UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-11713
OceanFirst Financial Corp.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (732) 240-4500
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO ¨.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES x NO ¨.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨ NO x.
As of April 30, 2015 there were 16,872,429 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Controls and Procedures
OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Other Information
Exhibits
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
SELECTED FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:
Total assets
Loans receivable, net
Deposits
Stockholders’ equity
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Other income
Operating expenses
Net income
Diluted earnings per share
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS:
Stockholders’ equity per common share
Cash dividend per share
Stockholders’ equity to total assets
Return on average assets (1)
Return on average stockholders’ equity (1)
Net interest rate spread
Net interest margin
Operating expenses to average assets (1)
Efficiency ratio
ASSET QUALITY:
Non-performing loans
Non-performing assets
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans receivable
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total non-performing loans
Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans receivable
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets
Wealth Management
Assets under administration
1
Summary
OceanFirst Financial Corp. is the holding company for OceanFirst Bank (the “Bank”), a community bank headquartered in Ocean County, New Jersey and serving the central New Jersey market area. The term “Company” refers to OceanFirst Financial Corp., OceanFirst Bank and all of the Bank’s subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Company’s results of operations are primarily dependent on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. The Company also generates non-interest income such as income from bankcard services, wealth management, deposit accounts, the sale of investment products, loan originations, loan sales, and other fees. The Company’s operating expenses primarily consist of compensation and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, marketing, Federal deposit insurance, data processing and general and administrative expenses. The Company’s results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, government policies and actions of regulatory agencies.
Interest-earning assets, both loans and securities, are generally priced against longer-term indices, while interest-bearing liabilities, primarily deposits and borrowings, are generally priced against shorter-term indices. The Company’s net interest margin has contracted over recent periods primarily due to the low absolute levels of interest rates. Over the past year, the Company has also extended its borrowed funds into higher-costing, longer-term maturities to better manage interest rate risk. The Company has partly mitigated the adverse impact of these items by growing commercial loans, resulting in a shift in asset mix from lower-yielding securities into higher-yielding loans. Based upon current economic conditions, characterized by moderate growth and low inflation, interest rates may remain at, or close to, historically low levels with increases in the Federal funds rate expected to be gradual. The continuation of the low interest rate environment may have an adverse impact on the Company’s net interest margin in future periods.
In addition to the interest rate environment, the Company’s results are affected by economic conditions. Recent economic indicators point to some improvement in the U.S. economy, which expanded moderately in 2014 and continues to show modest growth again in 2015. Labor market conditions improved as the national and local unemployment rates in the first three months of 2015 both decreased compared to prior year levels, while measures of inflation remain subdued.
Highlights of the Company’s financial results and corporate activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
On February 25, 2015, the Company announced an agreement wherein Colonial American Bank (“Colonial”) will merge into the Bank in an all stock transaction valued at $11.3 million at the time of announcement. Colonial operates two full service banking centers in Middletown and Shrewsbury, New Jersey with total assets of $143.7 million as of December 31, 2014. The transaction is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.
A commercial loan production office was opened in Mercer County in the first quarter of 2015 to better serve the broader central New Jersey market area. Additionally, the Bank expects to open an additional branch in Jackson Township late in the second quarter of 2015. The new branch design will be operated by universal bankers who consult with customers, sell the Bank’s products and perform routine teller transactions as needed. The branch will employ advanced technology in the form of interactive teller machines, resulting in a modest staffing complement.
Total assets increased to $2.384 billion at March 31, 2015, from $2.357 billion at December 31, 2014. Loans receivable, net increased $48.0 million at March 31, 2015, as compared to December 31, 2014 primarily due to growth in commercial loans of $41.3 million. Deposits increased by $80.8 million at March 31, 2015, as compared to December 31, 2014 which included $73.7 million of core deposits (all deposits except time deposits).
Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was $5.3 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $4.7 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the corresponding prior year period. The increase over the prior year period was primarily due to lower operating expenses, higher non-interest income, a reduction in the provision for loan losses and a reduction in average shares outstanding.
Net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was unchanged at $18.1 million, as compared to the same prior year period. The net interest margin decreased to 3.24% for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 3.36% for the corresponding prior year period. The decrease in net interest margin was offset by an increase in average interest-earning assets.
The provision for loan losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 decreased to $375,000, as compared to $530,000 in the same prior year period, primarily due to a reduction in net charge-offs.
Other income increased by $144,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to same prior year period. Operating expenses decreased $369,000 primarily due to lower marketing expense and compensation and employee benefits expense.
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The Company remains well-capitalized with a tangible common equity ratio of 9.24% at March 31 2015. On July 24, 2014, the Company announced the authorization of the Board of Directors to repurchase up to 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, or 867,923 shares. At March 31, 2015, there were 508,255 shares available for repurchase.
Return on average stockholders’ equity was 9.58% for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 8.72% for the corresponding prior year period.
Analysis of Net Interest Income
Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends upon the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rate earned or paid on them.
The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods shown except where noted otherwise. Average balances are derived from average daily balances. The yields and costs include certain fees which are considered adjustments to yields.
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-earning deposits and short-term Investments
Securities (1) and FHLB stock
Loans receivable, net (2)
Total interest-earning assets
Non-interest-earning assets
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Transaction deposits
Time deposits
Total
Borrowed funds
Total interest-bearing liabilities
Non-interest-bearing deposits
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
Total liabilities
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Net interest rate spread (3)
Net interest margin (4)
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
Total assets increased by $27.4 million to $2.384 billion at March 31, 2015, from $2.357 billion at December 31, 2014. Securities in the aggregate, decreased by $16.4 million, to $472.8 million at March 31, 2015, as compared to $489.2 million at December 31, 2014. Loans receivable, net, increased by $48.0 million, an annualized growth rate of 11.4%, to $1.737 billion at March 31, 2015 from $1.689 billion at December 31, 2014, primarily due to growth in commercial loans of $41.3 million. Additionally, on March 31, 2015 the Company purchased a pool of performing, locally originated, one-to-four family, non-conforming mortgage loans for $7.2 million.
Deposits increased by $80.8 million, to $1.801 billion at March 31, 2015, from $1.720 billion at December 31, 2014, which included $73.7 million of core deposits (all deposits except time deposits). Business deposits increased $35.2 million, demonstrating the value of relationship based lending. The deposit growth funded a decrease in FHLB advances of $53.5 million, to $251.8 million at March 31, 2015, from $305.2 million at December 31, 2014.
Stockholders’ equity increased to $220.3 million at March 31, 2015, as compared to $218.3 million at December 31, 2014. Net income for the period was partly offset by the repurchase of 110,143 shares of common stock for $1.9 million (average cost per share of $17.08) and the cash dividend on common stock of $2.1 million. At March 31, 2015, there were 508,255 shares available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program adopted in July of 2014.
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Comparison of Operating Results for the Quarters Ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014
General
Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 increased to $5.3 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $4.7 million, or $0.28 per diluted share for the corresponding prior year period. The increase over the previous year period was primarily due to lower operating expenses, higher non-interest income, a reduction in the provision for loan losses and a reduction in average shares outstanding.
Interest Income
Interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 increased to $20.2 million, as compared to $19.7 million for the corresponding prior year period. Despite an 8 basis point decline in the yield on average interest-earning assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, the asset yield still benefited from a shift in the mix of interest-earning assets as average loans receivable, net, increased $145.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, while average interest-earning securities decreased $52.4 million, as compared to the same prior year period. Overall, average interest-earning assets increased $92.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same prior year period.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was $2.0 million, as compared to $1.7 million in the corresponding prior year period. The cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased to 0.45% for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 0.37% in the same prior year period as the Company extended its borrowed funds into higher-costing, longer-term maturities to better manage the Company’s interest rate risk exposure.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income was unchanged at $18.1 million for both the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and the same prior year period. The net interest margin decreased to 3.24% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from 3.36% in the same prior year period. The decrease in the net interest margin was offset by the increase in average interest-earning assets.
Provision for Loan Losses
For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the provision for loan losses was $375,000 as compared to $530,000 for the corresponding prior year period. Net charge-offs decreased to $273,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to net charge-offs of $526,000 in the corresponding prior year period. The provision exceeded net charge-offs by $102,000 primarily due to loan growth.
Other Income
For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, other income increased to $4.0 million, as compared to $3.8 million in the same prior year period. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company sold the servicing rights on a majority of residential mortgage loans serviced for the Federal agencies. A smaller, supplemental sale in the first quarter of 2015 resulted in a gain of $81,000. The sale of loan servicing caused a decrease of $176,000 in loan servicing income, as compared to the same prior year quarter but also reduced operating expenses by a similar amount. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the net gain on sales of loans available for sale increased $61,000, as compared to the same prior year period.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses decreased to $13.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $14.1 million, in the same prior year period. Marketing expense decreased $258,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same prior year period due to the timing of promotions and a significant campaign in the prior year period. Additionally, compensation and employee benefits expense decreased $146,000, as compared to the same prior year period. Other operating expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 include $50,000 in non-recurring merger related expenses relating to the pending acquisition of Colonial.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was $2.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $2.6 million for the corresponding prior year period. The effective tax rate was 34.3%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 35.3% in the same prior year period due to a higher level of tax-exempt interest income.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, proceeds from the sale of loans, FHLB and other borrowings and, to a lesser extent, investment maturities. While scheduled amortization of loans is a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by interest rates, economic conditions and competition. The Company has other sources of liquidity if a need for additional funds arises, including various lines of credit.
At March 31, 2015 the Company had $38.0 million in outstanding overnight borrowings from the FHLB compared to $111.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2014. The Company utilizes overnight borrowings to fund short-term liquidity needs. The Company had total FHLB borrowings, including the overnight borrowings, of $251.8 million and $305.2 million, respectively, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
The Company’s cash needs for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 were primarily satisfied by principal payments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans held for sale, proceeds from maturities of investment securities and deposit growth. The cash was principally utilized for loan originations, the purchase of loans receivable, the purchase of investment securities and to reduce FHLB borrowings. The Company’s cash needs for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 were primarily satisfied by principal payments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, proceeds from the sales of mortgage loans held for sale, proceeds from maturities of investment securities and increased FHLB borrowings. The cash was principally utilized for loan originations, the purchase of investment and mortgage-backed securities and to fund deposit outflows.
In the normal course of business, the Company routinely enters into various off-balance-sheet commitments. At March 31, 2015, outstanding undrawn lines of credit totaled $299.1 million; outstanding commitments to originate loans totaled $89.3 million; and outstanding commitments to sell loans totaled $14.5 million. The Company expects to have sufficient funds available to meet current commitments arising in the normal course of business.
Time deposits scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $113.6 million at March 31, 2015. Based upon historical experience management estimates that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with the Company.
The Company has a detailed contingency funding plan and comprehensive reporting of funding trends on a monthly and quarterly basis which is reviewed by management. Management also monitors cash on a daily basis to determine the liquidity needs of the Bank. Additionally, management performs multiple liquidity stress test scenarios on a quarterly basis. The Bank continues to maintain significant liquidity under all stress scenarios.
Under the Company’s common stock repurchase program, shares of OceanFirst Financial Corp. common stock may be purchased in the open market and through other privately-negotiated transactions, from time-to-time, depending on market conditions. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock for general corporate purposes. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 110,143 shares of common stock at a total cost of $1.9 million, compared with repurchases of 88,000 shares at a cost of $1.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, there were 508,255 shares available to be repurchased under the stock repurchase program adopted in July of 2014.
Cash dividends on common stock declared and paid during the first three months of 2015 were $2.1 million, as compared to $2.0 million in the same prior year period. On April 23, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of thirteen cents ($0.13) per common share. The dividend is payable on May 15, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 4, 2015.
The primary sources of liquidity specifically available to OceanFirst Financial Corp., the holding company of OceanFirst Bank, are capital distributions from the banking subsidiary and the issuance of preferred and common stock and long-term debt. At December 31, 2014 the Company had received notice from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia that it does not object to the payments of $12.0 million in dividends from the Bank to the Company over the next three quarters of 2015, although the Federal Reserve Bank reserved the right to revoke the approval at any time if a safety and soundness concern arises. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company received a dividend payment of $4.0 million from the Bank and $8.0 million remained to be paid over the next two quarters. The Company’s ability to continue to pay dividends will be largely dependent upon capital distributions from the Bank, which may be adversely affected by capital constraints imposed by the applicable regulations. The Company cannot predict whether the Bank will be permitted under applicable regulations to pay a dividend to the Company. If the Bank is unable to pay dividends to the Company, the Company may not have the liquidity necessary to pay a dividend in the future or pay a dividend at the same rate as historically paid, or be able to meet current debt obligations. At March 31, 2015, OceanFirst Financial Corp. held $22.2 million in cash.
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As of March 31, 2015, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements as follows (in thousands):
Tier 1 leverage
Common Equity Tier 1
Tier 1 Capital
Total Capital
The Bank is considered a “well-capitalized” institution under the Prompt Corrective Action Regulations.
In July 2013, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the other Federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The rule and regulatory capital requirements only pertain to the Bank and not the Holding Company. Among other things, the rule established a new Common Equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), increased the minimum Tier 1 Capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4% to 6% of risk-weighted assets) and assigned a higher risk weight (150%) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on non-accrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property. The new Common Equity Tier 1 capital requirement is intended to measure the financial strength of the Bank by comparing its core equity (equity capital plus disclosed reserves) to its risk weighted assets. The final rule also requires unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital unless a one-time opt-out is exercised. The Bank exercised its opt-out at March 31, 2015. Additional constraints were also imposed on the inclusion in regulatory capital of mortgage-servicing assets, deferred tax assets and minority interests. The rule limits a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The final rule became effective for the Bank on January 1, 2015. The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016 and ending January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer requirement will be effective.
At March 31, 2015, the Company maintained tangible common equity of $220.3 million, for a tangible common equity to assets ratio of 9.24%.
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
In the normal course of operations, the Company engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in the financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used for general corporate purposes or for customer needs. Corporate purpose transactions are used to help manage credit, interest rate and liquidity risk or to optimize capital. Customer transactions are used to manage customers’ requests for funding. These financial instruments and commitments include undrawn lines of credit and commitments to extend credit. The Company also has outstanding commitments to sell loans amounting to $14.5 million.
The following table shows the contractual obligations of the Company by expected payment period as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
Contractual Obligation
Debt Obligations
Commitments to Fund Undrawn Lines of Credit
Commitments to Originate Loans
Commitments to fund undrawn lines of credit and commitments to originate loans are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company’s exposure to credit risk is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments. The commitments to fund undrawn lines of credit primarily relate to commercial loans ($176.6 million), consumer loans ($105.7 million) and construction loans ($16.8 million) at March 31, 2015.
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Non-Performing Assets
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s non-performing assets consisting of non-performing loans and other real estate owned. It is the policy of the Company to cease accruing interest on loans 90 days or more past due or in the process of foreclosure.
Non-performing loans:
Real estate – one-to-four family
Commercial real estate
Consumer
Commercial and industrial
Total non-performing loans
Other real estate owned
Total non-performing assets
Delinquent loans 30-89 days
Included in the non-performing loan total at March 31, 2015 was $3.2 million of troubled debt restructured loans, as compared to $2.0 million of troubled debt restructured loans at December 31, 2014. Non-performing loans are concentrated in commercial real estate, which comprise 67.9% of the total at March 31, 2015.
The Company classifies loans and other assets in accordance with regulatory guidelines as follows (in thousands):
Special Mention
Substandard
The largest non-performing and substandard loan relationship consists of two commercial real estate loans to a hotel, golf and banquet facility located in New Jersey for $6.4 million, criticized due to delinquent payments, continual losses and covenant violations. The largest Special Mention loan at March 31, 2015 is a $4.4 million commercial real estate loan to a single borrower operating several fitness/health club facilities who is current as to payments. The borrower has filed Chapter XI bankruptcy relating to another bank’s legal proceedings on an unrelated property.
Critical Accounting Policies
Note 1 to the Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Form 10-K”), as supplemented by this report, contains a summary of significant accounting policies. Various elements of these accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. Certain assets are carried in the consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value or the lower of cost or fair value. Policies with respect to the methodologies used to determine the allowance for loan losses, the reserve for repurchased loans and loss sharing obligations, and judgments regarding securities impairment are the most critical accounting policies because they are important to the presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. These judgments and policies involve a higher degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. The use of different judgments, assumptions and estimates could result in material differences in the results of operations or financial condition. These critical accounting policies and their application are reviewed periodically and, at least annually, with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Safe Harbor Statement
In addition to historical information, this quarterly report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995 which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “view,” “opportunity,” “potential,” or similar expressions or expressions of confidence. The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or
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strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions, levels of unemployment in the Bank’s lending area, real estate market values in the Bank’s lending area, future natural disasters and increases to flood insurance premiums, the level of prepayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, legislative/regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in the Company’s market area and accounting principles and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and subsequent securities filings and should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. Further description of the risks and uncertainties to the business are included in Item 1, Business, and Item 1A, Risk Factors, of the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K and Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this 10-Q.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company’s interest rate sensitivity is monitored through the use of an interest rate risk (“IRR”) model. The following table sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at March 31, 2015, which were anticipated by the Company, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown.
At March 31, 2015, the Company’s one-year gap was negative 0.32% as compared to negative 2.73% at December 31, 2014.
At March 31, 2015
Interest-earning assets: (1)
Interest-earning deposits and short- term investments
Investment securities
Mortgage-backed securities
FHLB stock
Loans receivable (2)
Money market deposit accounts
Savings accounts
Interest-bearing checking accounts
FHLB advances
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings
Interest sensitivity gap (3)
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a percent of total interest-earning assets
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Additionally, the table below sets forth the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk as measured by the change in economic value of equity (“EVE”) and net interest income under varying rate shocks as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. All methods used to measure interest rate sensitivity involve the use of assumptions, which may tend to oversimplify the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. The Company’s interest rate sensitivity should be reviewed in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the 2014 Form 10-K.
Change in Interest Rates inBasis Points (Rate Shock)
300
200
100
Static
(100)
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In addition, based on that evaluation, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Cash and due from banks
Securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value
Securities held-to-maturity, net (estimated fair value of $449,955 at March 31, 2015 and $474,215 at December 31, 2014)
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost
Mortgage loans held for sale
Interest and dividends receivable
Premises and equipment, net
Servicing asset
Bank Owned Life Insurance
Deferred tax asset
Other assets
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with retail customers
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Other borrowings
Due to brokers
Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance
Other liabilities
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, $1,000 liquidation preference, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued
Common stock, $.01 par value, 55,000,000 shares authorized, 33,566,772 shares issued and 16,863,429 and 16,901,653 shares outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Less: Unallocated common stock held by Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Treasury stock 16,703,343 and 16,665,119 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
Common stock acquired by Deferred Compensation Plan
Deferred Compensation Plan Liability
Total stockholders’ equity
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest income:
Loans
Investment securities and other
Total interest income
Interest expense:
Total interest expense
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
Other income:
Bankcard services revenue
Wealth management revenue
Fees and service charges
Loan servicing income
Net gain on sale of loan servicing
Net gain on sales of loans available-for-sale
Net gain (loss) from other real estate operations
Income from Bank Owned Life Insurance
Other
Total other income
Operating expenses:
Compensation and employee benefits
Occupancy
Equipment
Marketing
Federal deposit insurance
Data processing
Check card processing
Professional fees
Other operating expense
Total operating expenses
Income before provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Basic earnings per share
Average basic shares outstanding
Average diluted shares outstanding
11
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities (net of tax expense of $96 in 2015 and tax benefit of $77 in 2014)
Accretion of unrealized loss on securities reclassified to held-to-maturity (net of tax expense of $125 and $107 in 2015 and 2014, respectively)
Total comprehensive income
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Consolidated Statements of
Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
Balance at December 31, 2013
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Tax benefit of stock plans
Stock awards
Treasury stock allocated to restricted stock plan
Purchased 88,000 shares of common stock
Allocation of ESOP stock
Cash dividend $0.12 per share
Exercise of stock options
Sale of stock for the deferred compensation plan
Balance at March 31, 2014
Balance at December 31, 2014
Purchased 110,143 shares of common stock
Cash dividend $0.13 per share
Purchase of stock for the deferred compensation plan
Balance at March 31, 2015
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
Amortization of servicing asset
Net premium amortization in excess of discount accretion on securities
Net amortization of deferred costs and discounts on loans
Net gain on sale of other real estate owned
Net gain on sales of loans
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale
Mortgage loans originated for sale
Increase in value of Bank Owned Life Insurance
Decrease in interest and dividends receivable
Decrease (increase) in other assets
Decrease in other liabilities
Total adjustments
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net increase in loans receivable
Purchase of loans receivable
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale
Purchase of mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity
Purchase of investment-backed securities held-to-maturity
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities held-to-maturity
Principal repayments on mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity
Decrease (increase) in Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
Purchases of premises and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
Continued
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in deposits
(Decrease) increase in short-term borrowings
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Increase in advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance
Purchase of treasury stock
Dividends paid
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period
Cash and due from banks at end of period
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
Income taxes
Non-cash activities:
Loans charged-off, net
Transfer of loans receivable to other real estate owned
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Notes To Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, OceanFirst Bank (the “Bank”), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, OceanFirst REIT Holdings, Inc., OceanFirst Services, LLC and 975 Holdings, LLC.
The interim consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for all of 2015. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the statements of financial condition and the results of operations for the period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Note 2. Earnings per Share
The following reconciles shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
Weighted average shares issued net of Treasury shares
Less: Unallocated ESOP shares
Unallocated incentive award shares and shares held by deferred compensation plan
Add: Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options
Shares held by deferred compensation plan
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, antidilutive stock options of 813,000 and 597,000, respectively, were excluded from earnings per share calculations.
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Note 3. Securities
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
Available-for-sale:
Investment securities:
U.S. agency obligations
Held-to-maturity:
State and municipal obligations
Corporate debt securities
Total investment securities
Mortgage-backed securities:
FHLMC
FNMA
GNMA
Total mortgage-backed securities
Total held-to-maturity
Total securities
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During the third quarter 2013, the Bank transferred $536.0 million of previously-designated available-for-sale securities to a held-to-maturity designation at estimated fair value. The securities transferred had an unrealized net loss of $13.3 million at the time of transfer which continues to be reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet, net of subsequent amortization, which is being recognized over the life of the securities. The carrying value of the held-to-maturity investment securities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
Amortized cost
Net loss on date of transfer from available-for-sale
Accretion of net unrealized loss on securities reclassified as held-to-maturity
Carrying value
There were no realized gains or losses on the sale of securities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity are shown below (in thousands). Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. At March 31, 2015, corporate debt securities with an amortized cost and estimated fair value of $55.0 million and $46.2 million, respectively, were callable prior to the maturity date.
March 31, 2015
Less than one year
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
Mortgage-backed securities are excluded from the above table since their effective lives are expected to be shorter than the contractual maturity date due to principal prepayments.
The estimated fair value and unrealized loss of securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, segregated by the duration of the unrealized loss, are as follows (in thousands):
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At March 31, 2015, the amortized cost, estimated fair value and credit rating of the individual corporate debt securities in an unrealized loss position for greater than one year are as follows (in thousands):
Security Description
BankAmerica Capital
Chase Capital
Wells Fargo Capital
Huntington Capital
Keycorp Capital
PNC Capital
State Street Capital
SunTrust Capital
At March 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of each corporate debt security was below cost. However, the estimated fair value of the corporate debt securities increased as compared to December 31, 2014. The corporate debt securities are issued by other financial institutions with credit ratings ranging from a high of A3 to a low of BB as rated by one of the internationally-recognized credit rating services. These floating-rate securities were purchased in 1998 and have paid coupon interest continuously since issuance. Floating-rate debt securities such as these pay a fixed interest rate spread over 90-day LIBOR. Following the purchase of these securities, the required spread increased for these types of securities causing a decline in the market price. The Company concluded that unrealized losses on corporate debt securities were only temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015. In concluding that the impairments were only temporary, the Company considered several factors in its analysis. The Company noted that each issuer made all the contractually due payments when required. There were no defaults on principal or interest payments and no interest payments were deferred. All of the financial institutions are also considered well-capitalized. Credit spreads have decreased for these types of securities and market prices have improved. Based on management’s analysis of each individual security, the issuers appear to have the ability to meet debt service requirements over the life of the security. Furthermore, the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities. The Company has held the securities continuously since 1998 and expects to receive its full principal at maturity in 2028 or prior if called by the issuer. The Company has historically not actively sold investment securities and has not utilized the securities portfolio as a source of liquidity. The Company’s long range liquidity plans indicate adequate sources of liquidity outside the securities portfolio.
The mortgage-backed securities are issued and guaranteed by either the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) or Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), corporations which are chartered by the United States Government and whose debt obligations are typically rated AA+ by one of the internationally-recognized credit rating services. The Company considers the unrealized losses to be the result of changes in interest rates which over time can have both a positive and negative impact on the estimated fair value of the mortgage-backed securities. The Company
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does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost. As a result, the Company concluded that these securities were only temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015.
Note 4. Loans Receivable, Net
Loans receivable, net at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Real estate:
One-to-four family
Commercial real estate, multi family and land
Residential construction
Total loans
Loans in process
Deferred origination costs, net
Allowance for loan losses
At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, loans in the amount of $19,406,000 and $18,307,000, respectively, were three or more months delinquent or in the process of foreclosure and the Company was not accruing interest income on these loans. There were no loans ninety days or greater past due and still accruing interest. Non-accrual loans include both smaller balance homogenous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.
The recorded investment in mortgage and consumer loans collateralized by residential real estate which are in the process of foreclosure amounted to $2,301,000 at March 31, 2015. The amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the Company was $3,791,000 at March 31, 2015.
The Company defines an impaired loan as all non-accrual commercial real estate, multi-family, land, construction and commercial loans in excess of $250,000. Impaired loans also include all loans modified as troubled debt restructurings. At March 31, 2015, the impaired loan portfolio totaled $38,045,000 for which there was a specific allocation in the allowance for loan losses of $1,718,000. At December 31, 2014, the impaired loan portfolio totaled $36,979,000 for which there was a specific allocation in the allowance for loan losses of $2,161,000. The average balance of impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $36,307,000 and $40,441,000, respectively.
An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the three ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
Balance at beginning of period
Provision charged to operations
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Balance at end of period
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The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2015
Allowance for loan losses:
Provision (benefit) charged to operations
For the three months ended March 31, 2014
Ending allowance balance attributed to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment
Collectively evaluated for impairment
Total ending allowance balance
Loans:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Total ending loan balance
December 31, 2014
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A summary of impaired loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
Impaired loans with no allocated allowance for loan losses
Impaired loans with allocated allowance for loan losses
Amount of the allowance for loan losses allocated
At March 31, 2015, impaired loans include troubled debt restructuring loans of $25,827,000 of which $22,674,000 were performing in accordance with their restructured terms for a minimum of six months and were accruing interest. At December 31, 2014, impaired loans include troubled debt restructuring loans of $23,493,000 of which $21,462,000 were performing in accordance with their restructured terms and were accruing interest.
The summary of loans individually evaluated for impairment by loan portfolio segment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 follows (in thousands):
As of March 31, 2015
With no related allowance recorded:
Residential real estate
With an allowance recorded:
As of December 31, 2014
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The following table presents the recorded investment in non-accrual loans by loan portfolio segment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by loan portfolio segment (in thousands):
The Company categorizes all commercial and commercial real estate loans, except for small business 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 and current economic trends, among other factors. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. 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 borrower 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 Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
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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 currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.
Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be Pass rated loans. Loans not rated are included in groups of homogeneous loans. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by loan portfolio segment is as follows (in thousands):
For residential and consumer loan classes, the Company evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the recorded investment in residential and consumer loans based on payment activity as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
March 31, 2105
Performing
Non-performing
The Company classifies certain loans as troubled debt restructurings when credit terms to a borrower in financial difficulty are modified. The modifications may include a reduction in rate, an extension in term and/or the capitalization of past due amounts. Included in the non-accrual loan total at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $3,153,000 and $2,031,000, respectively, of troubled debt restructurings. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company has allocated $387,000 and $419,000, respectively, of specific reserves to loans which are classified as troubled debt restructurings. Non-accrual loans which become troubled debt restructurings are generally returned to accrual status after six months of performance. In addition to the troubled debt restructurings included in non-accrual loans, the Company also has loans classified as troubled debt restructurings which are accruing at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, which totaled $22,674,000 and $21,462,000, respectively. Troubled debt restructurings are considered in the allowance for loan losses similar to other impaired loans.
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The following table presents information about troubled debt restructurings which occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and troubled debt restructurings modified within the previous year and which defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended March 31, 2015
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Which Subsequently Defaulted:
Three months ended March 31, 2014
Note 5. Reserve for Repurchased Loans and Loss Sharing Obligations
The reserve for repurchased loans and loss sharing obligations was $1,032,000 at March 31, 2015, unchanged from December 31, 2014 and $1,468,000 at March 31, 2014, unchanged from December 31, 2013. The reserve for repurchased loans and loss sharing obligations was established to provide for expected losses related to repurchase requests which may be received on residential mortgage loans previously sold to investors and other loss sharing obligations. The reserve is included in other liabilities in the accompanying statements of financial condition.
At March 31, 2015, there was one outstanding loan repurchase request which was resolved at no loss subsequent to the end of the quarter. There were no outstanding loan repurchase requests at December 31, 2014.
Note 6. Deposits
The major types of deposits at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
Type of Account
Non-interest-bearing
Interest-bearing checking
Money market deposit
Savings
Total deposits
Included in time deposits at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, is $75,504,000 and $64,416,000, respectively, in deposits of $100,000 and over.
Note 7. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-04, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40) Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure,” which applies to all creditors who obtain physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan in satisfaction of a receivable. The amendments in this update clarify when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs and requires disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by a creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure. The amendments in ASU 2014-04 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this standard in the first quarter of 2015 did not to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
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Note 8. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair market measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or the most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement costs). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, a fair value hierarchy has been established for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Movements within the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the end of the applicable reporting period. There were no transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlations or other means.
Level 3 Inputs - Significant unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).
Securities Available-For-Sale
Securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. Most of the Company’s investment and mortgage-backed securities, however, are fixed income instruments that are not quoted on an exchange, but are bought and sold in active markets. Prices for these instruments are obtained through third party pricing vendors or security industry sources that actively participate in the buying and selling of securities. Prices obtained from these sources include market quotations and matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but comparing the securities to benchmark or comparable securities.
Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data as well as the best information available about the security. Illiquid credit markets have resulted in inactive markets for certain of the Company’s securities. As a result, there is limited observable market data for these assets. Fair value estimates for securities for which limited observable market data is available are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, liquidity discounts, credit and interest rate risks, and other factors. These estimates involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. As a result, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the security.
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The Company utilizes third party pricing services to obtain fair values for its corporate bonds. Management’s policy is to obtain and review all available documentation from the third party pricing service relating to their fair value determinations, including their methodology and summary of inputs. Management reviews this documentation, makes inquiries of the third party pricing service and makes a determination as to the level of the valuation inputs. Based on the Company’s review of the available documentation from the third party pricing service, management concluded that Level 2 inputs were utilized. The significant observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, other market information and observations of equity and credit default swap curves related to the issuer.
Other Real Estate Owned and Impaired Loans
Other real estate owned and loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral are recorded at estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs. Fair value is based on independent appraisals.
The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (in thousands):
Items measured on a recurring basis:
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Items measured on a non-recurring basis:
Loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral
Assets and Liabilities Disclosed at Fair Value
A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy is set forth below.
Cash and Due from Banks
For cash and due from banks, the carrying amount approximates fair value.
Securities Held-to-Maturity
Securities classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost, as the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. The Company determines the fair value of the securities utilizing Level 1, Level 2 and infrequently Level 3 inputs. In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. Most of the Company’s investment and mortgage-backed securities, however, are fixed income instruments that are not quoted on an exchange, but are bought and sold in active markets. Prices for these instruments are obtained through third party pricing vendors or security industry sources that actively participate in the buying and selling of securities. Prices obtained from these sources include market quotations and matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but comparing the securities to benchmark or comparable securities.
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The Company utilizes third party pricing services to obtain fair values for its corporate debt securities. Management’s policy is to obtain and review all available documentation from the third party pricing service relating to their fair value determinations, including their methodology and summary of inputs. Management reviews this documentation, makes inquiries of the third party pricing service and makes a determination as to the level of the valuation inputs. Based on the Company’s review of the available documentation from the third party pricing service, management concluded that Level 2 inputs were utilized for all securities except for certain state and municipal obligations known as bond anticipation notes (“BANs”) where management utilized Level 3 inputs. In the case of the Level 2 securities, the significant observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, other market information and observations of equity and credit default swap curves related to the issuer. Management based its fair value estimate of the BANs on the local nature of the issuing entities, the short-term life of the security and current market conditions.
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock
The fair value for Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock is its carrying value since this is the amount for which it could be redeemed. There is no active market for this stock and the Company is required to maintain a minimum investment based upon the outstanding balance of mortgage related assets and outstanding borrowings.
Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as residential mortgage, construction, consumer and commercial. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms.
Fair value of performing and non-performing loans was estimated by discounting the future cash flows, net of estimated prepayments, at a rate for which similar loans would be originated to new borrowers with similar terms. Fair values estimated in this manner do not fully incorporate an exit price approach to fair value, but instead are based on a comparison to current market rates for comparable loans.
Deposits Other than Time Deposits
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, savings, and interest-bearing checking accounts and money market accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand. The related insensitivity of the majority of these deposits to interest rate changes creates a significant inherent value which is not reflected in the fair value reported.
Time Deposits
The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase with Retail Customers
Fair value approximates the carrying amount as these borrowings are payable on demand and the interest rate adjusts monthly.
Borrowed Funds
Fair value estimates are based on discounting contractual cash flows using rates which approximate the rates offered for borrowings of similar remaining maturities.
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The book value and estimated fair value of the Bank’s significant financial instruments not recorded at fair value as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented in the following tables (in thousands):
Financial Assets:
Securities held-to-maturity
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock
Loans receivable and mortgage loans held for sale
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits other than time deposits
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings
Limitations
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because a limited market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other significant unobservable inputs. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include deferred tax assets, and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is not engaged in any legal proceedings of a material nature at the present time. From time to time, the Company is a party to routine legal proceedings within the normal course of business. Such routine legal proceedings in the aggregate are believed by management to be immaterial to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
For a summary of risk factors relevant to the Company, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the 2014 Form 10-K. There were no material changes to risk factors relevant to the Company’s operations since December 31, 2014.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On July 24, 2014, the Company announced the authorization of the Board of Directors to repurchase up to 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, or 867,923 shares. Information regarding the Company’s common stock repurchases for the three month period ended March 31, 2105 is as follows:
Period
January 1 through January 31, 2015
February 1, 2015 through February 28, 2015
March 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not Applicable
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibits:
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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.
/s/ Christopher D. Maher
/s/ Michael J. Fitzpatrick
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Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Description
Page
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