BAYONNE, N.J., Oct. 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), Bayonne, NJ (NASDAQ: BCBP), the holding company for BCB Community Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income increased $1.4 million, or 42.8 percent to $4.6 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $3.2 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2017. In the second quarter of 2018, net income was $2.3 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, with $2.0 million of acquisition-related expenses.

In the first nine months of 2018, net income increased by $2.9 million, or 33.5 percent, to $11.5 million, compared to $8.6 million in the first nine months of 2017. Year-to-date operating results were impacted by $2.3 million of acquisition related expenses compared with no acquisition expenses in the first nine months of 2017.

The Company also announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share. The dividend will be payable November 16, 2018, to common shareholders of record on November 2, 2018. 

“Our third quarter financial results reflect the stability and strength of our banking franchise, managing our position in a rising rate environment, and the lower corporate tax rates enacted last year,” stated Thomas Coughlin, President and Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to solid organic growth, our successful acquisition and integration of IA Bancorp earlier this year has contributed to our increased net interest income. We remain focused on competing for business in our local markets and looking for additional growth opportunities.” 

The IA Bancorp acquisition, which was completed during the second quarter of 2018, added approximately $215.8 million in assets, $178.4 million in deposits and $182.5 million in net loans.

Third Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights

  • Net income was $4.6 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in 3Q18, compared to $3.2 million, or $0.25 per diluted share in 3Q17.
  • Net interest income, before the provision for loan losses, increased 28.9 percent to $20.1 million in the current quarter compared to $15.6 million in the third quarter a year ago.
  • Net interest margin was 3.22 percent in the third quarter and 3.50 percent in the third quarter a year ago.
  • Total assets increased 40.9 percent to $2.638 billion at September 30, 2018, compared to $1.872 billion a year earlier.
  • Net loans receivable increased 37.4 percent to $2.225 billion at September 30, 2018, compared to $1.619 billion a year earlier.
  • Allowance for loan loss as a percentage of non-accrual loans was 193.9 percent, as compared to 108.8 percent at September 30, 2017.
  • Issued $33.5 million of subordinated debt in July, 2018 to support our growth and strengthen our capital position. For regulatory purposes, treated as Tier 1 capital for the Bank and Tier 2 capital for the Company. 
  • Tangible book value was $10.81 at September 30, 2018.
  • Declared a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of $0.14 per share.

Balance Sheet Review

Total assets increased by $766.1 million, or 40.9 percent, to $2.638 billion at September 30, 2018 from $1.872 billion at September 30, 2017. The increase in total assets included the acquisition of IAB, which added approximately $215.8 million in assets.

Loans receivable increased by $105.2 million, or 5.0 percent, to $2.225 billion at September 30, 2018 compared to $2.120 billion at June 30, 2018, and increased by $605.8 million, or 37.4 percent, compared to September 30, 2017. The increase in loans over the prior year resulted from the acquisition of IAB, which approximated $182.6 million in the fair value of loans added, and an increase of $423.2 million, excluding those acquired in the merger. The organic growth in loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, represented increases of $440.4 million in commercial real estate and multi-family loans, $71.5 million in commercial business loans, $26.0 million in home equity loans, $25.1 million in construction loans, and $22.4 million in residential one-to-four family loans. The allowance for loan losses was $21.5 million, or 193.9 percent of non-accruing loans and 0.96 percent of gross loans, at September 30, 2018 as compared to an allowance for loan losses of $20.6 million, or 191.8 percent of non-accruing loans and 0.96 percent of gross loans at June 30, 2018 and $18.4 million, or 108.8 percent of non-accruing loans and 1.13 percent of gross loans a year ago.

Total cash and cash equivalents increased by $26.3 million to $206.7 million at September 30, 2018, from $180.4 million three months earlier, primarily due to the Company’s strategy to further strengthen liquidity and our deposit base. Total securities available for sale decreased by $7.5 million to $127.9 million at September 30, 2018, from $135.4 million three months earlier.

Deposit liabilities increased by $131.7 million, or 6.6 percent, to $2.117 billion at September 30, 2018, from $1.985 billion at June 30, 2018, and increased by $570.5 million, or 36.9 percent, compared to $1.546 billion a year ago. The increases in deposit liabilities related to the acquisition of IAB, which approximated $178.4 million in the balance of deposits added, as well as the continued maturation of the seven branches opened in 2016 as a result of our organic growth initiative. Increases included $370.0 million in certificates of deposit, including listing service and brokered deposits, $76.0 million in non-interest bearing deposit accounts, $49.7 million in money market checking accounts, $48.1 million in NOW deposit accounts, and $3.4 million in savings and club accounts for the nine months ended September 30th, 2018, compared to year end. The Company utilizes listing service and brokered certificates of deposit as additional sources of deposit liquidity to fund loan growth, which totaled $40.9 million and $204.0 million, respectively, at September 30, 2018.

Debt obligations decreased by $11.8 million, or 3.6 percent, to $312.3 million at September 30, 2018 from $324.1 million at June 30, 2018, and increased by 170.2 million, or 119.8 percent, compared to $142.1 million a year ago. The year-over-year increases are the net result of the issuance of new FHLB advances and scheduled maturities of FHLB advances, and the issuance of $33.5 million of subordinated debentures in a private placement in July 2018. The purpose of the FHLB borrowings reflected the use of long-term advances to augment deposits as the Company’s funding source for originating loans and investing in investment securities. The weighted average interest rate of borrowings was 2.21 percent at September 30, 2018. The issuance of subordinated debt was to maintain adequate capital ratios.

Stockholders’ equity increased by $18.2 million, or 10.2 percent to $195.8 million at September 30, 2018, from $177.6 million at September 30, 2017.  The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily attributable to an increase in additional paid-in capital of $17.4 million from common stock and preferred stock issued as part of the acquisition of IAB. Retained earnings increased by $4.1 million to $35.7 million at September 30, 2018 from $31.6 million a year ago. Accumulated other comprehensive loss increased $4.3 million to $6.5 million at September 30, 2018 from $2.2 million a year ago.

Third Quarter Income Statement Review

Net interest income increased by $4.5 million, or 28.9 percent, to $20.1 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $15.6 million for the third quarter of 2017. The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets of $718.5 million, or 40.4 percent, to $2.497 billion for the third quarter of 2018 from $1.779 billion for the third quarter a year ago. Net interest margin was 3.22 percent for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 3.50 percent for the third quarter a year ago. “The decrease in the net interest margin was the result of the rising rate environment, with the increase in the cost of funds outpacing the return on interest earning assets for the short term,” said Coughlin.

Interest income on loans receivable increased by $7.6 million, or 41.4 percent, to $26.0 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $18.4 million for the third quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the average balance of loans receivable of $573.5 million, or 35.6 percent, to $2.184 billion for the third quarter from $1.610 billion for the third quarter a year ago, as well as an increase in the average yield on loans of 20 basis points to 4.77 percent for the third quarter from 4.57 percent for the third quarter a year ago. The increase in the average balance of loans receivable was in accordance with the Company’s growth strategy, which included growing the Bank’s geographic footprint and the acquisition of IAB, while the increase in the average yield on loans relates to the rising rate environment.

Interest income on securities increased by $249,000, or 35.9 percent, to $943,000 for the third quarter of 2018 from $694,000 for the third quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of securities of $52.7 million, or 55.0 percent, to $148.5 million for the third quarter from $95.8 million for the third quarter a year ago, partly offset by a decrease in the average yield on securities of 36 basis points to 2.54 percent for the third quarter from 2.90 percent for the third quarter a year ago. The increase in the average balance of securities relates to the Company’s strategy to further strengthen its liquidity position, while the decrease in the yield on securities related to the mix of investments in the portfolio.

Third quarter interest income on other interest-earning assets increased by $696,000, or 222.4 percent, to $1.0 million, from $313,000 for the third quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average yield on other interest-earning assets of 72 basis points to 2.45 percent for the third quarter from 1.72 percent for the third quarter a year ago, as well as an increase in the average balance of other interest earning assets of $92.3 million, or 127.0 percent, to $164.9 million for the third quarter from $72.6 million for the third quarter a year ago. The increase in the average balance of other interest-earning assets is consistent with the Company’s strategy of maintaining strong levels of liquidity. The increase in the average yield on other interest-earning assets correlates to the increases in the fed funds rate that have occurred over the last 12 months. 

Total interest expense increased by $4.1 million, or 105.9 percent, to $7.9 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $3.8 million for the third quarter of 2017. This increase resulted, primarily, from an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $607.3 million, or 40.9 percent, to $2.092 billion for the third quarter from $1.484 billion for the third quarter of 2017, as well as an increase in the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities of 48 basis points to 1.51 percent for the third quarter of 2018 from 1.03 percent for the third quarter a year ago.

Total non-interest income increased by $219,000, or 13.4 percent, to $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $1.6 million for the third quarter of 2017. The increase in total non-interest income mainly related to an increase in the amount of fees and service charges of $343,000, to $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $749,000 for the third quarter of 2017, an increase in gains on sales of loans of $198,000 to $738,000 for the third quarter of 2018 from $540,000 for the third quarter a year ago, partly offset by a decrease in gains on sale of OREO properties of $208,000 to $14,000 for the third quarter of 2018 from $222,000 for the third quarter of 2017. The increases in non-interest income over the prior year are largely attributable to the inclusion of IAB since the merger in April 2018.

Third quarter non-interest expense increased by $3.1 million, or 27.4 percent, to $14.4 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $11.3 million for the third quarter of 2017. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased by $1.2 million, or 20.8 percent, to $7.1 million for the third quarter from $5.9 million for the third quarter a year ago. Other non-interest expense increased by $985,000, or 65.7 percent, to $2.5 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $1.5 million for the third quarter a year ago. Other non-interest expense consisted of loan expense, business development, office supplies, correspondent bank fees, telephone and communication and other fees and expenses. Occupancy expense increased by $452,000, or 22.2 percent, to $2.5 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2017. Data processing expense increased by $239,000, or 34.0 percent, to $942,000 for the third quarter from $703,000 for the third quarter of 2017. Regulatory assessment expense increased by $101,000, or 31.8 percent, to $419,000 for the third quarter from $318,000 for the third quarter a year ago. The increases in non-interest expense over the prior year are largely attributable to the inclusion of IAB costs since the merger in April 2018.

The income tax provision decreased by $140,000, or 6.4 percent, to $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2017. The decrease in the income tax provision comes as a result of the lower tax provision as mandated by enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered the federal corporate tax rate from 34% to 21% beginning in 2018, and due to higher taxable income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to that same period for 2017. The consolidated effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 was 30.8 percent compared to 40.4 percent for the third quarter of 2017.

Year to Date Income Statement Review

Net interest income increased by $11.3 million, or 24.9 percent, to $56.5 million for first nine months of 2018 from $45.2 million for the first nine months of 2017. Net interest margin was 3.34 percent for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 and 3.46 percent for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in the net interest margin was the result of faster paced cost of funds in this rising rate environment than with returns on interest-earning assets.

Total interest expense increased by $6.4 million, or 54.9 percent, to $18.1 million for the first nine months of 2018 from $11.7 million for the same period a year earlier. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $408.6 million, or 27.8 percent, to $1.877 billion for the first nine months of 2018 from $1.468 billion for the same period a year ago, as well as an increase in the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities of 33 basis points to 1.29 percent for the nine months of 2018 from 0.96 percent for the same period a year earlier.

Total non-interest income increased by $833,000, or 14.0 percent, to $6.8 million for the first nine months of 2018 from $6.0 million for the first nine months of 2017. The increase in total non-interest income was mainly related to an increase in other non-interest income of $2.1 million to $2.4 million from $307,000 for the same period a year earlier. The increase in other non-interest income was mainly attributed to $2.0 million received from a legal settlement in the first quarter of 2018. The increase in total non-interest income was partly offset by a decrease in the gains on sale of OREO properties of $1.6 million, which represented gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Total non-interest expense increased by $7.4 million, or 21.1 percent, to $42.4 million for the first nine months of 2018 from $35.0 million for the same period a year earlier. Merger-related costs were $2.3 million for the first nine months of 2018, with no comparable figure for the nine-month period a year earlier. The increases in non-interest expense over the prior year are largely attributable to the inclusion of IAB costs since the merger in April 2018.

Asset Quality

At September 30, 2018, past due loans increased by $1.6 million, or 3.6 percent, compared to June 30, 2018.

Non-accruing loans totaled $11.1 million, or 0.49 percent of gross loans at September 30, 2018, compared to $10.8 million, or 0.50 percent of gross loans at June 30, 2018, and $17.0 million, or 1.03 percent of gross loans, a year earlier.

Performing troubled debt restructured loans that were not included in nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2018, were $20.6 million, compared to $20.7 million at June 30, 2018 and $19.0 million at September 30, 2017. Borrowers who are in financial difficulty and who have been granted concessions that may include interest rate reductions, term extensions, or payment alterations are categorized as restructured loans. 

Other real estate owned (OREO) totaled $1.2 million at September 30, 2018, compared to $1.2 million at June 30, 2018, and $1.4 million at September 30, 2017. 

The third quarter provision for loan losses was $907,000, compared to $2.1 million in the preceding quarter and $511,000 in the third quarter a year ago. The allowance for loan losses was $21.5 million, or 0.96 percent of gross loans at September 30, 2018, compared to $20.6 million, or 0.96 percent of gross loans at June 30, 2018, and $18.4 million, or 1.12 percent of gross loans a year ago.  As of September 30, 2018, the allowance for loan losses represented 193.9 percent of nonaccrual loans compared to 191.8 percent three months earlier, and 108.8 percent one year earlier.  Net charge-offs were $43,000 in the third quarter, compared to net recoveries of $243,000 in the preceding quarter and net charge-offs of $26,000 in the third quarter a year ago. 

About BCB Bancorp, Inc.

Established in 2000 and headquartered in Bayonne, N.J., BCB Community Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCBP). The Bank has 28 branch offices in Bayonne, Carteret, Colonia, Edison, Hoboken, Fairfield, Holmdel, Jersey City, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Maplewood, Monroe Township, Parsippany, Plainsboro, Rutherford, South Orange, Union, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, three branches in Hicksville and Staten Island, New York, and a loan production office in Manhattan. The Bank provides business and individuals a wide range of loans, deposit products, and retail and commercial banking services.  For more information, please go to www.bcb.bank.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release, like many written and oral communications presented by BCB Bancorp, Inc., and our authorized officers, may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding our prospective performance and strategies 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. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strive,” “try,” or future or conditional verbs such as “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

In addition to factors previously disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and those identified elsewhere in this document, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: difficulties and delays in integrating the Indus-American Bank business or fully realizing cost savings and other benefits of the Merger; business disruption following the Merger; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer acceptance of BCB products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and actions of governmental agencies and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms.

Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purpose only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.

BCB BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data, Unaudited)

  September 30,   December 31,
  2018   2017
           
ASSETS          
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions $  32,459      $  16,460   
Interest-earning deposits    174,251         107,775   
Total cash and cash equivalents    206,710         124,235   
           
Interest-earning time deposits    980         980   
Debt securities available for sale    119,811         114,295   
Equity investments    8,052         8,294   
Loans held for sale    1,772         1,295   
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses          
of $21,504 and $17,375 respectively    2,225,001         1,643,677   
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost    14,755         10,211   
Premises and equipment, net    20,392         18,768   
Accrued interest receivable    8,635         6,153   
Other real estate owned    1,232         532   
Deferred income taxes    11,607         5,144   
Goodwill    5,223         –  
Other assets    13,698         9,253   
  Total Assets $  2,637,868      $  1,942,837   
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
           
LIABILITIES          
Non-interest bearing deposits $  276,998      $  201,043   
Interest bearing deposits    1,839,626         1,368,327   
Total deposits    2,116,624         1,569,370   
FHLB advances    275,800         185,000   
Subordinated debt    36,519         4,124   
Other liabilities and accrued interest payable    13,162         7,889   
  Total Liabilities    2,442,105         1,766,383   
           
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized;          
issued and outstanding 7,807 shares of series C 6%, series D 4.5%, (liquidation value $10,000 per share)          
and series F 6% (liquidation value $1,000 per share) noncumulative perpetual preferred stock          
at September 30, 2018 and 1,342 shares of series C 6% and series D 4.5% (liquidation value $10,000 per share)          
noncumulative perpetual preferred stock at December 31, 2017    –        –  
Additional paid-in capital preferred stock    19,706         13,241   
Common stock: no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; issued 18,313,476 and 17,572,942          
at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, outstanding 15,782,713 shares and          
15,042,179 shares, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively    –        –  
Additional paid-in capital common stock    175,970         164,230   
Retained earnings    35,693         31,241   
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)    (6,490 )      (3,142 )
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,530,763 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017    (29,116 )      (29,116 )
  Total Stockholders’ Equity    195,763         176,454   
           
  Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $  2,637,868      $  1,942,837   
           

BCB BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In Thousands, Except for Per Share Amounts, Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
  2018   2017   2018    2017  
                         
Interest income:                        
Loans, including fees $  26,019      $  18,399    $  69,588      $  53,967   
Mortgage-backed securities    827         581       2,363         1,712   
Municipal bonds and other debt    116         113       416         377   
FHLB stock and other interest earning assets    1,009         313       2,242         874   
  Total interest income    27,971         19,406       74,609         56,930   
                         
Interest expense:                        
Deposits:                        
Demand    1,130         700       2,902         2,050   
Savings and club    116         100       318         299   
Certificates of deposit    4,591         2,284       10,726         6,437   
     5,837         3,084       13,946         8,786   
Borrowings    2,054         748       4,153         2,902   
  Total interest expense    7,891         3,832       18,099         11,688   
                         
Net interest income    20,080         15,574       56,510         45,242   
Provision for loan losses    907         511       4,309         1,785   
                         
Net interest income after provision for loan losses    19,173         15,063       52,201         43,457   
                         
Non-interest income:                        
Fees and service charges    1,092         749       2,773         2,383   
Gain on sales of loans    738         540       1,897         1,611   
Loss on bulk sale of impaired loans held in portfolio    –        –      (24 )      –  
Gain on sales of other real estate owned    14         222       4         1,570   
Gain on sale of investment securities    –        97       –        97   
Unrealized loss on equity investments    (82 )          (242 )      –  
Other    90         25       2,393         307   
  Total non-interest income    1,852         1,633       6,801         5,968   
                         
Non-interest expense:                        
Salaries and employee benefits    7,156         5,925       20,548         17,893   
Occupancy and equipment    2,490         2,038       7,028         6,185   
Data processing and service fees    942         703       2,499         2,034   
Professional fees    437         491       1,475         2,237   
Director fees    192         198       594         576   
Regulatory assessments    419         318       948         1,010   
Advertising and promotional    129         117       314         375   
Other real estate owned, net    22         9       213         64   
Merger related costs    119         –      2,303         –  
Other    2,485         1,500       6,460         4,635   
  Total non-interest expense    14,391         11,299       42,382         35,009   
                         
Income before income tax provision    6,634         5,397       16,620         14,416   
Income tax provision    2,040         2,180       5,081         5,773   
                         
Net Income $  4,594      $  3,217    $  11,539      $  8,643   
Preferred stock dividends    263         166       691         449   
Net Income available to common stockholders $  4,331      $  3,051    $  10,848      $  8,194   
                         
Net Income per common share-basic and diluted                        
Basic $  0.27      $  0.25    $  0.70      $  0.71   
Diluted $  0.27      $  0.25    $  0.69      $  0.70   
                         
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding                        
Basic    15,789         12,142       15,482         11,572   
Diluted    15,896         12,226       15,609         11,664   
                   
  Financial condition data by quarter                
  Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q1 2018 Q4 2017 Q3 2017 Q2 2017
             
  (In thousands, except tangible book value)  
Total assets $   2,637,868   $   2,516,564   $ 2,082,313   $ 1,942,837   $   1,871,740   $  1,815,843  
Cash and cash equivalents   206,710     180,445     137,334     124,235     97,618     75,047  
Securities available for sale   127,863     135,425     127,324     122,589     100,077     105,803  
Loans receivable, net   2,225,001     2,119,829     1,764,597     1,643,677     1,619,245     1,577,181  
Deposits   2,116,624     1,984,876     1,691,353     1,569,370     1,546,148     1,496,260  
Borrowings   312,319     324,124     204,124     189,124     142,124     178,124  
Stockholders’ equity   195,763     194,076     177,386     176,454     177,568     132,781  
Tangible Book Value   10.81     10.71     10.90     10.85     10.93     10.58  
             
  Operating data by quarter  
  Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q1 2018 Q4 2017 Q3 2017 Q2 2017
             
  (In thousands, except for per share amounts)  
Net interest income $   20,080   $   19,990   $   16,440   $   16,642   $   15,574   $   15,063  
Provision for loan losses     907       2,060       1,342       325       511       776  
Non-interest income   1,852     1,563     3,386     1,515     1,633     2,022  
Non-interest expense   14,391     15,980     12,011     12,035     11,299     12,148  
Income tax expense   2,040     1,200     1,841     4,458     2,180     1,648  
Net income $ 4,594   $ 2,313   $ 4,632   $ 1,339   $ 3,217   $ 2,513  
Net income per share $ 0.27   $ 0.13   $ 0.30   $ 0.08   $ 0.25   $ 0.21  
Common Dividends declared per share $ 0.14   $ 0.14   $ 0.14   $ 0.14   $ 0.14   $ 0.14  
             
  Financial Ratios  
  Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q1 2018 Q4 2017 Q3 2017 Q2 2017
Return on average assets   0.72 %   0.40 %   0.92 %   0.28 %   0.70 %   0.56 %
Return on average stockholder’s equity   9.44 %   4.90 %   10.48 %   3.01 %   9.17 %   7.90 %
Net interest margin   3.22 %   3.52 %   3.34 %   3.56 %   3.50 %   3.45 %
Stockholder’s equity to total assets   7.42 %   7.71 %   8.52 %   9.08 %   9.49 %   7.31 %
             
  Asset Quality Ratios  
  (In thousands, except for ratio %)  
  Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q1 2018 Q4 2017 Q3 2017 Q2 2017
Non-Accrual Loans $   11,093   $   10,763   $   10,619   $   13,036   $   16,958   $   15,456  
Non-Accrual Loans as a % of Total Loans   0.49 %   0.50 %   0.60 %   0.78 %   1.03 %   0.97 %
ALLL as % of Non-Accrual Loans   193.85 %   191.79 %   172.68 %   133.28 %   108.79 %   116.23 %
Impaired Loans   47,251     50,899     36,199     37,786     40,992     43,326  
Classified Loans   30,179     33,605     20,299     21,730     26,663     27,422  
                                     

Contact:   Thomas Coughlin,
President & CEO
Thomas Keating, CFO
(201) 823-0700
     

BAYONNE, N.J., Oct. 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), Bayonne, NJ (NASDAQ: BCBP), the holding company for BCB Community Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income increased $1.4 million, or 42.8 percent to $4.6 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $3.2 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2017. In the second quarter of 2018, net income was $2.3 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, with $2.0 million of acquisition-related expenses.

In the first nine months of 2018, net income increased by $2.9 million, or 33.5 percent, to $11.5 million, compared to $8.6 million in the first nine months of 2017. Year-to-date operating results were impacted by $2.3 million of acquisition related expenses compared with no acquisition expenses in the first nine months of 2017.

The Company also announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share. The dividend will be payable November 16, 2018, to common shareholders of record on November 2, 2018. 

“Our third quarter financial results reflect the stability and strength of our banking franchise, managing our position in a rising rate environment, and the lower corporate tax rates enacted last year,” stated Thomas Coughlin, President and Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to solid organic growth, our successful acquisition and integration of IA Bancorp earlier this year has contributed to our increased net interest income. We remain focused on competing for business in our local markets and looking for additional growth opportunities.” 

The IA Bancorp acquisition, which was completed during the second quarter of 2018, added approximately $215.8 million in assets, $178.4 million in deposits and $182.5 million in net loans.

Third Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights

  • Net income was $4.6 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in 3Q18, compared to $3.2 million, or $0.25 per diluted share in 3Q17.
  • Net interest income, before the provision for loan losses, increased 28.9 percent to $20.1 million in the current quarter compared to $15.6 million in the third quarter a year ago.
  • Net interest margin was 3.22 percent in the third quarter and 3.50 percent in the third quarter a year ago.
  • Total assets increased 40.9 percent to $2.638 billion at September 30, 2018, compared to $1.872 billion a year earlier.
  • Net loans receivable increased 37.4 percent to $2.225 billion at September 30, 2018, compared to $1.619 billion a year earlier.
  • Allowance for loan loss as a percentage of non-accrual loans was 193.9 percent, as compared to 108.8 percent at September 30, 2017.
  • Issued $33.5 million of subordinated debt in July, 2018 to support our growth and strengthen our capital position. For regulatory purposes, treated as Tier 1 capital for the Bank and Tier 2 capital for the Company. 
  • Tangible book value was $10.81 at September 30, 2018.
  • Declared a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of $0.14 per share.

Balance Sheet Review

Total assets increased by $766.1 million, or 40.9 percent, to $2.638 billion at September 30, 2018 from $1.872 billion at September 30, 2017. The increase in total assets included the acquisition of IAB, which added approximately $215.8 million in assets.

Loans receivable increased by $105.2 million, or 5.0 percent, to $2.225 billion at September 30, 2018 compared to $2.120 billion at June 30, 2018, and increased by $605.8 million, or 37.4 percent, compared to September 30, 2017. The increase in loans over the prior year resulted from the acquisition of IAB, which approximated $182.6 million in the fair value of loans added, and an increase of $423.2 million, excluding those acquired in the merger. The organic growth in loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, represented increases of $440.4 million in commercial real estate and multi-family loans, $71.5 million in commercial business loans, $26.0 million in home equity loans, $25.1 million in construction loans, and $22.4 million in residential one-to-four family loans. The allowance for loan losses was $21.5 million, or 193.9 percent of non-accruing loans and 0.96 percent of gross loans, at September 30, 2018 as compared to an allowance for loan losses of $20.6 million, or 191.8 percent of non-accruing loans and 0.96 percent of gross loans at June 30, 2018 and $18.4 million, or 108.8 percent of non-accruing loans and 1.13 percent of gross loans a year ago.

Total cash and cash equivalents increased by $26.3 million to $206.7 million at September 30, 2018, from $180.4 million three months earlier, primarily due to the Company’s strategy to further strengthen liquidity and our deposit base. Total securities available for sale decreased by $7.5 million to $127.9 million at September 30, 2018, from $135.4 million three months earlier.

Deposit liabilities increased by $131.7 million, or 6.6 percent, to $2.117 billion at September 30, 2018, from $1.985 billion at June 30, 2018, and increased by $570.5 million, or 36.9 percent, compared to $1.546 billion a year ago. The increases in deposit liabilities related to the acquisition of IAB, which approximated $178.4 million in the balance of deposits added, as well as the continued maturation of the seven branches opened in 2016 as a result of our organic growth initiative. Increases included $370.0 million in certificates of deposit, including listing service and brokered deposits, $76.0 million in non-interest bearing deposit accounts, $49.7 million in money market checking accounts, $48.1 million in NOW deposit accounts, and $3.4 million in savings and club accounts for the nine months ended September 30th, 2018, compared to year end. The Company utilizes listing service and brokered certificates of deposit as additional sources of deposit liquidity to fund loan growth, which totaled $40.9 million and $204.0 million, respectively, at September 30, 2018.

Debt obligations decreased by $11.8 million, or 3.6 percent, to $312.3 million at September 30, 2018 from $324.1 million at June 30, 2018, and increased by 170.2 million, or 119.8 percent, compared to $142.1 million a year ago. The year-over-year increases are the net result of the issuance of new FHLB advances and scheduled maturities of FHLB advances, and the issuance of $33.5 million of subordinated debentures in a private placement in July 2018. The purpose of the FHLB borrowings reflected the use of long-term advances to augment deposits as the Company’s funding source for originating loans and investing in investment securities. The weighted average interest rate of borrowings was 2.21 percent at September 30, 2018. The issuance of subordinated debt was to maintain adequate capital ratios.

Stockholders’ equity increased by $18.2 million, or 10.2 percent to $195.8 million at September 30, 2018, from $177.6 million at September 30, 2017.  The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily attributable to an increase in additional paid-in capital of $17.4 million from common stock and preferred stock issued as part of the acquisition of IAB. Retained earnings increased by $4.1 million to $35.7 million at September 30, 2018 from $31.6 million a year ago. Accumulated other comprehensive loss increased $4.3 million to $6.5 million at September 30, 2018 from $2.2 million a year ago.

Third Quarter Income Statement Review

Net interest income increased by $4.5 million, or 28.9 percent, to $20.1 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $15.6 million for the third quarter of 2017. The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets of $718.5 million, or 40.4 percent, to $2.497 billion for the third quarter of 2018 from $1.779 billion for the third quarter a year ago. Net interest margin was 3.22 percent for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 3.50 percent for the third quarter a year ago. “The decrease in the net interest margin was the result of the rising rate environment, with the increase in the cost of funds outpacing the return on interest earning assets for the short term,” said Coughlin.

Interest income on loans receivable increased by $7.6 million, or 41.4 percent, to $26.0 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $18.4 million for the third quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the average balance of loans receivable of $573.5 million, or 35.6 percent, to $2.184 billion for the third quarter from $1.610 billion for the third quarter a year ago, as well as an increase in the average yield on loans of 20 basis points to 4.77 percent for the third quarter from 4.57 percent for the third quarter a year ago. The increase in the average balance of loans receivable was in accordance with the Company’s growth strategy, which included growing the Bank’s geographic footprint and the acquisition of IAB, while the increase in the average yield on loans relates to the rising rate environment.

Interest income on securities increased by $249,000, or 35.9 percent, to $943,000 for the third quarter of 2018 from $694,000 for the third quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of securities of $52.7 million, or 55.0 percent, to $148.5 million for the third quarter from $95.8 million for the third quarter a year ago, partly offset by a decrease in the average yield on securities of 36 basis points to 2.54 percent for the third quarter from 2.90 percent for the third quarter a year ago. The increase in the average balance of securities relates to the Company’s strategy to further strengthen its liquidity position, while the decrease in the yield on securities related to the mix of investments in the portfolio.

Third quarter interest income on other interest-earning assets increased by $696,000, or 222.4 percent, to $1.0 million, from $313,000 for the third quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average yield on other interest-earning assets of 72 basis points to 2.45 percent for the third quarter from 1.72 percent for the third quarter a year ago, as well as an increase in the average balance of other interest earning assets of $92.3 million, or 127.0 percent, to $164.9 million for the third quarter from $72.6 million for the third quarter a year ago. The increase in the average balance of other interest-earning assets is consistent with the Company’s strategy of maintaining strong levels of liquidity. The increase in the average yield on other interest-earning assets correlates to the increases in the fed funds rate that have occurred over the last 12 months. 

Total interest expense increased by $4.1 million, or 105.9 percent, to $7.9 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $3.8 million for the third quarter of 2017. This increase resulted, primarily, from an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $607.3 million, or 40.9 percent, to $2.092 billion for the third quarter from $1.484 billion for the third quarter of 2017, as well as an increase in the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities of 48 basis points to 1.51 percent for the third quarter of 2018 from 1.03 percent for the third quarter a year ago.

Total non-interest income increased by $219,000, or 13.4 percent, to $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $1.6 million for the third quarter of 2017. The increase in total non-interest income mainly related to an increase in the amount of fees and service charges of $343,000, to $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $749,000 for the third quarter of 2017, an increase in gains on sales of loans of $198,000 to $738,000 for the third quarter of 2018 from $540,000 for the third quarter a year ago, partly offset by a decrease in gains on sale of OREO properties of $208,000 to $14,000 for the third quarter of 2018 from $222,000 for the third quarter of 2017. The increases in non-interest income over the prior year are largely attributable to the inclusion of IAB since the merger in April 2018.

Third quarter non-interest expense increased by $3.1 million, or 27.4 percent, to $14.4 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $11.3 million for the third quarter of 2017. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased by $1.2 million, or 20.8 percent, to $7.1 million for the third quarter from $5.9 million for the third quarter a year ago. Other non-interest expense increased by $985,000, or 65.7 percent, to $2.5 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $1.5 million for the third quarter a year ago. Other non-interest expense consisted of loan expense, business development, office supplies, correspondent bank fees, telephone and communication and other fees and expenses. Occupancy expense increased by $452,000, or 22.2 percent, to $2.5 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2017. Data processing expense increased by $239,000, or 34.0 percent, to $942,000 for the third quarter from $703,000 for the third quarter of 2017. Regulatory assessment expense increased by $101,000, or 31.8 percent, to $419,000 for the third quarter from $318,000 for the third quarter a year ago. The increases in non-interest expense over the prior year are largely attributable to the inclusion of IAB costs since the merger in April 2018.

The income tax provision decreased by $140,000, or 6.4 percent, to $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2018 from $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2017. The decrease in the income tax provision comes as a result of the lower tax provision as mandated by enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered the federal corporate tax rate from 34% to 21% beginning in 2018, and due to higher taxable income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to that same period for 2017. The consolidated effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 was 30.8 percent compared to 40.4 percent for the third quarter of 2017.

Year to Date Income Statement Review

Net interest income increased by $11.3 million, or 24.9 percent, to $56.5 million for first nine months of 2018 from $45.2 million for the first nine months of 2017. Net interest margin was 3.34 percent for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 and 3.46 percent for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in the net interest margin was the result of faster paced cost of funds in this rising rate environment than with returns on interest-earning assets.

Total interest expense increased by $6.4 million, or 54.9 percent, to $18.1 million for the first nine months of 2018 from $11.7 million for the same period a year earlier. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $408.6 million, or 27.8 percent, to $1.877 billion for the first nine months of 2018 from $1.468 billion for the same period a year ago, as well as an increase in the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities of 33 basis points to 1.29 percent for the nine months of 2018 from 0.96 percent for the same period a year earlier.

Total non-interest income increased by $833,000, or 14.0 percent, to $6.8 million for the first nine months of 2018 from $6.0 million for the first nine months of 2017. The increase in total non-interest income was mainly related to an increase in other non-interest income of $2.1 million to $2.4 million from $307,000 for the same period a year earlier. The increase in other non-interest income was mainly attributed to $2.0 million received from a legal settlement in the first quarter of 2018. The increase in total non-interest income was partly offset by a decrease in the gains on sale of OREO properties of $1.6 million, which represented gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Total non-interest expense increased by $7.4 million, or 21.1 percent, to $42.4 million for the first nine months of 2018 from $35.0 million for the same period a year earlier. Merger-related costs were $2.3 million for the first nine months of 2018, with no comparable figure for the nine-month period a year earlier. The increases in non-interest expense over the prior year are largely attributable to the inclusion of IAB costs since the merger in April 2018.

Asset Quality

At September 30, 2018, past due loans increased by $1.6 million, or 3.6 percent, compared to June 30, 2018.

Non-accruing loans totaled $11.1 million, or 0.49 percent of gross loans at September 30, 2018, compared to $10.8 million, or 0.50 percent of gross loans at June 30, 2018, and $17.0 million, or 1.03 percent of gross loans, a year earlier.

Performing troubled debt restructured loans that were not included in nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2018, were $20.6 million, compared to $20.7 million at June 30, 2018 and $19.0 million at September 30, 2017. Borrowers who are in financial difficulty and who have been granted concessions that may include interest rate reductions, term extensions, or payment alterations are categorized as restructured loans. 

Other real estate owned (OREO) totaled $1.2 million at September 30, 2018, compared to $1.2 million at June 30, 2018, and $1.4 million at September 30, 2017. 

The third quarter provision for loan losses was $907,000, compared to $2.1 million in the preceding quarter and $511,000 in the third quarter a year ago. The allowance for loan losses was $21.5 million, or 0.96 percent of gross loans at September 30, 2018, compared to $20.6 million, or 0.96 percent of gross loans at June 30, 2018, and $18.4 million, or 1.12 percent of gross loans a year ago.  As of September 30, 2018, the allowance for loan losses represented 193.9 percent of nonaccrual loans compared to 191.8 percent three months earlier, and 108.8 percent one year earlier.  Net charge-offs were $43,000 in the third quarter, compared to net recoveries of $243,000 in the preceding quarter and net charge-offs of $26,000 in the third quarter a year ago. 

About BCB Bancorp, Inc.

Established in 2000 and headquartered in Bayonne, N.J., BCB Community Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCBP). The Bank has 28 branch offices in Bayonne, Carteret, Colonia, Edison, Hoboken, Fairfield, Holmdel, Jersey City, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Maplewood, Monroe Township, Parsippany, Plainsboro, Rutherford, South Orange, Union, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, three branches in Hicksville and Staten Island, New York, and a loan production office in Manhattan. The Bank provides business and individuals a wide range of loans, deposit products, and retail and commercial banking services.  For more information, please go to www.bcb.bank.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release, like many written and oral communications presented by BCB Bancorp, Inc., and our authorized officers, may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding our prospective performance and strategies 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. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strive,” “try,” or future or conditional verbs such as “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

In addition to factors previously disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and those identified elsewhere in this document, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: difficulties and delays in integrating the Indus-American Bank business or fully realizing cost savings and other benefits of the Merger; business disruption following the Merger; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer acceptance of BCB products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and actions of governmental agencies and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms.

Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purpose only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.

BCB BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data, Unaudited)

  September 30,   December 31,
  2018   2017
           
ASSETS          
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions $  32,459      $  16,460   
Interest-earning deposits    174,251         107,775   
Total cash and cash equivalents    206,710         124,235   
           
Interest-earning time deposits    980         980   
Debt securities available for sale    119,811         114,295   
Equity investments    8,052         8,294   
Loans held for sale    1,772         1,295   
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses          
of $21,504 and $17,375 respectively    2,225,001         1,643,677   
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost    14,755         10,211   
Premises and equipment, net    20,392         18,768   
Accrued interest receivable    8,635         6,153   
Other real estate owned    1,232         532   
Deferred income taxes    11,607         5,144   
Goodwill    5,223         –  
Other assets    13,698         9,253   
  Total Assets $  2,637,868      $  1,942,837   
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
           
LIABILITIES          
Non-interest bearing deposits $  276,998      $  201,043   
Interest bearing deposits    1,839,626         1,368,327   
Total deposits    2,116,624         1,569,370   
FHLB advances    275,800         185,000   
Subordinated debt    36,519         4,124   
Other liabilities and accrued interest payable    13,162         7,889   
  Total Liabilities    2,442,105         1,766,383   
           
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized;          
issued and outstanding 7,807 shares of series C 6%, series D 4.5%, (liquidation value $10,000 per share)          
and series F 6% (liquidation value $1,000 per share) noncumulative perpetual preferred stock          
at September 30, 2018 and 1,342 shares of series C 6% and series D 4.5% (liquidation value $10,000 per share)          
noncumulative perpetual preferred stock at December 31, 2017    –        –  
Additional paid-in capital preferred stock    19,706         13,241   
Common stock: no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; issued 18,313,476 and 17,572,942          
at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, outstanding 15,782,713 shares and          
15,042,179 shares, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively    –        –  
Additional paid-in capital common stock    175,970         164,230   
Retained earnings    35,693         31,241   
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)    (6,490 )      (3,142 )
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,530,763 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017    (29,116 )      (29,116 )
  Total Stockholders’ Equity    195,763         176,454   
           
  Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $  2,637,868      $  1,942,837   
           

BCB BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In Thousands, Except for Per Share Amounts, Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
  2018   2017   2018    2017  
                         
Interest income:                        
Loans, including fees $  26,019      $  18,399    $  69,588      $  53,967   
Mortgage-backed securities    827         581       2,363         1,712   
Municipal bonds and other debt    116         113       416         377   
FHLB stock and other interest earning assets    1,009         313       2,242         874   
  Total interest income    27,971         19,406       74,609         56,930   
                         
Interest expense:                        
Deposits:                        
Demand    1,130         700       2,902         2,050   
Savings and club    116         100       318         299   
Certificates of deposit    4,591         2,284       10,726         6,437   
     5,837         3,084       13,946         8,786   
Borrowings    2,054         748       4,153         2,902   
  Total interest expense    7,891         3,832       18,099         11,688   
                         
Net interest income    20,080         15,574       56,510         45,242   
Provision for loan losses    907         511       4,309         1,785   
                         
Net interest income after provision for loan losses    19,173         15,063       52,201         43,457   
                         
Non-interest income:                        
Fees and service charges    1,092         749       2,773         2,383   
Gain on sales of loans    738         540       1,897         1,611   
Loss on bulk sale of impaired loans held in portfolio    –        –      (24 )      –  
Gain on sales of other real estate owned    14         222       4         1,570   
Gain on sale of investment securities    –        97       –        97   
Unrealized loss on equity investments    (82 )          (242 )      –  
Other    90         25       2,393         307   
  Total non-interest income    1,852         1,633       6,801         5,968   
                         
Non-interest expense:                        
Salaries and employee benefits    7,156         5,925       20,548         17,893   
Occupancy and equipment    2,490         2,038       7,028         6,185   
Data processing and service fees    942         703       2,499         2,034   
Professional fees    437         491       1,475         2,237   
Director fees    192         198       594         576   
Regulatory assessments    419         318       948         1,010   
Advertising and promotional    129         117       314         375   
Other real estate owned, net    22         9       213         64   
Merger related costs    119         –      2,303         –  
Other    2,485         1,500       6,460         4,635   
  Total non-interest expense    14,391         11,299       42,382         35,009   
                         
Income before income tax provision    6,634         5,397       16,620         14,416   
Income tax provision    2,040         2,180       5,081         5,773   
                         
Net Income $  4,594      $  3,217    $  11,539      $  8,643   
Preferred stock dividends    263         166       691         449   
Net Income available to common stockholders $  4,331      $  3,051    $  10,848      $  8,194   
                         
Net Income per common share-basic and diluted                        
Basic $  0.27      $  0.25    $  0.70      $  0.71   
Diluted $  0.27      $  0.25    $  0.69      $  0.70   
                         
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding                        
Basic    15,789         12,142       15,482         11,572   
Diluted    15,896         12,226       15,609         11,664   
                   
  Financial condition data by quarter                
  Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q1 2018 Q4 2017 Q3 2017 Q2 2017
             
  (In thousands, except tangible book value)  
Total assets $   2,637,868   $   2,516,564   $ 2,082,313   $ 1,942,837   $   1,871,740   $  1,815,843  
Cash and cash equivalents   206,710     180,445     137,334     124,235     97,618     75,047  
Securities available for sale   127,863     135,425     127,324     122,589     100,077     105,803  
Loans receivable, net   2,225,001     2,119,829     1,764,597     1,643,677     1,619,245     1,577,181  
Deposits   2,116,624     1,984,876     1,691,353     1,569,370     1,546,148     1,496,260  
Borrowings   312,319     324,124     204,124     189,124     142,124     178,124  
Stockholders’ equity   195,763     194,076     177,386     176,454     177,568     132,781  
Tangible Book Value   10.81     10.71     10.90     10.85     10.93     10.58  
             
  Operating data by quarter  
  Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q1 2018 Q4 2017 Q3 2017 Q2 2017
             
  (In thousands, except for per share amounts)  
Net interest income $   20,080   $   19,990   $   16,440   $   16,642   $   15,574   $   15,063  
Provision for loan losses     907       2,060       1,342       325       511       776  
Non-interest income   1,852     1,563     3,386     1,515     1,633     2,022  
Non-interest expense   14,391     15,980     12,011     12,035     11,299     12,148  
Income tax expense   2,040     1,200     1,841     4,458     2,180     1,648  
Net income $ 4,594   $ 2,313   $ 4,632   $ 1,339   $ 3,217   $ 2,513  
Net income per share $ 0.27   $ 0.13   $ 0.30   $ 0.08   $ 0.25   $ 0.21  
Common Dividends declared per share $ 0.14   $ 0.14   $ 0.14   $ 0.14   $ 0.14   $ 0.14  
             
  Financial Ratios  
  Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q1 2018 Q4 2017 Q3 2017 Q2 2017
Return on average assets   0.72 %   0.40 %   0.92 %   0.28 %   0.70 %   0.56 %
Return on average stockholder’s equity   9.44 %   4.90 %   10.48 %   3.01 %   9.17 %   7.90 %
Net interest margin   3.22 %   3.52 %   3.34 %   3.56 %   3.50 %   3.45 %
Stockholder’s equity to total assets   7.42 %   7.71 %   8.52 %   9.08 %   9.49 %   7.31 %
             
  Asset Quality Ratios  
  (In thousands, except for ratio %)  
  Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q1 2018 Q4 2017 Q3 2017 Q2 2017
Non-Accrual Loans $   11,093   $   10,763   $   10,619   $   13,036   $   16,958   $   15,456  
Non-Accrual Loans as a % of Total Loans   0.49 %   0.50 %   0.60 %   0.78 %   1.03 %   0.97 %
ALLL as % of Non-Accrual Loans   193.85 %   191.79 %   172.68 %   133.28 %   108.79 %   116.23 %
Impaired Loans   47,251     50,899     36,199     37,786     40,992     43,326  
Classified Loans   30,179     33,605     20,299     21,730     26,663     27,422  
                                     

Contact:   Thomas Coughlin,
President & CEO
Thomas Keating, CFO
(201) 823-0700