UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended          September 30, 2016
OR

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

For the transition period from                 to

Commission file number 0-27782

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
11-3297463
(I.R.S. employer identification number)
     
209 Havemeyer Street, Brooklyn, NY
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
11211
(Zip Code)

(718) 782-6200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all the reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES            NO 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YES             NO 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

LARGE ACCELERATED FILER 
ACCELERATED FILER 
NON -ACCELERATED FILER 
SMALLER REPORTING COMPANY 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES            NO 
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Classes of Common Stock
 
Number of Shares Outstanding at November 9, 2016
$.01 Par Value
 
37,543,852
 


   
Page
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
3
 
4
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7-31
Item 2.
31-44
Item 3.
44-46
Item 4.
46
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
46
Item 1A.
46
Item 2.
46
Item 3.
47
Item 5.
47
Item 6.
47-49
 
50

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

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

·
the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond the Company’s control;
·
there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions;
·
the net interest margin is subject to material short-term fluctuation based upon market rates;
·
changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect the business of Dime Community Bank  (the "Bank");
·
changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause the Company’s financial condition to be perceived differently;
·
changes in corporate and/or individual income tax laws may adversely affect the Company's business or financial condition;
·
general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which the Company conducts business, or conditions in the securities markets or the banking industry may be less favorable than the Company currently anticipates;
·
legislation or regulatory changes may adversely affect the Company’s business;
·
technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than the Company  anticipates;
·
success or consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult or expensive than the Company anticipates;
·
litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, may delay the occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than the Company anticipates; and
·
The risks referred to in the section entitled "Risk Factors."

The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.
 
2

Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except share amounts)

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
ASSETS:
           
Cash and due from banks
 
$
80,870
   
$
64,154
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
   
80,870
     
64,154
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity (estimated fair value of $6,858 and $7,051 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)(fully unencumbered)
   
5,356
     
5,242
 
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value (fully unencumbered)
   
3,933
     
3,756
 
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale, at fair value (fully unencumbered)
   
3,647
     
431
 
Trading securities
   
6,890
     
10,201
 
Loans:
               
Real estate, net
   
5,488,491
     
4,695,186
 
Consumer loans
   
1,675
     
1,590
 
Less allowance for loan losses
   
(20,049
)
   
(18,514
)
Total loans, net
   
5,470,117
     
4,678,262
 
Premises and fixed assets, net
   
15,666
     
15,150
 
Premises held for sale
   
1,379
     
8,799
 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") capital stock
   
46,739
     
58,713
 
Other real estate owned ("OREO")
   
18
     
148
 
Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")
   
85,767
     
85,019
 
Goodwill
   
55,638
     
55,638
 
Other assets
   
45,766
     
47,359
 
Total Assets
 
$
5,821,786
   
$
5,032,872
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Due to depositors:
               
Interest bearing deposits
 
$
3,888,566
   
$
2,925,129
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
   
270,698
     
259,181
 
Total deposits
   
4,159,264
     
3,184,310
 
Escrow and other deposits
   
117,309
     
77,130
 
FHLBNY advances
   
882,125
     
1,166,725
 
Trust Preferred securities payable
   
70,680
     
70,680
 
Other liabilities
   
37,117
     
40,080
 
Total Liabilities
   
5,266,495
     
4,538,925
 
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock ($0.01 par, 9,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015)
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock ($0.01 par, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 53,520,581 shares and 53,326,753 shares issued at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and 37,543,852 shares and 37,371,992 shares outstanding at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)
   
535
     
533
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
265,227
     
262,798
 
Retained earnings
   
507,956
     
451,606
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes
   
(8,110
)
   
(8,801
)
Unallocated common stock of Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")
   
(2,140
)
   
(2,313
)
Unearned Restricted Stock Award common stock
   
(2,303
)
   
(2,271
)
Common stock held by Benefit Maintenance Plan ("BMP")
   
(6,859
)
   
(9,354
)
Treasury stock, at cost (15,976,729 shares and 15,954,761 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)
   
(199,015
)
   
(198,251
)
Total Stockholders' Equity
   
555,291
     
493,947
 
Total Liabilities And Stockholders' Equity
 
$
5,821,786
   
$
5,032,872
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Interest income:
                       
Loans secured by real estate
 
$
48,090
   
$
42,109
   
$
141,099
   
$
127,370
 
Other loans
   
28
     
22
     
76
     
70
 
Mortgage backed securities
   
2
     
1
     
6
     
184
 
Investment securities
   
129
     
254
     
567
     
544
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
707
     
510
     
2,089
     
1,738
 
Total interest  income
   
48,956
     
42,896
     
143,837
     
129,906
 
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits and escrow
   
8,635
     
5,890
     
23,026
     
16,780
 
Borrowed funds
   
4,974
     
5,192
     
15,223
     
18,148
 
Total interest expense
   
13,609
     
11,082
     
38,249
     
34,928
 
Net interest income
   
35,347
     
31,814
     
105,588
     
94,978
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
   
1,168
     
416
     
1,589
     
(891
)
Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses
   
34,179
     
31,398
     
103,999
     
95,869
 
Non-interest income:
                               
Service charges and other fees
   
1,123
     
1,013
     
2,566
     
2,562
 
Net mortgage banking income
   
16
     
41
     
71
     
154
 
Net gain (loss) on securities and other assets
   
69
     
(138
)
   
148
     
1,287
 
Net gain on the sale of premises held for sale
   
-
     
-
     
68,183
     
-
 
Income from BOLI
   
570
     
620
     
2,173
     
1,837
 
Other
   
293
     
363
     
976
     
1,037
 
Total non-interest income
   
2,071
     
1,899
     
74,117
     
6,877
 
Non-interest expense:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
8,616
     
8,370
     
26,132
     
22,870
 
Stock benefit plan amortization expense
   
815
     
885
     
2,539
     
2,767
 
Occupancy and equipment
   
3,250
     
2,531
     
8,992
     
7,965
 
Data processing costs
   
1,284
     
1,023
     
3,735
     
2,775
 
Federal deposit insurance premiums
   
613
     
575
     
1,933
     
1,703
 
Other
   
3,654
     
2,740
     
10,862
     
8,274
 
Total non-interest expense
   
18,232
     
16,124
     
54,193
     
46,354
 
Income before income taxes
   
18,018
     
17,173
     
123,923
     
56,392
 
Income tax expense
   
7,481
     
7,092
     
52,141
     
23,004
 
Net income
 
$
10,537
   
$
10,081
   
$
71,782
   
$
33,388
 
                                 
Earnings per Share:
                               
Basic
 
$
0.29
   
$
0.28
   
$
1.95
   
$
0.92
 
Diluted
 
$
0.29
   
$
0.28
   
$
1.95
   
$
0.92
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net Income
 
$
10,537
   
$
10,081
   
$
71,782
   
$
33,388
 
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities
   
21
     
20
     
62
     
39
 
Change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale
   
107
     
(176
)
   
169
     
(1,525
)
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations
   
425
     
478
     
1,275
     
348
 
Change in unrealized loss on derivative liability
   
708
     
-
     
(249
)
   
-
 
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before income taxes
   
1,261
     
322
     
1,257
     
(1,138
)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
   
568
     
146
     
566
     
(512
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
   
693
     
176
     
691
     
(626
)
Total other comprehensive income
 
$
11,230
   
$
10,257
   
$
72,473
   
$
32,762
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Nine Months ended September 30, 2016
 
   
Number of Shares
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Deferred Taxes
   
Unallocated Common
Stock of
ESOP
   
Unearned Restricted
Stock
Award
Common
Stock
   
Common
Stock
Held by
BMP
   
Treasury
Stock, at
cost
   
Total Stockholders’ Equity
 
                                                             
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2016
   
37,371,992
   
$
533
   
$
262,798
   
$
451,606
   
$
(8,801
)
 
$
(2,313
)
 
$
(2,271
)
 
$
(9,354
)
 
$
(198,251
)
 
$
493,947
 
Net Income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
71,782
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
71,782
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
691
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
691
 
Exercise of stock options, net of expired options
   
193,828
     
2
     
2,735
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,737
 
Release of shares, net of forfeitures
   
85,040
     
-
     
714
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(807
)
   
(222
)
   
707
     
392
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
-
     
980
     
-
     
-
     
173
     
775
     
-
     
349
     
2,277
 
Shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits
   
(107,008
)
   
-
     
(2,717
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,717
     
(1,820
)
   
(1,820
)
Tax benefit from market valuation adjustment on distribution of BMP ESOP shares
   
-
     
-
     
717
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
717
 
Cash dividends declared and paid
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(15,432
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(15,432
)
Ending balance as of September 30, 2016
   
37,543,852
   
$
535
   
$
265,227
   
$
507,956
   
$
(8,110
)
 
$
(2,140
)
 
$
(2,303
)
 
$
(6,859
)
 
$
(199,015
)
 
$
555,291
 

   
Nine Months ended September 30, 2015
 
   
Number of Shares
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Deferred Taxes
   
Unallocated Common
Stock of
ESOP
   
Unearned Restricted
Stock
Award
Common
Stock
   
Common
Stock
Held by
BMP
   
Treasury
Stock, at
cost
   
Total Stockholders’ Equity
 
                                                             
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2015
   
36,855,019
   
$
529
   
$
254,358
   
$
427,126
   
$
(8,547
)
 
$
(2,545
)
 
$
(3,066
)
 
$
(9,164
)
 
$
(198,966
)
 
$
459,725
 
Net Income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
33,388
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
33,388
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(626
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(626
)
Exercise of stock options
   
274,355
     
3
     
4,053
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,056
 
Release of shares, net of forfeitures
   
79,500
     
-
     
680
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,061
)
   
(190
)
   
988
     
417
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
-
     
815
     
-
     
-
     
174
     
1,418
     
-
     
-
     
2,407
 
Cash dividends declared and paid
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(15,188
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(15,188
)
Repurchase of common stock
   
(20,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(300
)
   
(300
)
Ending balance as of September 30, 2015
   
37,188,874
   
$
532
   
$
259,906
   
$
445,326
   
$
(9,173
)
 
$
(2,371
)
 
$
(2,709
)
 
$
(9,354
)
 
$
(198,278
)
 
$
483,879
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net Income
 
$
71,782
   
$
33,388
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Net gain on investment and mortgage backed securities sold
   
-
     
(1,384
)
Net (gain) loss recognized on trading securities
   
(108
)
   
97
 
Net gain on the sale of OREO
   
(40
)
   
-
 
Net gain on sale of premises held for sale
   
(68,183
)
   
-
 
Net depreciation, amortization and accretion
   
1,611
     
2,178
 
Stock plan compensation (excluding ESOP)
   
1,435
     
1,449
 
ESOP compensation expense
   
842
     
958
 
Provision (Credit) for loan losses
   
1,589
     
(891
)
Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI
   
(1,689
)
   
(1,837
)
Income recognized from mortality benefit on BOLI
   
(484
)
   
-
 
Deferred income tax (credit) provision
   
(1,993
)
   
148
 
Reduction in credit related other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) amortized through interest income
   
(78
)
   
-
 
Excess tax benefit from stock benefit plans
   
(142
)
   
(204
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease in other assets
   
2,999
     
4,178
 
(Decrease) Increase in other liabilities
   
(1,220
)
   
6,469
 
Net cash provided by Operating activities
   
6,321
     
44,549
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities held-to-maturity
   
-
     
127
 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale
   
-
     
2,070
 
Proceeds from the sales of trading securities
   
3,648
     
1,340
 
Proceeds from sales of mortgage backed securities available for sale
   
-
     
24,307
 
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale
   
(2
)
   
(2,038
)
Purchases of mortgage backed securities available-for-sale
   
(3,267
)
   
-
 
Acquisition of trading securities
   
(229
)
   
(1,572
)
Proceeds from calls and principal repayments of mortgage backed securities available-for-sale
   
45
     
1,589
 
Proceeds from the sale of loans held for sale previously classified as portfolio loans
   
-
     
9,905
 
Purchases of loans
   
(157,782
)
   
-
 
Loans originated, net of repayments
   
(635,662
)
   
(381,530
)
Proceeds from sale of OREO
   
170
     
-
 
Proceeds from surrender of cash surrender value of BOLI
   
1,425
     
-
 
Net proceeds from the sale of premises held for sale
   
75,899
     
-
 
Purchases of fixed assets, net
   
(2,397
)
   
(1,071
)
Redemption of FHLBNY capital stock
   
11,974
     
4,059
 
Net cash used in Investing Activities
   
(706,178
)
   
(342,814
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Increase in due to depositors
   
974,954
     
369,705
 
Increase in escrow and other deposits
   
40,179
     
39,211
 
Repayments of FHLBNY advances
   
(2,892,500
)
   
(1,829,000
)
Proceeds from FHLBNY advances
   
2,607,900
     
1,725,000
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
2,900
     
4,056
 
Excess tax benefit from stock benefit plans
   
142
     
204
 
Release of stock for benefit plan awards
   
250
     
213
 
BMP ESOP shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits
   
(1,820
)
   
-
 
Treasury shares repurchased
   
-
     
(300
)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders
   
(15,432
)
   
(15,188
)
Net cash provided by Financing Activities
   
716,573
     
293,901
 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
16,716
     
(4,364
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
64,154
     
78,437
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
 
$
80,870
   
$
74,073
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
43,525
   
$
18,809
 
Cash paid for interest
   
38,216
     
35,269
 
Loans transferred to OREO
   
-
     
130
 
Transfer of premises to held for sale
   
1,379
     
8,799
 
Loans transferred to held for sale
   
-
     
9,534
 
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
   
36
     
58
 
Net decrease (increase) in non-credit component of OTTI
   
25
     
(18
)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
6

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

1.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS

The Holding Company is a Delaware corporation and parent company of the Bank, a New York State chartered stock savings bank. The Holding Company's direct subsidiaries are the Bank, 842 Manhattan Avenue Corp., and Dime Community Capital Trust 1.  The Bank's direct subsidiaries are Boulevard Funding Corp., Dime Insurance Agency Inc., DSBW Preferred Funding Corporation, DSBW Residential Preferred Funding Corp., Dime Reinvestment Corp., 195 Havemeyer Corp. and DSB Holdings NY, LLC.

Effective August 1, 2016, the Bank changed its name from The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh to Dime Community Bank.  The new name more accurately reflects the Bank’s evolving business model and emphasizes its broader geographic and business reach while retaining the Bank’s mission to be in and of the communities it serves, including the virtual on line community.  The Bank maintains its headquarters in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York and operates twenty-five full service retail banking offices located in the New York City ("NYC") boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and in Nassau County, New York.  The Bank’s principal business is gathering deposits from customers within its market area and via the internet, and investing them primarily in multifamily residential, commercial real estate and mixed used loans, as well as mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), obligations of the U.S. Government and Government Sponsored Enterprises ("GSEs"), and corporate debt and equity securities.  All of the Bank's lending occurs in the greater NYC metropolitan area.

2.
SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial condition as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the results of operations and statements of comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.  The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2016.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC').

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Please see "Part I - Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies" for a discussion of areas in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements utilizing significant estimates.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 and notes thereto.
 
7

3.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (Topic 606).  ASU 2014-09 impacts any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services, or that enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (i.e., insurance contracts or lease contracts).  Under ASU 2014-09, an entity is required to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  ASU 2014-09 also requires disclosure of sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, as well as qualitative and quantitative disclosure related to contracts with certain customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.  ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  Adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have a material impact upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, an amendment to Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10). The objectives of the ASU are to: (1) require equity investments to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (2) simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values, (3) eliminate the requirement to disclose methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet, (4) require the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments, and (5) clarify 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. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-01 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires companies that lease valuable assets to recognize on their balance sheets the assets and liabilities generated by contracts longer than a year. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, however, early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal Versus Agent Consideration - Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net. The objective of the ASU is to align the recognition of revenue with the transfer of promised goods or services provided to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The objectives of the ASU are to simplify accounting for the tax consequences of a stock payment and amend the manner in which excess tax benefits and a business's payments to satisfy the tax obligation for recipients of the shares should be classified. The amendments: (i) allow companies to estimate the number of stock awards they expect to vest, and (ii) revise the withholding requirements for classifying stock awards as equity. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date be based on historical experience, current condition, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates.  This guidance also amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. For the Company, this guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), which provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues in order to reduce diversity in the manner in which certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statements of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, however, early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-15 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
8

4.
TREASURY STOCK

The Holding Company did not repurchase any of its common stock (“Common Stock”) into treasury during the three or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, or the three-month period ended September 30, 2015.  The Holding Company repurchased 20,000 shares of Common Stock into treasury during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 at a weighted average cost of $15.00 per share.

 On July 1, 2016, the Company received 107,008 shares of Common Stock from a retired participant of the BMP using the previous day’s closing price of $17.01 in lieu of payment of tax withholdings. These shares were returned to treasury stock on July 6, 2016.

On April 29, 2016, 60,675 shares of Common Stock were released from treasury in order to fulfill benefit obligations under the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan, and 12,424 shares of treasury stock were released in order to fulfill benefit obligations under the BMP.  The closing price of the Common Stock on that date was $18.11, and the shares were released utilizing the average historical cost method.

On March 24, 2016, 28,044 shares of the Common Stock were released from treasury in order to satisfy potential future performance-based equity awards under the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan.  The closing price of the Common Stock on that date was $17.35, and the shares were released utilizing the average historical cost method.

On April 30, 2015, 68,069 shares of the Common Stock were released from treasury in order to fulfill benefit obligations under the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan.  The closing price of the Common Stock on that date was $15.92, and the shares were released utilizing the average historical cost method.

On April 23, 2015, 11,557 shares of the Common Stock were released from treasury in order to fulfill benefit obligations under the BMP. The closing price of the Common Stock on that date was $16.37, and the shares were released utilizing the average historical cost method.

Shares either released from treasury stock for earned equity awards or returned to treasury stock due to forfeited equity awards were otherwise immaterial during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

5.
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

   
Securities Held-
to-Maturity and
Transferred
Securities
   
Securities
Available-for-
Sale
   
Defined Benefit
Plans
   
Derivative
Liability
   
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Gain (Loss)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2016
 
$
(760
)
 
$
(122
)
 
$
(7,919
)
 
$
-
   
$
(8,801
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
36
     
98
     
702
     
(163
)
   
673
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
18
     
18
 
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during the period
   
36
     
98
     
702
     
(145
)
   
691
 
Balance as of September 30, 2016
 
$
(724
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
(7,217
)
 
$
(145
)
 
$
(8,110
)
                                         
Balance as of January 1, 2015
 
$
(826
)
 
$
736
   
$
(8,457
)
 
$
-
   
$
(8,547
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
21
     
(77
)
   
(586
)
   
-
     
(642
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
-
     
(760
)
   
776
     
-
     
16
 
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during the period
   
21
     
(837
)
   
190
     
-
     
(626
)
Balance as of September 30, 2015
 
$
(805
)
 
$
(101
)
 
$
(8,267
)
 
$
-
   
$
(9,173
)
 
9

The before and after tax amounts allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the table below.  Reclassification adjustments related to securities available-for-sale are included in the line entitled net gain (loss) on securities and other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Reclassification adjustments related to the defined benefit plan are included in the line entitled salaries and employee benefits.

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities:
                       
Accretion (Amortization) of previously recognized non-credit component of OTTI
 
$
9
   
$
9
   
$
25
   
$
(18
)
Change in unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity
   
12
     
11
     
37
     
57
 
Net change
   
21
     
20
     
62
     
39
 
Tax expense
   
7
     
9
     
26
     
18
 
Net change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities
   
14
     
11
     
36
     
21
 
Change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale:
                               
Change in net unrealized gain during the period
   
107
     
(176
)
   
169
     
(141
)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net gain (loss) on securities and other assets
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,384
)
Net change
   
107
     
(176
)
   
169
     
(1,525
)
Tax expense (benefit)
   
43
     
(79
)
   
71
     
(688
)
Net change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale
   
64
     
(97
)
   
98
     
(837
)
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:
                               
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in salaries and employee benefits expense
   
425
     
478
     
1,275
     
1,412
 
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,064
)
Net change
   
425
     
478
     
1,275
     
348
 
Tax expense
   
191
     
216
     
573
     
158
 
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations
   
234
     
262
     
702
     
190
 
Change in unrealized loss on derivative liability:
                               
Change in net unrealized loss during the period
   
717
     
-
     
(281
)
   
-
 
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense
   
(9
)
   
-
     
32
     
-
 
Net change
   
708
     
-
     
(249
)
   
-
 
Tax expense (benefit)
   
327
     
-
     
(104
)
   
-
 
Net change in unrealized loss on derivative liability
   
381
     
-
     
(145
)
   
-
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
693
   
$
176
   
$
691
   
$
(626
)

6.
EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")

Basic EPS is computed by dividing income attributable to Common Stock by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  Diluted EPS is computed using the same method as basic EPS, but reflects the potential dilution that would occur if "in the money" stock options were exercised and converted into Common Stock, and likely aggregate Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) share payout.  In determining the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS, treasury stock and unallocated ESOP shares are excluded.  Vested restricted stock award shares are included in the calculation of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS.  Unvested restricted stock award shares and LTIP shares not yet awarded are recognized as a special class of participating securities under ASC 260.
 
10

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net income per the Consolidated Statements of Income
 
$
10,537
   
$
10,081
   
$
71,782
   
$
33,388
 
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities
   
(26
)
   
(31
)
   
(85
)
   
(105
)
Income attributable to Common Stock
 
$
10,511
   
$
10,050
   
$
71,697
   
$
33,283
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities
   
36,910,594
     
36,552,925 
     
36,904,324
     
36,414,645
 
Less: weighted average participating securities
   
(168,767
)
   
(224,102
)
   
(209,152
)
   
(252,162
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
36,741,827
     
36,328,823
     
36,695,172
     
36,162,483
 
Basic EPS
 
$
0.29
   
$
0.28
   
$
1.95
   
$
0.92
 
Income attributable to Common Stock
 
$
10,511
   
$
10,050
   
$
71,697
   
$
33,283
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
36,741,827
     
36,328,823
     
36,695,172
     
36,162,483
 
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding
   
46,480
     
92,631
     
61,446
     
87,887
 
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding
   
36,788,307
     
36,421,454
     
36,756,618
     
36,250,370
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
0.29
   
$
0.28
   
$
1.95
   
$
0.92
 

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

There were 79,783 and 80,000 weighted-average stock options outstanding for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which were not considered in the calculation of diluted EPS since their exercise prices exceeded the average market price during the period.  There were 79,927 and 132,976 weighted-average stock options outstanding for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which were not considered in the calculation of diluted EPS since their exercise prices exceeded the average market price during the period.

For information about the calculation of likely aggregate LTIP share payout, see Footnote 7.

7.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

During the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Holding Company and Bank maintained the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees, the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan (collectively, the "Stock Plans"), which are discussed more fully in Note 14 to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, and which are subject to the accounting requirements of ASC 505-50 and ASC 718.

Stock Option Awards

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

   
Number of
Options
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Years
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Options outstanding at January 1, 2016
   
465,246
   
$
14.87
             
Options granted
   
-
     
-
             
Options exercised
   
(193,828
)
   
14.23
             
Options that expired prior to exercise
   
(10,000
)
   
18.18
             
Options outstanding at September 30, 2016
   
261,418
   
$
15.22
     
2.3
   
$
501
 
Options vested and exercisable at September 30, 2016
   
261,418
   
$
15.22
     
2.3
   
$
501
 
 
11

Information related to the Stock Plans during each period is as follows:

   
At or for the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
At or for the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Intrinsic value of options exercised
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
732
   
$
384
 
Compensation expense recognized
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
31
 

There were no grants of stock options during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 or 2015. There was no unrecognized compensation expense as of September 30, 2016.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company, from time to time, issues restricted stock awards to outside directors and certain officers under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan or 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan. Typically, awards to outside directors fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, while awards to officers vest in equal annual installments over a four-year period.

The following table presents a summary of activity related to the restricted stock awards granted under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan or 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan, and changes during the nine-month period then ended:

   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Unvested allocated shares outstanding at January 1, 2016
   
223,894
   
$
15.36
 
Shares granted
   
60,675
     
18.11
 
Shares vested
   
(116,042
)
   
15.09
 
Shares forfeited
   
(14,346
)
   
16.39
 
Unvested allocated shares at September 30, 2016
   
154,181
   
$
16.55
 

Information related to restricted stock awards under the Stock Plans during each period is as follows:

   
At or for the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
At or for the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
18.11
   
$
15.92
 
Compensation expense recognized
   
366
     
434
     
1,195
     
1,418
 

As of September 30, 2016, unrecognized compensation cost relating to unvested restricted shares totaled $1,940. This amount will be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 2.0 years.

Performance Based Equity Awards

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company established the LTIP, a long term incentive award program to certain officers that meets the criteria for equity-based accounting.  For each award, threshold (50% of target), target (100% of target) and maximum (150% of target) payment opportunities are eligible to be earned over a three-year performance period based on the Company's relative performance on certain measurement goals that were established at the onset of the performance period and cannot be altered subsequently.

The following table presents a summary of activity related to performance based equity awards, and changes during the nine-month period then ended:

   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value
 
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2016
   
28,044
   
$
17.35
 
Shares forfeited
   
(3,314
)
   
17.35
 
Maximum aggregate share payout at September 30, 2016
   
24,730
     
17.35
 
Minimum aggregate share payout
   
-
     
-
 
Likely aggregate share payout
   
14,426
   
$
17.35
 
 
12

Compensation expense recorded for performance based equity awards was $19 and $67 for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively.  There was no expense recognized in the prior period as this award program was established in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016.

8.
LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY

Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned fees or costs and the allowance for loan losses.  Interest income on loans is recorded using the level yield method.  Under this method, discount accretion and premium amortization are included in interest income.  Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized as yield adjustments over the contractual loan terms.

Credit Quality Indicators:

On a quarterly basis, the Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.  The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying them as to credit risk.  This analysis includes all loans, such as multifamily residential, mixed use residential (i.e., loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the residential units), mixed use commercial real estate (i.e., loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the commercial units), and commercial real estate loans, as well as one-to four family residential and cooperative and condominium apartment loans. Prior to April 1, 2016, the analysis of one-to-four family residential and cooperative and condominium apartment loans included only loans with balances in excess of the Fannie Mae (“FNMA”) conforming loan limits for high-cost areas such as the Bank’s primary lending area (“FNMA Limits”) that were deemed to meet the definition of impaired. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

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

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

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

The Bank had no loans classified as doubtful as of September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015. All real estate loans not classified as Special Mention or Substandard were deemed pass loans at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 
13

The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of real estate loans (including deferred costs) by internally assigned grade as of the dates indicated:

Balance at September 30, 2016
 
Grade
 
One- to Four-Family
Residential, Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential and
Residential
Mixed Use
   
Commercial
Mixed Use Real
Estate
   
Commercial Real
Estate
   
Total Real
Estate Loans
 
Pass
 
$
73,557
   
$
4,447,110
   
$
395,070
   
$
544,551
   
$
5,460,288
 
Special Mention
   
214
     
3,785
     
2,133
     
528
     
6,660
 
Substandard
   
1,526
     
7,251
     
5,506
     
7,260
     
21,543
 
Doubtful
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
 
$
75,297
   
$
4,458,146
   
$
402,709
   
$
552,339
   
$
5,488,491
 

Balance at December 31, 2015
 
Grade
 
One- to Four-Family
Residential, Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential and
Residential
Mixed Use
   
Commercial
Mixed Use Real
Estate
   
Commercial Real
Estate
   
Total Real
Estate Loans
 
Not Graded(1)
 
$
7,698
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
7,698
 
Pass
   
61,256
     
3,743,298
     
370,110
     
473,242
     
4,647,906
 
Special Mention
   
945
     
9,759
     
1,622
     
4,857
     
17,183
 
Substandard
   
2,196
     
6,850
     
5,543
     
7,810
     
22,399
 
Doubtful
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
 
$
72,095
   
$
3,759,907
   
$
377,275
   
$
485,909
   
$
4,695,186
 
(1) Amount comprised of fully performing one- to four-family residential and condominium and cooperative unit loans with balances equal to or less than the FNMA Limits.

For consumer loans, the Company evaluates credit quality based on payment activity.  Consumer loans that are 90 days or more past due are placed on non-accrual status, while all remaining consumer loans are classified and evaluated as performing.

The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of consumer loans by internally assigned grade:

Grade
 
Balance at
September 30,
2016
   
Balance at
December 31,
2015
 
Performing
 
$
1,673
   
$
1,586
 
Non-accrual
   
2
     
4
 
Total
 
$
1,675
   
$
1,590
 
 
14

The following is a breakdown of the past due status of the Company's investment in loans (excluding accrued interest and loans held for sale) as of the dates indicated:

   
At September 30, 2016
 
   
30 to 59 Days
Past Due
   
60 to 89 Days
Past Due
   
Loans 90
Days or More
Past Due and
Still Accruing
Interest
   
Non-accrual (1)
   
Total Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
 
Real Estate:
                                         
One- to four-family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
 
$
14
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
485
   
$
499
   
$
74,798
   
$
75,297
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed use
   
-
     
-
     
534
     
3,219
     
3,753
     
4,454,393
     
4,458,146
 
Commercial mixed use real estate
   
-
     
-
     
396
     
169
     
565
     
402,144
     
402,709
 
Commercial real estate
   
-
     
-
     
1,235
     
-
     
1,235
     
551,104
     
552,339
 
Total real estate
 
$
14
   
$
-
   
$
2,165
   
$
3,873
   
$
6,052
   
$
5,482,439
   
$
5,488,491
 
Consumer
 
$
2
   
$
4
   
$
-
   
$
2
   
$
8
   
$
1,667
   
$
1,675
 
(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of September 30, 2016.

   
At December 31, 2015
 
   
30 to 59 Days
Past Due
   
60 to 89 Days
Past Due
   
Loans 90
Days or More
Past Due and
Still Accruing
Interest
   
Non-accrual (1)
   
Total Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
 
Real Estate:
                                         
One- to four-family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
 
$
127
   
$
-
   
$
625
   
$
1,113
   
$
1,865
   
$
70,230
   
$
72,095
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed use
   
2,235
     
-
     
2,514
     
287
     
5,036
     
3,754,871
     
3,759,907
 
Commercial mixed use real estate
   
-
     
406
     
406
     
-
     
812
     
376,463
     
377,275
 
Commercial real estate
   
200
     
-
     
987
     
207
     
1,394
     
484,515
     
485,909
 
Total real estate
 
$
2,562
   
$
406
   
$
4,532
   
$
1,607
   
$
9,107
   
$
4,686,079
   
$
4,695,186
 
Consumer
 
$
1
   
$
1
   
$
-
   
$
4
   
$
6
   
$
1,584
   
$
1,590
 
(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2015.

Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due

The Bank continued accruing interest on five real estate loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $2,165 at September 30, 2016, and twelve real estate loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $4,532 at December 31, 2015, all of which were 90 days or more past due on their respective contractual maturity dates. These loans continued to make monthly payments consistent with their initial contractual amortization schedule exclusive of the balloon payments due at maturity.  These loans were well secured and were expected to be refinanced, and, therefore, remained on accrual status and were deemed performing assets at the dates indicated above.

Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs")

The following table summarizes outstanding TDRs by underlying collateral type and accrual status as of the dates indicated:

   
As of September 30, 2016
   
As of December 31, 2015
 
   
No. of Loans
   
Balance
   
No. of Loans
   
Balance
 
Accruing TDRs:
                       
One- to four-family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
   
2
   
$
410
     
2
   
$
598
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed use
   
3
     
667
     
3
     
696
 
Commercial mixed use real estate
   
1
     
4,282
     
1
     
4,344
 
Commercial real estate
   
1
     
3,380
     
1
     
3,428
 
Non-accruing TDRs:
                               
Commercial real estate
   
-
     
-
     
1
     
207
 
Total real estate
   
7
   
$
8,739
     
8
   
$
9,273
 
 
15

Accrual status for TDRs is determined separately for each TDR in accordance with the Bank’s policies for determining accrual or non-accrual status.  At the time an agreement is entered into between the Bank and the borrower that results in the Bank's determination that a TDR has been created, the loan can be on either accrual or non-accrual status.  If a loan is on non-accrual status at the time it is restructured, it continues to be classified as non-accrual until the borrower has demonstrated compliance with the modified loan terms for a period of at least six months.  Conversely, if at the time of restructuring the loan is performing (and accruing), it will remain accruing throughout its restructured period, unless the loan subsequently meets any of the criteria for non-accrual status under the Bank’s policy and agency regulations.

The Company has not restructured troubled consumer loans, as its consumer loan portfolio has not experienced any problem issues warranting restructuring.  Therefore, all TDRs were collateralized by real estate at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

There were no loans modified in a manner that met the criteria of a TDR during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 or 2015, or the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015.  The Company modified one one- to four-family residential loan in a manner that met the criteria of a TDR during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016.

The Bank's allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 did not reflect any allocated reserve associated with TDRs.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Bank had no loan commitments to borrowers with outstanding TDRs.

A TDR is considered to be in payment default once it is 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.  All TDRs are considered impaired loans and are evaluated individually for measurable impairment, if any.

There were no TDRs which defaulted within twelve months following the modification during the three-month or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 or 2015 (thus no impact to the allowance for loan losses during those periods).

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on then current information and events, it is probable that all contractual amounts due will not be collected in accordance with the terms of the loan.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays or shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

The Bank considers TDRs and non-accrual multifamily residential and commercial real estate loans, along with non-accrual one- to four-family loans in excess of the FNMA Limits, to be impaired.  Non-accrual one-to four-family loans equal to or less than the FNMA Limits, as well as all consumer loans, are considered homogeneous loan pools and are not required to be evaluated individually for impairment unless considered a TDR.

Impairment is typically measured using the difference between the outstanding loan principal balance and either: 1) the likely realizable value of a note sale; 2) the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of likely disposal costs, if repayment is expected to come from liquidation of the collateral; or 3) the present value of estimated future cash flows (using the loan’s pre-modification rate for some of the performing TDRs).  If a TDR is substantially performing in accordance with its restructured terms, management will look to either the potential net liquidation proceeds of the underlying collateral or the present value of the expected cash flows from the debt service in measuring impairment (whichever is deemed most appropriate under the circumstances).  If a TDR has re-defaulted, generally the likely realizable net proceeds from either a note sale or the liquidation of the collateral is considered when measuring impairment.  Measured impairment is either charged off immediately or, in limited instances, recognized as an allocated reserve within the allowance for loan losses.

Please refer to Note 9 for tabular information related to impaired loans.
 
16

9.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The allowance for loan losses may consist of specific and general components.  The Bank’s periodic evaluation of its allowance for loan losses is comprised of four primary components: (1) impaired loans; (2) non-impaired substandard loans; (3) non-impaired special mention loans; and (4) pass graded loans.  Within these components, the Company has identified the following portfolio segments for purposes of assessing its allowance for loan losses: (1) real estate loans; and (2) consumer loans.  Within these segments, the Bank analyzes the allowance for loan losses based upon the underlying collateral type (classes). Due to their small homogeneous balances, consumer loans were not individually evaluated for impairment as of either September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015.

Impaired Loan Component

All multifamily residential, mixed use, commercial real estate and construction loans that are deemed to meet the definition of impaired are individually evaluated for impairment.  In addition, all condominium or cooperative apartment and one- to four-family residential real estate loans in excess of the FNMA Limits are individually evaluated for impairment.  Impairment is typically measured using the difference between the outstanding loan principal balance and either: (1) the likely realizable value of a note sale; (2) the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of likely disposal costs, if repayment is expected to come from liquidation of the collateral; or (3) the present value of estimated future cash flows (using the loan's pre-modification rate in the case of some performing TDRs).  For impaired loans on non-accrual status, either of the initial two measurements is utilized.

All TDRs are considered impaired loans and are evaluated individually for measurable impairment, if any.  If a TDR is substantially performing in accordance with its restructured terms, management will look to either the present value of the expected cash flows from the debt service or the potential net liquidation proceeds of the underlying collateral in measuring impairment (whichever is deemed most appropriate under the circumstances). If a TDR has re-defaulted, the likely realizable net proceeds from either a note sale or the liquidation of the collateral are generally considered when measuring impairment.  While measured impairment is generally charged off immediately, impairment attributed to a reduction in the present value of expected cash flows of a performing TDR is generally reflected as an allocated reserve within the allowance for loan losses. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no allocated reserves related to TDRs within the allowance for loan losses.

Smaller balance homogeneous real estate loans, such as condominium or cooperative apartment and one-to four-family residential real estate loans with balances equal to or less than the FNMA Limits, are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.
 
17

Non-Impaired Loan Component
 
During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, the Bank refined the calculation of the allowance for loan losses associated with non-impaired loans using third party software purchased by the Bank. The software model is substantially similar to the previous model used by the Bank whereby the primary drivers of the calculation are historical charge-offs by loan type and certain qualitative elements. The historical loss look-back period for Substandard and Special Mention non-impaired loans was expanded from the previous twelve month period to a forty-eight month period, which is aligned with the same historical loss look-back period used for all Pass-graded loans.  Management has evaluated the impact of these changes and concluded that they are not material to the overall allowance for non-impaired loans.
 
The Bank initially looks to the underlying collateral type when determining the allowance for loan losses associated with non-impaired real estate loans.  The following underlying collateral types are analyzed separately: 1) one- to four family residential and condominium or cooperative apartment; 2) multifamily residential and residential mixed use; 3) commercial mixed use real estate, 4) commercial real estate; and 5) construction and land acquisition.  Within the analysis of each underlying collateral type, the following elements are additionally considered and provided weighting in determining the allowance for loan losses for non-impaired real estate loans:

(i)
Charge-off experience (including peer charge-off experience)
(ii)
Economic conditions
(iii)
Underwriting standards or experience
(iv)
Loan concentrations
(v)
Regulatory climate
(vi)
Nature and volume of the portfolio
(vii)
Changes in the quality and scope of the loan review function

The following is a brief synopsis of the manner in which each element is considered:

(i)  Charge-off experience - Loans within the non-impaired loan portfolio are segmented by significant common characteristics, against which historical loss rates are applied to reflect probable incurred loss percentages.  The Bank also reviews and considers the charge-off experience of peer banks in its lending marketplace in order to determine whether potential losses that could take a longer period to flow through its allowance for loan losses possibly exist.

(ii) Economic conditions - The Bank assigned a loss allocation to its entire non-impaired real estate loan portfolio based, in part, upon a review of economic conditions affecting the local real estate market. Specifically, the Bank considered both the level of, and recent trends in: 1) the local and national unemployment rate, 2) residential and commercial vacancy rates, 3) real estate sales and pricing, and 4) delinquencies in the Bank’s loan portfolio.

(iii) Underwriting standards or experience - Underwriting standards are reviewed to ensure that changes in the Bank's lending policies and practices are adequately evaluated for risk and reflected in its analysis of potential credit losses.  Loss expectations associated with changes in the Bank’s lending policies and practices, if any, are then incorporated into the methodology.

(iv) Loan concentrations - The Bank regularly reviews its loan concentrations (borrower, collateral type and location) in order to ensure that heightened risk has not evolved that has not been captured through other factors.  The risk component of loan concentrations is regularly evaluated for reserve adequacy.

(v) Regulatory climate – Consideration is given to public statements made by the banking regulatory agencies that have a potential impact on the Bank’s loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses.

(vi) Nature and volume of the portfolio – The Bank considers any significant changes in the overall nature and volume of its loan portfolio.

(vii) Changes in the quality and scope of the loan review function – The Bank considers the potential impact upon its allowance for loan losses of any adverse change in the quality and scope of the loan review function.
 
18

Substandard and Special Mention Non-Impaired Loan Components as of December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2015, the reserve allocated within the allowance for loan losses associated with non-impaired loans internally classified as Substandard or Special Mention reflected expected loss percentages on the Bank's pool of such loans that were derived based upon an analysis of historical losses over the previous twelve month period for each loan component.  The loss percentage resulting from this analysis was then applied to the aggregate pool of non-impaired Substandard and Special Mention loans at December 31, 2015. The portion of the allowance for loan losses attributable to non-impaired Substandard loans was $348 at December 31, 2015.  The portion of the allowance for loan losses attributable to non-impaired Special Mention loans was $88 at December 31, 2015.

Based upon the methodologies used for the non-impaired Substandard and Special Mention loan components at December 31, 2015, increases or decreases in the amount of either non-impaired Substandard loans or charge-offs associated with such loans, or a change in the measurement timeframe utilized to derive the expected loss percentage, would impact the level of reserves determined on such loans.  As a result, the allowance for loan losses associated with non-impaired Substandard and Special Mention loans was subject to volatility.

All non-impaired Substandard loans were deemed sufficiently well secured and performing to have remained on accrual status both prior and subsequent to their downgrade to the Substandard internal loan grade at December 31, 2015.
 
Consumer Loans

Due to their small individual balances, the Bank does not evaluate individual consumer loans for impairment.  Loss percentages are applied to aggregate consumer loans based upon both their delinquency status and loan type.  These loss percentages are derived from a combination of the Company’s historical loss experience and/or nationally published loss data on such loans.  Consumer loans in excess of 120 days delinquent are typically fully charged off against the allowance for loan losses.

The following table presents data regarding the allowance for loan losses and loans evaluated for impairment by class of loan within the real estate loan segment as well as for the aggregate consumer loan segment:

At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
   
Real Estate Loans
   
Consumer
Loans
 
   
One- to Four Family
Residential,
Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential and
Residential
Mixed Use
   
Commercial
Mixed Use Real
Estate
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Total
Real Estate
 
Beginning balance
 
$
192
   
$
14,826
   
$
1,684
   
$
2,187
   
$
18,889
   
$
20
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
   
(48
)
   
1,293
     
36
     
(115
)
   
1,166
     
2
 
Charge-offs
   
(4
)
   
(14
)
   
(8
)
   
-
     
(26
)
   
(2
)
Recoveries
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Ending balance
 
$
140
   
$
16,105
   
$
1,712
   
$
2,072
   
$
20,029
   
$
20
 
                                                 
Ending balance – loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
410
   
$
3,356
   
$
4,451
   
$
3,380
   
$
11,597
   
$
-
 
Ending balance – loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
74,887
     
4,454,790
     
398,258
     
548,959
     
5,476,894
     
1,675
 
Allowance balance associated with loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Allowance balance associated with loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
140
     
16,105
     
1,712
     
2,072
     
20,029
     
20
 
 
19

At December 31, 2015
 
   
Real Estate Loans
   
Consumer
Loans
 
   
One- to Four Family
Residential,
Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential and
Residential
Mixed Use
   
Commercial
Mixed Use Real
Estate
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Total
Real Estate
 
Ending balance – loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
598
   
$
983
   
$
4,345
   
$
3,635
   
$
9,561
   
$
-
 
Ending balance – loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
71,497
     
3,758,924
     
372,930
     
482,274
     
4,685,625
     
1,590
 
Allowance balance associated with loans individually evaluated for impairment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Allowance balance associated with loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
263
     
14,118
     
1,652
     
2,461
     
18,494
     
20
 

At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
   
Real Estate Loans
   
Consumer
Loans
 
   
One- to Four Family
Residential,
Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential and
Residential
Mixed Use
   
Commercial
Mixed Use Real
Estate
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Total
Real Estate
 
Beginning balance
 
$
126
   
$
14,374
   
$
1,682
   
$
2,349
   
$
18,531
   
$
22
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
   
19
     
288
     
92
     
18
     
417
     
(1
)
Charge-offs
   
(6
)
   
(1
)
   
-
     
(4
)
   
(11
)
   
-
 
Recoveries
   
1
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1
     
-
 
Ending balance
 
$
140
   
$
14,661
   
$
1,774
   
$
2,363
   
$
18,938
   
$
21
 

At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
   
Real Estate Loans
   
Consumer
Loans
 
   
One- to Four Family
Residential,
Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential and
Residential
Mixed Use
   
Commercial
Mixed Use Real
Estate
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Total
Real Estate
 
Beginning balance
 
$
263
   
$
14,118
   
$
1,652
   
$
2,461
   
$
18,494
   
$
20
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
   
(94
)
   
2,024
     
70
     
(412
)
   
1,588
     
1
 
Charge-offs
   
(31
)
   
(74
)
   
(10
)
   
-
     
(115
)
   
(2
)
Recoveries
   
2
     
37
     
-
     
23
     
62
     
1
 
Ending balance
 
$
140
   
$
16,105
   
$
1,712
   
$
2,072
   
$
20,029
   
$
20
 

At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
   
Real Estate Loans
   
Consumer
Loans
 
   
One- to Four Family
Residential,
Including
Condominium and
Cooperative
Apartment
   
Multifamily
Residential and
Residential
Mixed Use
   
Commercial
Mixed Use Real
Estate
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Total
Real Estate
 
Beginning balance
 
$
150
   
$
13,852
   
$
1,644
   
$
2,823
   
$
18,469
   
$
24
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
   
99
     
848
     
143
     
(1,980
)
   
(890
)
   
(1
)
Charge-offs
   
(113
)
   
(42
)
   
(37
)
   
(5
)
   
(197
)
   
(2
)
Recoveries
   
4
     
3
     
24
     
1,525
     
1,556
     
-
 
Ending balance
 
$
140
   
$
14,661
   
$
1,774
   
$
2,363
   
$
18,938
   
$
21
 
 
20

The following tables summarize impaired real estate loans as of or for the periods indicated (by collateral type within the real estate loan segment):

   
At September 30, 2016
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment(1)
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
                                           
With no related allowance recorded:
                                         
One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment
 
$
410
   
$
410
   
$
-
   
$
412
   
$
6
   
$
452
   
$
47
 
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
   
3,356
     
3,356
     
-
     
3,643
     
99
     
2,310
     
138
 
Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate
   
4,451
     
4,451
     
-
     
4,404
     
43
     
4,383
     
131
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
3,380
     
3,380
     
-
     
3,388
     
34
     
3,456
     
102
 
Total with no related allowance recorded
   
11,597
     
11,597
     
-
     
11,847
     
182
     
10,601
     
418
 
                                                         
With related allowance recorded:
                                                       
One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total with related allowance recorded
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
                                                         
Total:
                                                       
One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment
   
410
     
410
     
-
     
412
     
6
     
452
     
47
 
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
   
3,356
     
3,356
     
-
     
3,643
     
99
     
2,310
     
138
 
Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate
   
4,451
     
4,451
     
-
     
4,404
     
43
     
4,383
     
131
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
3,380
     
3,380
     
-
     
3,388
     
34
     
3,456
     
102
 
Ending balance
 
$
11,597
   
$
11,597
   
$
-
   
$
11,847
   
$
182
   
$
10,601
   
$
418
 
(1)
The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.
 
21

   
At December 31, 2015
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment(1)
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
                                           
With no related allowance recorded:
                                         
One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment
 
$
635
   
$
598
   
$
-
   
$
601
   
$
11
   
$
602
   
$
34
 
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
   
983
     
983
     
-
     
1,074
     
10
     
1,123
     
56
 
Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate
   
4,345
     
4,345
     
-
     
4,383
     
44
     
4,388
     
132
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
3,642
     
3,635
     
-
     
5,169
     
35
     
5,929
     
106
 
Total with no related allowance recorded
   
9,605
     
9,561
     
-
     
11,227
     
100
     
12,042
     
328
 
                                                         
With related allowance recorded:
                                                       
One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,375
     
97
 
Total with related allowance recorded
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,375
     
97
 
                                                         
Total:
                                                       
One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment
   
635
     
598
     
-
     
601
     
11
     
602
     
34
 
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
   
983
     
983
     
-
     
1,074
     
10
     
1,123
     
56
 
Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate
   
4,345
     
4,345
     
-
     
4,383
     
44
     
4,388
     
132
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
3,642
     
3,635
     
-
     
5,169
     
35
     
7,304
     
203
 
Ending balance
 
$
9,605
   
$
9,561
   
$
-
   
$
11,227
   
$
100
   
$
13,417
   
$
425
 
(1)
The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.
 
22

10.
INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

The following tables summarize the major categories of securities owned by the Company (excluding trading securities) for the periods indicated:

   
September 30, 2016
 
   
Amortized
Cost (1)
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
                       
Pooled bank trust preferred securities (“TRUPS”)
 
$
5,356
   
$
1,931
   
$
(429
)
 
$
6,858
 
 
                               
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                               
Registered Mutual Funds
   
3,992
     
63
     
(122
)
   
3,933
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
3,640
     
13
     
(6
)
   
3,647
 
Total investment securities available-for-sale
   
7,632
     
76
     
(128
)
   
7,580
 
Total investment securities
 
$
12,988
   
$
2,007
   
$
(557
)
 
$
14,438
 
(1) Amount represents the purchase amortized / historical cost less any OTTI charges (credit or non-credit related) previously recognized.  For the TRUPS, amount is also net of the $760 unamortized portion of the unrealized loss that was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on September 1, 2008 (the day on which these securities were transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity).

   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Amortized
Cost (1)
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
                       
TRUPS
 
$
5,242
   
$
2,154
   
$
(345
)
 
$
7,051
 
                                 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                               
Registered Mutual Funds
   
3,990
     
25
     
(259
)
   
3,756
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
418
     
13
     
-
     
431
 
Total investment securities available-for-sale
   
4,408
     
38
     
(259
)
   
4,187
 
Total investment securities
 
$
9,650
   
$
2,192
   
$
(604
)
 
$
11,238
 
(1) Amount represents the purchase amortized/historical cost less any OTTI charges (credit or non-credit related) previously recognized.  For the TRUPS, amount is also net of the $807 unamortized portion of the unrealized loss that was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on September 1, 2008 (the day on which these securities were transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity).

 The held-to-maturity TRUPS had a weighted average term to maturity of 18.3 years at September 30, 2016.  At September 30, 2016, the pass-through MBS issued by GSEs possessed a weighted average contractual maturity of 4.1 years. All of the pass-through MBS issued by GSEs possess an annual interest rate adjustment.

There were no sales of registered mutual funds available-for-sale during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 or 2015, or nine-month period ended September 30, 2016.  Proceeds from the sale of registered mutual funds available-for-sale totaled $2,070 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Gross gains of $4 and gross losses of $8 were recognized on these sales.  There were no sales of MBS available-for-sale during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 or 2015, or nine-month period ended September 30, 2016. Proceeds from the sale of MBS available-for-sale totaled $24,307 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Gross gains of $1,395 and gross losses of $7 were recognized on these sales.

There were no sales of trading securities during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 or 2015, or the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.  The entire gain/loss on securities shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income during those periods resulted from market valuation changes or sales of trading securities.  Proceeds from the sale of trading securities were $3,648 during nine-month period ended September 30, 2016.  Gross gains of $3 and gross losses of $45 were recognized on these sales.

Tax provisions related to the gains on sales of registered mutual funds and MBS available-for-sale recognized during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 are disclosed in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
 
23

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

   
September 30, 2016
 
   
Less than 12
Consecutive Months
   
12 Consecutive
Months or Longer
   
Total
 
                                     
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
                                   
TRUPS
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,306
   
$
429
   
$
2,306
   
$
429
 
                                                 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                                               
Registered Mutual Funds
   
-
     
-
     
1,823
     
122
     
1,823
     
122
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
3,262
     
6
     
-
     
-
     
3,262
     
6
 

   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Less than 12
Consecutive Months
   
12 Consecutive
Months or Longer
   
Total
 
                                     
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
                                   
TRUPS
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,359
   
$
345
   
$
2,359
   
$
345
 
                                                 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                                               
Registered Mutual Funds
   
3,026
     
259
     
-
     
-
     
3,026
     
259
 

TRUPS That Maintained an Unrealized Holding Loss for 12 or More Consecutive Months

At September 30, 2016, there were two TRUPS with unrealized holding losses for 12 or more consecutive months. The impairment of one of those TRUPS was deemed temporary, as management believed that the full recorded balance of the investments would be realized.  In making this determination, management considered the following:

·
Based upon an internal review of the collateral backing the TRUPS portfolio, which accounted for current and prospective deferrals, the securities could reasonably be expected to continue making all contractual payments
·
The Company does not intend to sell these securities prior to full recovery of their impairment
·
There were no cash or working capital requirements nor contractual or regulatory obligations that would compel the Company to sell these securities prior to their forecasted recovery or maturity
·
The securities have a pool of underlying issuers comprised primarily of banks
·
None of the securities have exposure to real estate investment trust issued debt (which has experienced high default rates)
·
The securities feature either a mandatory auction or a de-leveraging mechanism that could result in principal repayments to the Bank prior to the stated maturity of the security
·
The securities are adequately collateralized

The unrealized loss on the second TRUP with unrealized holding losses for 12 or more consecutive months was considered to be other than temporary. See below for a discussion of other than temporary impairment.

TRUPS with Other than Temporary Impairment

As of each reporting period through September 30, 2016, the Company applied the protocol established by ASC 320-10-65 in order to determine whether OTTI existed for its TRUPS and/or to measure, for TRUPS that were determined to be other than temporarily impaired, the credit related and non-credit related components of OTTI.  As of September 30, 2016, five TRUPS were determined to meet the criteria for OTTI based upon this analysis, and no additional OTTI charges were recognized.
 
24

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the pre-tax OTTI charges recognized on the Company's TRUPS, for which a portion of the impairment loss (non-credit factors) was recognized in other comprehensive income for the period ended:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
Credit
Related
OTTI
Recognized
in Earnings
   
Non-Credit
OTTI
Recognized in
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Total
OTTI
Charge
   
Credit
Related
OTTI
Recognized
in
Earnings
   
Non-Credit
OTTI
Recognized in
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Total
OTTI
Charge
 
Cumulative pre-tax balance at the beginning of the period
 
$
8,665
   
$
562
   
$
9,227
   
$
8,769
   
$
596
   
$
9,365
 
Amortization of previously recognized OTTI
   
(26
)
   
(9
)
   
(35
)
   
(26
)
   
(9
)
   
(35
)
Cumulative pre-tax balance at end of the period
 
$
8,639
   
$
553
   
$
9,192
   
$
8,743
   
$
587
   
$
9,330
 

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
Credit
Related
OTTI
Recognized
in Earnings
   
Non-Credit
OTTI
Recognized in
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Total
OTTI
Charge
   
Credit
Related
OTTI
Recognized
in
Earnings
   
Non-Credit
OTTI
Recognized in
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Total
OTTI
Charge
 
Cumulative pre-tax balance at the beginning of the period
 
$
8,717
   
$
578
   
$
9,295
   
$
8,945
   
$
569
   
$
9,514
 
Accretion (Amortization) of previously recognized OTTI
   
(78
)
   
(25
)
   
(103
)
   
(202
)
   
18
     
(184
)
Cumulative pre-tax balance at end of the period
 
$
8,639
   
$
553
   
$
9,192
   
$
8,743
   
$
587
   
$
9,330
 
 
11.
DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  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 is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, such derivatives were used to hedge the variability in cash flows associated with wholesale borrowings.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2016, the Company’s did not record any hedge ineffectiveness. The Company did not have any derivatives outstanding prior to the quarter ended June 30, 2016.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are paid on the Company’s liabilities.
 
25

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition:

   
At September 30, 2016
 
   
Count
   
Notional
Amount
   
Fair Value
Assets
   
Fair Value
Liabilities
 
                         
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Interest Rate Products
   
4
   
$
90,000
   
$
-
   
$
249
 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
   
4
   
$
90,000
   
$
-
   
$
249
 

Weighted average pay rates
   
1.24
%
Weighted average receive rates
   
0.81
%
Weighted average maturity
 
5.57 years
 

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as the amount of gain or (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Income as of September 30, 2016:

   
At or for the Three Months
Ended September 30, 2016
 
   
Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
(Effective Portion)
   
Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified from Other
Comprehensive Income into
Interest Expense
(Effective Portion)
   
Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Non-Interest Expense
(Ineffective Portion)
 
Interest Rate Products
 
$
717
   
$
(9
)
 
$
-
 

   
At or for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2016
 
   
Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
(Effective Portion)
   
Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified from Other
Comprehensive Income into
Interest Expense
(Effective Portion)
   
Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Non-Interest Expense
(Ineffective Portion)
 
Interest Rate Products
 
$
(281
)
 
$
32
   
$
-
 

The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives as of September 30, 2016. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of fair value. The tabular disclosure of fair value provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities as of September 30, 2016:

       
Gross Amounts
   
Net Amounts of
Assets
   
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statements of Financial Condition
     
   
Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities
   
Offset in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
   
presented in
the Statements
of Financial
Condition
   
Financial
Instruments
   
Cash Collateral
Received
   
Net Amount
 
Counterparty A
 
$
249
   
$
-
   
$
249
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
249
 

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

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

As of September 30, 2016, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $220. If the Company had breached any of the above provisions at September 30, 2016, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value and would have been required to pay any additional amounts due in excess of amounts previously posted as collateral with the respective counterparty. There were no provisions breached for the period ended September 30, 2016.
 
26

12.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value hierarchy established under ASC 820-10 is summarized as follows:

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

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

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

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

         
Fair Value Measurements at
September 30, 2016 Using
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
Inputs
   
Level 2
Inputs
   
Level 3
Inputs
 
Financial Assets
                       
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
                       
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
 
$
834
   
$
834
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
International Equity Mutual Funds
   
222
     
222
     
-
     
-
 
Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
5,834
     
5,834
     
-
     
-
 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                               
Registered Mutual Funds:
                               
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
   
1,307
     
1,307
     
-
     
-
 
International Equity Mutual Funds
   
397
     
397
     
-
     
-
 
Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
2,229
     
2,229
     
-
     
-
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
3,647
     
-
     
3,647
     
-
 
                                 
Financial Liabilities
                               
Derivative – interest rate product
 
$
249
     
-
   
$
249
     
-
 

         
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2015 Using
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
Inputs
   
Level 2
Inputs
   
Level 3
Inputs
 
Financial Assets
                       
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
                       
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
 
$
1,053
   
$
1,053
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
International Equity Mutual Funds
   
281
     
281
     
-
     
-
 
Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
8,867
     
8,867
     
-
     
-
 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                               
Registered Mutual Funds:
                               
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
   
1,253
     
1,253
     
-
     
-
 
International Equity Mutual Funds
   
383
     
383
     
-
     
-
 
Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
2,120
     
2,120
     
-
     
-
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
431
     
-
     
431
     
-
 
 
27

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

The pass-through MBS issued by GSEs all possessed the highest possible credit rating published by at least one established credit rating agency as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Obtaining market values as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 for these securities utilizing significant observable inputs was not difficult due to their considerable demand.
 
Derivatives represent interest rate swaps and estimated fair values are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date.
 
There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015.
 
Impaired Loans - Loans with certain characteristics are evaluated individually for impairment. A loan is considered impaired under ASC 310-10-35 when, based upon existing information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Bank's impaired loans at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were collateralized by real estate and were thus carried at the lower of the outstanding principal balance or the estimated fair value of the collateral.  Fair value is estimated through either a negotiated note sale price (Level 3 input), or, more commonly, a recent real estate appraisal (Level 3 input).  The appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

An appraisal is generally ordered for all impaired multifamily residential, mixed use and commercial real estate loans for which the most recent appraisal is more than one year old.  The Bank never adjusts independent appraisal data upward.  Occasionally, management will adjust independent appraisal data downward based upon its own lending expertise and/or experience with the subject property, utilizing such factors as potential note sale values, or a more refined estimate of costs to repair and time to lease the property.  Adjustments for potential disposal costs are also considered when determining the final appraised value.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no impaired loans measured at fair value.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments other than those measured at fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring basis at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:

         
Fair Value Measurements
at September 30, 2016 Using
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Level 1
Inputs
   
Level 2
Inputs
   
Level 3
Inputs
   
Total
 
Financial Assets
                             
Cash and due from banks
 
$
80,870
   
$
80,870
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
80,870
 
Investment securities held to maturity (TRUPS)
   
5,356
     
-
     
-
     
6,858
     
6,858
 
Loans, net
   
5,470,117
     
-
     
-
     
5,507,493
     
5,507,493
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
15,192
     
-
     
11
     
15,181
     
15,192
 
FHLBNY capital stock
   
46,739
     
N/A
     
N/A
     
N/A
     
N/A
 
Financial Liabilities
                                       
Savings, money market and checking accounts
   
3,091,323
     
3,091,323
     
-
     
-
     
3,091,323
 
Certificates of Deposits (“CDs”)
   
1,067,941
     
-
     
1,076,637
     
-
     
1,076,637
 
Escrow and other deposits
   
117,309
     
117,309
     
-
     
-
     
117,309
 
FHLBNY Advances
   
882,125
     
-
     
888,141
     
-
     
888,141
 
Trust Preferred securities payable
   
70,680
     
-
     
70,327
     
-
     
70,327
 
Accrued interest payable
   
2,291
     
-
     
2,291
     
-
     
2,291
 
 
28

         
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2015 Using
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Level 1
Inputs
   
Level 2
Inputs
   
Level 3
Inputs
   
Total
 
Financial Assets
                             
Cash and due from banks
 
$
64,154
   
$
64,154
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
64,154
 
Investment securities held to maturity (TRUPS)
   
5,242
     
-
     
-
     
7,051
     
7,051
 
Loans, net
   
4,678,262
     
-
     
-
     
4,722,803
     
4,722,803
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
13,486
     
-
     
19
     
13,467
     
13,486
 
FHLBNY capital stock
   
58,713
     
N/A
     
N/A
     
N/A
     
N/A
 
Financial Liabilities
                                       
Savings, money market and checking accounts
   
2,325,463
     
2,325,463
     
-
     
-
     
2,325,463
 
CDs
   
858,847
     
-
     
865,581
     
-
     
865,581
 
Escrow and other deposits
   
77,130
     
77,130
     
-
     
-
     
77,130
 
FHLBNY Advances
   
1,166,725
     
-
     
1,170,274
     
-
     
1,170,274
 
Trust Preferred securities payable
   
70,680
     
-
     
69,973
     
-
     
69,973
 
Accrued interest payable
   
2,259
     
-
     
2,259
     
-
     
2,259
 

Cash and Due From Banks – The fair value is assumed to be equal to their carrying value as these amounts are due upon demand (deemed a Level 1 valuation).

TRUPS Held to Maturity – At both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 the Company owned seven TRUPS classified as held-to-maturity. As a result of improved marketplace stability and enhanced trading activity, broker quotations became the sole valuation source utilized to estimate the fair value of TRUPS as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Despite improvement in the overall marketplace conditions, unobservable data was still deemed to have been utilized in the broker quotation pricing, warranting a determination of Level 3 valuation for these securities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Loans, Net (Excluding Impaired Loans Carried at Fair Value) – For adjustable rate loans repricing monthly or quarterly, and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.  The fair value of all remaining loans receivable is determined by discounting anticipated future cash flows of the loans, net of anticipated prepayments, using a discount rate reflecting current market rates for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  The valuation method used for loans does not necessarily represent an exit price valuation methodology as defined under ASC 820.  However, since the valuation methodology is deemed to be comparable to a Level 3 input, the fair value of loans receivable other than impaired loans measured at fair value, is shown under the Level 3 valuation column.

Accrued Interest Receivable – The estimated fair value of accrued interest receivable approximates its carrying amount, and is deemed to be valued at an input level comparable to its underlying financial asset.

FHLBNY Capital Stock – It is not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLBNY capital stock due to restrictions placed on transferability.

Deposits – The fair value of savings, money market, and checking accounts is, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amount), which has been deemed a Level 1 valuation.  The fair value of CDs is based upon the present value of contractual cash flows using current interest rates for instruments of the same remaining maturity (deemed a Level 2 valuation).

Escrow and Other Deposits – The fair value of escrow and other deposits is, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amount), which has been deemed a Level 1 valuation.

FHLBNY Advances – The fair value of FHLBNY advances is measured by the discounted anticipated cash flows through contractual maturity or next interest repricing date, or an earlier call date if, as of the valuation date, the borrowing is expected to be called (deemed a Level 2 valuation).  The carrying amount of accrued interest payable on FHLBNY advances is its fair value and is deemed a Level 2 valuation.

Trust Preferred Securities Payable – The fair value of trust preferred securities payable is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on then current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements (deemed a Level 2 valuation), and is provided to the Company quarterly independently by a market maker in the underlying security.

Accrued Interest Payable – The estimated fair value of accrued interest payable approximates its carrying amount, and is deemed to be valued at an input level comparable to its underlying financial liability.
 
29

13.
RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The Holding Company or the Bank maintains the Retirement Plan of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh (the "Employee Retirement Plan"), the Retirement Plan for Board Members of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the "Outside Director Retirement Plan"), the BMP, and the Postretirement Welfare Plan of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh (the "Postretirement Plan").  Net expenses associated with these plans were comprised of the following components:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 
   
BMP,
Employee and
Outside Director
Retirement
Plans
   
Postretirement
Plan
   
BMP,
Employee and
Outside
Director
Retirement
Plans
   
Postretirement
Plan
 
                         
Service cost
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Interest cost
   
343
     
16
     
344
     
18
 
Expected return on assets
   
(383
)
   
-
     
(414
)
   
-
 
Unrecognized past service liability
   
-
     
(2
)
   
-
     
-
 
Amortization of unrealized loss
   
428
     
(1
)
   
480
     
(2
)
Net periodic cost
 
$
388
   
$
13
   
$
410
   
$
16
 

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 
   
BMP,
Employee and
Outside Director
Retirement
Plans
   
Postretirement
Plan
   
BMP,
Employee and
Outside
Director
Retirement
Plans
   
Postretirement
Plan
 
                         
Service cost
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
9
 
Interest cost
   
1,028
     
47
     
749
     
556
 
Expected return on assets
   
(1,149
)
   
-
     
(1,242
)
   
-
 
Curtailment gain(1)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(3,394
)
Unrecognized past service liability
   
-
     
(6
)
   
-
     
-
 
Amortization of unrealized loss
   
1,284
     
(3
)
   
1,257
     
(27
)
Net periodic cost (gain)
 
$
1,163
   
$
38
   
$
764
   
$
(2,856
)
(1)
The Postretirement Plan was amended effective March 31, 2015, whereby future retirees will not be eligible to participate in the plan. This plan amendment resulted in a curtailment gain.

The Company disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 that it expected to make contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of, benefit plans during 2016 as follows: BMP - $686, Outside Director Retirement Plan - $208, and Postretirement Plan - $116.  The Company made contributions of $4 to the Employee Retirement Plan during the three months ended September 30, 2016, and $15 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The Company made benefit payments of $41 on behalf of the Outside Director Retirement Plan during the three months ended September 30, 2016, and $123 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and expects to make the remainder of the estimated benefit payments during 2016.  The Company made benefit payments totaling $43 on behalf of the Postretirement Plan during the three months ended September 30, 2016, and $94 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and expects to make the remainder of the anticipated contributions or benefit payments during 2016.  The Company made benefit payments totaling $46 on behalf of the BMP during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, and expects to make benefit payments of $35 on behalf of the BMP during the remainder of 2016.

The BMP exists in order to compensate executive officers for any curtailments in benefits due to statutory limitations on qualifying benefit plans.  On July 1, 2016, in addition to benefit payments from the defined benefit plan component of the BMP discussed above, a retired participant elected a gross lump-sum distribution of $7,736.  The distribution was satisfied by 239,822 shares of Common Stock (market value of $4,088) held by the ESOP component of the BMP and cash of $3,648 held by the defined contribution plan components of the BMP.  As a result of the distribution, a non-cash tax benefit of $717 was recognized for the difference between the market value and cost basis of the Common Stock held by the BMP, which reduces tax payable and increases Additional Paid-in Capital.
 
30

14.
INCOME TAXES

During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company's consolidated effective tax rates were 41.5% and 41.3%, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company's consolidated effective tax rates were 42.1% and 40.8%, respectively.  The increase in the consolidated tax rate from 2015 to 2016 was the result of a $68.2 million gain on sale of real estate transaction, which will impact the consolidated tax rate in each quarterly period in 2016.  There were no other significant unusual income tax items during the three-month or nine-month periods ended either September 30, 2016 or 2015.

15.
PREMISES HELD FOR SALE

On March 16, 2016, the Bank completed the sale of premises held for sale with an aggregate recorded balance of $8,799 at December 31, 2015.  A gain of $68,183 was recognized on this sale.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Bank re-classified certain real estate utilized as a retail branch and principal office of the Company and the Bank to premises held for sale. The aggregate recorded balance of the premises held for sale was $1,379 at September 30, 2016, the outstanding balance upon transfer. On April 14, 2016, a Purchase and Sale Agreement was executed for the property, for a sale price of $12,300. The sale is expected to close in April 2017.
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

The Holding Company is a Delaware corporation and parent company of the Bank, a New York State chartered stock savings bank.  The Bank maintains its headquarters in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York and operates twenty-five full service retail banking offices located in the NYC boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and in Nassau County, New York.  The Bank’s principal business is gathering deposits from customers within its market area and via the internet, and investing them primarily in multifamily residential, commercial real estate and mixed use loans, MBS, obligations of the U.S. government and GSEs, and corporate debt and equity securities.  All of the Bank's lending occurs in the greater NYC metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

The Holding Company’s primary business is the ownership of the Bank.  The Company’s consolidated results of operations are dependent primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.  The Bank additionally generates non-interest income such as service charges and other fees, mortgage banking related income, and income associated with BOLI.  Non-interest expense primarily consists of employee compensation and benefits, federal deposit insurance premiums, data processing costs, occupancy and equipment, marketing and other operating expenses.  The Company’s consolidated results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions (particularly fluctuations in market interest rates), government policies, changes in accounting standards and actions of regulatory agencies.

The Bank's primary strategy is generally to seek to increase its product and service utilization for each individual depositor, and increase its household and deposit market shares in the communities that it serves.  In recent years, particular emphasis has been placed upon growing individual and small business commercial checking account balances. The Bank also actively strives to obtain checking account balances affiliated with the operation of the collateral underlying its mortgage loans, as well as personal deposit accounts from its borrowers. Commencing in the latter half of 2015, the Bank launched an internet banking initiative "Dime Direct." To date, deposits gathered through Dime Direct have primarily been promotional money markets. Given their nature, the Dime Direct deposits are anticipated to carry lower administrative servicing costs than the Bank's traditional retail deposits. The Bank’s primary strategy additionally includes the origination of, and investment in, mortgage loans, with an emphasis on NYC multifamily residential and mixed-use real estate loans.  The Company believes that multifamily residential and mixed-use loans in and around NYC provide several advantages as investment assets.  Initially, they offer a higher yield than investment securities of comparable maturities or terms to repricing.  In addition, origination and processing costs for the Bank’s multifamily residential and mixed use loans are lower per thousand dollars of originations than comparable one-to four-family loan costs.  Further, the Bank’s market area has generally provided a stable flow of new and refinanced multifamily residential and mixed-use loan originations.  In order to address the credit risk associated with multifamily residential and mixed use lending, the Bank has developed underwriting standards that it believes are reliable in order to maintain consistent credit quality for its loans.
 
31

The Bank also strives to provide a stable source of liquidity and earnings through the occasional purchase of investment grade securities, seeks to maintain the asset quality of its loans and other investments, and uses portfolio and asset/liability management techniques in an effort to manage the effects of interest rate volatility on its profitability and capital.

Selected Financial Highlights and Other Data
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

   
At or For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
   
At or For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Performance and Other Selected Ratios:
                       
Return on Average Assets
   
0.75
%
   
0.86
%
   
1.76
%
   
0.97
%
Return on Average Stockholders' Equity
   
7.63
     
8.38
     
17.89
     
9.44
 
Stockholders' Equity to Total Assets
   
9.54
     
10.01
     
9.54
     
10.01
 
Loans to Deposits at End of Period
   
132.00
     
148.28
     
132.00
     
148.28
 
Loans to Earning Assets at End of Period
   
96.45
     
95.57
     
96.45
     
95.57
 
Net Interest Spread
   
2.44
     
2.69
     
2.52
     
2.72
 
Net Interest Margin
   
2.59
     
2.84
     
2.69
     
2.90
 
Average Interest Earning Assets to Average Interest Bearing Liabilities
   
116.14
     
116.44
     
116.87
     
116.30
 
Non-Interest Expense to Average Assets
   
1.29
     
1.37
     
1.33
     
1.35
 
Efficiency Ratio
   
48.82
     
47.63
     
48.66
     
46.09
 
Effective Tax Rate
   
41.52
     
41.30
     
42.08
     
40.79
 
Dividend Payout Ratio
   
48.28
     
50.00
     
21.54
     
45.65
 
Per Share Data:
                               
Reported EPS (Diluted)
 
$
0.29
   
$
0.28
   
$
1.95
   
$
0.92
 
Cash Dividends Paid Per Share
   
0.14
     
0.14
     
0.42
     
0.42
 
Stated Book Value
 
 
14.79
   
 
13.01
   
 
14.79
   
 
13.01
 
Asset Quality Summary:
                               
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
 
$
29
   
$
10
   
$
54
   
$
(1,357
)
Non-performing Loans (including loans held for sale)
 
 
3,875
   
 
1,590
   
 
3,875
   
 
1,590
 
Non-performing Loans/Total Loans
   
0.07
%
   
0.04
%
   
0.07
%
   
0.04
%
Non-performing Assets
 
$
5,155
   
$
2,965
   
$
5,155
   
$
2,965
 
Non-performing Assets/Total Assets
   
0.09
%
   
0.06
%
   
0.09
%
   
0.06
%
Allowance for Loan Loss/Total Loans
   
0.37
     
0.42
     
0.37
     
0.42
 
Allowance for Loan Loss/Non-performing Loans
   
517.39
     
1,192.39
     
517.39
     
1,192.39
 
Earnings to Fixed Charges Ratios (1)
                               
Including Interest on Deposits
   
2.29
x
   
2.51
x
   
4.14
x
   
2.58
x
Excluding Interest on Deposits
   
4.35
     
4.13
     
8.55
     
3.97
 
(1) Please refer to Exhibit 12.1 for further detail on the calculation of these ratios.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s policies with respect to: (1) the methodologies it uses to determine the allowance for loan losses (including reserves for loan commitments), and (2) accounting for defined benefit plans, are its most critical accounting policies because they are important to the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations, involve a significant degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often necessitate assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. The use of different judgments, assumptions or estimates could result in material variations in the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The Bank's methods and assumptions utilized to periodically determine its allowance for loan losses are summarized in Note 9 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
32

Accounting for Defined Benefit Plans.  Defined benefit plans are accounted for in accordance with ASC 715, which requires an employer sponsoring a single employer defined benefit plan to recognize the funded status of such benefit plan in its statements of financial condition, measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value (with limited exceptions) and the benefit obligation.  The Company utilizes the services of trained actuaries employed at an independent benefits plan administration entity in order to assist in measuring the funded status of its defined benefit plans.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

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

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

Retail branch and Internet banking deposits increased $975.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $369.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Within deposits, core deposits (i.e., non-CDs) increased $765.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $408.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increases in retail branch and Internet banking deposits during the comparative period were due primarily to successful gathering efforts tied to promotional money market offerings in line with the Company’s growth strategy.  CDs increased $209.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as a result of promotional offerings during the period.  CDs declined $38.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as a result of attrition of promotional CDs that matured, as the Bank de-emphasized gathering and retaining CDs during the period, focusing instead on gathering and retaining money market and checking deposits.

In the event that the Bank should require funds beyond its ability or desire to generate them internally, an additional source of funds is available through its borrowing line at the FHLBNY.  At September 30, 2016, the Bank had an additional potential borrowing capacity of $1.2 billion through the FHLBNY, subject to customary minimum FHLBNY common stock ownership requirements (i.e., 4.5% of the Bank's outstanding FHLBNY borrowings).

The Bank decreased its outstanding FHLBNY advances by $284.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, reflecting both the utilization of deposit inflows to fund asset growth and the deployment of the cash proceeds received from the real estate sale during the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The Bank reduced its outstanding FHLBNY advances by $104.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, reflecting both the utilization of deposit inflows to fund asset growth and other operational needs, as well as the prepayment of a $25.0 million, 4.27% fixed-rate advance due to mature in 2016. A prepayment expense of $1.4 million was recognized on the prepayment of the $25.0 million advance.
 
33

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, principal repayments totaled $544.6 million on real estate loans (including refinanced loans) compared to $683.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in principal repayments on real estate loans during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 resulted primarily from a lower prepayment volume.

No sales of registered mutual funds or MBS available-for-sale occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Aggregate proceeds from the sales of registered mutual funds and MBS available-for-sale totaled $26.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, reflecting the liquidation of virtually all outstanding registered mutual funds and MBS available-for-sale in March 2015. The securities were sold in order to offset the cash disbursement and expense associated with the prepayment of the $25.0 million FHLBNY advance noted previously in this section. A net gain of $1.4 million was recognized on the sales.

The Bank is subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements imposed by its primary federal regulator.  As a general matter, these capital requirements are based on the amount and composition of an institution's assets. At September 30, 2016, the Bank was in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements and was considered "well-capitalized" for all regulatory purposes.

The following table summarizes the Company and Bank capital ratios calculated under the Basel III Capital Rules framework as of September 30, 2016:

   
Bank
   
Consolidated
Company
   
Basel III
Minimum
Requirement
   
Basel III
Minimum
Requirement
Plus 0.625%
Buffer(1)
   
Basel III
Minimum
Requirement
Plus 2.5%
Buffer(2)
   
Well
Capitalized
Requirement
Under FDIC
Prompt
Corrective
Action
Framework(3)
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
   
11.22
%
   
11.24
%
   
4.5
%
   
5.125
%
   
7.0
%
   
6.5
%
Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets
   
11.22
     
12.76
     
6.0
     
6.625
     
8.5
     
8.0
 
Total Capital to risk weighted assets
   
11.67
     
13.20
     
8.0
     
8.625
     
10.5
     
10.0
 
Tier 1 Capital to average assets
   (Leverage ratio)
   
9.04
     
10.29
     
4.0
     
n/a
     
n/a
     
5.0
 
(1)
The 0.625% buffer percentage represents the phased-in requirement as of September 30, 2016.
(2)
The 2.5% buffer percentage represents the fully phased-in requirement as of January 1, 2019.
(3)
Only the Bank is subject to these requirements.

Implementation of the initial phase capital conservation buffer under the Basel III Capital Rules effective January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact upon the operations of the Bank or Holding Company. Management believes that, as of September 30, 2016, the Bank and the Holding Company would satisfy all capital categories requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased in basis as if such requirement had been in effect on that date.

The Company generally utilizes its liquidity and capital resources primarily to fund the origination of real estate loans, the purchase of real estate loans, mortgage-backed and other securities, the repurchase of Common Stock into treasury, the payment of quarterly cash dividends to holders of the Common Stock, and the payment of quarterly interest to holders of its outstanding trust preferred debt.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, real estate loan originations totaled $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.  The increase reflected the Company's election to compete more aggressively for new loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as a result of an increased loan growth target for the year ending December 31, 2016 versus the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company additionally purchased $157.8 million of loan participations during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 in order to deploy liquidity from deposit inflows more profitably.  Security purchases were de-emphasized during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, as the yield offered in highly graded investment securities was not deemed sufficiently attractive.
 
34

The Holding Company did not repurchase any shares of its Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Holding Company repurchased 20,000 shares of Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 at an aggregate cost of $300,000. As of September 30, 2016, up to 1,104,549 shares remained available for purchase under authorized share purchase programs.  Based upon the $16.76 per share closing price of its Common Stock as of September 30, 2016, the Holding Company would utilize $18.5 million in order to purchase all of the remaining authorized shares.

The Holding Company paid $15.4 million in cash dividends on Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, up from $15.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, reflecting an increase of 354,978 in outstanding shares from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016.

Contractual Obligations

The Bank is obligated for rental payments under leases on certain of its branches and equipment.  In addition, the Bank generally has outstanding at any time significant borrowings in the form of FHLBNY advances, as well as customer CDs with fixed contractual interest rates.  The Holding Company also has $70.7 million of callable trust preferred borrowings from third parties due to mature in April 2034, which became callable at any time commencing in April 2009.  The Holding Company does not currently intend to call this debt.  The facts and circumstances surrounding these obligations have not changed materially since December 31, 2015.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of its loan origination business, the Bank generally has outstanding commitments to extend credit to third parties, which are granted pursuant to its regular underwriting standards.  Since these loan commitments may expire prior to funding, in whole or in part, the contract amounts are not estimates of future cash flows.

The following table presents off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2016:

    
Less than
One Year
   
One Year
to Three
Years
   
Over Three
Years to
Five Years
   
Over Five
Years
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Credit Commitments:
                             
Available lines of credit
 
$
38,691
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
38,691
 
Other loan commitments
   
201,515
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
201,515
 
Total Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
$
240,206
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
240,206
 

Asset Quality
 
General
 
At both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had neither whole loans nor loans underlying MBS that would have been considered subprime loans at origination, i.e., mortgage loans advanced to borrowers who did not qualify for market interest rates because of problems with their income or credit history.  See Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of impaired investment securities and MBS.

Monitoring and Collection of Delinquent Loans

Management of the Bank reviews delinquent loans on a monthly basis and reports to its Board of Directors at each regularly scheduled Board meeting regarding the status of all non-performing and otherwise delinquent loans in the Bank's portfolio.

The Bank's loan servicing policies and procedures require that an automated late notice be sent to a delinquent borrower as soon as possible after a payment is ten days late in the case of multifamily residential or commercial real estate loans, or fifteen days late in connection with one- to four-family or consumer loans.  A second letter is sent to the borrower if payment has not been received within 30 days of the due date.  Thereafter, periodic letters are mailed and phone calls placed to the borrower until payment is received.  When contact is made with the borrower at any time prior to foreclosure, the Bank will attempt to obtain the full payment due or negotiate a repayment schedule with the borrower to avoid foreclosure.
 
35

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

The Bank generally initiates foreclosure proceedings when a loan enters non-accrual status based upon non-payment, and typically does not accept partial payments once foreclosure proceedings have commenced.  At some point during foreclosure proceedings, the Bank procures current appraisal information in order to prepare an estimate of the fair value of the underlying collateral.  If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before the foreclosure action is completed, the property securing the loan is transferred to OREO status.  The Bank generally attempts to utilize all available remedies, such as note sales in lieu of foreclosure, in an effort to resolve non-accrual loans and OREO properties as quickly and prudently as possible in consideration of market conditions, the physical condition of the property and any other mitigating circumstances.  In the event that a non-accrual loan is subsequently brought current, it is returned to accrual status once the doubt concerning collectability has been removed and the borrower has demonstrated performance in accordance with the loan terms and conditions for a period of at least six months.

Non-accrual Loans

Within the Bank's permanent portfolio, fifteen non-accrual loans (excluding deposit overdraft loans) totaled $3.9 million at September 30, 2016, and sixteen non-accrual loans (excluding deposit overdraft loans) totaled $1.6 million at December 31, 2015.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, six loans totaling $3.2 million were added to non-accrual status, two non-accrual loans totaling $77,000 were returned to accrual status based upon favorable payment performance, three non-accrual loans totaling $743,000 were fully satisfied according to their contractual terms, two loans totaling $23,000 were charged down to zero as they were deemed uncollectible, and principal amortization of $46,000 was recognized on eight non-accrual loans.

Impaired Loans

The recorded investment in loans deemed impaired (as defined in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements) was approximately $11.6 million, consisting of twelve loans, at September 30, 2016, compared to $9.6 million, consisting of nine loans, at December 31, 2015.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, six new loans totaling $3.2 million were deemed impaired, three impaired loans totaling $954,000 were fully satisfied according to their contractual terms, and principal amortization totaling $178,000 was recognized on nine impaired loans.

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

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans (1):
           
One- to four-family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
 
$
1,015
   
$
1,113
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed use real estate
   
2,689
     
287
 
Commercial mixed use real estate
   
169
     
-
 
Commercial real estate
   
-
     
207
 
Consumer
   
2
     
4
 
Total non-accrual loans
   
3,875
     
1,611
 
Non-accrual one- to four-family and consumer loans deemed homogeneous loans
   
(1,017
)
   
(1,116
)
TDRs:
               
One- to four-family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment
   
410
     
598
 
Multifamily residential and residential mixed use real estate
   
667
     
696
 
Commercial mixed use real estate
   
4,282
     
4,344
 
Commercial real estate
   
3,380
     
3,428
 
Total TDRs
   
8,739
     
9,066
 
Impaired loans
 
$
11,597
   
$
9,561
 
(1) Total non-accrual loans include some loans that were modified in a manner that met the criteria for a TDR. These non-accruing TDRs totaled $207,000 at December 31, 2015, and are included in the non-accrual loans total. There were no non-accruing TDRs at September 30, 2016.
 
36

TDRs

Under ASC 310-40-15, the Bank is required to recognize loans for which certain modifications or concessions have been made as TDRs.  A TDR has been created in the event that any of the following criteria is met:

·
For economic or legal reasons related to the debtor's financial difficulties, a concession has been granted that would not have otherwise been considered
·
A reduction of interest rate has been made for the remaining term of the loan
·
The maturity date of the loan has been extended with a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk
·
The outstanding principal amount and/or accrued interest have been reduced

In instances in which the interest rate has been reduced, management would not deem the modification a TDR in the event that the reduction in interest rate reflected either a general decline in market interest rates or an effort to maintain a relationship with a borrower who could readily obtain funds from other sources at the current market interest rate, and the terms of the restructured loan are comparable to the terms offered by the Bank to non-troubled debtors.  One loan for $32,000 was modified during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 in a manner that met the criteria for a TDR.  The Bank did not modify any loans in a manner that met the criteria for a TDR during the three months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015, or nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Accrual status for TDRs is determined separately for each TDR in accordance with the policies for determining accrual or non-accrual status that are outlined on page 36At the time an agreement is entered into between the Bank and the borrower that results in the Bank's determination that a TDR has been created, the loan can be on either accrual or non-accrual status.  If a loan is on non-accrual status at the time it is restructured, it continues to be classified as non-accrual until the borrower has demonstrated compliance with the modified loan terms for a period of at least six months.  Conversely, if at the time of restructuring the loan is performing (and accruing) it will remain accruing throughout its restructured period, unless the loan subsequently meets any of the criteria for non-accrual status under the Bank’s policy, as disclosed on page 36 and agency regulations.

The Bank never accepts receivables or equity interests in satisfaction of TDRs.

At September 30, 2016, all but one TDR were collateralized by real estate that generated rental income.  At December 31, 2015, all TDRs were collateralized by real estate that generated rental income.  For TDRs that demonstrated conditions sufficient to warrant accrual status, the present value of the expected net cash flows of the underlying property was utilized as the primary means of determining impairment.  Any shortfall in the present value of the expected cash flows calculated at each measurement period (typically quarter-end) compared to the present value of the expected cash flows at the time of the original loan agreement was recognized as either an allocated reserve (in the event that it related to lower expected interest payments) or a charge-off (if related to lower expected principal payments).  For TDRs on non-accrual status, an appraisal of the underlying real estate collateral is deemed the most appropriate measure to utilize when evaluating impairment, and any shortfall in valuation from the recorded balance is accounted for through a charge-off.  In the event that either an allocated reserve or a charge-off is recognized on TDRs, the periodic loan loss provision is impacted.

Please refer to Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of TDRs.

OREO

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

OREO properties totaled $18,000 at September 30, 2016 and $148,000 at December 31, 2015. The Bank did not recognize any provisions for losses on OREO properties during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015.
 
37

The following table sets forth information regarding non-accrual loans and certain other non-performing assets (including OREO) at the dates indicated:

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans
 
$
3,875
   
$
1,611
 
Non-performing assets:
               
Non-performing TRUPS
   
1,262
     
1,236
 
OREO
   
18
     
148
 
Total non-performing assets
 
$
5,155
   
$
2,995
 
Ratios:
               
Total non-accrual loans to total loans
   
0.07
%
   
0.03
%
Total non-performing assets to total assets
   
0.09
     
0.06
 
 
Other Potential Problem Loans

 Loans Delinquent 30 to 89 Days

The Bank had one real estate loan, totaling $14,000, that was delinquent between 30 and 89 days at September 30, 2016, compared to six such loans totaling $3.0 million at December 31, 2015. The 30 to 89 day delinquency levels fluctuate monthly, and are generally considered a less accurate indicator of near-term credit quality trends than non-accrual loans.

Reserve for Loan Commitments

The Bank maintains a reserve associated with unfunded loan commitments accepted by the borrower. The amount of reserve was $25,000 and $50,000 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. This reserve is determined based upon the outstanding volume of loan commitments at each period end.  Any increases or reductions in this reserve are recognized in periodic non-interest expense.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The methodology utilized to determine the Company's allowance for loan losses on real estate and consumer loans, along with periodic associated activity, remained constant during the periods ended September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.  The following is a summary of the components of the allowance for loan losses as of the following dates:

   
September 30,
2016
   
June 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Real Estate Loans:
                 
Impaired loans
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Substandard loans not deemed impaired or evaluated individually for impairment
   
185
     
99
     
348
 
Special Mention loans not deemed impaired
   
48
     
71
     
88
 
Pass graded loans
   
19,796
     
18,719
     
18,058
 
Total real estate loans
   
20,029
     
18,889
     
18,494
 
Consumer loans
   
20
     
20
     
20
 
Total
 
$
20,049
   
$
18,909
   
$
18,514
 

Activity related to the allowance for loan losses is summarized for the periods indicated as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Net (Charge-offs) recoveries
 
$
(29
)
 
$
10
   
$
(54
)
 
$
(1,357
)
(Credit) Provision
   
1,168
     
416
     
1,589
     
(891
)

The allowance for loan losses increased $1.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, due primarily to a provision of $1.2 million recorded during the period. The provision resulted primarily from growth in the pass graded portion of the real estate loan portfolio.

The allowance for loan losses increased $1.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due primarily to a provision of $1.6 million recorded during the period. The provision resulted primarily from growth in the pass graded portion of the real estate loan portfolio.
 
38

For a further discussion of the allowance for loan losses and related activity during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and as of December 31, 2015, please see Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.  Period-end balances of all Substandard, Special Mention and pass graded real estate loans are summarized in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015

Assets.  Assets totaled $5.8 billion at September 30, 2016, $788.9 million above their level at December 31, 2015.

Real estate loans increased $793.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Bank originated $1.2 billion of real estate loans (including refinancing of existing loans), and purchased real estate loan participations totaling $157.8 million, which exceeded the $544.6 million of aggregate amortization on such loans (also including refinancing of existing loans) during the period.

Cash and due from banks increased $16.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due to the net proceeds of $75.9 million received from the sale of premises during the three months ended March 31, 2016, offset by approximately $59.2 million used to reduce borrowed funds.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Bank completed the sale of premises held for sale with a book value of $8.8 million at December 31, 2015 and upon sale. Net proceeds of $75.9 million were realized on the sale.  On March 24, 2016, premises with an aggregate book value of $1.4 million were transferred to held for sale. In April 2016, the Bank entered into an agreement to sell the premises for $12.3 million. This sale is currently expected to close in April 2017.

Liabilities.  Total liabilities increased $727.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  Retail deposits (due to depositors) increased $975.0 million and FHLBNY advances declined $284.6 million during the period.  Please refer to "Part I – Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a discussion of the increases in retail deposits and decline in FHLBNY advances during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  Mortgagor escrow and other deposits increased by $40.2 million as a result of growth of the real estate loan portfolio.

Stockholders' Equity.  Stockholders' equity increased $61.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due primarily to net income of $71.8 million, $2.7 million of equity added from stock option exercises, and a $2.3 million aggregate increase related to expense amortization.  Partially offsetting these items was $15.4 million in cash dividends paid during the period.  The change in accumulated other comprehensive loss was immaterial during the nine- month period ended September 30, 2016.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

General.  Net income was $10.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $456,000 from net income of $10.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  During the comparative period, net interest income increased $3.5 million, and non-interest income increased $172,000.  Offsetting these additions to pre-tax income were increases of $2.1 million in non-interest expense and $752,000 in the provision for loan losses during the period.  Income tax expense increased $389,000 during the comparative period, as a result of a slightly higher tax rate.

Net Interest Income.  The discussion of net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 should be read in conjunction with the following tables, which set forth certain information related to the consolidated statements of income for those periods, and which also present the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  The average yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of their related assets or liabilities during the periods represented. Average balances were derived from average daily balances. The yields include fees that are considered adjustments to yields.
 
39

Analysis of Net Interest Income

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
         
2016
               
2015
       
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/
Cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/
Cost
 
Assets:
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Real estate loans
 
$
5,328,712
   
$
48,090
     
3.61
%
 
$
4,368,777
   
$
42,109
     
3.86
%
Other loans
   
1,730
     
28
     
6.47
     
1,548
     
22
     
5.68
 
MBS
   
456
     
2
     
1.75
     
439
     
1
     
0.91
 
Investment securities
   
16,718
     
129
     
3.09
     
18,602
     
254
     
5.46
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
105,454
     
707
     
2.68
     
89,318
     
510
     
2.28
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
5,453,070
   
$
48,956
     
3.59
%
   
4,478,684
   
$
42,896
     
3.83
%
Non-interest earning assets
   
200,033
                     
212,324
                 
Total assets
 
$
5,653,103
                   
$
4,691,008
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest bearing checking accounts
 
$
91,979
   
$
55
     
0.24
%
 
$
75,082
   
$
74
     
0.39
%
Money Market accounts
   
2,196,387
     
4,702
     
0.85
     
1,417,796
     
2,717
     
0.76
 
Savings accounts
   
366,921
     
46
     
0.05
     
370,454
     
45
     
0.05
 
CDs
   
1,056,346
     
3,832
     
1.44
     
891,769
     
3,054
     
1.36
 
Borrowed Funds
   
983,756
     
4,974
     
2.01
     
1,091,258
     
5,192
     
1.89
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
4,695,389
   
$
13,609
     
1.15
%
   
3,846,359
   
$
11,082
     
1.14
%
Non-interest bearing checking accounts
   
262,120
                     
233,224
                 
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
   
143,224
                     
130,356
                 
Total liabilities
   
5,100,733
                     
4,209,939
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
552,370
                     
481,069
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
5,653,103
                   
$
4,691,008
                 
Net interest income
         
$
35,347
                   
$
31,814
         
Net interest spread
                   
2.44
%
                   
2.69
%
Net interest-earning assets
 
$
757,681
                   
$
632,325
                 
Net interest margin
                   
2.59
%
                   
2.84
%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
                   
116.14
%
                   
116.44
%

Rate/Volume Analysis

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Compared to Three Months Ended September 30,
2015 Increase/ (Decrease) Due to:
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars In thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Real Estate Loans
 
$
8,982
   
$
(3,001
)
 
$
5,981
 
Other loans
   
3
     
3
     
6
 
MBS
   
-
     
1
     
1
 
Investment securities
   
(21
)
   
(104
)
   
(125
)
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
100
     
97
     
197
 
Total
 
$
9,064
   
$
(3,004
)
 
$
6,060
 
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Interest bearing checking accounts
 
$
13
   
$
(32
)
 
$
(19
)
Money market accounts
   
1,578
     
407
     
1,985
 
Savings accounts
   
1
     
-
     
1
 
CDs
   
581
     
197
     
778
 
Borrowed funds
   
(529
)
   
311
     
(218
)
Total
 
$
1,644
   
$
883
   
$
2,527
 
Net change in net interest income
 
$
7,420
   
$
(3,887
)
 
$
3,533
 
 
40

The Company’s net interest income and net interest margin during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were impacted by the following factors:

·
During the period January 1, 2009 through September 30, 2016, Federal Open Market Committee monetary policies resulted in the maintenance of the overnight federal funds rate in a range of 0.0% to 0.50%, helping deposit and borrowing costs remain at historically low levels.

·
Increased marketplace competition and refinancing activity on real estate loans, particularly during the period January 1, 2012 through September 30, 2016, resulted in an ongoing reduction in the average yield on real estate loans.

Interest Income.  Interest income was $49.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $6.1 million from the three months ended September 30, 2015, primarily reflecting an increase of $6.0 million in interest income on real estate loans. The increased interest income on real estate loans was attributable to growth of $959.9 million in their average balance during the comparative period, as, pursuant to the Company's growth strategy, new originations significantly exceeded amortization and satisfactions during the period October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016.  Partially offsetting the higher interest income on real estate loans from the growth in their average balance was a reduction of 25 basis points in their average yield, resulting from both continued low benchmark lending rates and heightened marketplace competition.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $2.5 million, to $13.6 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2016, from $11.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The increased interest expense was mainly attributable to growth in money market deposits average balance of $778.6 million, and average cost by 9 basis points, and growth in CDs average balance of $164.6 million, and average cost by 8 basis points. The increases in the money market and CD average balances were due to successful promotional activities in connection with the Company’s growth strategy.  Offsetting this increase was a $218,000 decline in interest expense on borrowed funds, as the average balance decreased $107.5 million during the comparative period as a result of deposit growth outpacing loan growth in furtherance of the Company’s strategy to decrease borrowed funds.

Provision for Loan Losses. The Company recognized a provision for loan losses of $1.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to a provision $416,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The increase in loan loss provision resulted mainly from growth in the real estate loan portfolio, offset by the continued improvement in the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio.

Non-Interest Income.  Total non-interest income increased $172,000 from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016, due primarily to $138,000 of market value adjustments on trading securities held in trust for retirement benefits during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense was $18.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $2.1 million from $16.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015, reflecting increases of $246,000 in salaries and employee benefit expense, $719,000 in occupancy and equipment expense, $261,000 in data processing costs, and $253,000 in consulting expense during the comparative period.  The remaining increase in non-interest expense was experienced in other operating expenses.  The $246,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits expense was primarily driven by severance pay. The $719,000 increase in occupancy expense was attributable to new leases related to de novo retail branches and a new corporate headquarters.  The $261,000 increase in data processing costs was the result of various technology enhancement initiatives related to customer banking services. The $253,000 increase in consulting expense executed was attributable to new consulting.

Non-interest expense was 1.29% of average assets during the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to 1.37% during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease resulted from a $962.1 million increase in average assets during the comparative period, offset by the increase of $2.1 million in non-interest expense.

Income Tax Expense.   Income tax expense approximated $7.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, up slightly from $7.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The Company's consolidated tax rate was 41.5% during the three months ended September 30, 2016, up from 41.3% during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The increase in the consolidated tax rate was a result of the previously discussed $68.2 million gain on sale of real estate transaction, which will impact the consolidated tax rate in each quarterly period in 2016.
 
41

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

General.  Net income was $71.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $38.4 million from net income of $33.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  During the comparative period, net interest income increased $10.6 million, the provision for loan losses increased by $2.5 million, non-interest income increased $67.2 million and non-interest expense increased $7.8 million. Income tax expense increased $29.1 million during the comparative period, as a result of $67.5 million of additional pre-tax income.

Net Interest Income.  The discussion of net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 should be read in conjunction with the following tables, which set forth certain information related to the consolidated statements of income for those periods, and which also present the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  The average yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of their related assets or liabilities during the periods represented. Average balances were derived from average daily balances. The yields include fees that are considered adjustments to yields.

Analysis of Net Interest Income

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
         
2016
               
2015
       
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/
Cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/
Cost
 
Assets:
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Real estate loans
 
$
5,094,620
   
$
141,099
     
3.69
%
 
$
4,251,958
   
$
127,370
     
3.99
%
Other loans
   
1,554
     
76
     
6.52
     
1,581
     
70
     
5.90
 
MBS
   
423
     
6
     
1.89
     
8,006
     
184
     
3.06
 
Investment securities
   
19,046
     
567
     
3.97
     
18,502
     
544
     
3.92
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
123,406
     
2,089
     
2.26
     
91,975
     
1,738
     
2.52
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
5,239,049
   
$
143,837
     
3.66
%
   
4,372,022
   
$
129,906
     
3.96
%
Non-interest earning assets
   
205,624
                     
216,879
                 
Total assets
 
$
5,444,673
                   
$
4,588,901
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest bearing checking accounts
 
$
85,551
   
$
172
     
0.27
%
 
$
75,969
   
$
188
     
0.33
%
Money Market accounts
   
1,926,112
     
11,946
     
0.83
     
1,311,101
     
7,073
     
0.72
 
Savings accounts
   
367,965
     
136
     
0.05
     
372,064
     
137
     
0.05
 
CDs
   
999,406
     
10,772
     
1.44
     
912,164
     
9,382
     
1.38
 
Borrowed Funds
   
1,103,643
     
15,222
     
1.84
     
1,088,120
     
18,148
     
2.23
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
4,482,677
   
$
38,248
     
1.14
%
   
3,759,418
   
$
34,928
     
1.24
%
Non-interest bearing checking accounts
   
259,673
                     
212,239
                 
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
   
167,472
                     
145,455
                 
Total liabilities
   
4,909,822
                     
4,117,112
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
534,851
                     
471,789
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
5,444,673
                   
$
4,588,901
                 
Net interest income
         
$
105,589
                   
$
94,978
         
Net interest spread
                   
2.52
%
                   
2.72
%
Net interest-earning assets
 
$
756,372
                   
$
612,604
                 
Net interest margin
                   
2.69
%
                   
2.90
%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
                   
116.87
%
                   
116.30
%
 
42

Rate/Volume Analysis

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30,
2015 Increase/ (Decrease) Due to:
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars In thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Real Estate Loans
 
$
18,468
   
$
(4,738
)
 
$
13,730
 
Other loans
   
-
     
6
     
6
 
MBS
   
(123
)
   
(55
)
   
(178
)
Investment securities
   
15
     
8
     
23
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
433
     
(83
)
   
350
 
Total
 
$
18,793
   
$
(4,862
)
 
$
13,931
 
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Interest bearing checking accounts
 
$
21
   
$
(37
)
 
$
(16
)
Money market accounts
   
3,556
     
1,317
     
4,873
 
Savings accounts
   
(2
)
   
1
     
(1
)
CDs
   
939
     
451
     
1,390
 
Borrowed funds
   
255
     
(3,181
)
   
(2,926
)
Total
 
$
4,769
   
$
(1,449
)
 
$
3,320
 
Net change in net interest income
 
$
14,024
   
$
(3,413
)
 
$
10,611
 

The Company’s net interest income and net interest margin during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were impacted by the following factors:

·
During the period January 1, 2009 through September 30, 2016, Federal Open Market Committee monetary policies resulted in the maintenance of the overnight federal funds rate in a range of 0.0% to 0.50%, helping deposit and borrowing costs remain at historically low levels.

·
Increased marketplace competition and refinancing activity on real estate loans, particularly during the period January 1, 2012 through September 30, 2016, resulted in an ongoing reduction in the average yield on real estate loans.

Interest Income.  Interest income was $143.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $13.9 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily reflecting increases in interest income of $13.7 million on real estate loans and $350,000 on other short term investments. The increased interest income on real estate loans reflected growth of $842.7 million in their average balance during the comparative period, as new originations significantly exceeded amortization and satisfactions during the period October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016 in connection with the Company’s growth strategy. Partially offsetting the higher interest income on real estate loans from the growth in their average balance was a reduction of 30 basis points in their average yield, resulting from both continued low benchmark lending rates and heightened marketplace competition. The increase in interest income on other short-term investments reflected an increase of $31.4 million in their average balance as a result of increased cash from the $75.9 million net proceeds of the previously discussed sale of premises, offset by a 26 basis point decline in their average yield during the comparable period.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense approximated $38.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $3.3 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily reflecting increases in interest expense of $4.9 million on money market accounts and $1.4 million on CDs, offset by a reduction of $2.9 million  in interest expense on borrowed funds. The increase of $4.9 million in interest expense on money market deposits reflected successful promotional activities in connection with the Company’s growth strategy that increased their average balance by $615.0 million and their average cost by 11 basis points from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The $1.4 million increase in interest expense on CDs reflected an increase in their average balance by $87.2 million and their average cost by 6 basis points, as the Bank competed more aggressively for CDs during the first nine months of 2016 compared to the first nine months in 2015 in connection with its growth strategy.  Interest expense on borrowings declined $2.9 million due to a reduction of 39 basis points in their average cost (resulting from the re-pricing of higher interest rate borrowings), which outweighed the increase in their average balance of $15.5 million (as a result of  increased FHLBNY advances to fund $152.6 million of loan purchases) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.
 
43

Provision for Loan Losses. The Company recognized a provision for loan losses of $1.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to a credit (negative provision) for loan losses of $891,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The $1.6 million provision for loan losses recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 resulted mainly from growth in the real estate loan portfolio in connection with the Company’s growth strategy, offset by continued improvement in the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio.  The credit (negative provision) recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 reflected both continued improvement in the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2015, and a $1.5 million recovery of previously charged-off amounts from the favorable resolution of the Bank's largest problem loan in this period. 

Non-Interest Income.  Total non-interest income increased $67.2 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due primarily to a gain of $68.2 million recognized on the sale of real estate during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $336,000 of increased income from BOLI during the comparative period. Partially offsetting these increases were a $1.3 million gain on the sale of MBS, and a decline in service charges and other fees during the comparative period as a result of lower transaction volume.

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense was $54.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $7.8 million from $46.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily reflecting increases of $1.0 million in occupancy and equipment expense, $960,000 in data processing costs, $230,000 in FDIC insurance premiums, $480,000 in consulting expense, and $772,000 in marketing expense during the comparative period.  Also contributing to the increase was a non-recurring $3.4 million reduction recognized in salaries and employee benefits from the curtailment of certain postretirement health benefits that occurred in the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.  Excluding the impact of the $3.4 million defined benefit curtailment, non-interest expense would have increased by $4.4 million during the comparative period. The $1.0 million increase in occupancy and equipment expense was attributable to new leases related to two de novo retail branches and a new corporate headquarters during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, offset by the accelerated depreciation of some automated teller machine equipment that occurred in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015.  The $960,000 increase in data processing costs was the result of various technology enhancement initiatives related to customer banking services. The $230,000 increase in FDIC insurance premiums was attributable to $855.8 million growth in average assets in connection with the Company’s growth strategy.  The $772,000 increase in marketing expense was attributable to deposit gathering initiatives in connection with the Company’s growth strategy. The $480,000 increase in consulting expense was attributable to new consulting contracts.  The remaining increase in non-interest expense was experienced in other operating expenses.

Non-interest expense was 1.33% of average assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and, excluding the non-recurring $3.4 million defined benefit curtailment reduction, 1.45% of average assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease was mainly due to the growth in average assets outweighing the growth in non-interest expense.

Income Tax Expense.  Income tax expense approximated $52.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, up from $23.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, due to an increase of $67.5 million in pre-tax income during the comparative period.  The $67.5 million increase in pre-tax income was primarily attributable to the $68.2 million gain on sale of real estate that occurred during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016.  The Company's consolidated tax rate was 42.1% during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, up from 40.8% during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to the additional tax related to the $68.2 million gain on sale of real estate. 

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk were presented at December 31, 2015 in Item 7A of the Holding Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 11, 2016.  The following is an update of the discussion provided therein.

General.  Virtually all of the Company's market risk continues to reside at the Bank level.  The Bank's largest component of market risk remains interest rate risk.  The Company is not subject to foreign currency exchange or commodity price risk.  At September 30, 2016, the Company owned thirteen mutual fund investments totaling $6.9 million that were designated as trading.  At September 30, 2016, the Company conducted four transactions involving derivative instruments requiring bifurcation in order to hedge interest rate or market risk.

Assets, Deposit Liabilities and Wholesale Funds.  There was no material change in the composition of assets, deposit liabilities or wholesale funds from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016.  See "Part I - Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a discussion of deposit and borrowing activity during the period.
 
44

Interest Rate Risk Exposure Analysis
 
Economic Value of Equity ("EVE") Analysis.  In accordance with agency regulatory guidelines, the Bank simulates the impact of interest rate volatility upon EVE using several interest rate scenarios.  EVE is the difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows of the Bank’s assets and liabilities and the value of any off-balance sheet items, such as firm commitments to originate loans, or derivatives, if applicable.

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

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

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

The analysis that follows presents, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the estimated EVE at both the Pre-Shock Scenario and the +200 Basis Point Rate Shock Scenario. The analysis additionally presents the percentage change in EVE from the Pre-Shock Scenario to the +200 Basis Point Rate Shock Scenario at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

   
At September 30, 2016
   
At December 31, 2015
 
             
   
EVE
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
   
EVE
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Rate Shock Scenario + 200 Basis Points
 
$
441,310
   
$
(52,899
)
   
-7.8
%
 
$
515,779
   
$
(63,058
)
   
-12.2
%
Pre-Shock Scenario
   
494,209
     
-
     
-
     
578,837
     
-
     
-
 

The Bank’s Pre-Shock Scenario EVE decreased from $578.8 million at December 31, 2015 to $494.2 million at September 30, 2016. The factors contributing to the less favorable valuation at September 30, 2016 included a decrease in the value of the Bank's real estate loans and an increase in the value of the core deposit liability. The less favorable valuation of real estate loans resulted primarily from a decline in portfolio rate from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016, due to amortization and satisfactions of loans carrying above market rates.  The increase in the value of the Bank's core deposit liability reflected growth in higher rate promotional money market accounts during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
 
45

The Bank’s EVE in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario decreased from $515.8 million at December 31, 2015 to $441.3 million at September 30, 2016. The factors contributing to the less favorable valuation included the previously noted decrease in the value of the Bank’s real estate loans and increase in the value of the core deposit liability from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016. Partially offsetting these factors was a more favorable valuation on the Bank’s wholesale borrowing portfolio, as the duration of the portfolio increased at September 30, 2016 as a result of the addition of $90 million of wholesale borrowings with a weighted average maturity of 5.5 years.
 
Income Simulation Analysis.  As of the end of each quarterly period, the Bank also monitors the impact of interest rate changes through a net interest income simulation model.  This model estimates the impact of interest rate changes on the Bank's net interest income over forward-looking periods typically not exceeding 36 months (a considerably shorter period than measured through the EVE analysis).  Management reports the net interest income simulation results to the Bank's Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The following table discloses the estimated changes to the Bank's net interest income over the 12-month period ending September 30, 2017 assuming instantaneous changes in interest rates for the given Rate Shock Scenarios:
 
Instantaneous Change in Interest rate of:
 
Percentage
Change in Net
Interest
Income
 
+ 200 Basis Points
   
(11.0
)%
+ 100 Basis Points
   
(5.8
)
100 Basis Points
   
10.5
 

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness as of September 30, 2016, of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016 in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management of the Company as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such controls.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is routinely named as a defendant in or party to various pending or threatened legal actions or proceedings.  Certain of these matters may seek substantial monetary damages.  In the opinion of management, the Company is involved in no actions or proceedings that will have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operations.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There were no material changes from the risks disclosed in the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

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

(c)
The Holding Company did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock into treasury during the three months ended September 30, 2016.  No existing repurchase programs expired during the three months ended September 30, 2016, nor did the Company terminate any repurchase programs prior to expiration during the period.  As of September 30, 2016, the Holding Company had an additional 1,104,549 shares remaining eligible for repurchase under its twelfth stock repurchase program, which was publicly announced in June 2007.
 
46

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)

Item 5.
Other Information

None.

Item 6. 
Exhibits

Exhibit Number
 
 
3(i)
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (1)
3(ii)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (17)
4.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. [See Exhibit 3(i) hereto]
4.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. [See Exhibit 3(ii) hereto]
4.3
Draft Stock Certificate of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.  (2)
4.4
Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated as of July 29, 2004, by and among Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware Trustee, Wilmington Trust Company as Institutional Trustee, Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., as Sponsor, the Administrators of Dime Community Capital Trust I and the holders from time to time of undivided beneficial interests in the assets of Dime Community Capital Trust I (4)
4.5
Indenture, dated as of March 19, 2004, between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (4)
4.6
Series B Guarantee Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2004, executed and delivered by Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., as Guarantor and Wilmington Trust Company, as Guarantee Trustee, for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Series B Capital Securities of Dime Community Capital Trust I (4)
10.1
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh and Vincent F. Palagiano (10)
10.2
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh and Michael P. Devine (10)
10.3
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh and Kenneth J. Mahon (10)
10.4
Employment Agreement between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Vincent F. Palagiano (10)
10.5
Intentionally omitted
10.6
Employment Agreement between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Kenneth J. Mahon (10)
10.7
Form of Employee Retention Agreement by and among The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh, Dime Community Bancorp, Inc. and certain officers (12)
10.8
The Benefit Maintenance Plan of Dime Community Bancorp, Inc. (9)
10.9
Severance Pay Plan of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh (8)
10.10
Retirement Plan for Board Members of Dime Community Bancorp, Inc. (8)
10.12
Recognition and Retention Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees of Dime Community Bancorp, Inc., as amended by amendments number 1 and 2 (3)
10.13
Form of stock option agreement for Outside Directors under Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 1996 and 2001 Stock Option Plans for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. (3)
10.14
Form of stock option agreement for officers and employees under Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 1996 and 2001 Stock Option Plans for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (3)
10.20
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees (11)
10.21
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees (7)
10.22
Waiver executed by Vincent F. Palagiano (6)
10.23
Waiver executed by Michael P. Devine (6)
10.24
Waiver executed by Kenneth J. Mahon (6)
10.25
Form of restricted stock award notice for officers and employees under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (5)
10.27
Form of restricted stock award notice for outside directors under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (5)
10.28
Employee Retention Agreement between The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh, Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.  and Daniel Harris (8)
10.30
Adoption Agreement for Pentegra Services, Inc. Volume Submitter 401(K) Profit Sharing Plan (19)
10.31
Employee Stock Ownership Plan of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Certain Affiliates (8)
10.32
Amendment to the Benefit Maintenance Plan (13)
 
47

10.33
Amendments One, Two and Three to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Certain Affiliates (14)
10.34
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2013 Equity And Incentive Plan (15)
10.35
Form of restricted stock award notice for officers and employees under the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan (16)
10.36
Form of restricted stock award notice for outside directors under the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan (16)
10.37
The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh 401(K) Savings Plan (19)
10.38
Amendment Number Four to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Certain Affiliates (18)
10.39
Amendment Number One to the Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh 401(K) Savings Plan (19)
10.40
Retirement and Consulting Agreement between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Michael P. Devine (20)
10.41
Retirement and Consulting Agreement between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Vincent F. Palagiano (21)
10.42
Form of performance share award notice for officers under 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan (22)
Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
101**
Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016 is formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) interactive data files: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited), (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited), (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited), and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

**
Furnished, not filed, herewith.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Transition Report on Form 10-K for the transition period ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 28, 2003.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 filed on September 28, 1998.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 filed on September 26, 1997, and the Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2004 and March 29, 2005.
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-117743 on Form S-4 filed on July 29, 2004.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2005.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 filed on May 10, 2005.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 filed on August 8, 2008.
(8)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed on March 16, 2009.
(9)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2011.
(10)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 filed on May 10, 2011.
(11)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 filed on August 9, 2011.
(12)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 filed on May 9, 2012.
(13)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 filed on November 13, 2012.
(14)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed on March 15, 2013.
(15)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 filed on August 9, 2013.
(16)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 filed on August 5, 2014.
 
48

(17)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2014.
(18)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed on March 16, 2015.
(19)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 filed on May 7, 2015.
(20)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 filed on November 6, 2015.
(21)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2016.
(22) Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 filed on August 9, 2016.
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
 
Dated: November 9, 2016
By: /s/ VINCENT F. PALAGIANO
 
Vincent F. Palagiano
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: November  9, 2016
By: /s/ Michael Pucella
 
Michael Pucella
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
50