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Northfield Bancorp, Inc. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019

OR
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the transition period from _______________ to _________________
Commission File 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,
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
Trading Symbol
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
NFBK
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 
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 
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     No 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes     No 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer
 
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
 
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
 
 
 



If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes      No      
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, 2019 was $669,416,040.
As of February 24, 2020, there were outstanding 49,188,347 shares of the registrant’s common stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (the “2020 Proxy Statement”) for the 2020 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders to be held May 20, 2020, will be incorporated by reference in Part III. The 2020 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2019.




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
Item 16
 




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,” “annualized,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” 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, including employment prospects, real estate values and conditions, 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, tax policies, or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements;
our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;
our ability to access cost-effective funding;
our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities, including our proposed acquisition of VSB Bancorp, Inc.;
changes in consumer demand, 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;
technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected;
changes in our organization, compensation, and benefit plans;
our ability to retain key employees;
changes in the level of government support for housing finance;
changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”);
the ability of third-party providers to perform their obligations to us;
the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits;
the effects of any U.S. Government shutdowns;
significant increases in our loan losses, including increases that may result from the new authoritative accounting guidance (known as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model which may increase the required level of our allowance for loan losses after adoption effective January 1, 2020; and
changes in the financial condition, results of operations, or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.
The effects of any pandemic disease, natural disaster, war, act of terrorism, accident, or similar action or event. 
Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on such 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.


1


Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), was organized in 2010 and is the 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. The Company's electronic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including copies of annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these filings, if any, are available, free of charge, as soon as practicable after they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.eNorthfield.com, and on the Securities and Exchange Commission website, www.sec.gov. Information on these websites is not and should not be considered to be a part of this annual report on Form 10-K. 
 
Northfield Bank
 
Northfield Bank was organized in 1887 and is a federally chartered savings bank. Northfield Bank conducts business from its operations center located in Woodbridge, New Jersey, its home office located in Staten Island, New York, its 36 additional branch offices located in New York and New Jersey, and a lending 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. Northfield Bank also offers select loan and deposit products through the internet.
 
On December 23, 2019, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with VSB Bancorp, Inc. (“VSB Bancorp” or “VSB ”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, VSB Bancorp will merge with and into Northfield Bancorp. Under the terms of the agreement, each share of VSB Bancorp common stock will be exchanged for shares of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. common stock for total consideration of approximately $62.9 million. The price for VSB shareholders is fixed at $33.30 per share, subject to a 5% collar. The final exchange ratio will be determined using $33.30 divided by Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s ten-day average stock price just prior to closing, as defined in the definitive agreement (the “Average Stock Price”); provided, however, that if the Average Stock Price is greater than $17.99, then the exchange ratio will be 1.8514, and if the Average Stock Price is less than $16.27, then the exchange ratio will be 2.0463. As of September 30, 2019, VSB Bancorp had approximately $376 million of assets, $157 million of loans, and $325 million of deposits.
    
On January 8, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Hopewell Valley Community Bank (“Hopewell Valley”), which, after purchase accounting adjustments, added $508.5 million to total assets, $342.6 million to loans, and $456.2 million to deposits, and nine branch offices in the Hunterdon and Mercer counties of New Jersey. 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.
    
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, and home equity loans and lines of credit, and from time to time purchases loan participations and pools of loans. 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 interest 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 through Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of New York advances and repurchase agreements with brokers. 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, which holds primarily mortgage loans. In addition, Northfield Bank refers its customers to independent third parties that provide non-deposit investment products, merchant processing services, 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”).

2


 
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 on Form 10-K.
 
Market Area and Competition
 
Northfield Bank has been in business since 1887, 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 position, as our major strengths in attracting and retaining customers in our market areas.
 
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, non-traditional 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. In addition, competition has further intensified as a result of advances in technology and product delivery systems, and we face strong competition for our borrowers, depositors, and other customers from Financial Technology (“Fintech”) companies that provide innovative web-based solutions to traditional retail banking services and products. Fintech companies tend to have stronger operating efficiencies and less regulatory burdens than traditional banks.
 
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 Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Union counties in New Jersey. As of June 30, 2019 (the latest date for which information is publicly available), we ranked fourth in deposit market share for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) Insured Institutions in Staten Island with a 11.99% market share. As of that date, we had a 0.71% deposit market share in Brooklyn, New York, and a combined deposit market share of 1.53% in the Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Union counties in New Jersey.
 
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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
 
Unemployment Rate At December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Hunterdon County, NJ
2.7
%
 
2.8
%
 
3.1
%
 
3.1
%
 
3.3
%
Middlesex County, NJ
3.0

 
3.1

 
3.5

 
3.6

 
3.9

Mercer County, NJ
3.1

 
3.1

 
3.6

 
3.5

 
3.8

Union County, NJ
3.7

 
3.7

 
4.2

 
4.3

 
4.7

Richmond County, NY
3.0

 
3.9

 
3.8

 
4.4

 
5.2

Kings County, NY
3.2

 
4.0

 
4.0

 
4.5

 
5.3

National Average
3.5

 
3.6

 
4.1

 
4.7

 
5.0

 
The following table sets forth median household income at December 31, 2019 and 2018, for the communities we serve, as published by the U.S. Census Bureau:
 
Median Household Income
 
At December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Hunterdon County, NJ
$
119,926

 
$
111,743

Middlesex County, NJ
90,068

 
82,945

Mercer County, NJ
83,451

 
77,984

Union County, NJ
80,594

 
76,739

Richmond County, NY
83,351

 
77,303

Kings County, NY
60,915

 
57,227

National Average
63,174

 
61,045




3


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 (non-owner occupied 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 are underwritten pursuant to our policies and procedures or are properly approved as exceptions to our policies and procedures. Our ability to originate fixed- or adjustable-rate loans is dependent on the relative 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 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. Our commercial and industrial loans typically are generated through our loan and business development officers and, to a lesser extent, referrals from accountants and other professional contacts. We generally retain in our portfolio all loans we originate and have historically only sold non-performing loans.  Beginning in 2019, we began offering interest rate swap contracts to qualified commercial borrowers. 

From time-to-time, we may sell or purchase participation interests in individual loans (in addition to loans we acquire in assisted transactions, mergers or acquisitions, and pool purchases) which may not necessarily be in our primary lending areas. We underwrite our participation interest in the loans that we are purchasing according to our own underwriting criteria and procedures. At December 31, 2019, we had $72.9 million of loan participations that we purchased and $22.3 million of loan participations that we sold. At December 31, 2018, we had $86.9 million of loan participations that we purchased and $8.6 million of loan participations that we sold. All loan participations are secured by real estate that adheres to our loan policies. At December 31, 2019, all participation loans were performing in accordance with their terms.
    
Loans acquired in an assisted transaction with the FDIC in 2011, and in the mergers with Flatbush Federal Bancorp, Inc. (2012) and Hopewell Valley (2016), with deteriorated credit quality, herein referred to as purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans, have a carrying value of $17.4 million at December 31, 2019. 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 three 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) originated loans held-for-investment, which are carried at amortized cost, less net charge-offs and the allowance for loan losses, and (3) 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, if determined to be impaired, 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 or certified appraiser approved by our Board of Directors. The appraisals of multifamily and other commercial real estate properties are also reviewed by an independent appraisal management firm. 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 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 vice president, have individual lending authority that is approved by the Board of Directors.

    

4


Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio, by type of loan, at the dates indicated.
 
At December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans originated:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multifamily
$
2,196,407

 
64.05
%
 
$
1,930,535

 
59.62
%
 
$
1,735,712

 
55.38
%
 
$
1,506,335

 
50.86
%
 
$
1,318,461

 
55.66
%
Commercial
528,681

 
15.42

 
499,311

 
15.42

 
445,225

 
14.20

 
412,667

 
13.93

 
402,073

 
16.97

One-to-four family residential
83,742

 
2.44

 
91,371

 
2.82

 
100,942

 
3.22

 
105,968

 
3.58

 
98,332

 
4.15

Home equity and lines of credit
84,928

 
2.48

 
78,593

 
2.43

 
66,254

 
2.11

 
65,437

 
2.21

 
61,413

 
2.59

Construction and land 
38,284

 
1.12

 
26,552

 
0.82

 
34,545

 
1.10

 
14,065

 
0.47

 
18,652

 
0.79

Commercial and industrial loans
45,328

 
1.32

 
44,104

 
1.36

 
34,828

 
1.11

 
31,906

 
1.08

 
25,554

 
1.08

Other loans
2,083

 
0.05

 
1,519

 
0.04

 
1,430

 
0.05

 
1,497

 
0.05

 
2,256

 
0.10

Total loans originated
2,979,453

 
86.88

 
2,671,985

 
82.51

 
2,418,936

 
77.17

 
2,137,875

 
72.18

 
1,926,741

 
81.34

PCI loans
17,365

 
0.51

 
20,143

 
0.62

 
22,741

 
0.73

 
30,498

 
1.03

 
33,115

 
1.40

Loans acquired:
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
187,975

 
5.48

 
225,877

 
6.98

 
275,053

 
8.78

 
317,639

 
10.73

 
330,672

 
13.96

Multifamily
108,417

 
3.16

 
145,485

 
4.49

 
199,149

 
6.35

 
215,389

 
7.27

 
64,779

 
2.73

Commercial
113,027

 
3.30

 
133,263

 
4.12

 
163,962

 
5.23

 
188,001

 
6.35

 
11,160

 
0.47

Home equity and lines of credit
12,008

 
0.35

 
17,583

 
0.54

 
20,455

 
0.65

 
25,522

 
0.86

 
2,404

 
0.10

Construction and land
2,537

 
0.07

 
12,003

 
0.37

 
17,201

 
0.55

 
20,887

 
0.71

 

 

Commercial and industrial loans
8,689

 
0.25

 
11,933

 
0.37

 
16,946

 
0.54

 
25,443

 
0.86

 

 

Other loans

 

 
6

 

 
37

 

 
359

 
0.01

 

 

Total loans acquired
432,653

 
12.61

 
546,150

 
16.87

 
692,803

 
22.10

 
793,240

 
26.79

 
409,015

 
17.26

Total loans
$
3,429,471

 
100.00
%
 
$
3,238,278

 
100.00
%
 
$
3,134,480

 
100.00
%
 
$
2,961,613

 
100.00
%
 
$
2,368,871

 
100.00
%
Other items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred loan costs (fees), net
7,614

 
 
 
6,892

 
 
 
6,339

 
 
 
6,471

 
 
 
4,844

 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(28,707
)
 
 
 
(27,497
)
 
 
 
(26,160
)
 
 
 
(24,595
)
 
 
 
(24,770
)
 
 
Net loans held-for-investment
$
3,408,378

 
 
 
$
3,217,673

 
 
 
$
3,114,659

 
 
 
$
2,943,489

 
 
 
$
2,348,945

 
 
 
At December 31, 2019, PCI loans consisted of approximately 29% commercial real estate loans and 42% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans. At both December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, these loans consisted of approximately 27% commercial real estate loans and 50% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans. At December 31, 2016, these loans consisted of approximately 30% commercial real estate loans and 48% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans. At December 31, 2015, these 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.

Loan Portfolio Maturities.  The following tables summarize the scheduled repayments of our loan portfolio and weighted average contractual rate by loan type at December 31, 2019. Demand loans (loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity) and overdraft loans are reported as being due in the year ending December 31, 2020. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment date and do not reflect the effect of prepayments, repricing and scheduled principal amortization.

5



 
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,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
1

 
6.99
%
 
$
12,110

 
4.78
%
 
$
300

 
4.30
%
 
$
82

 
3.58
%
2021
85

 
5.23
%
 
2,229

 
4.19
%
 
1

 
5.50
%
 
273

 
4.04
%
2022
464

 
4.40
%
 
686

 
5.22
%
 
71

 
4.47
%
 
788

 
3.29
%
2023 to 2024
23,271

 
3.54
%
 
3,636

 
4.72
%
 
934

 
5.07
%
 
3,214

 
3.61
%
2025 to 2029
76,050

 
3.94
%
 
81,869

 
4.42
%
 
2,070

 
4.67
%
 
19,288

 
3.88
%
2030 to 2034
108,852

 
4.32
%
 
86,319

 
4.74
%
 
10,826

 
4.48
%
 
18,022

 
3.97
%
2035 and beyond
1,987,684

 
3.77
%
 
341,832

 
4.13
%
 
69,540

 
4.01
%
 
43,261

 
4.35
%
Total
$
2,196,407

 
3.80
%
 
$
528,681

 
4.30
%
 
$
83,742

 
4.10
%
 
$
84,928

 
4.12
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
16,629

 
5.69
%
 
$
20,001

 
5.25
%
 
$
1,934

 
0.06
%
 

 
 
2021
14,676

 
5.01
%
 
5,260

 
4.55
%
 
9

 
12.00
%
 

 
 
2022

 
%
 
3,490

 
4.46
%
 

 
%
 

 
 
2023 to 2024
584

 
4.50
%
 
5,978

 
4.40
%
 

 
%
 

 
 
2025 to 2029
1,590

 
4.05
%
 
8,050

 
5.82
%
 
91

 
6.00
%
 

 
 
2030 to 2034
3,351

 
3.50
%
 
475

 
4.48
%
 

 
%
 

 
 
2035 and beyond
1,454

 
4.68
%
 
2,074

 
4.28
%
 
49

 
4.83
%
 

 
 
Total
$
38,284

 
5.11
%
 
$
45,328

 
5.04
%
 
$
2,083

 
0.48
%
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
501

 
3.75
%
 
$
1,418

 
3.37
%
 
$
5,436

 
7.94
%
 
$
288

 
4.48
%
2021
853

 
4.84
%
 

 
%
 
1,487

 
4.68
%
 
115

 
6.15
%
2022
167

 
6.31
%
 
151

 
4.00
%
 
1,221

 
5.65
%
 
307

 
5.13
%
2023 to 2024
614

 
5.65
%
 
61,746

 
3.22
%
 
7,797

 
5.50
%
 
1,434

 
5.12
%
2025 to 2029
7,111

 
3.90
%
 
42,553

 
3.40
%
 
20,278

 
4.56
%
 
4,948

 
4.83
%
2030 to 2034
10,000

 
5.27
%
 
536

 
6.17
%
 
20,325

 
5.04
%
 
3,492

 
5.08
%
2035 and beyond
168,729

 
3.85
%
 
2,013

 
4.44
%
 
56,483

 
5.12
%
 
1,424

 
4.00
%
Total
$
187,975

 
3.94
%
 
$
108,417

 
3.33
%
 
$
113,027

 
5.17
%
 
$
12,008

 
4.85
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6


 
Acquired Loans (continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Construction and Land
 
PCI loans
 
Total Loans
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate(1)
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Due during the years ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
1,594

 
5.53
%
 
$
1,946

 
6.28
%
 
$
4,598

 
15.85
%
 
$
66,838

 
6.05
%
2021
776

 
4.88
%
 

 
%
 
1,300

 
20.07
%
 
27,064

 
5.55
%
2022
568

 
5.24
%
 

 
%
 
424

 
24.48
%
 
8,337

 
5.71
%
2023 to 2024
939

 
4.95
%
 
591

 
5.50
%
 
780

 
24.37
%
 
111,518

 
3.80
%
2025 to 2029
1,310

 
5.26
%
 

 
%
 
1,084

 
12.89
%
 
266,292

 
4.17
%
2035 and beyond
3,502

 
4.53
%
 

 
%
 
478

 
12.78
%
 
2,678,523

 
3.87
%
Total
$
8,689

 
4.95
%
 
$
2,537

 
6.10
%
 
$
17,365

 
18.32
%
 
$
3,429,471

 
4.04
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents estimated accretable yield.

    The following table summarizes fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2019, that are contractually due after December 31, 2020:
 
Due After December 31, 2020
 
Fixed Rate
 
Adjustable Rate
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Multifamily
$
135,110

 
$
2,061,296

 
$
2,196,406

Commercial
62,258

 
454,313

 
516,571

One-to-four family residential 
16,689

 
66,753

 
83,442

Construction and land
2,155

 
19,500

 
21,655

Home equity and lines of credit
54,780

 
30,066

 
84,846

Commercial and industrial loans
17,548

 
7,779

 
25,327

Other loans
149

 

 
149

PCI loans
3,350

 
9,417

 
12,767

Acquired loans
245,904

 
175,566

 
421,470

Total loans
$
537,943

 
$
2,824,690

 
$
3,362,633


At December 31, 2019, the Company had a total of $2.68 billion in loans due to mature in 2035 and beyond, of which $161.4 million, or 6.03%, are fixed rate loans.
 
Multifamily Real Estate Loans. Originated loans secured by multifamily properties totaled approximately $2.20 billion, or 64.0%, of our total loan portfolio, at December 31, 2019. We include in this category properties having more than four residential units and a business or businesses where the majority of space is utilized for residential purposes, which we refer to as mixed-use. At December 31, 2019, we had 994 originated multifamily real estate loans, with an average loan balance of approximately $2.2 million, although there are a large number of loans with balances substantially greater than this average. At December 31, 2019, our largest multifamily real estate loan had a principal balance of $29.8 million, is secured by five multifamily buildings and a single family residence with a total of 828 units located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 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. Adjustable-rate loan originations are generally tied to a specifically identified market rate index. 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. In addition, our multi-family loans may contain an initial interest-only period which typically does not exceed two years; however, these loans are underwritten on a fully amortizing basis. Loans that we have purchased typically adjust to different market rate indexes.
    

7


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 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 the lesser of 75% of the appraised value or the purchase price 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 maximum 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 when warranted.
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, or interest payments on the loan increase, 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 in 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 eight loans may be affected by the ruling regarding J-51. These loans had an aggregate principal balance of $53.2 million at December 31, 2019, and were all performing in accordance with their original contractual terms at that date.    

On June 14, 2019, the New York State legislature passed the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, impacting about one million rent-regulated apartment units. Among other things, the new legislation: (i) curtails rent increases from Material Capital Improvements and Individual Apartment Improvements; (ii) all but eliminates the ability for apartments to exit rent regulation; (iii) does away with vacancy decontrol and high-income deregulation; and (iv) repealed the 20% vacancy bonus. At December 31, 2019, the Company has approximately $397.8 million in multifamily loans in New York City with tenants that have some form of rent stabilization or rent control. All of the loans are performing as agreed. This new legislation is expected to affect the market values and cash flows from this property type which will in turn limit the number and amount of loans made to this portion of the multifamily market.

The following table summarizes our variable-interest multifamily loan repricing (including originated and acquired loans, excluding PCI loans) at December 31, 2019:
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2020
$
1,419

 
3.38
%
2022
141

 
4.88
%
2023 to 2024
26,239

 
3.46
%
2025 to 2029
25,171

 
3.75
%
2030 to 2034
42,196

 
4.58
%
2035 and beyond
1,991,975

 
3.77
%
 
$
2,087,141

 
3.78
%
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans.  Originated commercial real estate loans (other than multifamily real estate loans) totaled $528.7 million, or 15.4%, of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, our originated commercial real estate loan portfolio consisted of 403 loans with an average loan balance of approximately $1.3 million, although there are a large number of loans with balances substantially greater than this average. At December 31, 2019, our largest commercial real estate loan (in which we have a 38.7% participation interest) had a principal balance of $23.2 million, was secured by a full service hotel in New York, 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.
 

8


The following table sets forth the property types collateralizing our originated commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2019:
 
At December 31, 2019
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Mixed use (majority of space is non-residential)
$
137,164

 
25.9
%
Retail
110,728

 
20.9

Office buildings
119,852

 
22.7

Warehousing
18,292

 
3.5

Accommodations
66,526

 
12.6

Services
18,511

 
3.5

Healthcare facilities
27,548

 
5.2

Manufacturing
3,545

 
0.7

Restaurant
9,043

 
1.7

Schools/day care
5,121

 
1.0

Recreational
2,868

 
0.5

Other
9,483

 
1.8

 
$
528,681

 
100.0
%
 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. Adjustable-rate loan originations are generally tied to a specifically identified market rate index. 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. Loans that we have purchased typically adjust to different market indexes.
 
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 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 maximum amount 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 than multifamily residential real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans also generally have greater credit risk compared to multifamily residential real estate loans, as they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers.  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 multifamily residential properties.
 
Construction and Land Loans. At December 31, 2019, originated construction and land loans totaled $38.3 million, or 1.1%, of total loans receivable, and the additional unadvanced portion of these construction loans totaled $32.6 million. At December 31, 2019, we had 31 originated construction and land loans with an average loan balance of approximately $1.2 million and our largest construction and land loan had a principal balance of $29.2 million, in which we have a 50% participation interest, and is secured by a proposed eight-story office facility in Staten Island, New York. At December 31, 2019, 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.

9


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 only 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 municipal approvals 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 three 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 multifamily and commercial real estate loans. Construction and land loans have greater credit risk than long-term financing on improved, income-producing 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 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 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, 2019, originated commercial and industrial loans totaled $45.3 million, or 1.3%, of the total loan portfolio and the additional unadvanced portion of these commercial and industrial loans totaled $36.9 million. As of December 31, 2019, we had 313 originated commercial and industrial loans with an average loan balance of approximately $145,000, although we originate these types of loans in amounts substantially greater than this average. At December 31, 2019, 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 term commercial and industrial loans typically amortize over 10 years with interest rates that are indexed 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. 
Commercial and industrial loans generally carry higher interest rates than multifamily and commercial 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.


10


One-to-Four Family Residential Real Estate Loans. At December 31, 2019, we had 241 originated one-to-four family residential real estate loans outstanding with an aggregate balance of $83.7 million, or 2.4%, of our total loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2019, the average balance of originated one-to-four family residential real estate loans was approximately $354,000, although we have originated these types of loan in amounts substantially greater than this average. At December 31, 2019, our largest loan of this type had a principal balance of $4.6 million, was collateralized by 48 two-bedroom individual condominiums, each with a separate assessment, and was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms. We no longer offer loans secured by owner-occupied, one-to-four family residential real estate, but may purchase them from time-to-time to meet our Community Reinvestment Act obligations.
 
Historically, we have not offered “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, since 2014 we have 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 these purchases, see the “Acquired Loans” discussion below. We also historically have not offered 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.
 
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. At December 31, 2019, we had 1,511 originated home equity loans and lines of credit with an aggregate outstanding balance of $84.9 million, or 2.5% of our total loan portfolio. Of this total, outstanding home equity lines of credit totaled $39.4 million, or 1.2%, of our total loan portfolio and home equity loans totaled $56.7 million, or 1.7%, of our total loan portfolio. At December 31, 2019, the average originated home equity loan and line of credit balance was approximately $57,000, although we originate these types of loans in amounts substantially greater than this average. At December 31, 2019, our largest outstanding home equity line of credit was $432,000 and was performing in accordance with its original contractual terms. At December 31, 2019, our largest outstanding home equity loan was $1.5 million 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, 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 up to 30 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. At December 31, 2019, PCI loans had a carrying balance of approximately $17.4 million, or 0.5%, of our total loan portfolio and consisted of approximately 29% commercial real estate loans and 42% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans. At December 31, 2018, PCI loans had a carrying balance of approximately $20.1 million, or 0.6%, of our total loan portfolio and consisted of approximately 27% commercial real estate loans and 50% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans.

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.
 

11


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. At December 31, 2019, acquired loans totaled $432.7 million and consisted of approximately 43% one-to-four family residential loans, 25% multifamily loans, and 26% commercial real estate loans, with the remaining balance in home equity, construction and land, and commercial and industrial loans. At December 31, 2018, acquired loans totaled $546.2 million and consisted of approximately 41% one-to-four family residential loans, 27% multifamily loans, and 24% commercial real estate loans, with the remaining balance in home equity, construction and land, and commercial and industrial loans.

During 2019, the Company purchased loan pools consisting primarily of one-to-four family residential loans totaling $44.2 million. The following table provides the details of the loans purchased during the year ended December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
Principal Amounts Purchased
 
Loan Type
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate(1)
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change or Maturity for Fixed Rate Loans
 
(F)ixed or (V)ariable
 
Original Amortization Term
$
4,230

 
Residential
 
4.19%
 
71%
 
324
 
F
 
15 - 30 Years
17,253

 
Residential
 
3.69%
 
63%
 
78
 
V
 
30 Years
19,448

 
Residential
 
4.19%
 
71%
 
333
 
F
 
30 Years
3,262

 
Residential
 
3.93%
 
66%
 
346
 
F
 
30 Years
$
44,193

 
 
 
3.98%
 
68%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Net of servicing fee retained by the originating bank.

The geographic locations of the properties collateralizing the loans purchased in 2019 are as follows: 83% in Massachusetts, 13% in New York, 4% in New Jersey.

During 2018, the Company purchased loan pools consisting primarily of one-to-four family residential and multifamily loans, totaling $37.5 million. The following table provides the details of the loans purchased during the year ended December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Principal Amounts Purchased
 
Loan Type
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate(1)
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change or Maturity for Fixed Rate Loans
 
(F)ixed or (V)ariable
 
Amortization Term
$
29,963

 
Residential
 
2.30%
 
55%
 
1
 
V
 
30 Years
4,368

 
Residential
 
3.67%
 
58%
 
346
 
F
 
15 - 30 Years
3,178

 
Residential
 
3.68%
 
60%
 
330
 
F
 
15 - 30 Years
$
37,509

 
 
 
2.58%
 
56%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Net of servicing fee retained by the originating bank.

The geographic locations of the properties collateralizing the loans purchased during 2018 are as follows: 32.7% in New York, 29.9% in California, 27.1% in Massachusetts, with the majority of the remaining balance in New Jersey.
Non-Performing and Problem Assets
 
When a loan is between 10 to 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 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 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 generally send the borrower a final demand for payment and refer the loan to legal counsel to commence foreclosure and related legal proceedings. At times, we may shorten or lengthen these time frames. 
 

12


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 consecutive six-month period. Our Chief Credit 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 estimated 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, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015, we had TDRs of $4.4 million, $513,000, $251,000, $1.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, which are included in the appropriate categories within non-accrual loans. Additionally, we had $14.1 million, $16.4 million, $18.0 million, $20.6 million and $22.3 million, of TDRs on accrual status at December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015, 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, 2019, 80.4% of TDRs were commercial real estate loans, 13.4% were one-to-four family residential loans, 5.6% were multifamily loans, 0.3% were commercial and industrial loans, and 0.3% were home equity loans. At December 31, 2019, loans totaling $386,000, or 2.7%, of the $14.1 million accruing TDRs were not performing in accordance with their restructured terms, and three loans totaling $1.6 million, or 35.5%, of the $4.4 million non-accruing TDRs was not performing in accordance with its restructured terms. One of the non-accruing, non performing TDRs totaling $1.3 million was paid off in full in January 2020.

13


 
At December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
7,922

 
$
7,291

 
$
4,087

 
$
5,513

 
$
5,232

One-to-four family residential
889

 
1,129

 
774

 
1,629

 
2,574

Construction and land

 

 

 

 
113

Multifamily
437

 
566

 
417

 
43

 
559

Home equity and lines of credit
185

 
151

 
156

 
127

 
329

Commercial and industrial loans

 
25

 
74

 
9

 

Total non-accrual loans
9,433

 
9,162

 
5,508

 
7,321

 
8,807

Loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
253

 

 

 

 

One-to-four family residential
265

 
33

 
27

 
52

 

Home equity and lines of credit

 

 

 
8

 

Other

 

 
1

 

 

Commercial and industrial loans

 

 

 

 
15

Total loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing
518

 
33

 
28

 
60

 
15

Total non-performing loans
9,951

 
9,195

 
5,536

 
7,381

 
8,822

Other real estate owned

 

 
850

 
850

 
45

Total non-performing assets
$
9,951

 
$
9,195

 
$
6,386

 
$
8,231

 
$
8,867

Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing loans to total loans held-for-investment, net
0.29
%
 
0.28
%
 
0.18
%
 
0.25
%
 
0.37
%
Non-performing assets to total assets
0.20
%
 
0.21
%
 
0.16
%
 
0.21
%
 
0.28
%
Total assets
$
5,055,302

 
$
4,408,432

 
$
3,991,417

 
$
3,850,094

 
$
3,202,584

Loans held-for-investment, net
$
3,437,085

 
$
3,245,170

 
$
3,140,819

 
$
2,968,084

 
$
2,373,715


At December 31, 2019, 20.9% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 24.3% were past due 90 days or more. At December 31, 2018, 10.0% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 23.3% were past due 90 days or more. At December 31, 2017, 10.8% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 17.1% were past due 90 days or more. At December 31, 2016, 6.6% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 19.3% were past due 90 days or more. 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 following table sets forth the property types collateralizing non-accrual commercial real estate loans at December 31, 2019:
 
At December 31, 2019
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Services
$
3,902

 
49.3
%
Industrial
1,366

 
17.2

Mixed use
735

 
9.3

Office buildings
1,651

 
20.8

Other
268

 
3.4

Total
$
7,922

 
100.0
%
 

14


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. The Company had no other real estate owned at both December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
Potential Problem Loans and Classification of Assets. Our loan officers and credit administration department 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 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, 2019, classified assets, excluding loans on non-accrual status, consisted of substandard assets of $22.8 million and no doubtful or loss assets. At December 31, 2019, we also had $5.0 million of assets designated as special mention. At December 31, 2018, classified assets, excluding loans on non-accrual status, consisted of substandard assets of $22.4 million and no doubtful or loss assets. At December 31, 2018, we also had $9.3 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 risk ratings on a semi-annual basis.

At December 31, 2019, the Company had $8.2 million of accruing loans that were 30 to 89 days delinquent, as compared to $8.6 million at December 31, 2018.
    
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,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
5,450

 
$
2,377

One-to-four family residential
1,590

 
4,120

Construction and Land
147

 

Multifamily
547

 
2,018

Home equity and lines of credit
217

 

Commercial and industrial loans
229

 
45

Other loans
26

 
2

Total
$
8,206

 
$
8,562


15


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,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
27,497

 
$
26,160

 
$
24,595

 
$
24,770

 
$
26,292

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
(520
)
 
(1,256
)
 
(4
)
 
(638
)
 
(1,431
)
One-to-four family residential

 
(3
)
 

 
(20
)
 
(277
)
Multifamily

 

 
(184
)
 
(278
)
 
(120
)
Home equity and lines of credit

 
(60
)
 
(104
)
 

 
(115
)
Commercial and industrial
(100
)
 
(70
)
 
(73
)
 
(66
)
 
(71
)
Other
(123
)
 

 

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
Acquired loans
(244
)
 
(1
)
 
(37
)
 

 

Total charge-offs
(987
)
 
(1,390
)
 
(402
)
 
(1,004
)
 
(2,015
)
Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
98

 
49

 
70

 
181

 
2

One-to-four family residential
72

 
4

 

 
2

 
20

Multifamily
1,818

 
26

 
277

 

 
25

Home equity and lines of credit

 

 
97

 
2

 
42

Commercial and industrial
20

 
20

 
79

 
4

 
34

Other
1

 

 

 
5

 
17

Acquired loans
166

 
13

 
33

 

 

Total recoveries
2,175

 
112

 
556

 
194

 
140

Net recoveries (charge-offs)
1,188

 
(1,278
)
 
154

 
(810
)
 
(1,875
)
Provision for loan losses
22

 
2,615

 
1,411

 
635

 
353

Balance at end of year
$
28,707

 
$
27,497

 
$
26,160

 
$
24,595

 
$
24,770

Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net recoveries (charge-offs) to average loans outstanding
0.04
%
 
(0.04
)%
 
0.01
%
 
(0.03
)%
 
(0.09
)%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans held-for-investment at end of year
288.48

 
299.06

 
472.63

 
333.23

 
280.78

Allowance for loan losses to originated loans held-for-investment, net at end of year (1)
0.93

 
0.99

 
1.04

 
1.10

 
1.24

Allowance for loan losses to total loans held-for-investment at end of year (2)
0.84

 
0.85

 
0.83

 
0.83

 
1.04

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  Excludes PCI loans and acquired loans held-for-investment (and related allowance for loan losses).
(2)  Includes PCI and acquired loans held-for-investment (and related allowance for loan losses).

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the allowance for loan losses related to PCI loans was $789,000 and $1.0 million, respectively.  Loans held-for-sale are excluded from the allowance for loan losses coverage ratios in the table above.


16


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. Prior to December 31, 2016, we maintained an amount identified as the unallocated component within the allowance for loan losses related to indicators of loan losses not fully captured in other components of the allowance for loan losses methodology, as well as the inherent imprecision of the loss estimation process.  During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company enhanced the allowance for loan losses qualitative framework to more fully capture the risks related to certain loan loss factors. These enhancements are meant to increase the level of precision in the allowance for loan losses. As a result, subsequent to 2015, the Company no longer has an unallocated reserve in its allowance for loan losses, as the risks and uncertainties meant to be captured by the unallocated allowance have been included in the qualitative framework for the respective loan portfolios.
 
At December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
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
$
4,756

 
15.42
%
 
$
5,630

 
15.42
%
 
$
5,196

 
14.20
%
One-to-four family residential
180

 
2.44

 
342

 
2.82

 
503

 
3.22

Construction and land
536

 
1.12

 
463

 
0.82

 
610

 
1.10

Multifamily
20,203

 
64.05

 
18,084

 
59.62

 
17,374

 
55.38

Home equity and lines of credit
317

 
2.48

 
291

 
2.43

 
122

 
2.11

Commercial and industrial 
1,640

 
1.32

 
1,569

 
1.36

 
1,273

 
1.11

PCI loans
789

 
0.51

 
1,010

 
0.62

 
951

 
0.73

Loans Acquired
135

 
12.61

 

 
16.87

 
37

 
22.10

Other
151

 
0.05

 
108

 
0.04

 
94

 
0.05

Total allocated allowance
28,707

 
100.00
%
 
27,497

 
100.00
%
 
26,160

 
100.00
%
Unallocated

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Total
$
28,707

 
 
 
$
27,497

 
 
 
$
26,160

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
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
$
5,432

 
13.93
%
 
$
7,106

 
16.97
%
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
664

 
3.58

 
787

 
4.15

 
 
 
 
Construction and land
172

 
0.47

 
261

 
0.79

 
 
 
 
Multifamily
14,952

 
50.86

 
12,387

 
55.66

 
 
 
 
Home equity and lines of credit
588

 
2.21

 
795

 
2.59

 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial 
1,720

 
1.08

 
1,288

 
1.08

 
 
 
 
PCI loans
896

 
1.03

 
783

 
1.40

 
 
 
 
Loans Acquired
75

 
26.79

 
115

 
17.26

 
 
 
 
Other 
96

 
0.05

 
155

 
0.10

 
 
 
 
Total allocated allowance
24,595

 
100.00
%
 
23,677

 
100.00
%
 
 
 
 
Unallocated

 
 
 
1,093

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
24,595

 
 
 
$
24,770

 
 
 
 
 
 

17


Investments
 
We conduct securities portfolio transactions in accordance with our board-approved investment policy. Northfield Bank's investment policy 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 Chief Financial Officer. 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 obligations (including bonds, tax anticipation notes and bond anticipation notes), 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 to fund Northfield 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, 2019, 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 permit hedging through the use of derivative instruments such as financial futures or interest rate options and swaps, although we currently have no derivative hedging instruments in place.
 
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, 2019, our investment portfolio consisted primarily of mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by GSEs, corporate debt securities, and, to a lesser extent municipal bonds, private label mortgage-backed securities, and mutual funds. 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 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, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, may guarantee the payments, or guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest to investors.


18


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. 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, 2019, our corporate bond portfolio consisted of securities, all of which except for one were investment-grade, and had remaining maturities generally shorter than five 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 1 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. Aggregate holdings of individual issuers of corporate bonds and commercial paper, both investment grade and non-investment grade, are not to exceed 50% of tier-one capital of the Company. 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.
    
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, 2019, 2018, and 2017, we also had a trading portfolio with a fair value of $11.2 million, $9.0 million and $9.6 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,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Debt securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
$
324,080

 
$
329,407

 
$
317,530

 
$
314,788

 
$
179,320

 
$
178,295

REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
643,816

 
643,667

 
258,050

 
250,163

 
273,501

 
266,929

Non-GSEs
53

 
53

 
59

 
58

 
80

 
79

Other debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
296

 
299

 
270

 
273

 
343

 
349

Corporate bonds
163,725

 
164,926

 
244,892

 
242,749

 
67,927

 
68,130

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
1,131,970

 
$
1,138,352

 
$
820,801

 
$
808,031

 
$
521,171

 
$
513,782


19


 
At December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
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
$
8,762

 
$
8,886

 
$
9,505

 
$
9,249

 
$
9,931

 
$
9,892

Total securities held-to-maturity
$
8,762

 
$
8,886

 
$
9,505

 
$
9,249

 
$
9,931

 
$
9,892


The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities as of December 31, 2019, for issuers that exceeded 10% of our stockholders’ equity as of that date:
 
At December 31, 2019
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
Freddie Mac
$
358,769

 
$
360,319

Fannie Mae
$
467,619

 
$
471,225

Ginnie Mae
$
148,128

 
$
148,301


Portfolio Maturities and Yields.  The composition and maturities of the investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2019, 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, 2019, were taxable with the exception of our municipal portfolio.    
 
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
$
11

 
4.79
%
 
$
16,941

 
3.43
%
 
$
129,817

 
3.04
%
 
$
177,311

 
3.35
%
 
$
324,080

 
$
329,407

 
3.23
%
REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
740

 
2.01
%
 
927

 
2.07
%
 
53,251

 
2.74
%
 
588,898

 
2.36
%
 
643,816

 
643,667

 
2.39
%
Non-GSE

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
53

 
2.11
%
 
53

 
53

 
2.11
%
 
$
751

 
2.05
%
 
$
17,868

 
3.36
%
 
$
183,068

 
2.95
%
 
$
766,262

 
2.59
%
 
$
967,949

 
$
973,127

 
2.67
%
Other debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
125

 
2.28
%
 
171

 
3.39
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
296

 
299

 
2.92
%
Corporate bonds
74,989

 
2.98
%
 
88,736

 
2.79
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
163,725

 
164,926

 
2.88
%
 
$
75,114

 
2.98
%
 
$
88,907

 
2.79
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
164,021

 
$
165,225

 
2.88
%
Total securities available-for-sale
$
75,865

 
2.97
%
 
$
106,775

 
2.89
%
 
$
183,068

 
2.95
%
 
$
766,262

 
2.59
%
 
$
1,131,970

 
$
1,138,352

 
2.70
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
8,762

 
%
 
$
8,762

 
$
8,886

 
3.51
%
Total securities held-to-maturity
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
8,762

 
%
 
$
8,762

 
$
8,886

 
3.51
%

20


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 stockholders' equity, including retained earnings.
 
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, consumers and municipalities with a range of interest rates and terms. Our deposit accounts consist of transaction accounts (NOW and interest 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, 2019 and 2018, we had brokered deposits totaling $259.0 million and $275.4 million, respectively. In addition, municipal deposits which primarily consist of funds from local government entities domiciled in New Jersey, and are a significant source of funds, totaled $371.2 million, or 10.9% of our total deposits at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2018, municipal deposits totaled $337.1 million, or 10.3% of our total deposits. Municipal deposits are primarily secured by mortgaged-backed securities.
 
Interest rates offered on deposit accounts 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.
 
At December 31, 2019, we had $1.05 billion in certificates of deposit, of which $908.7 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 years indicated: 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
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
$
384,740

 
11.54
%
 
%
 
$
405,319

 
13.32
%
 
%
 
$
385,891

 
14.16
%
 
%
NOW and interest bearing demand
575,893

 
17.28

 
0.80
%
 
456,545

 
15.00

 
0.48
%
 
477,996

 
17.54

 
0.30
%
Money market accounts
630,273

 
18.91

 
1.32
%
 
686,080

 
22.54

 
1.00
%
 
809,286

 
29.70

 
0.73
%
Savings
715,398

 
21.46

 
1.05
%
 
538,942

 
17.71

 
0.38
%
 
426,581

 
15.66

 
0.21
%
Certificates of deposit
1,027,122

 
30.81

 
2.03
%
 
956,821

 
31.43

 
1.74
%
 
625,067

 
22.94

 
1.30
%
Total deposits
$
3,333,426

 
100.00
%
 
1.24
%
 
$
3,043,707

 
100.00
%
 
0.91
%
 
$
2,724,821

 
100.00
%
 
0.60
%
 
As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate amount of our outstanding certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was $485.2 million.  The following table sets forth the maturity of these certificates at December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2019
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
$
202,317

Over three months through six months
83,680

Over six months through one year
154,021

Over one year to three years
27,386

Over three years
17,845

Total
$
485,249

 

21


Borrowings.  Our borrowings consist primarily of advances from the FHLB of New York as well as securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements) with third-party financial institutions. As of December 31, 2019, our FHLB advances totaled $776.0 million, or 17.8% of total liabilities, repurchase agreements totaled $75.0 million, or 1.7%, and floating rate advances totaled $6.0 million, or 0.1%, of total liabilities. At December 31, 2019, the Company had the ability to obtain additional funding from the FHLB of New York and Federal Reserve Bank discount window of approximately $1.43 billion, utilizing unencumbered securities of $284.8 million and multifamily loans of $1.14 billion. 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 or for the years indicated: 
 
At Or For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of year
$
857,004

 
$
408,891

 
$
471,549

Average balance during year
$
576,284

 
$
459,180

 
$
494,361

Maximum outstanding at any month end
$
857,004

 
$
524,335

 
$
579,690

Weighted average interest rate at end of year
2.12
%
 
2.06
%
 
1.62
%
Weighted average interest rate during year
2.09
%
 
1.81
%
 
1.54
%
 
Employees
 
As of December 31, 2019, we had 357 full-time employees and 23 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 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, 2019, Northfield Bank’s investment in NSB Services Corp. was $758.3 million, and NSB Services Corp. had assets of $761.3 million and liabilities of $3.0 million at that date. At December 31, 2019, NSB Services Corp.’s investment in NSB Realty Trust was $761.2 million, and NSB Realty Trust had $761.2 million in assets, and liabilities of $15,000 at that date.
 
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.
 



22


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 11 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, the Securities and Exchange Commission, 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 loaned, 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, 2019, we were in compliance with our loans-to-one-borrower limitations.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test

As a federally chartered savings bank, 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 bank that fails the QTL test must operate under specified restrictions. Federal law also makes noncompliance with the QTL test subject to agency enforcement action for a violation of law. As of December 31, 2019, we maintained 81.7% of our portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments and, therefore, we met the QTL test.

23


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.

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 generally is defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital generally is defined as common equity Tier 1 plus 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 and certain other items. 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 assets above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement was phased in beginning January 1, 2016, at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increased each year until it was fully implemented at 2.50% on January 1, 2019.

Legislation enacted in 2018 required the federal banking agencies, including the OCC, to specify for qualifying institutions with less than $10 billion of assets, an alternative “community bank leverage ratio” that ranges between 8% to 10% of consolidated assets. Institutions with capital levels meeting or exceeding the specified requirement and choosing the alternative regulatory capital framework are considered to comply with the applicable regulatory capital requirements, including all risk-based requirements. A final rule was issued by the federal regulators, effective January 1, 2020, that establishes the elective community bank leverage ratio at 9.0% Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets. Northfield Bank has elected to opt into the new framework.

As of December 31, 2019, Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and Northfield Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. Further, the most recent OCC notification categorized the Bank as a well-capitalized institution under the prompt corrective action regulations discussed below. See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion about Regulatory Requirements.
    
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

24


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%.

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 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.

The previously referenced final rule that establishes an elective “community bank leverage ratio” provides that a qualifying institution whose Tier 1 capital equals or exceeds the specified community bank leverage ratio and opts into that framework will be considered to be “well capitalized” for purposes of prompt corrective action.
Capital Distributions

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, 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.


25


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% of the capital and surplus of the savings institution. The aggregate amount of covered transactions with all affiliates is limited to 20% 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, 2019, 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 $50,000 per day (as adjusted for inflation), unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case penalties may be as high as $2 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 assesses insured depository institutions to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, institutions deemed less risky pay lower assessments. Assessments for institutions with less than $10 billion of assets are based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the probability of an institution’s failure within three years.
The FDIC bases its deposit insurance rate assessments upon each insured institution’s total assets less tangible equity. The assessment ranges from 2.5 to 45 basis points of total assets less tangible equity. In conjunction with the Deposit Insurance Fund’s reserve ratio achieving 1.15%, the assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) was reduced for insured institutions of less than $10 billion of total assets to 1.5 basis points to 30 basis points, effective July 1, 2016.
The minimum target Deposit Insurance Fund ratio established by federal law was increased in 2011 from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC was required to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Federal law required institutions with assets of $10 billion or more to fund the increase from 1.15% to 1.35% and, effective July 1, 2016, such institutions became subject to a surcharge to achieve that goal. On September 30, 2018, the Deposit Insurance Fund ratio reached 1.36%, exceeding the statutorily required minimum reserve ratio of 1.35% ahead of the September 30, 2020 deadline. Consequently, surcharges on insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of $10 billion or more ceased; and smaller banks received assessment credits for the portion of their assessments that contributed to the growth in the reserve ratio from between 1.15% and 1.35%.

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The FDIC has established a long-range target Deposit Insurance 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.

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 Northfield Bank’s deposit insurance.

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 11 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, 2019.

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. In the most recent Community Reinvestment Act Public Disclosure issued by the OCC on December 5, 2016, Northfield Bank was rated “Satisfactory.”

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;
Flood Disaster Protection Act, requiring flood insurance of collateral properties located in designated flood zones;
Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act a program that provides a wide range of protections in lending for individuals entering, called to active duty in the military, or deployed service members; 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:

Truth in Savings Act and Regulation DD, which requires disclosures of deposit terms to consumers;
Regulation CC, which relates to the availability of deposit funds to consumers;

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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;
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;
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. Federal law specifies 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 institution 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 above $3 billion in consolidated assets, such as Northfield Bancorp, Inc., are subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements that are as stringent as those required for their insured depository subsidiaries. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the subsidiary depository institutions also apply to savings and loan holding companies. As is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer was phased in between 2016 and 2019. Northfield Bancorp, Inc. exceeded the FRB’s consolidated capital requirements as of December 31, 2019.

Federal law applies the FRB's “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 requirements, 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, to provide opportunity for supervisory review and possible objection, when the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or 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.
 

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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. Northfield Bancorp, Inc.'s consolidated federal tax returns are not currently under audit.

In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), was signed into law. The Tax Act includes many provisions that have affected our income tax expense, including reducing our federal tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. As a result of this rate reduction, we were required to re-measure, through income tax expense in the period of enactment, our deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted rate at which we expect them to be recovered or settled. The re-measurement of our net deferred tax asset resulted in additional 2017 income tax expense of $10.5 million.

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.
 
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, 2019, the total federal pre-base year bad debt reserve of Northfield Bank was approximately $5.9 million.

Alternative Minimum Tax. Prior to December 31, 2017, the Internal Revenue Code imposed 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. Effective January 1, 2018, the corporate AMT was repealed. 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. Prior to December 31, 2017, The Internal Revenue Code allowed corporations to carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years. Effective January 1, 2018 net operating losses can no longer be carried back but can be carried forward indefinitely. At December 31, 2019, 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. Through December 31, 2017, the corporate dividends-received deduction was 80% in the case of dividends received from a corporation in which a corporate recipient owns at least 20% of its stock, and corporations that own less than 20% of the stock of a corporation distributing a dividend could deduct only 70% of dividends received or accrued on their behalf. Effective January 1, 2018, the dividends received deduction decreased from 80% to 65% and 70% to 50% for corporate recipients owning at least 20% or less than 20%, respectively, of a corporation’s stock.
 

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State Taxation
 
New York State Taxation. In 2014, New York State enacted significant and comprehensive reforms to its corporate tax system that went into effect January 1, 2015, including changes to the franchise, sales, estate, and personal income taxes and the elimination of the banking corporation tax so that banking corporations are taxed under New York State’s corporate franchise tax. New York State imposes a corporate income tax, based on net income allocable to New York State at a rate of 6.5%. In addition, New York State imposes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) Tax Surcharge allocable to business activities carried on in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District. The MTA surcharge rate for 2019 was 28.9%, increasing to 29.4% for 2020.

New York City Taxation. Northfield Bank reports income on a calendar year basis to New York City and is subject to the New York City Financial Corporation Tax calculated, subject to a New York City income and expense allocation, on a similar basis as the New York State Tax, at a rate of 8.85%.
 
Our New York State and New York City tax returns are currently under audit for tax years 2015.

New Jersey State Taxation. 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 $2,000 per entity. On July 1, 2018, the State of New Jersey enacted new legislation that imposes a temporary surtax of 2.5% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019, and of 1.5% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021. The legislation also requires combined filing for certain members of an affiliated group for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2019. In May 2019, the State of New Jersey issued a tax technical bulletin, subsequently revised in December 2019, which gives guidance on the treatment of real estate investment trusts in connection with the combined reporting for New Jersey corporate business tax purposes. Real estate investment trusts and investment companies will be excluded from the combined group and will continue to file separate New Jersey tax returns.
 
Delaware State Taxation. 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 OCC 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 approximately 449% of Northfield Bank's capital as of December 31, 2019. 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 originate multifamily loans and to a lesser extent other commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2019, $2.95 billion, or 85.7% of our loan portfolio held-for-investment, net, consisted of multifamily and other 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 sale of such properties securing the loans. 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.

Our New York State multi-family loan portfolio could be adversely impacted by changes in legislation or regulation.

On June 14, 2019, the New York State legislature passed the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, impacting about one million rent regulated apartment units. Among other things, the new legislation: (i) curtails rent increases from Material Capital Improvements and Individual Apartment Improvements; (ii) all but eliminates the ability for apartments to exit rent regulation; (iii) does away with vacancy decontrol and high-income deregulation; and (iv) repealed the 20%

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vacancy bonus. While it is too early to measure the full impact of the legislation, in total, it generally limits a landlord’s ability to increase rents on rent-regulated apartments and makes it more difficult to convert rent regulated apartments to market rate apartments. As a result, the value of the collateral located in New York State securing the Company’s multi-family loans or the future net operating income of such properties could potentially become impaired.
 
Implementing our growth strategies could cause us to incur significant costs and expenses which may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We expect to continue to grow our assets, the level of our deposits or borrowings, and the scale of our operations. Achieving our growth targets depends, in part, on our ability to attract customers that currently bank at other financial institutions in our market, thereby increasing our share of the market, implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business, identify favorable loan and investment opportunities, and acquire other banks and non-bank entities. 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, 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.
Uncertainties associated with increased loan originations may result in errors in judging collectability, which may lead to additional provisions for loan losses or charge-offs, which would negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Increasing loan originations would likely require us to lend to borrowers with which we have limited experience. Accordingly, we would not have a significant payment history pattern with which to judge future collectability. Further, newly originated loans have not been subjected to unfavorable economic conditions. As a result, it may be difficult to predict the future performance of newly originated loans. These loans may have delinquency or charge-off levels above our recent historical experience, which could adversely affect our future performance.
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.
 
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has adopted a new accounting standard that became effective for us on January 1, 2020. This standard, referred to as ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) or “CECL”, makes significant changes to the accounting for credit losses on financial instruments presented on an amortized cost basis, such as our loans held for investment, and disclosures about them. The CECL model requires an estimate of expected credit losses, measured over the contractual life of an instrument, which considers reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions in addition to information about past events and current conditions. The standard provides significant flexibility and requires a high degree of judgment with regards to pooling financial assets with similar risk characteristics and adjusting the relevant historical loss information in order to develop an estimate of expected lifetime losses. Providing for losses over the life of our loan portfolio is a change to the previous method of providing allowances for loan losses that are probable and incurred. This change may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses in future periods, and greatly increases the types of data we need to collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. It may also result in even small changes to future forecasts having a significant impact on the allowance, which could make the allowance more volatile. Any requirement to increase our allowance for loan losses or expenses incurred to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Implementation of New Accounting Standard for Accounting for Allowance for Loan Losses” for further details about our CECL implementation.
    
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.

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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 decline in 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 events, tax reform, unemployment or other factors beyond our control could further affect 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.
Strong traditional and non-traditional competition within our market areas may limit our growth and profitability. 
 
We face intense competition in making loans and attracting deposits. Price competition from other financial institutions, credit unions, money market and mutual funds, insurance companies, and other non-traditional competitors such as financial technology companies 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 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 transaction and savings accounts to higher rate money market or 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.

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In an attempt to help the overall economy, the Federal Reserve Board kept interest rates low through its targeted Fed Funds rate for a number of years, however, the Federal Reserve Board steadily increased the federal funds target rate in 2018 and 2017 and beginning in August 2019 has reduced the federal funds target rate 25 basis points three times to a current range of 1.50% to 1.75%. If the Federal Reserve Board increases the Fed Funds rate, given our liability sensitivity, our net interest rate spread and net interest margin are at risk of being reduced due to potential increases in our cost of funds that may outpace any increases in our yield on interest-earning assets.

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.

Monetary policies and regulations of the FRB could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the FRB. An important function of the FRB is to regulate the money supply and credit environment. Among the instruments used by the FRB to implement these objectives are open market purchases and sales of U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes in banks’ reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.

The monetary policies and regulations of the FRB have had a significant effect on the operating results of financial institutions in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effects of such policies upon our business, financial condition and results of operations cannot be predicted.

Our balance sheet composition is weighted towards 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. Increases in interest rates generally reduce prepayments. Additionally, increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and/or make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable-rate loans.
 
Changes in interest rates also affect the value of our interest earning assets and in particular the carrying value of our securities portfolio. Generally, the value of interest-earning assets fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent interest rates increase and the value of our available-for-sale portfolio decreases, our stockholders’ equity will be adversely affected.
 
At December 31, 2019, 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 8.66% 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 likely will differ from actual results.
 
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.

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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, competition for senior executives and skilled personnel in the financial services and banking industry is intense, which means the 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.
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.

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 financial entities. Although we have not experienced a failure in or breach of our operational or information security systems to date, 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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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, 2019, we maintained 81.7% of our portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments. Because 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, including fraud.
 
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.

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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. 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.

We are subject to the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.

The Community Reinvestment Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution’s performance under the Community Reinvestment Act or fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity and restrictions on expansion. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The FRB may require us to commit capital resources to support Northfield Bank.
Federal law requires that a holding company act as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. Under the “source of strength” doctrine, the FRB may require a holding company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank and may charge the holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to a subsidiary bank. A capital injection may be required at times when the holding company may not have the resources to provide it and therefore may be required to borrow the funds or raise capital. Any loans by a holding company to its subsidiary bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. In the event of a holding company’s bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the institution’s general unsecured creditors, including the holders of its note obligations. Thus, any borrowing that must be done by the Company to make a required capital injection becomes more difficult and expensive and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

38


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. 

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 also can 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.
 
We are subject to 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 substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and Northfield Bank. The minimum capital requirements are: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 6%; (iii) a total capital ratio of 8%; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. The final rule also established a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%, resulting 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 capital conservation buffer requirement was phased in beginning January 1, 2016, at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increased each year until it became fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. An institution may become 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 established a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such actions.
 
The application of these 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 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. Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s ability to pay dividends may be limited if it does not have the capital conservation buffer required by the new capital rules. Recent regulatory changes have made available to qualifying institutions of under $10 billion in assets an alternative “community bank leverage ratio” framework of 9% Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets. That framework is available for election starting in 2020, which the Northfield Bank has opted into. However, the framework is not expected to effectively lower the amount of capital needed to comply with regulatory requirements. See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation.”
  

39


We may be adversely affected by recent changes in tax laws.

Changes in tax laws contained in the Tax Act, which was enacted in 2017, include a number of provisions that have had both positive and negative effects on our financial performance. For example, the new legislation resulted in a reduction in the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018, which has had a favorable impact on our earnings and capital generation abilities. However, the new legislation also enacted limitations on certain deductions that will have an impact on the banking industry, borrowers and the market for single-family residential real estate. These limitations include (i) a lower limit on the deductibility of mortgage interest on single-family residential mortgage loans, (ii) the elimination of interest deductions for certain home equity loans, (iii) a limitation on the deductibility of business interest expense, and (iv) a limitation on the deductibility of property taxes and state and local income taxes.
The recent changes in the federal tax laws may have an adverse effect on the market for, and the valuation of, residential properties, and on the demand for such loans in the future and could make it harder for borrowers to make their loan payments. In addition, these recent changes may also have a disproportionate effect on taxpayers in states with high residential home prices and high state and local taxes, like New Jersey and New York. If home ownership becomes less attractive, demand for mortgage loans could decrease. The value of the properties securing loans in our loan portfolio may be adversely impacted as a result of the changing economics of home ownership, which could require an increase in our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Additionally, legislation in New Jersey that was adopted in 2018 could increase our state income tax liability and our overall tax expense. The legislation imposes a temporary surtax on corporations earning New Jersey allocated income in excess of $1 million of 2.5% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019, and of 1.5% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021. The new legislation also requires combined filing for certain members of an affiliated group for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The new legislation may cause us to lose the benefit of certain of our tax management strategies and may cause our total tax expense to increase.

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. Heightened legislative and regulatory scrutiny of the financial services industry, among other developments, has 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. In addition, employee errors and employee and customer misconduct could subject us to financial losses or regulatory sanctions and seriously harm our reputation. Nationally, reported incidents of fraud and other financial crimes have increased. We have also experienced losses due to apparent fraud and other financial crimes. Misconduct by our employees could include hiding unauthorized activities from us, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of our customers or improper use of confidential information. It is not always possible to prevent employee errors and misconduct, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. Employee errors could also subject us to financial claims for negligence. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent such losses, losses may still occur.

If our enterprise risk management framework is not effective at mitigating risk and loss to us, we could suffer unexpected losses and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our enterprise risk management framework seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between risk and return, which is critical to optimizing stockholder value. We have established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor, report and analyze the types of risk to which we are subject, including credit, liquidity, operational, regulatory compliance and reputational. However, as with any risk management framework, there are inherent limitations to our risk management strategies as there may exist, or develop in the future, risks that we have not appropriately anticipated or identified. If our risk management framework proves ineffective, we could suffer unexpected losses and our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

40


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 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 proposed acquisition of VSB) 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;
retaining key employees; and
retaining key customers.

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, 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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We may be required to transition from the use of the LIBOR interest rate index in the future. 

We have certain loans and investment securities indexed to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The continued availability of the LIBOR index is not guaranteed after 2021. We cannot predict whether and to what extent banks will continue to provide LIBOR submissions to the administrator of LIBOR or whether any additional reforms to LIBOR may be enacted. At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR (with the exception of overnight repurchase agreements, which are expected to be based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR). The language in our LIBOR-based contracts and financial instruments has developed over time and may have various events that trigger when a successor rate to the designated rate would be selected. If a trigger is satisfied, contracts and financial instruments may give the calculation agent discretion over the substitute index or indices for the calculation of interest rates to be selected. The implementation of a substitute index or indices for the calculation of interest rates under our loan agreements with our borrowers may result in our incurring significant expenses in effecting the transition, may result in reduced loan balances if borrowers do not accept the substitute index or indices, and may result in disputes or litigation with customers over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute index or indices, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
The Company’s business, financial condition and result of operations could be adversely affected by natural disasters, health epidemics, and other catastrophic events. 

The Company could be adversely affected if key personnel or a significant number of employees were to become unavailable due to a pandemic disease, natural disaster, war, act of terrorism, accident, or other reason. Any of these events could result in the reduction of operations, employees, and customers which could limit the Company’s ability to provide services. Since the beginning of January 2020, the coronavirus outbreak has caused disruption in the financial markets both globally and in the United States. Given the inter-connectivity of the global economy, pandemic disease and health events have the potential to negatively impact economic activities in many countries, including the United States, including the business of Northfield Bank's borrowers. The spread of the coronavirus to the United States, could have a negative material impact on the business, services, asset quality, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
There are no unresolved staff comments.
 
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
 
The Company operates from its corporate offices located at 581 Main Street, Woodbridge, New Jersey, its home office in Staten Island, New York, its additional 36 branch offices located in New York and New Jersey, and a lending office located in Brooklyn, New York. The 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 $25.7 million at December 31, 2019.
 
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, our consolidated financial statements are not likely to be materially affected by the outcome of such legal proceedings and claims as of December 31, 2019.
 
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.


42


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 24, 2020, was 4,022. 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. 

Stock Performance Graph
 
Set forth below is a stock performance graph comparing (a) the cumulative total return on the Northfield Bancorp, Inc.’s common stock for the period December 31, 2014, through December 31, 2019, (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 SNL U.S. Thrift Index over such period and, (d) the cumulative total return on stocks included in the SNL U.S. Bank NASDAQ Index over such period. Cumulative return assumes the reinvestment of dividends, and is expressed in dollars based on an assumed investment of $100.
 chart-7bf914e4f7555dd2bfa.jpg
 
 
As of
Index
 
12/31/2014
 
12/31/2015
 
12/31/2016
 
12/31/2017
 
12/31/2018
 
12/31/2019
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
 
100.00

 
109.60

 
140.24

 
122.34

 
99.62

 
128.17

NASDAQ Composite Index
 
100.00

 
106.96

 
116.45

 
150.96

 
146.67

 
200.49

SNL U.S. Thrift Index
 
100.00

 
112.45

 
137.74

 
136.74

 
115.17

 
141.80

SNL U.S. Bank NASDAQ Index
 
100.00

 
107.95

 
149.68

 
157.58

 
132.82

 
166.75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence, a division of S&P Global Inc.

 


43


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table reports information regarding purchases of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2019:

Period
 
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
(b) Average Price Paid per Share
 
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
 
(d) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
October 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
 
7,300

 
$
15.74

 
7,300

 
$
21,452,174

November 1, 2019 to November 30, 2019
 

 

 

 
21,452,174

December 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019
 

 

 

 
21,452,174

Total
 
7,300

 
15.74

 
7,300

 
 
 
(1) On April 24, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $37.2 million stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase shares and anticipates conducting such repurchases in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The timing of the repurchases will depend on certain factors, including but not limited to, market conditions and prices, the Company’s liquidity and capital requirements, and alternative uses of capital. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes. The repurchases may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason, including market conditions, the cost of repurchasing shares, the availability of alternative investment opportunities, liquidity, and other factors deemed appropriate. The Company is not obligated to purchase any particular number of shares.

44


.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 on Form 10-K.
 
At December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Selected Financial Condition Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
5,055,302

 
$
4,408,432

 
$
3,991,417

 
$
3,850,094

 
$
3,202,584

Cash and cash equivalents
147,818

 
77,762

 
57,839

 
96,085

 
51,853

Trading securities
11,222

 
8,968

 
9,597

 
7,857

 
6,713

Debt securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value
1,138,352

 
808,031

 
513,782

 
496,429

 
541,114

Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
8,762

 
9,505

 
9,931

 
10,148

 
10,346

Equity securities
3,341

 
1,280

 
1,339

 
2,468

 
481

Loans held-for-investment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PCI loans
17,365

 
20,143

 
22,741

 
30,498

 
33,115

Loans acquired
432,653

 
546,150

 
692,803

 
793,240

 
409,015

Originated loans, net
2,987,067

 
2,678,877

 
2,425,275

 
2,144,346

 
1,931,585

Loans held-for-investment, net
3,437,085

 
3,245,170

 
3,140,819

 
2,968,084

 
2,373,715

Allowance for loan losses
(28,707
)
 
(27,497
)
 
(26,160
)
 
(24,595
)
 
(24,770
)
Net loans held-for-investment
3,408,378

 
3,217,673

 
3,114,659

 
2,943,489

 
2,348,945

Bank owned life insurance
153,459

 
154,135

 
150,604

 
148,047

 
132,782

FHLB of New York stock, at cost
39,575

 
22,517

 
25,046

 
25,123

 
25,803

Operating lease right-of-use assets
39,504

 

 

 

 

Other real estate owned

 

 
850

 
850

 
45

Deposits
3,408,233

 
3,286,512

 
2,836,979

 
2,713,587

 
2,052,929

Borrowed funds
857,004

 
408,891

 
471,549

 
473,206

 
558,129

Operating lease liabilities
44,069

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities
4,359,449

 
3,741,993

 
3,352,540

 
3,228,898

 
2,642,805

Total stockholders’ equity
$
695,853

 
$
666,439

 
$
638,877

 
$
621,196

 
$
559,779


 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Selected Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
165,143

 
$
147,292

 
$
132,869

 
$
124,972

 
$
101,758

Interest expense
53,358

 
36,050

 
23,976

 
21,668

 
19,688

Net interest income before provision for loan losses
111,785

 
111,242

 
108,893

 
103,304

 
82,070

Provision for loan losses 
22

 
2,615

 
1,411

 
635

 
353

Net interest income after provision  for loan losses
111,763

 
108,627

 
107,482

 
102,669

 
81,717

Non-interest income
14,808

 
8,127

 
11,642

 
10,072

 
7,898

Non-interest expense 
73,549

 
67,043

 
67,378

 
72,946

 
58,109

Income before income taxes
53,022

 
49,711

 
51,746

 
39,795

 
31,506

Income tax expense
12,787

 
9,632

 
26,978

 
13,665

 
11,975

Net income
$
40,235

 
$
40,079

 
$
24,768

 
$
26,130

 
$
19,531

Net income per common share - basic
$
0.86

 
$
0.87

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.59

 
$
0.46

Net income per common share - diluted
$
0.85

 
$
0.85

 
$
0.53

 
$
0.57

 
$
0.45

Weighted average basic shares outstanding
46,783,442

 
46,319,760

 
45,325,445

 
44,374,389

 
42,285,712

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
47,163,804

 
47,107,433

 
46,875,730

 
45,717,887

 
43,478,481



45


 
At or For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on assets (ratio of net income to average total assets)(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
0.86
%
 
0.95
%
 
0.63
%
 
0.70
%
 
0.63
%
Return on equity (ratio of net income to average equity)(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
5.89

 
6.17

 
3.88

 
4.26

 
3.41

Interest rate spread(6)    
2.25

 
2.56

 
2.79

 
2.80

 
2.63

Net interest margin(7) 
2.55

 
2.81

 
2.99

 
2.98

 
2.83

Dividend payout ratio(8) 
50.20

 
46.59

 
63.17

 
53.86

 
62.38

Efficiency ratio(9) (10)
58.10

 
56.16

 
55.90

 
64.34

 
64.59

Non-interest expense to average total assets
1.57

 
1.60

 
1.72

 
1.95

 
1.86

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
124.47

 
127.84

 
128.71

 
128.68

 
129.12

Average equity to average total assets
14.58

 
15.47

 
16.31

 
16.44

 
18.32

Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing assets to total assets
0.20

 
0.21

 
0.16

 
0.21

 
0.28

Non-performing loans(11) to total loans(12)
0.29

 
0.28

 
0.18

 
0.25

 
0.37

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans held-for-investment
288.48

 
299.06

 
472.63

 
333.23

 
280.78

Allowance for loan losses to total loans held-for-investment, net(13)
0.84

 
0.85

 
0.83

 
0.83

 
1.04

Allowance for loan losses to originated loans held-for-investment, net(14)
0.93

 
0.99

 
1.04

 
1.10

 
1.24

Capital Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
16.35

 
17.17

 
18.02

 
18.79

 
22.15

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
17.09

 
17.93

 
18.81

 
19.60

 
23.17

Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
16.35

 
17.17

 
18.02

 
18.79

 
22.15

Tier 1 capital (to adjusted assets)
13.37

 
14.82

 
15.27

 
15.40

 
17.25

Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of full service offices
37

 
40

 
39

 
38

 
30

Full time equivalent employees
369

 
358

 
338

 
348

 
290

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The year ended December 31, 2019, includes: (i) $3.4 million of tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value of the policies; (ii) $1.6 million after-tax income related to recoveries on loans previously charged-off; and (iii) $755,000, after-tax, in occupancy expense related to the consolidation of three branches, and $125,000 of merger-related expenses.
(2)
The year ended December 31, 2018, includes a $2.7 million reduction in income tax expense related to excess tax benefits from the exercise or vesting of equity awards.
(3)
The year ended December 31, 2017, includes: (i) a tax charge of $10.5 million as a result of the Tax Act; (ii) a $2.3 million reduction in income tax expense related to excess tax benefits from the exercise or vesting of equity awards; and (iii) $1.5 million of tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value of the policies.
(4)
The year ended December 31, 2016, includes merger-related charges of $2.4 million, net of tax, associated with the acquisition of Hopewell Valley.
(5)
The year ended December 31, 2015, includes merger-related charges of $574,000, net of tax, associated with the acquisition of Hopewell Valley and a $795,000 charge related to the write-down of deferred tax assets resulting from New York City tax reforms.
(6)
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.
(7)
The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets for the period.
(8)
Dividend payout ratio is calculated as total dividends declared for the year divided by net income for the year.
(9)
The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
(10)
The year ended December 31, 2019, includes tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value of the policies of $3.4 million and pre-tax charges of $1.0 million in occupancy expense related to the consolidation of three branches. The year ended December 31, 2017, include tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value of the policies of $1.5 million. The year ended December 31, 2016, includes merger-related pre-tax charges of $4.0 million associated with the acquisition of Hopewell Valley. The year ended December 31, 2015, includes merger-related pre-tax charges of $672,000 associated with the acquisition of Hopewell Valley.
(11)
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.
(12)
Includes originated loans held-for-investment, PCI loans, acquired loans.
(13)
Includes PCI and acquired loans held-for-investment (and related allowance for loan losses).
(14)
Excludes PCI loans and acquired loans held-for-investment (and related allowance for loan losses).

46


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 $40.2 million, or $0.85 per diluted common share, and $40.1 million, or $0.85 per diluted common share, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 benefited from $3.4 million, or $0.07 per diluted share of tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value of the policies, and $1.6 million, after tax, or $0.03 per diluted share, of income related to recoveries on loans previously charged-off, partially offset by $755,000 after tax in occupancy costs, related to the consolidation of three branches, and $125,000 of merger-related costs, for a total of $0.02 per diluted share. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 benefited from excess tax benefits of $2.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, related to the exercise or vesting of equity awards. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, included a tax charge of $10.5 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, related to the enactment of federal tax reform (the “Tax Act”), which resulted in the Company recording an adjustment of $10.5 million to reduce its net deferred tax assets, with a corresponding charge to income tax expense, partially offset by excess tax benefits of $2.3 million or $0.05 per diluted share, related to the exercise or vesting of equity awards, and $1.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, of tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value of the policies.
 
Our assets increased by $646.9 million, or 14.7%, to $5.06 billion at December 31, 2019, from $4.41 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in debt securities available-for-sale of $330.3 million, loans held-for-investment, net, of $191.9 million, cash and cash equivalents of $70.1 million, and the recording of our operating lease right-of-use assets of $39.5 million from the adoption of a new lease accounting standard, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842) on January 1, 2019. The new lease standard requires us to recognize on the balance sheet right-of-use assets, which approximate the present value of our remaining lease payments. The increase in assets was funded by a $121.7 million, or 3.7%, increase in deposits to $3.41 billion at December 31, 2019, from $3.29 billion at December 31, 2018, and a $448.1 million, or 109.6%, increase in borrowings to $857.0 million at December 31, 2019, from $408.9 million at December 31, 2018.

Our stockholders’ equity increased by $29.4 million, or 4.4%, to $695.9 million at December 31, 2019, from $666.4 million at December 31, 2018. This increase was primarily attributable to net income of $40.2 million for year ended December 31, 2019, a $13.8 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with unrealized gains on our debt securities available-for-sale portfolio, and a $11.4 million increase in equity award activity. The increases were partially offset by $20.2 million in dividend payments and $15.8 million in stock repurchases.

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. 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.
 

47


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 the Allowance Committee. 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 allowance for loan losses has an element for individually evaluated impaired loans held-for-investment and PCI loans, and an element for loans collectively evaluated for impairment. 

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 identified as a TDR. Impaired loans are individually evaluated for impairment 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, when appropriate, 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 all 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 element of the allowance for loan losses is the allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment. This evaluation excludes impaired, trouble-debt restructured, and PCI loans, with the remaining loans being placed into groups with similar risk characteristics, primarily loan type, loan-to-value, and internal credit risk rating. We apply an estimated loss rate to each loan group comprised of historical quantitative loss rates and qualitative factors. The quantitative loss rates are based on our historical net loss rates (using a look-back period and adjusted for loss emergence periods). Qualitative factors to such loss rates are made when internal or external factors are identified which may not be fully captured in our historical quantitative net loss rates such as:

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 non-accrual 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 periods are estimated from the date of the loss event to the actual recognition of the loss (typically the first charge-off), and are determined based upon a study of the Company's past loss experience by loan groups.  The evaluation for loan losses 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 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.

48


Assumptions for appraisal valuations are instrumental in determining the value of properties. Overly optimistic assumptions or 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.
 
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.
              
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 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.


49


Implementation of New Accounting Standard for Accounting for Allowance for Loan Losses
ASU 2016-13. In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13” or “CECL”). Further amending ASU 2016-13, in April and May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2019-04”) and ASU No. 2019-05, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief (“ASU 2019-05”), respectively. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” (“ASU 2019-11”). The updates clarify the guidance in ASU 2016-13 which introduced Topic 326. ASU 2019-04 clarifies and improves areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement. ASU 2019-05 provides entities that have certain instruments within the scope of subtopic 326-20 with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option (which the Company will not elect) and ASU 2019-11 clarifies specific issues relating to expected recoveries on purchased credit deteriorated assets and transition and disclosure relief related to troubled debt restructured loans and accrued interest, respectively. These ASU's will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Topic 326 is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring earlier recognition of credit losses on loans, held-to-maturity securities, loan commitments and certain other financial assets and off-balance sheet exposures. It replaces the current incurred loss impairment model that recognizes losses when a probable threshold is met with a requirement to recognize lifetime expected credit losses immediately when a financial asset is originated or purchased. For available-for-sale debt securities where fair value is less than cost, credit-related impairment would be recognized in an allowance for credit losses and adjusted in each subsequent period for changes in credit risk. The new CECL credit losses standard also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the ALLL.

The Company adopted the above mentioned ASUs related to Financial Instruments -Credit Losses (Topic 326) as of January 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective approach. Our implementation process included assessment and documentation of governance and reporting processes and related internal controls; model development, documentation and validation; and the incorporation of qualitative adjustments for model limitations, among other things. We contracted with a third-party vendor to assist us in the application of ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 lists several credit loss methods that are acceptable such as a discounted cash flow method, loss-rate method and probability of default/loss given default (“PD/LGD”) method. The Company will utilize the PD/LGD methodology to estimate its allowance for loan losses.

Our CECL model includes the following major items:

a historical loss period, which represents a full economic credit cycle utilizing internal loss experience, as well as peer historical loss data;
three economic scenarios - history continues, history moderately worsens, and history severely worsens;
a reasonable and supportable forecast period of two years, based on management’s current review of macroeconomic factors and the reliability of extended economic forecasts based on forecast data from Moody's;
a reversion period (after the reasonable and supportable forecast period) using a straight-line approach;
expected prepayment rates based on our historical experience; and
incorporation of qualitative factors not captured within the modeled results.

Management is currently finalizing calculations of the CECL results as of year-end. Based on several analyses performed in the fourth quarter of 2019, as well as an implementation analysis utilizing existing exposures and forecasts of macroeconomic conditions as of year-end, we currently expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will result in an increase to our allowance for loan losses of approximately 15-25%, excluding any reclass related to PCI loans. This increase will be reflected as a cumulative-effect adjustment that decreases beginning retained earnings, net of income taxes.
At December 31, 2019, our allowance for loan losses totaled $28.7 million. As we are currently finalizing the execution of our implementation controls and processes, the review of our most recent model run, and assumptions including qualitative adjustments and PCI loans, the ultimate impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2020 could differ from our current expectation. The expected increase in the allowance for loan losses is a result of changing from an incurred loss model, which encompasses allowances for current known and inherent losses within the portfolio, to an expected loss model, which encompasses allowances for losses expected to be incurred over the life of the portfolio. Furthermore, ASU 2016-13 will necessitate that we establish an allowance for expected credit losses for certain debt securities and other financial assets; however, we do not expect these allowances to be significant. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not expected to have a significant impact on our regulatory capital ratios.


50



Other New Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Effective
ASU No. 2019-12. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” ASU No. 2019-12 simplifies accounting for income taxes by removing specific technical exceptions in ASC 740 related to the incremental approach for intra-period tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition for deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. ASU No. 2019-12 also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. ASU No. 2019-12  is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
    
ASU No. 2018-15. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract.” This guidance aligns the accounting for implementation costs related to a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the guidance on capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Specifically, where a cloud computing arrangement includes a license to internal-use software, the software license is accounted for by the customer in accordance with Subtopic 350-40, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software”. ASU No. 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. ASU No. 2018-15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
    
ASU No. 2018-14. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, “Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.”  This ASU makes minor changes to the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans. ASU No. 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020; early adoption is permitted. As ASU No. 2018-14 only revises disclosure requirements, it will not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASU No. 2018-13. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU updates the disclosure requirements on Fair Value measurements by 1) removing: the disclosures for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels, and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements; 2) modifying: disclosures for timing of liquidation of an investee’s assets and disclosures for uncertainty in measurement as of reporting date; and 3) adding: disclosures for changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring level 3 fair value measurements and disclosures for the range and weighted average of the significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU No. 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. With the exception of the following, which should be applied prospectively, disclosures relating to changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the disclosures for uncertainty measurement, all other changes should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon the effective date. ASU No. 2018-13 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASU No 2017-04. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The ASU simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., the current Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. As amended, the goodwill impairment test will consist of one step comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The ASU is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. ASU No. 2017-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial statements.


51


Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2019 and 2018
 
Total assets increased $646.9 million, or 14.7%, to $5.06 billion at December 31, 2019, from $4.41 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in our available-for-sale debt securities portfolio of $330.3 million, or 40.9%, loans held-for-investment, net, of $191.9 million, or 5.9%, cash and cash equivalents of $70.1 million or 90.1%, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) stock of $17.1 million, or 75.8%, and the recording of our operating leased assets of $39.5 million from the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 on January 1, 2019. The new lease standard requires us to recognize on the balance sheet operating lease right-of-use assets, which approximate the present value of our remaining lease payments.
 
The Company’s debt securities available-for-sale portfolio totaled $1.14 billion at December 31, 2019, compared to $808.0 million at December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to purchases of mortgage-backed and corporate securities, partially offset by paydowns and sales. At December 31, 2019, $973.1 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 $164.9 million in corporate bonds, substantially all of which were considered investment grade at December 31, 2019, and municipal bonds of $299,000. The effective duration of the securities portfolio at December 31, 2019 was 1.72 years.

Total loans held-for-investment, net, increased $191.9 million to $3.44 billion at December 31, 2019, as compared to $3.25 billion at December 31, 2018, primarily due to an increase in originated loans held-for-investment, net, partially offset by decreases in acquired loans of $113.5 million and PCI loans of $2.8 million. Originated loans held-for-investment, net, totaled $2.99 billion at December 31, 2019, as compared to $2.68 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in multifamily real estate loans of $265.9 million, or 13.8%, to $2.20 billion at December 31, 2019, from $1.93 billion at December 31, 2018, and to a lesser extent, a $29.4 million, or 5.9%, increase in commercial real estate loans to $528.7 million at December 31, 2019, from $499.3 million at December 31, 2018.

On June 14, 2019, the New York State legislature passed the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, impacting about one million rent-regulated apartment units. Among other things, the new legislation: (i) curtails rent increases from Material Capital Improvements and Individual Apartment Improvements; (ii) all but eliminates the ability for apartments to exit rent regulation; (iii) does away with vacancy decontrol and high-income deregulation; and (iv) repealed the 20% vacancy bonus. At December 31, 2019, the Company has approximately $397.8 million in multifamily loans in New York City with tenants that have some form of rent stabilization or rent control. The weighted average loan to value (“LTV”) was 46.1% based on the current balance and the collateral value at date of origination on this portfolio. The highest LTV in this portfolio is 72.8%. All of the loans are performing as agreed. Management will continue to evaluate the effect of rent regulations on the collateral values.

The following tables detail our multifamily real estate originations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Year ended December 31, 2019
Multifamily Originations
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change or Maturity for Fixed Rate Loans
 
(F)ixed or (V)ariable
 
Amortization Term
$
455,688

 
4.02%
 
58%
 
99
 
V
 
10-30 Years
23,310

 
4.39%
 
50%
 
167
 
F
 
10-15 Years
$
478,998

 
4.04%
 
58%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2018
Multifamily Originations
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change or Maturity for Fixed Rate Loans
 
(F)ixed or (V)ariable
 
Amortization Term
$
383,062

 
4.01%
 
62%
 
79
 
V
 
15-30 Years
16,230

 
4.23%
 
36%
 
181
 
F
 
15 Years
$
399,292

 
4.02%
 
61%
 
 
 
 
 
 

Acquired loans decreased by $113.5 million to $432.7 million at December 31, 2019, from $546.2 million at December 31, 2018, primarily due to paydowns of lower yielding one-to-four family residential and multifamily loans with weighted average interest rates (net of the servicing fee retained by the originating bank) of 3.48% and 3.44%, respectively, partially offset by purchases of one-to-four family residential mortgage loan pools totaling $44.2 million.

52



The following table provides the details of the loans purchased during the year ended December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
Principal Amounts Purchased
 
Loan Type
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate(1)
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change or Maturity for Fixed Rate Loans
 
(F)ixed or (V)ariable
 
Original Amortization Term
$
4,230

 
Residential
 
4.19%
 
70.5%
 
324
 
F
 
15 - 30 Years
17,253

 
Residential
 
3.69%
 
63.0%
 
78
 
V
 
30 Years
19,448

 
Residential
 
4.19%
 
71.3%
 
333
 
F
 
30 Years
3,262

 
Residential
 
3.93%
 
65.5%
 
346
 
F
 
30 Years
$
44,193

 
 
 
3.98%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Net of servicing fee retained by the originating bank.

The geographic locations of the properties collateralizing the loans purchased in the table above are as follows: 83% in Massachusetts, 13% in New York, and 4% in New Jersey.

The following table provides the details of the loans purchased during the year ended December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Principal Amounts Purchased
 
Loan Type
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate(1)
 
Weighted Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
Weighted Average Months to Next Rate Change or Maturity for Fixed Rate Loans
 
(F)ixed or (V)ariable
 
Amortization Term
$
29,963

 
Residential
 
2.30%
 
55%
 
1
 
V
 
30 Years
4,368

 
Residential
 
3.67%
 
58%
 
346
 
F
 
15-30 Years
3,178

 
Residential
 
3.68%
 
60%
 
330
 
F
 
15-30 Years
$
37,509

 
 
 
2.58%
 
56%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Net of servicing fee retained by the originating bank.

The geographic locations of the properties collateralizing the loans purchased in the table above are as follows: 32.7% in New York, 29.9% in California, and 27.1% in Massachusetts, with the majority of the remaining balance in New Jersey.

PCI loans totaled $17.4 million at December 31, 2019, as compared to $20.1 million at December 31, 2018. The majority of the PCI loan balance consists of loans acquired as part of an FDIC-assisted transaction. The Company accreted interest income attributable to PCI loans of $4.1 million, $4.2 million, and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $70.1 million, or 90.1%, to $147.8 million at December 31, 2019, from $77.8 million at December 31, 2018, primarily due to an increase in cash balances held at the Federal Reserve Bank as a result of management's efforts to increase cash and liquidity throughout the year through deposit inflows. Balances fluctuate based on the timing of receipt of security and loan repayments and the redeployment of cash into higher-yielding assets such as loans and securities, or the funding of deposit outflows or borrowing maturities.

Other assets decreased $5.4 million, or 17.0%, to $26.2 million at December 31, 2019, from $31.6 million at December 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in net deferred tax assets associated with an increase in net unrealized gains on our debt securities available-for-sale portfolio.

Total liabilities increased $617.5 million, or 16.5%, to $4.36 billion at December 31, 2019, from $3.74 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in deposits of $121.7 million, securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $75.0 million, other borrowings of $373.1 million, and lease liabilities of $44.1 million, attributable to capitalization of our operating leases liabilities as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, effective January 1, 2019.
    
Deposits increased $121.7 million, or 3.7%, to $3.41 billion at December 31, 2019, as compared to $3.29 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to increases of $107.9 million in transaction accounts and $152.9 million in savings accounts, partially offset by decreases of $90.8 million in money market accounts, and $48.3 million in certificate of deposit accounts.

53



Borrowings and securities sold under agreements to repurchase increased to $857.0 million at December 31, 2019, from $408.9 million at December 31, 2018.  Management utilizes borrowings to mitigate interest rate risk, for short-term liquidity, and to a lesser extent as part of leverage strategies.
 
Total stockholders’ equity increased by $29.4 million to $695.9 million at December 31, 2019, from $666.4 million at December 31, 2018. This increase was primarily attributable to net income of $40.2 million for year ended December 31, 2019, a $13.8 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with unrealized gains on our debt securities available-for-sale portfolio, and a $11.4 million increase in equity award activity. The increase was partially offset by $20.2 million in dividend payments and $15.8 million in common stock repurchases. Common stock repurchases for the year ended December 31, 2019 totaled 1,035,900 shares at an average cost of $15.26 per share.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
 
Net Income. Net income was $40.2 million and $40.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Significant variances from the prior year are as follows: a $543,000 increase in net interest income, a $2.6 million decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $6.7 million increase in non-interest income, a $6.5 million increase in non-interest expense, and a $3.2 million increase in income tax expense.
 
Interest Income. Interest income increased by $17.9 million, or 12.1%, to $165.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $147.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets of $427.7 million, or 10.8%, and a four basis point increase in the yields earned. The increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets was primarily attributable to increases in average loans of $120.9 million, average mortgage-backed securities of $237.1 million, and average other securities of $62.8 million. The Company accreted interest income related to its PCI loans of $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019, included loan prepayment income of $1.6 million, compared to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Also included in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 is $314,000 of interest income recorded from the pay-off of a non-accrual loan.
 
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $17.3 million, or 48.0%, to $53.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $36.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was due to an increase of $13.6 million in interest expense on deposits and an increase of $3.7 million in interest expense on borrowings. The increase in interest expense on deposits was attributable to an increase in average balances of interest-bearing deposits of $310.3 million, or 11.8%, to $2.95 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $2.64 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, and a 35 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits to 1.40% for the year ended December 31, 2019, from 1.05% for the year ended December 31, 2018, driven by increased market interest rates and competitive pricing pressure for deposits. The increase in interest expense on borrowings was attributable to a $117.1 million, or 25.5%, increase in average borrowings outstanding, and a 28 basis point increase in the cost of borrowings to 2.09% for the year ended December 31, 2019 from 1.81% for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019increased $543,000, or 0.5%, to $111.8 million, from $111.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to a $427.7 million, or 10.8%, increase in our average interest-earning assets, partially offset by a 26 basis point decrease in our net interest margin to 2.55% from 2.81%. Yields earned on interest-earning assets increased four basis points to 3.76% for the year ended December 31, 2019, from 3.72% for the prior year, primarily driven by higher yields on loans and securities. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 35 basis points to 1.51% for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to 1.16% for the prior year, due to the increased cost of deposits and borrowed funds, reflecting increased market interest rates.

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses decreased by $2.6 million to $22,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in the provision was primarily due to a $1.8 million recovery on a loan previously charged-off and an improvement in asset quality indicators, offset by a $521,000 charge-off on an impaired commercial real estate loan, and loan growth. Net recoveries were $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to net charge-offs of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Non-interest Income. Non-interest income increased $6.7 million, or 82.2%, to $14.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to an increase in income on bank owned life insurance, attributable to $3.4 million of insurance proceeds in excess of the related cash surrender value of the policies,

54


and an increase of $2.9 million in gains on trading securities, net. For the year ended December 31, 2019, gains on trading securities were $2.0 million, as compared to losses of $879,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018. 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 $6.5 million, or 9.7%, to $73.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $67.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This is due primarily to increases of $4.8 million in employee compensation and benefits; $1.6 million in occupancy costs; $668,000 in data processing costs; and $716,000 in advertising costs. Of the $4.8 million increase in compensation and employee benefits, $2.9 million is related to the Company's deferred compensation plan, which is described above and has no effect on net income, with the remainder attributable to increased costs associated with new hires related to a branch opening and new lending personnel, merit increases effective January 1, 2019, and higher medical benefit costs, partially offset by a decrease in equity award expense. The increase in occupancy costs is primarily attributable to costs associated with the consolidation of three branches, and to a lesser extent higher rent expense associated with a new branch opening. The increase in data processing costs is related to our continued strategic initiative to enhance our technology solutions both internally and to our customers, and growth in the number of accounts we service. The increase in advertising expense is attributable to the timing of advertising programs and increased expenditure focused on driving growth. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $502,000 in federal insurance premiums due to a reduction in our deposit insurance assessment as a result of the utilization of credits, and $869,000 in other non-interest expense, primarily related to a decrease in Directors' equity award expense. Non-interest expense included equity award expense of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The lower expense in the current year is primarily attributable to equity awards that were fully vested on June 11, 2019.

On September 16, 2019, the Company announced its intention to consolidate three branch offices (two located in Brooklyn, New York, and one in Milltown, New Jersey) into existing nearby Northfield Bank locations. The branch consolidations were effective December 31, 2019, and the Company recorded a one-time charge in occupancy costs of approximately $1.0 million, attributable to accelerated lease rental expense and accelerated leasehold amortization expense. The Company expects the benefit of annual pre-tax cost savings of approximately $1.5 million going forward as a result of the consolidation.
 
Income Tax Expense. The Company recorded income tax expense of $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2019, was 24.1%, compared to 19.4% for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to lower excess tax benefits related to the exercise or vesting of equity awards and changes in New Jersey tax laws, partially offset by $3.4 million of tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value of the policies. There were no material excess tax benefits recorded for year ended December 31, 2019. Excess tax benefits were $2.7 million for year ended December 31, 2018. Excess tax benefits will fluctuate throughout the year based on the Company's stock price and timing of employee stock option exercises and vesting of other share-based awards.

In May 2019, the State of New Jersey issued a tax technical bulletin, subsequently revised in December 2019, which gives guidance on the treatment of real estate investment trusts in connection with the combined reporting for New Jersey corporate business tax purposes. Real estate investment trusts and investment companies will be excluded from the combined group and will continue to file separate New Jersey tax returns. As a result of this guidance the Company recorded an additional $889,000 of state tax expense net of federal benefit for the year ended December 31, 2019. The $889,000 increase was comprised of $1.1 million of current tax expense, partially offset by an increase in deferred tax assets of $239,000.
 
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
 
Net Income. Net income was $40.1 million and $24.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Significant variances from the prior year are as follows: a $2.3 million increase in net interest income, a $1.2 million increase in the provision for loan losses, a $3.5 million decrease in non-interest income, a $335,000 decrease in non-interest expense, and a $17.3 million decrease in income tax expense. The 2018 increase in net income benefited from federal tax reform. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes a tax charge of $10.5 million, related to the Tax Act which resulted in the Company reducing its net deferred tax assets by $10.5 million, with a corresponding charge to income tax expense.
 

55


Interest Income. Interest income increased by $14.4 million, or 10.9%, to $147.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $132.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets of $313.0 million, or 8.6%, and an eight basis point increase in the yields earned. The increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets was primarily attributable to increases in average loans of $124.6 million, average mortgage-backed securities of $106.7 million, and average other securities of $84.2 million. The Company accreted interest income related to its PCI loans of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2018, included loan prepayment income of $2.0 million, compared to $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $12.1 million, or 50.4%, to $36.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, from $24.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.  The increase was due primarily to an increase of $11.4 million in interest expense on deposits. The increase in interest expense on deposits was attributable to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits of $299.5 million, or 12.8%, to $2.64 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, from $2.34 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, and a 35 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits to 1.05% from 0.70%, in conjunction with increased market interest rates.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2018, increased $2.3 million, or 2.2%, to $111.2 million, from $108.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a $313.0 million, or 8.6%, increase in our average interest-earning assets, partially offset by an 18 basis point decrease in our net interest margin to 2.81% from 2.99% for the year ended December 31, 2017. Yields earned on interest-earning assets increased eight basis points to 3.72% for the year ended December 31, 2018, from 3.64% for the prior year, driven by higher yields on all asset classes. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 31 basis points to 1.16% for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to 0.85% for the prior year, due to the increased cost of deposits and borrowed funds in conjunction with increased market interest rates.

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses increased $1.2 million, or 85.3%, to $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, from $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to an increase in net charge-offs and originated loan growth. Net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $1.3 million as compared to net recoveries of $154,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in net charge-offs was primarily due to a $1.2 million charge-off on an impaired commercial real estate loan.

Management is monitoring the effects of the recent U.S. government partial shutdown to the Company's business, and working with customers affected by it. A segment of the Company’s multifamily loan portfolio has tenants that are subject to government rent subsidies. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had 46 multifamily loans, with an aggregate outstanding balance of approximately $118 million, subject to some level of government rent subsidies. As of December 31, 2018, these loans have performed in accordance with their contractual terms.
 
Non-interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $3.5 million, or 30.2%, to $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, from $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a decrease in income on bank owned life insurance, attributable to $1.5 million of insurance proceeds in excess of the related cash surrender value of the policies, received in the first quarter of 2017, and a $2.0 million increase in losses on securities, net. Securities losses, net, during the year ended December 31, 2018, included losses of $879,000 related to the Company’s trading portfolio, compared to gains of $1.1 million in the prior year. 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 decreased $335,000, or 0.5%, to $67.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, from $67.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $3.4 million reduction in compensation and employee benefits, $2.0 million of which was related to the mark-to-market adjustment on trading securities in the Company’s deferred compensation plan which is described above, and had no effect on net income, as well as a decrease in stock compensation expense. Partially offsetting the decrease in compensation and benefits was an increase of $826,000 in occupancy costs, primarily due to higher rent and real estate taxes related to two new branch offices and the expansion of our corporate office space, as well as higher repairs and maintenance costs; a $426,000 increase in data processing fees, primarily attributable to increased core system costs associated with higher levels of customer account activity, as well as implementation costs related to telecommunication upgrades; a $708,000 increase in professional fees; and an $865,000 increase in advertising expense, associated with rate driven deposit promotions.

56


 
Income Tax Expense. The Company recorded income tax expense of $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $27.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018, was 19.4%, compared to 52.1% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018, reflects the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% effective January 1, 2018, and excess tax benefits of $2.7 million related to the exercise or vesting of equity awards. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017 reflects: (i) a tax charge of $10.5 million related to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act in the fourth quarter of 2017, as discussed above; (ii) excess tax benefits of $2.3 million related to the exercise or vesting of equity awards; and (iii) $1.5 million of tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value of the policies. Excess tax benefits will fluctuate throughout the year based on the Company's stock price and timing of employee stock option exercises and vesting of other share-based awards.
    
On July 1, 2018, the State of New Jersey enacted new legislation that created a temporary surtax effective for tax years 2018 through 2021 and will require companies to file combined tax returns beginning in 2019. The new legislation did not result in a material change to our net deferred tax asset or state tax expense.

57


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.
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
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)
$
3,297,859

 
$
136,133

 
4.13
%
 
$
3,176,965

 
$
127,591

 
4.02
%
 
$
3,052,410

 
$
120,340

 
3.94
%
Mortgage-backed securities (2)
777,997

 
19,710

 
2.53
%
 
540,859

 
12,987

 
2.40
%
 
434,166

 
9,174

 
2.11
%
Other securities(2)
216,125

 
6,331

 
2.93
%
 
153,346

 
4,112

 
2.68
%
 
69,163

 
1,310

 
1.89
%
FHLB of New York stock
28,223

 
1,618

 
5.73
%
 
24,731

 
1,683

 
6.81
%
 
26,155

 
1,461

 
5.59
%
Interest-earning deposits
67,289

 
1,351

 
2.01
%
 
63,898

 
919

 
1.44
%
 
64,868

 
584

 
0.90
%
Total interest-earning assets
4,387,493

 
165,143

 
3.76
%
 
3,959,799

 
147,292

 
3.72
%
 
3,646,762

 
132,869

 
3.64
%
Non-interest-earning assets
297,872

 
 
 
 
 
242,128

 
 
 
 
 
270,161

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
4,685,365

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,201,927

 
 
 
 
 
$
3,916,923

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings, NOW, and money market accounts
$
1,921,564

 
$
20,473

 
1.07
%
 
$
1,681,567

 
$
11,053

 
0.66
%
 
$
1,713,863

 
$
8,233

 
0.48
%
Certificates of deposit
1,027,122

 
20,855

 
2.03
%
 
956,821

 
16,688

 
1.74
%
 
625,067

 
8,153

 
1.30
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
2,948,686

 
41,328

 
1.40
%
 
2,638,388

 
27,741

 
1.05
%
 
2,338,930

 
16,386

 
0.70
%
Borrowings
576,284

 
12,030

 
2.09
%
 
459,180

 
8,309

 
1.81
%
 
494,361

 
7,590

 
1.54
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
3,524,970

 
53,358

 
1.51
%
 
3,097,568

 
36,050

 
1.16
%
 
2,833,291

 
23,976

 
0.85
%
Non-interest-bearing deposits
384,740

 
 
 
 
 
405,319

 
 
 
 
 
385,891

 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses and other  liabilities
92,469

 
 
 
 
 
49,157

 
 
 
 
 
59,034

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
4,002,179

 
 
 
 
 
3,552,044

 
 
 
 
 
3,278,216

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
683,186

 
 
 
 
 
649,883

 
 
 
 
 
638,707

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
4,685,365

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,201,927

 
 
 
 
 
$
3,916,923

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
111,785

 
 
 
 
 
$
111,242

 
 
 
 
 
$
108,893

 
 
Net interest rate spread (3)
 
 
 
 
2.25
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.56
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.79
%
Net interest-earning assets (4)
$
862,523

 
 
 
 
 
$
862,231

 
 
 
 
 
$
813,471

 
 
 
 
Net interest margin (5)
 
 
 
 
2.55
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.81
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.99
%
Average interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
124.47
%
 
 

 
 
 
127.84
%
 
 

 
 
 
128.71
%
 
 
 
(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.


58


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. 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2019 vs. 2018
 
2018 vs. 2017
 
 
 
 
 
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
$
4,933

 
$
3,609

 
$
8,542

 
$
4,974

 
$
2,277

 
$
7,251

Mortgage-backed securities
5,973

 
750

 
6,723

 
2,452

 
1,361

 
3,813

Other securities
1,810

 
409

 
2,219

 
2,089

 
713

 
2,802

FHLB of New York stock
560

 
(625
)
 
(65
)
 
(74
)
 
296

 
222

Interest-earning deposits
51

 
381

 
432

 
(9
)
 
344

 
335

Total interest-earning assets
13,327

 
4,524

 
17,851

 
9,432

 
4,991

 
14,423

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings, NOW and money market accounts
1,761

 
7,659

 
9,420

 
(152
)
 
2,972

 
2,820

Certificates of deposit
1,288

 
2,879

 
4,167

 
5,219

 
3,316

 
8,535

Total deposits
3,049

 
10,538

 
13,587

 
5,067

 
6,288

 
11,355

Borrowings
2,322

 
1,399

 
3,721

 
(476
)
 
1,195

 
719

Total interest-bearing liabilities
5,371

 
11,937

 
17,308

 
4,591

 
7,483

 
12,074

Change in net interest income
$
7,956

 
$
(7,413
)
 
$
543

 
$
4,841

 
$
(2,492
)
 
$
2,349

 
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 ($17.4 million at December 31, 2019) as accruing, even though they may be contractually past due. At December 31, 2019, 20.9% of PCI loans were past due 30 to 89 days, and 24.3% were past due 90 days or more, as compared to 10.0% and 23.3%, respectively, at December 31, 2018.  
 
Originated and Acquired Loan

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, 2019, our non-performing loans totaled $10.0 million, or 0.29%, of total loans held-for-investment. At the same time, net charge-offs were minimal at 0.04% of average loans outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2018, and 0.03% for the year ended December 31, 2017.  The Company had net recoveries of $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.


59


Non-performing Assets and Delinquent Loans.  The following table details non-performing assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Non-accrual loans:
 
 
 
Held-for-investment
$
5,036

 
$
8,649

Non-accruing loans subject to restructuring agreements:
 
 
 
Held-for-investment
4,397

 
513

Total non-accruing loans
9,433

 
9,162

Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing:
 
 
 
Held-for-investment
518

 
33

Total non-performing loans
9,951

 
9,195

Total non-performing assets
$
9,951

 
$
9,195

Loans subject to restructuring agreements and still accruing
$
14,143

 
$
16,390

Accruing loans 30 to 89 days delinquent
$
8,206

 
$
8,562

 
The following table details non-performing loans by loan type at December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):  

 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
7,922

 
$
7,291

One-to-four family residential
889

 
1,129

Multifamily
437

 
566

Home equity and lines of credit
185

 
151

Commercial and industrial

 
25

Total non-accrual loans:
9,433

 
9,162

Loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing:
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
253

 

One-to-four family residential
265

 
33

Total loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing
518

 
33

Total non-performing loans
$
9,951

 
$
9,195


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.  

60


 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):    
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
5,450

 
$
2,377

One-to-four family residential
1,590

 
4,120

Construction and land
147

 

Multifamily
547

 
2,018

Home equity and lines of credit
217

 

Commercial and industrial loans
229

 
45

Other loans
26

 
2

 
$
8,206

 
$
8,562

Included in non-accruing loans are loans subject to restructuring agreements totaling $4.4 million and $513,000 at December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively. The increase in non-accruing loans subject to restructuring agreements was primarily due to two impaired commercial real estate loans, one with a net carrying balance of $2.8 million, designated a troubled debt restructuring during the first quarter of 2019, as payment terms of the loan were modified, and the second loan with a net carrying balance of $1.3 million, put on non-accrual status during the second quarter of 2019. At December 31, 2019, two of the non-accruing troubled debt restructurings totaling $255,000 were not performing in accordance with their restructured terms, and are collateralized by real estate with an aggregate estimated fair value of $946,000. One of the non-accruing troubled debt restructurings totaling $1.3 million was settled in full subsequent to year-end upon the sale of the collateral property. At December 31, 2018, one of the non-accruing troubled debt restructurings totaling $235,000 was not performing in accordance with its restructured terms and is collateralized by real estate with an estimated fair value of $672,000.
The Company also holds loans subject to restructuring agreements that are on accrual status, which totaled $14.1 million and $16.4 million at December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively. At December 31, 2019, $13.8 million, or 97.3%, of the $14.1 million of accruing loans subject to restructuring agreements were performing in accordance with their restructured terms. At December 31, 2018, $14.8 million, or 90.1%, of the accruing loans subject to restructuring agreements were performing in accordance with their restructured terms. Generally, the types of concessions that we make to troubled borrowers include both temporary and permanent reductions to 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 troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):  
 
At December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Non-Accruing
 
Accruing
 
Non-Accruing
 
Accruing
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial (1)
$
4,102

 
$
10,810

 
$

 
$
12,664

One-to-four family residential
255

 
2,224

 
361

 
2,324

Multifamily
40

 
997

 
152

 
1,268

Home equity and lines of credit

 
54

 

 
61

Commercial and industrial loans

 
58

 

 
73

 
$
4,397

 
$
14,143

 
$
513

 
$
16,390

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performing in accordance with restructured terms
64.5
%
 
97.3
%
 
54.2
%
 
90.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) A non-accruing troubled debt restructuring totaling $1.3 million at December 31, 2019, was paid off in full in January 2020.


61


Allowance for loan losses.    The allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans decreased from 299.06% at December 31, 2018 to 288.48% at December 31, 2019. This decrease was primarily attributable to an increase of $1.2 million, or 4.4%, in the allowance for loan losses and an increase in non-performing loans of $756,000, from $9.2 million at December 31, 2018 to $10.0 million at December 31, 2019. The Company utilizes external appraisals to determine the fair value of the underlying collateral in its analysis of impaired loans. A third-party appraisal is generally ordered as soon as a loan is designated as an impaired loan and updated annually, or more frequently if required. 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 0.93% at December 31, 2019, from 0.99% at December 31, 2018. The decline in the loan coverage ratio from December 31, 2018 resulted from an improvement in asset quality coupled with declines in historical net charge-offs. Net recoveries were $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to net charge-offs of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and net recoveries of $154,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The provision for loan losses was $22,000, $2.6 million, and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
 
Specific reserves on loans individually evaluated for impairment increased by $116,000, or 82%, from $26,000 at December 31, 2018, to $142,000 at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, the Company had 29 loans classified as impaired and recorded $142,000 of specific reserves on three of the 29 impaired loans. At December 31, 2018, the Company had 33 loans classified as impaired and recorded $26,000 of specific reserves on four of the 33 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
 
Other
 
PCI
 
Acquired
 
Total Allowance for Loan Losses
2016
$
5,432

 
$
664

 
$
172

 
$
14,952

 
$
588

 
$
1,720

 
$
96

 
$
896

 
$
75

 
$
24,595

Provision for loan losses
(302
)
 
(161
)
 
438

 
2,329

 
(459
)
 
(453
)
 
(2
)
 
55

 
(34
)
 
1,411

Recoveries
70

 

 

 
277

 
97

 
79

 

 

 
33

 
556

Charge-offs
(4
)
 

 

 
(184
)
 
(104
)
 
(73
)
 

 

 
(37
)
 
(402
)
2017
5,196

 
503

 
610

 
17,374

 
122

 
1,273

 
94

 
951

 
37

 
26,160

Provision for loan losses
1,641

 
(162
)
 
(147
)
 
684

 
229

 
346

 
14

 
59

 
(49
)
 
2,615

Recoveries
49

 
4

 

 
26

 

 
20

 

 

 
13

 
112

Charge-offs
(1,256
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
(60
)
 
(70
)
 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1,390
)
2018
5,630

 
342

 
463

 
18,084

 
291

 
1,569

 
108

 
1,010

 

 
27,497

Provision for loan losses
(452
)
 
(234
)
 
73

 
301

 
26

 
151

 
165

 
(221
)
 
213

 
22

Recoveries
98

 
72

 

 
1,818

 

 
20

 
1

 

 
166

 
2,175

Charge-offs
(520
)
 

 

 

 

 
(100
)
 
(123
)
 

 
(244
)
 
(987
)
2019
$
4,756

 
$
180

 
$
536

 
$
20,203

 
$
317

 
$
1,640

 
$
151

 
$
789

 
$
135

 
$
28,707

 
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded net recoveries of $1.2 million, as compared to net charge-offs of $1.3 million, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The net recoveries in 2019 were primarily due to a $1.8 million recovery on a multifamily loan previously charged-off, partially offset by a $521,000 charge-off on an impaired commercial real estate loan. Charge-offs in 2018 were primarily related to a $1.2 million charge-off on an impaired commercial real estate loan. As a result of increases in outstanding balances, driven by originated loan growth, partially offset by an improvement in asset quality indicators, the allowance for loan losses allocated to construction and land loans, multifamily real estate loans, home equity and lines of credit, commercial and industrial loans, and other loans increased from 2018 to 2019. The allowance allocated to commercial real estate loans decreased due to a decrease in the historical loss factor coupled with an improvement in asset quality indicators and a decrease in the criticized portfolio for commercial real estate loans. The allowance allocated to one-to-four family residential loans decreased due to a decrease in the outstanding balances of those loans from 2018 to 2019. The decrease in the allowance for PCI loans was attributable to the annual recasting of PCI cash flows.


62


Management of Market Risk
 
General.  Substantially all 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 securities 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 Asset-Liability Committee, comprised of our SVP & Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer, who chairs this Committee, our President and Chief Executive Officer, our EVP & Chief Administrative Officer, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, EVP & Chief Lending Officer, EVP Operations, EVP Branch Administration and Business Development, SVP and Chief Risk Officer, and SVP & Director of Marketing, and other officers and staff as necessary or appropriate to manage interest rate risk. 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 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 investment grade corporate securities and mortgage-backed securities; and
obtaining general financing through lower-cost core deposits, brokered 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. 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.

The following tables set forth, as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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.

63


 
 
NPV at December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
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
 
Next 12 Months Net Interest Income Percent Change
 
Months 13-24 Net Interest Income Percent Change
400
 
$
4,692,640

 
$
3,974,209

 
$
718,431

 
$
(156,728
)
 
(17.91
)%
 
15.31
%
 
(17.51
)%
 
(3.90
)%
300
 
4,797,256

 
4,039,976

 
757,280

 
(117,879
)
 
(13.47
)%
 
15.79
%
 
(12.79
)%
 
(2.47
)%
200
 
4,907,606

 
4,108,235

 
799,371

 
(75,788
)
 
(8.66
)%
 
16.29
%
 
(7.99
)%
 
(0.70
)%
100
 
5,018,245

 
4,179,543

 
838,702

 
(36,457
)
 
(4.17
)%
 
16.71
%
 
(3.71
)%
 
0.42
 %
 
5,129,680

 
4,254,521

 
875,159

 

 
 %
 
17.06
%
 
 %
 
 %
(100)
 
5,249,067

 
4,339,402

 
909,665

 
34,506

 
3.94
 %
 
17.33
%
 
0.36
 %
 
(3.15
)%
(200)
 
5,414,518

 
4,422,975

 
991,543

 
116,384

 
13.30
 %
 
18.31
%
 
0.63
 %
 
(4.18
)%
 
The table above indicates that at December 31, 2019, in the event of a 200 basis point decrease in interest rates, we would experience a 13.30% increase in estimated net portfolio value and a 0.63% increase in net interest income in year one and a 4.18% decrease in net income in year two. In the event of a 400 basis point increase in interest rates, we would experience a 17.91% decrease in estimated net portfolio value and a 17.51% decrease in net interest income in year one and a 3.90% decrease in net interest income in year two.
 
 
NPV at December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
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
 
Next 12 Months Net Interest Income Percent Change
 
Months 13-24 Net Interest Income Percent Change
400
 
$
4,031,597

 
$
3,319,312

 
$
712,285

 
$
(149,277
)
 
(17.33
)%
 
17.67
%
 
(16.59
)%
 
(3.47
)%
300
 
4,124,540

 
3,376,794

 
747,746

 
(113,816
)
 
(13.21
)%
 
18.13
%
 
(12.38
)%
 
(2.56
)%
200
 
4,223,771

 
3,436,264

 
787,507

 
(74,055
)
 
(8.60
)%
 
18.64
%
 
(7.84
)%
 
(0.97
)%
100
 
4,324,514

 
3,498,443

 
826,071

 
(35,491
)
 
(4.12
)%
 
19.10
%
 
(3.71
)%
 
(0.11
)%
 
4,425,777

 
3,564,215

 
861,562

 

 
 %
 
19.47
%
 
 %
 
 %
(100)
 
4,527,603

 
3,637,211

 
890,392

 
28,830

 
3.35
 %
 
19.67
%
 
1.27
 %
 
(2.13
)%
(200)
 
4,633,379

 
3,712,989

 
920,390

 
58,828

 
6.83
 %
 
19.86
%
 
2.03
 %
 
(3.03
)%

The table above indicates that at December 31, 2018, in the event of a 200 basis point decrease in interest rates, we would experience an 6.83% increase in estimated net portfolio value and a 2.03% increase in net interest income in year one and a 3.03% decrease in net income in year two. In the event of a 400 basis point increase in interest rates, we would experience a 17.33% decrease in net portfolio value and a 16.59% decrease in net interest income in year one and a 3.47% decrease in net interest income in year two.

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 300 basis points and 10%, and in the event of a 400 basis point increase or less, our net present value should decrease by no more than 475 basis points and 35%. In the event of a 200 basis point decrease or less, our projected net interest income should decrease by no more than 10% in year one and 25% in year two, and in the event of a 400 basis point increase or less, our projected net interest income should decrease by no more than 30% in year one and 20% in year two. 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 interest rate shocks. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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

64


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, 2019, this ratio was 50.49%.  We believe that we had sufficient sources of liquidity to satisfy our short- and long-term liquidity needs at December 31, 2019.
 
We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets based on our assessment of: 
expected loan demand; 
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. We also have the ability to obtain additional funding from the FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank utilizing unencumbered and unpledged securities and multifamily loans, and a Letter of Credit (“LOC”) of up to $50.0 million with the FHLBNY for the purpose of collateralizing municipal deposits. Any amount pledged for such deposits under the LOC reduces the Company's available borrowing amount under the FHLB advance agreement. The Company expects to have sufficient funds available to meet current commitments in the normal course of business.

The Company had the following primary sources of liquidity at December 31, 2019 (in thousands): 
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
$
132,409

Corporate bonds
$
164,926

Multifamily loans(2)
$
1,140,374

Mortgage-backed securities (issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac)(2)
$
284,838

 
 
(1) Excludes $15,409 of cash at Northfield Bank.
(2) Represents remaining borrowing potential.    
At December 31, 2019, we had $125.6 million in outstanding loan commitments. In addition, we had $143.2 million in unused lines of credit to borrowers. Certificates of deposit due within one year of December 31, 2019, totaled $908.7 million, or 26.7% 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. 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 Northfield Bank. Additionally, management performs a stress test on Northfield 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. Northfield Bank continues to maintain significant liquidity under all stress scenarios.  

65



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. At December 31, 2019, Northfield Bancorp, Inc. (unconsolidated) had liquid assets of $33.1 million.
 
Northfield Bank and Northfield Bancorp, Inc. are both 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, 2019, both Northfield Bank and Northfield Bancorp, Inc. exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and are considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.  See “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation” and Note 13 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 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
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, 2019 (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
 
More Than Three to Five Years
 
More Than Five Years
 
Total
Borrowings (1)
 
$
412,786

 
$
290,000

 
$
137,500

 
$
12,500

 
$
852,786

Floating rate advances
 
6,004

 

 

 

 
6,004

Operating lease liabilities
 
6,160

 
10,798

 
9,604

 
30,668

 
57,230

Certificates of deposit
 
908,744

 
95,931

 
43,877

 

 
1,048,552

Total
 
$
1,333,694

 
$
396,729

 
$
190,981

 
$
43,168

 
$
1,964,572

Commitments to extend credit (2)
 
$
268,794

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
268,794

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes FHLB of New York advances, repurchase agreements and accrued interest payable at December 31, 2019.
(2)
Includes unused lines of credit which are assumed to be funded within the year.  
  
Recent Accounting Standards Adopted

See Note 1(u) 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.


66


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


67


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Northfield Bancorp, Inc., and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2019, 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) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 2, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgment. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Assessment of the allowance for loan losses related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment
As discussed in Notes 1 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s allowance for loan losses related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment (ALLL) was $28.6 million of a total allowance for loan losses of $28.7 million as of December 31, 2019. The ALLL estimate consists of both quantitative and qualitative loss components. The Company estimates the quantitative loss component of the ALLL by grouping the loans based on similar risk characteristics, primarily loan type, loan-to-value and internal credit risk ratings and applying an estimated loss rate to each loan group. The quantitative loss rates are based on the Company’s historical quantitative net loss rates using a look-back period and loss emergence period. Qualitative factors to such loss rates are made when internal and external factors are identified that are not taken into account by the quantitative loss component of the ALLL.
 
We identified the assessment of the ALLL as a critical audit matter because of the complex and subjective auditor judgment that was involved. Specifically, complex and subjective auditor judgment was required to assess the (1) methodology and data used to derive the quantitative loss rates, (2) key factors and assumptions including the grouping of the loan portfolio by certain risk characteristics, the look-back period and the loss emergence periods, (3)

68


internal credit risk ratings assigned to multifamily, commercial mortgage, construction and land, and commercial and industrial loans (collectively, commercial loans) and (4) the development and evaluation of the qualitative factor framework.
 
The primary procedures we performed to address the critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s ALLL process, including controls related to the (1) development of the ALLL methodology, (2) determination of the key factors and assumptions used to estimate the historical quantitative net loss rates, (3) periodic testing of internal credit risk ratings for commercial loans, (4) development of the framework to assess the qualitative factors, and (5) analysis of the ALLL results, trends, and ratios. We evaluated the grouping of loans with similar characteristics by assessing the relevant characteristics of the loan group, including the loan type, loan-to-value, delinquency status, and internal credit risk rating. We tested the relevance of sources of internal and external data and key factors and assumptions, including the look-back period and the loss emergence periods, by evaluating (1) if loss data in the look-back period was representative of the credit characteristics of the current loan group and (2) the sufficiency of loss data within the look back period. We assessed the loss emergence period assumptions by considering the Company’s credit risk policies and testing the relevance and reliability of the sources of data and assumptions of the Company’s observable loss experience study. We evaluated the metrics, including the relevance and reliability of the source of data and assumptions used to allocate the qualitative factors. We involved credit risk professionals with specialized industry knowledge and experience, who assisted in evaluating:

the Company’s allowance for loan losses methodology for compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles,
the look-back period assumptions to evaluate the length of that period,
the methodology used to develop the loss emergence periods,
individual internal credit risk ratings for a selection of commercial loans,
the qualitative factor framework to determine if it identified the relevant incremental risks not captured by the quantitative loss component, and
the framework used to develop the resulting qualitative factors and the effect of those factors on the ALLL compared with relevant credit risk factors and credit trends.


/s/ KPMG LLP


We have not been able to determine the specific year that we began serving as the Company’s auditor, however we are aware that we have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1967.
 
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 2, 2020

69


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Northfield Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries' (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, 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) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated March 2, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion

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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our 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.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 2, 2020

70


NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
At December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
15,409

 
$
15,147

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions
132,409

 
62,615

Total cash and cash equivalents
147,818

 
77,762

Trading securities
11,222

 
8,968

 Debt securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value
1,138,352

 
808,031

Debt securities held-to-maturity
8,762

 
9,505

(estimated fair value of $8,886 at December 31, 2019, and $9,249 at December 31, 2018)
 
 
 
Equity securities
3,341

 
1,280

Originated loans held-for-investment, net
2,987,067

 
2,678,877

Loans acquired
432,653

 
546,150

Purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans held-for-investment
17,365

 
20,143

Loans held-for-investment, net
3,437,085

 
3,245,170

Allowance for loan losses
(28,707
)
 
(27,497
)
Net loans held-for-investment
3,408,378

 
3,217,673

Accrued interest receivable
14,609

 
12,959

Bank owned life insurance
153,459

 
154,135

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of New York stock, at cost
39,575

 
22,517

Operating lease right-of-use assets
39,504

 

Premises and equipment, net
25,659

 
25,605

Goodwill
38,411

 
38,411

Other assets
26,212

 
31,586

Total assets
$
5,055,302

 
$
4,408,432

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
LIABILITIES:
 

 
 

Deposits
$
3,408,233

 
$
3,286,512

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
75,000

 

FHLB Advances and other borrowings
782,004

 
408,891

Operating lease liabilities
44,069

 

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
20,045

 
18,007

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
30,098

 
28,583

Total liabilities
4,359,449

 
3,741,993

 
 
 
 
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, 60,933,707 shares issued at December 31, 2019 and 2018, 49,175,347 and 49,635,673 outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
609

 
609

Additional paid-in-capital
548,486

 
546,219

Unallocated common stock held by employee stock ownership plan
(19,740
)
 
(20,992
)
Retained earnings
322,581

 
302,544

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
4,699

 
(9,147
)
Treasury stock at cost; 11,758,360 and 11,298,034 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
(160,782
)
 
(152,794
)
Total stockholders’ equity
695,853

 
666,439

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
5,055,302

 
$
4,408,432

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 
Years ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
$
136,133

 
$
127,591

 
$
120,340

Mortgage-backed securities
19,710

 
12,987

 
9,174

Other securities
6,331

 
4,112

 
1,310

FHLB of New York dividends
1,618

 
1,683

 
1,461

Deposits in other financial institutions
1,351

 
919

 
584

Total interest income
165,143

 
147,292

 
132,869

Interest expense:
 
 
 

 
 

Deposits
41,328

 
27,741

 
16,386

Borrowings
12,030

 
8,309

 
7,590

Total interest expense
53,358

 
36,050

 
23,976

Net interest income
111,785

 
111,242

 
108,893

Provision for loan losses
22

 
2,615

 
1,411

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
111,763

 
108,627

 
107,482

Non-interest income:
 

 
 

 
 

Fees and service charges for customer services
4,881

 
4,877

 
4,702

Income on bank owned life insurance
7,023

 
3,705

 
5,386

Gains on available-for-sale debt securities, net
514

 
178

 
169

Gains (losses) on trading securities, net
1,988

 
(879
)
 
1,114

Other
402

 
246

 
271

Total non-interest income
14,808

 
8,127

 
11,642

Non-interest expense:
 

 
 

 
 

Compensation and employee benefits
39,571

 
34,802

 
38,237

Occupancy
13,676

 
12,096

 
11,270

Furniture and equipment
1,085

 
1,004

 
1,141

Data processing
5,679

 
5,011

 
4,585

Professional fees
3,545

 
3,482

 
2,774

Advertising
3,442

 
2,726

 
1,861

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance
563

 
1,065

 
1,064

Other
5,988

 
6,857

 
6,446

Total non-interest expense
73,549

 
67,043

 
67,378

Income before income tax expense
53,022

 
49,711

 
51,746

Income tax expense
12,787

 
9,632

 
26,978

Net income
$
40,235

 
$
40,079

 
$
24,768

Net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.86

 
$
0.87

 
$
0.55

Diluted
$
0.85

 
$
0.85

 
$
0.53

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
46,783,442

 
46,319,760

 
45,325,445

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
47,163,804

 
47,107,433

 
46,875,730

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

71


NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - (Continued)
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income
$
40,235

 
$
40,079

 
$
24,768

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gains (losses) on debt securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains (losses)
19,666

 
(5,203
)
 
(283
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
(514
)
 
(178
)
 
(169
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
19,152

 
(5,381
)
 
(452
)
Post-retirement benefits adjustment
77

 
240

 
74

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
19,229

 
(5,141
)
 
(378
)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to net unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities available-for-sale
(5,505
)
 
1,462

 
113

Income tax benefit related to reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
144

 
50

 
68

Income tax expense related to post-retirement benefits adjustment
(22
)
 
(67
)
 
(30
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
13,846

 
(3,696
)
 
(227
)
Comprehensive income
$
54,081

 
$
36,383

 
$
24,541









































See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

72


NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
 
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, 2016
48,526,658

 
$
609

 
$
547,910

 
$
(23,466
)
 
$
268,226

 
$
(4,332
)
 
$
(167,751
)
 
$
621,196

Net income
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
24,768

 
 

 
 

 
24,768

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(227
)
 
 

 
(227
)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Adoption of ASU No. 2016-09
 
 
 
 
(2,898
)
 
 
 
2,898

 
 
 
 
 

Reclassification of tax effects resulting from the adoption of ASU No. 2018-02
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
892

 
(892
)
 
 
 

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

 
 

 
1,267

 
1,222

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
2,489

Stock compensation expense
 

 
 

 
6,197

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
6,197

Additional tax benefit on equity awards
 

 
 

 


 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Net issuance of restricted stock
(58,447
)
 
 
 
828

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(828
)
 

Exercise of stock options, net
335,674

 
 

 
(4,440
)
 
 

 


 
 

 
4,540

 
100

Cash dividends declared ($0.34 per common share)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(15,646
)
 
 

 
 

 
(15,646
)
Balance at December 31, 2017
48,803,885

 
609

 
548,864

 
(22,244
)
 
281,138

 
(5,451
)
 
(164,039
)
 
638,877

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40,079

 
 
 
 
 
40,079

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,696
)
 
 
 
(3,696
)
ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released
 
 
 
 
1,085

 
1,252

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,337

Stock compensation expense
 
 
 
 
5,432

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,432

Net forfeitures of restricted stock
10,040

 
 
 
(133
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
133

 

Exercise of stock options, net
822,074

 
 
 
(9,029
)
 
 
 

 
 
 
11,117

 
2,088

Cash dividends declared ($0.40 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(18,673
)
 
 
 
 
 
(18,673
)
Treasury stock (average cost of $16.85 per share)
(326
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
49,635,673

 
609

 
546,219

 
(20,992
)
 
302,544

 
(9,147
)
 
(152,794
)
 
666,439

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40,235

 
 
 
 
 
40,235

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,846

 
 
 
13,846

ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released
 
 
 
 
1,088

 
1,252

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,340

Stock compensation expense
 
 
 
 
3,236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,236

Net issuance of restricted stock
(8,000
)
 
 
 
118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(118
)
 

Exercise of stock options, net
583,574

 
 
 
(2,175
)
 
 
 


 
 
 
7,945

 
5,770

Cash dividends declared ($0.43 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(20,198
)
 
 
 
 
 
(20,198
)
Treasury stock (average cost of $15.26 per share)
(1,035,900
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(15,815
)
 
(15,815
)
Balance at December 31, 2019
49,175,347

 
$
609

 
$
548,486

 
$
(19,740
)
 
$
322,581

 
$
4,699

 
$
(160,782
)
 
$
695,853

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

73


NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
40,235

 
$
40,079

 
$
24,768

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
22

 
2,615

 
1,411

ESOP and stock compensation expense
5,576

 
7,769

 
8,686

Depreciation expense
3,569

 
3,020

 
3,229

Amortization of premiums, and deferred loan costs, net of (accretion) of discounts, and deferred loan fees
4,344

 
2,441

 
2,000

Amortization of intangible assets
265

 
326

 
386

Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets
5,069

 

 

Income on bank owned life insurance
(7,023
)
 
(3,705
)
 
(5,386
)
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale

 

 
494

Gains on available-for-sale debt securities, net
(514
)
 
(178
)
 
(169
)
Gains (losses) on trading securities, net on securities, net
(1,988
)
 
879

 
(1,114
)
Net purchases of trading securities
(266
)
 
(250
)
 
(626
)
Increase in accrued interest receivable
(1,650
)
 
(2,246
)
 
(999
)
Decrease (increase) in other assets
2,679

 
3,563

 
(3,689
)
Deferred taxes
(177
)
 
(893
)
 
15,193

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities
1,011

 
(631
)
 
(560
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
51,152

 
52,789

 
43,624

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in loans receivable
(147,507
)
 
(69,270
)
 
(110,177
)
Purchase of loans
(44,918
)
 
(37,593
)
 
(64,116
)
Purchase of FHLB of New York stock
(38,546
)
 
(21,557
)
 
(18,890
)
Redemption of FHLB of New York stock
21,488

 
24,086

 
18,967

Purchases of debt securities available-for-sale
(635,898
)
 
(451,174
)
 
(137,631
)
Purchases of equity securities
(2,061
)
 

 

Principal payments and maturities on debt securities available-for-sale
243,374

 
118,485

 
114,416

Principal payments and maturities on debt securities held-to-maturity
709

 
403

 
200

Proceeds from sale of debt securities available-for-sale
79,255

 
32,115

 
4,975

Proceeds from sale of equity securities

 

 
966

Proceeds from bank owned life insurance
5,002

 
174

 
2,829

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned

 
850

 

Purchases and improvements of premises and equipment
(3,623
)
 
(2,879
)
 
(2,065
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(522,725
)
 
(406,360
)
 
(190,526
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in deposits
121,721

 
449,533

 
123,392

Dividends paid
(20,198
)
 
(18,673
)
 
(15,646
)
Exercise of stock options
5,770

 
2,088

 
100

Purchase of treasury stock
(15,815
)
 
(5
)
 

Increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
2,038

 
3,209

 
2,467

Repayments under capital lease obligations
(44
)
 
(255
)
 
(224
)
Proceeds from securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings
1,206,659

 
397,312

 
441,570

Repayments related to securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings
(758,502
)
 
(459,715
)
 
(443,003
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
541,629

 
373,494

 
108,656

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
70,056

 
19,923

 
(38,246
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
77,762

 
57,839

 
96,085

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
147,818

 
$
77,762

 
$
57,839

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

74


NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - (Continued)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Supplemental cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
$
51,634

 
$
35,822

 
$
23,765

Income taxes
11,092

 
10,368

 
12,875

Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans charged-off / (recoveries), net
(1,189
)
 
1,278

 
(154
)
Transfers of originated loans held-for-investment to held-for-sale, at fair value

 

 
494

Initial recognition of operating lease right-of use assets
43,560

 

 

Initial recognition of operating lease liabilities
47,328

 

 




















































See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

75


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)    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 purchased credit-impaired (“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 uncertain matters. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions. 
 
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
 
(b)    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.

(c)    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. 
 
(d)    Securities
 
Securities are classified at the time of purchase, based on management’s intention, as debt securities held-to-maturity, debt securities available-for-sale, trading account securities or equity securities. Debt securities held-to-maturity are those that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. Debt 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. Debt securities available-for-sale represents all securities not classified as either held-to-maturity, trading, or equity. Debt 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, using quoted prices in active markets, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a component of gain (loss) on securities, net in non-interest income.

Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of gain (loss) on securities, net in non-interest income. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are recorded at net asset value less any impairment, if any.

76

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

 
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.   
 
(e)    Loans
 
The accounting and reporting for PCI loans and loans classified as 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 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 fair value of the underlying collateral (less estimated costs to sell) if the loan is collateral dependent. Impairments, if any, are recognized through a charge to the allowance 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.  
 
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 estimated costs 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,

77

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

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 consecutive 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 estimated 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.
 
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.

(f)    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 0.125% 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. 
    

78

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

On at least 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, 2019 and 2018.
 
(g) Operating Leases

During the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements, and at inception it determines if a particular agreement is a lease. The Company's operating lease agreements relate primarily to its corporate offices and bank branch offices. The agreements are recorded as operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease right of use assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term, and represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. As the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company's lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

(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. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we elected to perform step one of the two-step goodwill impairment test for our reporting unit.
 
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, 2019, the carrying value of goodwill totaled $38.4 million. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test, as of December 31, 2019, 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.

79

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


(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 estimated 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 debt 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) and its components is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
 
(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.    
 

80

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

Funds borrowed by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “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. 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 Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
 
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. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, a new standard that simplifies certain aspects of accounting for share-based payments. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. The update amended the diluted earnings per share calculation in that excess tax benefits are no longer included in assumed proceeds when determining average diluted shares outstanding under the treasury stock method. This guidance was applied prospectively upon adoption.

When applying the treasury stock method for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we added the assumed proceeds from option exercises and the average unamortized compensation costs related to unvested shares of restricted stock and stock options. We then divided 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. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we added (1) the assumed proceeds from option exercises; (2) the tax benefit that would have been 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 divided 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, 2019, 2018, and 2017, there were 380,362, 787,673, and 1,550,285 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) Advertising costs

Advertising costs are expensed in the period they are incurred.        

(t)    Derivatives

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company began offering interest rate swaps to certain qualified commercial borrowers. These interest rate swaps result from a service provided to certain qualifying borrowers in a loan-related transaction and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities. As such, all changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized directly in earnings. The Company records all derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.
(u)    Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

ASU No. 2016-02. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires all lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset, measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments, at the lease commencement date for leases classified as operating leases as well as finance leases. Under this guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. This ASU became effective for annual and interim periods for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company adopted the standard by applying the alternative transition method whereby comparative periods were not restated, and no cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was recognized as of January 1, 2019. The Company also elected the ASU’s package of three practical expedients, which allowed the Company to forego a reassessment of (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and (iii) the initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company also elected not to apply the recognition requirements of the ASU to any short-term leases (as defined by related accounting guidance) and will account for lease and non-lease components separately because such amounts are readily determinable under most lease contracts. The adoption of this standard resulted in the Company recognizing operating lease right-of-use assets and related operating lease liabilities totaling $43.6 million and $47.3 million respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations. See Note 18, Leases, for further disclosures.

ASU No. 2017-08. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in this update require the premium on callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date rather than the maturity date; however, securities held at a discount continue to be amortized to maturity. The amendments apply only to debt securities purchased at a premium that are callable at fixed prices and on preset dates. The amendments more closely align interest income recorded on debt securities held at a premium or discount with the economics of the underlying instrument. This ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-07. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which is intended to align the accounting for share-based payment awards issued to employees and nonemployees. The guidance applies to nonemployee awards issued in exchange for goods or services used or consumed in an entity’s own operations and to awards granted by an investor to employees and nonemployees of an equity method investee for goods or services used or consumed in the investee’s operations. There are no new disclosure requirements. This ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, as share-based payment awards to nonemployee Directors are accounted for in the same manner as share-based payment awards for employees.
    
ASU No. 2014-09. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies generally will be required to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. Subsequent to the issuance of ASU No. 2014-09, the FASB issued targeted updates to clarify specific implementation issues including ASU No. 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net),” ASU No. 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” ASU No. 2016-12, “Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients,” and ASU No. 2016-20 “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The new standard was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as the Company’s

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

primary sources of revenues are derived from interest income on financial assets that are not within the scope of the guidance. Management conducted an assessment of the revenue streams that were potentially affected by the guidance and reviewed contracts in scope to ensure compliance with the guidance. These contracts included those related to service charges on deposit accounts, ATM and card interchange fees, and investment services fees. The Company’s revenue recognition pattern for these revenue streams did not change from current practice. Additional disclosures required by the standard have been included in Note 17. “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.”

ASU No. 2016-01. In January 2016, the FASB issued 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 including the following: 1) Requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; 2) Simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; 3) Requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; 4) Requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value and 5) Reduces diversity in current practice by clarifying that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for the Company for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-01 effective January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements due to the Company's proportionately small portfolio of equity securities and no liabilities that are measured at fair value. The primary impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 was the reclassification of equity securities from available-for-sale to equity securities on the consolidated balance sheets and the use of an exit price notion for valuing loans at fair value. See Note 4 - “Equity Securities” and Note 14 - “Fair Value Measurement” for further details.

ASU No. 2016-15. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which provides guidance on how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be classified and presented in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 includes guidance on eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-15 effective January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows.

ASU No. 2017-07. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires that companies disaggregate the service cost component from other components of net benefit cost. The guidance requires companies that offer postretirement benefits to present the service cost, which is the amount an employer has to set aside each quarter or fiscal year to cover the benefits, in the same line item with other current employee compensation costs. Other components of net benefit cost will be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The Company adopted ASU No. 2017-07 effective January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-02. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows an entity to elect a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The guidance states that if an entity elects to reclassify the income tax effects, the amount of that reclassification should include the effect of the change in the tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances, in addition to other income tax effects on items remaining in AOCI. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted in a period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company early adopted ASU 2018-02 retrospectively to December 31, 2017, which resulted in the reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings of $892,000, reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity.


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

ASU No. 2018-03. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10), which clarifies certain aspects of the guidance issued in ASU No. 2016-01 including: the ability to irrevocably elect to change the measurement approach for equity securities measured using the practical expedient (at cost plus or minus observable transactions less impairment) to a fair value method in accordance with Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement; clarification that if an observable transaction occurs for such securities, the adjustment is as of the observable transaction date; clarification that the prospective transition approach for equity securities without a readily determinable fair value is meant only for instances in which the practical expedient is elected; and various other clarifications. ASU No. 2018-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2018. The Company adopted ASU No. 2018-03 during the third quarter 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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

(2)
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale
 
The following is a comparative summary of mortgage-backed securities and other debt securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):  
 
2019
 
 
 
Gross
 
Gross
 
Estimated
 
Amortized
 
unrealized
 
unrealized
 
fair
 
cost
 
gains
 
losses
 
value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass-through certificates:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Government sponsored enterprises (GSE)
$
324,080

 
$
6,081

 
$
754

 
$
329,407

Real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

GSE
643,816

 
2,076

 
2,225

 
643,667

Non-GSE
53

 

 

 
53

 
967,949

 
8,157

 
2,979

 
973,127

Other debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
296

 
3

 

 
299

Corporate bonds
163,725

 
1,214

 
13

 
164,926

 
164,021

 
1,217

 
13

 
165,225

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
1,131,970

 
$
9,374

 
$
2,992

 
$
1,138,352

 
 
2018
 
 
 
Gross
 
Gross
 
Estimated
 
Amortized
 
unrealized
 
unrealized
 
fair
 
cost
 
gains
 
losses
 
value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass-through certificates:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

GSE
$
317,530

 
$
800

 
$
3,542

 
$
314,788

REMICs:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

GSE
258,050

 
92

 
7,979

 
250,163

Non-GSE
59

 

 
1

 
58

 
575,639

 
892

 
11,522

 
565,009

Other debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
270

 
3

 

 
273

Corporate bonds
244,892

 
72

 
2,215

 
242,749

 
245,162

 
75

 
2,215

 
243,022

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
820,801

 
$
967

 
$
13,737

 
$
808,031


 
The following is a summary of the expected maturity distribution of debt securities available-for-sale other than mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2019 (in thousands): 
Available-for-sale
 
Amortized cost
 
Estimated fair value
Due in one year or less
 
$
75,115

 
$
75,353

Due after one year through five years
 
88,906

 
89,872

 
 
$
164,021

 
$
165,225


 
Contractual maturities for mortgage-backed securities are not included above, as expected maturities on mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
 
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, 2019, and December 31, 2018, debt securities

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

available-for-sale with a carrying value of $730.9 million and $492.4 million, respectively, were pledged to secure repurchase agreements and deposits. See Note 8 - "Borrowings" for further discussion regarding securities pledged or encumbered for borrowings.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company had gross proceeds of $79.3 million on sales of securities available-for-sale with gross realized gains of $514,000 and no gross realized losses. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company had gross proceeds of $32.1 million on sales of securities available-for-sale with gross realized gains of $183,000 and gross realized losses of $5,000. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had gross proceeds of $5.0 million on sales of securities available-for-sale with gross realized gains of $173,000 and gross realized losses of $4,000. The Company recognized net gains of $2.0 million on its trading securities portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2019, net losses of $879,000 during the year ended 2018, and net gains of $1.1 million during the year ended 2017. 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.
 
Gross unrealized losses on mortgage-backed securities and other debt securities 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, 2019 and 2018, were as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2019
 
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
$
25

 
$
3,404

 
$
729

 
$
55,184

 
$
754

 
$
58,588

REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
950

 
197,634

 
1,275

 
54,555

 
2,225

 
252,189

Non-GSE

 

 

 
53

 

 
53

Other debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds

 

 
13

 
15,586

 
13

 
15,586

Total
$
975

 
$
201,038

 
$
2,017

 
$
125,378

 
$
2,992

 
$
326,416

 
 
December 31, 2018
 
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
$
404

 
$
82,781

 
$
3,138

 
$
100,109

 
$
3,542

 
$
182,890

REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
269

 
46,921

 
7,710

 
181,512

 
7,979

 
228,433

Non-GSE

 

 
1

 
58

 
1

 
58

Other debt securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
1,703

 
173,219

 
512

 
25,675

 
2,215

 
198,894

Total
$
2,376

 
$
302,921

 
$
11,361

 
$
307,354

 
$
13,737

 
$
610,275



The Company held 28 pass-through mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GSEs, 20 REMIC mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GSEs, one REMIC mortgage-backed security not issued or guaranteed by GSEs, and four corporate bonds that were in a continuous unrealized loss position of greater than twelve months at December 31, 2019. There were three pass-through mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GSEs, and 23 REMIC mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GSEs. All securities referred to above, other than the one REMIC mortgage-backed security not issued or guaranteed by a GSE, were rated investment grade at December 31, 2019. The declines in fair 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

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

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 debt securities available-for-sale 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, which may result in other-than-temporary impairment in the future. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment charges in earnings on debt securities available-for sale during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
 
(3)
Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity
 
The following is a summary of mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): 
 
2019
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass-through certificates:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

GSEs
$
8,762

 
$
129

 
$
5

 
$
8,886

Total securities held-to-maturity
$
8,762

 
$
129

 
$
5

 
$
8,886



 
2018
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
$
9,505

 
$

 
$
256

 
$
9,249

Total securities held-to-maturity
$
9,505

 
$

 
$
256

 
$
9,249


    
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. There were no sales of held-to-maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. At December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, debt securities held-to-maturity with a carrying value of $7.4 million and $6.5 million, respectively, were pledged to secure repurchase agreements and deposits. See Note 8 - "Borrowings" for further discussion regarding securities pledged or encumbered for borrowings
 
Gross unrealized losses on mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity, 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, 2019 and 2018, were as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2019
 
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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
$

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
378

 
$
5

 
$
378

Total
$

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
378

 
$
5

 
$
378



87

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

 
December 31, 2018
 
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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSEs
$
34

 
$
2,133

 
$
222

 
$
7,116

 
$
256

 
$
9,249

Total
$
34

 
$
2,133

 
$
222

 
$
7,116

 
$
256

 
$
9,249




The Company held one pass-through mortgage-backed debt security held-to-maturity, issued or guaranteed by GSEs, that was in a continuous unrealized loss position of greater than twelve months at December 31, 2019. Management evaluated this security and concluded that the decline in value relates to the general interest rate environment and is considered temporary. The security 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 security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis or, if necessary, maturity.

The fair values of our debt securities held-to-maturity 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. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment charges in earnings on securities held-to-maturity during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

(4)
Equity Securities

At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, equity securities totaled $3.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Equity securities consist of money market mutual funds, recorded at fair value of $250,000 and $237,000, at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and an investment in a private Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Loan Fund recorded at net asset value of $3.1 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. As the SBA Loan Fund operates as a private fund, its shares are not publicly traded and therefore have no readily determinable market value. The investment in the fund is recorded at net asset value as a practical expedient for reporting fair value.


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

(5)
Loans 
 
Loans held-for-investment, net, consists of the following (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Originated loans:
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
Multifamily
$
2,196,407

 
$
1,930,535

Commercial mortgage
528,681

 
499,311

One-to-four family residential mortgage
83,742

 
91,371

Home equity and lines of credit
84,928

 
78,593

Construction and land
38,284

 
26,552

Total real estate loans
2,932,042

 
2,626,362

Commercial and industrial loans
45,328

 
44,104

Other loans
2,083

 
1,519

Total commercial and industrial and other loans
47,411

 
45,623

Deferred loan cost, net
7,614

 
6,892

Originated loans held-for-investment, net
2,987,067

 
2,678,877

PCI Loans
17,365

 
20,143

Loans acquired:
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential mortgage
187,975

 
225,877

Multifamily
108,417

 
145,485

Commercial mortgage
113,027

 
133,263

Home equity and lines of credit
12,008

 
17,583

Construction and land
2,537

 
12,003

Total acquired real estate loans
423,964

 
534,211

Commercial and industrial loans
8,689

 
11,933

Other loans

 
6

Total loans acquired
432,653

 
546,150

Loans held for investment, net
3,437,085

 
3,245,170

Allowance for loan losses
(28,707
)
 
(27,497
)
Net loans held-for-investment
$
3,408,378

 
$
3,217,673


 
The Company had no loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2018

PCI loans totaled $17.4 million at December 31, 2019, as compared to $$20.1 million at December 31, 2018. The majority of the PCI loan balance is attributable to those loans acquired as part of an FDIC-assisted transaction. The Company accounts for PCI loans utilizing U.S. GAAP applicable to loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. At December 31, 2019, PCI loans consisted of approximately 29% commercial real estate loans and 42% commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining balance in residential and home equity loans. At December 31, 2018, PCI loans consisted of approximately 27% commercial real estate loans and 50% 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,
 
2019
 
2018
Balance at the beginning of year
$
21,846

 
$
24,502

Accretion into interest income
(4,142
)
 
(4,176
)
Net reclassification from non-accretable difference(1)
(618
)
 
1,520

Balance at end of year
$
17,086

 
$
21,846

 
 
 
 
(1) Reclassifications of the non-accretable difference to the accretable yield may occur subsequent to the loan acquisition dates due to increases in expected cash flows of the loans.

89

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 estimated costs 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, 2019 and 2018, the allowance for loan losses related to loans held-for-investment (excluding PCI loans) consisted primarily of the following two elements:

(1)
Allowances for loans individually evaluated for impairment 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 and discounts for quick sales,) 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 estimated 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)
Allowances for loans collectively evaluated for impairment 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, and internal credit risk ratings. We apply an estimated loss rate to each loan group comprised of historical quantitative loss rates and qualitative factors. The quantitative loss rates are based on our historical net loss rates (using a look-back period and loss emergence periods). Qualitative factors to such loss rates are made when internal and external factors are identified which may not be fully captured in our historical quantitative net loss rates such as:

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 non-accrual 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 periods are estimated from the date of the loss event to the actual recognition of the loss (typically the first charge-off), and are determined based upon a study of the Company's past loss experience by loan groups. The

90

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

evaluation for loan losses 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 be significantly more than the allowance for loan losses we have established, which could have a material negative effect on our financial results.
 
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 individually evaluated and collectively evaluated for impairment components of loans. Generally when the loan portfolio increases, absent other factors, our allowance for loan loss methodology results in a higher dollar amount of estimated incurred losses. Conversely, when the loan portfolio decreases, absent other factors, our allowance for loan loss methodology results in a lower dollar amount of estimated incurred losses.
 
At least 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, 2019, 2018, and 2017 follows (in thousands): 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Balance at beginning of year
$
27,497

 
$
26,160

 
$
24,595

Provision for loan losses
22

 
2,615

 
1,411

Recoveries
2,175

 
112

 
556

Charge-offs
(987
)
 
(1,390
)
 
(402
)
Balance at end of year
$
28,707

 
$
27,497

 
$
26,160




91

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, 2019 and 2018.  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):
 
Year Ended December 31, 2019
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
One-to-Four Family
 
Construction and Land
 
Multifamily
 
Home Equity and Lines of Credit
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Other
 
Originated Loans Total
 
PCI
 
Acquired Loans
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance
$
5,630

 
$
342

 
$
463

 
$
18,084

 
$
291

 
$
1,569

 
$
108

 
$
26,487

 
$
1,010

 
$

 
$
27,497

Charge-offs
(520
)
 

 

 

 

 
(100
)
 
(123
)
 
(743
)
 

 
(244
)
 
(987
)
Recoveries
98

 
72

 

 
1,818

 

 
20

 
1

 
2,009

 

 
166

 
2,175

Provisions (credit)
(452
)
 
(234
)
 
73

 
301

 
26

 
151

 
165

 
30

 
(221
)
 
213

 
22

Ending Balance
$
4,756

 
$
180

 
$
536

 
$
20,203

 
$
317

 
$
1,640

 
$
151

 
$
27,783

 
$
789

 
$
135

 
$
28,707

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
4

 
$

 
$
7

 
$

 
$
135

 
$
142

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
4,756

 
$
180

 
$
536

 
$
20,203

 
$
314

 
$
1,636

 
$
151

 
$
27,776

 
$
789

 
$

 
$
28,565

Loans, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending Balance
$
529,287

 
$
85,355

 
$
38,303

 
$
2,199,734

 
$
86,848

 
$
45,456

 
$
2,084

 
$
2,987,067

 
$
17,365

 
$
432,653

 
$
3,437,085

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
13,226

 
$
1,841

 
$

 
$
997

 
$
55

 
$
58

 
$

 
$
16,177

 
$

 
$
4,780

 
$
20,957

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
516,061

 
$
83,514

 
$
38,303

 
$
2,198,737

 
$
86,793

 
$
45,398

 
$
2,084

 
$
2,970,890

 
$
17,365

 
$
427,873

 
$
3,416,128


 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
One-to-Four Family
 
Construction and Land
 
Multifamily
 
Home Equity and Lines of Credit
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Other
 
Originated Loans Total
 
PCI
 
Acquired Loans
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance
$
5,196

 
$
503

 
$
610

 
$
17,374

 
$
122

 
$
1,273

 
$
94

 
$
25,172

 
$
951

 
$
37

 
$
26,160

Charge-offs
(1,256
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
(60
)
 
(70
)
 

 
(1,389
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(1,390
)
Recoveries
49

 
4

 

 
26

 

 
20

 

 
99

 

 
13

 
112

Provisions (credit)
1,641

 
(162
)
 
(147
)
 
684

 
229

 
346

 
14

 
2,605

 
59

 
(49
)
 
2,615

Ending Balance
$
5,630

 
$
342

 
$
463

 
$
18,084

 
$
291

 
$
1,569

 
$
108

 
$
26,487

 
$
1,010

 
$

 
$
27,497

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$

 
$
18

 
$

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
3

 
$

 
$
26

 
$

 
$

 
$
26

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
5,630

 
$
324

 
$
463

 
$
18,084

 
$
286

 
$
1,566

 
$
108

 
$
26,461

 
$
1,010

 
$

 
$
27,471

Loans, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending Balance
$
499,860

 
$
92,433

 
$
26,613

 
$
1,933,946

 
$
80,315

 
$
44,190

 
$
1,520

 
$
2,678,877

 
$
20,143

 
$
546,150

 
$
3,245,170

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
15,252

 
$
1,893

 
$

 
$
1,268

 
$
61

 
$
73

 
$

 
$
18,547

 
$

 
$
3,782

 
$
22,329

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
484,608

 
$
90,540

 
$
26,613

 
$
1,932,678

 
$
80,254

 
$
44,117

 
$
1,520

 
$
2,660,330

 
$
20,143

 
$
542,368

 
$
3,222,841


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 credit 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 credit 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.


92

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, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
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
$
232,950

 
$
1,960,984

 
$
79,485

 
$
440,065

 
$
52,886

 
$
29,967

 
$
38,303

 
$
86,547

 
$
45,075

 
$
2,084

 
$
2,968,346

Special Mention

 
296

 
370

 
1,092

 
777

 

 

 
14

 
301

 

 
2,850

Substandard
301

 
5,203

 

 
8,275

 
1,397

 
328

 

 
287

 
80

 

 
15,871

Originated loans held-for-investment, net
$
233,251

 
$
1,966,483

 
$
79,855

 
$
449,432

 
$
55,060

 
$
30,295

 
$
38,303

 
$
86,848

 
$
45,456

 
$
2,084

 
$
2,987,067

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2018
 
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
$
170,832

 
$
1,756,882

 
$
78,917

 
$
409,155

 
$
54,912

 
$
34,808

 
$
26,613

 
$
80,077

 
$
43,640

 
$
1,520

 
$
2,657,356

Special Mention

 
613

 
395

 
1,137

 
747

 

 

 
27

 
430

 

 
3,349

Substandard

 
5,619

 

 
10,256

 
1,406

 
560

 

 
211

 
120

 

 
18,172

Originated loans held-for-investment, net
$
170,832

 
$
1,763,114

 
$
79,312

 
$
420,548

 
$
57,065

 
$
35,368

 
$
26,613

 
$
80,315

 
$
44,190

 
$
1,520

 
$
2,678,877




93

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 non-accrual loans was $9.4 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, 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 $6.8 million and $5.9 million at December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, 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 $2.6 million at December 31, 2019, and $3.2 million at December 31, 2018. There was no loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2018. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest were $518,000 and $33,000 at December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively, and consisted of loans that are well secured and in the process of collection. 

94

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, 2019 and 2018 (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, 2019
 
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
$

 
$

 
$
2,416

 
$
2,416

 
$

 
$
2,416

Total commercial

 

 
2,416

 
2,416

 

 
2,416

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 

 
493

 
493

 
114

 
607

Total

 

 
493

 
493

 
114

 
607

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 
29

 

 
29

 

 
29

Total one-to-four family residential

 
29

 
493

 
522

 
114

 
636

Construction and land
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 
67

 
89

 
156

 

 
156

Total home equity and lines of credit

 
67

 
89

 
156

 

 
156

Total non-performing loans held-for-investment, originated

 
96

 
2,998

 
3,094

 
114

 
3,208

Loans acquired:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
79

 

 
188

 
267

 
66

 
333

LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
3,530

 

 
1,709

 
5,239

 
187

 
5,426

Total commercial
3,609

 

 
1,897

 
5,506

 
253

 
5,759

One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
190

 

 
85

 
275

 
151

 
426

Total
190

 

 
85

 
275

 
151

 
426

LTV => 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 

 
93

 
93

 

 
93

Total one-to-four family residential
190

 

 
178

 
368

 
151

 
519

Multifamily
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
40

 

 

 
40

 

 
40

LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 
397

 

 
397

 

 
397

Total multifamily
40

 
397

 

 
437

 

 
437

Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 

 
28

 
28

 

 
28

Total home equity and lines of credit

 

 
28

 
28

 

 
28

Total non-performing loans acquired
3,839

 
397

 
2,103

 
6,339

 
404

 
6,743

Total non-performing loans
$
3,839

 
$
493

 
$
5,101

 
$
9,433

 
$
518

 
$
9,951



95

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

 
At December 31, 2018
 
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
$

 
$
287

 
$
2,588

 
$
2,875

 
$

 
$
2,875

Total commercial

 
287

 
2,588

 
2,875

 

 
2,875

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 
432

 
77

 
509

 

 
509

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 
32

 

 
32

 

 
32

Total one-to-four family residential

 
464

 
77

 
541

 

 
541

Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard
75

 

 

 
75

 

 
75

Total home equity and lines of credit
75

 

 

 
75

 

 
75

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard

 

 
25

 
25

 

 
25

Total commercial and industrial loans

 

 
25

 
25

 

 
25

Total non-performing loans held-for-investment, originated
75

 
751

 
2,690

 
3,516

 

 
3,516

Loans acquired:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
87

 

 
194

 
281

 

 
281

LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 
764

 
3,371

 
4,135

 

 
4,135

Total commercial
87

 
764

 
3,565

 
4,416

 

 
4,416

One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 
199

 
169

 
368

 
6

 
374

LTV => 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
126

 

 
93

 
219

 
27

 
246

Total one-to-four family residential
126

 
199

 
262

 
587

 
33

 
620

Multifamily
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Substandard
152

 

 

 
152

 

 
152

LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 
414

 

 
414

 

 
414

Total multifamily
152

 
414

 

 
566

 

 
566

Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 

 
77

 
77

 

 
77

Total home equity and lines of credit

 


77

 
77

 

 
77

Total non-performing loans acquired
365

 
1,377

 
3,904

 
5,646

 
33

 
5,679

Total non-performing loans
$
440

 
$
2,128

 
$
6,594

 
$
9,162

 
$
33

 
$
9,195



96

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 loans, net of deferred fees and costs, by performing and non-performing loans at December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2019
 
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
$
79,383

 
$
102

 
$
79,485

 
$

 
$
79,485

Special Mention
370

 

 
370

 

 
370

Total
79,753

 
102

 
79,855

 

 
79,855

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
439,253

 
812

 
440,065

 

 
440,065

Special Mention
1,092

 

 
1,092

 

 
1,092

Substandard
5,228

 
631

 
5,859

 
2,416

 
8,275

Total
445,573

 
1,443

 
447,016

 
2,416

 
449,432

Total commercial
525,326

 
1,545

 
526,871

 
2,416

 
529,287

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
52,757

 
129

 
52,886

 

 
52,886

Special Mention

 
777

 
777

 

 
777

Substandard
790

 

 
790

 
607

 
1,397

Total
53,547

 
906

 
54,453

 
607

 
55,060

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
29,741

 
226

 
29,967

 

 
29,967

Substandard
299

 

 
299

 
29

 
328

Total
30,040

 
226

 
30,266

 
29

 
30,295

Total one-to-four family residential
83,587

 
1,132

 
84,719

 
636

 
85,355

Construction and land
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
38,156

 
147

 
38,303

 

 
38,303

Total construction and land
38,156

 
147

 
38,303

 

 
38,303

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
232,658

 
292

 
232,950

 

 
232,950

Substandard
301

 

 
301

 

 
301

Total
232,959

 
292

 
233,251

 

 
233,251

LTV= > 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
1,960,729

 
255

 
1,960,984

 

 
1,960,984

Special Mention
296

 

 
296

 

 
296

Substandard
5,203

 

 
5,203

 

 
5,203

Total
1,966,228

 
255

 
1,966,483

 

 
1,966,483

Total multifamily
2,199,187

 
547

 
2,199,734

 

 
2,199,734

Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
86,380

 
167

 
86,547

 

 
86,547

Special Mention
14

 

 
14

 

 
14

Substandard
131

 

 
131

 
156

 
287

Total home equity and lines of credit
86,525

 
167

 
86,692

 
156

 
86,848

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
44,886

 
189

 
45,075

 

 
45,075

Special Mention
301

 

 
301

 

 
301

Substandard
80

 

 
80

 

 
80

Total commercial and industrial loans
45,267

 
189

 
45,456

 

 
45,456


97

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

 
December 31, 2019
 
Performing (Accruing) Loans
 
 
 
 
 
0-29 Days Past Due
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Non-Performing Loans
 
Total Loans Receivable, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
2,058

 
26

 
2,084

 

 
2,084

Total other loans
2,058

 
26

 
2,084

 

 
2,084

Total originated loans held-for-investment
2,980,106

 
3,753

 
2,983,859

 
3,208

 
2,987,067

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
172,882

 
73

 
172,955

 

 
172,955

Special Mention

 
385

 
385

 

 
385

Substandard

 

 

 
426

 
426

Total
172,882

 
458

 
173,340

 
426

 
173,766

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
14,116

 

 
14,116

 

 
14,116

Substandard

 

 

 
93

 
93

Total
14,116

 

 
14,116

 
93

 
14,209

Total one-to-four family residential
186,998

 
458

 
187,456

 
519

 
187,975

Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
35,173

 
287

 
35,460

 

 
35,460

Special Mention
994

 
194

 
1,188

 

 
1,188

Substandard
369

 

 
369

 
334

 
703

Total
36,536

 
481

 
37,017

 
334

 
37,351

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
60,311

 

 
60,311

 

 
60,311

Special Mention
134

 
464

 
598

 

 
598

Substandard
6,382

 
2,960

 
9,342

 
5,425

 
14,767

Total
66,827

 
3,424

 
70,251

 
5,425

 
75,676

Total commercial
103,363

 
3,905

 
107,268

 
5,759

 
113,027

Construction and land
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
2,537

 

 
2,537

 

 
2,537

Total construction and land
2,537

 

 
2,537

 

 
2,537

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
105,327

 

 
105,327

 

 
105,327

Substandard

 

 

 
40

 
40

Total
105,327

 

 
105,327

 
40

 
105,367

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
2,653

 

 
2,653

 

 
2,653

Substandard

 

 

 
397

 
397

Total
2,653

 

 
2,653

 
397

 
3,050

Total multifamily
107,980

 

 
107,980

 
437

 
108,417

Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
11,842

 
50

 
11,892

 

 
11,892

Substandard
88

 

 
88

 
28

 
116

Total home equity and lines of credit
11,930

 
50

 
11,980

 
28

 
12,008

Commercial and industrial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
8,649

 
40

 
8,689

 

 
8,689

Total commercial and industrial
8,649

 
40

 
8,689

 

 
8,689

Other

 

 

 

 

Total loans acquired
421,457

 
4,453

 
425,910

 
6,743

 
432,653

 
$
3,401,563

 
$
8,206

 
$
3,409,769

 
$
9,951

 
$
3,419,720



98

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

 
December 31, 2018
 
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
$
78,699

 
$
218

 
$
78,917

 
$

 
$
78,917

Special Mention

 
395

 
395

 

 
395

Total
78,699

 
613

 
79,312

 

 
79,312

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
408,830

 
325

 
409,155

 

 
409,155

Special Mention
1,137

 

 
1,137

 

 
1,137

Substandard
7,381

 

 
7,381

 
2,875

 
10,256

Total
417,348

 
325

 
417,673

 
2,875

 
420,548

Total commercial
496,047

 
938

 
496,985

 
2,875

 
499,860

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
54,576

 
336

 
54,912

 

 
54,912

Special Mention

 
747

 
747

 

 
747

Substandard
896

 

 
896

 
510

 
1,406

Total
55,472

 
1,083

 
56,555

 
510

 
57,065

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
34,576

 
232

 
34,808

 

 
34,808

Substandard
528

 

 
528

 
32

 
560

Total
35,104

 
232

 
35,336

 
32

 
35,368

Total one-to-four family residential
90,576

 
1,315

 
91,891

 
542

 
92,433

Construction and land
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
26,613

 

 
26,613

 

 
26,613

Total construction and land
26,613

 

 
26,613

 

 
26,613

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
170,534

 
298

 
170,832

 

 
170,832

Total
170,534

 
298

 
170,832

 

 
170,832

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
1,756,443

 
439

 
1,756,882

 

 
1,756,882

Special Mention
613

 

 
613

 

 
613

Substandard
4,390

 
1,229

 
5,619

 

 
5,619

Total
1,761,446

 
1,668

 
1,763,114

 

 
1,763,114

Total multifamily
1,931,980

 
1,966

 
1,933,946

 

 
1,933,946

Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
80,077

 

 
80,077

 

 
80,077

Special Mention
27

 

 
27

 

 
27

Substandard
137

 

 
137

 
74

 
211

Total home equity and lines of credit
80,241

 

 
80,241

 
74

 
80,315

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
43,640

 

 
43,640

 

 
43,640

Special Mention
430

 

 
430

 

 
430

Substandard
95

 

 
95

 
25

 
120

Total Commercial and industrial loans
44,165

 

 
44,165

 
25

 
44,190

Other loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
1,518

 
2

 
1,520

 

 
1,520

Total other loans
1,518

 
2

 
1,520

 

 
1,520

Total originated loans held-for-investment
2,671,140

 
4,221

 
2,675,361

 
3,516

 
2,678,877

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


99

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

 
December 31, 2018
 
Performing (Accruing) Loans
 
 
 
 
 
0-29 Days Past Due
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Non-Performing Loans
 
Total Loans Receivable, net
Loans acquired:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
202,471

 
2,799

 
205,270

 

 
205,270

Special Mention
415

 

 
415

 

 
415

Substandard
62

 
6

 
68

 
374

 
442

Total
202,948

 
2,805

 
205,753

 
374

 
206,127

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
19,504

 

 
19,504

 

 
19,504

Substandard

 

 

 
246

 
246

Total
19,504

 

 
19,504

 
246

 
19,750

Total one-to-four family residential
222,452

 
2,805

 
225,257

 
620

 
225,877

Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
41,071

 

 
41,071

 

 
41,071

Special Mention
1,079

 

 
1,079

 

 
1,079

Substandard
1,185

 
151

 
1,336

 
281

 
1,617

Total
43,335

 
151

 
43,486

 
281

 
43,767

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
73,986

 
749

 
74,735

 

 
74,735

Special Mention
4,315

 
128

 
4,443

 

 
4,443

Substandard
5,772

 
411

 
6,183

 
4,135

 
10,318

Total
84,073

 
1,288

 
85,361

 
4,135

 
89,496

Total commercial
127,408

 
1,439

 
128,847

 
4,416

 
133,263

Construction and land
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard
12,003

 

 
12,003

 

 
12,003

Total construction and land
12,003

 

 
12,003

 

 
12,003

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

LTV < 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass
137,141

 

 
137,141

 

 
137,141

Special Mention

 
52

 
52

 

 
52

Substandard

 

 

 
152

 
152

Total
137,141

 
52

 
137,193

 
152

 
137,345

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pass
7,726

 

 
7,726

 

 
7,726

Special Mention

 

 

 
414

 
414

Total
7,726

 

 
7,726

 
414

 
8,140

Total multifamily
144,867

 
52

 
144,919

 
566

 
145,485

Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
17,427

 

 
17,427

 

 
17,427

Substandard
79

 

 
79

 
77

 
156

Total home equity and lines of credit
17,506

 

 
17,506

 
77

 
17,583

Commercial and industrial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
11,888

 
45

 
11,933

 

 
11,933

Total Commercial and industrial loans
11,888

 
45

 
11,933

 

 
11,933

Other loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
6

 

 
6

 

 
6

Total loans acquired
536,130

 
4,341

 
540,471

 
5,679

 
546,150

 
$
3,207,270

 
$
8,562

 
$
3,215,832

 
$
9,195

 
$
3,225,027






100

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, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
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

 
$

 
$

 
$
139

 
$

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
5,582

 
6,468

 

 
5,931

 
6,817

 

Substandard
10,438

 
11,002

 

 
12,160

 
15,028

 

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
1,379

 
1,463

 

 
1,532

 
1,606

 

Special Mention
385

 
385

 

 

 

 

Substandard
564

 
564

 

 
241

 
241

 

LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
122

 
154

 

 
129

 
158

 

Substandard
29

 
29

 

 
126

 
278

 

Multifamily
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
40

 
40

 

 
152

 
152

 

LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
26

 
496

 

 
38

 
509

 

Substandard
972

 
972

 

 
1,229

 
1,229

 

Home Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
22

 
22

 

 
28

 
28

 

Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Substandard
39

 
39

 

 
52

 
119

 

With a Related Allowance Recorded:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV => 35%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
1,307

 
1,307

 
(135
)
 

 

 

One-to-four family residential
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard

 

 

 
657

 
657

 
(18
)
LTV => 60%
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass

 

 

 

 

 

Home equity and lines of credit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
33

 
33

 
(3
)
 
33

 
33

 
(5
)
Commercial and industrial loans
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Mention
19

 
19

 
(4
)
 
21

 
21

 
(3
)
Total:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
17,327

 
18,916

 
(135
)
 
18,091

 
21,984

 

One-to-four family residential
2,479

 
2,595

 

 
2,685

 
2,940

 
(18
)
Multifamily
1,038

 
1,508

 

 
1,419

 
1,890

 

Home equity and lines of credit
55

 
55

 
(3
)
 
61

 
61

 
(5
)
  Commercial and industrial loans
58

 
$
58

 
(4
)
 
73

 
140

 
(3
)
 
$
20,957

 
$
23,132

 
$
(142
)
 
$
22,329

 
$
27,015

 
$
(26
)

Included in the table above at December 31, 2019, are impaired loans with carrying balances of $15.9 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, 2018, are loans with carrying balances of $16.6 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, 2019 and 2018, have sufficient collateral values, less estimated costs to sell (including any discounts to facilitate a sale), or sufficient future cash flows to support the carrying balances of the loans. 

101

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

    
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, 2019, and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income
With No Allowance Recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Commercial
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
5,757

 
$
312

 
$
5,218

 
$
255

Substandard
11,012

 
237

 
10,582

 
404

One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
1,586

 
66

 
1,403

 
62

Special Mention
155

 
23

 

 


Substandard
302

 
29

 
246

 
12

One-to-four family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV => 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
125

 
4

 
186

 
7

Substandard
81

 
8

 
129

 
13

Multifamily
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV < 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
64

 
2

 
152

 
6

LTV => 35%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
32

 
15

 
296

 
16

Substandard
1,075

 
61

 
987

 
67

Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
25

 
1

 
31

 
2

Commercial and industrial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
45

 

 
100

 

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

 

 
880

 
76

Substandard
991

 
17

 
267

 

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

 


 
164

 


Substandard
338

 

 
733

 
19

LTV => 60%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass

 

 
54

 


Home equity and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substandard
33

 
2

 
34

 
2

Commercial and industrial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Mention
20

 
1

 
23

 
1

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
17,760

 
566

 
16,947

 
735

One-to-four family residential
2,587

 
130

 
2,915

 
113

Multifamily
1,171

 
78

 
1,435

 
89

Home equity and lines of credit
58

 
3

 
65

 
4

Commercial and industrial loans
65

 
1

 
123

 
1

 
$
21,641

 
$
778

 
$
21,485

 
$
942




102

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

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) of $18.5 million and $16.9 million, respectively. There were two loans modified as TDR's during the year ended December 31, 2019, both of which were modified to restructure payment terms.

The following table summarizes loans that were modified in a TDR during the year ended December 31, 2019:
 
Number of Relationships
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment(1)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer
1
 
$
2

 
$
2

Commercial real estate
1
 
2,834

 
2,834

Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
2
 
$
2,836

 
$
2,836

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Amounts are at time of modification
 
 
 
 
 

There was one one-to-four family residential loan modified as a TDR during the year ended December 31, 2018.
This loan had a pre- and post-modification balance of $6,400 as of the date of modification, and was restructured to receive a reduced interest rate.
 
Management classifies all TDRs 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.
 
(6)
Premises and Equipment, Net
 
At December 31, 2019 and 2018, premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, consists of the following (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
At cost:
 
Land
$
4,018

 
$
4,018

Buildings and improvements
10,660

 
8,905

Capital leases
2,600

 
2,600

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
26,179

 
24,140

Leasehold improvements
27,886

 
30,115

 
71,343

 
69,778

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(45,684
)
 
(44,173
)
Premises and equipment, net
$
25,659

 
$
25,605


 
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $3.6 million, $3.0 million, and $3.2 million, respectively. Included in the depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2019, is $470,000 of impairment charges on leasehold assets related to the consolidation of three branches on December 31, 2019. There were no sales of premises and equipment in 2019, 2018, or 2017.


103

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

(7)
Deposits
 
Deposit account balances are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands): 
 
As of December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate
Transaction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Negotiable orders of withdrawal and interest-bearing checking
$
573,927

 
0.87
%
 
$
458,012

 
0.68
%
Non-interest bearing checking
387,409

 
%
 
395,375

 
%
Total transaction
961,336

 
0.52
%
 
853,387

 
0.36
%
Savings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market
651,159

 
1.18
%
 
741,939

 
1.12
%
Savings
747,186

 
1.02
%
 
594,290

 
0.90
%
Total savings
1,398,345

 
1.09
%
 
1,336,229

 
1.02
%
Certificates of deposit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under $100,000
563,303

 
1.86
%
 
599,245

 
1.91
%
$100,000 or more
485,249

 
1.98
%
 
497,651

 
2.01
%
Total certificates of deposit
1,048,552

 
1.92
%
 
1,096,896

 
1.96
%
Total deposits
$
3,408,233

 
1.18
%
 
$
3,286,512

 
1.16
%

 
The Company had brokered deposits (included in certificates of deposit in the above table) of $259.0 million and $275.4 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 
 
Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are summarized as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2019
2020
$
908,744

2021
46,856

2022
49,075

2023
35,008

2024
8,869

Total
$
1,048,552


 
Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Transaction
$
4,623

 
$
2,175

 
$
1,429

Savings
15,850

 
8,878

 
6,804

Certificates of deposit
20,855

 
16,688

 
8,153

 
$
41,328

 
$
27,741

 
$
16,386




104

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

(8)
Borrowings
 
Borrowings consisted of FHLB advances, securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements), and floating rate advances and are summarized as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Repurchase agreements
$
75,000

 
$

Other borrowings:
 

 
 

FHLB advances
776,000

 
403,502

Floating rate advances
6,004

 
5,345

Obligations under capital leases

 
44

 
$
857,004

 
$
408,891


 
FHLB advances are secured by a blanket lien on unencumbered securities and the Company’s FHLB capital stock.    
FHLB advances and repurchase agreements have contractual maturities as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2019
 
FHLB
 
Repurchase
 
Advances
 
Agreements
2020
$
411,000

 
$

2021
145,000

 
25,000

2022
95,000

 
25,000

2023
87,500

 

2024
25,000

 
25,000

Thereafter
12,500

 

 
$
776,000

 
$
75,000


 Further information regarding FHLB advances and repurchase agreements is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
FHLB Advances
 
Repurchase Agreements
Average balance during year
$
518,372

 
$
448,012

 
$
45,342

 
$

Maximum outstanding at any month end
$
776,000

 
$
475,582

 
$
75,000

 
$

Weighted average interest rate at end of year
2.04
%
 
1.95
%
 
2.30
%
 
%
Weighted average interest rate during year
2.08
%
 
1.82
%
 
2.35
%
 
%


All of the repurchase agreements mature after more than 90 days. The repurchase agreements are secured primarily by mortgage-backed securities with an amortized cost of $78.9 million and a fair value of $78.3 million. There were no repurchase agreements at December 31, 2018.
 
The Company has the ability to obtain additional funding from the FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank discount window of approximately $1.43 billion, utilizing unencumbered and unpledged securities of $284.8 million and multifamily loans of $1.1 billion at December 31, 2019. 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): 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Repurchase agreements
$
1,065

 
$
7

 
$
137

FHLB advances
10,795

 
8,172

 
7,390

Floating rate advances
170

 
123

 
33

Obligations under capital leases 

 
7

 
30

 
$
12,030

 
$
8,309

 
$
7,590



105

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


(9)
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following (in thousands): 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Federal tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
Current
$
8,543

 
$
8,540

 
$
10,113

Deferred
376

 
(742
)
 
14,290

 
8,919

 
7,798

 
24,403

State and local tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
Current
4,067

 
1,985

 
1,672

Deferred
(199
)
 
(151
)
 
903

 
3,868

 
1,834

 
2,575

Total income tax expense
$
12,787

 
$
9,632

 
$
26,978


 
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, 2019, 2018, and 2017, is as follows (dollars in thousands): 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Tax expense at statutory rate
$
11,135

 
$
10,439

 
$
18,111

Applicable statutory federal income tax rate
21
%
 
21
%
 
35
%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
State tax, net of federal income tax
3,056

 
1,448

 
1,674

Impact of 2017 federal tax reform

 

 
10,453

Bank owned life insurance
(1,475
)
 
(778
)
 
(1,885
)
ESOP fair market value adjustment
187

 
196

 
404

Incentive stock options
81

 
146

 
247

Uncertain tax position

 

 
132

Excess tax benefits from employee share based payments
(110
)
 
(1,939
)
 
(2,309
)
Other, net
(87
)
 
120

 
151

Income tax expense
$
12,787

 
$
9,632

 
$
26,978



Federal Tax Reform

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law. Among numerous provisions included in the Act was the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result of this rate reduction, we were required to re-measure, through income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017, our deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted rate at which we expect them to be recovered or settled. The re-measurement of our net deferred tax asset resulted in additional 2017 income tax expense of $10.5 million.

New Jersey State Taxation

On July 1, 2018, the State Of New Jersey enacted new legislation which established a 2.5% surtax on businesses that have New Jersey allocated net income in excess of $1.0 million. The surtax was effective as of January 1, 2018 and will continue through 2019, and will adjust to 1.5% for 2020 and 2021. In addition, effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, banks will be required to file combined reports of taxable income including their parent holding company. In May 2019, the State of New Jersey issued a tax technical bulletin, subsequently revised in December 2019, which gives guidance on the treatment of real estate investment trusts in connection with the combined reporting for New Jersey corporate business tax purposes. Real estate investment trusts and investment companies will be excluded from the combined group and will continue to file separate New Jersey tax returns. As a result of this guidance the Company recorded an additional $889,000

106

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

of state tax expense net of federal benefit for the year ended December 31, 2019. The $889,000 increase was comprised of $1.1 million of current tax expense, partially offset by a write-up of deferred tax assets of $239,000.
    
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018, are as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
7,985

 
$
7,317

Capitalized leases

 
13

Deferred compensation
3,498

 
3,426

Accrued salaries
738

 
737

Postretirement benefits
376

 
375

Equity awards
2,164

 
3,045

Unrealized actuarial losses on post-retirement benefits
(21
)
 
18

Straight-line rent
1,277

 
1,051

Asset retirement obligation
70

 
67

Reserve for accrued interest receivable
578

 
602

Reserve for loan commitments
216

 
146

Employee Stock Ownership Plan
615

 
551

Other
244

 
261

Depreciation
2,414

 
2,383

Fair value adjustments of acquired loans
3,713

 
3,934

Fair value adjustments of pension benefit obligations
160

 
154

Unrealized losses on debt securities available-for-sale

 
3,575

Total gross deferred tax assets
24,027

 
27,655

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Unrealized gains on debt securities available for sale
1,786

 

Fair value adjustments of acquired securities
20

 
28

Fair value adjustments of deposit liabilities
219

 
285

Deferred loan fees
2,224

 
1,984

Other
30

 
33

Total gross deferred tax liabilities
4,279

 
2,330

Net deferred tax asset
$
19,748

 
$
25,325


 
Net deferred tax assets are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. In 2016, the Company recorded net deferred tax assets of approximately $3.9 million as a result of the Hopewell Valley acquisition.

The Company has determined that it is not required to establish a valuation reserve for the net deferred tax asset since it is “more likely than not” that the net deferred tax asset 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 asset 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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.


107

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

A reconciliation of the Company’s uncertain tax positions are as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance
$
530

 
$
482

 
$
459

Settlements based on tax positions related to prior years
(530
)
 
(238
)
 
(109
)
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
190

 
286

 
132

Ending balance
$
190

 
$
530

 
$
482


 
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 2017 through present.
New York State tax filings 2015 through present. The 2015 through 2018 filings are currently under examination.
New York City tax filings 2015 through present. The 2015 filing is currently under examination.
State of New Jersey 2015 through present.

(10)
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 $426,000$394,000, and $387,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. 
 
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 purchased 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, as adjusted. This purchase was funded with a loan from Northfield Bancorp, Inc. to the ESOP. The outstanding balance at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $10.1 million and $10.8 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 100,841 and 101,514 shares were released and allocated to participants of the ESOP for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, 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, which purchased 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, 2019 and 2018 was $11.8 million and $12.2 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 53,320 and 52,523 shares were released and allocated to participants of the second ESOP for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $1.9 million, $2.0 million, and $2.2 million, respectively.  


108

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

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 ESOP due to legal limitations imposed on tax-qualified plans. The Company's required contributions to the SESOP plan were $41,000, $76,000, and $84,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, 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): 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation beginning of year
$
1,359

 
$
1,645

 
$
1,697

Service cost
9

 
11

 
11

Interest cost
52

 
52

 
57

Actuarial (gain) loss
(76
)
 
(229
)
 
(8
)
Benefits paid
(103
)
 
(120
)
 
(112
)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation end of year
1,241

 
1,359

 
1,645

Accrued liability (included in accrued expenses and other liabilities)
$
1,241

 
$
1,359

 
$
1,645


 
The following table sets forth the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Net loss
$
132

 
$
20

Prior service credit
(191
)
 

(Gain) loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(59
)
 
$
20


 
The estimated net loss, prior service credit, and transition obligation that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic cost in 2019, are $835,  $19,000, and $0, respectively. 
 
The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
$
9

 
$
11

 
$
11

Interest cost
52

 
52

 
57

Amortization of unrecognized loss
2

 
25

 
28

Net postretirement benefit cost included in compensation and employee benefits
$
63

 
$
88

 
$
96



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: 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at period end:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
2.75
%
 
4.00
%
 
3.25
%
Rate of increase in compensation
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the year:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.00
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.50
%
Rate of increase in compensation
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.00
%


109

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

 
At December 31, 2019, 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
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Effect on benefits earned and interest cost
$
4

 
$
4

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(3
)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
$
104

 
$
109

 
$
(90
)
 
$
(94
)
 
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
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Aggregate of service and interest
components of net periodic cost (benefit)
$
4

 
$
4

 
$
4

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(4
)

 
Benefit payments of approximately $103,000, $120,000, and $112,000 were made in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The benefits expected to be paid under the postretirement health benefits plan for the next five years are as follows: $108,000 in 2020; $108,000 in 2021; $107,000 in 2022$88,000 in 2023; and $85,000 in 2024. The benefit payments expected to be paid in the aggregate for the years 2025 through 2029 are $359,000. The expected benefits are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation at December 31, 2019, and include estimated future employee service.
 
The Company maintains a nonqualified plan to provide for the elective deferral of all or a portion of director fees by members of the 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 $14.7 million and $12.7 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. (Loss) income under this plan was $2.0 million, $(879,000), and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. 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.
 
(11)
Equity Incentive Plan
 
The Company maintains the Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2008 EIP) which allowed the Company to grant common stock or options to purchase common stock at specific prices to directors and employees of the Company through December 31, 2018. The 2008 EIP provided for the issuance or delivery of up to 4,311,796 shares (1,231,941 restricted shares and 3,079,855 stock options) of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. common stock subject to certain plan limitations. As of December 31, 2018, no restricted shares or stock options remained available for issuance under the 2008 EIP. The ability of the Company to make grants under this plan, expired on December 17, 2018. On August 27, 2018, the Company granted to an employee 3,378 restricted shares. These shares vested on February 27, 2019. During 2017, the Company granted to certain directors and employees in aggregate 34,500 restricted shares, and 98,244 stock options to purchase Company stock. The stock options and restricted stock granted in 2017 vest in varying installments over a period ranging from 10 to 34 months, the first vesting beginning on May 27, 2018.

110

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

    
There were no stock options granted in 2019 or 2018. The fair value of stock options granted in 2017 was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
Grant Date
November 1, 2017
 
September 19, 2017
 
August 1, 2017
Stock options granted
40,000

 
12,500

 
45,744

Risk-free rate of return
2.06
%
 
1.89
%
 
1.86
%
Volatility
29.22
%
 
30.06
%
 
29.46
%
Dividend yield
2.37
%
 
1.98
%
 
1.91
%
Expected life
5.75

 
5.75

 
5.75


    
Prior to May 22, 2019, the Company also maintained the Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 EIP”) which allowed 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 provided 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. As of December 31, 2018, 142,154 restricted shares and 348,373 stock options were available for grant under the 2014 EIP. On August 27, 2018, the Company granted to an employee 11,622 restricted shares. These shares vest in three installments over a two year period beginning six months from the date of grant. All stock options and restricted stock granted prior to 2018 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.

On May 22, 2019, the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 EIP”) was approved by stockholders of the Company. Under the 2019 EIP, the maximum number of shares of stock that may be delivered to participants in the form of stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) is 6,000,000. To the extent an equity award is issued in the form of a restricted stock grant, or restricted stock unit, the number of stock options/SARs that can be granted is reduced by 4.5. The maximum number of shares of stock that may be delivered to participants in the form of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is 1,333,333 shares. As of December 31, 2019, no shares of stock have been granted under the 2019 EIP. Upon approval of the 2019 EIP, the 2014 EIP was frozen and equity awards that would otherwise have been available for issuance are no longer available for grant. As of December 31, 2018, the 142,154 restricted shares and 348,373 stock options which were available for grant are no longer available.

During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company recorded $3.2 million, $5.4 million, and $6.2 million of stock-based compensation, respectively.

The following table is a summary of the Company’s non-vested stock options as of December 31, 2019, 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, 2017
4,620,687

 
$
3.51

 
$
11.82

 
5.17

Forfeited
(29,378
)
 
3.36

 
11.51

 

Exercised
(1,339,714
)
 
2.49

 
7.75

 

Outstanding- December 31, 2018
3,251,595

 
3.93

 
13.51

 
5.62

Forfeited
(15,000
)
 
4.07

 
14.76

 

Exercised
(1,009,402
)
 
3.75

 
12.54

 

Outstanding - December 31, 2019
2,227,193

 
4.01

 
13.93

 
4.96

Exercisable - December 31, 2019
2,046,272

 
$
3.99

 
$
13.83

 
4.91


    
Expected future stock option expense related to the non-vested options outstanding as of December 31, 2019, is $255,000 over an average period of 0.77 years.
 

111

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

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s restricted shares as of December 31, 2019, and changes therein during the year then ended: 
 
Number of Shares Awarded
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2017
585,895

 
$
14.05

Granted
15,000

 
16.48

Vested
(266,973
)
 
13.86

Forfeited
(4,960
)
 
14.18

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
328,962

 
14.31

Vested
(249,860
)
 
13.99

Forfeited
(8,000
)
 
14.76

Non-vested at December 31, 2019
71,102

 
$
15.36


    
Expected future stock award expense related to the non-vested restricted awards as of December 31, 2019, is $474,000 over an average period of 0.79 years.
 
Upon the exercise of stock options, management expects to utilize treasury stock as the source of issuance for these shares.
 
(12)
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, 2019 and 2018, the following commitment and contingent liabilities existed that are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements (in thousands):
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Commitments to extend credit
$
125,630

 
$
39,326

Unused lines of credit
143,164

 
136,586

Standby letters of credit
6,713

 
5,352


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 both December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses on commitments to extend credit in other liabilities.  At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the allowance was $756,000 and $523,000, respectively, and changes to the allowance are recorded as a component of other non-interest expense. 
 
At December 31, 2019, the Company was obligated under non-cancelable operating 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. For further details on leases see Note 18 - "Leases".
    

112

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

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 and change in control agreements with its President and Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers of the Company 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.

(13)
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.

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.
 
Under the U.S. Basel III capital framework, both Northfield Bank and the Company must maintain minimum capital requirements which include: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6%; (iii) a total capital to risk-based assets of 8%; and (iv) a Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio of 4%. In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement was phased in beginning January 1, 2016, at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increased each year until it was fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019.

Management believes that as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject at these dates. 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, 2019 and 2018, for classification as a well-capitalized institution and minimum capital (dollars in thousands):

113

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Well
 
 
 
 
 
For Capital
 
Capitalized
 
 
 
 
 
Adequacy
 
Under Prompt Corrective
 
Actual
 
Purposes
 
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
As of December 31, 2019:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
598,462

 
14.99
%
 
$
179,626

 
4.50
%
 
$
259,459

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 Leverage
598,462

 
12.28

 
194,954

 
4.00

 
243,692

 
5.00

Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
598,462

 
14.99

 
239,501

 
6.00

 
319,334

 
8.00

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
627,955

 
15.73

 
319,334

 
8.00

 
399,168

 
10.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
592,815

 
16.00
%
 
$
166,742

 
4.50
%
 
$
240,850

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 Leverage
592,815

 
13.81

 
171,663

 
4.00

 
214,579

 
5.00

Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
592,815

 
16.00

 
222,323

 
6.00

 
296,430

 
8.00

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
620,863

 
16.76

 
296,430

 
8.00

 
370,538

 
10.00


The following is a summary of the Company's regulatory capital amounts and ratios compared to the regulatory requirements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, for classification as well-capitalized 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, 2019:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
651,974

 
16.35
%
 
$
179,439

 
4.50
%
 
$
259,189

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 Leverage
651,974

 
13.37

 
195,018

 
4.00

 
243,772

 
5.00

Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
651,974

 
16.35

 
239,251

 
6.00

 
319,002

 
8.00

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
681,467

 
17.09

 
319,002

 
8.00

 
398,752

 
10.00

As of December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
636,141

 
17.17
%
 
$
166,717

 
4.50
%
 
$
240,814

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 Leverage
636,141

 
14.82

 
171,724

 
4.00

 
214,656

 
5.00

Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
636,141

 
17.17

 
222,290

 
6.00

 
296,386

 
8.00

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
664,190

 
17.93

 
296,386

 
8.00

 
370,483

 
10.00



(14)
Fair Value Measurement
 
The following table presents the assets reported on the consolidated balance sheets at their estimated fair value as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, 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.

114

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


Level 3 Inputs – Significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

The following tables summarize financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2019 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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
$
329,407

 
$

 
$
329,407

 
$

REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
643,667

 

 
643,667

 

Non-GSE
53

 

 
53

 

 
973,127

 

 
973,127

 

Other debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
299

 

 
299

 
 
Corporate bonds
164,926

 

 
164,926

 

 
165,225

 

 
165,225

 

Total debt securities available-for-sale
1,138,352

 

 
1,138,352

 

Trading securities
11,222

 
11,222

 

 

Equity securities
250

 
250

 

 

Total
1,149,824

 
11,472

 
1,138,352

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Measured on a non-recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
4,871

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,871

Multifamily
26

 

 

 
26

Home equity and lines of credit
30

 

 

 
30

Total impaired real estate loans
4,927

 

 

 
4,927

Commercial and industrial loans
15

 

 

 
15

Total
$
4,942

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,942



115

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

 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018 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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass-through certificates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
$
314,788

 
$

 
$
314,788

 
$

REMICs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE
250,163

 

 
250,163

 

Non-GSE
58

 

 
58

 

 
565,009

 

 
565,009

 

Other debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal Bonds
273

 

 
273

 

Corporate bonds
242,749

 

 
242,749

 

 
243,022

 

 
243,022

 

Total debt securities available-for sale
808,031

 

 
808,031

 

Trading securities
8,968

 
8,968

 

 

Equity securities - mutual funds
237

 
237

 

 

Total
$
817,236

 
$
9,205

 
$
808,031

 
$

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
4,847

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,847

One-to-four family residential mortgage
765

 

 

 
765

Multifamily
39

 

 

 
39

Home equity and lines of credit
28

 

 

 
28

Total impaired real estate loans
5,679

 

 

 
5,679

Commercial and industrial loans
18

 

 

 
18

Total
$
5,697

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,697


 
The following table presents qualitative information for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2019:   
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Methodology
 
Unobservable Inputs       
 
Range of Inputs
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
$
4,942

 
Appraisals
 
Discount for costs to sell
 
7.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for quick sale
 
10.0%
 
 
 
Discounted cash flows
 
Interest rates
 
4.13% - 6.25%

 

116

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

The following table presents qualitative information for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2018:   
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Methodology
 
Unobservable Inputs       
 
Range of Inputs
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
$
5,697

 
Appraisals
 
Discount for costs to sell
 
7.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for quick sale
 
10.0%
 
 
 
Discounted cash flows
 
Interest rates
 
4.13% - 6.25%

    
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale: The estimated fair values for mortgage-backed securities, corporate and other debt 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. There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Trading Securities: Fair values are derived from quoted market prices in active markets.  The assets consist of publicly traded mutual funds.

Equity Securities: Fair values of equity securities consisting of publicly traded mutual funds are derived from quoted market prices in active markets.

Impaired Loans: At December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the Company had impaired loans held-for-investment with outstanding principal balances of $7.0 million and $10.2 million that were recorded at their estimated fair value of $4.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively. The Company recorded a net increase in the specific reserve for impaired loans of $116,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to a net decrease in the specific reserve for impaired loans of$56,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company recorded net recoveries of $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to net charge-offs of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, 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.
 
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
 
Cash and cash equivalents are short-term in nature with original maturities of three months or less; the carrying amount approximates fair value.
 

117

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

(b)
Debt 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 assumptions used in these models typically include assumptions for interest rates, credit losses, and prepayments, utilizing market observable data where available.

(c)
Investments in Equity Securities at Net Asset Value Per Share

The Company uses net asset value as a practical expedient to record its investment in a private SBA Loan Fund since the shares in the fund are not publicly traded, do not have a readily determinable fair value and the net asset value per share is calculated in a manner consistent with the measurement principles of an investment company.

(d)
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.
 
(e)
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.

(f)
Loans (Held-for-Sale)
 
Held-for-sale loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and therefore fair value is equal to carrying value.
 
(g)
Deposits
 
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as interest and 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.
 
(h)
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.
 
(i)
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.
 

118

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

(j)
Advance Payments by Borrowers for Taxes and Insurance
 
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance have no stated maturity; the fair value is equal to the amount currently payable.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s significant financial instruments at December 31, 2019 and 2018, are presented in the following table (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
147,818

 
$
147,818

 
$

 
$

 
$
147,818

Trading securities
11,222

 
11,222

 

 

 
11,222

Debt securities available-for-sale
1,138,352

 

 
1,138,352

 

 
1,138,352

Debt securities held-to-maturity
8,762

 

 
8,886

 

 
8,886

Equity securities(1)
250

 
250

 

 

 
250

FHLB of New York stock, at cost
39,575

 

 
39,575

 

 
39,575

Net loans held-for-investment
3,408,378

 

 

 
3,482,804

 
3,482,804

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
3,408,233

 
$

 
$
3,412,414

 
$

 
$
3,412,414

Repurchase agreements, FHLB advances and other borrowings
857,004

 

 
862,980

 

 
862,980

Advance payments by borrowers
44,069

 

 
44,069

 

 
44,069

 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
77,762

 
$
77,762

 
$

 
$

 
$
77,762

Trading securities
8,968

 
8,968

 

 

 
8,968

Debt securities available-for-sale
808,031

 

 
808,031

 

 
808,031

Debt securities held-to-maturity
9,505

 

 
9,249

 

 
9,249

Equity securities(1)
237

 
237

 

 

 
237

FHLB of New York stock, at cost
22,517

 

 
22,517

 

 
22,517

Net loans held-for-investment
3,217,673

 

 

 
3,236,136

 
3,236,136

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
3,286,512

 
$

 
$
3,291,085

 
$

 
$
3,291,085

Repurchase agreements, FHLB advances and other borrowings
408,891

 

 
403,476

 

 
403,476

Advance payments by borrowers
18,007

 

 
18,007

 

 
18,007

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1) Excludes $3.1 million and $1.0 million of investments measured at net asset value at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
    
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

119

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

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.
 
(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 (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data):  
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net income available to common stockholders
$
40,235

 
$
40,079

 
$
24,768

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic
46,783,442

 
46,319,760

 
45,325,445

Effect of non-vested restricted stock and stock options outstanding
380,362

 
787,673

 
1,550,285

Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted
47,163,804

 
47,107,433

 
46,875,730

Earnings per share-basic
$
0.86

 
$
0.87

 
$
0.55

Earnings per share-diluted
$
0.85

 
$
0.85

 
$
0.53

Anti-dilutive shares
546,120

 
765,792

 
334,927



(16)
Stock Repurchase Program

On April 24, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $37.2 million stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase shares and anticipates conducting such repurchases in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The timing of the repurchases will depend on certain factors, including but not limited to, market conditions and prices, the Company’s liquidity and capital requirements, and alternative uses of capital. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes. The repurchases may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason, including market conditions, the cost of repurchasing shares, the availability of alternative investment opportunities, liquidity, and other factors deemed appropriate. These factors may also affect the timing and amount of share repurchases. The Company is not obligated to purchase any particular number of shares.

(17)        Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Topic 606 does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including revenue from loans and securities, which comprise the majority of the Company’s revenue.

The Company’s revenue streams that are within the scope of Topic 606 include service charges on deposit accounts, ATM and card interchange fees, investment services fees, and other miscellaneous income. Fees and service charges for customer services include: (i) service charges on deposit accounts, including account maintenance fees, overdraft fees, insufficient funds fees, wire fees, and other deposit related fees; (ii) ATM and card interchange fees, which include fees generated when a Bank cardholder uses a non-Bank ATM or a non-Bank cardholder uses a Bank ATM, and fees earned whenever the Bank's debit cards are processed through card payment networks such as Visa; and (iii) investment services fees earned through partnering with a third party investment and brokerage service firm to provide insurance and investment products to customers. The Company's performance obligation for fees and service charges is satisfied and related revenue recognized immediately or in the month of performance of services. Other income includes rental income from subleasing one of the Company's branches to a third party and income and gains or losses, net, related to OREO. For these transactions, revenue is recognized at the time the transaction occurs.

120

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

The following table summarizes non-interest income for the years indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Fees and service charges for customer services:
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges
$
3,309

 
$
3,356

 
$
3,320

ATM and card interchange fees
1,310

 
1,216

 
1,150

Investment fees
262

 
305

 
232

Total fees and service charges for customer services
4,881

 
4,877

 
4,702

Income on bank owned life insurance(1)
7,023

 
3,705

 
5,386

Gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities, net (1)
1,988

 
(879
)
 
1,114

Gains on trading securities, net (1)
514

 
178

 
169

Other(1)
402

 
246

 
271

Total non-interest income
$
14,808

 
$
8,127

 
$
11,642

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Not within the scope of Topic 606

(18)        Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and all subsequent ASU's that modified Topic 842. The Company’s leases primarily relate to real estate property for branches and office space with terms extending from nine months up to 35.5 years. At December 31, 2019, all of the Company's leases are classified as operating leases.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Right-of-use assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recorded at the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. Certain leases include options to renew, with one or more renewal terms ranging from five to 10 years. As these extension options are not generally considered reasonably certain of renewal, they are not included in the lease term.

At December 31, 2019, the Company’s operating lease right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheet were $39.5 million and $44.1 million, respectively. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while variable lease payments are recognized as incurred. Variable lease payments include common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance costs and utilities. Operating and variable lease expenses are recorded in occupancy expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Supplemental lease information at or for the year ended December 31, 2019 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
Operating lease cost
$
6,698

Variable lease cost
2,813

Net lease cost
$
9,511

Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of operating lease liabilities
$
5,901

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
$
1,013

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) at December 31, 2019
12.77

Weighted average discount rate at December 31, 2019
3.62
%



121

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

The following table summarizes lease payment obligations for each of the next five years and thereafter in addition to a reconcilement to the Company's current lease liability (dollars in thousands):
Year
Amount
2020
$
6,160

2021
5,730

2022
5,068

2023
4,975

2024
4,629

Thereafter
30,668

Total lease payments
$
57,230

Less: imputed interest
(13,161
)
Present value of lease liabilities
$
44,069


 Net rental expense included in occupancy expense was approximately $6.8 million$5.7 million, and $5.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Included in rental expense for the year ended December 31, 2019, is approximately $579,000 of accelerated rental expense related to the consolidation of three branches on December 31, 2019.
 
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had not entered into any leases that have not yet commenced.
    
(19)        Derivatives

The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to provide to certain qualified commercial borrowers in loan related transactions and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk. The Company executes interest rate swaps with qualified commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Company executes with a third-party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. The interest rate swap agreement which the Company executes with the commercial borrower is collateralized by the borrower’s commercial real estate financed by the Company. The collateral exceeds the maximum potential amount of future payments under the credit derivative. As these interest rate swaps do not meet the hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company entered into its first derivative transaction. At December 31, 2019, the Company had one interest rate swap with a notional amount of $12.0 million, and the fair value of the asset and liability derivative was $79,000. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded fee income of approximately $147,000. At December 31, 2018, the Company did not have any derivative assets or liabilities and had not entered into any derivative transactions prior to then.


122

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

(20)
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,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
Cash in Northfield Bank
$
32,828

 
$
21,884

Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions
280

 
21

Investment in Northfield Bank
642,341

 
623,113

ESOP loan receivable
21,897

 
22,962

Other assets
132

 
120

Total assets
$
697,478

 
$
668,100

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Total liabilities
$
1,625

 
$
1,661

Total stockholders' equity
695,853

 
666,439

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
697,478

 
$
668,100


 
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
 Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
(in thousands)
Interest on ESOP loan
$
1,263

 
$
1,081

 
$
939

Interest income on deposits in other financial institutions
229

 
38

 
31

Gains (losses) gains on securities, net
10

 
(6
)
 
5

Undistributed earnings of Northfield Bank
40,012

 
40,092

 
24,887

Total income
41,514

 
41,205

 
25,862

Other expenses
863

 
890

 
872

Income tax expense
416

 
236

 
222

Total expense
1,279

 
1,126

 
1,094

Net income
$
40,235

 
$
40,079

 
$
24,768

Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
40,235

 
$
40,079

 
$
24,768

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
13,846

 
(3,696
)
 
(227
)
Comprehensive income
$
54,081

 
$
36,383

 
$
24,541




123

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

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
40,235

 
$
40,079

 
$
24,768

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(1,073
)
 
3

 
(2,008
)
(Gains) losses on securities, net
(10
)
 
6

 
(5
)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
(36
)
 
846

 
(980
)
Undistributed earnings of Northfield Bank
(40,012
)
 
(40,092
)
 
(24,887
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(896
)
 
842

 
(3,112
)
Cash flows from investing activities
 

 
 

 
 

Dividends from Northfield Bank
41,277

 
16,493

 
28,763

Net cash provided by investing activities
41,277

 
16,493

 
28,763

Cash flows from financing activities
 

 
 

 
 

Principal payments on ESOP loan receivable
1,065

 
1,059

 
1,022

Purchase of treasury stock
(15,815
)
 
(5
)
 

Dividends paid
(20,198
)
 
(18,673
)
 
(15,646
)
Exercise of stock options
5,770

 
2,088

 
100

Net cash used in financing activities
(29,178
)
 
(15,531
)
 
(14,524
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
11,203

 
1,804

 
11,127

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
21,905

 
20,101

 
8,974

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
33,108

 
$
21,905

 
$
20,101





124

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


(21)        Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
 
The following tables are a summary of certain quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: 
 
2019 Quarter Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Selected Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
39,466

 
$
40,193

 
$
42,847

 
$
42,637

Interest expense
12,136

 
13,034

 
14,027

 
14,161

Net interest income
27,330

 
27,159

 
28,820

 
28,476

Provision (recoveries) for loan losses
59

 
491

 
(1,300
)
 
772

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
27,271

 
26,668

 
30,120

 
27,704

Other income
3,314

 
2,566

 
4,733

 
4,195

Other expenses
19,204

 
18,750

 
16,869

 
18,726

Income before income tax  expense
11,381

 
10,484

 
17,984

 
13,173

Income tax expense
2,610

 
2,280

 
4,845

 
3,052

Net income
$
8,771

 
$
8,204

 
$
13,139

 
$
10,121

Net income per basic common share
$
0.19

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.22

Net income per diluted common share
$
0.19

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.21

 
2018 Quarter Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Selected Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
34,682

 
$
35,935

 
$
37,727

 
$
38,948

Interest expense
7,138

 
8,165

 
9,803

 
10,944

Net interest income
27,544

 
27,770

 
27,924

 
28,004

Provision for loan losses
34

 
670

 
1,304

 
607

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
27,510

 
27,100

 
26,620

 
27,397

Other income
2,405

 
2,445

 
2,637

 
640

Other expenses
17,126

 
17,040

 
17,100

 
15,777

Income before income tax expense
12,789

 
12,505

 
12,157

 
12,260

Income tax expense
2,344

 
1,893

 
3,081

 
2,314

Net income
$
10,445

 
$
10,612

 
$
9,076

 
$
9,946

Net income per basic common share
$
0.23

 
$
0.23

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.21

Net income per diluted common share
$
0.22

 
$
0.23

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.21




125


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 
 
Steven M. Klein, our President 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, 2019.  Based upon their evaluation, they each found that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.
 
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, 2019.  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 conclude that, as of December 31, 2019, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
 
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, and it is included in Item 8, under Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  This report appears on page 70 of this document.

 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 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
None


126


PART III
 
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The sections of the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders (the “2020 Proxy Statement”) entitled “Proposal I-Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance and Board Matters-Director and Director Nominee Evaluation Process,” “Executive Officers who are not 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.

A copy of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Employees, Officers, and Directors and the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is available to shareholders under the investor relations tab on the Company's website at www.eNorthfield.com.
 
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The sections of the Company’s 2020 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 section of the Company’s 2020 Proxy Statement entitled “Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof” is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Set forth below is information as of December 31, 2019, 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)(2)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
2,227,193

 
$
13.93

 
6,000,000

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Total
2,227,193

 
$
13.93

 
6,000,000

(1) Represents the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options at December 31, 2019.
(2) On May 22, 2019, the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 EIP”) was approved by stockholders of the Company. Under the 2019 EIP, the maximum number of shares of stock that may be delivered to participants in the form of stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SAR”) is 6,000,000. To the extent an equity award is issued in the form of a restricted stock grant, or restricted stock unit, the number of stock options/SARs that can be granted is reduced by 4.5. The maximum number of shares of stock that may be delivered to participants in the form of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is 1,333,333 shares. No shares of stock have been granted under the 2019 EIP. Upon approval of the 2019 EIP, the Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan was frozen and equity awards that would otherwise have been available for issuance are no longer available for grant.
 
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
The sections of the Company’s 2020 Proxy Statement entitled “Corporate Governance and Board Matters-Transactions with Certain Related Persons” and “Board of Directors, Leadership Structure, Role in Oversight, Meetings and Standing Committees - Board of Directors” are incorporated herein by reference.

127


 
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
The sections of the Company’s 2020 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.

128


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

(A) Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(B) Consolidated Balance Sheets - at December 31, 2019, and 2018
(C) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
(D) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
(E) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
(F) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(a)(2)
Exhibits 
Certificate of Incorporation of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. (4)
Bylaws of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. (4)
Form of Common Stock Certificate of Northfield Bancorp, Inc.(4)
Description of Registrant's Securities *
Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability for Senior Management (1) †
Northfield Bank Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (3) †
Northfield Bank Non-Qualified Supplemental Employee Stock Ownership Plan (3) †
Amendment to Northfield Bank Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (5) †
Amendment to Northfield Bank Non-Qualified Supplemental Employee Stock Ownership Plan (5) †
Group Term Replacement Plan (6) †
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (7) †
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with the Exception of John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (8) †
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (8) †
Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (8) †
Form of amendment to restricted stock award and stock option agreements to participants of the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (2) †
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with the Exception of John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (9) †
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (9) †
Form of Director Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (10) †
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with the exception of John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (9) †
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan with John W. Alexander and Steven M. Klein (9) †
Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (9) †
Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreement effective November 1, 2017, with Steven M. Klein (10) †
10.19
Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2018, with William R. Jacobs and Michael J. Widmer (11) †
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. Management Cash Incentive Governing Plan, Amended January 30, 2019 (12) †
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2019 Management Cash Incentive Plan, Amended January 30, 2019 (12) †
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (13) †
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. 2020 Management Cash Incentive Plan (14) †
Form of Director Time-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (15) †
Form of CEO Time-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (15) †
Form of Executive Vice President Time-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (15) †
Form of Employee (Below Executive Vice President) Time-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (15) †

129


Form of CEO Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting) under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (15) †
Form of Executive Vice President Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting) under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (15) †
Form of Director Stock Option Agreement (Time-Based Vesting) under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (15) †
Form of Incentive Employee Stock Option Agreement (Time-Based Vesting) under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (15) †
Form of Amendment to Employment Agreements effective January 1, 2020, with Steven M. Klein, William R. Jacobs, Tara L. French, Michael J. Widmer, David V. Fasanella, and Robin Lefkowitz †*
Subsidiaries of Registrant (1)
Consent of KPMG LLP *
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
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, 2019, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
 
 
 
 

†     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 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).

(6)
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).

(7) 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.

(8)
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).

(9)
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).

(10)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 8-K, dated October 25, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2017 (File Number 001-35791).

(11)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 13, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2017 (File Number 001-35791).

(12)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 30, 2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2019 (File Number 001-35791).

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(13)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 9, 2019 (File Number 001-35791).

(14)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 3, 2020 (File Number 001-35791).

(15)
Incorporated by reference to Northfield Bancorp Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 17, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2020 (File Number 001-35791).

ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
    
Not Applicable



131


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 2, 2020
By:
/s/ Steven M. Klein
 
 
 
Steven M. Klein
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Duly Authorized Representative)
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signatures
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Steven M. Klein
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
March 2, 2020
Steven M. Klein
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ William R. Jacobs
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
March 2, 2020
William R. Jacobs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ John W. Alexander
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
John W. Alexander
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Annette Catino
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
Annette Catino
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Gil Chapman
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
Gil Chapman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ John P. Connors, Jr
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
John P. Connors, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Timothy C. Harrison 
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
Timothy C. Harrison
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Karen J. Kessler
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
Karen J. Kessler
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Patrick L. Ryan
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
Patrick L. Ryan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Frank P. Patafio 
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
Frank P. Patafio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Patrick E. Scura, Jr.
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
Patrick E. Scura, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Paul V. Stahlin
 
Director
 
March 2, 2020
Paul V. Stahlin
 
 

132