bearing deposits
1,653,485

 
10,423

 
0.63

 
1,257,037

 
5,391

 
0.43

 
1,353,176

 
6,501

 
0.48

Borrowings
594,926

 
9,265

 
1.56

 
588,890

 
9,961

 
1.69

 
429,332

 
10,447

 
2.43

Total interest-bearing liabilities
2,248,411

 
19,688

 
0.88

 
1,845,927

 
15,352

 
0.83

 
1,782,508

 
16,948

 
0.95

Non-interest-bearing deposits
262,318

 
 
 
 
 
236,425

 
 
 
 
 
222,832

 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses and other  liabilities
39,936

 
 
 
 
 
33,911

 
 
 
 
 
22,176

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
2,550,665

 
 
 
 
 
2,116,263

 
 
 
 
 
2,027,516

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
572,083

 
 
 
 
 
659,299

 
 
 
 
 
708,664

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
3,122,748

 
 
 
 
 
$
2,775,562

 
 
 
 
 
$
2,736,180

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
82,070

 
 
 
 
 
$
76,349

 
 
 
 
 
$
75,522

 
 
Net interest rate spread (3)
 
 
 
 
2.63
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.74
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.68
%
Net interest-earning assets (4)
$
654,771

 
 
 
 
 
$
722,145

 
 
 
 
 
$
761,665

 
 
 
 
Net interest margin (5)
 
 
 
 
2.83
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.97
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.97
%
Average interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
129.12
%
 
 
 
 
 
139.12
%
 
 
 
 
 
142.73
%
 
 
 
(1)
Includes non-accruing loans.
(2)
Securities available-for-sale are reported at amortized cost.
(3)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average rate of interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)
Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
(5)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

Rate/Volume Analysis
 
The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the years indicated.  The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume).  The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate).  The total column represents the sum of the prior columns.  For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume. 

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Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
Increase
 
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
Increase
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
(Decrease)
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
$
20,051

 
$
(6,279
)
 
$
13,772

 
$
10,868

 
$
(5,933
)
 
$
4,935

Mortgage-backed securities
(3,694
)
 
(185
)
 
(3,879
)
 
(4,613
)
 
(446
)
 
(5,059
)
Other securities
(296
)
 
20

 
(276
)
 
(464
)
 
(391
)
 
(855
)
FHLB of New York stock
166

 
211

 
377

 
266

 
(30
)
 
236

Interest-earning deposits
41

 
22

 
63

 
(8
)
 
(18
)
 
(26
)
Total interest-earning assets
16,268

 
(6,211
)
 
10,057

 
6,049

 
(6,818
)
 
(769
)
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings, NOW and money market accounts
504

 
2,242

 
2,746

 
(78
)
 
(346
)
 
(424
)
Certificates of deposit
2,205

 
81

 
2,286

 
(686
)
 

 
(686
)
Total deposits
2,709

 
2,323

 
5,032

 
(764
)
 
(346
)
 
(1,110
)
Borrowings
105

 
(801
)
 
(696
)
 
(2,691
)
 
2,205

 
(486
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
2,814

 
1,522

 
4,336

 
(3,455
)
 
1,859

 
(1,596
)
Change in net interest income
$
13,454

 
$
(7,733
)
 
$
5,721

 
$
9,504

 
$
(8,677
)
 
$
827

 
Asset Quality
 
Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans
 
PCI loans are recorded at estimated fair value using discounted expected future cash flows deemed to be collectible on the date acquired. Based on its detailed review of PCI loans and experience in loan workouts, management believes it has a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of future cash flows and accordingly has classified PCI loans ($33.1 million at December 31, 2015) as accruing, even though they may be contractually past due.  At December 31, 2015, 7.9% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 21.4% were past due 90 days or more, as compared to 7.8% and 24.1%, respectively, at December 31, 2014.  The amount and timing of expected cash flows as of December 31, 2015 did not change significantly from our last recast during the fourth quarter of 2015.
 
Originated and Acquired Loans

The discussion that follows includes originated and acquired loans, both held-for-investment and held-for-sale.
 
General.  Maintaining loan quality historically has been, and will continue to be, a key element of our business strategy.  We employ conservative underwriting standards for new loan originations and maintain sound credit administration practices while the loans are outstanding.  In addition, substantially all of our loans are secured, predominantly by real estate.  At December 31, 2015, our non-performing loans totaled $8.8 million, or 0.37%, of total loans held-for-investment.  At the same time, net charge-offs have remained low at 0.09% of average loans outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to 0.02% for the year ended December 31, 2014, and 0.17% for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Net charge-offs in 2013 included $856,000 related to the transfer of $2.4 million of loans from held-for-investment to held-for-sale and $1.3 million related to the transfer of $1.6 million of loans held-for-investment to held-for-sale in 2012.


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Non-performing Assets and Delinquent Loans.  The following table details non-performing assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Non-accrual loans:
 
 
 
Held-for-investment
$
4,456

 
$
4,332

Non-accruing loans subject to restructuring agreements:
 
 
 
Held-for-investment
4,351

 
9,543

Total non-accruing loans
8,807

 
13,875

Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing:
 
 
 
Held-for-investment
15

 
708

Total non-performing loans
8,822

 
14,583

Other real estate owned
45

 
752

Total non-performing assets
$
8,867

 
$
15,335

 
 
 
 
Loans subject to restructuring agreements and still accruing
$
22,284

 
$
24,213

Accruing loans 30 to 89 days delinquent
$
21,620

 
$
12,253

 
The following table details non-performing loans by loan type at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):  

 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Non-accrual loans:
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
5,232

 
$
11,164

One-to-four family residential
2,574

 
2,205

Construction and land
113

 

Multifamily
559

 

Home equity and lines of credit
329

 
98

Commercial and industrial

 
408

Total non-accrual loans:
8,807

 
13,875

Loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing:
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential

 
708

Commercial and industrial
15

 

Total loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing
15

 
708

Total non-performing loans
$
8,822

 
$
14,583


Generally, loans, excluding PCI loans, are placed on non-accruing status when they become 90 days or more delinquent, and remain on non-accrual status until they are brought current, have six consecutive months of performance under the loan terms, and factors indicating reasonable doubt about the timely collection of payments no longer exist.  Therefore, loans may be current in accordance with their loan terms, or may be less than 90 days delinquent and still be on a non-accruing status. 
    
The decrease in non-accrual loans from $13.9 million at December 31, 2014, to $8.8 million at December 31, 2015, is primarily due to five previously impaired loans to one borrower that were restructured during the first quarter of 2015 and then subsequently sold in the fourth quarter of 2015. These loans had an aggregate balance of $7.2 million ($5.3 million, net of reserves) at December 31, 2014.
 
 The following table sets forth the total amounts of delinquencies for accruing loans that were 30 to 89 days past due by type and by amount at the dates indicated (in thousands):    

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December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
13,957

 
$
6,492

One-to-four family residential
4,209

 
4,353

Multifamily
2,965

 
1,090

Home equity and lines of credit
374

 
135

Commercial and industrial loans
104

 
122

Other loans
11

 
60

 
$
21,620

 
$
12,252

 
The increase in the delinquent loans was primarily attributable to one commercial real estate loan with a balance of $5.6 million that was 31 days delinquent and classified as an accruing TDR at December 31, 2015. Based on the results of the impairment analysis for this loan as of December 31, 2015, no impairment reserve was necessary as the loan is adequately covered by collateral (a hotel and catering hall in Central New Jersey) with an estimated fair value of approximately $7.6 million. As of December 31, 2015, the borrower was paying on a regular, but delayed basis.

Included in non-accruing loans are loans subject to restructuring agreements totaling $4.4 million and $9.5 million at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  At December 31, 2015, $2.3 million, or 53.2%, of the $4.4 million of loans subject to restructuring agreements were not performing in accordance with their restructured terms as compared to the entire $9.5 million at December 31, 2014.  Two separate relationships account for the loans not performing in accordance with their restructured terms at December 31, 2015. These loans are primarily collateralized by real estate with an aggregate appraised value of $2.6 million.

The Company also holds loans subject to restructuring agreements that are on accrual status, which totaled $22.3 million and $24.2 million at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  At December 31, 2015, loans totaling $7.2 million, or 32.3%, of the $22.3 million were not performing in accordance with their restructured terms as compared to $1.6 million, or 6.6% of the $24.2 million at December 31, 2014. The majority of the $7.2 million is attributable to one commercial real estate loan with a balance of $5.6 million which was 31 days delinquent at December 31, 2015. Based on the results of the impairment analysis for this loan as of December 31, 2015, no impairment reserve was necessary as the loan is adequately covered by collateral (a hotel and catering hall in Central New Jersey) with an estimated fair value of approximately $7.6 million. At December 31, 2015, the borrower was paying on a regular, but delayed basis. At December 31, 2015, loans totaling $2.3 million, or 53.2%, of the non-accruing $4.4 million TDRs were not performing in accordance with their restructured terms. Two separate relationships account for these loans, which are primarily collateralized by real estate with an aggregate appraised value of $2.6 million. Generally, the types of concessions that we make to troubled borrowers include reductions to both temporary and permanent interest rates, extensions of payment terms, and to a lesser extent forgiveness of principal and interest. 
 
The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of the TDRs as of December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):  
 
At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Non-Accruing
 
Accruing
 
Non-Accruing
 
Accruing
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
2,657

 
$
17,885

 
$
9,135

 
$
19,570

One-to-four family residential
1,694

 
2,053

 

 
1,927

Multifamily

 
1,876

 

 
1,990

Home equity and lines of credit

 
354

 

 
327

Commercial and industrial loans

 
116

 
408

 
399

 
$
4,351

 
$
22,284

 
$
9,543

 
$
24,213


Allowance for loan losses.    The allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans (held-for-investment) increased from 180.29% at December 31, 2014, to 280.78% at December 31, 2015.  This increase was primarily attributable to a decrease in non-performing loans of $5.8 million, from $14.6 million at December 31, 2014, to $8.8 million at December 31, 2015.  All

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of the appraisals utilized for our impairment analysis at December 31, 2015 were completed within the last 12 months. Generally, non-performing loans are charged down to the appraised value of collateral less costs to sell, which reduces the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans.  Downward adjustments to appraisal values, primarily to reflect “quick sale” discounts, are generally recorded as specific reserves within the allowance for loan losses. 
 
The allowance for loan losses to originated loans held-for-investment, net, decreased to 1.24% at December 31, 2015, from 1.58% at December 31, 2014.  The decrease in the allowance for loan losses was primarily attributable to continued improvement in asset quality indicators, non-accrual trends, and general improvement in business and economic conditions. Net charge-offs were $1.9 million and $390,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, compared to a provision of $353,000 and $645,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Specific reserves on impaired loans decreased $1.9 million, or 68.4%, from $2.8 million, at December 31, 2014, to $889,000 at December 31, 2015.  The decrease was primarily attributable to five previously impaired loans to one borrower that were restructured during the first quarter of 2015 and then subsequently sold in the fourth quarter of 2015. These loans had an aggregate specific reserve of $1.9 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, the Company had 42 loans classified as impaired and recorded a total of $889,000 of specific reserves on 22 of the 42 impaired loans.  At December 31, 2014, the Company had 32 loans classified as impaired and recorded a total of $2.8 million of specific reserves on 15 of the 32 impaired loans.
 
The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses, by loan type, at December 31, for the years indicated (in thousands):  
 
Real estate loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
One-to-four Family Residential
 
Construction and Land
 
Multifamily
 
Home Equity and Lines of Credit
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Insurance Premium Loans
 
Other
 
PCI
 
Acquired
 
Unallocated
 
Total Allowance for Loan Losses
2012
$
14,480

 
$
623

 
$
994

 
$
7,086

 
$
623

 
$
1,160

 
$
3

 
$
18

 
$
236

 
$

 
$
1,201

 
$
26,424

Provision for loan losses
(654
)
 
648

 
(1,356
)
 
2,945

 
728

 
(557
)
 
(3
)
 
1

 
352

 

 
(177
)
 
1,927

Recoveries
1

 
18

 
567

 

 

 
201

 

 
73

 

 

 

 
860

Charge-offs
(1,208
)
 
(414
)
 

 
(657
)
 
(491
)
 
(379
)
 

 
(25
)
 

 

 

 
(3,174
)
2013
12,619

 
875

 
205

 
9,374

 
860

 
425

 

 
67

 
588

 

 
1,024

 
26,037

Provision for loan losses
(3,279
)
 
134

 
(185
)
 
2,817

 
530

 
543

 

 
26

 
(188
)
 
62

 
185

 
645

Recoveries
72

 

 
246

 
35

 

 
8

 

 
41

 

 


 

 
402

Charge-offs
(103
)
 
(58
)
 

 
(7
)
 
(489
)
 
(135
)
 

 

 

 


 

 
(792
)
2014
9,309

 
951

 
266

 
12,219

 
901

 
841

 

 
134

 
400

 
62

 
1,209

 
26,292

Provision for loan losses
(774
)
 
93

 
(5
)
 
263

 
(33
)
 
484

 

 
5

 
383

 
53

 
(116
)
 
353

Recoveries
2

 
20

 

 
25

 
42

 
34

 

 
17

 

 

 

 
140

Charge-offs
(1,431
)
 
(277
)
 

 
(120
)
 
(115
)
 
(71
)
 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 
(2,015
)
2015
$
7,106

 
$
787

 
$
261

 
$
12,387

 
$
795

 
$
1,288

 
$

 
$
155

 
$
783

 
$
115

 
$
1,093

 
$
24,770

 
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded net charge-offs of $1.9 million, an increase of $1.5 million, as compared to net charge-offs of $390,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The increase in net charge-offs was primarily attributable to a $1.4 million increase in net charge-offs related to commercial real estate loans, the majority of which was related to five previously impaired loans to one borrower that were restructured during the first quarter of 2015 and then subsequently sold in the fourth quarter of 2015. In general, as a result of continued improvement in asset quality indicators, non-accrual trends and improvement in business and economic conditions, the allowance for loan losses in most loan categories decreased in 2015 as compared to 2014. The allowance for loan losses related to multifamily loans, commercial and industrial loans, and acquired loans increased due to growth in the portfolios. The increase in the allowance for PCI loans was attributable to the annual recasting of PCI cash flows.




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Management of Market Risk
 
General.  A majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk. Our assets, consisting primarily of mortgage-related assets and loans, generally have longer maturities than our liabilities, which consist primarily of deposits and wholesale borrowings. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy involves managing interest rate risk and limiting the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, our board of directors has established a management risk committee, comprised of our Chief Investment Officer, who chairs this Committee, our Chief Executive Officer, our President/Chief Operating Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, our Chief Lending Officer, and our Executive Vice President of Operations. This committee is responsible for, among other things, evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for recommending to the risk management committee of our board of directors the level of risk that is appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the board of directors.
 
We seek to manage our interest rate risk in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates.  As part of our ongoing asset-liability management, we currently use the following strategies to manage our interest rate risk:

originating multifamily loans and commercial real estate loans that generally tend to have shorter maturities than one-to-four family residential real estate loans and have higher interest rates that generally reset from five to ten years;
investing in shorter term investment grade corporate securities and mortgage-backed securities; and
obtaining general financing through lower-cost core deposits and longer-term FHLB advances and repurchase agreements.
 
Shortening the average term of our interest-earning assets by increasing our investments in shorter-term assets, as well as originating loans with variable interest rates, helps to match the maturities and interest rates of our assets and liabilities better, thereby reducing the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates.
 
Net Portfolio Value Analysis.  We compute amounts by which the net present value of our assets and liabilities (net portfolio value or NPV) would change in the event market interest rates changed over an assumed range of rates.  Our simulation model uses a discounted cash flow analysis to measure the interest rate sensitivity of NPV.  Depending on current market interest rates, we estimate the economic value of these assets and liabilities under the assumption that interest rates experience an instantaneous and sustained increase of 100, 200, 300, or 400 basis points, or a decrease of 100 and 200 basis points, which is based on the current interest rate environment.  A basis point equals one-hundredth of one percent, and 100 basis points equals one percent.  An increase in interest rates from 3% to 4% would mean, for example, a 100 basis point increase in the “Change in Interest Rates” column below. 
 
Net Interest Income Analysis.  In addition to NPV calculations, we analyze our sensitivity to changes in interest rates through our net interest income model.  Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.  In our model, we estimate what our net interest income would be for a twelve-month period.  Depending on current market interest rates we then calculate what the net interest income would be for the same period under the assumption that interest rates experience an instantaneous and sustained increase or decrease of 100, 200, 300, or 400 basis points, or a decrease of 100 and 200 basis points, which is based on the current interest rate environment.

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2015, our calculation of the estimated changes in our NPV, NPV ratio, and percent change in net interest income that would result from the designated instantaneous and sustained changes in interest rates (dollars in thousands).  Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit repricing characteristics including decay rates, and correlations to movements in interest rates, and should not be relied on as indicative of actual results.

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NPV at December 31, 2015
 
 
Change in Interest Rates (basis points)
 
Estimated Present Value of Assets
 
Estimated Present Value of Liabilities
 
Estimated NPV
 
Estimated Change In NPV
 
Estimated Change in NPV %
 
Estimated NPV/Present Value of Assets Ratio
 
Net Interest Income Percent Change
400
 
$
2,831,359

 
$
2,325,221

 
$
506,138

 
$
(177,510
)
 
(25.97
)%
 
17.88
%
 
(19.87
)%
300
 
2,919,176

 
2,375,931

 
543,245

 
(140,403
)
 
(20.54
)
 
18.61

 
(14.74
)%
200
 
3,015,892

 
2,428,896

 
586,996

 
(96,652
)
 
(14.14
)
 
19.46

 
(9.61
)%
100
 
3,116,363

 
2,484,252

 
632,111

 
(51,537
)
 
(7.54
)
 
20.28

 
(4.73
)%
 
3,225,792

 
2,542,144

 
683,648

 

 

 
21.19

 
 %
(100)
 
3,364,070

 
2,606,262

 
757,808

 
74,160

 
10.85

 
22.53

 
0.77
 %
(200)
 
3,541,395

 
2,659,965

 
881,430

 
197,782

 
28.93

 
24.89

 
(0.84
)%
.
 
 
 
(1)
Assumes an instantaneous and sustained uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.
(2)
NPV includes non-interest earning assets and liabilities.
 
The table above indicates that at December 31, 2015, in the event of a 200 basis point decrease in interest rates, we would experience a 28.9% increase in estimated net portfolio value and a 0.8% decrease in net interest income.  In the event of a 400 basis point increase in interest rates, we would experience a 26.0% decrease in net portfolio value and a 19.9% decrease in net interest income.  Our policies provide that, in the event of a 200 basis point decrease or less in interest rates, our net present value ratio should decrease by no more than 400 basis points and in the event of a 400 basis point increase or less, our net present value should decrease by no more than 750 basis points. In the event of a 200 basis point decrease or less, our projected net interest income should decrease by no more than 15% in year one, and in the event of a 400 basis point increase or less, our projected net interest income should decrease by no more than 37% in year one.  Additionally, our policy states that our net portfolio value should be at least between 8% and 10% of total assets before and after such shock. However, when the federal funds rate is low and negative rate shocks do not produce meaningful results, management may temporarily suspend use of guidelines for negative rate shocks. At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all board approved policies with respect to interest rate risk management.
 
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in determining interest rate risk through changes in net portfolio value and net interest income.  Our model requires us to make certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates.  However, we also apply consistent parallel yield curve shifts (in both directions) to determine possible changes in net interest income if the theoretical yield curve shifts occurred gradually.  Net interest income analysis also adjusts the asset and liability repricing analysis based on changes in prepayment rates resulting from the parallel yield curve shifts.  In addition, the net portfolio value and net interest income information presented assume that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assume that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities.  Accordingly, although interest rate risk calculations provide an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net portfolio value or net interest income and will differ from actual results.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity is the ability to fund assets and meet obligations as they come due.  Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan repayments, borrowings through repurchase agreements and advances from money center banks and the FHLB of New York, and repayments, maturities and sales of securities.  While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are reasonably predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition.  Our board risk committee is responsible for establishing and monitoring our liquidity targets and strategies in order to ensure that sufficient liquidity exists for meeting the borrowing needs and withdrawals of deposits by our customers as well as unanticipated contingencies.  We seek to maintain a ratio of liquid assets (not subject to pledge or encumbered) as a percentage of deposits and borrowings of 35% or greater.  At December 31, 2015, this ratio was 36.12%.  We believe that we had sufficient sources of liquidity to satisfy our short- and long-term liquidity needs at December 31, 2015.
 
We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets based on our assessment of: 
expected loan demand; 

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expected deposit flows;
yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities; and
the objectives of our asset/liability management program. 
 
Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents, corporate bonds, and unpledged mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac, that we can either borrow against or sell.  We also have the ability to surrender bank owned life insurance contracts.  The surrender of these contracts would subject the Company to income taxes and penalties for increases in the cash surrender values over the original premium payments. 
 
The Company had the following primary sources of liquidity at December 31, 2015 (in thousands): 
Cash and cash equivalents
$51,853
Corporate bonds
11,011
Unpledged multifamily loans
570,300
Unpledged mortgage-backed securities (Issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac)
128,500
 
At December 31, 2015, we had $18.4 million in outstanding loan commitments.  In addition, we had $69.4 million in unused lines of credit to borrowers.  Certificates of deposit due within one year of December 31, 2015, totaled $222.4 million, or 10.8% of total deposits.  If these deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including loan sales, securities sales, other deposit products, including replacement certificates of deposit, securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements), and advances from the FHLB of New York and other borrowing sources.  Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit due on December 31, 2015.  Based on experience, we believe that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with us, and we have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.
 
We have a detailed contingency funding plan that is reviewed and reported to the board risk committee at least quarterly.  This plan includes monitoring cash on a daily basis to determine the liquidity needs of the Bank.  Additionally,  management performs a stress test on the Bank’s retail deposits and wholesale funding sources in several scenarios on a quarterly basis.  The stress scenarios include deposit attrition of up to 50%, and selling our securities available-for-sale portfolio at a discount of 20% to its current estimated fair value.  The Bank continues to maintain significant liquidity under all stress scenarios. 
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. is a separate legal entity from Northfield Bank and must provide for its own liquidity to fund dividend payments, stock repurchases, and other corporate risk factors. The Company’s primary source of liquidity is the receipt of dividend payments from the Bank in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and proceeds from the stock offering. At December 31, 2015, Northfield Bancorp, Inc. (unconsolidated) had liquid assets of $22.5 million.
 
Northfield Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements, including a risk-based capital measure.  The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories.  At December 31, 2015, Northfield Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.  See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation” and Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
 
Commitments.    As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, and unused lines of credit.  While these contractual obligations represent our potential future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon.  Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process applicable to loans we originate.  In addition, we routinely enter into commitments to sell mortgage loans; such amounts are not significant to our operations.  For additional information, see Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

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Contractual Obligations.  In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations.  Such obligations include leases for premises and equipment, agreements with respect to borrowed funds and deposit liabilities, and agreements with respect to investments.
 
The following table summarizes our significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations and other funding needs by payment date at December 31, 2015 (in thousands).  The payment amounts represent those amounts due to the recipient and do not include any unamortized premiums or discounts or other similar carrying amount adjustments.
 
 
Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations
 
Less Than  One Year
 
One to Three Years
 
Three to Five Years
 
More Than Five Years
 
Total
Borrowings (1)
 
$
139,900

 
$
307,718

 
$
103,502

 
$

 
$
551,120

Floating rate advances
 
7,272

 

 

 

 
7,272

Operating leases
 
4,294

 
7,990

 
6,915

 
26,645

 
45,844

Capitalized leases
 
247

 
516

 
44

 

 
807

Certificates of deposit
 
222,419

 
124,037

 
153,399

 
13

 
499,868

Total
 
$
374,132

 
$
440,261

 
$
263,860

 
$
26,658

 
$
1,104,911

Commitments to extend credit (2)
 
$
87,814

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
87,814

(1)
Includes repurchase agreements, FHLB of New York advances, and accrued interest payable at December 31, 2015.
(2)
Includes unused lines of credit which are assumed to be funded within the year.  
  
Recent Accounting Standards and Interpretations

See Note 1 (s) of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
    
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
 
Our consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  U.S. GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration for changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.  The effect of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations.  Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature.  As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater effect on our performance than inflation.

ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
For information regarding market risk see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Management of Market Risk.”
 
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Northfield Bancorp, Inc., and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 15, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 15, 2016

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.:
 
We have audited Northfield Bancorp, Inc.'s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Northfield Bancorp, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, and our report dated March 15, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 15, 2016

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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
At December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
15,324

 
$
14,967

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions
36,529

 
61,742

Total cash and cash equivalents
51,853

 
76,709

Trading securities
6,713

 
6,422

Securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value
(encumbered $65,051 at December 31, 2015 and $216,262 at December 31, 2014)
541,595

 
771,239

Securities held-to-maturity,
(estimated fair value of $10,369 at December 31, 2015 and $3,691 at December 31, 2014) (encumbered $5,619 at December 31, 2015 and $2,114 at December 31, 2014)
10,346

 
3,609

Purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans held-for-investment
33,115

 
44,816

Loans acquired
409,015

 
265,685

Originated loans held-for-investment, net
1,931,585

 
1,632,494

Loans held-for-investment, net
2,373,715

 
1,942,995

Allowance for loan losses
(24,770
)
 
(26,292
)
Net loans held-for-investment
2,348,945

 
1,916,703

Accrued interest receivable
8,263

 
8,015

Bank owned life insurance
132,782

 
129,015

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of New York stock, at cost
25,803

 
29,219

Premises and equipment, net
23,643

 
26,226

Goodwill
16,159

 
16,159

Other real estate owned
45

 
752

Other assets
36,437

 
36,801

Total assets
$
3,202,584

 
$
3,020,869

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
LIABILITIES:
 

 
 

Deposits
$
2,052,929

 
$
1,620,665

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
63,000

 
203,200

Other borrowings
495,129

 
575,458

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
10,862

 
7,792

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
20,885

 
19,826

Total liabilities
2,642,805

 
2,426,941

 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value: 150,000,000 shares authorized, 58,226,326 shares issued at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 45,565,540 and 48,402,083 outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively
582

 
582

Additional paid-in-capital
501,540

 
499,606

Unallocated common stock held by employee stock ownership plan
(24,664
)
 
(25,782
)
Retained earnings
256,170

 
248,908

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(2,986
)
 
(765
)
Treasury stock at cost; 12,660,786 and 9,824,243 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively
(170,863
)
 
(128,621
)
Total stockholders’ equity
559,779

 
593,928

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
3,202,584

 
$
3,020,869

 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 
Years ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
$
87,179

 
$
73,407

 
$
68,472

Mortgage-backed securities
12,982

 
16,861

 
21,920

Other securities
328

 
604

 
1,459

FHLB of New York dividends
1,149

 
772

 
536

Deposits in other financial institutions
120

 
57

 
83

Total interest income
101,758

 
91,701

 
92,470

Interest expense:
 
 
 

 
 

Deposits
10,423

 
5,391

 
6,501

Borrowings
9,265

 
9,961

 
10,447

Total interest expense
19,688

 
15,352

 
16,948

Net interest income
82,070

 
76,349

 
75,522

Provision for loan losses
353

 
645

 
1,927

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
81,717

 
75,704

 
73,595

Non-interest income:
 

 
 

 
 

Fees and service charges for customer services
3,945

 
4,073

 
3,182

Income on bank owned life insurance
3,767

 
3,902

 
3,607

(Losses)/gains on securities transactions, net
(339
)
 
227

 
3,217

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 

 
(434
)
Other
525

 
258

 
589

Total non-interest income
7,898

 
8,460

 
10,161

Non-interest expense:
 

 
 

 
 

Compensation and employee benefits
29,760

 
26,195

 
27,142

Occupancy
10,039

 
9,616

 
9,709

Furniture and equipment
1,428

 
1,636

 
1,751

Data processing
3,802

 
3,680

 
4,301

Professional fees
3,037

 
2,458

 
2,885

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance
1,550

 
1,306

 
1,432

Other
8,493

 
7,151

 
6,653

Total non-interest expense
58,109

 
52,042

 
53,873

Income before income tax expense
31,506

 
32,122

 
29,883

Income tax expense
11,975

 
11,856

 
10,736

Net income
$
19,531

 
$
20,266

 
$
19,147

Net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.46

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.35

Diluted
$
0.45

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
42,285,712

 
49,006,129

 
54,637,680

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
43,478,481

 
50,032,259

 
55,560,309

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


69

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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - (Continued)
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income
$
19,531

 
$
20,266

 
$
19,147

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities
$
(3,676
)
 
$
8,535

 
$
(37,449
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (included in (losses)gains on securities transactions, net)
(57
)
 
(382
)
 
(2,254
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains
(3,733
)
 
8,153

 
(39,703
)
Post-retirement benefits adjustment
21

 
(1,689
)
 
1,134

Reclassification adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) included in net income (included OTTI losses on securities)

 

 
434

Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax
(3,712
)
 
6,464

 
(38,135
)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to net unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities
1,476

 
(3,408
)
 
14,980

Income tax expense related to reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
23

 
153

 
902

Income tax (expense) benefit related to post retirement benefits adjustment
(8
)
 
676

 
(454
)
Income tax benefit related to reclassification adjustment for OTTI impairment included in net income

 

 
(174
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(2,221
)
 
3,885

 
(22,881
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
17,310

 
$
24,151

 
$
(3,734
)





































See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

70

Table of Contents

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
 
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Outstanding
 
 Par Value
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Unallocated Common Stock Held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) Net of tax
 
Treasury Stock
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Balance at December 31, 2012
41,486,819

 
$
469

 
$
230,253

 
$
(13,965
)
 
$
249,892

 
$
18,231

 
$
(70,007
)
 
$
414,873

Net income
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
19,147

 
 

 
 

 
19,147

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(22,881
)
 
 

 
(22,881
)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) shares allocated or committed to be released
 

 
 

 
484

 
1,204

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
1,688

Stock compensation expense
 

 
 

 
3,349

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
3,349

Additional tax benefit on equity awards
 

 
 

 
296

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
296

Common stock issued to complete merger
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Merger of Northfield Bancorp, MHC
(24,641,684
)
 
(246
)
 
370

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
124

Exchange of common stock
(16,845,135
)
 
(169
)
 
169

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Treasury stock retired
 
 
(54
)
 
(69,953
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
70,007

 

Proceeds of stock offering, net of costs
56,777,462

 
568

 
329,396

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
329,964

Purchase of common stock by ESOP
1,422,357

 
14

 
14,224

 
(14,224
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
14

Exercise of stock options
26,507

 
 

 
21

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
21

Cash dividends declared ($0.49 per common share)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(26,859
)
 
 

 
 

 
(26,859
)
Treasury stock (average cost of $12.09 per share)
(300,093
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(3,628
)
 
(3,628
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
57,926,233

 
$
582

 
$
508,609

 
$
(26,985
)
 
$
242,180

 
$
(4,650
)
 
$
(3,628
)
 
$
716,108

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20,266

 
 
 
 
 
20,266

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,885

 
 
 
3,885

ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released
 
 
 
 
645

 
1,203

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,848

Stock compensation expense
 
 
 
 
2,805

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,805

Additional tax benefit on equity awards
 
 
 
 
390

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
390

Issuance of restricted stock
991,200

 
 
 
(12,633
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,633

 

Exercise of stock options
146,833

 
 
 
(210
)
 
 
 
(654
)
 
 
 
1,076

 
212

Cash dividends declared ($0.26 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(12,884
)
 
 
 
 
 
(12,884
)
Treasury stock (average cost of $13.00 per share)
(10,662,183
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(138,702
)
 
(138,702
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
48,402,083

 
582

 
499,606

 
(25,782
)
 
248,908

 
(765
)
 
(128,621
)
 
593,928

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,531

 
 
 
 
 
19,531

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,221
)
 
 
 
(2,221
)
ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released
 
 
 
 
1,010

 
1,118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,128

Stock compensation expense
 
 
 
 
6,763

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,763

Additional tax benefit on equity awards
 
 
 
 
122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
122

Net issuance of restricted stock
387,280

 
 
 
(5,190
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,190

 

Exercise of stock options
81,789

 
 
 
(771
)
 
 
 
(85
)
 
 
 
1,014

 
158

Cash dividends declared ($0.28 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(12,184
)
 
 
 
 
 
(12,184
)
Treasury stock (average cost of $14.66 per share)
(3,305,612
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(48,446
)
 
(48,446
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
45,565,540

 
582

 
501,540

 
(24,664
)
 
256,170

 
(2,986
)
 
(170,863
)
 
559,779

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

71

Table of Contents

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
19,531

 
$
20,266

 
$
19,147

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
353

 
645

 
1,927

ESOP and stock compensation expense
8,891

 
4,653

 
5,037

Depreciation
3,385

 
3,640

 
3,634

Amortization of premiums, and deferred loan costs, net of (accretion) of discounts, and deferred loan fees
1,800

 
1,695

 
1,949

Amortization of intangible assets
210

 
416

 
440

Income on bank owned life insurance
(3,767
)
 
(3,902
)
 
(3,607
)
Gain on sale of premises and equipment and other real estate owned, net
(282
)
 

 
(397
)
Net gain on sale of loans held-for-sale
(4
)
 
(79
)
 
(60
)
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale
2,392

 
1,707

 
12,726

Origination of loans held-for-sale
(2,388
)
 
(1,157
)
 
(3,986
)
Losses (gains) on securities transactions, net
339

 
(227
)
 
(3,217
)
Net impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings

 

 
434

Net purchases of trading securities
(687
)
 
(579
)
 
(358
)
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable
(248
)
 
122

 
17

Decrease (increase) in other assets
3,359

 
(2,948
)
 
978

Deferred taxes
(1,632
)
 
(1,167
)
 
(4,033
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities
1,059

 
2,625

 
(623
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
32,311

 
25,710

 
30,008

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in loans receivable
(246,562
)
 
(267,912
)
 
(253,145
)
Purchase of loans
(186,876
)
 
(186,475
)
 

Redemption (purchase) of FHLB of New York stock, net
3,416

 
(11,703
)
 
(4,966
)
Purchases of securities available-for-sale

 
(436
)
 
(289,562
)
Principal payments and maturities on securities available-for-sale
173,923

 
161,650

 
331,536

Principal payments and maturities on securities held-to-maturity
870

 
442

 

Purchases of securities held-to-maturity
(7,657
)
 
(4,066
)
 

Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale
51,148

 
11,975

 
259,551

Purchase of bank owned life insurance

 

 
(28,464
)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment and other real estate owned
918

 
418

 
519

Purchases and improvements of premises and equipment
(802
)
 
(809
)
 
(2,916
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(211,622
)
 
(296,916
)
 
12,553

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
432,264

 
127,976

 
(174,617
)
Dividends paid
(12,184
)
 
(12,884
)
 
(26,859
)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock

 

 
54,648

Merger of Northfield Bancorp, MHC

 

 
124

Purchase of common stock for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

 

 
(14,224
)
Exercise of stock options
158

 
212

 
21

Purchase of treasury stock
(48,446
)
 
(138,702
)
 
(3,628
)
Additional tax benefit on equity awards
122

 
390

 
296

Increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
3,070

 
1,351

 
2,953

Repayments under capital lease obligations
(179
)
 
(272
)
 
(289
)
Proceeds from securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings
250,314

 
821,373

 
539,250

Repayments related to securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings
(470,664
)
 
(512,768
)
 
(487,758
)
Net cash provided by (used in) by  financing activities
154,455

 
286,676

 
(110,083
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(24,856
)
 
15,470

 
(67,522
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
76,709

 
61,239

 
128,761

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
51,853

 
$
76,709

 
$
61,239



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

72

Table of Contents

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - (Continued)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Supplemental cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
$
19,738

 
$
15,002

 
$
17,177

Income taxes
10,800

 
16,696

 
16,196

Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
 
 
Transfers of held-to-maturity securities to available-for-sale securities

 

 
2,200

Loans charged-off, net
1,875

 
390

 
2,314

Transfers of loans to other real estate owned

 
860

 

Other real estate owned write-downs
71

 
305

 
124

Transfers of loans to held-for-sale, at fair value

 

 
3,704

Deposits utilized to purchase common stock

 

 
289,554





















































See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

73

Table of Contents

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
The following significant accounting and reporting policies of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the Company), conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), and are used in preparing and presenting these consolidated financial statements.
 
(a)    Plan of Conversion and Reorganization
 
On June 6, 2012, the Board of Trustees of Northfield Bancorp, MHC (MHC) and the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the Plan).  Pursuant to the Plan, the MHC converted from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully public form on January 24, 2013.  The MHC merged into the Company, and the MHC no longer exists.  The Company merged into a new Delaware corporation named Northfield Bancorp, Inc.  As part of the conversion, the MHC’s ownership interest of the Company was offered for sale in a public offering.  The existing publicly held shares of the Company, which represented the remaining ownership interest in the Company, were exchanged for new shares of common stock of Northfield Bancorp, Inc., the new Delaware corporation.  The exchange ratio ensured that immediately after the conversion and public offering, the public shareholders of the Company owned the same aggregate percentage of Northfield Bancorp., Inc. common stock that they owned immediately prior to that time (excluding shares purchased in the stock offering and cash received in lieu of fractional shares).  When the conversion and public offering was completed, all of the capital stock of Northfield Bank was owned by Northfield Bancorp, Inc., the Delaware corporation.
 
The Plan provided for the establishment of special “liquidation accounts” for the benefit of certain depositors of Northfield Bank in an amount equal to the greater of the MHC’s ownership interest in the retained earnings of the Company as of the date of the latest balance sheet contained in the prospectus or the retained earnings of Northfield Bank at the time it reorganized into the MHC.  Following the completion of the conversion, under the rules of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Northfield Bank is not permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock to Northfield Bancorp, Inc., its sole shareholder, if Northfield Bank’s shareholder’s equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation accounts.  The liquidation accounts will be reduced annually to the extent that eligible account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits.  Subsequent increases in qualifying deposits will not restore an eligible account holder’s interest in the liquidation accounts.
 
Direct costs of the conversion and public offering were deferred and reduced the proceeds from the shares sold in the public offering.  Costs of $11.5 million were incurred related to the conversion.
 
Share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the completion of our second-step conversion on January 24, 2013, at a conversion ratio of 1.4029 unless noted otherwise.
 
(b)    Basis of Presentation
 
The consolidated financial statements are comprised of the accounts of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Northfield Investment, Inc. and Northfield Bank (the Bank), and the Bank’s wholly-owned significant subsidiaries, NSB Services Corp. and NSB Realty Trust.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheets and revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Actual results may differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions.  A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term is the allowance for loan losses.  In connection with the determination of this allowance, management generally obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.  In addition, judgments related to the amount and timing of expected cash flows from PCI loans, goodwill, securities valuation and impairment, and deferred income taxes, involve a higher degree of complexity and subjectivity and require estimates and assumptions about highly uncertain matters.  Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions. 
 
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
 

74

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

(c)    Business
 
The Company, through its principal subsidiary, the Bank, provides a full range of banking services primarily to individuals and corporate customers in Richmond and Kings counties in New York, and Hunterdon, Mercer, Union and Middlesex counties in New Jersey.  The Company is subject to competition from other financial institutions and to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies, and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

(d)    Cash Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, due from banks, and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions with an original term of three months or less. 
 
(e)    Securities
 
Securities are classified at the time of purchase, based on management’s intention, as securities held-to-maturity, securities available-for-sale, or trading account securities.  Securities held-to-maturity are those that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity.  Securities held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the level-yield method over the contractual term of the securities, adjusted for actual prepayments.  Securities available-for-sale represents all securities not classified as either held-to-maturity or trading.  Securities available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (net of related tax effects) on such securities excluded from earnings, but included as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, titled “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).”  The cost of securities sold is determined using the specific-identification method.  Security transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. Trading securities are securities that are bought and may be held for the purpose of selling them in the near term.  Trading securities are reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a component of gain (loss) on securities transactions, net in non-interest income.
 
Our evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment considers our assessments of the reason for the decline in value, the duration and severity of the impairment, our intent and ability to hold the securities (as well as the likelihood of a near-term recovery), and our intent to sell the securities and whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis.  If a determination is made that a debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company will estimate the amount of the unrealized loss that is attributable to credit and all other non-credit related factors.  If we intend to hold securities in an unrealized loss position until the loss is recovered, which may be at maturity, the credit related component will be recognized as an other-than-temporary impairment charge in non-interest income.  The non-credit related component will be recorded as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.  The estimated fair value of debt securities, including mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt obligations is furnished by an independent third-party pricing service.  The third-party pricing service primarily utilizes pricing models and methodologies that incorporate observable market inputs, including among other things, benchmark yields, reported trades, and projected prepayment and default rates.  Management reviews the data and assumptions used in pricing the securities by its third-party provider for reasonableness.   
 
(f)    Loans
 
The accounting and reporting for PCI loans and loans transferred to held-for-sale differs substantially from those loans originated and classified by the Company as held-for-investment.  For purposes of reporting, discussion and analysis, management has classified its loan portfolio into four categories:  (1) loans originated by the Company and held-for-sale, which are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value, less costs to sell, and therefore have no associated allowance for loan losses, (2) PCI loans, which are held-for-investment, and initially valued at estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, with no initial related allowance for loan losses, (3) originated loans held-for-investment, which are carried at amortized cost, less net charge-offs and the allowance for loan losses, and (4) acquired loans with no evidence of credit deterioration, which are held-for-investment, and initially valued at an estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, with no initial related allowance for loan losses.
 
Originated and acquired net loans held-for-investment are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted by unamortized premiums and unearned discounts, deferred origination fees and certain direct origination costs, and the allowance for loan losses.  Interest income on loans is accrued and credited to income as earned.  Net loan origination fees/costs are deferred and accreted/amortized to interest income over the loan’s contractual life using the level-yield method, adjusted for actual prepayments.  Generally, loans held-for-sale are designated at time of origination and generally consist of  newly originated fixed rate residential loans and are recorded at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate.  Transfers of

75

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

loans from held-for-investment to held-for-sale are infrequent and occur at fair value less costs to sell, with any charge-off to allowance for loan losses. Gains are recognized on a settlement-date basis and are determined by the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying value of the loans, including any net deferred fees or costs.
 
Originated and acquired net loans held-for-investment are deemed impaired when it is probable, based on current information, that the Company will not collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  The Company has defined the population of originated and acquired impaired loans to be all originated and acquired non-accrual loans held-for-investment with an outstanding balance of $500,000 or greater and all loans restructured in troubled debt restructurings (TDRs).  Originated and acquired impaired loans held-for-investment are individually assessed to determine that the loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate, or the underlying collateral (less estimated costs to sell) if the loan is collateral dependent.  Impairments, if any, are recognized through a charge to the provision for loan losses for the amount that the loan’s carrying value exceeds the discounted cash flow analysis or estimated fair value of collateral (less estimated costs to sell) if the loan is collateral dependent.  Such amounts are charged-off when considered appropriate.  Homogeneous loans with balances less than $500,000, which are not considered TDRs, are collectively evaluated for impairment. 
 
The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses charged against income and is decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries.  Loan losses are charged-off in the period the loans, or portion thereof, are deemed uncollectible.  Generally, the Company will record a loan charge-off (including a partial charge-off) to reduce a loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less cost to sell, if it is determined that it is probable that recovery will come primarily from the sale or operation of such collateral.  Specific reserves on impaired loans that are not considered collateral dependent are charged-off when such amounts are not considered to be collectible.  The provision for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance that considers, among other things, impaired loans held-for-investment, deterioration in PCI loans subsequent to acquisition, past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, and existing adverse situations that may affect borrowers’ ability to repay.  Additionally, management evaluates changes, if any, in underwriting standards, collection, charge-off and recovery practices, the nature or volume of the portfolio, lending staff, concentration of loans, as well as current economic conditions, and other relevant factors.  Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to provide for probable and reasonably estimable incurred losses at the date of the consolidated balance sheets.  The Company also maintains an allowance for estimated losses on off-balance sheet credit risks related to loan commitments and standby letters of credit.  Management utilizes a methodology similar to its allowance for loan loss adequacy methodology to estimate losses on these commitments.  The allowance for estimated credit losses on off-balance sheet commitments is included in other liabilities and any changes to the allowance are recorded as a component of other non-interest expense.
 
While management uses available information to estimate probable and reasonably estimable incurred losses on loans, future additions may be necessary based on changes in conditions, including changes in economic conditions, particularly in Richmond and Kings counties in New York, and Hunterdon, Mercer, Union and Middlesex counties in New Jersey and to a lesser extent Eastern Pennsylvania.  Accordingly, as with most financial institutions in the market area, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in conditions in the Company’s marketplace.  In addition, future changes in laws and regulations could make it more difficult for the Company to collect all contractual amounts due on its loans and mortgage-backed securities.
 
In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.
 
TDRs are loans where terms have been modified because of deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower.  Modifications could include extension of the repayment terms of the loan, reduced interest rates, or forgiveness of accrued interest and/or principal.  Once an obligation has been restructured because of such credit problems, it continues to be considered restructured until paid in full or, if the obligation yields a market rate (a rate equal to the rate the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk), until the year subsequent to the year in which the restructuring takes place, provided the borrower has performed under the modified terms for a six-month period.  The Company records an impairment charge equal to the difference between the present value of estimated future cash flows under the restructured terms discounted at the original loan’s effective interest rate, or the underlying collateral value less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent.  Changes in present values attributable to the passage of time are recorded as a component of the provision for loan losses. 
 

76

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

A loan is considered past due when it is not paid in accordance with its contractual terms.  The accrual of income on loans, including impaired loans held-for-investment, and other loans in the process of foreclosure, is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days or more delinquent, or sooner when certain factors indicate that the ultimate collection of principal and interest is in doubt.  Loans on which the accrual of income has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual loans.  All previously accrued interest is reversed against interest income, and income is recognized subsequently only in the period that cash is received, provided no principal payments are due and the remaining principal balance outstanding is deemed collectible.  A non-accrual loan is not returned to accrual status until both principal and interest payments are brought current and factors indicating doubtful collection no longer exist, including performance by the borrower under the loan terms for a consecutive six-month period.
 
The Company accounts for the PCI loans based on expected cash flows. In accordance with current accounting guidance, the Company will maintain the integrity of a pool of multiple loans accounted for as a single asset and evaluate the pools for impairment, and accrual status, based on variances from the expected cash flows.

(g)    Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
 
The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of New York, is required to hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB as a condition to both becoming a member and engaging in certain transactions with the FHLB.  The minimum investment requirement is determined by a “membership” investment component and an “activity-based” investment component.  The membership investment component is the greater of 0.20% of the Bank’s mortgage-related assets, as defined by the FHLB, or $1,000.  The activity-based investment component is equal to 4.5% of the Bank’s outstanding advances with the FHLB.  The activity-based investment component also considers other transactions, including assets originated for or sold to the FHLB, and delivery commitments issued by the FHLB.  The Company currently does not enter into these other types of transactions with the FHLB. 
 
On a quarterly basis, we perform our other-than-temporary impairment analysis of FHLB stock, we evaluate, among other things, (i) its earnings performance, including the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the regulatory capital amount of the FHLB, (ii) the commitment by the FHLB to continue dividend payments, and (iii) the liquidity position of the FHLB.  We did not consider our investment in FHLB stock to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015, and 2014.
 
(h)    Premises and Equipment, Net
 
Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment, including capital leases, are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.  The estimated useful lives of significant classes of assets are generally as follows: buildings - forty years; furniture and equipment - five to seven years; and purchased computer software - three years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.  Major improvements are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.  Upon retirement or sale, any gain or loss is credited or charged to operations.
 
(i)    Bank Owned Life Insurance
 
The Company has purchased bank owned life insurance contracts to help fund its obligations for certain employee benefit costs.  The Company’s investment in such insurance contracts has been reported in the consolidated balance sheets at their cash surrender values.  Changes in cash surrender values and death benefit proceeds received in excess of the related cash surrender values are recorded as non-interest income.
 
(j)    Goodwill
 
Intangible assets resulting from acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting consist of goodwill and other intangible assets.  Goodwill is not amortized and is subject to an annual assessment for impairment. The goodwill impairment analysis is generally a two-step test. However, under current accounting guidance, first we may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under current accounting guidance, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit if, based on a qualitative assessment, we determine that it was more likely than not that the unit’s fair value was not less than its carrying amount. During 2015, we elected to perform step one of the two-step goodwill impairment test for our reporting unit, but we may choose to perform the optional quantitative assessment in future periods.

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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
Goodwill is allocated to Northfield’s reporting unit at the date goodwill is actually recorded. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a second step in the analysis is performed to determine the amount of impairment, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded equal to the excess amount in the current period earnings.
 
As of December 31, 2015, the carrying value of goodwill totaled $16.2 million.  The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test, as of December 31, 2015, and determined that the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit to be in excess of its carrying value.  The Company will test goodwill for impairment between annual test dates if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the fair value of the reporting unit is below its carrying amount. No events have occurred and no circumstances have changed since the annual impairment test date that would indicate the fair value of the reporting unit is below its carrying amount.

(k)    Income Taxes
 
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  When applicable, deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance for any portions determined not likely to be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
Income tax benefits are recognized and measured based upon a two-step model: 1) a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits in order to be recognized, and 2) the benefit is measured as the largest dollar amount of that position that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon settlement. The difference between the benefit recognized and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit. The Company records income tax-related interest and penalties, if applicable, within income tax expense.
 
(l)    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted (and without interest) net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
 
(m)    Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Borrowings
 
The Company enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase (Repurchase Agreements) and collateral pledge agreements (Pledge Agreements) with selected dealers and banks.  Such agreements are accounted for as secured financing transactions since the Company maintains effective control over the transferred or pledged securities and the transfer meets the other accounting and recognition criteria as required by the transfer and servicing topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards.  Obligations under these agreements are reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets.  Securities underlying the agreements are maintained at selected dealers and banks as collateral for each transaction executed and may be sold or pledged by the counterparty.  Collateral underlying Repurchase Agreements that permit the counterparty to sell or pledge the underlying collateral is disclosed on the consolidated balance sheets as “encumbered.”  The Company retains the right under all Repurchase Agreements and Pledge Agreements to substitute acceptable collateral throughout the terms of the agreement. 
 
(n)    Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and the change in unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, change in actuarial gains and losses on other post retirement benefits, and change in service cost on other postretirement benefits, net of taxes.  Comprehensive income (loss) is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
(o)   Benefits
 
The Company sponsors a defined postretirement benefit plan that provides for medical and life insurance coverage to a limited number of retirees, as well as life insurance to all qualifying employees of the Company.  The estimated cost of postretirement benefits earned is accrued during an individual’s estimated service period to the Company. The Company recognizes in its balance sheet the over-funded or under-funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation at the end of our calendar year.  The actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.    
 
Funds borrowed by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) from the Company to purchase the Company’s common stock are being repaid from the Bank’s contributions over a period of up to 30 years.  The Company’s common stock not yet allocated to participants is recorded as a reduction of stockholders’ equity at cost.  The Company records compensation expense related to the ESOP at an amount equal to the shares committed to be released by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair value of our common stock during the reporting period.
 
The Company recognizes the grant-date fair value of stock based awards issued to participants' as compensation cost in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).  The fair value of common stock awards is based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market on the grant date.  The expense related to stock options is based on the estimated fair value of the options at the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model.  The awards are fixed in nature and compensation cost related to stock based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods.
 
The Bank has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees.  Contributions to the plan are expensed as incurred.
 
(p)    Segment Reporting
 
As a community-focused financial institution, substantially all of the Company’s operations involve the delivery of loan and deposit products to customers.  Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of these community banking operations, which constitute the Company’s only operating segment for financial reporting purposes. 
 
(q)    Net Income per Common Share
 
Net income per common share-basic is computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding unallocated ESOP shares and unearned common stock award shares.  The weighted average common shares outstanding includes the average number of shares of common stock outstanding, including shares allocated or committed to be released ESOP shares.
 
Net income per common share-diluted is computed using the same method as basic earnings per share, but reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options and unvested shares of restricted stock were exercised and converted into common stock.  These potentially dilutive shares are included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period using the treasury stock method.  When applying the treasury stock method, we add: (1) the assumed proceeds from option exercises; (2) the tax benefit, if any, that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of non-qualified stock options and vesting of shares of restricted stock; and (3) the average unamortized compensation costs related to unvested shares of restricted stock and stock options.  We then divide this sum by our average stock price for the period to calculate assumed shares repurchased.  The excess of the number of shares issuable over the number of shares assumed to be repurchased is added to basic weighted average common shares to calculate diluted earnings per share.  At December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, there were 1,192,769, 1,026,130 and 922,629 dilutive shares outstanding, respectively.    
 
(r)    Other Real Estate Owned
 
Assets acquired through loan foreclosure, or deed-in-lieu of, are held for sale and are initially recorded at estimated fair value less estimated selling costs when acquired, thus establishing a new cost basis.  Costs after acquisition are generally expensed.  If the estimated fair value of the asset subsequently declines, a write-down is recorded through other non-interest expense.

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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

(s)    Recent Accounting Developments

 In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which is intended to increase transparency and comparability of accounting for lease transactions. The ASU will require all leases to be recognized on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities and will require both quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding key information about leasing arrangements. Lessor accounting is largely unchanged. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect of adoption of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The accounting for other financial instruments, such as loans, investments in debt securities, and financial liabilities is largely unchanged. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
    
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which requires that adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period of a business combination be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Furthermore, the income statement effects of such adjustments, if any, must be calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Under previous guidance, adjustments to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period were to be recognized retrospectively. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification. This update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is still assessing the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure, which clarifies that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (i) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (ii) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the ASU requires interim and annual disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. ASU No. 2014-04 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and the adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2012, the FASB issued a proposed ASU, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. This proposed ASU was issued for public comment in order to allow stakeholders the opportunity to review the proposal and provide comments to the FASB and does not constitute accounting guidance until a final ASU is issued. The FASB expects to publish the final guidance in early 2016 and it will be effective for public entities beginning on or after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. The FASB’s proposed model would utilize an “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for loans, held-to-maturity securities and other receivables at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired and adjusted each period for changes in expected credit losses. For available-for-sale securities where fair value is less than cost, credit-related impairment would be recognized in an allowance for credit losses and adjusted each period for changes in credit risk. This would replace the multiple existing impairment models in U.S. GAAP, which generally

80

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

require that a loss be incurred before it is recognized. The Company will assess the impact of the FASB’s final ASU on its financial statements when it is issued.
 

(2)
Securities Available-for-Sale
 
The following is a comparative summary of mortgage-backed securities and other securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):  
 
2015
 
 
 
Gross
 
Gross
 
Estimated
 
Amortized
 
unrealized
 
unrealized
 
fair
 
cost
 
gains
 
losses
 
value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass-through certificates:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Government sponsored enterprises (GSE)
$
228,557

 
$
4,673

 
$
1,530

 
$
231,700

Real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

GSE
305,387

 
647

 
8,210

 
297,824

Non-GSE
597

 

 
18

 
579

 
534,541

 
5,320

 
9,758

 
530,103

Other securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments-mutual funds
481

 

 

 
481

Corporate bonds
11,002

 
9

 

 
11,011

 
11,483

 
9

 

 
11,492

Total securities available-for-sale
$
546,024

 
$
5,329

 
$
9,758

 
$
541,595

 
 
2014
 
 
 
Gross
 
Gross
 
Estimated
 
Amortized
 
unrealized
 
unrealized
 
fair
 
cost
 
gains
 
losses
 
value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass-through certificates:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

GSE
$
292,162

 
$
8,309

 
$
1,131

 
$
299,340

REMICs:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

GSE
408,328

 
1,314

 
9,192

 
400,450

Non-GSE
1,060

 

 
34

 
1,026

 
701,550

 
9,623

 
10,357

 
700,816

Other securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments-mutual funds
410

 

 

 
410

Corporate bonds
69,975

 
40

 
2

 
70,013

 
70,385

 
40

 
2

 
70,423

Total securities available-for-sale
$
771,935

 
$
9,663

 
$
10,359

 
$
771,239

 
The following is a summary of the expected maturity distribution of debt securities available-for-sale other than mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2015 (in thousands): 
Available-for-sale
 
Amortized cost
 
Estimated fair value
Due in one year or less
 
$
11,002

 
$
11,011

Due after one year through five years
 

 

 
 
$
11,002

 
$
11,011

 
Expected maturities on mortgage-backed securities will differ from contractual maturities as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.

81

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
Certain securities available-for-sale are pledged or encumbered to secure borrowings under Pledge Agreements and Repurchase Agreements and for other purposes required by law.  At December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, securities available-for-sale with a carrying value of $35.9 million and $13.8 million, respectively, were pledged to secure deposits.  See Note 7 for further discussion regarding securities pledged or encumbered for borrowings.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company had gross proceeds of $51.1 million on sales of securities available-for-sale with gross realized gains of approximately $60,000 and gross realized losses of approximately $3,000.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had gross proceeds of $12.0 million on sales of securities available-for-sale with gross realized gains and gross realized losses of approximately $382,000 and no gross realized losses.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company had gross proceeds of $259.6 million on sales of securities available-for-sale with gross realized gains and gross realized losses of approximately $3.1 million and $128,000, respectively. The Company routinely sells securities when market pricing presents, in management’s assessment, an economic benefit that outweighs holding such security, and when smaller balance securities become cost prohibitive to carry.
 
The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment charges in earnings during the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company recognized in earnings other-than-temporary impairment charges of $434,000 during the year ended December 31, 2013, related to one equity investment in a mutual fund. No portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
Gross unrealized losses on mortgage-backed securities, equity securities, agency bonds, and corporate bonds available-for-sale, and the estimated fair value of the related securities, aggregated by security category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
losses
 
fair value
 
losses
 
fair value
 
losses
 
fair value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
$
115

 
$
14,424

 
$
1,415

 
$
52,120

 
$
1,530

 
$
66,544

REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
338

 
31,937

 
7,872

 
164,666

 
8,210

 
196,603

Non-GSE


 


 
18

 
579

 
18

 
579

Total
$
453

 
$
46,361

 
$
9,305

 
$
217,365

 
$
9,758

 
$
263,726

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
losses
 
fair value
 
losses
 
fair value
 
losses
 
fair value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
$
1

 
$
181

 
$
1,130

 
$
61,526

 
$
1,131

 
$
61,707

REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
30

 
3,179

 
9,162

 
229,896

 
9,192

 
233,075

Non-GSE

 

 
34

 
1,026

 
34

 
1,026

Other securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
2

 
9,996

 

 

 
2

 
9,996

Total
$
33

 
$
13,356

 
$
10,326

 
$
292,448

 
$
10,359

 
$
305,804


The Company held 10 pass-through mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GSEs, 11 REMIC mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GSEs, and two REMIC mortgage-backed securities not issued or guaranteed by GSEs that were in a continuous unrealized loss position of greater than twelve months at December 31, 2015. There were 14 pass-

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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

through mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GSEs and three REMIC mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GSEs that were in an unrealized loss position of less than twelve months, and rated investment grade at December 31, 2015.  The declines in value relate to the general interest rate environment and are considered temporary.  The securities cannot be prepaid in a manner that would result in the Company not receiving all of its amortized cost.  The Company neither has an intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis or, if necessary, maturity.
 
The fair values of our investment securities could decline in the future if the underlying performance of the collateral for the collateralized mortgage obligations or other securities deteriorates and our credit enhancement levels do not provide sufficient protections to our contractual principal and interest.  As a result, there is a risk that significant other-than-temporary impairments may occur in the future given the current economic environment.
 
(3)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
 
The following is a summary of mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2015 (in thousands): 
 
2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass-through certificates:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

GSEs
$
10,346

 
$
53

 
$
30

 
$
10,369

Total securities held-to-maturity
$
10,346

 
$
53

 
$
30

 
$
10,369

 
 
2014
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
$
3,609

 
$
82

 
$

 
$
3,691

Total securities held-to-maturity
$
3,609

 
$
82

 
$

 
$
3,691

    
Contractual maturities for mortgage-backed securities are not presented, as expected maturities on mortgage-backed securities will differ from contractual maturities as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties. The Company had no held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014 that were in an unrealized loss position.

The fair values of our investment securities could decline in the future if the underlying performance of the collateral for the collateralized mortgage obligations or other securities deteriorates and our credit enhancement levels do not provide sufficient protections to our contractual principal and interest.  As a result, there is a risk that significant other-than-temporary impairments may occur in the future given the current economic environment.


83

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)


(4)
Loans 
 
Loans held-for-investment, net, consists of the following (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Real estate loans:
 
Multifamily
$
1,318,461

 
$
1,072,193

Commercial mortgage
402,073

 
390,288

One-to-four family residential mortgage
98,332

 
74,401

Home equity and lines of credit
61,413

 
54,533

Construction and land
18,652

 
21,412

Total real estate loans
1,898,931

 
1,612,827

Commercial and industrial loans
25,554

 
12,945

Other loans
2,256

 
2,157

Total commercial and industrial and other loans
27,810

 
15,102

Deferred loan cost, net
4,844

 
4,565

Originated loans held-for-investment, net
1,931,585

 
1,632,494

PCI Loans
33,115

 
44,816

Loans acquired:
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential mortgage
330,672

 
234,478

Multifamily
64,779

 
18,844

Commercial mortgage
11,160

 
11,999

Home equity and lines of credit
2,404

 

Construction and land

 
364

Total loans acquired
409,015

 
265,685

Loans held for investment, net
2,373,715

 
1,942,995

Allowance for loan losses
(24,770
)
 
(26,292
)
Net loans held-for-investment
$
2,348,945

 
$
1,916,703

 
The Company had no loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014
 
PCI loans, primarily acquired as part of a FDIC-assisted transaction, totaled $33.1 million at December 31, 2015, as compared to $44.8 million at December 31, 2014.  The Company accounts for PCI loans utilizing U.S. GAAP applicable to loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality.  At December 31, 2015, PCI loans consist of approximately 28% commercial real estate loans and 52% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans.  At December 31, 2014, PCI loans consist of approximately 33% commercial real estate loans and 53% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans. The following details the accretable yield (in thousands):   
 
For The Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at the beginning of year
$
27,943

 
$
32,464

Accretable yield at purchase date

 

Accretion into interest income
(4,525
)
 
(4,895
)
Net reclassification (to)/from non-accretable difference (1)
(565
)
 
374

Balance at end of year
$
22,853

 
$
27,943


(1) Due to re-casting of cash flows for loan pools acquired in the 2011 FDIC-assisted transaction.
 
    

84

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The Company does not have any lending programs commonly referred to as subprime lending.  Subprime lending generally targets borrowers with weakened credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidenced by low credit scores or high debt-burden ratios.
 
We provide for loan losses based on the consistent application of our documented allowance for loan loss methodology.  Loan losses are charged to the allowance for loans losses and recoveries are credited to it.  Additions to the allowance for loan losses are provided by charges against income based on various factors which, in our judgment, deserve current recognition in estimating incurred losses.  Loan losses are charged-off in the period the loans, or portion thereof, are deemed uncollectible.  Generally, the Company will record a loan charge-off (including a partial charge-off) to reduce a loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less cost to sell, for collateral dependent loans.  We regularly review the loan portfolio in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses in accordance with U.S. GAAP.   At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the allowance for loan losses related to loans held-for-investment (excluding PCI loans) consisted primarily of the following two components:

(1)
Specific allowances are established for impaired loans (generally defined by the Company as non-accrual loans with an outstanding balance of $500,000 or greater and all loans restructured in troubled debt restructurings). The amount of impairment, if any, provided for as a specific reserve determined by the deficiency, if any, between the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the original loan’s effective interest rate or the underlying collateral value (less estimated costs to sell,) if the loan is collateral dependent, and the carrying value of the loan. Impaired loans that have no impairment losses are not considered for general allowances described below. Generally, the Company charges down a loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell for collateral dependent loans and, if necessary, maintains a specific reserve in the allowance for loan losses related to cash flow dependent impaired loans where the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s original contractual interest rate, is less than the carrying value of the loan unless management determines that such shortfall should be charged off.
(2)
General allowances are established for loan losses on a portfolio basis for loans that do not meet the definition of impaired. The portfolio is grouped into similar risk characteristics, primarily loan type, loan-to-value, if collateral dependent, and internal credit risk ratings. We apply an estimated loss rate to each loan group. The loss rates applied are based on our net loss experience (using appropriate look-back and loss emergence periods) as adjusted, if appropriate, for our qualitative assessment of factors which may not be fully captured in our historical quantitative net loss rates related to:

changes in lending policies and procedures
changes in local, regional, national, and international economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of our portfolio, including the condition of various market segments;
changes in the nature and volume of our portfolio and in the terms of our loans;
changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff;
changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of nonaccrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded loans;
changes in the quality of our loan review system;
changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans;
the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and
the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in our existing portfolio.

The loss emergence period is the estimated time from the date of the loss event to the actual recognition of the loss (typically the first charge-off), and is determined based upon a study of the Company's past loss experience by loan groups. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revisions based upon changes in economic and real estate market conditions. Actual loan losses may

85

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

be significantly more than the allowance for loan losses we have established, which could have a material negative effect on our financial results. We also maintain an amount identified as the unallocated component related to indicators of loans losses not fully captured in other components of the allowance for loan losses methodology, as well as for the inherent imprecision of the loss estimation process.
 
Additionally, held-for-investment loans acquired with no evidence of credit deterioration are initially valued at an estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, with no initial related allowance for loan losses. These loans are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis as part of our analysis of the allowance for loan losses. 
 
In underwriting a loan secured by real property, we require an appraisal (or an automated valuation model) of the property by an independent licensed appraiser approved by the Company’s board of directors.  The appraisal is subject to review by an independent third-party hired by the Company.  We review and inspect properties before disbursement of funds during the term of a construction loan.  Generally, management obtains updated appraisals when a loan is deemed impaired, or sooner if management deems it appropriate.  These appraisals may be more limited than those prepared for the underwriting of a new loan.  In addition, when the Company acquires other real estate owned, it generally obtains a current appraisal to substantiate the net carrying value of the asset.  
 
We evaluate the allowance for loan losses based on the combined total of the impaired and general components for loans.  Generally when the loan portfolio increases, absent other factors, our allowance for loan loss methodology results in a higher dollar amount of estimated probable losses.  Conversely, when the loan portfolio decreases, absent other factors, our allowance for loan loss methodology results in a lower dollar amount of estimated probable losses. 
 
Each quarter we evaluate the allowance for loan losses and adjust the allowance as appropriate through a provision for loan losses.  While we use the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if conditions differ substantially from the information used in making the evaluations.  In addition, as an integral part of their examination process, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) will periodically review the allowance for loan losses.  The OCC may require us to adjust the allowance based on their analysis of information available to them at the time of their examination. 
 
A summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of year
$
26,292

 
$
26,037

 
$
26,424

Provision for loan losses
353

 
645

 
1,927

Recoveries
140

 
402

 
860

Charge-offs
(2,015
)
 
(792
)
 
(3,174
)
Balance at end of year
$
24,770

 
$
26,292

 
$
26,037



86

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses, by loan type, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.  The following table also details the amount of loans receivable held-for-investment, net of deferred loan fees and costs, that are evaluated individually, and collectively, for impairment, and the related portion of allowance for loan losses that is allocated to each loan portfolio segment (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2015
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
One-to-Four Family
 
Construction and Land
 
Multifamily
 
Home Equity and Lines of Credit
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Other
 
Unallocated
 
Originated Loans Total
 
PCI
 
Acquired Loans
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance
$
9,309

 
$
951

 
$
266

 
$
12,219

 
$
901

 
$
841

 
$
134

 
$
1,209

 
$
25,830

 
$
400

 
$
62

 
$
26,292

Charge-offs
(1,431
)
 
(277
)
 

 
(120
)
 
(115
)
 
(71
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(2,015
)
 

 

 
(2,015
)
Recoveries
2

 
20

 

 
25

 
42

 
34

 
17

 

 
140

 

 

 
140

Provisions (credit)
(774
)
 
93

 
(5
)
 
263

 
(33
)
 
484

 
5

 
(116
)
 
(83
)
 
383

 
53

 
353

Ending Balance
$
7,106

 
$
787

 
$
261

 
$
12,387

 
$
795

 
$
1,288

 
$
155

 
$
1,093

 
$
23,872

 
$
783

 
$
115

 
$
24,770

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
394

 
$
167

 
$

 
$
158

 
$
51

 
$
4

 
$

 
$

 
$
774

 
$

 
$
115

 
$
889

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
6,712

 
$
620

 
$
261

 
$
12,229

 
$
744

 
$
1,284

 
$
155

 
$
1,093

 
$
23,098

 
$
783

 
$

 
$
23,881

Loans, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending Balance
$
402,714

 
$
99,010

 
$
18,677

 
$
1,320,724

 
$
62,594

 
$
25,610

 
$
2,256

 
$

 
$
1,931,585

 
$
33,115

 
$
409,015

 
$
2,373,715

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
20,465

 
$
2,344

 
$

 
$
2,458

 
$
354

 
$
116

 
$

 
$

 
$
25,737

 
$

 
$
3,250

 
$
28,987

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
382,249

 
$
96,666

 
$
18,677

 
$
1,318,266

 
$
62,240

 
$
25,494

 
$
2,256

 
$

 
$
1,905,848

 
$
33,115

 
$
405,765

 
$
2,344,728

 
December 31, 2014
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
One-to-Four Family
 
Construction and Land
 
Multifamily
 
Home Equity and Lines of Credit
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Other
 
Unallocated
 
Originated Loans Total
 
PCI
 
Acquired Loans
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance
$
12,619

 
$
875

 
$
205

 
$
9,374

 
$
860

 
$
425

 
$
67

 
$
1,024

 
$
25,449

 
$
588

 
$

 
$
26,037

Charge-offs
(103
)
 
(58
)
 

 
(7
)
 
(489
)
 
(135
)
 

 

 
(792
)
 

 

 
(792
)
Recoveries
72

 

 
246

 
35

 

 
8

 
41

 

 
402

 

 

 
402

Provisions (credit)
(3,279
)
 
134

 
(185
)
 
2,817

 
530

 
543

 
26

 
185

 
771

 
(188
)
 
62

 
645

Ending Balance
$
9,309

 
$
951

 
$
266

 
$
12,219

 
$
901

 
$
841

 
$
134

 
$
1,209

 
$
25,830

 
$
400

 
$
62

 
$
26,292

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
2,361

 
$
57

 
$

 
$
215

 
$
13

 
$
109

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,755

 
$

 
$
62

 
$
2,817

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
6,948

 
$
894

 
$
266

 
$
12,004

 
$
888

 
$
732

 
$
134

 
$
1,209

 
$
23,075

 
$
400

 
$

 
$
23,475

Loans, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending Balance
$
390,885

 
$
74,990

 
$
21,445

 
$
1,074,539

 
$
55,486

 
$
12,992

 
$
2,157

 
$

 
$
1,632,494

 
$
44,816

 
$
265,685

 
$
1,942,995

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
29,224

 
$
1,072

 
$

 
$
1,990

 
$
327

 
$
806

 
$

 
$

 
$
33,419

 
$

 
$
855

 
$
34,274

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
361,661

 
$
73,918

 
$
21,445

 
$
1,072,549

 
$
55,159

 
$
12,186

 
$
2,157

 
$

 
$
1,599,075

 
$
44,816

 
$
264,830

 
$
1,908,721


87

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The Company monitors the credit quality of its loan portfolio on a regular basis.  Credit quality is monitored by reviewing certain credit quality indicators.  Management has determined that loan-to-value ratios (at period end) and internally assigned credit risk ratings by loan type are the key credit quality indicators that best measure the credit quality of the Company’s loan receivables.  Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios used by management in monitoring credit quality are based on current period loan balances and original appraised values at time of origination (unless a current appraisal has been obtained as a result of the loan being deemed impaired).  In calculating the provision for loan losses, based on past loan loss experience, management has determined that commercial real estate loans and multifamily loans having loan-to-value ratios, as described above, of less than 35%, and one-to-four family loans having loan-to-value ratios, as described above, of less than 60%,  require less of a loss factor than those with higher loan to value ratios.
 
The Company maintains a credit risk rating system as part of the risk assessment of its loan portfolio. The Company’s lending officers are required to assign a credit risk rating to each loan in their portfolio at origination. This risk rating is reviewed periodically and adjusted if necessary. Monthly, management presents monitored assets to the loan committee. In addition, the Company engages a third-party independent loan reviewer that performs semi-annual reviews of a sample of loans, validating the credit risk ratings assigned to such loans. The credit risk ratings play an important role in the establishment of the loan loss provision and the allowance for loan losses for originated loans held-for-investment. After determining the general reserve loss factor for each originated portfolio segment held-for-investment, the originated portfolio segment held-for-investment balance collectively evaluated for impairment is multiplied by the general reserve loss factor for the respective portfolio segment in order to determine the general reserve.

When assigning a risk rating to a loan, management utilizes the Bank’s internal nine-point credit risk rating system. 

1.
Strong
2.
Good
3.
Acceptable
4.
Adequate
5.
Watch
6.
Special Mention
7.
Substandard
8.
Doubtful
9.
Loss
 
Loans rated 1 to 5 are considered pass ratings.  An asset is classified substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Substandard assets have well defined weaknesses based on objective evidence, and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Assets classified as doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable based on current circumstances.  Assets classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted.  Assets which do not currently expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but possess weaknesses, are required to be designated special mention.


88

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The following table details the recorded investment of originated loans receivable held-for-investment, net of deferred fees and costs, by loan type and credit quality indicator at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 
 
At December 31, 2015
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
 
One-to-Four Family
 
Construction and Land
 
Home Equity and Lines of Credit
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Other
 
Total
 
< 35% LTV
 
 => 35% LTV
 
< 35% LTV
 
 => 35% LTV
 
< 60% LTV
 
 => 60% LTV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Internal Risk Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
124,678

 
$
1,188,916

 
$
52,253

 
$
319,733

 
$
48,429

 
$
46,578

 
$
18,677

 
$
61,935

 
$
24,846

 
$
2,256

 
$
1,888,301

Special Mention
51

 
3,832

 
974

 
2,966

 
504

 

 

 
75

 
316

 

 
8,718

Substandard
775

 
2,472

 
1,233

 
25,555

 
2,112

 
1,387

 

 
584

 
448

 

 
34,566

Originated loans held-for-investment, net
$
125,504

 
$
1,195,220

 
$
54,460

 
$
348,254

 
$
51,045

 
$
47,965

 
$
18,677

 
$
62,594

 
$
25,610

 
$
2,256

 
$
1,931,585

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2014
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
 
One-to-Four Family
 
Construction and Land
 
Home Equity and Lines of Credit
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Other
 
Total
 
< 35% LTV
 
 => 35% LTV
 
< 35% LTV
 
 => 35% LTV
 
< 60% LTV
 
 => 60% LTV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Internal Risk Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
64,692

 
$
999,708

 
$
47,534

 
$
289,794

 
$
29,629

 
$
40,527

 
$
21,445

 
$
54,935

 
$
11,421

 
$
2,157

 
$
1,561,842

Special Mention
283

 
4,342

 
2,436

 
9,792

 
1,143

 

 

 
360

 
652

 

 
19,008

Substandard
801

 
4,713

 

 
41,329

 
2,303

 
1,388

 

 
191

 
919

 

 
51,644

Originated loans held-for-investment, net
$
65,776

 
$
1,008,763

 
$
49,970

 
$
340,915

 
$
33,075

 
$
41,915

 
$
21,445

 
$
55,486

 
$
12,992

 
$
2,157

 
$
1,632,494



89

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

Included in loans receivable are loans for which the accrual of interest income has been discontinued due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrowers.  The recorded investment of these nonaccrual loans was $8.8 million and $13.9 million at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Generally, originated loans are placed on non-accruing status when they become 90 days or more delinquent, or sooner if considered appropriate by management, and remain on non-accrual status until they are brought current, have six consecutive months of performance under the loan terms, and factors indicating reasonable doubt about the timely collection of payments no longer exist.  Therefore, loans may be current in accordance with their loan terms, or may be less than 90 days delinquent and still be on a non-accruing status. 
 
Non-accrual amounts include loans deemed to be impaired of $6.7 million and $10.1 million at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Loans on non-accrual status with principal balances less than $500,000, and therefore not meeting the Company’s definition of an impaired loan, amounted to $2.1 million at December 31, 2015, and $3.8 million at December 31, 2014.  There were no loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014.  Loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing interest were $15,000 and $708,000 at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively, and consisted of loans that are well secured and in the process of collection. 
     

90

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The following table sets forth the detail, and delinquency status, of originated and acquired non-performing loans (non-accrual loans and loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing), net of deferred fees and costs, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands), excluding PCI loans which have been segregated into pools.  For PCI loans, each loan pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows.
 
At December 31, 2015
 
Total Non-Performing Loans
 
Non-Accruing Loans
 
 
 
 
 
0-29 Days Past Due
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
90 Days or More Past Due
 
Total
 
90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing
 
Total Non-Performing Loans
Loans held-for-investment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard
344

 
372

 
4,516

 
5,232

 

 
5,232

Total
344

 
372

 
4,516

 
5,232

 

 
5,232

Total commercial
344

 
372

 
4,516

 
5,232

 

 
5,232

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard
364

 
180

 
565

 
1,109

 

 
1,109

Total
364

 
180

 
565

 
1,109

 

 
1,109

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard
901

 
135

 

 
1,036

 

 
1,036

Total
901

 
135

 

 
1,036

 

 
1,036

Total one-to-four family residential
1,265

 
315

 
565

 
2,145

 

 
2,145

Construction and land
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass

 

 
113

 
113

 

 
113

Total construction and land

 

 
113

 
113

 

 
113

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 

 
559

 
559

 

 
559

Total multifamily

 

 
559

 
559

 

 
559

Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 

 
329

 
329

 

 
329

Total home equity and lines of credit

 

 
329

 
329

 

 
329

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass

 

 

 

 
15

 
15

Total commercial and industrial loans

 

 

 

 
15

 
15

Total non-performing loans held-for-investment
1,609

 
687

 
6,082

 
8,378

 
15

 
8,393

Loans acquired:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
429

 

 

 
429

 

 
429

Total one-to-four family residential
429

 

 

 
429

 

 
429

Total non-performing loans acquired
429

 

 

 
429

 

 
429

Total non-performing loans
$
2,038

 
$
687

 
$
6,082

 
$
8,807

 
$
15

 
$
8,822



91

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
At December 31, 2014
 
Total Non-Performing Loans
 
Non-Accruing Loans
 
 
 
 
 
0-29 Days Past Due
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
90 Days or More Past Due
 
Total
 
90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing
 
Total Non-Performing Loans
Loans held-for-investment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 
395

 
10,769

 
11,164

 

 
11,164

Total commercial

 
395

 
10,769

 
11,164

 

 
11,164

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 
190

 
674

 
864

 
286

 
1,150

Total

 
190

 
674

 
864

 
286

 
1,150

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 

 
1,028

 
1,028

 

 
1,028

Total

 

 
1,028

 
1,028

 

 
1,028

Total one-to-four family residential

 
190

 
1,702

 
1,892

 
286

 
2,178

Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 
98

 

 
98

 

 
98

Total home equity and lines of credit

 
98

 

 
98

 

 
98

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 

 
408

 
408

 

 
408

Total commercial and industrial loans

 

 
408

 
408

 

 
408

Other loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass

 

 

 

 

 

Total other loans

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-performing loans held-for-investment
$

 
$
683

 
$
12,879

 
$
13,562

 
$
286

 
$
13,848

Loans acquired:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass

 

 

 

 
422

 
422

Substandard

 

 
313

 
313

 

 
313

Total one-to-four family residential

 

 
313

 
313

 
422

 
735

Total non-performing loans acquired

 

 
313

 
313

 
422

 
735

Total non-performing loans
$

 
$
683

 
$
13,192

 
$
13,875

 
$
708

 
$
14,583


The following table sets forth the detail and delinquency status of originated and acquired loans, net of deferred fees and costs, by performing and non-performing loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 












92

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
December 31, 2015
 
Performing (Accruing) Loans
 
 
 
 
 
0-29 Days Past Due
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Non-Performing Loans
 
Total Loans Receivable, net
Loans held-for-investment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
$
50,974

 
$
1,279

 
$
52,253

 
$

 
$
52,253

Special Mention
974

 

 
974

 

 
974

Substandard
1,233

 

 
1,233

 

 
1,233

Total
53,181

 
1,279

 
54,460

 

 
54,460

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
319,411

 
322

 
319,733

 

 
319,733

Special Mention
2,966

 

 
2,966

 

 
2,966

Substandard
8,696

 
11,627

 
20,323

 
5,232

 
25,555

Total
331,073

 
11,949

 
343,022

 
5,232

 
348,254

Total commercial
384,254

 
13,228

 
397,482

 
5,232

 
402,714

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
45,737

 
2,692

 
48,429

 

 
48,429

Special Mention
134

 
370

 
504

 

 
504

Substandard
696

 
307

 
1,003

 
1,109

 
2,112

Total
46,567

 
3,369

 
49,936

 
1,109

 
51,045

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
46,578

 

 
46,578

 

 
46,578

Substandard

 
351

 
351

 
1,036

 
1,387

Total
46,578

 
351

 
46,929

 
1,036

 
47,965

Total one-to-four family residential
93,145

 
3,720

 
96,865

 
2,145

 
99,010

Construction and land
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
18,564

 

 
18,564

 
113

 
18,677

Total construction and land
18,564

 

 
18,564

 
113

 
18,677

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
124,678

 

 
124,678

 

 
124,678

Special Mention

 
51

 
51

 

 
51

Substandard
775

 

 
775

 

 
775

Total
125,453

 
51

 
125,504

 

 
125,504

LTV= > 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
1,187,147

 
1,769

 
1,188,916

 

 
1,188,916

Special Mention
2,687

 
1,145

 
3,832

 

 
3,832

Substandard
1,913

 

 
1,913

 
559

 
2,472

Total
1,191,747

 
2,914

 
1,194,661

 
559

 
1,195,220

Total multifamily
1,317,200

 
2,965

 
1,320,165

 
559

 
1,320,724

Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
61,561

 
374

 
61,935

 

 
61,935

Special Mention
75

 

 
75

 

 
75

Substandard
255

 

 
255

 
329

 
584

Total home equity and lines of credit
61,891

 
374

 
62,265

 
329

 
62,594

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
24,780

 
51

 
24,831

 
15

 
24,846

Special Mention
316

 

 
316

 

 
316

Substandard
395

 
53

 
448

 

 
448

Total commercial and industrial loans
25,491

 
104

 
25,595

 
15

 
25,610

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

93

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
December 31, 2015
 
Performing (Accruing) Loans
 
 
 
 
 
0-29 Days Past Due
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Non-Performing Loans
 
Total Loans Receivable, net
Other loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
2,245

 
11

 
2,256

 

 
2,256

Total other loans
2,245

 
11

 
2,256

 

 
2,256

Total originated loans held-for-investment
1,902,790

 
20,402

 
1,923,192

 
8,393

 
1,931,585

Acquired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
313,425

 
312

 
313,737

 

 
313,737

Special Mention
549

 

 
549

 

 
549

Substandard
737

 
177

 
914

 
429

 
1,343

Total
314,711

 
489

 
315,200

 
429

 
315,629

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
14,759

 

 
14,759

 

 
14,759

Substandard
284

 

 
284

 

 
284

Total
15,043

 

 
15,043

 

 
15,043

Total one-to-four family residential
329,754

 
489

 
330,243

 
429

 
330,672

Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
2,164

 

 
2,164

 

 
2,164

Substandard

 
729

 
729

 

 
729

Total
2,164

 
729

 
2,893

 

 
2,893

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
5,536

 

 
5,536

 

 
5,536

Special Mention
883

 

 
883

 

 
883

Substandard
1,848

 

 
1,848

 

 
1,848

Total
8,267

 

 
8,267

 

 
8,267

Total commercial
10,431

 
729

 
11,160

 

 
11,160

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
4,695

 

 
4,695

 

 
4,695

Special Mention
138

 

 
138

 

 
138

Total
4,833

 

 
4,833

 

 
4,833

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
59,632

 

 
59,632

 

 
59,632

Special Mention
314

 

 
314

 

 
314

Total
59,946

 

 
59,946

 

 
59,946

Total multifamily
64,779

 

 
64,779

 

 
64,779

Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
2,404

 

 
2,404

 

 
2,404

Total home equity and lines of credit
2,404

 

 
2,404

 

 
2,404

Total loans acquired
407,368

 
1,218

 
408,586

 
429

 
409,015

 
$
2,310,158

 
$
21,620

 
$
2,331,778

 
$
8,822

 
$
2,340,600




94

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
December 31, 2014
 
Performing (Accruing) Loans
 
 
 
 
 
0-29 Days Past Due
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Non-Performing Loans
 
Total Loans Receivable, net
Loans held-for-investment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
$
47,534

 
$

 
$
47,534

 
$

 
$
47,534

Special Mention
2,436

 

 
2,436

 

 
2,436

Total
49,970

 

 
49,970

 

 
49,970

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
288,915

 
878

 
289,793

 

 
289,793

Special Mention
9,792

 

 
9,792

 

 
9,792

Substandard
25,073

 
5,093

 
30,166

 
11,164

 
41,330

Total
323,780

 
5,971

 
329,751

 
11,164

 
340,915

Total commercial
373,750

 
5,971

 
379,721

 
11,164

 
390,885

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
29,288

 
341

 
29,629

 

 
29,629

Special Mention
1,143

 

 
1,143

 

 
1,143

Substandard
867

 
286

 
1,153

 
1,150

 
2,303

Total
31,298

 
627

 
31,925

 
1,150

 
33,075

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
38,062

 
2,465

 
40,527

 

 
40,527

Special Mention

 

 

 

 

Substandard

 
360

 
360

 
1,028

 
1,388

Total
38,062

 
2,825

 
40,887

 
1,028

 
41,915

Total one-to-four family residential
69,360

 
3,452

 
72,812

 
2,178

 
74,990

Construction and land
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
21,445

 

 
21,445

 

 
21,445

Special Mention

 

 

 

 

Substandard

 

 

 

 

Total construction and land
21,445

 

 
21,445

 

 
21,445

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
64,692

 

 
64,692

 

 
64,692

Special Mention
283

 

 
283

 

 
283

Substandard
801

 

 
801

 

 
801

Total
65,776

 

 
65,776

 

 
65,776

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
999,469

 
239

 
999,708

 

 
999,708

Special Mention
3,822

 
520

 
4,342

 

 
4,342

Substandard
4,382

 
331

 
4,713

 

 
4,713

Total
1,007,673

 
1,090

 
1,008,763

 

 
1,008,763

Total multifamily
1,073,449

 
1,090

 
1,074,539

 

 
1,074,539

Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
54,800

 
135

 
54,935

 

 
54,935

Special Mention
360

 

 
360

 

 
360

Substandard
93

 

 
93

 
98

 
191

Total home equity and lines of credit
55,253

 
135

 
55,388

 
98

 
55,486

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
11,331

 
90

 
11,421

 

 
11,421

Special Mention
652

 

 
652

 

 
652

Substandard
479

 
32

 
511

 
408

 
919

Total Commercial and industrial loans
12,462

 
122

 
12,584

 
408

 
12,992

Other loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 


95

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
December 31, 2014
 
Performing (Accruing) Loans
 
 
 
 
 
0-29 Days Past Due
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Non-Performing Loans
 
Total Loans Receivable, net
Pass
2,097

 
60

 
2,157

 

 
2,157

Total other loans
2,097

 
60

 
2,157

 

 
2,157

Total originated loans held-for-investment
$
1,607,816

 
$
10,830

 
$
1,618,646

 
$
13,848

 
$
1,632,494

Loans acquired:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
225,741

 
526

 
226,267

 
422

 
226,689

Special Mention
597

 

 
597

 

 
597

Substandard
424

 

 
424

 
313

 
737

Total
226,762

 
526

 
227,288

 
735

 
228,023

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
5,787

 
375

 
6,162

 

 
6,162

Substandard
294

 

 
294

 

 
294

Total
6,081

 
375

 
6,456

 

 
6,456

Total one-to-four family residential
232,843

 
901

 
233,744

 
735

 
234,479

Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
2,477

 

 
2,477

 

 
2,477

Special Mention
187

 
521

 
708

 

 
708

Total
2,664

 
521

 
3,185

 

 
3,185

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
5,817

 

 
5,817

 

 
5,817

Substandard
2,997

 

 
2,997

 

 
2,997

Total
8,814

 

 
8,814

 

 
8,814

Total commercial
11,478

 
521

 
11,999

 

 
11,999

Construction and land
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard
363

 

 
363

 

 
363

Total construction and land
363

 

 
363

 

 
363

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
4,857

 

 
4,857

 

 
4,857

Substandard
164

 

 
164

 

 
164

Total
5,021

 

 
5,021

 

 
5,021

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
13,457

 

 
13,457

 

 
13,457

Special Mention
366

 

 
366

 

 
366

Total
13,823

 

 
13,823

 

 
13,823

Total multifamily
18,844

 

 
18,844

 

 
18,844

Total loans acquired
263,528

 
1,422

 
264,950

 
735

 
265,685

 
$
1,871,344

 
$
12,252

 
$
1,883,596

 
$
14,583

 
$
1,898,179




    

96

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The following table summarizes originated and acquired (subsequent to acquisition) impaired loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 
 
At December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
With No Allowance Recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 
139

 

 

 

 

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
4,051

 
4,188

 

 
3,311

 
3,448

 

Substandard
13,371

 
14,748

 

 
12,880

 
14,339

 

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
221

 
221

 

 
66

 
66

 

Special Mention

 

 

 
138

 
138

 

Substandard
234

 
234

 

 
262

 
262

 

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
150

 
167

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
75

 
545

 

 
86

 
557

 

Substandard
1,012

 
1,012

 

 
477

 
477

 

Home Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Mention

 

 

 
49

 
49

 

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Special Mention

 

 

 
267

 
268

 

Substandard
87

 
87

 

 
99

 
99

 

With a Related Allowance Recorded:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
4,891

 
5,430

 
(394
)
 
13,033

 
14,365

 
(2,361
)
One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
503

 
503

 
(33
)
 

 

 

Special Mention

 

 

 
319

 
319

 
(4
)
Substandard
1,604

 
1,604

 
(152
)
 
848

 
848

 
(95
)
LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Mention
1,034

 
1,081

 
(97
)
 

 

 

Substandard

 

 

 
294

 
294

 
(20
)
Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
1,371

 
1,371

 
(158
)
 
1,427

 
1,427

 
(215
)
Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
269

 
269

 
(11
)
 

 

 

Special Mention
44

 
44

 
(19
)
 
278

 
278

 
(13
)
Substandard
41

 
41

 
(21
)
 

 

 

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Mention
29

 
29

 
(4
)
 
32

 
32

 
(1
)
Substandard

 

 

 
408

 
530

 
(108
)
Total:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
22,313

 
24,505

 
(394
)
 
29,224

 
32,152

 
(2,361
)
One-to-four family residential
3,746

 
3,810

 
(282
)
 
1,927

 
1,927

 
(119
)
Multifamily
2,458

 
2,928

 
(158
)
 
1,990

 
2,461

 
(215
)
Home equity and lines of credit
354

 
354

 
(51
)
 
327

 
327

 
(13
)
Commercial and industrial loans
116

 
$
116

 
(4
)
 
806

 
929

 
(109
)
 
$
28,987

 
$
31,713

 
$
(889
)
 
$
34,274

 
$
37,796

 
$
(2,817
)


97

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

Included in the table above at December 31, 2015, are impaired loans with carrying balances of $14.5 million that were not written down by charge-offs or for which there are no specific reserves in our allowance for loan losses.  Included in the impaired loans at December 31, 2014, are loans with carrying balances of $13.1 million that were not written down by charge-offs or for which there are no specific reserves in our allowance for loan losses.  Loans not written down by charge-offs or specific reserves at December 31, 2015 and 2014, have sufficient collateral values, less costs to sell (including any discounts to facilitate a sale), or sufficient future cash flows to support the carrying balances of the loans. 
 
The following table summarizes the average recorded investment in originated and acquired impaired loans (excluding PCI loans) and interest recognized on impaired loans as of, and for, the years ended December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

 
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income
With No Allowance Recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Commercial
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
$

 
$

 
$
681

 
$

LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
2,938

 
184

 
6,615

 
149

Special Mention
109

 

 

 

Substandard
12,593

 
884

 
9,641

 
500

Construction and land
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 

 
22

 

One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
207

 
9

 
13

 
2

Special Mention
55

 

 
213

 
7

Substandard
188

 
22

 
266

 
16

One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV => 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
101

 
3

 

 
6

Multifamily
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
80

 
17

 
53

 
17

Substandard
688

 
27

 
714

 
27

Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Mention
29

 

 
20

 
3

Substandard

 

 
200

 

Commercial and industrial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Mention
59

 

 
144

 
19

Substandard
93

 

 
583

 
2

With a Related Allowance Recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
668

 

 

 

Special Mention

 

 
580

 

Substandard
10,357

 
75

 
13,157

 
373

One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
263

 
19

 

 

Special Mention
127

 

 
259

 
8

Substandard
1,017

 
65

 
170

 

LTV => 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Mention
207

 

 

 

Substandard
377

 
102

 
127

 

Multifamily
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
1,399

 
52

 
1,454

 
54


98

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income
Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
163

 
7

 

 

Special Mention
129

 
3

 
315

 
5

Substandard
25

 
2

 
200

 

Commercial and industrial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Mention
24

 
2

 
13

 
2

Substandard
82

 

 
414

 

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
26,665

 
1,143

 
30,674

 
1,022

One-to-four family residential
2,542

 
220

 
1,048

 
39

Construction and land

 

 
22

 

Multifamily
2,167

 
96

 
2,221

 
98

Home equity and lines of credit
346

 
12

 
735

 
8

Commercial and industrial loans
258

 
2

 
1,154

 
23

 
$
31,978

 
$
1,473

 
$
35,854

 
$
1,190


The following tables summarize loans that were modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Pre-Modification
 
Post-Modification
 
Number of
 
Outstanding Recorded
 
Outstanding Recorded
 
Relationships
 
Investment
 
Investment
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate loans
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
3
 
$
8,957

 
$
8,457

One-to-four Family
 
 
 
 
 

Pass
1
 
20

 
$
20

Substandard
8
 
1,889

 
$
1,889

Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
1
 
43

 
$
43

Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
13
 
$
10,909

 
$
10,409

 
One of the commercial real estate relationships in the table above, with a pre-modification outstanding recorded investment of $6.3 million, represents five loans to one borrower that were restructured into one loan, and then subsequently sold, during the year ended December 31, 2015. These loans were restructured to provide partial forgiveness of debt, after the borrower made a $500,000 principal payment. The remaining relationships in the table above were restructured to receive reduced interest rates.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Pre-Modification
 
Post-Modification
 
Number of
 
Outstanding Recorded
 
Outstanding Recorded
 
Relationships
 
Investment
 
Investment
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four Family
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
2
 
$
556

 
$
556

Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
2
 
$
556

 
$
556

 
Both of the relationships in the table above were restructured to receive reduced interest rates.
 

99

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had TDRs of $26.6 million and $33.8 million, respectively.
 
Management classifies all troubled debt restructurings as impaired loans.  Impaired loans are individually assessed to determine that the loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the estimated fair value of the collateral (less cost to sell), if the loan is collateral dependent, or the present value of the expected future cash flows, if the loan is not collateral dependent. Management performs a detailed evaluation of each impaired loan and generally obtains updated appraisals as part of the evaluation.  In addition, management adjusts estimated fair values down to appropriately consider recent market conditions, our willingness to accept a lower sales price to effect a quick sale, and costs to dispose of any supporting collateral.  Determining the estimated fair value of underlying collateral (and related costs to sell) can be difficult in illiquid real estate markets and is subject to significant assumptions and estimates.  Management employs an independent third-party expert in appraisal preparation and review to ascertain the reasonableness of updated appraisals.  Projecting the expected cash flows under troubled debt restructurings which are not collateral dependent is inherently subjective and requires, among other things, an evaluation of the borrower’s current and projected financial condition. Actual results may be significantly different than our projections and our established allowance for loan losses on these loans, which could have a material effect on our financial results.
 
There were no loans that were restructured during the year ended December 31, 2015, that subsequently defaulted.
 
(5)
Premises and Equipment, Net
 
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, consists of the following (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
At cost:
 
Land
$
2,530

 
$
2,026

Buildings and improvements
6,695

 
6,691

Capital leases
2,600

 
2,600

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
19,954

 
19,658

Leasehold improvements
26,197

 
26,202

 
57,976

 
57,177

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(34,333
)
 
(30,951
)
Premises and equipment, net
$
23,643

 
$
26,226

 
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, was $3.4 million, $3.6 million, and $3.6 million, respectively.
 
There were no sales of premises and equipment in 2015 or 2014. The Company realized a gain of $397,000 from the sale of vacant land adjacent to a branch in 2013.


100

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

(6)
Deposits
 
Deposit account balances are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
Transaction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Negotiable orders of withdrawal
$
217,813

 
0.25
%
 
$
124,961

 
0.34
%
Non-interest bearing checking
263,073

 

 
269,466

 

Total transaction
480,886

 
0.11

 
394,427

 
0.11

Savings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market
548,132

 
0.62

 
440,887

 
0.38

Savings
524,043

 
0.47

 
432,207

 
0.31

Total savings
1,072,175

 
0.55

 
873,094

 
0.35

Certificates of deposit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under $250,000
461,127

 
1.11

 
320,525

 
1.05

$250,000 or more
38,741

 
1.73

 
32,619

 
1.75

Total certificates of deposit
499,868

 
1.15

 
353,144

 
1.11

Total deposits
$
2,052,929

 
0.59
%
 
$
1,620,665

 
0.46
%
 
The Company had brokered deposits (included in certificates of deposit in the above table) of $157.1 million and $40.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
 
Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are summarized as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2015
2016
$
222,419

2017
68,452

2018
55,585

2019
75,574

2020
77,825

Thereafter
13

Total
$
499,868

 
Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Negotiable order of withdrawal and money market
$
2,816

 
$
1,766

 
$
1,956

Savings-passbook and statement
2,141

 
445

 
679

Certificates of deposit
5,466

 
3,180

 
3,866

 
$
10,423

 
$
5,391

 
$
6,501



101

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

(7)
Borrowings
 
Borrowings consisted of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, FHLB advances, and obligations under capital leases and are summarized as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Repurchase agreements
$
63,000

 
$
203,200

Other borrowings:
 

 
 

FHLB advances
487,130

 
572,493

Floating rate advances
7,272

 
2,058

Obligations under capital leases
727

 
907

 
$
558,129

 
$
778,658

 
FHLB advances are secured by a blanket lien on unencumbered securities and the Company’s FHLB capital stock.    
 
Repurchase agreements and FHLB advances have contractual maturities as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2015
 
FHLB
 
Repurchase
 
Advances
 
Agreements
2016
$
83,910

 
$
55,000

2017
159,003

 
6,000

2018
140,715

 
2,000

2019
58,502

 

2020
45,000

 

 
$
487,130

 
$
63,000

 
At  December 31, 2015, repurchase agreements have a weighted average rate of 2.77%, with $51.0 million maturing in the in the first quarter of 2016 and $12.0 million maturing in more than 90 days.  The repurchase agreements are secured primarily by mortgage-backed securities with an amortized cost of $69.1 million, and a fair value of $70.7 million, at December 31, 2015.  At  December 31, 2014, repurchase agreements had a weighted average rate of 1.69%, with $109.2 million maturing in the first quarter of 2015 and $94.0 million maturing in more than 90 days. The repurchase agreements were secured primarily by mortgage-backed securities with an amortized cost of $213.9 million, and a fair value of $218.3 million, at December 31, 2014.    
 
The Company has the ability to obtain additional funding from the FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank discount window of approximately $698.8 million, utilizing unencumbered and unpledged securities of $128.5 million and multifamily loans of $570.3 million at December 31, 2015.  The Company expects to have sufficient funds available to meet current commitments in the normal course of business.
 
Interest expense on borrowings is summarized as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Repurchase agreements
$
2,446

 
$
4,161

 
$
6,492

FHLB advances
6,742

 
5,717

 
3,836

Floating rate advances
17

 
3

 
10

Obligations under capital leases 
60

 
80

 
109

 
$
9,265

 
$
9,961

 
$
10,447



102

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

(8)
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Federal tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
Current
$
11,796

 
$
11,195

 
$
12,493

Deferred
(2,305
)
 
(1,675
)
 
(2,758
)
 
9,491

 
9,520

 
9,735

State and local tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
Current
1,811

 
1,828

 
2,276

Deferred
673

 
508

 
(1,275
)
 
2,484

 
2,336

 
1,001

Total income tax expense
$
11,975

 
$
11,856

 
$
10,736

 
Reconciliation between the amount of reported total income tax expense and the amount computed by multiplying the applicable statutory income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, is as follows (dollars in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Tax expense at statutory rate of 35%
$
11,027

 
$
11,242

 
$
10,459

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
State tax, net of federal income tax
1,615

 
1,519

 
651

Bank owned life insurance
(1,319
)
 
(1,366
)
 
(1,262
)
Merger related costs
201

 

 

Incentive stock options
210

 
134

 
149

Uncertain tax position
51

 
131

 
448

Other, net
190

 
196

 
291

Income tax expense
$
11,975

 
$
11,856

 
$
10,736



103

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014, are as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
9,514

 
$
10,302

Capitalized leases
287

 
369

Deferred compensation
2,450

 
2,577

Accrued salaries
910

 
950

Postretirement benefits
555

 
523

Equity awards
4,707

 
2,930

Unrealized actuarial losses on post retirement benefits
217

 
226

Straight-line leases adjustment
1,099

 
1,083

Asset retirement obligation
97

 
100

Reserve for accrued interest receivable
775

 
1,220

Reserve for loan commitments
127

 
184

Employee Stock Ownership Plan
532

 
308

Other
358

 
398

Depreciation
2,123

 
1,616

Fair value adjustments of acquired loans
7,105

 
6,247

Fair value adjustments of pension benefit obligations
267

 
306

Unrealized losses securities
1,780

 
291

Total gross deferred tax assets
32,903

 
29,630

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Fair value adjustments of acquired securities
9

 
13

Fair value adjustments of deposit liabilities
30

 
27

Deferred loan fees
1,777

 
1,639

Other
21

 

Total gross deferred tax liabilities
1,837

 
1,679

Net deferred tax asset
$
31,066

 
$
27,951

 
The Company has determined that it is not required to establish a valuation reserve for the net deferred tax asset account since it is “more likely than not” that the net deferred tax assets will be realized through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income and tax planning strategies.  The conclusion that it is “more likely than not” that the net deferred tax assets will be realized is based on the history of earnings and the prospects for continued profitability.  Management will continue to review the tax criteria related to the recognition of deferred tax assets.
 
As a savings institution, the Bank is subject to a special federal tax provision regarding its frozen tax bad debt reserve. At December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Bank’s federal tax bad debt base-year reserve was $5.9 million, with a related net deferred tax liability of $2.8 million, which has not been recognized since the Bank does not expect that this reserve will become taxable in the foreseeable future. Events that would result in taxation of this reserve include redemptions of the Bank’s stock or certain excess distributions by the Bank to the Company.

A reconciliation of the Company’s uncertain tax positions are as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
230

 
$
679

 
$
231

Settlements based on tax positions related to prior years

 
(580
)
 

Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
51

 
131

 
448

Ending balance
$
281

 
$
230

 
$
679

 

104

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes in income tax expense.

The following years are open for examination or under examination:
Federal tax filings for 2011 through present.
New York State tax filings 2010 through present. The 2010 through 2012 filings are currently under examination.
New York City tax filings 2010 through present. The 2010 through 2012 filings are currently under examination.
State of New Jersey 2010 through present.
 
(9)
Retirement Benefits 
 
The Company has a 401(k) plan for its employees, which grants eligible employees (those salaried employees with at least three months of service) the opportunity to invest from 2% to 15% of their base compensation in certain investment alternatives.  The Company contributes an amount equal to 25% of employee contributions on the first 6% of base compensation contributed by eligible employees for the first three years of participation.  Subsequent years of participation in excess of three years will increase the Company matching contribution from 25% to 50% of an employee’s contributions, on the first 6% of base compensation contributed by eligible employees.  A member becomes fully vested in the Company’s contributions upon (a) completion of five years of service, or (b) normal retirement, early retirement, permanent disability, or death.  The Company’s contribution to this plan amounted to approximately $321,000,  $292,000, and $266,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. 
 
The Company also maintains a profit-sharing plan in which the Company can contribute to the participant’s 401(k) account, at its discretion, up to the legal limit of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Company did not contribute to the profit sharing plan during 2015, 2014, and 2013.
 
The Company maintains the Northfield Bank ESOP.  The ESOP is a tax-qualified plan designed to invest primarily in the Company’s common stock.  The ESOP provides employees with the opportunity to receive a funded retirement benefit from the Bank, based primarily on the value of the Company’s common stock.  The ESOP was authorized to, and did purchase, 2,463,884 shares of the Company’s common stock in the Company’s initial public offering at a price of $7.13 per share.  This purchase was funded with a loan from Northfield Bancorp, Inc. to the ESOP.  The outstanding balance at December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $12.7 million and $13.3 million, respectively.  The shares of the Company’s common stock purchased in the initial public offering are pledged as collateral for the loan.  Shares are released for allocation to participants as loan payments are made.  A total of 80,131 and 80,728 shares were released and allocated to participants of the ESOP for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Cash dividends on unallocated shares are utilized to satisfy required debt payments.  Dividends on allocated shares are utilized to prepay debt which releases additional shares to participants.
 
Upon completion of the Company’s second-step conversion, a second ESOP was established for employees in 2013; the second ESOP was authorized to, and did purchase, 1,422,357 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $10.00 per share.  The purchase was funded with a loan from Northfield Bancorp, Inc. to the second ESOP.  The outstanding balance at December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $13.3 million and $13.6 million, respectively.  The shares of the Company’s common stock purchased in the second-step conversion are pledged as collateral for the loan.  Shares are released for allocation to participants as loan payments are made.  A total of 47,384 and 47,412 shares were released and allocated to participants of the second ESOP for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Cash dividends on unallocated shares are utilized to satisfy required debt payments.  Dividends on allocated shares are utilized to prepay debt which releases additional shares to participants.
 
ESOP compensation expense for both plans for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $1.9 million,  $1.7 million, and $1.5 million, respectively.  

The Company maintains a Supplemental Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the SESOP), a non-qualified plan, that provides supplemental benefits to certain executives who are prevented from receiving the full benefits contemplated by the ESOP’s benefit formula due to tax law limits for tax-qualified plans.  The supplemental payments for the SESOP consist of cash payments representing the value of Company shares that cannot be allocated to participants under the ESOPs due to legal

105

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

limitations imposed on tax-qualified plans.  The Company's required contributions to the SESOP plan were $82,000, $7,000, and $38,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. 
 
The Company provides post retirement medical and life insurance to a limited number of retired individuals.  The Company also provides retiree life insurance benefits to all qualified employees, up to certain limits.  The following tables set forth the funded status and components of postretirement benefit costs at December 31 measurement dates (in thousands): 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation beginning of year
$
1,846

 
$
1,294

 
$
1,778

Service cost
9

 
6

 
9

Interest cost
62

 
53

 
56

Actuarial loss (gain)
149

 
578

 
(455
)
Benefits paid
(116
)
 
(85
)
 
(94
)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation end of year
1,950

 
1,846

 
1,294

Accrued liability (included in accrued expenses and other liabilities)
$
1,950

 
$
1,846

 
$
1,294

 
The following table sets forth the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net loss
$
578

 
$
473

Transition obligation

 
17

Prior service cost
12

 
50

Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
$
590

 
$
540

 
The estimated net loss, prior service cost, and transition obligation, that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic cost in 2016, are $54,000,  $12,000, and $0 respectively. 
 
The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
$
9

 
$
6

 
$
9

Interest cost
62

 
53

 
56

Amortization of transition obligation
17

 
17

 
17

Amortization of prior service costs
38

 
24

 
16

Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss
44

 
(11
)
 
36

Net postretirement benefit cost included in compensation and employee benefits
$
170

 
$
89

 
$
134


The assumed discount rate related to plan obligations reflects the weighted average of published market rates for high-quality corporate bonds with terms similar to those of the plans expected benefit payments, rounded to the nearest quarter percentage point.  The Company’s discount rate and rate of compensation increase used in accounting for the plan are as follows: 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at period end:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
3.75
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.25
%
Rate of increase in compensation
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the year:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
3.50
%
 
4.25
%
 
3.25
%
Rate of increase in compensation
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
 

106

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

At December 31, 2015, a medical cost trend rate of 8.75% decreasing 0.50% per year thereafter until an ultimate rate of 4.75% is reached, was used in the plan’s valuation.  The Company’s healthcare cost trend rates are based, among other things, on the Company’s own experience and third-party analysis of recent and projected healthcare cost trends.
 
A one percentage-point change in assumed heath care cost trends would have the following effects (in thousands): 
 
One Percentage Point Increase
 
One Percentage Point Decrease
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Effect on benefits earned and interest cost
$
6

 
$
4

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(3
)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
156

 
153

 
(139
)
 
(135
)
 
A one percentage-point change in assumed heath care cost trends would have the following effects (in thousands):
 
One Percentage Point Increase
 
One Percentage Point Decrease
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Aggregate of service and interest
components of net periodic cost (benefit)
$
6

 
$
4

 
$
5

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(4
)
 
Benefit payments of approximately $116,000, $85,000, and $94,000 were made in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The benefits expected to be paid under the postretirement health benefits plan for the next five years are as follows:  $125,000 in 2016;  $130,000 in 2017;  $134,000 in 2018;  $137,000 in 2019; and $140,000 in 2020.  The benefit payments expected to be paid in the aggregate for the years 2021 through 2025 are $709,000.  The expected benefits are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation at December 31, 2015, and include estimated future employee service.
 
The Company also maintained a defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees and individuals from the Flatbush Federal Savings and Loan Association Pension Plan ( as part of the acquisition of Flatbush Federal Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Flatbush Federal Savings and Loan Association), which was terminated in February 2014, and resulted in the Company recognizing a pre-tax gain of $937,000

The Company maintains a nonqualified plan to provide for the elective deferral of all or a portion of director fees by members of the participating board of directors, deferral of all or a portion of the compensation and/or annual incentive compensation payable to eligible employees of the Company, and to provide to certain officers of the Company benefits in excess of those permitted to be paid by the Company’s savings plan, ESOP, and profit-sharing plan under the applicable Internal Revenue Code.  The plan obligation was approximately $6.9 million and $6.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.  Income under this plan was $392,000 and $153,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Expense under this plan was $963,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The Company invests to fund this future obligation, in various mutual funds designated as trading securities.  The securities are marked-to-market through current period earnings as a component of non-interest income.  Accrued obligations under this plan are credited or charged with the return on the trading securities portfolio as a component of compensation and benefits expense.
 
The Company entered into a supplemental retirement agreement with its former president and director in 2006.  The agreement provides for 120 monthly payments of $17,450.  The present value of the obligation, of approximately $1,625,000, was recorded in compensation and benefits expense in 2006.  The present value of the obligation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, was approximately $154,000 and $350,000, respectively. 
 

107

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

(10)
Equity Incentive Plan
 
In May 2015, the Company granted to directors and employees a total of 419,000 restricted shares, and 1,090,000 stock options to purchase Company stock. These shares and options were issued out of the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (2014 EIP), which allows the Company to grant common stock or options to purchase common stock at specific prices to directors and employees of the Company. The 2014 EIP provides for the issuance or delivery of up to 4,978,249 shares (1,422,357 restricted shares and 3,555,892 stock options) of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. common stock subject to certain plan limitations. All stock options and restricted stock granted to date vest in equal installments over a five-year period beginning one year from the date of grant. The vesting of options and restricted stock awards may accelerate in accordance with terms of the 2014 EIP. Stock options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date based on quoted market prices and all have an expiration period of ten years. The fair value of stock options granted on May 27, 2015, was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: an expected life of 6.5 years, risk-free rate of return of 1.67%, volatility of 32.06% and a dividend yield of 1.90%. As of December 31, 2015, 43,877 restricted shares and 54,332 stock options remain available for issuance under the 2014 EIP .

In 2014, the Company granted to directors and employees a total of 1,001,200 restricted shares, and 2,502,600 stock options to purchase Company stock. These shares and options were issued out of the 2014 EIP. All stock options and restricted stock granted to date vest in equal installments over a five-year period beginning one year from the date of grant. The vesting of options and restricted stock awards may accelerate in accordance with terms of the 2014 EIP. Stock options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date based on quoted market prices and all have an expiration period of ten years. The fair value of stock options granted on June 11, 2014, was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: an expected life of 6.5 years, risk-free rate of return of 1.92%, volatility of 33.83% and a dividend yield of 1.83%. The fair value of stock options granted on December 8, 2014, was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: an expected life of 6.5 years, risk-free rate of return of 1.81%, volatility of 32.92% and a dividend yield of 1.68%.
    
The Company also maintains the Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (2008 EIP) to grant common stock or options to purchase common stock at specific prices to directors and employees of the Company.  The 2008 EIP provides for the issuance or delivery of up to 4,311,796 shares of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. common stock subject to certain plan limitations. As of December 31, 2015, 60,085 restricted shares and 151,445 stock options remain available for issuance under the 2008 EIP.  All stock options and restricted stock granted to date vest in equal installments over a five-year period beginning one year from the date of grant. The vesting of options and restricted stock awards may accelerate in accordance with terms of the 2008 EIP.  Stock options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date based on quoted market prices and all have an expiration period of ten years.  The fair value of stock options granted on January 30, 2009, was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: an expected life of 6.5 years utilizing the simplified method, risk-free rate of return of 2.17%, volatility of 35.33% and a dividend yield of 1.61%.  The fair value of stock options granted on May 29, 2009, was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: an expected life of 6.5 years utilizing the simplified method, risk-free rate of return of 2.88%, volatility of 38.39% and a dividend yield of 1.50%.  The fair value of stock options granted on January 30, 2010, was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: an expected life of 6.5 years utilizing the simplified method, risk-free rate of return of 2.90%, volatility of 38.29% and a dividend yield of 1.81%.  The fair value of stock options granted on July 26, 2013, was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: an expected life of 6.5 years utilizing the simplified method, risk-free rate of return of 1.39%, volatility of 35.33% and a dividend yield of 1.98%.  The Company is expensing the grant date fair value of all employee and director share-based compensation over the requisite service periods on a straight-line basis.
 
During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company recorded, $6.8 million, $2.8 million, and $3.2 million of stock-based compensation.


108

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The following table is a summary of the Company’s non-vested stock options as of December 31, 2015, and changes therein during the year then ended: 
 
Number of Stock Options
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)
Outstanding- December 31, 2013
2,800,305

 
$
2.30

 
$
7.13

 
5.16

Granted
2,502,600

 
3.91

 
13.13

 
9.45

Forfeited
(18,000
)
 
3.91

 
13.13

 

Exercised
(146,833
)
 
2.30

 
7.11

 

Outstanding- December 31, 2014
5,138,072

 
3.08

 
10.04

 
7.44

Granted
1,090,000

 
4.07

 
14.76

 
9.41

Forfeited
(73,040
)
 
3.91

 
13.13

 

Exercised
(143,171
)
 
2.33

 
7.22

 

Outstanding- December 31, 2015
6,011,861

 
3.30

 
10.93

 
6.41

Exercisable- December 31, 2015
2,973,603

 
$
2.57

 
$
8.08

 
3.97

 
Expected future stock option expense related to the non-vested options outstanding as of December 31, 2015, is $10.2 million over an average period of 3.80 years.
 
The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s restricted shares as of December 31, 2015, and changes therein during the year then ended: 
 
Number of Shares Awarded
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2013
240,083

 
$
7.29

Granted
1,001,200

 
13.13

Vested
(228,209
)
 
7.16

Forfeited
(10,000
)
 
13.13

Non-vested at December 31, 2014
1,003,074

 
13.11

Granted
419,000

 
14.76

Vested
(196,492
)
 
13.09

Forfeited
(31,720
)
 
13.13

Non-vested at December 31, 2015
1,193,862

 
$
13.70

 
Expected future stock award expense related to the non-vested restricted awards as of December 31, 2015, is $13.9 million over an average period of 3.80 years.
 
Upon the exercise of stock options, management expects to utilize treasury stock as the source of issuance for these shares.
 
(11)
Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company, in the normal course of business, is party to commitments that involve, to varying degrees, elements of risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.  These commitments include unused lines of credit and commitments to extend credit.
 
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the following commitment and contingent liabilities existed that are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements (in thousands):

109

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Commitments to extend credit
$
18,400

 
$
72,438

Unused lines of credit
69,414

 
60,598

Standby letters of credit
471

 
420


The Company’s maximum exposure to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments is represented by the contractual amount.  The Company uses the same credit policies in granting commitments and conditional obligations as it does for amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets.  These commitments and obligations do not necessarily represent future cash flow requirements.  The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, is based on management’s assessment of risk.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third-party. The guarantees generally extend for a term of up to one year and are fully collateralized.  For each guarantee issued, if the customer defaults on a payment to the third-party, the Company would have to perform under the guarantee.  The unamortized fee on standby letters of credit approximates their fair value; such fees were insignificant at December 31, 2015, and at December 31, 2014.  The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses on commitments to extend credit in other liabilities.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the allowance was $318,000 and $472,000, respectively, and changes to the allowance are recorded as a component of other non-interest expense. 
 
At December 31, 2015, the Company was obligated under non-cancelable operating leases and capitalized leases on property used for banking purposes.  Most leases contain escalation clauses and renewal options which provide for increased rentals as well as for increases in certain property costs including real estate taxes, common area maintenance, and insurance.
 
The projected minimum annual rental payments and receipts under the capitalized leases and operating leases,  are as follows (in thousands): 
 
Rental Payments Capitalized Leases
 
Rental Payments Operating Leases
Year ending December 31:
 
 
 
2016
$
247

 
$
4,294

2017
254

 
4,185

2018
262

 
3,805

2019
44

 
3,463

2020

 
3,452

Thereafter

 
26,645

Total minimum lease payments
$
807

 
$
45,844

 
Net rental expense included in occupancy expense was approximately $4.6 million$4.3 million,  and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. 
 
In the normal course of business, the Company may be a party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims.  In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements will not be materially affected by the outcome of such legal proceedings and claims.
 
The Bank has entered into employment agreements with its Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers of the Bank to ensure the continuity of executive leadership, to clarify the roles and responsibilities of executives, and to make explicit the terms and conditions of executive employment.  These agreements are for a term of three years subject to review and annual renewal, and provide for certain levels of base annual salary and in the event of a change in control, as defined, or in the event of termination, as defined, certain levels of base salary, bonus payments, and benefits for a period of up to three years.
 
(12)
Regulatory Requirements
 
Federal regulations require federally insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8.0%, and a 4.0% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. These capital requirements were effective

110

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

January 1, 2015, and are the result of a final rule implementing recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act.

Under  prompt corrective action regulations, the OCC is required to take certain supervisory actions (and may take additional discretionary actions) with respect to an undercapitalized institution.  Such actions could have a direct material effect on the institution’s financial statements.  The regulations establish a framework for the classification of savings institutions into five categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.  Generally, an institution is considered well capitalized if it has a leverage (Tier 1) ratio of 5.0% or greater, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater.

The foregoing capital ratios are based in part on specific quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  Capital amounts and classifications also are subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about capital components, risk weighting, and other factors.
 
On January 1, 2015, a final rule issued by the federal bank regulatory agencies became effective which revised their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.  Among other things, the new rule establishes a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), increases the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4% to 6% of risk-weighted assets) and assigns a higher risk weight (150%) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on non-accrual status, and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development, or construction of real property.  The final rule also requires unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt-in or opt-out election is exercised.  The rule limits a banking organization's capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016, and ending January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer requirement will be effective.  
The final rule also implemented consolidated capital requirements for savings and loan holding companies, such as the Company, effective January 1, 2015.

Management believes that as of December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. Further, the most recent OCC notification categorized the Bank as a well-capitalized institution under the prompt corrective action regulations. There have been no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank's classification.

The following is a summary of Northfield Bank’s regulatory capital amounts and ratios compared to the regulatory requirements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, for classification as a well-capitalized institution and minimum capital (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Well
 
 
 
 
 
For Capital
 
Capitalized
 
 
 
 
 
Adequacy
 
Under Prompt Corrective
 
Actual
 
Purposes
 
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
As of December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
498,067

 
20.19
%
 
$
111,025

 
4.50
%
 
$
160,369

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 Leverage
498,067

 
15.72

 
126,744

 
4.00

 
158,429

 
5.00

Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
498,067

 
20.19

 
148,033

 
6.00

 
197,378

 
8.00

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
523,223

 
21.21

 
197,378

 
8.00

 
246,722

 
10.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible capital to tangible assets
$
494,131

 
16.46
%
 
$
45,036

 
1.50
%
 
NA

 
NA

Tier I capital (core) (to adjusted total assets)
494,131

 
16.46

 
120,096

 
4.00

 
150,119

 
5.00

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
520,875

 
22.95

 
181,585

 
8.00

 
226,982

 
10.00


111

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)


The following is a summary of the Company's regulatory capital amounts and ratios compared to the regulatory requirements as of December 31, 2015 for classification as a well-capitalized institution and minimum capital (dollars in thousands). The Company was not subject to such capital requirements at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, the Company exceeded all capital requirements to which it is subject.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Well
 
 
 
 
 
For Capital
 
Capitalized
 
 
 
 
 
Adequacy
 
Under Prompt Corrective
 
Actual
 
Purposes
 
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
As of December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
546,564

 
22.15
%
 
$
111,025

 
4.50
%
 
$
160,369

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 Leverage
546,564

 
17.25

 
126,764

 
4.00

 
158,455

 
5.00

Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
546,564

 
22.15

 
148,033

 
6.00

 
197,378

 
8.00

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
571,720

 
23.17

 
197,378

 
8.00

 
246,722

 
10.00


(13)
Fair Value of Measurement
 
The following table presents the assets reported on the consolidated balance sheet at their estimated fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, by level within the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The fair value hierarchy is as follows: 

Level 1 Inputs – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlations or other means.
Level 3 Inputs – Significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

112

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The following tables summarize financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (in thousands):   
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using:
 
Carrying Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(in thousands)
Measured on a recurring basis:
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
$
529,524

 
$

 
$
529,524

 
$

Non-GSE
579

 

 
579

 

Other securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
11,011

 

 
11,011

 

Equities
481

 
481

 

 

Total available-for-sale
541,595

 
481

 
541,114

 

Trading securities
6,713

 
6,713

 

 

Total
$
548,308

 
$
7,194

 
$
541,114

 
$

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
9,091

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,091

One-to-four family residential mortgage
2,873

 

 

 
2,873

Multifamily
1,288

 

 

 
1,288

Home equity and lines of credit
303

 

 

 
303

Total impaired real estate loans
13,555

 

 

 
13,555

Commercial and industrial loans
25

 

 

 
25

Other real estate owned
45

 

 

 
45

Total
$
13,625

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,625



113

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using:
 
Carrying Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(in thousands)
Measured on a recurring basis:
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
$
699,790

 
$

 
$
699,790

 
$

Non-GSE
1,026

 

 
1,026

 

Other securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
70,013

 

 
70,013

 

Equities
410

 
410

 

 

Total available-for-sale
771,239

 
410

 
770,829

 

Trading securities
6,422

 
6,422

 

 

Total
$
777,661

 
$
6,832

 
$
770,829

 
$

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
17,438

 
$

 
$

 
$
17,438

One-to-four family residential mortgage
672

 

 

 
672

Multifamily
1,513

 

 

 
1,513

Home equity and lines of credit
278

 

 

 
278

Total impaired real estate loans
19,901

 

 

 
19,901

Commercial and industrial loans
440

 

 

 
440

Other real estate owned
752

 

 

 
752

Total
$
21,093

 
$

 
$

 
$
21,093

 
The following table presents qualitative information for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2015:   
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Methodology
 
Unobservable Inputs       
 
Range of Inputs
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
$
13,580

 
Appraisals
 
Discount for costs to sell
 
7.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for quick sale
 
10.0%
 
 
 
Discounted cash flows
 
Interest rates
 
4.75% - 7.5%
Other real estate owned
$
45

 
Appraisals
 
Discount for costs to sell
 
7.0%
 
The following table presents qualitative information for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2014:   
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Methodology
 
Unobservable Inputs       
 
Range of Inputs
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
$
20,341

 
Appraisals
 
Discount for costs to sell
 
7.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for quick sale
 
10.0% - 40.0%
 
 
 
Discounted cash flows
 
Interest rates
 
4.6% - 7.5%
Other real estate owned
$
752

 
Appraisals
 
Discount for costs to sell
 
7.0%
    

114

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

Available-for-Sale Securities: The estimated fair values for mortgage-backed securities, GSE bonds, and corporate securities are obtained from a nationally recognized third-party pricing service.  The estimated fair values are derived primarily from cash flow models, which include assumptions for interest rates, credit losses, and prepayment speeds.  Broker/dealer quotes are utilized as well when such quotes are available and deemed representative of the market.  The significant inputs utilized in the cash flow models are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company (observable inputs,) and are therefore classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.  The estimated fair value of equity securities classified as Level 1, are derived from quoted market prices in active markets.  Equity securities consist primarily of money market mutual funds.  There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2015

Trading Securities: Fair values are derived from quoted market prices in active markets.  The assets consist of publicly traded mutual funds.
 
Impaired Loans: At December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company had originated impaired loans held-for-investment with outstanding principal balances of $17.0 million and $23.7 million that were recorded at their estimated fair value of $13.6 million and $20.3 million, respectively. The Company recorded a net decline in the specific reserve for impaired loans of $725,000 and a net increase of $123,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and net charge-offs of $1.9 million and $390,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, utilizing Level 3 inputs.  For purposes of estimating fair value of impaired loans, management utilizes independent appraisals, if the loan is collateral dependent, adjusted downward by management, as necessary, for changes in relevant valuation factors subsequent to the appraisal date, or the present value of expected future cash flows for non-collateral dependent loans and troubled debt restructurings.
 
Other Real Estate Owned:  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had assets acquired through foreclosure of $45,000 and $752,000, respectively, recorded at estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs when acquired, thus establishing a new cost basis.  Estimated fair value is generally based on independent appraisals.  These appraisals include adjustments to comparable assets based on the appraisers’ market knowledge and experience, and are considered Level 3 inputs.  When an asset is acquired, the excess of the loan balance over fair value, less estimated selling costs, is charged to the allowance for loan losses.  If the estimated fair value of the asset declines, a write-down is recorded through non-interest expense.  The valuation of foreclosed assets is subjective in nature and may be adjusted in the future because of changes in the economic conditions. 

In addition, the Company may be required, from time to time, to measure the fair value of certain other financial assets on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  The adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write downs of individual assets.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The FASB Accounting Standards Topic for Financial Instruments requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis.  The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis are discussed above.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities not already discussed above:
 
(a)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Certificates of Deposit
 
Cash and cash equivalents are short-term in nature with original maturities of three months or less; the carrying amount approximates fair value. Certificates of deposits having original terms of six-months or less; carrying value generally approximates fair value. Certificate of deposits with an original maturity of six months or greater the fair value is derived from discounted cash flows.
 
(b)
Securities (Held-to-Maturity)
 
The estimated fair values for substantially all of our securities are obtained from an independent nationally recognized pricing service.  The independent pricing service utilizes market prices of same or similar securities whenever such prices are available.  Prices involving distressed sellers are not utilized in determining fair value.  Where necessary, the independent third-party pricing service estimates fair value using models employing techniques such as discounted cash flow analyses.  The

115

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

assumptions used in these models typically include assumptions for interest rates, credit losses, and prepayments, utilizing market observable data where available.
 
(c)
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock
 
The fair value for FHLB of New York stock is its carrying value, since this is the amount for which it could be redeemed and there is no active market for this stock.
 
(d)
Loans (Held-for-Investment)
 
Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics.  Loans are segregated by type such as originated and purchased, and further segregated by residential mortgage, construction, land, multifamily, commercial and consumer.  Each loan category is further segmented into amortizing and non-amortizing and fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and non-performing categories.  The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current prepayment assumptions and current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.  This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit price concept of fair value prescribed by the FASB ASC Topic for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which would also consider adjustments for other factors such as liquidity and credit quality. The fair value would be affected significantly by these other factors.

(e)
Loans (Held-for-Sale)
 
Held-for-sale loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value, less costs to sell, and therefore fair value is equal to carrying value.
 
(f)
Deposits
 
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand.  The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows.  The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
 
(g)
Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit
 
The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties.  For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of off-balance-sheet commitments is insignificant and therefore not included in the following table.
 
(h)
Borrowings
 
The fair value of borrowings is estimated by discounting future cash flows based on rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturity.
 
(i)
Advance Payments by Borrowers
 
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance have no stated maturity; the fair value is equal to the amount currently payable.


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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

The estimated fair values of the Company’s significant financial instruments at December 31, 2015 and 2014, are presented in the following table (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
51,853

 
$
51,853

 
$

 
$

 
$
51,853

Trading securities
6,713

 
6,713

 

 

 
6,713

Securities available-for-sale
541,595

 
481

 
541,114

 

 
541,595

Securities held-to-maturity
10,346

 

 
10,369

 

 
10,369

FHLB of New York stock, at cost
25,803

 

 
25,803

 

 
25,803

Net loans held-for-investment
2,348,945

 

 

 
2,375,028

 
2,375,028

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
2,052,929

 
$

 
$
2,058,894

 
$

 
$
2,058,894

Repurchase agreements and other borrowings
558,129

 

 
557,537

 

 
557,537

Advance payments by borrowers
10,862

 

 
10,862

 

 
10,862

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
76,709

 
$
76,709

 
$

 
$

 
$
76,709

Trading securities
6,422

 
6,422

 

 

 
6,422

Securities available-for-sale
771,239

 
410

 
770,829

 

 
771,239

Securities held-to-maturity
3,609

 

 
3,691

 

 
3,691

FHLB of New York stock, at cost
29,219

 

 
29,219

 

 
29,219

Net loans held-for-investment
1,942,995

 

 

 
1,949,511

 
1,949,511

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
1,620,665

 
$

 
$
1,622,536

 
$

 
$
1,622,536

Repurchase agreements and other borrowings
778,658

 

 
781,196

 

 
781,196

Advance payments by borrowers
7,792

 

 
7,792

 

 
7,792

 
Limitations
 
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.  Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with a high degree of precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.  In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
 

117

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)

(14)
Stock Repurchase Program

All of the Company's share repurchase programs, noted below, permit shares to be repurchased in open market or private transactions, through block trades, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The number of shares remaining to be purchased is calculated utilizing the remaining approved repurchase amount divided by the closing price of the stock on that day. There were no shares remaining to be purchased at December 31, 2015. The number of shares remaining to be purchased at December 31, 2014 was 2,175,785, based on the remaining approved repurchase amount of $32.2 million divided by the closing price of stock on that day.

On May 27, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase to its stock repurchase plan in the amount of up to $15.0 million.
    
During 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $170.0 million of the Company's common stock.

(15)
Earnings Per Share
 
The following is a summary of the Company’s earnings per share calculations and reconciliation of basic to diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except share data):  
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net income available to common stockholders
$
19,531

 
$
20,266

 
$
19,147

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic
42,285,712

 
49,006,129

 
54,637,680

Effect of non-vested restricted stock and stock options outstanding
1,192,769

 
1,026,130

 
922,629

Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted
43,478,481

 
50,032,259

 
55,560,309

Earnings per share-basic
$
0.46

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.35

Earnings per share-diluted
$
0.45

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.34

Anti-dilutive shares
2,679,507

 
1,471,303

 

 

118

NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)


(16)
Parent-only Financial Information
 
The following condensed parent company only financial information reflects Northfield Bancorp, Inc.’s investment in its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary, Northfield Bank, using the equity method of accounting. 
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
Condensed Balance Sheets
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
Cash in Northfield Bank
$
22,504

 
$
53,681

Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions
21

 
2,636

Investment in Northfield Bank
511,283

 
509,809

ESOP loan receivable
26,012

 
26,934

Other assets
516

 
1,048

Total assets
$
560,336

 
$
594,108

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Total liabilities
$
557

 
$
180

Total stockholders' equity
559,779

 
593,928

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
560,336

 
$
594,108

 

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
 Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Years Ended
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in thousands)
Interest on ESOP loan
$
875

 
$
903

 
$
904

Interest income on deposit in Northfield Bank
51

 
251

 
286

Interest income on corporate bonds

 

 
13

Gain on securities transactions, net
(4
)
 
(2
)
 

Undistributed earnings of Northfield Bank
19,718

 
20,331

 
19,157

Total income
20,640

 
21,483

 
20,360

Other expenses
891

 
956

 
1,188

Income tax expense
218

 
261

 
25

Total expense
1,109

 
1,217

 
1,213

Net income
$
19,531

 
$
20,266

 
$
19,147

Comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
19,531

 
$
20,266

 
$
19,147

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(2,221
)
 
3,885

 
(22,881
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
17,310

 
$
24,151

 
$
(3,734
)


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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)


Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
19,531

 
$
20,266

 
$
19,147

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Decrease in accrued interest receivable

 

 
94

Decrease in due to Northfield Bank

 

 
(541
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(453
)
 
(969
)
 
1,271

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
377

 
(362
)
 
(556
)
Undistributed earnings of Northfield Bank
(19,718
)
 
(20,329
)
 
(19,157
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(263
)
 
(1,394
)
 
258

Cash flows from investing activities
 

 
 

 
 

Additional investment in Northfield Bank

 


(172,299
)
Dividends from Northfield Bank
25,900

 
66,274

 

Maturities of corporate bonds

 


5,173

Loan to ESOP

 


(14,224
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
25,900

 
66,274

 
(181,350
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from sale of common stock

 

 
344,202

Principal payments on ESOP loan receivable
922

 
865

 
950

Purchase of treasury stock
(48,446
)
 
(138,702
)
 
(3,628
)
Dividends paid
(12,184
)
 
(12,884
)
 
(26,859
)
Merger of Northfield Bancorp, MHC

 

 
124

Exercise of stock options
158

 
212

 
21

Additional tax benefit on stock awards
122

 
390

 
296

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(59,428
)
 
(150,119
)
 
315,106

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(33,791
)
 
(85,239
)
 
134,014

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
56,316

 
141,555

 
7,541

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
22,525

 
$
56,316

 
$
141,555




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NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)


(17)        Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
 
The following tables are a summary of certain quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: 
 
2015 Quarter Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Selected Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
24,753

 
$
25,037

 
$
25,570

 
26,398

Interest expense
4,769

 
4,752

 
4,997

 
5,170

Net interest income
19,984

 
20,285

 
20,573

 
21,228

Provision (recoveries) for loan losses
200

 
72

 
200

 
(119
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
19,784

 
20,213

 
20,373

 
21,347

Other income
2,104

 
2,006

 
1,666

 
2,122

Other expenses
14,300

 
14,514

 
14,847

 
14,448

Income before income tax  expense
7,588

 
7,705

 
7,192

 
9,021

Income tax  expense
2,586

 
3,410

 
2,515

 
3,464

Net income
$
5,002

 
$
4,295

 
$
4,677

 
$
5,557

Net income per basic common share
$
0.11

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.13

Net income per diluted common share
$
0.11

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.13

 
2014 Quarter Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Selected Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
22,764

 
$
22,151

 
$
22,707

 
$
24,079

Interest expense
3,649

 
3,631

 
3,737

 
4,335

Net interest income
19,115

 
18,520

 
18,970

 
19,744

Provision (recoveries) for loan losses
417

 
(146
)
 
317

 
57

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
18,698

 
18,666

 
18,653

 
19,687

Other income
2,172

 
2,387

 
1,840

 
2,061

Other expenses
12,063

 
12,698

 
13,268

 
14,013

Income before income tax  expense
8,807

 
8,355

 
7,225

 
7,735

Income tax  expense
3,588

 
2,915

 
2,496

 
2,857

Net income
$
5,219

 
$
5,440

 
$
4,729

 
$
4,878

Net income per basic common share
$
0.10

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.11

Net income per diluted common share
$
0.10

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.11



(18)
Subsequent Event

On January 8, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Hopewell Valley Community Bank (Hopewell Valley). Total consideration paid for Hopewell Valley was $55.4 million, consisting of $13.7 million in cash and 2,707,381 shares of common stock valued at $41.7 million based upon the $15.41 per share closing price of Northfield Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock on January 8, 2016. At December 31, 2015, Hopewell Valley had approximately $508.3 million in assets and operated nine branches in Hunterdon and Mercer counties in New Jersey.

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ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None
 
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 
 
John W. Alexander, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and William R. Jacobs, our Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or (the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2015.  Based upon their evaluation, they each found that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting and we identified no material weaknesses requiring corrective action with respect to those controls.
 
Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 
 
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act.  The Company’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
 
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
 
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.  In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).  Based on our assessment we believe that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
 
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, and it is included in Item 8, under Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  This report appears on page 67 of this document.
 
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
None


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Table of Contents

PART III
 
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The sections of the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders (the 2016 Proxy Statement) entitled “Proposal I-Election of Directors,” “Other Information-Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Corporate Governance and Board Matters - Codes of Conduct and Ethics,” “Stockholder Communications,” and “Board of Directors, Leadership Structure, Role in Risk Oversight, Meetings and Standing Committees-Audit Committee” are incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The sections of the Company’s 2016 Proxy Statement entitled “Corporate Governance and Board Matters-Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation” are incorporated herein by reference.
 

ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
The sections of the Company’s 2016 Proxy Statement entitled “Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof”, “Corporate Governance and Board Matters – Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders” and “Proposal I-Election of Directors” are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Set forth below is information as of December 31, 2015, with respect to compensation plans (other than our employee stock ownership plan) under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance:
 
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights(1)
 
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in First Column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
6,011,861

 
$
10.93

 
309,739

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Total
6,011,861

 
$
10.93

 
309,739

(1) Represents the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options at December 31, 2015.
 
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
The section of the Company’s 2016 Proxy Statement entitled “Corporate Governance and Board Matters-Transactions with Certain Related Persons” is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
The sections of the Company’s 2016 Proxy Statement entitled “Audit-Related Matters-Policy for Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-audit Services” and “Auditor Fees and Services” are incorporated herein by reference.


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Table of Contents

PART IV
 
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a)(1)  Financial Statements
 
The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K.

(A) Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(B) Consolidated Balance Sheets - at December 31, 2015, and 2014
(C) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(D) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(E) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(F) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(a)(2)
Exhibits 

3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. (4)
3.2
Bylaws of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. (4)
4
Form of Common Stock Certificate of Northfield Bancorp, Inc.(4)
10.1
Amended Employment Agreement with Kenneth J. Doherty (10) †
10.2
Amended Employment Agreement with Steven M. Klein (10) †
10.3
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Albert J. Regen (1) †
10.4
Northfield  Bank 2015 Management Cash Incentive Compensation Plan (10) †
10.5
Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability for Senior Management (1) †
10.6
Northfield Bank Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (3) †
10.7
Northfield Bank Non-Qualified Supplemental Employee Stock Ownership Plan (3) †
10.8
Amended Employment Agreement with John W. Alexander (2) †
10.9
Amended Employment Agreement with Michael J. Widmer (2) †
10.10
Amendment to Northfield Bank Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (6) †
10.11
Amendment to Northfield Bank Non-Qualified Supplemental Employee Stock Ownership
 
Plan (6) †
10.12
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (5) †
10.13
Form of Director Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2008 Equity Incentive
 
Plan (6) †
10.14
Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (6) †
10.15
Form of Employee Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2008 Equity
 
Incentive Plan (6) †
10.16
Form of Employee Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2008 Equity Incentive 
 
Plan (6) †
10.17
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Equity Incentive
 
Plan (6) †
10.18
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. Management Cash Incentive Plan (7) †
10.19
Group Term Replacement Plan (9) †
10.20
Intentionally omitted
10.21
Amended Employment Agreement with William R. Jacobs (10) †
10.22
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (12) †
10.23
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with the Exception of John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (13) †
10.24
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (13) †
10.25
Form of Director Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (13) †
10.26
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with the exception of John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (13) †


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Table of Contents

10.27
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (13) †
10.28
Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (13) †
10.29
Form of amendment to restricted stock award and stock option agreements to participants of the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (2) †
10.30
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with the Exception of John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (14) †
10.31
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (14) †
10.32
Form of Director Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (14) †
10.33
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with the exception of John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (14) †
10.34
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (14) †
10.35
Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (14) †
10.36
Consulting Agreement between Northfield Bank and Patrick L. Ryan (15) †
10.37
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2016 Management Cash Incentive Plan, Amended January 27, 2016 †*
10.38
Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2016, with John W. Alexander, Steven M. Klein, Kenneth J. Doherty, William R. Jacobs, and Michael J. Widmer †*
21
Subsidiaries of Registrant (1)
23
Consent of KPMG LLP *
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
32
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
101
The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  
______________________
†     Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
*     Filed herewith. 

(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. (File No. 333-143643), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2007.

(2)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated  December 17, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2014 (File Number 001-35791).

(3)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated December 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2008 (File Number 001-33732).

(4)
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. (File No. 333-181995), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 8, 2012.

(5)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2008 (File Number 001-33732).

(6)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2009 (File Number 001-33732).

(7)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix B of Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (File No. 001-35791) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2014.


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(8)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 25, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2009 (File Number 001-33732).

(9)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 28, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2010 (File Number 001-33732).

(10)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 28, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2015 (File Number 001-35791).

(11)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 15, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2012 (File Number 001-33732).

(12) Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (File No. 001-35791) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2014.

(13)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated June 30, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 11, 2014 (File Number 001-35791).

(14)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated June 30, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2015 (File Number 001-35791).

(15)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2015 (File Number 333-207291)




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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.
 
Date:
March 15, 2016
By:
/s/ John W. Alexander
 
 
 
John W. Alexander
 
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Duly Authorized Representative)
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signatures
 
Title
 
Date
/s/ John W. Alexander
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
March 15, 2016
John W. Alexander
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ William R. Jacobs
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
March 15, 2016
William R. Jacobs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ John R. Bowen
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
John R. Bowen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Annette Catino
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
Annette Catino
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Gil Chapman
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
Gil Chapman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ John P. Connors, Jr
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
John P. Connors, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ John J.  DePierro
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
John J. DePierro
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Timothy C. Harrison 
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
Timothy C. Harrison
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Karen J. Kessler
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
Karen J. Kessler
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Steven M. Klein
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
Steven M. Klein
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Susan Lamberti
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
Susan Lamberti
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Patrick L. Ryan
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
Patrick Ryan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Frank P. Patafio 
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
Frank P. Patafio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Patrick E. Scura, Jr.
 
Director
 
March 15, 2016
Patrick E. Scura, Jr.
 
 

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