PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES INC - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


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

			For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018


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

			For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-31566

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


Delaware						42-1547151
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)						(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

239 Washington Street, Jersey City, New Jersey						07302
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)						(Zip Code)

(732) 590-9200

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES ý NO ¨

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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES ý NO ¨

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

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 ý

As of November 1, 2018 there were 83,209,293 shares issued and 67,085,419 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, including 257,665 shares held by the First Savings Bank Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan not otherwise considered outstanding under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


Item Number			Page Number

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1	Financial Statements:

	Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2018 (unaudited) and December 31, 2017	3

	Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)	4

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)	5

	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)	6

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)	8

	Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	10

2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	37

3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	46

4	Controls and Procedures	47

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

1	Legal Proceedings	48

1A.	Risk Factors	48

2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	48

3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	48

4	Mine Safety Disclosures	48

5	Other Information	48

6	Exhibits	48

Signatures			50

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2017

(Dollars in Thousands)


	September 30, 2018		December 31, 2017
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	103,684	$	139,557
Short-term investments	45,440		51,277
Total cash and cash equivalents	149,124		190,834
Available for sale debt securities, at fair value	1,042,320		1,037,154
Held to maturity debt securities (fair value of $469,861 at September 30, 2018 (unaudited) and $485,039 at December 31, 2017)	474,092		477,652
Equity securities, at fair value	722		658
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	71,909		81,184
Loans	7,228,373		7,325,718
Less allowance for loan losses	53,910		60,195
Net loans	7,174,463		7,265,523
Foreclosed assets, net	5,932		6,864
Banking premises and equipment, net	59,155		63,185
Accrued interest receivable	29,784		29,646
Intangible assets	418,674		420,290
Bank-owned life insurance	192,212		189,525
Other assets	91,246		82,759
Total assets	$	9,709,633	$	9,845,274

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand deposits	$	4,994,862	$	4,996,345
Savings deposits	1,047,021		1,083,012
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more	351,169		316,074
Other time deposits	326,689		318,735
Total deposits	6,719,741		6,714,166
Mortgage escrow deposits	25,513		25,933
Borrowed funds	1,529,914		1,742,514
Other liabilities	102,876		64,000
Total liabilities	8,378,044		8,546,613
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	—		—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 83,209,293 shares issued and 66,857,212 shares outstanding at September 30, 2018 and 66,535,017 outstanding at December 31, 2017	832		832
Additional paid-in capital	1,019,052		1,012,908
Retained earnings	627,801		586,132
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(24,611)		(7,465)
Treasury stock	(259,760)		(259,907)
Unallocated common stock held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan	(31,725)		(33,839)
Common stock acquired by the Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan	(4,672)		(5,175)
Deferred compensation – Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan	4,672		5,175
Total stockholders’ equity	1,331,589		1,298,661
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	9,709,633	$	9,845,274

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Income

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)


	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Interest income:
Real estate secured loans	$	54,532	$	47,692	$	158,798	$	140,712
Commercial loans	20,230		18,964		58,706		53,884
Consumer loans	5,095		5,083		14,945		15,293
Available for sale debt securities, equity securities and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	7,805		6,540		22,738		19,651
Held to maturity debt securities	3,149		3,272		9,447		9,812
Deposits, Federal funds sold and other short-term investments	450		343		1,273		898
Total interest income	91,261		81,894		265,907		240,250
Interest expense:
Deposits	7,856		4,988		21,087		14,093
Borrowed funds	7,619		6,694		21,477		19,855
Total interest expense	15,475		11,682		42,564		33,948
Net interest income	75,786		70,212		223,343		206,302
Provision for loan losses	1,000		500		21,900		3,700
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	74,786		69,712		201,443		202,602
Non-interest income:
Fees	7,455		7,680		20,706		20,940
Wealth management income	4,570		4,592		13,572		13,314
Bank-owned life insurance	2,083		1,353		4,640		5,291
Net gain on securities transactions	2		36		3		47
Other income	1,806		1,451		4,139		2,804
Total non-interest income	15,916		15,112		43,060		42,396
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits	27,546		27,328		83,398		81,086
Net occupancy expense	5,924		6,105		19,052		19,255
Data processing expense	3,630		3,314		10,862		10,302
FDIC insurance	967		967		2,920		3,065
Amortization of intangibles	509		632		1,625		2,079
Advertising and promotion expense	949		907		2,763		2,709
Other operating expenses	7,134		7,027		21,755		21,248
Total non-interest expense	46,659		46,280		142,375		139,744
Income before income tax expense	44,043		38,544		102,128		105,254
Income tax expense	8,575		11,969		19,504		30,788
Net income	$	35,468	$	26,575	$	82,624	$	74,466
Basic earnings per share	$	0.55	$	0.41	$	1.27	$	1.16
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	65,037,779		64,454,684		64,907,210		64,327,640
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.54	$	0.41	$	1.27	$	1.15
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	65,183,881		64,645,278		65,078,627		64,519,710

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)


	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Net income	$	35,468	$	26,575	$	82,624	$	74,466
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt securities:
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period	(4,820)		479		(17,897)		2,478
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	—		—		—		—
Total	(4,820)		479		(17,897)		2,478
Unrealized gains on derivatives	46		54		724		106
Amortization related to post-retirement obligations	75		36		211		105
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,699)		569		(16,962)		2,689
Total comprehensive income	$	30,769	$	27,144	$	65,662	$	77,155

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)


	COMMONSTOCK		ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL		RETAINEDEARNINGS		ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME		TREASURYSTOCK		UNALLOCATED ESOP SHARES		COMMON STOCK ACQUIRED BY DDFP		DEFERRED COMPENSATION DDFP		TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	832	$	1,005,777	$	550,768	$	(3,397)	$	(264,221)	$	(37,978)	$	(5,846)	$	5,846	$	1,251,781
Net income	—		—		74,466		—		—		—		—		—		74,466
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—		—		—		2,689		—		—		—		—		2,689
Cash dividends paid	—		—		(38,659)		—		—		—		—		—		(38,659)

Distributions from DDFP	—		172		—		—		—		—		503		(503)		172
Purchases of treasury stock	—		—		—		—		(443)		—		—		—		(443)
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding	—		—		—		—		(726)		—		—		—		(726)
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan	—		417		—		—		922		—		—		—		1,339
Stock option exercises	—		(1,024)		—		—		3,558		—		—		—		2,534
Allocation of ESOP shares	—		1,053		—		—		—		2,114		—		—		3,167
Allocation of SAP shares	—		3,702		—		—		—		—		—		—		3,702

Allocation of stock options	—		150		—		—		—		—		—		—		150
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	832	$	1,010,247	$	586,575	$	(708)	$	(260,910)	$	(35,864)	$	(5,343)	$	5,343	$	1,300,172

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited) (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)


	COMMONSTOCK		ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL		RETAINED EARNINGS		ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS		TREASURY STOCK		UNALLOCATED ESOP SHARES		COMMON STOCK ACQUIRED BY DDFP		DEFERRED COMPENSATION DDFP		TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	832	$	1,012,908	$	586,132	$	(7,465)	$	(259,907)	$	(33,839)	$	(5,175)	$	5,175	$	1,298,661
Net income	—		—		82,624		—		—		—		—		—		82,624
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—		—		—		(16,962)		—		—		—		—		(16,962)
Cash dividends paid	—		—		(41,139)		—		—		—		—		—		(41,139)
Effect of adopting Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-01	—		—		184		(184)		—		—		—		—		—
Distributions from DDFP	—		120		—		—		—		—		503		(503)		120
Purchases of treasury stock	—		—		—		—		(175)		—		—		—		(175)
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding	—		—		—		—		(1,851)		—		—		—		(1,851)
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan	—		442		—		—		852		—		—		—		1,294
Stock option exercises	—		(347)		—		—		1,321		—		—		—		974
Allocation of ESOP shares	—		1,161		—		—		—		2,114		—		—		3,275
Allocation of SAP shares	—		4,627		—		—		—		—		—		—		4,627

Allocation of stock options	—		141		—		—		—		—		—		—		141
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	832	$	1,019,052	$	627,801	$	(24,611)	$	(259,760)	$	(31,725)	$	(4,672)	$	4,672	$	1,331,589

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)


	Nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	82,624	$	74,466
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	7,613		8,864
Provision for loan losses	21,900		3,700
Deferred tax (benefit) expense	(21,401)		640
Income on Bank-owned life insurance	(4,640)		(5,291)
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities	6,614		7,504
Accretion of net deferred loan fees	(3,844)		(3,673)
Amortization of premiums on purchased loans, net	677		800
Net increase in loans originated for sale	(9,310)		(18,386)
Proceeds from sales of loans originated for sale	10,184		19,149
Proceeds from sales and paydowns of foreclosed assets	3,250		4,883
ESOP expense	3,275		3,167
Allocation of stock award shares	4,627		3,702
Allocation of stock options	141		150

Net gain on sale of loans originated for sale	(1,125)		(763)
Net gain on securities transactions	(3)		(47)
Net gain on sale of premises and equipment	(25)		(8)
Net gain on sale of foreclosed assets	(713)		(768)
Increase in accrued interest receivable	(138)		(316)
Increase in other assets	(5,825)		(2,407)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	38,876		(4,846)
Net cash provided by operating activities	132,757		90,520
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of held to maturity debt securities	36,726		42,382
Purchases of held to maturity debt securities	(35,107)		(38,074)

Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of available for sale debt securities	155,494		160,436
Purchases of available for sale debt securities	(189,669)		(149,647)
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	109,929		96,040
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	(100,654)		(91,210)

BOLI claim benefits received	—		4,428
Purchases of loans	(1,344)		—
Net decrease (increase) in loans	77,016		(23,888)
Proceeds from loans sold	23,417		—
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment	25		8
Purchases of premises and equipment	(1,958)		(1,690)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	73,875		(1,215)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits	5,575		37,587
(Decrease) increase in mortgage escrow deposits	(420)		734
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	(41,139)		(38,659)
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan	1,294		1,339
Purchase of treasury stock	(175)		(443)
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding	(1,851)		(726)


	Nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2017
Stock options exercised	974		2,534
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	610,000		248,220
Payments on long-term borrowings	(647,440)		(345,387)
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings	(175,160)		9,982
Net cash used in financing activities	(248,342)		(84,819)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(41,710)		4,486
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	190,834		144,297
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	149,124	$	148,783
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest on deposits and borrowings	$	42,520	$	34,127
Income taxes	$	14,819	$	27,411
Non cash investing activities:
Transfer of loans receivable to foreclosed assets	$	1,673	$	2,195

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

A. Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Provident Financial Services, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Bank (the “Bank,” together with Provident Financial Services, Inc., the “Company”).

In preparing the interim unaudited 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 consolidated statements of financial condition and the consolidated statements of income for the periods presented. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The allowance for loan losses, the valuation of securities available for sale and the valuation of deferred tax assets are material estimates that are particularly susceptible to near-term change.

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for all of 2018.

Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain reclassifications have been made in the consolidated financial statements to conform with current year classifications.

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K.

B. Earnings Per Share

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Three months ended September 30,
	2018								2017
	Net Income		Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding	Per Share Amount		Net Income		Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding	Per Share Amount
Net income	$	35,468				$	26,575
Basic earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	35,468	65,037,779	$	0.55	$	26,575	64,454,684	$	0.41
Dilutive shares			146,102					190,594
Diluted earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	35,468	65,183,881	$	0.54	$	26,575	64,645,278	$	0.41


	Nine months ended September 30,
	2018								2017
	Net Income		Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding	Per Share Amount		Net Income		Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding	Per Share Amount
Net income	$	82,624				$	74,466
Basic earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	82,624	64,907,210	$	1.27	$	74,466	64,327,640	$	1.16
Dilutive shares			171,417					192,070
Diluted earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	82,624	65,078,627	$	1.27	$	74,466	64,519,710	$	1.15

Antidilutive stock options and awards at September 30, 2018 and 2017, totaling 429,878 shares and 405,958 shares, respectively, were excluded from the earnings per share calculations.

Note 2. Investment Securities

At September 30, 2018, the Company had $1.04 billion and $474.1 million in available for sale debt securities and held to maturity debt securities, respectively. Many factors, including lack of liquidity in the secondary market for certain securities, variations in pricing information, regulatory actions, changes in the business environment or any changes in the competitive marketplace could have an adverse effect on the Company’s investment portfolio which could result in other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") in future periods. The total number of available for sale and held to maturity debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2018, totaled 689, compared with 306 at December 31, 2017. All securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2018 were analyzed for OTTI. Based upon this analysis, the Company believes that, as of September 30, 2018, such securities with unrealized losses do not represent impairments that are other-than-temporary.

Available for Sale Debt Securities

The following tables present the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and the fair value for available for sale debt securities at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018
	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains	Gross unrealized losses	Fair value



Mortgage-backed securities	$	1,043,084	1,432	(30,345)	1,014,171
State and municipal obligations	3,227		61	(3)	3,285
Corporate obligations	25,041		76	(253)	24,864

	$	1,071,352	1,569	(30,601)	1,042,320


	December 31, 2017
	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains	Gross unrealized losses	Fair value


Agency obligations	$	19,014	—	(9)	19,005
Mortgage-backed securities	993,548		4,914	(10,095)	988,367
State and municipal obligations	3,259		129	—	3,388
Corporate obligations	26,047		359	(12)	26,394

	$	1,041,868	5,402	(10,116)	1,037,154

The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale debt securities at September 30, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to prepayment or early call privileges of the issuer.


	September 30, 2018
	Amortized cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	388	389
Due after one year through five years	3,007		2,955
Due after five years through ten years	24,873		24,805
Due after ten years	—		—
	$	28,268	28,149

Mortgage-backed securities totaling $1.04 billion at amortized cost and $1.01 billion at fair value are excluded from the table above as their expected lives are likely to be shorter than the contractual maturity date due to principal prepayments.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, no securities were sold or called from the available for sale debt securities portfolio.

The following tables present the fair values and gross unrealized losses for available for sale debt securities with temporary impairment at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018 Unrealized Losses
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
	Fair value		Gross unrealized losses	Fair value	Gross unrealized losses	Fair Value	Gross unrealized losses


Mortgage-backed securities	$	545,416	(12,450)	379,474	(17,895)	924,890	(30,345)
State and municipal obligations	656		(3)	—	—	656	(3)
Corporate obligations	19,789		(253)	—	—	19,789	(253)
	$	565,861	(12,706)	379,474	(17,895)	945,335	(30,601)


	December 31, 2017 Unrealized Losses
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
	Fair value		Gross unrealized losses	Fair value	Gross unrealized losses	Fair value	Gross unrealized losses


Agency obligations	$	12,006	(8)	6,999	(1)	19,005	(9)
Mortgage-backed securities	420,746		(3,936)	235,056	(6,159)	655,802	(10,095)

Corporate obligations	—		—	989	(12)	989	(12)
	$	432,752	(3,944)	243,044	(6,172)	675,796	(10,116)

The number of available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2018 totaled 209, compared with 122 at December 31, 2017. The increase in the number of securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2018, was due to higher current market interest rates compared to rates at December 31, 2017. All temporarily impaired securities were investment grade at September 30, 2018. At September 30, 2018, there was one private label mortgage-backed security in an unrealized loss position, with an amortized cost of $34,000 and an unrealized loss of $1,000. This private label mortgage-backed security was investment grade at September 30, 2018.

The Company estimates the loss projections for each non-agency mortgage-backed security by stressing the individual loans collateralizing the security and applying a range of expected default rates, loss severities, and prepayment speeds in conjunction with the underlying credit enhancement for each security. Based on specific assumptions about collateral and vintage, a range of possible cash flows was identified to determine whether other-than-temporary impairment existed during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Based on its detailed review of the available for sale debt securities portfolio, the Company believes that as of September 30, 2018, securities with unrealized loss positions shown above do not represent impairments that are other-than-temporary. The Company does not have the intent to sell securities in a temporary loss position at September 30, 2018, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery.

Held to Maturity Debt Securities

The following tables present the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and the estimated fair value for held to maturity debt securities at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018
	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains	Gross unrealized losses	Fair value
Agency obligations	$	4,988	—	(160)	4,828
Mortgage-backed securities	207		7	—	214
State and municipal obligations	458,958		2,794	(6,666)	455,086
Corporate obligations	9,939		—	(206)	9,733
	$	474,092	2,801	(7,032)	469,861


	December 31, 2017
	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains	Gross unrealized losses	Fair Value
Agency obligations	$	4,308	—	(87)	4,221
Mortgage-backed securities	382		14	—	396
State and municipal obligations	462,942		9,280	(1,738)	470,484
Corporate obligations	10,020		1	(83)	9,938
	$	477,652	9,295	(1,908)	485,039

The Company generally purchases securities for long-term investment purposes, and differences between amortized cost and fair values may fluctuate during the investment period. There were no sales of securities from the held to maturity debt securities portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, proceeds from calls on securities in the held to maturity debt securities portfolio totaled $10.4 million and $30.9 million, respectively. There were gross gains on calls of $3,000 and $4,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and a gross loss of $1,000 for both the three and nine month periods. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, proceeds from calls of securities in the held to maturity debt securities portfolio totaled $8.1 million and $28.7 million, respectively, with a gross gains of $39,000 and $50,000, respectively, and gross losses of $3,000 for both the three and nine month periods.

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities in the held to maturity debt securities portfolio at September 30, 2018 by contractual maturity are shown below (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to prepayment or early call privileges of the issuer.


	September 30, 2018
	Amortized cost		Fair value
Due in one year or less	$	5,880	5,892
Due after one year through five years	80,434		80,191
Due after five years through ten years	260,482		258,478
Due after ten years	127,089		125,086
	$	473,885	469,647

Mortgage-backed securities totaling $207,000 at amortized cost and $214,000 at fair value are excluded from the table above as their expected lives are likely to be shorter than the contractual maturity date due to principal prepayments.

The following tables present the fair value and gross unrealized losses for held to maturity debt securities with temporary impairment at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018 Unrealized Losses
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
	Fair value		Gross unrealized losses	Fair value	Gross unrealized losses	Fair value	Gross unrealized losses
Agency obligations	$	4,828	(160)	—	—	4,828	(160)
State and municipal obligations	201,848		(3,398)	57,408	(3,268)	259,256	(6,666)
Corporate obligations	9,482		(206)	—	—	9,482	(206)
	$	216,158	(3,764)	57,408	(3,268)	273,566	(7,032)


	December 31, 2017 Unrealized Losses
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
	Fair value		Gross unrealized losses	Fair value	Gross unrealized losses	Fair value	Gross unrealized losses
Agency obligations	$	3,821	(87)	—	—	3,821	(87)
State and municipal obligations	37,317		(295)	49,488	(1,443)	86,805	(1,738)
Corporate obligations	9,662		(83)	—	—	9,662	(83)
	$	50,800	(465)	49,488	(1,443)	100,288	(1,908)

The Company estimates the loss projections for each non-agency mortgage-backed security by stressing the individual loans collateralizing the security and applying a range of expected default rates, loss severities, and prepayment speeds in conjunction with the underlying credit enhancement for each security. Based on specific assumptions about collateral and vintage, a range of possible cash flows was identified to determine whether other-than-temporary impairment existed during the three months ended September 30, 2018. Based on its detailed review of the held to maturity debt securities portfolio, the Company believes that as of September 30, 2018, securities with unrealized loss positions shown above do not represent impairments that are other-than-temporary. The Company does not have the intent to sell securities in a temporary loss position at September 30, 2018, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery.

The number of held to maturity debt securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2018 totaled 480, compared with 184 at December 31, 2017. The increase in the number of securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2018, was due to higher current market interest rates compared to rates at December 31, 2017. All temporarily impaired investment securities were investment grade at September 30, 2018.

Note 3. Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans receivable at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018		December 31, 2017
Mortgage loans:
Residential	$	1,107,843	1,142,347
Commercial	2,273,951		2,171,056
Multi-family	1,343,943		1,403,885
Construction	429,248		392,580
Total mortgage loans	5,154,985		5,109,868
Commercial loans	1,633,759		1,745,138
Consumer loans	443,340		473,957
Total gross loans	7,232,084		7,328,963
Purchased credit-impaired ("PCI") loans	919		969
Premiums on purchased loans	3,433		4,029
Unearned discounts	(34)		(36)
Net deferred fees	(8,029)		(8,207)
Total loans	$	7,228,373	7,325,718

The following tables summarize the aging of loans receivable by portfolio segment and class of loans, excluding PCI loans (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days	Non-accrual	Recorded Investment > 90 days accruing	Total Past Due	Current	Total Loans Receivable
Mortgage loans:
Residential	$	6,644	2,819	6,463	—	15,926	1,091,917	1,107,843
Commercial	970		—	3,758	—	4,728	2,269,223	2,273,951
Multi-family	—		400	—	—	400	1,343,543	1,343,943
Construction	—		—	—	—	—	429,248	429,248
Total mortgage loans	7,614		3,219	10,221	—	21,054	5,133,931	5,154,985
Commercial loans	14		13,659	17,780	—	31,453	1,602,306	1,633,759
Consumer loans	2,311		353	1,065	—	3,729	439,611	443,340
Total gross loans	$	9,939	17,231	29,066	—	56,236	7,175,848	7,232,084


	December 31, 2017
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days	Non-accrual	Recorded Investment > 90 days accruing	Total Past Due	Current	Total Loans Receivable
Mortgage loans:
Residential	$	7,809	4,325	8,105	—	20,239	1,122,108	1,142,347
Commercial	1,486		—	7,090	—	8,576	2,162,480	2,171,056
Multi-family	—		—	—	—	—	1,403,885	1,403,885
Construction	—		—	—	—	—	392,580	392,580
Total mortgage loans	9,295		4,325	15,195	—	28,815	5,081,053	5,109,868
Commercial loans	551		406	17,243	—	18,200	1,726,938	1,745,138
Consumer loans	2,465		487	2,491	—	5,443	468,514	473,957
Total gross loans	$	12,311	5,218	34,929	—	52,458	7,276,505	7,328,963

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 principal amounts of these non-accrual loans were $29.1 million and $34.9 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Included in non-accrual loans were $10.8 million and $11.5 million of loans which were less than 90 days past due at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. There were no loans 90 days or greater past due and still accruing interest at September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

The Company defines an impaired loan as a non-homogeneous loan greater than $1.0 million for which it is probable, based on current information, all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. Impaired loans also include all loans modified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). A loan is deemed to be a TDR when a loan modification resulting in a concession is made in an effort to mitigate potential loss arising from a borrower’s financial difficulty. Smaller balance homogeneous loans, including residential mortgages and other consumer loans, are evaluated collectively for impairment and are excluded from the definition of impaired loans, unless modified as TDRs. The Company separately calculates the reserve for loan losses on impaired loans. The Company may recognize impairment of a loan based upon: (1) the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate; (2) if a loan is collateral dependent, the fair value of collateral; or (3) the fair value of the loan. Additionally, if impaired loans have risk characteristics in common, those loans may be aggregated and historical statistics may be used as a means of measuring those impaired loans.

The Company uses third-party appraisals to determine the fair value of the underlying collateral in its analysis of collateral dependent impaired loans. A third-party appraisal is generally ordered as soon as a loan is designated as a collateral dependent impaired loan and is generally updated annually or more frequently, if required.

A specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses is established for each collateral dependent impaired loan with a carrying balance greater than the collateral’s fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Charge-offs are generally taken for the amount of the

specific allocation when operations associated with the respective property cease and it is determined that collection of amounts due will be derived primarily from the disposition of the collateral. At each quarter end, if a loan is designated as a collateral dependent impaired loan and the third-party appraisal has not yet been received, an evaluation of all available collateral is made using the best information available at the time, including rent rolls, borrower financial statements and tax returns, prior appraisals, management’s knowledge of the market and collateral, and internally prepared collateral valuations based upon market assumptions regarding vacancy and capitalization rates, each as and where applicable. Once the appraisal is received and reviewed, the specific reserves are adjusted to reflect the appraised value. The Company believes there have been no significant time lapses in the recognition of changes in collateral values as a result of this process.

At September 30, 2018, there were 150 impaired loans totaling $52.5 million. Included in this total were 133 TDRs related to 129 borrowers totaling $36.9 million that were performing in accordance with their restructured terms and which continued to accrue interest at September 30, 2018. At December 31, 2017, there were 149 impaired loans totaling $52.0 million. Included in this total were 125 TDRs to 121 borrowers totaling $31.7 million that were performing in accordance with their restructured terms and which continued to accrue interest at December 31, 2017.

The following table summarizes loans receivable by portfolio segment and impairment method, excluding PCI loans (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018
	Mortgage loans		Commercial loans	Consumer loans	Total Portfolio Segments
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	24,926	25,072	2,492	52,490
Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,130,059		1,608,687	440,848	7,179,594
Total gross loans	$	5,154,985	1,633,759	443,340	7,232,084


	December 31, 2017
	Mortgage loans		Commercial loans	Consumer loans	Total Portfolio Segments
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	28,459	21,223	2,359	52,041
Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,081,409		1,723,915	471,598	7,276,922
Total gross loans	$	5,109,868	1,745,138	473,957	7,328,963

The allowance for loan losses is summarized by portfolio segment and impairment classification as follows (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018
	Mortgage loans		Commercial loans	Consumer loans	Total
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,165	203	70	1,438
Collectively evaluated for impairment	26,330		23,940	2,202	52,472
Total gross loans	$	27,495	24,143	2,272	53,910


	December 31, 2017
	Mortgage loans		Commercial loans	Consumer loans	Total
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,486	1,134	70	2,690
Collectively evaluated for impairment	26,566		28,680	2,259	57,505
Total gross loans	$	28,052	29,814	2,329	60,195

Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties that are considered TDRs primarily involve lowering the monthly payments on such loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan without a corresponding adjustment to the risk premium reflected in the interest rate, or a combination of these two methods. These modifications generally do not result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, the Company attempts to obtain additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying such loans. If the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms and our underwriting process shows the borrower has the capacity to

continue to perform under the restructured terms, the loan will continue to accrue interest. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.

The following tables present the number of loans modified as TDRs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, along with their balances immediately prior to the modification date and post-modification as of September 30, 2018 and 2017.


	For the three months ended
	September 30, 2018							September 30, 2017
Troubled Debt Restructurings	Number of Loans	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	Number of Loans	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
	($ in thousands)
Mortgage loans:
Residential	3	$	693	694	2	$	632	$	470


Total mortgage loans	3	693		694	2	632		470
Commercial loans	2	5,919		6,062	—	—		—
Consumer loans	1	336		335	—	—		—
Total restructured loans	6	$	6,948	7,091	2	$	632	$	470


	For the nine months ended
	September 30, 2018								September 30, 2017
Troubled Debt Restructurings	Number of Loans	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Number of Loans	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
	($ in thousands)
Mortgage loans:
Residential	4	$	811	797		7	$	3,436	$	3,202


Total mortgage loans	4	811		797		7	3,436		3,202
Commercial loans	6	12,545		8,752		1	1,300		1,210
Consumer loans	1	336		335		1	70		68
Total restructured loans	11	$	13,692	$	9,884	9	$	4,806	$	4,480

All TDRs are impaired loans, which are individually evaluated for impairment, as previously discussed. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, $6.3 million and $8.3 million of charge-offs were recorded on collateral dependent impaired loans. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, $3.2 million and $4.4 million of charge-offs were recorded on collateral dependent impaired loans. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the allowance for loan losses associated with the TDRs presented in the preceding tables totaled $51,885, and was included in the allowance for loan losses for loans individually evaluated for impairment.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the TDRs presented in the preceding tables had a weighted average modified interest rate of approximately 5.10% and 5.27%, respectively, compared to a weighted average rate of 5.08% and 5.17% prior to modification, respectively.

The following table presents loans modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months from September 30, 2018 and 2017, and for which there was a payment default (90 days or more past due) at the quarter ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.


	September 30, 2018				September 30, 2017
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently Defaulted	Number of Loans	Outstanding Recorded Investment		Number of Loans	Outstanding Recorded Investment
	($ in thousands)




Commercial loans	3	$	1,344	—	$	—

Total restructured loans	3	$	1,344	—	$	—

There were three loans to one borrower which had a payment default (90 days or more past due) for loans modified as TDRs within the 12 month period ending September 30, 2018. There were no payment defaults (90 days or more past due) for loans modified as TDRs within the 12 month period ending September 30, 2017. TDRs that subsequently default are considered collateral dependent impaired loans and are evaluated for impairment based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less expected selling costs.

PCI loans are loans acquired at a discount primarily due to deteriorated credit quality. These loans are accounted for at fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows, with no related allowance for loan losses. PCI loans totaled $919,000 at September 30, 2018 and $969,000 at December 31, 2017.

The following table summarizes the changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):


	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2017	2018	2017
Beginning balance	$	116	158	101	200

Accretion	(34)		(154)	(63)	(299)
Reclassification from non-accretable discount	26		99	70	202
Ending balance	$	108	103	108	103

The activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows (in thousands):


Three months ended September 30,	Mortgage loans		Commercial loans	Consumer loans	Total
2018
Balance at beginning of period	$	27,161	29,494	2,164	58,819
Provision charged (credited) to operations	88		915	(3)	1,000
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	303		36	297	636
Loans charged-off	(57)		(6,302)	(186)	(6,545)
Balance at end of period	$	27,495	24,143	2,272	53,910

2017
Balance at beginning of period	$	28,826	31,085	2,951	62,862
Provision (credited) charged to operations	(2,301)		3,446	(645)	500
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	4		140	291	435
Loans charged-off	(32)		(3,220)	(269)	(3,521)
Balance at end of period	$	26,497	31,451	2,328	60,276


Nine months ended September 30,	Mortgage loans		Commercial loans	Consumer loans	Total
2018
Balance at beginning of period	$	28,052	29,814	2,329	60,195
Provision (credited) charged to operations	(716)		22,740	(124)	21,900
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	435		268	689	1,392
Loans charged-off	(276)		(28,679)	(622)	(29,577)
Balance at end of period	$	27,495	24,143	2,272	53,910

2017
Balance at beginning of period	$	29,626	29,143	3,114	61,883
Provision (credited) charged to operations	(2,724)		6,840	(416)	3,700
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	65		671	692	1,428
Loans charged-off	(470)		(5,203)	(1,062)	(6,735)
Balance at end of period	$	26,497	31,451	2,328	60,276

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class and loan category, excluding PCI loans (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018										December 31, 2017
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment	Related Allowance	Average Recorded Investment	Interest Income Recognized	Unpaid Principal Balance	Recorded Investment	Related Allowance	Average Recorded Investment	Interest Income Recognized
Loans with no related allowance
Mortgage loans:
Residential	$	12,410	9,530	—	9,658	365	13,239	10,477	—	10,552	479
Commercial	1,550		1,546	—	1,546	—	5,037	4,908	—	5,022	12


Total	13,960		11,076	—	11,204	365	18,276	15,385	—	15,574	491
Commercial loans	28,183		18,035	—	22,866	608	19,196	14,984	—	15,428	395
Consumer loans	1,788		1,232	—	1,286	61	1,582	1,041	—	1,150	69
Total impaired loans	$	43,931	30,343	—	35,356	1,034	39,054	31,410	—	32,152	955

Loans with an allowance recorded
Mortgage loans:
Residential	$	13,391	12,803	1,091	12,905	412	13,052	12,010	1,351	12,150	475
Commercial	1,046		1,047	74	1,055	40	1,064	1,064	135	1,076	54


Total	14,437		13,850	1,165	13,960	452	14,116	13,074	1,486	13,226	529
Commercial loans	7,037		7,037	203	9,527	62	7,097	6,239	1,134	7,318	208
Consumer loans	1,271		1,260	70	2,360	40	1,329	1,318	70	1,349	64
Total impaired loans	$	22,745	22,147	1,438	25,847	554	22,542	20,631	2,690	21,893	801

Total impaired loans
Mortgage loans:
Residential	$	25,801	22,333	1,091	22,563	777	26,291	22,487	1,351	22,702	954
Commercial	2,596		2,593	74	2,601	40	6,101	5,972	135	6,098	66


Total	28,397		24,926	1,165	25,164	817	32,392	28,459	1,486	28,800	1,020
Commercial loans	35,220		25,072	203	32,393	670	26,293	21,223	1,134	22,746	603
Consumer loans	3,059		2,492	70	3,646	101	2,911	2,359	70	2,499	133
Total impaired loans	$	66,676	52,490	1,438	61,203	1,588	61,596	52,041	2,690	54,045	1,756

Specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses attributable to impaired loans totaled $1.4 million at September 30, 2018 and $2.7 million at December 31, 2017. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, impaired loans for which there was no related allowance for loan losses totaled $30.3 million and $31.4 million, respectively. The average balance of impaired loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $61.2 million and $54.0 million, respectively.

The Company utilizes an internal nine-point risk rating system to summarize its loan portfolio into categories with similar risk characteristics. Loans deemed to be “acceptable quality” are rated 1 through 4, with a rating of 1 established for loans with minimal risk. Loans that are deemed to be of “questionable quality” are rated 5 (watch) or 6 (special mention). Loans with adverse classifications (substandard, doubtful or loss) are rated 7, 8 or 9, respectively. Commercial mortgage, commercial, multi-family and construction loans are rated individually, and each lending officer is responsible for risk rating loans in their portfolio. These risk ratings are then reviewed by the department manager and/or the Chief Lending Officer and by the Credit Department. The risk ratings are also confirmed through periodic loan review examinations, which are currently performed by an independent third-party. Reports by the independent third-party are presented directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Loans receivable by credit quality risk rating indicator, excluding PCI loans, are as follows (in thousands):


	At September 30, 2018
	Residential		Commercialmortgage	Multi-family	Construction	Total mortgages	Commercial	Consumer	Total loans
Special mention	$	2,819	33,892	—	6,181	42,892	54,978	353	98,223
Substandard	6,463		14,763	234	—	21,460	36,140	1,065	58,665
Doubtful	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Loss	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Total classified and criticized	9,282		48,655	234	6,181	64,352	91,118	1,418	156,888
Pass/Watch	1,098,561		2,225,296	1,343,709	423,067	5,090,633	1,542,641	441,922	7,075,196
Total	$	1,107,843	2,273,951	1,343,943	429,248	5,154,985	1,633,759	443,340	7,232,084


	At December 31, 2017
	Residential		Commercialmortgage	Multi-family	Construction	Total mortgages	Commercial	Consumer	Total loans
Special mention	$	4,325	19,172	15	—	23,512	20,738	486	44,736
Substandard	8,105		25,069	—	—	33,174	29,734	2,491	65,399
Doubtful	—		—	—	—	—	428	—	428
Loss	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Total classified and criticized	12,430		44,241	15	—	56,686	50,900	2,977	110,563
Pass/Watch	1,129,917		2,126,815	1,403,870	392,580	5,053,182	1,694,238	470,980	7,218,400
Total	$	1,142,347	2,171,056	1,403,885	392,580	5,109,868	1,745,138	473,957	7,328,963

Note 4. Deposits

Deposits at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018		December 31, 2017
Savings	$	1,047,021	1,083,012
Money market	1,463,015		1,532,024
NOW	2,052,502		2,011,334
Non-interest bearing	1,479,345		1,452,987
Certificates of deposit	677,858		634,809
Total deposits	$	6,719,741	6,714,166

Note 5. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The Bank has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering its full-time employees who had attained age 21 with at least one year of service as of April 1, 2003. The pension plan was frozen on April 1, 2003. All participants in the Plan are 100% vested. The pension plan’s assets are invested in investment funds and group annuity contracts currently managed by the Principal Financial Group and Allmerica Financial.

In addition to pension benefits, certain health care and life insurance benefits are currently made available to certain of the Bank’s retired employees. The costs of such benefits are accrued based on actuarial assumptions from the date of hire to the date the employee is fully eligible to receive the benefits. Effective January 1, 2003, eligibility for retiree health care benefits

was frozen as to new entrants, and benefits were eliminated for employees with less than ten years of service as of December 31, 2002. Effective January 1, 2007, eligibility for retiree life insurance benefits was frozen as to new entrants and retiree life insurance benefits were eliminated for employees with less than ten years of service as of December 31, 2006.

Net periodic (increase) benefit cost for pension benefits and other post-retirement benefits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 includes the following components (in thousands):


	Three months ended September 30,									Nine months ended September 30,
	Pension benefits				Other post-retirement benefits				Pension benefits		Other post-retirement benefits
	2018		2017	2018	2017	2018		2017	2018	2017
Service cost	$	—	—	29	26	$	—	—	87	78
Interest cost	273		306	196	218	821		920	590	654
Expected return on plan assets	(693)		(637)	—	—	(2,079)		(1,913)	—	—
Amortization of prior service cost	—		—	—	—	—		—	—	—
Amortization of the net loss (gain)	199		230	(99)	(169)	597		690	(297)	(507)
Net periodic (increase) benefit cost	$	(221)	(101)	126	75	$	(661)	(303)	380	225

In its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company previously disclosed that it does not expect to contribute to the pension plan in 2018. As of September 30, 2018, no contributions have been made to the pension plan.

The net periodic (increase) benefit cost for pension benefits and other post-retirement benefits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were calculated using the actual January 1, 2018 pension and other post-retirement benefits valuations.

Note 6. Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2018

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-retirement Benefit Cost," which requires that companies disaggregate the service cost component from other components of net benefit cost. This update calls for companies that offer post-retirement 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. ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” This update provides guidance about changes to terms or conditions of a share-based payment award which would require modification accounting. In particular, an entity is required to account for the effects of a modification if the fair value, vesting condition or the equity/liability classification of the modified award is not the same immediately before and after a change to the terms and conditions of the award. ASU 2017-09 is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," a new standard which addresses diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies), distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for

those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company adopted this guidance for the interim reporting period ended March 31, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, nor was additional disclosure deemed necessary.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities." This ASU addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This amendment supersedes the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories, requires equity securities, except equity method investments, to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income, and simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The amendment requires public business entities that are required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet to measure that fair value using the exit price notion. The amendment 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 in accordance with the fair value option. The amendment requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or in the accompanying notes to the financial statements. The amendment 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. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities should apply the amendment by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with the exception of the amendment related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values, which should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. As a result, $658,000 of equity securities, as of December 31, 2017, were reclassified from securities available for sale and presented as a separate item on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The $184,000 after-tax unrealized gain on these securities, at the time of adoption, was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings and is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity. For financial instruments that are measured at amortized cost, the Company measures fair value utilizing an exit pricing methodology, and as such, no changes were required as a result of the adoption of this guidance.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." The objective of this amendment is to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This update affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets unless those contracts are in the scope of other standards. The ASU is effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Subsequently, the FASB issued the following standards related to ASU 2014-09: ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations;” ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing;” ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting;” and ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients.” These amendments are intended to improve and clarify the implementation guidance of ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard. The Company's revenue is comprised of net interest income on interest earning assets and liabilities and non-interest income. The scope of guidance explicitly excludes net interest income as well as other revenues associated with financial assets and liabilities, including loans, leases, securities and derivatives. Accordingly, the majority of the Company's revenues are not affected. The Company formed a working group to guide implementation efforts including the identification of revenue within the scope of the guidance, as well as the evaluation of revenue contracts and the respective performance obligations within those contracts. The Company completed its evaluation of this guidance and concluded there are no material changes related to the timing or amount of revenue recognition. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, but resulted in additional footnote disclosures, including the disaggregation of certain categories of revenue (see Note 10 - "Revenue Recognition").

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.” This ASU permits the use of the OIS rate based upon SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815 in addition to the UST, the LIBOR swap rate, the OIS rate based on the Fed Funds Effective Rate, and the SIFMA Municipal Swap Rate. The amendments in ASU 2018-16 are required to be adopted concurrently with ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging," which is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted. The amendments should be adopted on a prospective basis for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after the date of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU No. 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. Entities are also allowed to elect early adoption of the eliminated or modified disclosure requirements and delay adoption of the new disclosure requirements until their effective date. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, “Leases - Targeted Improvements” to provide entities with relief from the costs of implementing certain aspects of the new leasing standard, ASU No. 2016-02. Specifically, under the amendments in ASU 2018-11: (1) entities may elect not to recast the comparative periods presented when transitioning to the new leasing standard, and (2) lessors may elect not to separate lease and non-lease components when certain conditions are met. The amendments have the same effective date as ASU 2016-02 (January 1, 2019 for the Company). The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging." The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. ASU 2017-12 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted. ASU 2017-12 requires a modified retrospective transition method in which the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity in the statement of financial position as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.” This ASU shortens the amortization period for premiums on callable debt securities by requiring that premiums be amortized to the first (or earliest) call date instead of as an adjustment to the yield over the contractual life. This change more closely aligns the accounting with the economics of a callable debt security and the amortization period with expectations that already are included in market pricing on callable debt securities. This ASU does not change the accounting for discounts on callable debt securities, which will continue to be amortized to the maturity date. This guidance only includes instruments that are held at a premium and have explicit call features. It does not include instruments that contain prepayment features, such as mortgage backed securities; nor does it include call options that are contingent upon future events or in which the timing or amount to be paid is not fixed. The effective date for this ASU is fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within the reporting period, with early adoption permitted. Transition is on a modified retrospective basis with an adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. If early adopted in an interim period, adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The main objective of this ASU is to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment by requiring that impairment charges be based upon the first step in the current two-step impairment test under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 350. Currently, if the fair value of a reporting unit is lower than its carrying amount (Step 1), an entity calculates any impairment charge by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount (Step 2). The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated by deducting the fair value of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit from the reporting unit’s fair value as determined in Step 1. To determine the implied fair value of goodwill, entities estimate the fair value of any unrecognized intangible assets and any corporate-level

assets or liabilities that were included in the determination of the carrying amount and fair value of the reporting unit in Step 1. Under ASU 2017-04, if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an entity will record an impairment charge based on that difference. The impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This standard eliminates the requirement to calculate a goodwill impairment charge using Step 2. ASU 2017-04 does not change the guidance on completing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity will still be able to perform the current optional qualitative goodwill impairment assessment before determining whether to proceed to Step 1. The standard will be applied prospectively and is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed in periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The main objective of this ASU is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this ASU require financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses would represent a valuation account that would be deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The income statement would reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The measurement of expected credit losses would be based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. An entity will be required to use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 are effective for fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of this ASU is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company continues to evaluate the potential impact of ASU 2016-13 on the consolidated financial statements. In that regard, the Company formed, in the first quarter of 2017, a cross-functional working group, under the direction of the Chief Credit Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer. The working group is comprised of individuals from various functional areas including credit, risk management, finance and information technology, among others. The Company developed a detailed implementation plan to include an assessment of processes, portfolio segmentation, model development, model validation, system requirements and the identification of data and resource needs, among other things. The Company has recently selected a system platform and has engaged with third-party vendors to assist with model development, data governance and operational controls to support the adoption of this ASU. The adoption of the ASU 2016-13 may result in an increase in the allowance for loan losses as 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 establishing an allowance for expected credit losses on debt securities. The Company is currently unable to reasonably estimate the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13. It is expected that the impact of adoption will be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of our loan and securities portfolios as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842).” This ASU 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. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged under the new guidance. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective approach must be applied for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company formed a working group to guide the implementation efforts, including the identification and review of all lease agreements within the scope of the guidance. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the working group has largely identified the inventory of leases and actively accumulated the requisite lease data necessary to apply the guidance. Also, the working group evaluated and selected a software platform which supports the recording, accounting and disclosure requirements of the new lease guidance. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the ASU may have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 7. Fair Value Measurements

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The determination of fair values of financial instruments often requires the use of estimates. Where quoted market values in an active market are not readily available, the Company utilizes various valuation techniques to estimate fair value.

Fair value is an estimate of the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. However, in many instances fair value estimates may not be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and may not be realized in an immediate sale of the financial instrument.

GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of fair value hierarchy are as follows:


Level 1:						Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2:						Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3:						Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The valuation techniques are based upon the unpaid principal balance only, and exclude any accrued interest or dividends at the measurement date. Interest income and expense and dividend income are recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument using the effective interest method based on acquired discount or premium.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The valuation techniques described below were used to measure fair value of financial instruments in the table below on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Available for Sale Debt Securities, at Fair Value

For available for sale debt securities, fair value was estimated using a market approach. The majority of the Company’s securities are fixed income instruments that are not quoted on an exchange, but are traded in active markets. Prices for these instruments are obtained through third-party data service providers or dealer market participants with which the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of securities. Prices obtained from these sources include market quotations and matrix pricing. Matrix pricing, a Level 2 input, is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities to benchmark or to comparable securities. The Company evaluates the quality of Level 2 matrix pricing through comparison to similar assets with greater liquidity and evaluation of projected cash flows. As the Company is responsible for the determination of fair value, it performs quarterly analyses on the prices received from the pricing service to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. Specifically, the Company compares the prices received from the pricing service to a secondary pricing source. Additionally, the Company compares changes in the reported market values and returns to relevant market indices to test the reasonableness of the reported prices. The Company’s internal price verification procedures and review of fair value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services has not historically resulted in an adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service.

Equity Securities, at Fair Value

The Company holds equity securities that are traded in active markets with readily accessible quoted market prices that are considered Level 1 inputs.

Derivatives

The Company records all derivatives on the statement of financial condition at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. The Company has interest rate derivatives resulting from a service provided to certain qualified 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 fair value of the Company’s interest rate derivatives not used to manage interest rate risk are recognized directly in earnings.

The Company also uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, and which satisfy hedge accounting requirements, involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. These derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash outflows associated with FHLBNY borrowings. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of these derivatives are recognized directly in earnings.

The fair value of the Company's derivatives is determined using discounted cash flow analysis using observable market-based inputs, which are considered Level 2 inputs.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The valuation techniques described below were used to estimate fair value of financial instruments measured on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Collateral Dependent Impaired Loans

For loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, fair value was estimated using a market approach. The Company measures the fair value of collateral underlying impaired loans primarily through obtaining independent appraisals that rely upon quoted market prices for similar assets in active markets. These appraisals include adjustments, on an individual case-by-case basis, to comparable assets based on the appraisers’ market knowledge and experience, as well as adjustments for estimated costs to sell between 5% and 10%. The Company classifies these loans as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Foreclosed Assets

Assets acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure are carried at fair value, less estimated selling costs, which range between 5% and 10%. Fair value is generally based on independent appraisals that rely upon quoted market prices for similar assets in active markets. These appraisals include adjustments, on an individual case basis, to comparable assets based on the appraisers’ market knowledge and experience, and are classified as Level 3. When an asset is acquired, the excess of the loan balance over fair value less estimated selling costs is charged to the allowance for loan losses. A reserve for foreclosed assets may be established to provide for possible write-downs and selling costs that occur subsequent to foreclosure. Foreclosed assets are carried net of the related reserve. Operating results from real estate owned, including rental income, operating expenses, and gains and losses realized from the sales of real estate owned, are recorded as incurred.

There were no changes to the valuation techniques for fair value measurements as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

The following tables present the assets and liabilities reported on the consolidated statements of financial condition at their fair values as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, by level within the fair value hierarchy:


	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
(In thousands)	September 30, 2018		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Measured on a recurring basis:
Available for sale debt securities:


Mortgage-backed securities	$	1,014,171	—	1,014,171	—
State and municipal obligations	3,285		—	3,285	—
Corporate obligations	24,864		—	24,864	—
Total available for sale debt securities	$	1,042,320	—	1,042,320	—
Equity securities	722		722	—	—
Derivative assets	18,111		—	18,111	—
	$	1,061,153	722	1,060,431	—

Derivative liabilities	$	16,022	—	16,022	—

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral	$	3,477	—	—	3,477
Foreclosed assets	5,932		—	—	5,932
	$	9,409	—	—	9,409


	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
(In thousands)	December 31, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Measured on a recurring basis:
Available for sale debt securities:

Agency obligations	$	19,005	19,005	—	—
Mortgage-backed securities	988,367		—	988,367	—
State and municipal obligations	3,388		—	3,388	—
Corporate obligations	26,394		—	26,394	—
Total available for sale debt securities	$	1,037,154	19,005	1,018,149	—
Equity Securities	658		658	—	—
Derivative assets	7,219		—	7,219	—
	$	1,045,031	19,663	1,025,368	—

Derivative liabilities	$	6,315	—	6,315	—

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral	$	6,971	—	—	6,971
Foreclosed assets	6,864		—	—	6,864
	$	13,835	—	—	13,835

There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Other Fair Value Disclosures

The Company is required to disclose estimated fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities on and off the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for those assets and liabilities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and short-term investments, the carrying amount approximates fair value.

Held to Maturity Debt Securities

For held to maturity debt securities, fair value was estimated using a market approach. The majority of the Company’s securities are fixed income instruments that are not quoted on an exchange, but are traded in active markets. Prices for these instruments are obtained through third party data service providers or dealer market participants with which the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of securities. Prices obtained from these sources include market quotations and matrix pricing. Matrix pricing, a Level 2 input, is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities to benchmark or comparable securities. The Company evaluates the quality of Level 2 matrix pricing through comparison to similar assets with greater liquidity and evaluation of projected cash flows. As the Company is responsible for the determination of fair value, it performs quarterly analyses on the prices received from the pricing service to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. Specifically, the Company compares the prices received from the pricing service to a secondary pricing source. Additionally, the Company compares changes in the reported market values and returns to relevant market indices to test the reasonableness of the reported prices. The Company’s internal price verification procedures and review of fair value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services has not historically resulted in adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company also holds debt instruments issued by the U.S. government and U.S. government agencies that are traded in active markets with readily accessible quoted market prices that are considered Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

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

The carrying value of FHLBNY stock is its cost. The fair value of FHLBNY stock is based on redemption at par value. The Company classifies the estimated fair value as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Loans

Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial mortgage, residential mortgage, commercial, construction and consumer. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and into performing and non-performing categories. The fair value of performing loans was estimated using a combination of techniques, including a discounted cash flow model that utilizes a discount rate that reflects the Company’s current pricing for loans with similar characteristics and remaining maturity, adjusted by an amount for estimated credit losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date (i.e. exit pricing). The rates take into account the expected yield curve, as well as an adjustment for prepayment risk, when applicable. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its loan portfolio as Level 3.

The fair value for significant non-performing loans was based on recent external appraisals of collateral securing such loans, adjusted for the timing of anticipated cash flows. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its non-performing loan portfolio as Level 3.

Deposits

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest bearing demand deposits and savings deposits, was equal to the amount payable on demand and classified as Level 1. The estimated fair value of certificates of deposit was based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate was estimated using the Company’s current rates offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its certificates of deposit portfolio as Level 2.

Borrowed Funds

The fair value of borrowed funds was estimated by discounting future cash flows using rates available for debt with similar terms and maturities and is classified by the Company as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Letters of Credit

The fair value of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit was 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 estimates of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit are deemed immaterial.

Limitations

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with 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.

Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include goodwill and other intangibles, deferred tax assets and premises and equipment. 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.

The following tables present the Company’s financial instruments at their carrying and fair values as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Fair values are presented by level within the fair value hierarchy.


			Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2018 Using:
(Dollars in thousands)	Carrying value		Fair value	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	149,124	149,124	149,124	—	—
Available for sale debt securities:


Mortgage-backed securities	1,014,171		1,014,171	—	1,014,171	—
State and municipal obligations	3,285		3,285	—	3,285	—
Corporate obligations	24,864		24,864	—	24,864	—
Total available for sale debt securities	$	1,042,320	1,042,320	—	1,042,320	—
Held to maturity debt securities:
Agency obligations	4,988		4,828	4,828	—	—
Mortgage-backed securities	207		214	—	214	—
State and municipal obligations	458,958		455,086	—	455,086	—
Corporate obligations	9,939		9,733	—	9,733	—
Total held to maturity debt securities	$	474,092	469,861	4,828	465,033	—
FHLBNY stock	71,909		71,909	71,909	—	—
Equity Securities	722		722	722	—	—
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	7,174,463		7,019,068	—	—	7,019,068
Derivative assets	18,111		18,111	—	18,111	—

Financial liabilities:
Deposits other than certificates of deposits	$	6,041,883	6,041,883	6,041,883	—	—
Certificates of deposit	677,858		674,025	—	674,025	—
Total deposits	$	6,719,741	6,715,908	6,041,883	674,025	—
Borrowings	1,529,914		1,514,148	—	1,514,148	—
Derivative liabilities	16,022		16,022	—	16,022	—


			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using:
(Dollars in thousands)	Carrying value		Fair value	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	190,834	190,834	190,834	—	—
Available for sale debt securities:

Agency obligations	19,005		19,005	19,005	—	—
Mortgage-backed securities	988,367		988,367	—	988,367	—
State and municipal obligations	3,388		3,388	—	3,388	—
Corporate obligations	26,394		26,394	—	26,394	—
Total available for sale debt securities	$	1,037,154	1,037,154	19,005	1,018,149	—
Held to maturity debt securities:

Agency obligations	$	4,308	4,221	4,221	—	—
Mortgage-backed securities	382		396	—	396	—
State and municipal obligations	462,942		470,484	—	470,484	—
Corporate obligations	10,020		9,938	—	9,938	—
Total held to maturity debt securities	$	477,652	485,039	4,221	480,818	—
FHLBNY stock	81,184		81,184	81,184	—	—
Equity Securities	658		658	658	—	—
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	7,265,523		7,217,705	—	—	7,217,705
Derivative assets	7,219		7,219	—	7,219	—

Financial liabilities:
Deposits other than certificates of deposits	$	6,079,357	6,079,357	6,079,357	—	—
Certificates of deposit	634,809		632,744	—	632,744	—
Total deposits	$	6,714,166	6,712,101	6,079,357	632,744	—
Borrowings	1,742,514		1,739,102	—	1,739,102	—
Derivative liabilities	6,315		6,315	—	6,315	—

Note 8. Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The following table presents the components of other comprehensive (loss) income, both gross and net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):


	Three months ended September 30,
	2018						2017
	Before Tax		Tax Effect	After Tax	Before Tax	Tax Effect	After Tax
Components of Other Comprehensive Income:
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt securities:
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period	$	(6,547)	1,727	(4,820)	799	(320)	479
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	—		—	—	—	—	—
Total	(6,547)		1,727	(4,820)	799	(320)	479
Unrealized gains on derivatives (cash flow hedges)	62		(16)	46	90	(36)	54
Amortization related to post-retirement obligations	100		(25)	75	61	(25)	36
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(6,385)	1,686	(4,699)	950	(381)	569


	Nine months ended September 30,
	2018						2017
	Before Tax		Tax Effect	After Tax	Before Tax	Tax Effect	After Tax
Components of Other Comprehensive Income:
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt securities:
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period	$	(24,310)	6,413	(17,897)	4,136	(1,658)	2,478
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	—		—	—	—	—	—
Total	(24,310)		6,413	(17,897)	4,136	(1,658)	2,478
Unrealized gains on derivatives (cash flow hedges)	985		(261)	724	177	(71)	106
Amortization related to post-retirement obligations	283		(72)	211	183	(78)	105
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(23,042)	6,080	(16,962)	4,496	(1,807)	2,689

The following tables present the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss), net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):


	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component, net of tax for the three months ended September 30,
	2018								2017
	Unrealized Losses on Available for Sale Debt Securities		Post- Retirement Obligations	Unrealized gains on Derivatives (cash flow hedges)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Unrealized Gains on Available for Sale Debt Securities	Post- Retirement Obligations	Unrealized gains (losses) on Derivatives (cash flow hedges)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at June 30,	$	(16,553)	(4,710)	1,351	(19,912)	1,489	(2,987)	221	(1,277)
Current - period other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,820)		75	46	(4,699)	479	36	54	569
Balance at September 30,	$	(21,373)	(4,635)	1,397	(24,611)	1,968	(2,951)	275	(708)


	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component, net of tax for the nine months ended September 30,
	2018								2017
	Unrealized Losses on Available for Sale Debt Securities		Post- Retirement Obligations	Unrealized gains on Derivatives (cash flow hedges)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Available for Sale Debt Securities	Post- Retirement Obligations	Unrealized gains on Derivatives (cash flow hedges)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at December 31,	$	(3,292)	(4,846)	673	(7,465)	(510)	(3,056)	169	(3,397)
Current - period other comprehensive (loss) income	(17,897)		211	724	(16,962)	2,478	105	106	2,689
Reclassification of unrealized gains on equity securities due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01	$	(184)	—	—	(184)	—	—	—	—
Balance at September 30,	$	(21,373)	(4,635)	1,397	(24,611)	1,968	(2,951)	275	(708)

The following tables summarize the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):


	Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI")
	Amount reclassified from AOCI for the three months ended September 30,				Affected line item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
	2018		2017
Details of AOCI:










Post-retirement obligations:
Amortization of actuarial losses	$	100	61	Compensation and employee benefits (1)
	(25)		(25)	Income tax expense
Total reclassification	$	75	36	Net of tax


	Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI")
	Amount reclassified from AOCI for the nine months ended September 30,				Affected line item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
	2018		2017
Details of AOCI:










Post-retirement obligations:
Amortization of actuarial losses	$	300	183	Compensation and employee benefits (1)
	(78)		(78)	Income tax expense
Total reclassification	$	222	105	Net of tax

⁽¹⁾This item is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 5. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost.

Note 9. Derivative and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities.

Non-designated Hedges. Derivatives not designated in qualifying hedging relationships are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain qualified commercial borrowers in loan related transactions and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities. 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 the interest rate swaps associated with this program 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. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had 54 and 48 interest rate swaps, respectively, with aggregate notional amounts of $889.9 million and $718.5 million, respectively, related to this program.

Additionally, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had eight and two credit derivatives, respectively, with aggregate notional amounts of $55.8 million and $15.8 million, respectively, from participations in interest rate swaps provided to external lenders as part of loan participation arrangements; therefore, they are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company's assets or liabilities. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair value of these credit derivatives were $67,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk. The Company’s objective in using interest rate derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash outflows associated with Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not record any hedge ineffectiveness.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s debt. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $659,100 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had two outstanding interest rate derivatives with an aggregate notional amount of $60.0 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):


	At September 30, 2018
	Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
	Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	Fair Value		Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	Fair Value
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument:
Interest rate products	Other assets	$	16,145	Other liabilities	16,022
Credit contracts	Other assets	67		Other liabilities	—
Total derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument		$	16,212		16,022

Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument:
Interest rate products	Other assets	$	1,899	Other liabilities	—

Total derivatives designated as a hedging instrument		$	1,899		—


	At December 31, 2017
	Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
	Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	Fair Value		Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	Fair Value
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument:
Interest rate products	Other assets	$	6,303	Other liabilities	6,315
Credit contracts	Other assets	1		Other liabilities	—
Total derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument		$	6,304		6,315

Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument:
Interest rate products	Other assets	$	915	Other liabilities	—

Total derivatives designated as a hedging instrument		$	915		—

The tables below present the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands).


		Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives for the three months ended
	Consolidated Statements of Income	September 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument:
Interest rate products	Other income	$	27	(36)
Credit contracts	Other income	(145)		—
Total		$	(118)	(36)

Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument:
Interest rate products	Interest expense	$	105	(59)
Total		$	105	(59)


		Gain (loss) recognized in Income on derivatives for the nine months ended
	Consolidated Statements of Income	September 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument:
Interest rate products	Other income	$	265	(428)
Credit contracts	Other income	(64)		1
Total		$	201	(427)

Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument:
Interest rate products	Interest expense	$	(185)	(166)
Total		$	(185)	(166)

The Company has agreements with certain of its dealer counterparties that contain a provision that if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

In addition, the Company has agreements with certain of its dealer counterparties that contain a provision that if the Company fails to maintain its status as a well/adequately capitalized institution, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Company would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.

At September 30, 2018, the Company had five dealer counterparties, only one of which, was the Company in a net liability position. The termination value for this net liability position, which includes accrued interest, was $566,000 at September 30, 2018. The Company has minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties, and has posted collateral of $310,000 against its obligations under these agreements. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at September 30, 2018, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value.

Note 10. Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 606. The Company performed a review and assessment of all revenue streams, the related contracts with customers and the underlying performance obligations in those contracts. This guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including interest income on loans and investments, which comprise the majority of the Company's revenue. For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the out-of-scope revenue related to financial instruments was 85% and 84% of the Company's total revenue, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the out-of-scope revenue related to financial instruments was 86% and 85% of the Company's total revenue, respectively. Revenue-generating activities that are within the scope of Topic 606, are components of non-interest income. These revenue streams can generally be classified into wealth management revenue and banking service charges and other fees. The adoption of this standard did not change the current measurement or recognition of revenue. As such, a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings was not deemed necessary.

The following table presents non-interest income, segregated by revenue streams in-scope and out-of-scope of Topic 606, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:


	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
(in-thousands)	2018		2017	2018	2017
Non-interest income
In-scope of Topic 606:
Wealth management fees	$	4,570	4,592	13,572	13,314
Banking service charges and other fees:
Service charges on deposit accounts	3,356		3,399	9,910	9,713
Debit card and ATM fees	1,486		1,430	4,444	4,276
Total banking service charges and other fees	4,842		4,829	14,354	13,989
Total in-scope non-interest income	9,412		9,421	27,926	27,303
Total out-of-scope non-interest income	6,504		5,691	15,134	15,093
Total non-interest income	$	15,916	15,112	43,060	42,396

Wealth management fee income represents fees earned from customers as consideration for asset management, investment advisory and trust services. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied monthly and the resulting fees are recognized monthly based upon the month-end market value of the assets under management and the applicable fee rate. The monthly accrual of wealth management fees is recorded in other assets on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Fees are received from the customer either on a quarterly or monthly basis. The Company does not earn performance-based incentives. To a lesser extent, optional services such as tax return preparation and estate settlement are also available to existing customers. The Company’s performance obligation for these transaction-based services are generally satisfied, and related revenue recognized, at either a point in time when the service is completed, or in the case of estate settlement, over a relatively short period of time, as each service component is completed.

Service charges on deposit accounts include overdraft service fees, account analysis fees and other deposit related fees. These fees are generally transaction-based, or time-based services. The Company's performance obligation for these services are generally satisfied, and revenue recognized, at the time the transaction is completed, or the service rendered. Fees for these services are generally received from the customer either at the time of transaction, or monthly. Debit card and ATM fees are generally transaction-based. Debit card revenue is primarily comprised of interchange fees earned when a customer's Company card is processed through a card payment network. ATM fees are largely generated when a Company cardholder uses a non-Company ATM, or a non-Company cardholder uses a Company ATM. The Company's performance obligation for these services is satisfied when the service is rendered. Payment is generally received at time of transaction or monthly.

Out-of-scope non-interest income primarily consists of Bank-owned life insurance and net fees on loan level interest rate swaps, along with gains and losses on the sale of loans and foreclosed real estate, loan prepayment fees and loan servicing fees. None of these revenue streams are subject to the requirements of Topic 606.


Item 2.			MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods, or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” "project," "intend," “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar terms or variations on those terms, or the negative of those terms. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as supplemented by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and those related to the economic environment, particularly in the market areas in which the Company operates, competitive products and pricing, fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. Government, changes in government regulations affecting financial institutions, including regulatory fees and capital requirements, changes in prevailing interest rates, acquisitions and

the integration of acquired businesses, credit risk management, asset-liability management, the financial and securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity.

The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date made. The Company also advises readers that the factors listed above could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements. The Company does not have any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any subsequent events or circumstances after the date of this statement.

Recent Developments

On May 24, 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“Economic Growth Act”) was enacted, which repealed or modified several important provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”) that have impacted the Company. Key aspects of the Economic Growth Act that have the potential to affect the Company’s business and results of operations include:

• Raising the total asset threshold from $10 billion to $250 billion at which bank holding companies are required to conduct annual company-run stress tests mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act; and

• Raising the total asset threshold from $10 billion to $50 billion at which publicly traded bank holding companies are required to establish risk committees for the oversight of the enterprise-wide risk management practices of the institution.

To the extent our balance sheet grows organically or through strategic opportunities, the Company expects to benefit significantly from the amendments which raised the above asset thresholds for conducting annual company-run stress tests. However, notwithstanding this regulatory relief, the Company intends to continue employing a stress testing protocol commensurate with the risk of the institution as part of its enterprise risk management framework. The Company currently has, and will continue to maintain, a risk committee of its board of directors.

The Economic Growth Act also provided significant regulatory relief to institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, including by:

• Raising the total asset threshold from $2 billion to $10 billion at which banks may deem certain loans originated and held in portfolio as “qualified mortgages” for purposes of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s (“BCFP”) ability-to-repay rule;

• Requiring the federal banking agencies to develop a Community Bank Leverage Ratio of not less than 8% and not more than 10%, under which any qualifying community bank under $10 billion in total assets that exceeds such ratio would be considered to have met the existing risk-based capital rules and be deemed “well capitalized” and

• Amending the Bank Holding Company Act to exempt from the Volcker Rule banks with total assets of $10 billion or less and which have total trading assets and trading liabilities of 5% or less of their total consolidated assets.

Although the Company may benefit from these legislative changes in the short term, the extent of such benefits will be limited if the Company grows and eventually exceeds $10 billion in total consolidated assets.

Despite the improvements for community banks and mid-size financial institutions that have resulted from the Economic Growth Act, many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations remain in place and will continue to result in additional operating and compliance costs that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operation. In addition, the Economic Growth Act requires the enactment of a number of implementing regulations, the details of which may have a material effect on the ultimate impact of the law.

In connection with the adoption of the state of New Jersey's budget on July 1, 2018, sweeping changes were made to New Jersey's Corporation Business Tax, generally effective January 1, 2019. Among other provisions, a New Jersey surtax was enacted effective July 1, 2018, for the periods beginning January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2021. This surtax did not have a material impact on the Company's income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company considers certain accounting policies to be critically important to the fair presentation of its financial condition and results of operations. These policies require management to make complex judgments on matters which by their nature have elements of uncertainty. The sensitivity of the Company’s consolidated financial statements to these critical accounting policies, and the assumptions and estimates applied, could have a significant impact on its financial condition and results of operations. These assumptions, estimates and judgments made by management can be influenced by a number of factors, including the general economic environment. The Company has identified the following as critical accounting policies:

• Adequacy of the allowance for loan losses

• Valuation of available for sale debt securities and impairment analysis

• Valuation of deferred tax assets

The calculation of the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting policy of the Company. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation account that reflects management’s evaluation of the probable losses in the loan portfolio. The Company maintains the allowance for loan losses through provisions for loan losses that are charged to income. Charge-offs against the allowance for loan losses are taken on loans where management determines that the collection of loan principal is unlikely. Recoveries made on loans that have been charged-off are credited to the allowance for loan losses.

Management's evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses includes a review of all loans on which the collectability of principal may not be reasonably assured. For residential mortgage and consumer loans, this is determined primarily by delinquency status. For commercial mortgage, multi-family, construction and commercial loans, an extensive review of financial performance, payment history and collateral values is conducted on a quarterly basis.

As part of its evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, each quarter management prepares an analysis that categorizes the entire loan portfolio by certain risk characteristics such as loan type (residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, construction, commercial, etc.) and loan risk rating.

When assigning a risk rating to a loan, management utilizes a nine point internal risk rating system. Loans deemed to be “acceptable quality” are rated 1 through 4, with a rating of 1 established for loans with minimal risk. Loans deemed to be of “questionable quality” are rated 5 (watch) or 6 (special mention). Loans with adverse classifications (substandard, doubtful or loss) are rated 7, 8 or 9, respectively. Commercial mortgage, multi-family, construction and commercial loans are rated individually and each lending officer is responsible for risk rating loans in their portfolio. These risk ratings are then reviewed by the department manager and/or the Chief Lending Officer and the Credit Department. The risk ratings are also confirmed through periodic loan review examinations, which are currently performed by an independent third party, and periodically by the Credit Committee in the credit renewal or approval process. In addition, the Bank requires an annual review be performed for commercial and commercial real estate loans above certain dollar thresholds, depending on loan type, to help determine the appropriate risk rating.

Management estimates the amount of loan losses for groups of loans by applying quantitative loss factors to loan segments at the risk rating level, and applying qualitative adjustments to each loan segment at the portfolio level. Quantitative loss factors give consideration to historical loss experience by loan type based upon an appropriate look-back period and adjusted for a loss emergence period. Quantitative loss factors are evaluated at least annually. Management completed its annual evaluation of the quantitative loss factors for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. Qualitative adjustments give consideration to other qualitative or environmental factors such as trends and levels of delinquencies, impaired loans, charge-offs, recoveries and loan volumes, as well as national and local economic trends and conditions. Qualitative adjustments reflect risks in the loan portfolio not captured by the quantitative loss factors and, as such, are evaluated from a risk level perspective relative to the risk levels present over the look-back period. Qualitative adjustments are evaluated at least quarterly. The reserves resulting from the application of both of these sets of loss factors are combined to arrive at the allowance for loan losses.

Management believes the primary risks inherent in the portfolio are a general decline in the economy, a decline in real estate market values, rising unemployment or a protracted period of elevated unemployment, increasing vacancy rates in commercial investment properties and possible increases in interest rates in the absence of economic improvement. Any one or a combination of these events may adversely affect borrowers’ ability to repay the loans, resulting in increased delinquencies, loan losses and future levels of provisions. Accordingly, the Company has provided for loan losses at the current level to address the current risk in its loan portfolio. Management considers it important to maintain the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans at an acceptable level given current economic conditions, interest rates and the composition of the portfolio.

Although management believes that the Company has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at appropriate levels, additions may be necessary if future economic and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis giving consideration to historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile securities markets, and declines in the housing and commercial real estate markets and the economy generally have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for loan losses as an integral part of

their examination process. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance or additional write-downs based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Although management uses the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate that is subject to significant judgment and short-term change.

The Company’s available for sale debt securities portfolio is carried at estimated fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in Stockholders’ Equity. Estimated fair values are based on market quotations or matrix pricing as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. Securities which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. Management conducts a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if any declines in the fair values of securities are other-than-temporary. In this evaluation, if such a decline were deemed other-than-temporary, management would measure the total credit-related component of the unrealized loss, and recognize that portion of the loss as a charge to current period earnings. The remaining portion of the unrealized loss would be recognized as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income. The fair value of the securities portfolio is significantly affected by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed-rate securities decreases and as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed-rate securities increases. The Company determines if it has the intent to sell these securities or if it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery. If either exists, the entire decline in value is considered other-than-temporary and would be recognized as an expense in the current period. In its evaluations, the Company did not recognize an other-than-temporary impairment charge on securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

The determination of whether deferred tax assets will be realizable is predicated on the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities and estimates of future taxable income. Such estimates are subject to management’s judgment. A valuation allowance is established when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that it will realize deferred tax assets based on the nature and timing of these items. The Company did not require a valuation allowance at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND DECEMBER 31, 2017

Total assets at September 30, 2018 were $9.71 billion, a $135.6 million decrease from December 31, 2017. The decline in total assets was primarily due to a $97.3 million decrease in total loans, a $41.7 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents and a $7.6 million decrease in total investments.

The Company’s loan portfolio decreased $97.3 million to $7.23 billion at September 30, 2018, from $7.33 billion at December 31, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, loan originations, including advances on lines of credit, totaled $2.34 billion, compared with $2.56 billion for the same period in 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the loan portfolio had net decreases of $111.4 million in commercial loans, $59.9 million in multi-family mortgage loans, $34.5 million in residential mortgage loans and $30.6 million in consumer loans, partially offset by net increases of $102.9 million in commercial mortgage loans and $36.7 million in construction loans. Net portfolio growth was constrained by elevated payoff activity and loan sales, including the sale of loans as part of the Company's wind down of its asset-based lending business. Commercial real estate, commercial and construction loans represented 78.5% of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2018, compared to 77.9% at December 31, 2017.

The Company participates in loans originated by other banks, including participations designated as Shared National Credits (“SNCs”). The Company’s gross commitments and outstanding balances as a participant in SNCs were $226.6 million and $97.6 million, respectively, at September 30, 2018, compared to $342.5 million and $223.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017. No SNCs were 90 days or more delinquent at September 30, 2018.

The Company had outstanding junior lien mortgages totaling $184.0 million at September 30, 2018. Of this total, 13 loans totaling $601,000 were 90 days or more delinquent. These loans were allocated total loss reserves of $112,000.

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s non-performing assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018		December 31, 2017
Mortgage loans:
Residential	$	6,463	8,105
Commercial	3,758		7,090


Total mortgage loans	10,221		15,195
Commercial loans	17,780		17,243
Consumer loans	1,065		2,491


Total non-performing loans	29,066		34,929
Foreclosed assets	5,932		6,864
Total non-performing assets	$	34,998	41,793

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s 60-89 day delinquent loans as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2018		December 31, 2017
Mortgage loans:
Residential	$	2,819	4,325

Multi-family	400		—
Total mortgage loans	3,219		4,325
Commercial loans	13,659		406
Consumer loans	353		487
Total 60-89 day delinquent loans	$	17,231	5,218

At September 30, 2018, the allowance for loan losses totaled $53.9 million, or 0.75% of total loans, compared to $60.2 million, or 0.82% of total loans at December 31, 2017. Total non-performing loans were $29.1 million, or 0.40% of total loans at September 30, 2018, compared to $34.9 million, or 0.48% of total loans at December 31, 2017. The $5.9 million decrease in non-performing loans consisted of a $3.3 million decrease in non-performing commercial mortgage loans, a $1.6 million decrease in non-performing residential mortgage loans and a $1.4 million decrease in non-performing consumer loans, partially offset by a $537,000 increase in non-performing commercial loans. Non-performing loans do not include $919,000 of purchased credit impaired ("PCI") loans acquired from Team Capital Bank in 2014.

At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company held $5.9 million and $6.9 million of foreclosed assets, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were six additions to foreclosed assets with a carrying value of $1.7 million and 13 properties sold with a carrying value of $2.4 million. Foreclosed assets at September 30, 2018 consisted of $3.7 million of commercial real estate and $2.2 million of residential real estate.

Non-performing assets totaled $35.0 million, or 0.36% of total assets at September 30, 2018, compared to $41.8 million, or 0.42% of total assets at December 31, 2017.

Total investments were $1.59 billion at September 30, 2018, which decreased $7.6 million, compared to the balance at December 31, 2017, largely due to repayments of mortgage-backed securities, maturities and calls of certain municipal and agency bonds and an increase in unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities, partially offset by purchases of mortgage-backed and municipal securities.

Total deposits increased $5.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, to $6.72 billion. Total time deposits increased $43.0 million to $677.9 million at September 30, 2018, while total core deposits, which consist of savings and demand deposit accounts, decreased $37.5 million to $6.04 billion at September 30, 2018. The increase in time deposits was primarily the result of a 13-month certificate of deposit promotional campaign which provided the Company a lower-cost funding alternative to wholesale borrowings. The decrease in core deposits was largely attributable to a $69.0 million decrease in money market deposits and a $36.0 million decrease in savings deposits, partially offset by a $41.2 million increase in interest bearing demand deposits and a $26.4 million increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits. Core deposits represented 89.9% of total deposits at September 30, 2018, compared to 90.5% at December 31, 2017.

Borrowed funds decreased $212.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, to $1.53 billion. The decrease in borrowings for the period was primarily a function of lower asset funding requirements. Borrowed funds represented 15.8% of total assets at September 30, 2018, a decrease from 17.7% at December 31, 2017.

Stockholders’ equity increased $32.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, to $1.33 billion, primarily due to net income earned for the period, partially offset by dividends paid to stockholders and an increase in unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities. Common stock repurchases for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 totaled 77,766 shares at an average cost of $26.05. These common stock repurchases were largely made in connection with withholding to cover income taxes on the vesting of stock-based compensation. At September 30, 2018, 3.1 million shares remained eligible for repurchase under the current stock repurchase authorization.

Book value per share and tangible book value per share at September 30, 2018 were $19.92 and $13.65, respectively, compared with $19.52 and $13.20, respectively, at December 31, 2017. Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure.

The following table reconciles book value per share to tangible book value per share and the associated calculations (in thousands, except per share data):


	September 30, 2018				December 31, 2017
Total stockholders' equity	$	1,331,589	$	1,298,661
Less: Total intangible assets	418,674		420,290
Total tangible stockholders' equity	$	912,915	$	878,371

Shares outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017	66,857,212		66,535,017

Book value per share (total stockholders' equity/shares outstanding)	$	19.92	$	19.52
Tangible book value per share (total tangible stockholders' equity/shares outstanding)	$	13.65	$	13.20

Liquidity and Capital Resources. Liquidity refers to the Company’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet financial obligations to its depositors, to fund loans and securities purchases, deposit outflows and operating expenses. Sources of funds include scheduled amortization of loans, loan prepayments, scheduled maturities of investments, cash flows from mortgage-backed securities and the ability to borrow funds from the FHLBNY and approved broker-dealers.

Cash flows from loan payments and maturing investment securities are fairly predictable sources of funds. Changes in interest rates, local economic conditions and the competitive marketplace can influence loan prepayments, prepayments on mortgage-backed securities and deposit flows.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised the leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, that was effective January 1, 2015. Among other things, the rule established a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), adopted a uniform minimum leverage capital ratio at 4%, increased the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4% to 6% of risk-weighted assets) and assigns a higher risk weight (150%) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property. The rule also required unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital unless a one-time opt-out was exercised. The Company exercised the option to exclude unrealized gains and losses from the calculation of regulatory capital. Additional constraints were also imposed on the inclusion in regulatory capital of mortgage-servicing assets, deferred tax assets and minority interests. The rule limits a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer,” which when fully phased-in will consist 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 was effective on January 1, 2016, with a 0.625% requirement in that year, and will continue to be phased in through January 1, 2019, when the full capital requirement will be effective. For 2018, the capital conservation buffer requirement is 1.875%.

As of September 30, 2018, the Bank and the Company exceeded all current minimum regulatory capital requirements as follows:


	September 30, 2018
	Required						Required with Capital Conservation Buffer						Actual
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
	(Dollars in thousands)
Bank:⁽¹⁾
Tier 1 leverage capital	$	372,352	4.00	%	$	372,352	4.00	%	$	901,000	9.68	%
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital	341,292		4.50		483,497		6.38		901,000		11.88
Tier 1 risk-based capital	455,056		6.00		597,261		7.88		901,000		11.88
Total risk-based capital	606,741		8.00		748,946		9.88		955,057		12.59

Company:
Tier 1 leverage capital	$	372,374	4.00	%	$	372,374	4.00	%	$	937,941	10.08	%
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital	341,320		4.50		483,536		6.38		937,941		12.37
Tier 1 risk-based capital	455,093		6.00		597,309		7.88		937,941		12.37
Total risk-based capital	606,790		8.00		749,007		9.88		991,998		13.08

(1) Under the FDIC's prompt corrective action provisions, the Bank is considered well capitalized if it has: a leverage (Tier 1) capital ratio of at least 5.00%; a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.50%; a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.00%; and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.00%.

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND 2017

General. The Company reported net income of $35.5 million, or $0.55 per basic and $0.54 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net income of $26.6 million, or $0.41 per basic and diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company reported net income of $82.6 million, or $1.27 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $74.5 million, or $1.16 per basic share and $1.15 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

The Company's earnings for the quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were favorably impacted by lower Federal income tax rates, period over period growth in average loans outstanding, growth in average non-interest bearing deposits and the continued expansion of the net interest margin. The improvement in the net interest margin was driven by an increase in the yield on earning assets, growth in average non-interest bearing deposits and a lagging cost of funds.

Net Interest Income. Total net interest income increased $5.6 million to $75.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, from $70.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, total net interest income increased $17.0 million to $223.3 million, from $206.3 million for the same period in 2017. Interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 increased $9.4 million to $91.3 million, from $81.9 million for the same period in 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, interest income increased $25.7 million to $265.9 million, from $240.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Interest expense increased $3.8 million to $15.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, from $11.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, interest expense increased $8.6 million to $42.6 million, from $33.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

The net interest margin increased 16 basis points to 3.38% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, compared to 3.22% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets increased 32 basis points to 4.07% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, compared with 3.75% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, while the weighted average cost of interest bearing liabilities increased 22 basis points to 0.90% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, compared to the third quarter of 2017. The average cost of interest bearing deposits for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 was 0.60%, compared with 0.38% for the same period last year. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $134.8 million to $1.50 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, from $1.36 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The average cost of borrowed funds for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 was 1.93%, compared to 1.71% for the same period last year.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the net interest margin increased 14 basis points to 3.33%, compared to 3.19% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The weighted average yield on interest earning assets increased 26 basis points to 3.98% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared with 3.72% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, while the weighted average cost of interest bearing liabilities increased 16 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to 0.83%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The average cost of interest bearing deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 0.53%, compared with 0.36% for the same period last year. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $119.0 million to $1.46 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $1.34 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The average cost of borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 1.81%, compared with 1.67% for the same period last year.

Interest income on loans secured by real estate increased $6.8 million to $54.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from $47.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Commercial loan interest income increased $1.2 million to $20.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from $19.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the average balance of total loans increased $257.8 million to $7.20 billion, from $6.94 billion for the same period in 2017. The average loan yield for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 30 basis points to 4.38%, from 4.08% for the same period in 2017.

Interest income on loans secured by real estate increased $18.1 million to $158.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $140.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Commercial loan interest income increased $4.8 million to $58.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $53.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Consumer loan interest income decreased $348,000 to $14.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $15.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the average balance of total loans increased $273.3 million to $7.21 billion, from $6.94 billion for the same period in 2017. The average loan yield for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 26 basis points to 4.27%, from 4.01% for the same period in 2017.

Interest income on held to maturity debt securities decreased $123,000 to $3.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period last year. Average held to maturity debt securities decreased $16.8 million to $473.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, from $490.1 million for the same period last year. Interest income on held to maturity debt securities decreased $365,000 to $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017. Average held to maturity debt securities decreased $18.4 million to $471.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $490.0 million for the same period last year.

Interest income on available for sale debt securities and FHLBNY stock increased $1.3 million to $7.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, from $6.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The average balance of available for sale debt securities and FHLBNY stock increased $8.6 million to $1.12 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017. Interest income on available for sale debt securities and FHLBNY stock increased $3.1 million to $22.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $19.7 million for the same period last year. The average balance of available for sale debt securities and FHLBNY stock decreased $1.4 million to $1.12 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

The average yield on total securities increased to 2.75% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with 2.41% for the same period in 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the average yield on total securities was 2.69%, compared with 2.53% for the same period in 2017.

Interest expense on deposit accounts increased $2.9 million to $7.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, compared with $5.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, interest expense on deposit accounts increased $7.0 million to $21.1 million, from $14.1 million for the same period last year. The average cost of interest bearing deposits increased to 0.60% for the third quarter of 2018 and 0.53% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 0.38% and 0.36% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. The average balance of interest bearing core deposits for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 decreased $1.0 million to $4.57 billion. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, average interest bearing core deposits increased $79.1 million, to $4.64 billion, from $4.56 billion for the same period in 2017. Average time deposit account balances increased $13.8 million, to $653.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, from $639.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, average time deposit account balances decreased $13.2 million, to $645.0 million, from $658.2 million for the same period in 2017.

Interest expense on borrowed funds increased $925,000 to $7.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, from $6.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, interest expense on borrowed funds increased $1.6 million to $21.5 million, from $19.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

The average cost of borrowings increased to 1.93% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 1.71% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The average cost of borrowings increased to 1.81% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 1.67% for the same period last year. Average borrowings increased $15.8 million to $1.57 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, from $1.55 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, average borrowings decreased $10.5 million to $1.58 billion, compared to $1.59 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level management considers necessary to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. In determining the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and current loss experience, evaluations of real estate collateral, current economic conditions, volume and type of lending, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay the loan and the levels of non-performing and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates, and the ultimate losses may vary from such estimates as more information becomes available or later events change. Management assesses the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and makes provisions for loan losses, if necessary, in order to maintain the adequacy of the allowance.

The Company recorded provisions for loan losses of $1.0 million and $21.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. This compared with provisions for loan losses of $500,000 and $3.7 million recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company had net charge-offs of $5.9 million and $28.2 million, respectively, compared with net charge-offs of $3.1 million and $5.3 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. At September 30, 2018, the Company’s allowance for loan losses was $53.9 million, or 0.75% of total loans, compared with $60.2 million, or 0.82% of total loans at December 31, 2017.

Charge-offs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, were largely impacted by the write down of certain asset-based loans. The reduction in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was primarily attributable to asset-based loan sales and the improvement in asset quality of the remaining loan portfolio.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income totaled $15.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $804,000 compared to the same period in 2017. Income from Bank-owned life insurance ("BOLI") increased $730,000 to $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2017. This increase was primarily due to the recognition of higher benefit claims in the current period. Other income increased $355,000 to $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a $228,000 increase in net fees on loan-level interest rate swap transactions and a $147,000 increase in net gains on the sale of loans, including the sale of loans as part of the wind down of the asset-based lending business, partially offset by a $104,000 decrease in net gains on the sale of foreclosed real estate. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interest income, fee income decreased $225,000 to $7.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, largely due to a $473,000 decrease in commercial loan prepayment fee income, partially offset by a $175,000 increase in income from the sale of non-deposit investment products.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, non-interest income totaled $43.1 million, an increase of $664,000, compared to the same period in 2017. Other income increased $1.3 million to $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2017, due to an $888,000 increase in net fees on loan-level interest rate swap transactions and a $362,000 increase in net gains on the sale of loans. Also, wealth management income increased $258,000 to $13.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, resulting from growth in assets under management, higher incremental fees on new asset management relationships and increased revenue from mutual fund offerings. BOLI income decreased $651,000 to $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due to a decrease in the recognition of benefit claims from the prior year.

Non-Interest Expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, non-interest expense totaled $46.7 million, an increase of $379,000, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. Data processing expense increased $316,000 to $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, principally due to increases in software maintenance and telecommunication expenses. Compensation and benefits expense increased $218,000 to $27.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $27.3 million for the same period in 2017. This increase was principally due to additional salary expense related to annual merit increases and an increase in stock-based compensation, partially offset by a decrease in the accrual for incentive compensation. Other operating expenses increased $107,000 to $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, largely due to increases in consulting costs and loan collection expenses, partially offset by a decrease in attorney fees. Partially offsetting these increases, net occupancy costs decreased $181,000 to $5.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, principally due to decreases in depreciation, real estate taxes and facilities maintenance expenses, partially offset by an increase in rent expense. A portion of these variances are associated with the Company's sale and leaseback of certain facilities in

December 2017. Also, amortization of intangibles decreased $123,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same period in 2017, as a result of scheduled reductions in amortization.

Non-interest expense totaled $142.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $2.6 million, or 1.9%, compared to $139.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Compensation and benefits expense increased $2.3 million to $83.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $81.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to additional salary expense related to annual merit increases and an increase in stock-based compensation, partially offset by a decrease in the accrual for incentive compensation. Data processing expense increased $560,000 to $10.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $10.3 million for the same period in 2017, principally due to increases in software maintenance expense, partially offset by lower telecommunication expense. In addition, other operating expenses increased $507,000 to $21.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, largely due to an increase in consulting expenses, partially offset by a decrease in attorney fees and a valuation charge related to foreclosed real estate recognized in the prior year. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interest expense, amortization of intangibles decreased $454,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same period in 2017, as a result of scheduled reductions in amortization.

Income Tax Expense. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s income tax expense was $8.6 million and $19.5 million, respectively, compared with $12.0 million and $30.8 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates were 19.5% and 19.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 31.1% and 29.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The decreases in tax expense and the effective tax rates were the result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017.


Item 3.			QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Qualitative Analysis. Interest rate risk is the exposure of a bank’s current and future earnings and capital arising from adverse movements in interest rates. The guidelines of the Company’s interest rate risk policy seek to limit the exposure to changes in interest rates that affect the underlying economic value of assets and liabilities, earnings and capital. To minimize interest rate risk, the Company generally sells all 20- and 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans at origination. Commercial real estate loans generally have interest rates that reset in five years, and other commercial loans such as construction loans and commercial lines of credit reset with changes in the Prime rate, the Federal Funds rate or LIBOR. Investment securities purchases generally have maturities of five years or less, and mortgage-backed securities have weighted average lives between three and five years.

The Asset/Liability Committee meets on at least a monthly basis to review the impact of interest rate changes on net interest income, net interest margin, net income and the economic value of equity. The Asset/Liability Committee reviews a variety of strategies that project changes in asset or liability mix and the impact of those changes on projected net interest income and net income.

The Company’s strategy for liabilities has been to maintain a stable core-funding base by focusing on core deposit account acquisition and increasing products and services per household. The Company’s ability to retain maturing time deposit accounts is the result of its strategy to remain competitively priced within its marketplace. The Company’s pricing strategy may vary depending upon current funding needs and the ability of the Company to fund operations through alternative sources, primarily by accessing short-term lines of credit with the FHLBNY during periods of pricing dislocation.

Quantitative Analysis. Current and future sensitivity to changes in interest rates are measured through the use of balance sheet and income simulation models. The analysis captures changes in net interest income using flat rates as a base, a most likely rate forecast and rising and declining interest rate forecasts. Changes in net interest income and net income for the forecast period, generally twelve to twenty-four months, are measured and compared to policy limits for acceptable change. The Company periodically reviews historical deposit re-pricing activity and makes modifications to certain assumptions used in its income simulation model regarding the interest rate sensitivity of deposits without maturity dates. These modifications are made to more closely reflect the most likely results under the various interest rate change scenarios. Since it is inherently difficult to predict the sensitivity of interest bearing deposits to changes in interest rates, the changes in net interest income due to changes in interest rates cannot be precisely predicted. There are a variety of reasons that may cause actual results to vary considerably from the predictions presented below which include, but are not limited to, the timing, magnitude, and frequency of changes in interest rates, interest rate spreads, prepayments, and actions taken in response to such changes.

Specific assumptions used in the simulation model include:

• Parallel yield curve shifts for market rates;

• Current asset and liability spreads to market interest rates are fixed;

• Traditional savings and interest-bearing demand accounts move at 10% of the rate ramp in either direction;

• Retail Money Market and Business Money Market accounts move at 25% and 75% of the rate ramp in either direction respectively; and

• Higher-balance demand deposit tiers and promotional demand accounts move at 50% to 75% of the rate ramp in either direction

The following table sets forth the results of a twelve-month net interest income projection model as of September 30, 2018 (dollars in thousands):


Change in Interest Rates in Basis Points (Rate Ramp)	Net Interest Income
			Dollar Amount		Dollar Change		Percent Change
-100	$	306,571	$	1,180	0.4	%
Static	305,391		—		—	%
+100	301,283		(4,108)		(1.3)	%
+200	296,969		(8,422)		(2.8)	%
+300	292,511		(12,880)		(4.2)	%

The preceding table indicates that, as of September 30, 2018, in the event of a 300 basis point increase in interest rates, whereby rates ramp up evenly over a twelve-month period, net interest income would decrease 4.2%, or $12.9 million. In the event of a 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, net interest income would increase 0.4%, or $1.2 million over the same period.

Another measure of interest rate sensitivity is to model changes in economic value of equity through the use of immediate and sustained interest rate shocks. The following table illustrates the result of the economic value of equity model as of September 30, 2018 (dollars in thousands):


	Present Value of Equity										Present Value of Equityas Percent of Present Value of Assets
Change in InterestRates (Basis Points)	Dollar Amount		Dollar Change		Percent Change		Present Value Ratio		Percent Change
-100	$	1,569,602	$	31,150	2.0	%	16.1	%	(0.4)	%
Flat	1,538,452		—		—	%	16.2	%	—	%
+100	1,468,023		(70,429)		(4.6)	%	15.8	%	(2.2)	%
+200	1,402,190		(136,262)		(8.9)	%	15.5	%	(4.2)	%
+300	1,340,405		(198,047)		(12.9)	%	15.1	%	(6.3)	%

The preceding table indicates that as of September 30, 2018, in the event of an immediate and sustained 300 basis point increase in interest rates, the present value of equity is projected to decrease 12.9%, or $198.0 million. If rates were to decrease 100 basis points, the model forecasts a 2.0%, or $31.2 million increase in the present value of equity.

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes in net interest income requires the use of certain assumptions regarding prepayment and deposit decay rates, which may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. While management believes such assumptions are reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates and decay rates will approximate actual future loan prepayment and deposit withdrawal activity. Moreover, the net interest income table presented assumes that the composition of interest sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and also assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration to maturity or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the net interest income table provides an indication of the Company’s interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurement is not intended to and does not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on the Company’s net interest income and will differ from actual results.


Item 4.			CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) were evaluated at the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.			Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, these legal actions and claims are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition.


Item 1A.			Risk Factors

The risk factors that were previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, were supplemented by the Company in the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.


Item 2.			Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


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) Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs (1)(2)
July 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018	—	—		—	3,075,905
August 1, 2018 through August 31, 2018	6,985	$	24.99	6,985	3,068,920
September 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018	193	24.98		193	3,068,727
Total	7,178	—		7,178

⁽¹⁾ On October 24, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the purchase of up to 3,107,077 shares of its common stock under a seventh general repurchase program which commenced upon completion of the previous repurchase program. The repurchase program has no expiration date.

⁽²⁾On December 20, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the purchase of up to 3,017,770 shares of its common stock under an eighth general repurchase program which will commence upon completion of the previous repurchase program. The repurchase program has no expiration date.


Item 3.			Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not Applicable


Item 4.			Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable


Item 5.			Other Information.

None


Item 6.			Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed herewith:


3.1			Certificate of Incorporation of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission/Registration No. 333-98241.)

3.2			Amended and Restated Bylaws of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s December 31, 2011 Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2012/File No. 001-31566.)

4.1			Form of Common Stock Certificate of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission/Registration No. 333-98241.)



























31.1			Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2			Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32			Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101			The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report to Stockholders on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


101.INS			XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

101.PRE			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

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

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

Date:

November 9, 2018

By:

/s/ Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

Date:

November 9, 2018

By:

/s/ Thomas M. Lyons

Thomas M. Lyons

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

Date:

November 9, 2018

By:

/s/ Frank S. Muzio

Frank S. Muzio

Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer