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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended                                                                      September 30, 2012
OR

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

For the transition period from                 to

Commission file number 0-27782

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all the reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES              x     NO ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YES              x            NO ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

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

Classes of Common Stock
 
Number of Shares Outstanding at November 7, 2012
$.01 Par Value
 
35,606,696
 
 
 




 
 
Page
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
3
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Three-Month and Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
4
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
5
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
6
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7-31
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
32-49
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
49-50
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
51
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
51
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
51
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
51
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
51
Item 5.
Other Information
51
Item 6.
Exhibits
51-53
 
Signatures
53

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

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

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

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

2


Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands except share amounts)
 
 
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
ASSETS:
 
   
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
194,702
   
$
43,309
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
59,999
     
951
 
  Total cash and cash equivalents
   
254,701
     
44,260
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity (estimated fair value of $6,244 and $4,924 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively) (Fully unencumbered)
   
5,957
     
6,511
 
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
               
   Encumbered
   
49,111
     
124,282
 
   Unencumbered
   
5,915
     
50,586
 
 
   
55,026
     
174,868
 
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
               
   Encumbered
   
69,977
     
90,164
 
   Unencumbered
   
11,815
     
3,713
 
 
   
81,792
     
93,877
 
Trading securities
   
3,432
     
1,774
 
Loans:
               
    Real estate, net
   
3,323,501
     
3,458,416
 
    Other loans
   
2,492
     
2,449
 
    Less allowance for loan losses
   
(20,694
)
   
(20,254
)
   Total loans, net
   
3,305,299
     
3,440,611
 
Loans held for sale
   
387
     
3,022
 
Premises and fixed assets, net
   
33,363
     
32,646
 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") capital stock
   
41,636
     
49,489
 
Goodwill
   
55,638
     
55,638
 
Other assets
   
117,127
     
118,484
 
Total Assets
 
$
3,954,358
   
$
4,021,180
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Due to depositors:
               
Interest bearing deposits
 
$
2,267,897
   
$
2,202,622
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
   
151,269
     
141,079
 
Total deposits
   
2,419,166
     
2,343,701
 
Escrow and other deposits
   
111,066
     
71,812
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ("REPOS")
   
155,000
     
195,000
 
FHLBNY advances
   
767,500
     
939,775
 
Trust Preferred securities payable
   
70,680
     
70,680
 
Other liabilities
   
43,408
     
39,178
 
Total Liabilities
 
$
3,566,820
   
$
3,660,146
 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock ($0.01 par, 9,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011)
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock ($0.01 par, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 51,905,791 shares and 51,566,098 shares issued at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011,
   respectively, and 35,598,196 shares and 35,109,045 shares outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)
 
$
519
   
$
516
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
237,192
     
231,521
 
Retained earnings
   
377,266
     
358,079
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes
   
(9,396
)
   
(9,709
)
Unallocated common stock of Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")
   
(3,065
)
   
(3,239
)
Unearned Restricted Stock Award common stock
   
(3,594
)
   
(3,037
)
Common stock held by Benefit Maintenance Plan ("BMP")
   
(8,800
)
   
(8,655
)
Treasury stock, at cost (16,307,595 shares and 16,457,053 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)
   
(202,584
)
   
(204,442
)
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
$
387,538
   
$
361,034
 
Total Liabilities And Stockholders' Equity
 
$
3,954,358
   
$
4,021,180
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3


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

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Interest income:
 
   
   
   
 
Loans secured by real estate
 
$
45,963
   
$
49,139
   
$
143,735
   
$
151,625
 
Other loans
   
28
     
24
     
76
     
74
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
677
     
1,192
     
2,456
     
3,974
 
Investment securities
   
223
     
321
     
1,043
     
1,019
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
582
     
640
     
1,895
     
2,089
 
Total interest  income
   
47,473
     
51,316
     
149,205
     
158,781
 
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits and escrow
   
5,302
     
6,498
     
16,449
     
20,081
 
Borrowed funds
   
8,773
     
10,646
     
31,465
     
33,325
 
Total interest expense
   
14,075
     
17,144
     
47,914
     
53,406
 
Net interest income
   
33,398
     
34,172
     
101,291
     
105,375
 
Provision for loan losses
   
126
     
2,217
     
3,858
     
5,305
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
33,272
     
31,955
     
97,433
     
100,070
 
Non-interest income:
                               
Other than temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses:
   
-
     
(83
)
   
(187
)
   
(720
)
Less:  Non-credit portion of OTTI recorded in other comprehensive income (before taxes)
   
-
     
24
     
6
     
25
 
Net OTTI recognized in earnings
   
-
     
(59
)
   
(181
)
   
(695
)
Service charges and other fees
   
1,244
     
1,172
     
2,840
     
2,836
 
Net mortgage banking income
   
259
     
136
     
1,475
     
433
 
Net gain on sales of securities and other assets
   
67
     
(136
)
   
180
     
(69
)
Income from bank owned life insurance
   
423
     
420
     
1,265
     
1,334
 
Other
   
581
     
616
     
1,772
     
1,954
 
Total non-interest income
   
2,574
     
2,149
     
7,351
     
5,793
 
Non-interest expense:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
8,245
     
7,723
     
25,751
     
24,518
 
Stock benefit plan amortization expense
   
975
     
939
     
2,884
     
2,886
 
Occupancy and equipment
   
2,527
     
2,649
     
7,431
     
7,741
 
Federal deposit insurance premiums
   
502
     
591
     
1,557
     
2,163
 
Data processing costs
   
746
     
760
     
2,223
     
2,236
 
Other
   
2,776
     
2,302
     
8,009
     
7,363
 
Total non-interest expense
   
15,771
     
14,964
     
47,855
     
46,907
 
Income before income taxes
   
20,075
     
19,140
     
56,929
     
58,956
 
Income tax expense
   
8,280
     
7,976
     
23,356
     
24,374
 
Net income
 
$
11,795
   
$
11,164
   
$
33,573
   
$
34,582
 
Earnings per Share:
                               
Basic
 
$
0.34
   
$
0.33
   
$
0.98
   
$
1.03
 
Diluted
 
$
0.34
   
$
0.33
   
$
0.98
   
$
1.02
 
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
Net Income
 
$
11,795
   
$
11,164
   
$
33,573
   
$
34,582
 
Amortization and reversal of net unrealized loss on securities transferred from
   available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, net of taxes of $11 and $14 during the three months
   ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $75 and $26 during the
   nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively
   
13
     
15
     
91
     
47
 
Reduction in non-credit component of OTTI charge, net of taxes of $6 and $290 during
   the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $133 and
   $566 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively
   
7
     
5
     
161
     
693
 
Non-credit component of OTTI charge recognized during the period, net of tax benefit of
   $(3) during the nine months ended September 30, 2011
   
-
     
(13
)
   
(3
)
   
(13
)
Reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the period, net of taxes of
   $20 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $10 during the three months and nine months
   ended September 30, 2011
   
-
     
12
     
24
     
12
 
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period, net of (tax benefits) taxes of $(6)
   and $304 during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively and
   $(224) and $37 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively
   
(7
)
   
(601
)
   
(272
)
   
(557
)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of taxes of $256 during the nine months
   ended September 30, 2012 and $23 during the nine months ended September 30, 2011
   
-
     
-
     
312
     
27
 
Comprehensive Income
 
$
11,808
   
$
10,582
   
$
33,886
   
$
34,791
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 (Dollars in thousands)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Common Stock (Par Value $0.01):
 
   
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
516
   
$
512
 
Shares issued in exercise of options
   
3
     
3
 
Balance at end of period
   
519
     
515
 
Additional Paid-in Capital:
               
Balance at beginning of period
   
231,521
     
225,585
 
Stock options exercised
   
4,083
     
2,627
 
Forfeited restricted stock award shares returned to treasury stock
   
(3
)
   
2
 
Tax benefit of stock plans
   
349
     
399
 
Release from treasury stock for restricted stock award and BMP benefit shares
   
217
     
501
 
Amortization of excess fair value over cost – ESOP stock and stock options expense
   
1,025
     
1,082
 
Balance at end of period
   
237,192
     
230,196
 
Retained Earnings:
               
Balance at beginning of period
   
358,079
     
329,668
 
Net income for the period
   
33,573
     
34,582
 
Cash dividends declared and paid
   
(14,386
)
   
(14,156
)
Balance at end of period
   
377,266
     
350,094
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax:
               
Balance at beginning of period
   
(9,709
)
   
(6,352
)
Amortization and reversal of net unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for- sale to held-to-maturity, net of tax
   
91
     
47
 
Reduction in non-credit component of OTTI charge, net of tax
   
161
     
693
 
Non-credit component of OTTI charge recognized during the period, net of tax
   
(3
)
   
(13
)
Increase in unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities during the period
   
(248
)
   
(545
)
Adjustments related to defined benefit plans, net of tax
   
312
     
27
 
Balance at end of period
   
(9,396
)
   
(6,143
)
ESOP:
               
Balance at beginning of period
   
(3,239
)
   
(3,470
)
Amortization of earned portion of ESOP stock
   
174
     
173
 
Balance at end of period
   
(3,065
)
   
(3,297
)
Unearned Restricted Stock Award Common Stock:
               
Balance at beginning of period
   
(3,037
)
   
(2,684
)
Amortization of earned portion of restricted stock awards
   
1,370
     
1,139
 
Release from treasury stock for restricted stock award shares
   
(1,959
)
   
(1,953
)
Forfeited restricted stock award shares returned to treasury stock
   
32
     
22
 
Balance at end of period
   
(3,594
)
   
(3,476
)
Treasury Stock, at cost:
               
Balance at beginning of period
   
(204,442
)
   
(206,546
)
Forfeited restricted stock award shares returned to treasury stock
   
(29
)
   
(24
)
Release from treasury stock for restricted stock award and BMP benefit shares
   
1,887
     
2,128
 
Balance at end of period
   
(202,584
)
   
(204,442
)
Common Stock Held by BMP:
               
Balance at beginning of period
   
(8,655
)
   
(7,979
)
BMP award distribution
   
-
     
-
 
Release from treasury stock for BMP benefit shares
   
(145
)
   
(676
)
Balance at end of period
   
(8,800
)
   
(8,655
)
 
               
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
$
387,538
   
$
354,792
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
.
5


DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars In thousands)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
   
 
Net Income
 
$
33,573
   
$
34,582
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Net (gain) loss on sale of loans originated for sale
   
(26
)
   
8
 
Net gain on sale of investment securities available-for-sale
   
(44
)
   
(22
)
Net gain on trading securities
   
(136
)
   
105
 
Net depreciation and amortization
   
2,080
     
2,236
 
ESOP compensation expense
   
819
     
812
 
Stock plan compensation (excluding ESOP)
   
1,750
     
1,582
 
Provision for loan losses
   
3,858
     
5,305
 
Credit to reduce the liability for loans sold with recourse
   
(1,107
)
   
-
 
OTTI charge for investment securities recognized in earnings
   
181
     
695
 
Increase in cash surrender value of Bank Owned Life Insurance
   
(1,265
)
   
(1,334
)
Deferred income tax credit
   
47
     
(2,415
)
Excess tax benefit of stock plans
   
(349
)
   
(399
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Origination of loans held for sale
   
(5,080
)
   
(4,539
)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
   
8,741
     
7,957
 
Decrease in other assets
   
2,666
     
5,966
 
Increase in other liabilities
   
5,906
     
21,473
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
51,614
     
72,012
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from principal repayments of investment securities held-to-maturity
   
904
     
118
 
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale
   
-
     
-
 
Proceeds from calls and principal repayments of investment securities available-for-sale
   
200,320
     
174,000
 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale
   
313
     
226
 
Proceeds from sales of trading securities
   
171
     
136
 
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale
   
(80,086
)
   
(228,132
)
Purchases of mortgage backed securities available-for-sale
   
(23,186
)
   
-
 
Purchases of trading securities
   
(1,691
)
   
(426
)
Principal collected on mortgage backed securities available-for-sale
   
34,021
     
37,706
 
Purchases of loans
   
(24,483
)
   
(39,190
)
Proceeds from the sale of portfolio loans
   
30,906
     
15,712
 
Net decrease in loans
   
124,031
     
55,417
 
Purchases of fixed assets, net
   
(2,739
)
   
(3,271
)
Redemption of FHLBNY capital stock
   
7,853
     
4,704
 
Net cash provided by investing activities
   
266,334
     
17,000
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net increase in due to depositors
   
75,465
     
34,036
 
Net increase in escrow and other deposits
   
39,254
     
23,803
 
Decrease in REPOS
   
(40,000
)
   
-
 
Repayment of FHLBNY advances
   
(172,275
)
   
(105,750
)
Cash dividends paid
   
(14,386
)
   
(14,156
)
Exercise of stock options
   
4,086
     
2,630
 
BMP award distribution
   
-
     
-
 
Excess tax benefit of stock plans
   
349
     
399
 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(107,507
)
   
(59,038
)
INCREASE IN CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
   
210,441
     
29,974
 
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
44,260
     
90,729
 
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, END OF PERIOD
 
$
254,701
   
$
120,703
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
22,531
   
$
20,718
 
Cash paid for interest
   
48,244
     
53,573
 
Loans transferred to held for sale
   
1,000
     
-
 
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
   
142
     
85
 
Net decrease in non-credit component of OTTI
   
(288
)
   
(1,239
)
Adjustments to other comprehensive income from defined benefit plans, net of tax
   
312
     
27
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
6

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

1.   NATURE OF OPERATIONS

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

The Bank maintains its headquarters in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York and operates twenty-six full service retail banking offices located in the New York City ("NYC") boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and in Nassau County, New York.  The Bank's principal business is gathering deposits from customers within its market area and via the internet, and investing them primarily in multifamily residential, commercial real estate, one- to four-family residential, construction and land acquisition, and consumer loans, as well as mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), obligations of the U.S. Government and Government Sponsored Enterprises ("GSEs"), and corporate debt and equity securities.  All of the Bank's lending occurs in the greater NYC metropolitan area.

2.   SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial condition as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the results of operations and statements of comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and the changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.  The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2012.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC').

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

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 and notes thereto.

3.   RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment" ("ASU 2011-08").  Under ASU 2011-08, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.  If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing additional impairment testing is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, it is required to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit and compare the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, as described in the accounting guidance. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and interim periods within those years. While early adoption was permitted, the Company did not elect to early adopt ASU 2011-08.  Adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have a material impact upon the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2011-05").   ASU 2011-05 permits an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In either option, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the presentation of the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity.  ASU 2011-05 does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or the timing in which an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  Since the Company's presentation of periodic comprehensive income already complied with the provisions of ASU 2011-05, adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations or related disclosures.

7

In May 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs" ("ASU 2011-04").  ASU 2011-04 was issued concurrently with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") No. 13, "Fair Value Measurements," and these respective standards substantially converge the guidance in GAAP and IFRS on fair value measurements and disclosures.  ASU 2011-04 amended several aspects of the fair value measurement guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, "Fair Value Measurement," as follows: 1) application of the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise; 2) introduction of an option to measure groups of offsetting assets and liabilities on a net basis; 3) incorporation of certain premiums and discounts in fair value measurements; and 4) initiating a requirement to disclose the measurement of the fair value of certain instruments classified in shareholders' equity.  ASU 2011-04 additionally included several new fair value disclosure requirements, including, among others, information about valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements and a narrative description of the sensitivity of Level 3 measurements to changes in unobservable inputs.  The Company adopted ASU 2011-04 effective January 1, 2012.  Adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a material impact upon the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

4.   TREASURY STOCK

The Holding Company did not repurchase any of its common stock into treasury during the three months ended September 30, 2012 or 2011.

On April 30, 2012, 141,289 shares of the Holding Company's common stock were released from treasury in order to fulfill benefit obligations under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan.  The closing price of the Holding Company's common stock on that date was $13.86, and the shares were released utilizing the average historical cost method.  On May 1, 2012, 10,729 shares of treasury stock were released in order to fulfill benefit obligations under the BMP.  The closing price of the Holding Company's common stock on that date was $13.55, and the shares were released utilizing the average historical cost method.

On April 29, 2011, 126,304 shares of the Holding Company's common stock were released from treasury in order to fulfill benefit obligations under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan.  The closing price of the Holding Company's common stock on that date was $15.46, and the shares were released utilizing the average historical cost method.  On May 3, 2011, 45,056 shares of treasury stock were released in order to fulfill benefit obligations under the BMP.  The closing price of the Holding Company's common stock on that date was $15.16, and the shares were released utilizing the average historical cost method.

The Holding Company returned 2,371 and 1,984 forfeited restricted stock awards into treasury stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively.

5.   ACCOUNTING FOR GOODWILL

The Company has designated the last day of its fiscal year as its date for annual impairment testing.  The Company performed an impairment test as of December 31, 2011 and concluded that no impairment of goodwill existed.  No events or circumstances have occurred subsequent to December 31, 2011 that would, in management's opinion, reduce the fair value of the Company's reporting unit below its carrying value.  Such events or circumstances would require the immediate performance of an impairment test in accordance with FASB ASC reference number 350.

6.   EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  Diluted EPS is computed using the same method as basic EPS, but reflects the potential dilution that would occur if "in the money" stock options were exercised and converted into common stock.  In determining the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS, treasury stock and unallocated ESOP shares are excluded.  Vested restricted stock award shares are included in the calculation of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS.   Unvested restricted stock award shares are recognized as a special class of securities under ASC 260.
8


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

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Numerator:
 
   
   
   
 
Net Income per the Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
$
11,795
   
$
11,164
   
$
33,573
   
$
34,582
 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding utilized in the calculation of basic EPS
   
34,408,801
     
33,831,618
     
34,212,431
     
33,666,202
 
Common stock equivalents resulting from the dilutive effect of "in-the-money" outstanding stock options,
   net of the effect of tax benefits
   
89,016
     
49,705
     
75,348
     
117,206
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding utilized in the calculation of diluted EPS
   
34,497,817
     
33,881,323
     
34,287,779
     
33,783,408
 

Common stock equivalents resulting from the dilutive effect of "in-the-money" outstanding stock options are calculated based upon the excess of the average market value of the Holding Company's common stock over the exercise price of outstanding in-the-money stock options during the period.

There were 1,330,792 and 2,746,738 weighted-average stock options outstanding for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, that were not considered in the calculation of diluted EPS since their exercise prices exceeded the average market price during the period.  There were 1,323,076 and 1,245,159 weighted-average stock options outstanding for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, that were not considered in the calculation of diluted EPS since their exercise prices exceeded the average market price during the period.

7.    ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Holding Company and Bank maintained the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (collectively the "Stock Plans"), which are discussed more fully in Note 15 to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, and which are subject to the accounting requirements of ASC 505-50 and ASC 718.

Stock Option Awards

Combined activity related to stock options granted under the Stock Plans during the periods presented was as follows:

 
 
At or for the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
At or for the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Options outstanding – beginning of period
   
2,830,302
     
3,079,040
     
2,893,760
     
3,213,007
 
Options granted
   
-
     
-
     
24,440
     
91,583
 
Options exercised
   
(253,182
)
   
(55,955
)
   
(339,693
)
   
(276,944
)
Options forfeited
   
(5,625
)
   
(10,312
)
   
(7,012
)
   
(14,873
)
Options outstanding – end of period
   
2,571,495
     
3,012,773
     
2,571,495
     
3,012,773
 
Remaining unrecognized compensation expense
 
$
408
   
$
628
   
$
408
   
$
628
 

The weighted average fair value per option at the date of grant for stock options granted was estimated as follows:

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Total options granted
   
24,440
     
91,583
 
Estimated fair value on date of grant
 
$
4.09
   
$
4.82
 
Pricing methodology utilized
 
Black- Scholes
   
Black- Scholes
 
Expected life (in years)
   
6.53
     
6.80
 
Interest rate
   
1.21
%
   
2.59
%
Volatility
   
45.17
     
42.35
 
Dividend yield
   
4.04
     
3.62
 
 
9

Restricted Stock Awards

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

The following is a summary of activity related to the restricted stock awards granted under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan during the periods indicated:

 
 
At or for the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Unvested allocated shares – beginning of period
   
328,003
     
324,454
     
324,454
     
309,783
 
Shares granted
   
-
     
-
     
141,289
     
126,304
 
Shares vested
   
-
     
-
     
(135,369
)
   
(109,649
)
Shares forfeited
   
-
     
-
     
(2,371
)
   
(1,984
)
Unvested allocated shares – end of period
   
328,003
     
324,454
     
328,003
     
324,454
 
 
8.   LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY

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

Credit Quality Indicators:

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, such as:  current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.  The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying them as to credit risk.  This analysis includes all non-homogeneous loans, such as multifamily residential, mixed use residential (i.e., loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the residential units), mixed use commercial (i.e., loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the commercial units), commercial real estate, and construction and land acquisition loans, as well as one-to four family residential and cooperative apartment loans in excess of the Fannie Mae ("FNMA") conforming loan limits for high-cost areas such as the Bank's primary lending area (the "FNMA Limits").  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 obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

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

All loans not classified as Special Mention, Substandard or Doubtful were deemed pass loans at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The Bank had no loans classified as Doubtful at September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.
10


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

 
 
Balance at September 30, 2012
 
Grade
 
One- to Four-Family
Residential and
Cooperative Unit
   
Multifamily
Residential and Residential
Mixed Use
   
Mixed Use Commercial
Real Estate
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Construction
   
Total
 
Pass
 
$
61,658
   
$
2,482,610
   
$
333,488
   
$
365,405
   
$
-
   
$
3,243,161
 
Special Mention
   
461
     
9,821
     
5,494
     
-
     
-
     
15,776
 
Substandard
   
9,086
     
2,208
     
4,964
     
30,158
     
528
     
46,944
 
Total real estate loans individually assigned a credit grade
 
$
71,205
   
$
2,494,639
   
$
343,946
   
$
395,563
   
$
528
   
$
3,305,881
 
Real estate loans not individually assigned a credit grade (1)
 
$
17,620
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
   
$
17,620
 
(1) Amount comprised of fully performing one- to four-family residential and cooperative unit loans with balances equal to or less than the FNMA Limits.  The credit quality of these loans was instead evaluated based upon payment activity.

 
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
 
Grade
 
One- to Four-Family
Residential and
Cooperative Unit
   
Multifamily
Residential and Residential
Mixed Use
   
Mixed Use Commercial
Real Estate
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Construction
   
Total
 
Pass
 
$
66,949
   
$
2,587,573
   
$
320,556
   
$
364,462
   
$
-
   
$
3,339,540
 
Special Mention
   
1,133
     
7,101
     
10,562
     
9,244
     
2,576
     
30,616
 
Substandard
   
2,635
     
8,245
     
7,152
     
39,610
     
623
     
58,265
 
Total real estate loans individually assigned a credit grade
 
$
70,717
   
$
2,602,919
   
$
338,270
   
$
413,316
   
$
3,199
   
$
3,428,421
 
Real estate loans not individually assigned a credit grade (1)
 
$
29,995
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
   
$
29,995
 
(1) Amount comprised of fully performing one- to four-family residential and cooperative unit loans with balances equal to or less than the FNMA Limits.  The credit quality of these loans was instead evaluated based upon payment activity.

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

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

Grade
 
Balance at
September 30, 2012
   
Balance at
December 31, 2011
 
Pass (performing)
 
$
2,486
   
$
2,445
 
Substandard (non-accrual)
   
6
     
4
 
Total
 
$
2,492
   
$
2,449
 

11


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

At September 30, 2012
 
30 to 59 Days Past Due
60 to 89 Days Past Due
Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest
Non-accrual (1)
Total Past Due
Current
Total Loans
Real Estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One- to four-family residential and cooperative unit
$417
$- 
$- 
$1,150
$1,567
$87,258
$88,825
   Multifamily residential and residential mixed use
2,494
1,008
3,506
2,491,133
2,494,639
   Mixed use commercial real estate
1,172
721
1,893
342,053
343,946
   Commercial real estate
7,805
7,805
387,758
395,563
   Construction
528
528
Total real estate
$4,083
$4 
$- 
$10,684
$14,771
3,308,730
$3,323,501
Consumer
$4
$- 
$- 
$6
$10
$2,482
$2,492
(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of September 30, 2012.

At December 31, 2011
 
30 to 59 Days Past Due
60 to 89 Days Past Due
Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest
Non-accrual (1)
Total Past Due
Current
Total Loans
Real Estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One- to four-family residential and cooperative unit
$1,221
$- 
$- 
$2,205
$3,426
$97,286
$100,712
   Multifamily residential and residential mixed use
2,589
946
7,069
10,604
2,592,315
2,602,919
   Mixed use commercial real estate
4,976
5,591
10,567
327,703
338,270
   Commercial real estate
478
2,874
11,083
14,435
398,881
413,316
   Construction
3,199
3,199
Total real estate
$9,264
$- 
$3,820
$25,948
$39,032
$3,419,384
$3,458,416
Consumer
$12
$5
$- 
$4
$21
$2,428
$2,449
(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2011.

Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due:

At December 31, 2011, the Bank owned five real estate loans totaling $3,820 that were 90 days or more past due on their contractual balloon principal payment that continued to make monthly payments consistent with their initial contractual amortization schedule exclusive of the balloon payment.  These loans remained on accrual status at December 31, 2011 and were deemed performing assets.  These loans were either fully re-financed or satisfied during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.   At September 30, 2012, there were no real estate loans that were 90 days or more past due on their contractual balloon principal payment that continued to make monthly payments consistent with their initial contractual amortization schedule exclusive of the balloon payment.
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans ("TDRs").

At September 30, 2012, the Bank had twenty-two loans totaling $51,241 with terms that were modified in a manner that met the criteria for a TDR.  Thirteen of these TDRs totaling $47,587 were commercial real estate loans, five loans totaling $1,968 were multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate loans, three loans totaling $951 were mixed use loans with four units or less and the remaining $735 loan was a mixed-use commercial real estate loan.  At December 31, 2011, the Bank had twenty-two loans totaling $48,753 with terms that were modified in a manner that met the criteria for a TDR.  Twelve of these TDRs totaling $44,458 were commercial real estate loans, three loans totaling $1,657 were mixed-use commercial real estate loans, five loans totaling $2,013 were multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate loans and the remaining two loans totaling $625 were mixed use loans with
 
12

four units or less.  (See "Part I - Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Asset Quality – TDRs" for a discussion of the criteria assessed in determining whether a loan modification has resulted in a TDR).
The following table summarizes outstanding TDRs as of the dates indicated:

 
As of September 30, 2012
As of December 31, 2011
 
No. of Loans
Balance
No. of Loans
Balance
Outstanding principal balance at period end
22
$51,241
22
$48,753
TDRs on accrual status at period end
18
43,106
17
40,688
TDRs on non-accrual status at period end
4
8,135
5
8,065

See "Part I - Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Asset Quality – TDRs" for a discussion of when a TDR is deemed accrual vs. non-accrual.

The Company has not restructured troubled consumer loans, as its consumer loan portfolio has not had any problem issues warranting restructuring.  Therefore, all TDRs were collateralized by real estate at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The following tables summarize activity related to TDRs for the periods indicated:

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Number of Loans
Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded Investment
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded Investment
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Loan modifications during the period
   that met the definition of a TDR:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     One- to four-family residential and cooperative unit
1
$330
$330
 
1
$212
$212
     Multifamily residential and residential mixed use
-
 
1
361
361
     Commercial real estate
-
 
5
20,523
20,523
TOTAL
1
$330
$330
 
7
$21,096
$21,096

 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Number of Loans
Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded Investment
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded Investment
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Loan modifications during the period
   that met the definition of a TDR:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    One- to four-family residential and cooperative unit
1
$330
$330
 
 
 
 
     Multifamily residential and residential mixed use
1
459
459
 
2
$573
$573
     Commercial real estate
2
4,430
4,430
 
5
20,543
20,543
TOTAL
4
$5,219
$5,219
 
7
$21,096
$21,096

The Bank's allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2012 reflected $551 of allocated reserve associated with modifications identified as TDRs.  The Bank's allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2011 reflected $1,851 of allocated reserve associated with modifications identified as TDRs.  The reduction in the aggregate balance of allocated reserve associated with TDRs from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 reflected the improvement in the underlying conditions of nine TDRs with an aggregate reserve of $1,064 at December 31, 2011, that resulted in the determination that the allocated reserve was no longer warranted on these TDRs as of September 30, 2012.  In addition, $154 of reserves as of December 31, 2011 were charged-off upon the disposal of two TDRs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  Otherwise, there was no impact on the Bank's allowance for loan losses related to TDRs as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

As of September 30, 2012, the Bank had no loan commitments to borrowers with outstanding TDRs.

13

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

As of September 30, 2012, there were no TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted subsequent to modification (thus no significant impact to the allowance for loan losses during the three-month or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 related to such loans).

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

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

Impairment is typically measured using the difference between the outstanding loan principal balance and either: 1) the likely realizable value of a note sale; 2) the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of likely disposal costs, if repayment is expected solely from liquidation of the collateral; or 3) the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's existing rate.  If a TDR is substantially performing in accordance with its restructured terms, management will look to either the present value of the expected cash flows from the debt service or the potential net liquidation proceeds of the underlying collateral property in measuring impairment (whichever is deemed most appropriate under the circumstances).  If a TDR has re-defaulted, generally the likely realizable net proceeds from either a note sale or the liquidation of the collateral is considered when measuring impairment.  While measured impairment on TDRs is typically charged off immediately, an allocated reserve within the allowance for loan losses can be recognized in limited instances.
Please refer to Note 9 for tabular information related to impaired loans.

Delinquent Serviced Loans Subject to the First Loss Position

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Bank serviced a pool of multifamily loans sold to FNMA, and retained an obligation (off-balance sheet contingent liability) to absorb a portion of any losses (as defined in the seller/servicer agreement) incurred by FNMA in connection with these loans (the "First Loss Position").

Under the terms of its seller/servicer agreement with FNMA, the Bank is obligated to fund FNMA all monthly principal and interest payments under the original terms of the sold loans until the earlier of the following events: (i) the Bank re-acquires the loan from FNMA or it enters Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") status; (ii) the entire pool of loans sold to FNMA have either been fully satisfied or enter OREO status; or (iii) the First Loss Position is fully exhausted.

At September 30, 2012, within the pool of multifamily loans sold to FNMA, three loans totaling $2,040 were 90 days or more delinquent.  At December 31, 2011, within the pool of multifamily loans sold to FNMA, one $1,342 loan was delinquent between 30 and 89 days, and one $757 loan was 90 days or more delinquent.

9.   ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES AND LIABILITY FOR FIRST LOSS POSITION ON MULTIFAMILY LOANS SOLD TO FNMA

The allowance for loan losses may consist of specific and general components.  The Bank's periodic evaluation of its allowance for loan losses (specific or general) is comprised of four primary components: (1) impaired loans;  (2) non-impaired substandard loans; (3) non-impaired special mention loans; and (4) pass graded loans.  Within these components, the Company has identified the following portfolio segments for purposes of assessing its allowance for loan losses (specific or general): 1) real estate loans; and 2) consumer loans.  Within the segments, the Bank analyzes the allowance based upon the underlying collateral type (classes).  Consumer loans represent a nominal portion of the Company's loan portfolio, and were thus evaluated in aggregate as of both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

14

Impaired Loan Component

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

All TDRs are considered impaired loans and are evaluated individually for measurable impairment, if any.  If a TDR is substantially performing in accordance with its restructured terms, management will look to either the present value of the expected cash flows from the debt service or the potential net liquidation proceeds of the underlying collateral property in measuring impairment (whichever is deemed most appropriate under the circumstances).  If a TDR has re-defaulted, the likely realizable net proceeds from either a note sale or the liquidation of the collateral is generally considered when measuring impairment.  While measured impairment on TDRs is typically charged off immediately, impairment measured from a reduction in the present value of expected cash flows of a performing TDR was reflected as an allocated reserve within the allowance for loan losses at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

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

Non-Impaired Substandard Loan Component

At September 30, 2012, the reserve allocated within the allowance for loan losses associated with loans internally classified as Substandard (excluding impaired loans internally designated as Substandard) reflected expected loss percentages on the Bank's pool of such loans that were derived based upon an analysis of historical losses over a measurement timeframe.  All non-impaired Substandard loans were deemed sufficiently well secured and performing to have remained on accrual status both prior and subsequent to their downgrade to the Substandard internal loan grade.  This reserve allocation was determined in a manner substantially similar to non-impaired Special Mention loans at September 30, 2012.

Non-impaired Substandard loans were non-existent prior to September 30, 2011.  As of December 31, 2011, the total population of such loans was not deemed significant enough to warrant a separate allocated reserve measurement.  
The portion of the allowance for loan losses attributable to non-impaired Substandard loans was zero at December 31, 2011, and increased to $867 at September 30, 2012, due to an increase of $12,905 in non-impaired Substandard loans from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 as well as an increase in the estimated loss percentage applied to such loans from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012.

Non-Impaired Special Mention Loan Component

At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the reserve allocated within the allowance for loan losses associated with loans internally classified as Special Mention (excluding impaired loans internally designated as Special Mention) reflected an expected loss percentage on the Bank's pool of such loans that was derived based upon an analysis of historical losses over a measurement timeframe.  The loss percentage resulting from this analysis was then applied to the aggregate pool of non-impaired Special Mention loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  Based upon this methodology, increases or decreases in the amount of either non-impaired Special Mention loans or charge-offs associated with such loans, or a change in the measurement timeframe utilized to derive the expected loss percentage, would impact the level of reserves determined on non-impaired Special Mention loans.  As a result, the allowance for loan losses associated with non-impaired Special Mention loans is subject to volatility.

The portion of the allowance for loan losses attributable to non-impaired Special Mention loans declined from $800 at December 31, 2011 to $100 at September 30, 2012, due to a reduction of $15,211 in non-impaired Special Mention loans from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 as well as a reduction in the estimated loss percentage determined to be applied to such loans from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012.

Pass Graded Loan Component

The Bank initially looks to the underlying collateral type when determining the allowance for loan losses associated with pass graded real estate loans.  The following underlying collateral types are analyzed separately: 1) one- to four family residential and cooperative unit; 2) multifamily residential and residential mixed use; 3) mixed use commercial real estate, 4) commercial real estate; and 5) construction and land acquisition.  Within the analysis of each underlying collateral type, the following elements are additionally considered and provided weighting in determining the allowance for loan losses for pass graded real estate loans:

15

(i)
Charge-off experience
(ii)
Economic conditions
(iii)
Underwriting standards or experience
(iv)
Loan concentrations
(v)
Loan seasoning

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

(i)  Charge-off experience – Loans within the pass graded loan portfolio are segmented by significant common characteristics, against which historical loss rates are applied.

(ii) Economic conditions - At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Bank assigned a loss allocation to its entire pass graded real estate loan portfolio based, in part, upon a review of economic conditions affecting the local real estate market. Specifically, the Bank considered both the level of, and recent trends in: 1) the local and national unemployment rate, 2) residential and commercial vacancy rates, 3) real estate sales and pricing, and 4) delinquencies in the Bank's loan portfolio.

(iii) Underwriting standards or experience – Underwriting standards are reviewed to ensure that changes in the Bank's lending policies and practices are adequately evaluated for risk and reflected in its analysis of potential credit losses.  Different loss expectations are then incorporated into the methodology.  The Bank modified only certain less critical underwriting practices during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011, and, as a result, this component did not impact the methodology at either September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

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

(v) Loan Seasoning – The Bank analyzes its charge-off history in order to determine whether loans that are over three years past their origination date (referred to as seasoned loans) have experienced lower loss levels, and would thus warrant a lower expected loss percentage.  This element was given minimal consideration in the September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 evaluations.  The minimal consideration resulted from an analysis of the loss experience recognized during the recent recessionary period (to which the Company migrated late in 2010), which concluded that the age or seasoning of a loan did not inversely correlate to the Bank's loss experience.

Consumer Loans

Due to their small individual balances, the Bank does not evaluate individual consumer loans for impairment.  Loss percentages are applied to aggregate consumer loans based upon both their delinquency status and loan type.  These loss percentages are derived from a combination of the Company's historical loss experience and/or nationally published loss data on these loans.  Consumer loans in excess of 120 days delinquent are typically fully charged off against the allowance for loan losses.
16


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

At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Real Estate Loans
Consumer Loans
 
One- to Four Family Residential
and Cooperative
Unit
Multifamily Residential and Residential
Mixed Use
Mixed Use Commercial
Real Estate
Commercial
Real Estate
Construction
Total Real Estate
 
Beginning balance
$258 
$14,551 
$2,181 
$3,230 
$-  
$20,220 
$23 
Charge-offs
(134)
(243)
(8)
(14)
-  
(398)
-  
Recoveries
687 
-  
36 
-  
723 
-  
Transfer to the reserve for loan commitments
-  
-  
-  
Provision (credit)
557 
(761)
143 
157 
27 
123 
Ending balance
$682 
$14,234 
$2,316 
$3,409 
$27 
$20,668 
$26 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance – loans individually evaluated for impairment
$621 
$3,319 
$1,456 
$47,587 
-  
$52,983 
$-  
Ending balance – loans collectively evaluated for impairment
88,204 
2,491,320 
342,490 
347,976 
$528 
3,270,518 
$2,492 
Allowance balance associated with loans
   individually evaluated for impairment
-  
-  
543 
-  
551 
-  
Allowance balance associated with loans
   collectively evaluated for impairment
674 
14,234 
2,316 
2,866 
27 
20,117 
26 

At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Real Estate Loans
Consumer Loans
 
One- to Four Family Residential
and
Cooperative
Unit
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
Mixed Use Commercial
Real Estate
Commercial Real Estate
Construction
Total Real Estate
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Beginning balance
$399 
$14,396 
$1,108 
$3,407 
$179 
$19,489 
$29 
Charge-offs
(5)
(40)
(79)
(46)
-  
(170)
(5)
Recoveries
-  
14 
12 
-  
27 
-  
Transfer (to) from reserve for loan commitments
-  
(39)
(5)
(9)
(48)
-  
Provision
(12)
230 
432 
1,562 
2,213 
Ending balance
$382 
$14,548 
$1,470 
$4,926 
$185 
$21,511 
$28 

At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Real Estate Loans
Consumer Loans
 
One- to Four Family Residential
and Cooperative
Unit
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
Mixed Use Commercial
Real Estate
Commercial
Real Estate
Construction
Total Real Estate
 
Beginning balance
$480 
$14,313 
$1,528 
$3,783 
$124 
$20,228 
$26 
Charge-offs
(774)
(2,381)
(670)
(500)
(3)
(4,328)
(10)
Recoveries
17 
773 
11 
37 
-  
838 
-  
Transfer to the reserve for loan commitments
-  
52 
25 
-  
82 
-  
Provision (reduction)
959 
1,477 
1,442 
64 
(94)
3,848 
10 
Ending balance
$682 
$14,234 
$2,316 
$3,409 
$27 
$20,668 
$26 
 
17

At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Real Estate Loans
Consumer Loans
 
One- to Four Family Residential
and
Cooperative
Unit
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
Mixed Use Commercial
Real Estate
Commercial Real Estate
Construction
Total Real Estate
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Beginning balance
$409 
$14,226 
$1,331 
$2,821 
$345 
$19,132 
$34 
Charge-offs
(88)
(552)
(362)
(1,642)
(725)
(3,369)
(18)
Recoveries
-  
143 
36 
146 
-  
325 
-  
Transfer from (to) reserve for loan commitments
-  
121 
(11)
15 
130 
-  
Provision
61 
610 
476 
3,596 
550 
5,293 
12 
Ending balance
$382 
$14,548 
$1,470 
$4,926 
$185 
$21,511 
$28 

 
As of December 31, 2011
 
Real Estate Loans
Consumer Loans
 
One- to Four Family Residential
and
Cooperative
Unit
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
Mixed Use Commercial
Real Estate
Commercial Real Estate
Construction
Total Real Estate
 
Ending balance – loans individually evaluated for impairment
$2,547 
$10,028 
$6,739 
$51,070 
-  
$70,384 
-  
Ending balance – loans collectively evaluated for impairment
98,165 
2,592,891 
331,531 
362,246 
$3,199 
3,388,032 
$2,449 
Allowance balance associated with loans
   individually evaluated for impairment
130 
45 
73 
1,927 
-  
2,175 
-  
Allowance balance associated with loans
   collectively evaluated for impairment
350 
14,268 
1,455 
1,856 
124 
18,053 
26 

18


The following tables summarize impaired real estate loans as of or for the periods indicated (by collateral type within the real estate loan segment).  For purposes of these tables, adjustments between the unpaid principal balance and recorded investment (including accrued interest receivable) are deemed to be immaterial:

At September 30, 2012
 
Unpaid Principal Balance at Period End
Recorded Investment
at Period End
Reserve Balance Allocated within the Allowance for Loan Losses at Period End
One- to Four Family Residential and Cooperative Unit
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
$409 
$409 
   With an allocated reserve
212 
212 
$8 
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
3,319
3,319
   With an allocated reserve
Mixed Use Commercial Real Estate
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
1,456
1,456
   With an allocated reserve
Commercial Real Estate
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
32,329
32,329
   With an allocated reserve
15,258
15,258
543
Construction
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
   With an allocated reserve
Total
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
$37,513
$37,513
$- 
   With an allocated reserve
$15,470
$15,470
$551
19


 
At December 31, 2011
 
Unpaid Principal Balance at Period End
Recorded Investment
at Period End
Reserve Balance Allocated within the Allowance for Loan Losses at Period End
One- to Four Family Residential and Cooperative Unit
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
$1,136
$1,136
$- 
   With an allocated reserve
1,411
1,411
130
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
9,338
9,338
   With an allocated reserve
690
690
45
Mixed Use Commercial Real Estate
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
5,780
5,780
   With an allocated reserve
959
959
73
Commercial Real Estate
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
11,812
11,812
   With an allocated reserve
39,258
39,258
1,927
Construction
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
   With an allocated reserve
Total
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
$28,066
$28,066
$- 
   With an allocated reserve
$42,318
$42,318
$2,175

 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
Average Recorded Investment
Interest
Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
Interest
Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
Interest
Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
Interest
Income Recognized
One- to Four Family Residential and Cooperative Unit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
$629
$15
 
$1,121
$7
 
$814
$48
 
$1,475
$24
   With an allocated reserve
212
5
 
706
 
511
14
 
353
Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
4,787
49
 
10,904
181
 
6,178
305
 
11,912
427
   With an allocated reserve
 
6,549
82
 
525
 
3,275
82
Mixed Use Commercial Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
1,459
12
 
3,131
67
 
2,670
56
 
3,431
152
   With an allocated reserve
 
4,253
8
 
240
 
2,126
8
Commercial Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
35,596
404
 
17,290
141
 
28,648
1,318
 
16,100
286
   With an allocated reserve
15,284
189
 
13,573
51
 
21,290
567
 
9,711
310
Construction
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
- 
 
4,883
 
 
4,137
213
   With an allocated reserve
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   With no allocated reserve
$40,471
$480
 
$37,329
$396
 
$38,310
$1,727
 
$37,055
$1,102 
   With an allocated reserve
$15,496
$194
 
$25,083
$141
 
$22,566
$581
 
$15,465
$400 

20

Liability for First Loss Position

The Bank maintains a liability in relation to the First Loss Position that reflects estimated losses associated with loans to which the First Loss Position applies at each period end.  For performing loans within the FNMA serviced pool, the liability recognized is computed in a similar manner to the calculation of the allowance for loan losses associated with performing multifamily loans owned by the Bank.  For problem loans within the pool, the estimated losses are determined in a manner consistent with impaired loans within the Bank's loan portfolio.

The following is a summary of the aggregate balance of multifamily loans serviced for FNMA, the period-end First Loss Position associated with these loans, and activity in the related liability:

 
 
At or for the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Outstanding balance of multifamily loans serviced for FNMA at period end
 
$
279,830
   
$
318,113
   
$
279,830
   
$
318,113
 
Total First Loss Position at end of period
   
16,356
     
16,356
     
16,356
     
16,356
 
Liability on the First Loss Position
                               
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
1,684
   
$
2,993
   
$
2,993
   
$
2,993
 
Transfer of specific reserve for serviced loans re-acquired by the Bank
   
-
   
     
-
   
 
Credit for losses on problem loans(1)
   
(140
)
 
     
(1,107
)
 
 
Charge-offs and other net reductions in balance
   
-
   
     
(342
)
 
 
Balance at period end
 
$
1,544
   
$
2,993
   
$
1,544
   
$
2,993
 
                               
(1) Amount recognized as a component of mortgage banking income during the period.


10.   INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

The following is a summary of major categories of securities owned by the Company at September 30, 2012:

 
 
   
   
Unrealized Gains or Losses Recognized in
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
   
   
   
 
 
 
Purchase
Amortized / Historical Cost
   
Recorded Amortized/
Historical Cost (1)
   
Non-Credit
OTTI
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Book Value
   
Other Unrecognized Gains
   
Fair
Value
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Pooled bank trust preferred securities ("TRUPS")
 
$
16,846
   
$
7,901
   
$
(642
)
   
-
   
$
(1,303
)(2)
 
$
5,956
   
$
288
   
$
6,244
 
Investment securities available for sale:
                                                               
Registered Mutual Funds
   
5,123
     
3,698
     
-
     
1,341
     
-
     
5,039
     
-
     
5,039
 
Agency notes
   
49,818
     
49,818
     
-
     
169
     
-
     
49,987
     
-
     
49,987
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
49,239
     
49,239
     
-
     
3,509
     
-
     
52,748
     
-
     
52,748
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs")
    issued by GSEs
   
26,824
     
26,824
     
-
     
136
     
-
     
26,960
     
-
     
26,960
 
Private issuer pass through MBS
   
1,068
     
1,068
     
-
     
-
     
(24
)
   
1,044
     
-
     
1,044
 
Private issuer CMOs
   
1,015
     
1,015
     
-
     
25
     
-
     
1,040
     
-
     
1,040
 
(1) Amount represents the purchase amortized / historical cost less any credit-related OTTI charges recognized through earnings.
(2) Amount represents the unamortized portion of the unrealized loss that was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on September 1, 2008 (the day on which these securities were transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity).
21


The following is a summary of major categories of securities owned by the Company at December 31, 2011:

 
 
   
   
Unrealized Gains or Losses Recognized in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss
   
   
   
 
 
 
Purchase
Amortized / Historical Cost
   
Recorded Amortized/
Historical Cost (1)
   
Non-Credit
OTTI
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Book Value
   
Other Unrecognized Gains
   
Fair
Value
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
TRUPS
 
$
17,884
   
$
8,910
   
$
(929
)
   
-
   
$
(1,470
)(2)
 
$
6,511
   
$
(1,587)
   
$
4,924
 
Investment securities available for sale:
                                                               
Registered Mutual Funds
   
5,049
     
3,624
     
-
     
935
     
-
     
4,559
   
     
4,559
 
Agency notes
   
170,362
     
170,362
     
-
     
37
     
(90
)
   
170,309
   
     
170,309
 
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs
   
71,008
     
71,008
     
-
     
4,554
   
     
75,562
   
     
75,562
 
CMOs issued by GSEs
   
15,128
     
15,128
     
-
     
261
   
     
15,389
   
     
15,389
 
Private issuer pass through MBS
   
1,614
     
1,614
     
-
     
-
     
(110
)
   
1,504
   
     
1,504
 
Private issuer CMOs
   
1,400
     
1,400
     
-
     
22
     
-
     
1,422
     
-
     
1,422
 
(1) Amount represents the purchase amortized / historical cost less any credit-related OTTI charges recognized through earnings.
(2) Amount represents the unamortized portion of the unrealized loss that was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on September 1, 2008 (the day on which these securities were transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity).

At September 30, 2012, the agency note investments in the table on the preceding page had contractual maturities as follows:

 
 
Amortized Cost
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
One year or less
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Due after one year through five years
   
49,818
     
49,987
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
-
     
-
 
   TOTAL
 
$
49,818
   
$
49,987
 

The held-to-maturity TRUPS had a weighted average term to maturity of 22.3 years at September 30, 2012.  At September 30, 2012, MBS available-for-sale (which included pass-through MBS issued by GSEs, CMOs issued by GSEs, one private issuer pass through MBS and one private issuer CMO) possessed a weighted average contractual maturity of 20.2 years and a weighted average estimated duration of 1.2 years.  There were no sales of MBS available-for-sale during the three-month or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 or 2011. Sales of other investment securities available-for-sale were not material during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

As of each reporting period through September 30, 2012, the Company has applied the protocol established by ASC 320-10-65 ("ASC 320-10-65") in order to determine whether OTTI existed for the TRUPS and/or to measure, for TRUPS that have been determined to be other than temporarily impaired, the credit related and non-credit related components of OTTI.  As of September 30, 2012, six TRUPS were determined to meet the criteria for OTTI based upon this analysis.  At September 30, 2012, these six securities had credit ratings ranging from "D" to "Caa3."

The following table provides a reconciliation of the pre-tax OTTI charges recognized on the Company's TRUPS:

 
 
At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
   
At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
Credit Related OTTI Recognized in Earnings
   
Non-Credit OTTI Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
   
Total OTTI
   
Credit Related OTTI Recognized in Earnings
   
Non-Credit OTTI Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
   
Total OTTI
 
Cumulative balance at the beginning of the period
 
$
8,945
   
$
655
   
$
9,600
   
$
8,883
   
$
951
   
$
9,834
 
OTTI recognized on securities with previous OTTI
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
59
     
24
     
83
 
Reductions and transfers to credit-related OTTI
   
-
     
-
     
-
   
     
-
     
-
 
Amortization of previously recognized OTTI
   
-
     
(14
)
   
(14
)
 
     
(9
)
   
(9
)
Cumulative balance at end of the period
 
$
8,945
   
$
641
   
$
9,586
   
$
8,942
   
$
966
   
$
9,908
 

22


 
At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Credit Related OTTI Recognized in Earnings
Non-Credit OTTI Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total OTTI
 
Credit Related OTTI Recognized in Earnings
Non-Credit OTTI Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total OTTI
Cumulative balance at the beginning of the period
$8,974 
$930 
$9,904 
 
$8,247 
$2,203 
$10,450 
OTTI recognized on securities with previous OTTI
181 
187 
 
695 
25 
720 
Reductions and transfers to credit-related OTTI
-  
(181)
(181)
 
-  
(1,245)
(1,245)
Amortization of previously recognized OTTI
(210)
(114)
(324)
 
-  
(17)
(17)
Cumulative balance at end of the period
$8,945 
$641 
$9,586 
 
$8,942 
$966 
$9,908 


The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of investment securities and MBS as of September 30, 2012, aggregated by investment category and the length of time the securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 
 
Less than 12 Months Consecutive
Unrealized Losses
   
12 Months or More Consecutive
Unrealized Losses
   
Total
 
 
 
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrecognized/
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrecognized/
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrecognized/
Unrealized Losses
 
Held-to-Maturity Securities:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
TRUPS (1)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
3,672
   
$
1,838
   
$
3,672
   
$
1,838
 
Available-for-Sale Securities:
                                               
Private issuer pass through MBS
   
-
     
-
     
1,044
     
24
     
1,044
     
24
 
   TOTAL
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
4,716
   
$
1,862
   
$
4,716
   
$
1,862
 
(1)    At September 30, 2012, the recorded balance of these securities was $4,207.  This balance reflected the remaining unrealized loss of $1,303 that was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on September 1, 2008 (the day on which these securities were transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity).  In accordance with both ASC 320-10-35-17 and 320-10-65, these unrealized losses are currently being amortized over the remaining estimated life of these securities.
 
 
TRUPS That Have Maintained an Unrealized Holding Loss for 12 or More Consecutive Months

At September 30, 2012, impairment of two of the TRUPS, with an amortized cost of $5,510, was deemed temporary.  These securities remained in an unrealized loss for 12 or more consecutive months, and their cumulative unrealized loss was $1,838 at September 30, 2012, reflecting both illiquidity in the marketplace and concerns over future bank failures.  At September 30, 2012, both of these securities had ratings ranging from "CC" to "Ba1."  Despite the significant decline in market value and the duration of their impairment, management believed that the unrealized losses on these securities at September 30, 2012 were temporary, and that all contractual principal and interest payments were expected to be received by their respective contractual maturities.  In reaching this determination, management considered the following:

·
Based upon an internal review of the collateral backing the TRUPS portfolio, which accounted for current and prospective deferrals, both of the securities could reasonably be expected to continue making all contractual payments
·
The Company had the intent and ability to hold these securities until they fully recover their impairment, evidenced by the election to reclassify them as held-to-maturity in 2008
·
There were no cash or working capital requirements nor contractual or regulatory obligations that would compel the Company to sell either of these securities prior to their forecasted recovery or maturity
·
Each security has a pool of underlying issuers comprised primarily of banks
·
Each security featured either a mandatory auction or a de-leveraging mechanism that could result in principal repayments to the Bank prior to the stated maturity of the security

Private Issuer Pass Through MBS That Have Maintained an Unrealized Holding Loss for 12 or More Consecutive Months

At September 30, 2012, the Company owned one private issuer pass-through MBS that possessed unrealized losses for 12 or more consecutive months, with an amortized cost of $1,068 and an unrealized loss of $24. At September 30, 2012, the Company performed an analysis of likely potential defaults of the real estate loans underlying this security in the then existing economic environment, and determined that it could reasonably be expected to continue making all contractual payments.  The Company has no intent to sell this security and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell it before the recovery of its remaining amortized cost.

23

The following summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of investment securities and MBS as of December 31, 2011, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that the securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 
 
Less than 12 Months Consecutive
Unrealized Losses
   
12 Months or More Consecutive
Unrealized Losses
   
Total
 
 
 
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrecognized/
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrecognized/
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrecognized/
Unrealized Losses
 
Held-to-Maturity Securities:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
TRUPS (1)
   
-
     
-
   
$
4,924
   
$
3,986
   
$
4,924
   
$
3,986
 
Available-for-Sale Securities:
                                               
Agency notes
 
$
114,885
   
$
90
     
-
     
-
     
114,885
     
90
 
Private issuer pass through MBS
   
-
     
-
     
1,505
     
109
     
1,505
     
109
 
   TOTAL
 
$
114,885
   
$
90
   
$
6,429
   
$
4,095
   
$
121,314
   
$
4,185
 
(1) At December 31, 2011, the recorded balance of these securities was $6,511.  This balance reflected both the remaining unrealized loss of $1,470 that was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on September 1, 2008 (the day on which these securities were transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity) for two TRUPS that have not been deemed OTTI, and an unrealized loss of $929 that has been recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss that represents the non-credit component of impairment for six TRUPS that have been deemed OTTI.  In accordance with both ASC 320-10-35-17 and 320-10-65, these unrealized losses are currently being amortized over the remaining estimated life of these securities.

11.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

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

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

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

The following tables present the assets that are reported on the consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value as of the date indicated by level within the fair value hierarchy.  Financial assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
24


Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at September 30, 2012
   
 
 
 
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
   
 
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1 Inputs
   
Level 2
Inputs
   
Level 3 Inputs
   
Losses for the
Three Months and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
 
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
 
   
   
   
   
 
   Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
 
$
919
   
$
919
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
   International Equity Mutual Funds
   
121
     
121
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
   Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
2,392
     
2,392
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                                   
-
 
   Agency notes
   
49,987
     
-
     
49,987
     
-
     
-
 
   Registered Mutual Funds:
                                       
      Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
   
3,563
     
3,563
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      International Equity Mutual Funds
   
335
     
335
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
1,141
     
1,141
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
MBS available-for-sale
   
81,792
     
-
     
81,792
     
-
     
-
 


Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2011
   
 
 
 
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
   
 
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1 Inputs
   
Level 2 Inputs
   
Level 3 Inputs
   
Losses for the
Three Months and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
Trading Securities (Registered Mutual Funds)
 
   
   
   
   
 
   Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
 
$
780
   
$
780
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
   International Equity Mutual Funds
   
108
     
108
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
   Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
886
     
886
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                                       
   Agency notes
   
170,309
     
-
     
170,309
     
-
     
-
 
   Registered Mutual Funds:
                                       
      Domestic Equity Mutual Funds
   
3,162
     
3,162
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      International Equity Mutual Funds
   
315
     
315
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Fixed Income Mutual Funds
   
1,082
     
1,082
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
MBS available-for-sale
   
93,877
     
-
     
93,877
     
-
     
-
 

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

The Company's available-for-sale investment securities and MBS at September 30, 2012 were categorized as follows:

Description
 
Percentage of Total
 
Valuation Level
Agency notes
 
36.5%
 
Two
Pass Through MBS or CMOs issued by GSEs
 
58.3   
 
Two
Mutual fund investments
 
3.7   
 
One
Private issuer MBS or CMOs
 
1.5   
 
Two

25


The Company's available-for-sale investment securities and MBS at December 31, 2011 were categorized as follows:

Description
 
Percentage of Total
 
Valuation Level
Agency notes
 
63.4%
 
Two
Pass Through MBS or CMOs issued by GSEs
 
33.8   
 
Two
Mutual fund investments
 
1.7   
 
One
Private issuer MBS or CMOs
 
1.1   
 
Two

The agency notes owned by the Company possessed the highest possible credit rating published by at least one established credit rating agency as of both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  Obtaining market values as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for these securities utilizing significant observable inputs was not difficult due to their continued marketplace demand.  The pass-through MBS and CMOs issued by GSEs all possessed the highest possible credit rating published by at least one established credit rating agency as of both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  Obtaining market values as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for these securities utilizing significant observable inputs was not difficult due to their considerable demand.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company owned one private issuer pass through MBS.  This security had an amortized cost basis of $1,068 at September 30, 2012.  The Company's investment is within the senior tranche of this security, and its contractual interest rate was 5.0% at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  The assets underlying this security are a pool of 15-year fixed rate amortizing prime mortgages on residential properties located throughout the United States.  The underlying mortgages were originated in 2005, and, as of September 30, 2012, had a weighted average coupon of 5.21% and a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 41%.  Approximately 20% of the underlying mortgages are located in California, while the remainder are diversified geographically, and less than 20% of the total underlying mortgage pool was delinquent at September 30, 2012.   The credit ratings on this security ranged from Caa1 to CC at September 30, 2012.  As a result of the overall credit quality of this investment, marketplace demand was deemed sufficient at September 30, 2012 to permit it to be valued utilizing estimated sales determined under benchmarking and matrix pricing.  The Company obtained such values from at least two credible independent market sources, and verified that the values were prepared utilizing significant observable inputs as defined under ASC 820-10.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company owned one private issuer CMO.  This security had an amortized cost basis of $1,015 at September 30, 2012.  The Company's investment is within the senior tranche of this security, and its contractual interest rate was 4.5% at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  The assets underlying this security are a pool of 15-year fixed rate amortizing prime mortgages on residential properties located throughout the United States.  The underlying mortgages were originated in 2003, and, as of September 30, 2012, had a weighted average coupon of 5.38% and a weighted average loan-to-value ratio approximating 25%. Approximately 43% of the underlying mortgages are located in California, while the remainder are diversified geographically.  Less than 3% of the total underlying mortgage pool was delinquent at September 30, 2012.   This security possessed the highest possible credit rating published by at least one established credit rating agency at September 30, 2012.  As a result of the overall credit quality of this investment, marketplace demand was deemed sufficient at September 30, 2012 to permit it to be valued utilizing estimated sales determined under benchmarking and matrix pricing.  The Company obtained such values from at least two credible market sources, and verified that these values were prepared utilizing significant observable inputs as defined under ASC 820-10.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis at September 30, 2012
   
   
 
 
 
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
   
   
 
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1 Inputs
   
Level 2 Inputs
   
Level 3 Inputs
   
Losses for the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
   
Losses for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
 
Impaired loans:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   One- to Four Family Residential and
        Cooperative Unit
 
$
211
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
211
   
$
-
   
$
221
(1)
    Multifamily Residential and Residential
        Mixed Use Real Estate
   
450
     
-
     
-
     
450
     
243
(1)
   
2,295
(1)
    Mixed Use Commercial Real Estate
   
721
     
-
     
-
     
721
     
8(1
)
   
659
(1)
    Commercial Real Estate
   
6,472
     
-
     
5,500
     
972
     
14
(1)
   
498
(1)
 (1)  Amount represents charge-offs recognized on impaired loans during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012.

26


Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis at December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
Description
Total
Level 1 Inputs
Level 2 Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Losses for the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011
Losses for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
TRUPS(1)
$
285
$
-
$
-
$
285
$
83
$
720
Impaired loans
   One- to Four Family Residential and
        Cooperative Unit
2,013
-
-
2,013
-
    Multifamily Residential and Residential
        Mixed Use Real Estate
1,932
-
-
1,932
39
(2)
409
(2)
    Mixed Use Commercial Real Estate
2,687
-
2,687
65
(2)
325
(2)
    Commercial Real Estate
8,945
-
5,500
3,445
44
(2)
1,506
(2)
    Construction
-
725
(2)
(1) Amount represents the fair value of one TRUP that was deemed to have credit-related OTTI at December 31, 2011.  At December 31, 2011, four additional TRUPS with an aggregate fair value of $1,427 were not carried at fair value despite previously meeting the OTTI criteria. Under ASC 320-10-65, these held-to-maturity securities are only carried at fair value in the event that they incur additional credit-related impairment at period end, which did not occur at December 31, 2011.  Losses for the period represent the total OTTI recognized on three TRUPS (credit or non-credit related) during the period.
(2)  Amount represents charge-offs recognized on impaired loans during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011.

TRUPS Held to Maturity – The fair value of all TRUPS held to maturity was determined in the manner documented commencing on page 28.

Impaired Loans - Loans with certain characteristics are evaluated individually for impairment. A loan is considered impaired under ASC 310-10-35 when, based upon existing information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Bank's impaired loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were collateralized by real estate and were thus carried at the lower of the outstanding principal balance or the estimated fair value of the collateral.  Fair value is estimated through either a negotiated note sale value (Level 2 input), or, more commonly, a recent real estate appraisal (Level 3 input).  These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

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

As of September 30, 2012, impaired loans measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral had an aggregate principal balance of $9,549, previously recognized principal charge-offs totaling $1,695, and a net recorded balance totaling $7,854.

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for impaired loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at September 30, 2012:

Fair Value Derived
Valuation Technique Utilized
Significant Unobservable Input(s)
Range of Values
Weighted Average Value
$207
Income approach only
Capitalization rate
N/A*
7.5%
 
 
Reduction for planned expedited disposal
N/A*
10%
 
 
 
 
 
4,842
Blended income and sales comparison approaches
Reduction to the sales comparison value to reconcile differences between comparable sales
0.0%-28.0%
8.0%
 
 
Capitalization rate (income approach component)
7.0%-8.5%
7.6%
 
 
Reduction in the expected net operating income (income approach component)
0.0%-6.0%
1.3%
 
 
Reduction for planned expedited disposal
0.0%-27.5%
12.8%
*Only one loan in this population.
27


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 
 
 
Fair Value at September 30, 2012 Using
 
At September 30, 2012
Carrying
Amount
 
Level 1
Inputs
Level 2
Inputs
Level 3
Inputs
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$194,702
 
$194,702
$194,702
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
59,999
 
59,999
59,999
Investment securities held to maturity (TRUPS)
5,956
 
6,244
6,244
Loans, net
3,305,299
 
5,500 
3,423,893
3,429,393
Loans held for sale
387
 
387
387
Accrued interest receivable
13,616
 
543
13,073
13,616
Mortgage servicing rights ("MSR")
1,190
 
1,631
1,631
FHLBNY capital stock
41,636
 
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings, money market and checking accounts
1,494,148
 
1,494,148
1,494,148
Certificates of Deposit ("CDs")
925,018
 
942,077
942,077
Escrow and other deposits
111,066
 
111,066
111,066
REPOS
155,000
 
179,631
179,631
FHLBNY Advances
767,500
 
815,343
815,343
Trust Preferred securities payable
70,680
 
68,560
68,560
Accrued interest payable
3,668
 
3,668
3,668
Commitments to extend credit
1,563
 
1,563
1,563


At December 31, 2011
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$43,309
$43,309
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
951
951
Investment securities held to maturity (TRUPS)
6,511
4,924
Loans, net
3,440,611
3,578,599
Loans held for sale
3,022
3,022
Accrued interest receivable
15,469
15,469
MSR
1,604
2,139
FHLBNY capital stock
49,489
N/A
Liabilities:
 
 
Savings, money market and checking accounts
1,366,150
1,366,150
CDs
977,551
996,022
Escrow and other deposits
71,812
71,812
REPOS
195,000
223,728
FHLBNY Advances
939,775
991,117
Trust Preferred securities payable
70,680
67,146
Accrued interest payable
3,997
3,997
Commitments to extend credit
917
917

Methods and assumptions used to estimate fair values for financial assets and liabilities other than those previously discussed are summarized as follows:

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

Federal Funds Sold and Other Short Term Investments – As a result of their short duration to maturity, the fair value of these assets, principally overnight deposits, is assumed to be equal to their carrying value due (deemed a Level 1 valuation).

TRUPS Held to Maturity – At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company owned eight TRUPS classified as held-to-maturity.  Late in 2008, the market for these securities became illiquid, and continued to be deemed illiquid as of September 30, 2012.  As a result, at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, their estimated fair value was obtained utilizing a blended valuation approach (Level 3 pricing).  Under the blended valuation approach, the Bank utilized the following valuation sources: 1) broker quotations, which were deemed to meet the criteria of "distressed sale" pricing under the guidance of ASC 820-10-65-4, were given a
 
28

minor 10% weighting (deemed to be a Level 2 valuation); 2) an internally created cash flow valuation model that considered the creditworthiness of each individual issuer underlying the collateral pools, and utilized default, cash flow and discount rate assumptions determined by the Company's management (the "Internal Cash Flow Valuation"), was given a 45% weighting (deemed to be a Level 3 valuation); and 3) a minimum of two of three available independent cash flow model valuations were averaged and given a 45% weighting (deemed to be a Level 3 valuation for which the Company is not provided detailed information regarding the significant unobservable inputs utilized by the third party).

The major assumptions utilized in the Internal Cash Flow Valuation (each of which represents a significant unobservable input as defined by ASC 820-10) were as follows:

(i) Discount Rate - Pursuant to ASC 320-10-65, the Company utilized two different discount rates for discounting the cash flows for each of the eight TRUPS, as follows:

(1)
Purchase discount rate – the rate used to determine the "credit" based valuation of the security.  The purchase discount rates utilized to compute fair value as of September 30, 2012 ranged from 1.8% to 2.7%, with a weighted average value of 2.4%.

(2)  Current discount rate - the current discount rate utilized was derived from the Bloomberg fair market value curve for debt offerings of similar credit rating.  In the event that a security had a split investment rating, separate cash flow valuations were made utilizing the appropriate discount rate and were averaged in order to determine the Internal Cash Flow Valuation.  In addition, the discount rate was interpolated from the Bloomberg fair market value curve for securities possessing a credit rating below "B."  The existing discount rates utilized to compute fair value as of September 30, 2012 ranged from 4.8% to 9.4%, with a weighted average value of 6.1%.

(ii) Defaults – The Company utilized the most recently published Fitch bank scores to estimate potential defaults in the collateral pool of performing issuers underlying the eight securities.  Using a rating scale of 1 to 5 (best-to-worst), all underlying issuers with a Fitch bank rating of 5.0 were assumed to default.  Underlying issuers with a Fitch bank rating of 3.5 through 4.5 were assumed to default at levels ranging from 5% to 75% based upon both their rating as well as whether they had been granted approval to receive funding under the U.S. Department of Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program.   Based upon the application of this methodology, the computed default rates utilized in the determination of the fair value of the TRUPS as of September 30, 2012 ranged from 0% to 5.1% of the performing security pool balance, with a weighted average value of 2.0%.  In addition to the defaults derived from the Fitch bank scores, the Company utilized a standard default rate of 1.2% every three years, which was applied uniformly.

(iii) Cash Flows - The expected payments for the tranche of each security owned by the Company, as adjusted to assume that all estimated defaults occur immediately.  The cash flows further assumed an estimated recovery rate of 10% per annum to occur one year after initial default, which was applied uniformly.

As discussed above, in addition to the Internal Cash Flow Valuation and broker quotations, the Company utilizes a minimum of two of three additional cash flow model valuations in order to estimate the fair value of TRUPS.  Two of the three independent cash flow model valuations utilized a methodology similar to the Internal Cash Flow Valuation, differing only in the underlying assumptions deriving estimated cash flows, individual bank defaults and discount rate.  The third independent cash flow model valuation was derived from a different methodology in which the actual cash flow estimate based upon the underlying collateral of the securities (including default estimates) was not considered.  Instead, this cash flow model valuation utilized a discount rate determined from the Bloomberg fair market value curve for similar assets that continued to trade actively, with adjustments made for the illiquidity of the TRUPS market.  Because of the significant judgment underlying each of the pricing assumptions, management elected to recognize each of the independent valuations and apply a weighting system to all of the valuations, including the Internal Cash Flow Valuation, as all of these valuations were determined utilizing a valid and objective pricing methodology.  The Company is not provided detailed information regarding significant unobservable inputs utilized in the independent valuations.

Loans, Net - The fair value of impaired loans that are measured at fair value is determined in the manner described commencing on page 27.  The fair value of all remaining loans receivable is determined by discounting anticipated future cash flows of the loans, net of anticipated prepayments, using a discount rate reflecting current market rates for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  For adjustable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.  The valuation method used for loans does not necessarily represent an exit price valuation methodology as defined under ASC 820.  However, since the valuation methodology is deemed to be akin to a Level 3 valuation methodology, the fair value of loans receivable other than impaired loans measured at fair value, is shown under the Level 3 valuation column.

Loans Held For Sale - The fair value of held-for-sale loans is primarily determined utilizing quoted market prices for securities backed by similar types of loans. Changes in the fair value of loans held for sale result primarily from changes in interest rates subsequent to funding but prior to sale, and changes in the fair value of the associated servicing of the loan. Loans held for sale are deemed a Level 2 valuation.

29

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

MSR - On a quarterly basis, the aggregate balance of the MSR is evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to their carrying amount.  If the aggregate carrying amount of the MSR exceeds fair value, impairment is recorded on the MSR so that they are carried at fair value.  Fair value is determined based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income.  The valuation model utilizes assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income and that can be validated against available market data (Level 2 input).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commitments to Extend Credit - The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated as the fully refundable fees charged as of the valuation date to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties (deemed a Level 1 valuation). For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current interest rates and the committed rates (deemed a Level 1 valuation).
 
12.   RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

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

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
 
 
BMP,
Employee and Outside Director
Retirement Plans
   
Postretirement Plan
   
BMP,
Employee and Outside Director
Retirement Plans
   
Postretirement
Plan
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Service cost
 
$
-
   
$
39
   
$
-
   
$
33
 
Interest cost
   
306
     
90
     
339
     
86
 
Actuarial adjustment to prior period
  interest cost and amortization
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Expected return on assets
   
(363
)
   
-
     
(361
)
   
-
 
Unrecognized past service liability
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Amortization of unrealized loss
   
541
     
75
     
312
     
29
 
Net periodic cost
 
$
484
   
$
204
   
$
290
   
$
148
 

30


 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
 
 
BMP,
Employee and Outside Director
Retirement Plans
   
Postretirement Plan
   
BMP,
Employee and Outside Director
Retirement Plans
   
Postretirement
Plan
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Service cost
 
$
-
   
$
117
   
$
-
   
$
99
 
Interest cost
   
918
     
270
     
1,017
     
258
 
Actuarial adjustment to prior period
  interest cost and amortization
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Expected return on assets
   
(1,089
)
   
-
     
(1,083
)
   
-
 
Unrecognized past service liability
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Amortization of unrealized loss
   
1,623
     
225
     
936
     
87
 
Net periodic cost
 
$
1,452
   
$
612
   
$
870
   
$
444
 

The Company disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 that it expected to make contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of, benefit plans during 2012 as follows: Employee Retirement Plan - $51, BMP - $435, Outside Director Retirement Plan- $213, and Postretirement Plan -$196.  The Company made contributions of $40 to the Employee Retirement Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and expects to make the remainder of the estimated $51 of net contributions during 2012.  The Company made benefit payments of $114 on behalf of the Outside Director Retirement Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and expects to make an additional $45 of net contributions or benefit payments during 2012.  The Company made net benefit payments totaling $107 on behalf of the Postretirement Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and expects to make the remainder of the estimated $196 of net contributions or benefit payments during 2012.  The Company did not make any defined benefit contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of, the BMP during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and does not currently expect to make the $435 of benefit payments on behalf of the BMP during 2012, since anticipated retirements that formed the basis for these expected benefit payments in 2012 are presently not expected to occur.

13.   INCOME TAXES

During the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company's consolidated effective tax rates were 41.2% and 41.7%, respectively, approximating the expected 41% normalized rate for each period.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company's consolidated effective tax rates were 41.0% and 41.1%, respectively, approximating the expected 41% normalized rate for each period.

14.   NET MORTGAGE BANKING INCOME

Net mortgage banking income presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was comprised of the following items:



 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gain (loss) on the sale of loans originated for sale
 
$
20
   
$
6
   
$
26
   
$
(8
)
Credit to the liability for First Loss Position
   
140
     
-
     
1,107
     
-
 
Mortgage banking fees
   
99
     
130
     
342
     
441
 
Net mortgage banking income
 
$
259
   
$
136
   
$
1,475
   
$
433
 

31

Item 2.                          Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

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

Executive Summary

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

The Bank's primary strategy is generally to seek to increase its product and service utilization for each individual depositor, and increase its household and deposit market shares in the communities that it serves.  In addition, the Bank's primary strategy includes the origination of, and investment in, mortgage loans, with an emphasis on NYC multifamily residential and mixed-use real estate loans.

The Company believes that multifamily residential and mixed-use loans in and around NYC provide advantages as investment assets.  Initially, they offer a higher yield than investment securities of comparable maturities or terms to repricing.  In addition, origination and processing costs for the Bank's multifamily residential and mixed use loans are lower per thousand dollars of originations than comparable one-to four-family loan costs.  Further, the Bank's market area has generally provided a stable flow of new and refinanced multifamily residential and mixed-use loan originations.  In order to address the credit risk associated with multifamily residential and mixed use lending, the Bank has developed underwriting standards that it believes are reliable in order to maintain consistent credit quality for its loans.

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

The years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, as well as the first nine months of 2012, were dominated by a global real estate and economic recession fueled by significant weakness and/or failure in many of the world's largest financial institutions, coupled with ongoing economic and political turmoil in various parts of the world.  These events led to historically high dislocations in credit markets, creating favorable origination spreads from the benchmark origination interest rates during the period.  This increase, coupled with the continuation of historically low benchmark short-term interest rates by the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") (which greatly impact the pricing of the Bank's retail deposits), benefited both the net interest spread and net interest margin during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, thus favorably impacting the Company's consolidated earnings.  Partially offsetting this benefit were credit costs on Bank-owned loans during 2010 and 2011.  During the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, the FOMC prolonged its monetary policy actions aimed at maintaining both short-term and long-term interest rates at historically low levels.  This continued to benefit the Company's funding costs during both the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, while adversely impacting the average yield on its interest earning assets.

During the year ended December 31, 2011 and the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company experienced an increased level of prepayment and satisfaction activity, as management elected not to pursue loans that were either: 1) unfavorable from an interest rate repricing standpoint; or 2) required underwriting criteria in excess of management's risk tolerance.  Should such levels of prepayment continue, they would reduce the average yield (exclusive of contractual prepayment charges) of the Bank's loan portfolio, which would likely adversely impact the Company's net interest margin in future periods.

During the period January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2012, credit costs remained higher than the levels experienced prior to 2009.  Credit costs recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012 were more representative of the level experienced prior to 2009.
32

Recent Developments

            In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, an international forum for cooperation on banking supervisory matters, announced the "Basel III" capital rules, which established new capital requirements for banking organizations.  On June 7, 2012, the Federal Reserve Board requested comment on three proposed rules that, taken together, would establish an integrated regulatory capital framework implementing the Basel III regulatory capital reforms in the United States.  As proposed, the U.S. implementation of Basel III would lead to significantly higher capital requirements and more restrictive leverage and liquidity ratios than those currently in effect.  Once adopted, these new capital requirements would be phased in over time.  Additionally, the U.S. implementation of Basel III contemplates that, for banking organizations with less than $15 billion in assets, the ability to treat trust preferred securities as tier 1 capital would be phased out over a ten-year period.  Management is currently unable to determine the ultimate effect that any final regulations, if enacted, would have upon the Company's earnings or financial position.  In addition, significant questions remain unanswered regarding the manner in which the numerous capital and liquidity mandates of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will be integrated with the requirements of Basel III.  Based upon the Company's current understanding of the proposals, however, management believes that the Company's capital, balance sheet and business model should not be materially adversely impacted by the U.S. implementation of Basel III.

In January 2012, the FOMC announced its intention to maintain its accommodative monetary policy (that has largely contributed to historically low marketplace interest rates) through December 31, 2014, in a continued effort to assist the recovery of the U.S. economy from its deep recession.  In April 2012, the FOMC announced its decision to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4%, stating its belief that economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate at least through late 2014.  Such policy actions are likely to impact the Company's management of its interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities during the years ending December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

On June 29, 2012, the Bank's conversion from a federally-chartered stock savings bank to a New York State-chartered stock savings bank (the "Charter Conversion") became effective.  As a result of the Charter Conversion, the New York State Department of Financial Services has become the Bank's primary regulator.  The Bank remains subject to regulation and examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), and the Holding Company continues to be subject to regulation and examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.  The Charter Conversion has not had, nor does the Company expect the Charter Conversion to have, a material effect on its business or operations.

In October 2012, the Company prepaid $155.0 million of REPO borrowings with a weighted average cost of 4.6% and weighted term to maturity approximating 4 years.  The after-tax prepayment fee on these borrowings amounted to $14.0 million and will be reflected in the fourth quarter's reported earnings.  The short-term securities that were pledged against these borrowings have yields that have steadily declined over the past several years, and now average 0.5%.  This transaction has a breakeven of 3.5 years, and will contribute positively to net interest margin commencing during the quarterly period ending December 31, 2012.

At September 30, 2012, the Bank owned certain New York City properties with market values that greatly exceeded their recorded book values.  In October 2012, the Bank entered into a definitive agreement to sell one of these properties and management is in negotiations to sell two more, although the timing of these transactions is somewhat uncertain.  Although negotiations are in process, there are no assurances that the sales will be completed.  These sales enable the Company to utilize previously unrecognized gains to restore a meaningful portion of the capital that was utilized in the borrowing prepayment transaction.

On October 28 and 29, 2012, most of the eastern coast of the United States of America, including the New York City metropolitan area, was subjected to Hurricane Sandy.  The Bank is currently assessing the impact of Hurricane Sandy, which caused extensive damage throughout its market area, and may have adversely affected the collateral of some of its borrowers and, to a lesser extent due to property and flood insurance, their ability to repay their obligation to the Bank.  In addition, storm related power outages temporarily interrupted the Bank's ability to operate some of its branches.  Although, at the time of this filing, Bank operations have resumed without disruption and loan repayments are recurring systematically, the possibility exists that these events could adversely affect future earnings or delinquencies.
33


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

 
 
At or For the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Performance and Other Selected Ratios:
 
   
   
   
 
Return on Average Assets
   
1.21
%
   
1.10
%
   
1.13
%
   
1.12
%
Return on Average Stockholders' Equity
   
12.32
     
12.70
     
11.98
     
13.46
 
Stockholders' Equity to Total Assets
   
9.80
     
8.78
     
9.80
     
8.78
 
Loans to Deposits at End of Period
   
137.50
     
144.06
     
137.50
     
144.06
 
Loans to Earning Assets at End of Period
   
88.48
     
91.94
     
84.12
     
91.94
 
Net Interest Spread
   
3.38
     
3.39
     
3.32
     
3.41
 
Net Interest Margin
   
3.59
     
3.58
     
3.57
     
3.62
 
Average Interest Earning Assets to Average Interest Bearing Liabilities
   
114.77
     
111.12
     
114.50
     
111.41
 
Non-Interest Expense to Average Assets
   
1.62
     
1.48
     
1.61
     
1.52
 
Efficiency Ratio
   
43.92
     
40.98
     
44.05
     
41.91
 
Effective Tax Rate
   
41.25
     
41.67
     
41.03
     
41.34
 
Dividend Payout Ratio
   
41.18
     
42.42
     
42.86
     
41.18
 
Per Share Data:
                               
Reported EPS (Diluted)
 
$
0.34
   
$
0.33
   
$
0.98
   
$
1.02
 
Cash Dividends Paid Per Share
   
0.14
     
0.14
     
0.42
     
0.42
 
Stated Book Value
   
10.89
     
10.13
     
10.89
     
10.13
 
Asset Quality Summary:
                               
Net Charge-offs
 
$
(325
)
 
$
148
   
$
3,500
   
$
3,062
 
Non-performing Loans
   
10,690
     
17,468
     
10,690
     
17,468
 
Non-performing Loans/Total Loans
   
0.32
%
   
0.51
%
   
0.32
%
   
0.51
%
Non-performing Assets
 
$
11,580
   
$
18,483
   
$
11,580
   
$
18,483
 
Non-performing Assets/Total Assets
   
0.29
%
   
0.46
%
   
0.29
%
   
0.46
%
Allowance for Loan Loss/Total Loans
   
0.62
     
0.63
     
0.62
     
0.63
 
Allowance for Loan Loss/Non-performing Loans
   
193.58
     
123.31
     
193.58
     
123.31
 
Earnings to Fixed Charges Ratios (1)
                               
Including Interest on Deposits
   
2.40
x
   
2.05
x
   
2.17
x
   
2.07
x
Excluding Interest on Deposits
   
3.23
     
2.64
     
2.77
     
2.69
 
(1) Please refer to Exhibit 12.1 for further detail on the calculation of these ratios.

Critical Accounting Policies

Various elements of the Company's accounting policies are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. The Company's policies with respect to the methodologies it uses to determine the allowance for loan losses (including reserves for loan commitments), the liability for the First Loss Position, the valuation of MSR, asset impairments (including the assessment of impairment of goodwill and other than temporary declines in the valuation of securities), the recognition of deferred tax assets and unrecognized tax positions, the recognition of loan income, the valuation of financial instruments, and accounting for defined benefit plans are its most critical accounting policies because they are important to the presentation of the Company's consolidated financial condition and results of operations, involve a significant degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often necessitate assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. The use of different judgments, assumptions or estimates could result in material variations in the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

The following are descriptions of the Company's critical accounting policies and explanations of the methods and assumptions underlying their application.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Loan Commitments. The Bank's methods and assumptions utilized to periodically determine its allowance for loan losses are summarized in Note 9 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.  The reserve for loan commitments is determined based upon the historical loss experience of similar loans owned by the Bank at each period end.  Any increases in this reserve are achieved via a transfer of reserves from the Bank's allowance for loan losses, with any subsequent resulting shortfall in the allowance for loan losses satisfied through the quarterly provision for loan losses.  Any decreases in
 
34

the loan commitment reserve are recognized as a transfer of reserve balances back to the allowance for loans losses at each period end.

Liability for the First Loss Position.  The Bank's methods and assumptions utilized to periodically determine its liability for the First Loss Position are summarized in Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Valuation of MSR. The proceeds received on mortgage loans sold with servicing rights retained by the Bank are allocated between the loans and the servicing rights based on their estimated fair values at the time of the loan sale. In accordance with GAAP, MSR are carried at the lower of cost or fair value and are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, anticipated net servicing income.   In accordance with ASC 860-50-35, all separately recognized MSR are required to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable.  The estimated fair value of MSR is determined by calculating the present value of estimated future net servicing cash flows, using estimated prepayment, default, servicing cost and discount rate assumptions.  All estimates and assumptions utilized in the valuation of MSR are derived based upon actual historical results for the Bank, or, in the absence of such data, from historical results for the Bank's peers.

The fair value of MSR is sensitive to changes in assumptions.  Fluctuations in prepayment speed assumptions have the most significant impact on the estimated fair value of MSR.  In the event that actual loan prepayments exceed the assumed amount, the fair value of MSR would likely decline.  In the event that actual loan prepayments fall below the assumed amount, the fair value of MSR would likely increase.  Any measurement of the value of MSR is limited by the existing conditions and assumptions utilized at a particular point in time, and would not necessarily be appropriate if applied at a different point in time.

Assumptions utilized in measuring the fair value of MSR additionally include the stratification based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans. Increases in the risk characteristics of the underlying loans from the assumptions would result in a decline in the fair value of the MSR.  A valuation allowance is established in the event the recorded value of an individual stratum exceeds its fair value for the full amount of the difference.

To the extent that the valuation of the MSR (as determined in the manner indicated above) falls below its recorded balance, an impairment charge is recognized through a valuation allowance, with any adjustments to such allowance reflected in periodic earnings.

Asset Impairment Adjustments.  Certain assets are carried in the Company's consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value or at the lower of cost or fair value:

(i) Goodwill Impairment Analysis.  Goodwill is accounted for in accordance with ASC 805-10.  ASC 805-10 requires performance of an annual impairment test at the reporting unit level.  Management annually performs analyses to test for impairment of goodwill.  In the event an impairment of goodwill is determined to exist, it is recognized as a charge to earnings.

The Company identified a single reporting unit for purposes of its goodwill impairment testing, and thus performs its impairment test on a consolidated basis.  The impairment test has two potential stages.  In the initial stage, the Holding Company's market capitalization (reporting unit fair value) is compared to its outstanding equity (reporting unit carrying value).  The Company utilizes closing price data for the Holding Company's common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market in order to compute market capitalization. The Company has designated the last day of its fiscal year as the annual date for impairment testing. The Company performed its annual impairment test as of December 31, 2011 and concluded that no potential impairment of goodwill existed since the fair value of the Company's reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.  No events or circumstances have occurred subsequent to December 31, 2011 that would reduce the fair value of the Company's reporting unit below its carrying value.  Such events or circumstances would require the immediate performance of an impairment test in accordance with ASC 805-10.

(ii) Valuation of Financial Instruments and Analysis of OTTI Related to Investment Securities and MBS.  Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity, and carried at amortized cost, only if the Company has a positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity.

At September 30, 2012, the Company owned eight TRUPS classified as held-to-maturity.  Late in 2008, the market for these securities became highly illiquid, and continued to be deemed as such as of September 30, 2012.  As a result, at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, their estimated fair value was obtained utilizing a blended valuation approach (Level 3 pricing as described in Note 11 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements).

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had an investment in nine mutual funds totaling $3.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively, which were classified as trading.  All changes in valuation of these securities are recognized in the Company's results of operations.

Debt securities that are not classified as either held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available-for-sale.

Available-for-sale debt and equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are carried at fair value.  All of the Company's available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 had readily determinable fair values, which were based on published or securities dealers' market values.

35

The Company conducts a periodic review and evaluation of its securities portfolio, taking into account the severity and duration of each unrealized loss, as well as management's intent and ability to hold the security until the unrealized loss is substantially eliminated, in order to determine if a decline in fair value of any security below its carrying value is either temporary or other than temporary.  Unrealized losses on held-to-maturity securities that are deemed temporary are disclosed but not recognized.  Unrealized losses on debt or equity securities available-for-sale that are deemed temporary are excluded from net income and reported net of deferred taxes as other comprehensive income or loss.  All unrealized losses that are deemed other than temporary on either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities are recognized immediately as a reduction of the carrying amount of the security, with a corresponding decline in either net income or accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in accordance with ASC 320-10-65.  See Note 10 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of OTTI on securities during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets.  Management reviews all deferred tax assets periodically.  Upon such review, in the event that there is a greater than 50% likelihood that the deferred tax asset will not be fully realized, a valuation allowance is recognized against the deferred tax asset in the amount for which realization is determined to be more unlikely than likely to occur.

Unrecognized Tax Positions. Under current accounting rules, all tax positions adopted are subjected to two levels of evaluation.  Initially, a determination is made, based on the technical merits of the position, as to whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. In conducting this evaluation, management is required to presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority possessing full knowledge of all relevant information. The second level of evaluation is the measurement of a tax position that satisfies the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold.  This measurement is performed in order to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement.  The Company had no material uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Loan Income Recognition.  Interest income on loans is recorded using the level yield method.  Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized as yield adjustments over the contractual loan terms.

Please refer to "Part I – Item 2 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Asset Quality - Monitoring and Collection of Delinquent Loans" for a discussion of management's policies for determining whether a loan is maintained on accrual or non-accrual status.

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

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

The Bank gathers deposits in direct competition with commercial banks, savings banks and brokerage firms, many among the largest in the nation.  It must additionally compete for deposit monies against the stock and bond markets, especially during periods of strong performance in those arenas.  The Bank's deposit flows are affected primarily by the pricing and marketing of its deposit products compared to its competitors, as well as the market performance of depositor investment alternatives such as the U.S. bond or equity
 
36

markets.  To the extent that the Bank is responsive to general market increases or declines in interest rates, its deposit flows should not be materially impacted.   However, favorable performance of the equity or bond markets could adversely impact the Bank's deposit flows.

Retail branch and Internet banking deposits increased $75.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to an increase of $34.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Within deposits, core deposits  (i.e., non-CDs) increased $128.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $65.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  These increases were due to both successful gathering efforts tied to promotional money market offerings as well as increased commercial checking balances.  CDs decreased $52.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $31.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, primarily as a result of the attrition of maturing CDs from prior period promotional activities.  Except for promotional activities associated with a new branch opened during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, there was no significant change in deposit pricing strategies or promotional activities implemented during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Bank prepaid $40.0 million of borrowings secured by REPOS and $55.0 million of FHLBNY advances, removing a negative carrying cost on these $95.0 million of funding liabilities.  The Bank also elected not to replace $117.3 million of FHLBNY advances that matured during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Bank reduced its FHLBNY advances by $105.8 million.  The Bank experienced growth in liquid funds during the period January 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011 from a combination of deposit inflows and higher loan principal repayments.  It elected to utilize a portion of this additional liquidity to reduce its borrowed funds balance during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as borrowings carry a higher average cost of funds than deposits.  The Bank coupled this action with a restructuring of a portion of its remaining borrowing portfolio, which served to extend its average repricing term.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, principal repayments totaled $775.3 million on real estate loans (including refinanced loans) and $34.0 million on MBS.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, principal repayments totaled $533.2 million on real estate loans (including refinanced loans) and $38.8 million on MBS.   The increase in principal repayments on real estate loans resulted from increased refinancing activity that was stimulated by lower marketplace offering rates.  The decline in principal repayments on MBS resulted from a reduction of $28.3 million in their average balance from the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

In the event that the Bank should require funds beyond its ability or desire to generate them internally, an additional source of funds is available through its borrowing line at the FHLBNY.  At September 30, 2012, the Bank had an additional potential borrowing capacity of $611.8 million through the FHLBNY, subject to customary minimum FHLBNY common stock ownership requirements (i.e., 4.5% of the Bank's outstanding FHLBNY borrowings).

The Bank is subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements imposed by its primary regulator.  As a general matter, these capital requirements are based on the amount and composition of an institution's assets. At September 30, 2012, the Bank was in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements and was considered "well-capitalized" for all regulatory purposes.

The Company generally utilizes its liquidity and capital resources primarily to fund the origination of real estate loans, the purchase of mortgage-backed and other securities, the repurchase of Holding Company common stock into treasury, the payment of quarterly cash dividends to holders of the Holding Company's common stock and the payment of quarterly interest to holders of its outstanding trust preferred debt.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, real estate loan originations totaled $645.2 million and $474.8 million, respectively.  The increase from the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to the nine months ended September 30, 2012 reflected higher marketplace loan demand. Purchases of investment securities (excluding trading securities, short-term investments and federal funds sold) were $103.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to  $228.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The purchases made during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were comprised of $80.1 million of agency notes and  $23.2 million of adjustable rate Government National Mortgage Association MBS, while all of the purchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were limited to agency notes.  All of the securities purchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were made to: 1) provide additional yield on cash balances; 2) provide additional assets that are permissible as collateral for borrowings; 3) maintain favorable credit quality in order to benefit the Bank in its capital adequacy; and 4) maintain investment balances with a short time period to either interest rate adjustment or expected repayment date.

The Holding Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.  As of September 30, 2012, up to 1,124,549 shares remained available for purchase under authorized share purchase programs.  Based upon the $14.44 per share closing price of its common stock as of September 28, 2012, the Holding Company would utilize $16.2 million in order to purchase all of the remaining authorized shares.  For the Holding Company to complete these share purchases, it would likely require dividend distributions from the Bank.

37

The Company paid $14.4 million in cash dividends on its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and $14.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The increase in payment resulted from a net increase of 585,065 shares outstanding from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012.

Contractual Obligations

The Bank is obligated for rental payments under leases on certain of its branches and equipment.   In addition, the Bank generally has outstanding at any time significant borrowings in the form of FHLBNY advances and/or REPOS, as well as customer CDs with fixed contractual interest rates.  The Holding Company also has $70.7 million of callable trust preferred borrowings from third parties due to mature in April 2034, which became callable at any time commencing in April 2009.  The Holding Company does not currently intend to call this debt.  The facts and circumstances surrounding these obligations have not changed materially since December 31, 2011.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

From December 2002 through February 2009, the Bank originated and sold multifamily residential mortgage loans in the secondary market to FNMA while retaining servicing.  The Bank is required to retain the First Loss Position related to all loans sold under this program, which will remain in effect until the earlier of the following events: (1) the loans have been fully satisfied or enter OREO status; or (2) the First Loss Position is fully exhausted.

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

The following table presents off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2012:

 
 
Less than One Year
   
One Year to Three Years
   
Over Three Years to Five Years
   
Over Five Years
   
Total
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Credit Commitments:
 
   
   
   
   
 
   Available lines of credit
 
$
37,996
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
37,996
 
   Other loan commitments (1)
   
243,999
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
243,999
 
Other Commitments:
                                       
First Loss Position on loans sold to FNMA (1)
   
16,356
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
16,356
 
Total Commitments
 
$
298,351
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
298,351
 
(1) In accordance with the requirements of both ASC 450-20-25 and 460-10-25, as of September 30, 2012, reserves on loan commitments and the liability for the First Loss Position on loans sold to FNMA were $367 and $1,544 respectively, and were recorded in other liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Asset Quality

General
At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had neither whole loans nor loans underlying MBS that would have been considered subprime loans at origination, i.e., mortgage loans advanced to borrowers who did not qualify for market interest rates because of problems with their income or credit history.  See Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of impaired investment securities and MBS.

Monitoring and Collection of Delinquent Loans

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

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

38

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

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

Non-accrual Loans

Within the Bank's permanent portfolio, non-accrual loans totaled $10.7 million and $26.0 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, representing 0.32% and 0.75% of total loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, twenty-nine non-accrual loans totaling $20.3 million were either satisfied or disposed of at a value at or below their recorded balance, $2.6 million of principal charge-offs were recognized on thirteen non-accrual loans, and three non-accrual loans totaling $1.8 million were returned to accrual status.  Partially offsetting these declines were twenty loans totaling $9.5 million that were added to non-accrual status during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Impaired Loans

The recorded investment in loans deemed impaired (as defined in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements) was approximately $53.3 million, consisting of twenty-eight loans, at September 30, 2012, compared to $70.4 million, consisting of fifty loans, at December 31, 2011.  The Bank disposed of twenty-nine impaired loans with a recorded balance totaling $20.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and received full repayment on three additional impaired loans totaling $1.1 million.  Additionally during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, two impaired loans with an aggregate recorded balance of $1.5 million remained current on all contractual amounts owed for a time period deemed sufficient to warrant their removal from impaired status, principal charge-offs totaling $2.5 million were recognized on twelve impaired loans, and one impaired loan with a recorded balance of $210,000 executed a re-finance agreement which warranted its removal from impaired status.  Partially offsetting these declines were thirteen loans totaling $9.1 million that were added to impaired status during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

The following is a reconciliation of non-accrual and impaired loans at September 30, 2012:

 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans
 
$
10,690
 
Non-accrual one- to four-family and consumer loans deemed homogeneous loans
   
(482
)
TDRs retained on accrual status
   
43,106
 
Other loans deemed impaired but retained on accrual status
       
Impaired loans
 
$
53,314
 

TDRs

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

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

In instances in which the interest rate has been reduced, management would not deem the modification a TDR in the event that the reduction in interest rate reflected either a general decline in market interest rates or an effort to maintain a relationship with a borrower
 
39

who could readily obtain funds from other sources at the current market interest rate, and the terms of the restructured loan are comparable to the terms offered by the Bank to non-troubled debtors.

Accrual status for TDRs is determined separately for each TDR in accordance with the policies for determining accrual or non-accrual status that are outlined on page 39.   At the time an agreement is entered into between the Bank and the borrower that results in the Bank's determination that a TDR has been created, the loan can be either on accrual or non-accrual status.  If a loan is on non-accrual status at the time it is restructured, it continues to be classified as non-accrual until the borrower has demonstrated compliance with the modified loan terms for a period of at least six months.  Conversely, if at the time of restructuring the loan is performing (and accruing), it will remain accruing throughout its restructured period, unless the loan meets any of the criteria for non-accrual status under either the Bank's policy, as disclosed on page 39 and/or the criteria related to accrual of interest established by agency regulations.

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

At both September 30, 2012 and 2011, the great majority of TDRs were collateralized by real estate that generated rental income.  For TDRs that demonstrated conditions sufficient to warrant accrual status, the present value of the net cash flows of the underlying property was utilized as the primary means of determining impairment.  Any shortfall in the present value of the expected cash flows calculated at each measurement period (typically quarter-end) compared to the present value of the expected cash flows at the time of the original loan agreement was recognized as either an allocated reserve (in the event that it related to lower expected interest payments) or a charge-off (if related to lower expected principal payments).  For TDRs on non-accrual status, an appraisal of the underlying real estate collateral is deemed the most appropriate measure to utilize when evaluating impairment, and any shortfall in valuation from the recorded balance is accounted for through a charge-off.  In the event that either an allocated reserve or a charge-off is recognized on TDRs, the periodic loan loss provision is impacted.

The following is a summary of TDRs by type of underlying collateral:

 
At September 30, 2012
 
At December 31, 2011
 
# loans
Aggregate Recorded Balance
 
# loans
Aggregate Recorded
Balance
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Loan secured by:
 
 
 
 
 
   One- to four-family residential real estate (1)
3
$951
 
2
$625
   Multifamily residential and residential mixed use real estate
5
1,967
 
5
2,013
   Mixed use commercial real estate
1
736
 
3
1,657
   Commercial real estate
13
47,587
 
12
44,458
Total
22
$51,241
 
22
$48,753
(1)
With the exception of one TDR  at September 30, 2012 with an outstanding balance of $330,000, these TDRs are secured by properties containing either residential or commercial rental units.

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

OREO

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

The Bank owned no OREO properties with a recorded balance at September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

40

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

 
 
At September 30,
2012
   
At December 31, 2011
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Non-accrual real estate loans:
 
   
 
   One- to four-family residential and cooperative unit
 
$
1,150
   
$
2,205
 
   Multifamily residential and residential mixed use
   
1,008
     
7,069
 
   Commercial real estate and mixed use commercial real estate
   
8,526
     
16,674
 
Total non-accrual real estate loans (excluding loans held for sale)
 
$
10,684
   
$
25,948
 
Non-accrual consumer loans
   
6
     
4
 
   Sub-total
 
$
10,690
   
$
25,952
 
Non-accrual loans held for sale
   
-
     
3,021
 
Total non-accrual loans
 
$
10,690
   
$
28,973
 
OREO
   
-
     
-
 
Non-performing investment securities
   
890
     
1,012
 
Total non-performing assets
 
$
11,590
   
$
29,985
 
Ratios:
               
   Total non-accrual loans to total loans
   
0.32
%
   
0.84
%
   Total non-performing assets to total assets
   
0.29
     
0.75
 

Other Potential Problem Loans

(i)  Loans Delinquent 30 to 89 Days

The Bank had 8 real estate loans, totaling $4.1 million, that were delinquent between 30 and 89 days at September 30, 2012, a net reduction of $5.2 million compared to 12 such loans totaling $9.3 million at December 31, 2011. The 30 to 89 day delinquent levels fluctuate monthly, and are generally considered a less accurate indicator of near-term credit quality trends than non-accrual loans.

(ii) Temporary  Loan Modifications

At September 30, 2012, the Bank had 4 loans totaling $2.4 million that were either current or less than 30 days delinquent, and were mutually modified with the borrowers in a manner that: (i) did not involve a full re-underwriting of the loan; and (ii) did not meet the criteria for TDR.   At December 31, 2011, there were 7 such loans totaling $9.3 million.  These modifications, which have a typical term of 12 months, were granted by the Bank to borrowers who requested cash flow relief in order to assist them through periods of sub-optimal occupancy.  The key features of these modified loans were: 1) the modifications were temporary in nature; 2) they permitted only minor reductions in the cash flow requirements of debt service; and 3) there was no forgiveness of contractual principal and interest amounts due to the Bank.  Specific terms of modification were in the form of either: (1) temporary suspension of monthly principal amortization, which, given the balloon repayment feature of these loans, typically constitutes a minor concession; or (2) either a temporary reduction in interest rate, or a permanent reduction to an interest rate higher than that offered a prime borrower and generally reflective of the credit condition of the loan at the time of modification.  In consideration of paragraph 12c of ASC 310-40-15, the interest rate on these temporary modifications was consistent with a "market rate" that: 1) the Bank would have offered a different borrower with comparable loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios; and 2) the borrower could have received from another financial institution at the time of modification.  To date, none of these temporarily modified loans have had their maturities extended, nor would this be a typical negotiable item for the Bank.  Although all of these temporarily modified loans at September 30, 2012 were secured by real estate, none of them were reliant upon liquidation of the underlying collateral for repayment of the outstanding loan.  In the rare instance in which the Bank also held a second lien on a first mortgage that was temporarily modified, it would consider the combined debt obligations of both liens in determining potential impairment.  Any impairment determined based upon this combined debt would result in a charge-off of the second lien initially, and the first loan only after the full second lien has been eliminated.

Any temporary modification that either: 1) reduced the contractual rate below market as defined in the previous paragraph; 2) forgave principal owed; or 3) satisfied any of the other criteria designated in ASC 310-40-15 was deemed a TDR at September 30, 2012.  Any adjustments to interest rates for loans experiencing sub-optimal underwriting conditions would be authorized under the loan approval and underwriting polices that are summarized in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Bank's lending function performs a formal review process that serves as an effective re-underwriting of all temporarily modified loans.

41

Based upon the criteria established by the Bank to review its potential problem loans for impairment, designation of these temporarily modified loans as TDRs would not have had a material impact upon the determination of the adequacy of the Bank's allowance for loan losses at either September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

There were no temporary modifications entered into during the three-months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, or during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012.  The following table summarizes temporary modifications entered into during the nine months ended September 30, 2011:

 
At or for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
# Loans
Balance
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans modified in a manner that did not meet the definition of a TDR
5
$5,599
Concessions granted:
 
 
   Reduction of outstanding principal due
‑ 
‑ 
   Deferral of principal amounts due
5
5,599
   Below market interest rate granted
‑ 
‑ 
Outstanding principal balance immediately before and after modification
5
$5,599

Problem Loans Serviced for FNMA Subject to the First Loss Position

The Bank services a pool of multifamily loans sold to FNMA that had an outstanding principal balance of $279.8 million at September 30, 2012.  Pursuant to the sale agreement with FNMA, the Bank retained the First Loss Position, which totaled $16.4 million at September 30, 2012.  Against this contingent liability, the Bank has charged through earnings a recorded liability (reserve for First Loss Position) of $1.5 million as of September 30, 2012, leaving approximately $14.9 million of potential charges to earnings for future losses (if any).  At September 30, 2012, within the pool of multifamily loans sold to FNMA, three loans totaling $2.0 million were 90 days or more delinquent, and no loans were delinquent between 30 and 89 days.  At December 31, 2011, within the pool of multifamily loans sold to FNMA, one $1.3 million loan was delinquent between 30 and 89 days, and one $757,000 loan was 90 days or more delinquent.  The Bank manages the collection of these loans in the same manner as it does for portfolio loans.  Under the terms of the servicing agreement with FNMA, the Bank is obligated to fund FNMA all monthly principal and interest payments under the original terms of the loans, and to indemnify FNMA for any further losses (as defined in the sale agreement) until the earlier of the following events: (i) the Bank re-acquires the loan from FNMA or it enters OREO status; or (ii) the entire pool of loans sold to FNMA have either been fully satisfied or enter OREO status.  However, the aggregate losses incurred by the Bank on this pool of serviced loans cannot exceed the total First Loss Position.

The Bank has elected to periodically repurchase problematic or non-problematic loans from within the FNMA serviced loan pool.  The repurchase of problematic loans is made in order to expedite their resolution and control losses.  All such elections have been made on an individual loan/borrower basis.  All repurchases from FNMA are made at par, and any reserves recognized on the re-acquired loan within the FNMA reserve analysis reduce the recorded balance of the loan when it is transferred to the Bank's portfolio.  In most instances, all economic losses realized by the Bank on the re-acquired loans can be applied against the First Loss Position, and any material exceptions for individual loans are disclosed in the Company's public filings. Since the Bank is fully responsible for all losses on FNMA serviced loans up to the First Loss Position, it has greater incentive to minimize losses. Had the resolution of these loans been left to FNMA to manage, management believes that the ultimate losses recognized would have been greater.   Such re-acquisitions were minor during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Reserve Liability on Loan Origination Commitments

The Bank also maintains a reserve liability related to loan origination commitments (recorded in other liabilities) that totaled $367,000 at September 30, 2012 and $241,000 at December 31, 2011.  The expected loss rates applied to these commitments are consistent with those applied to comparable loans held within the Bank's portfolio.  This amount fluctuates based upon the amount and composition of the Bank's loan commitment pipeline.

42

Allowance for Loan Losses

The methodology utilized to determine the Company's allowance for loan losses on real estate and consumer loans, along with periodic activity associated with it, remained constant during the three-months ended September 30, 2012.  The following is a summary of the components of the allowance for loan losses as of the following dates:

 
At September 30, 2012
At June 30, 2012
At December 31, 2011
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
   Impaired loans
$551
$581
$2,175
   Substandard loans not deemed impaired
866
   Special Mention loans
100
520
800
   Pass graded loans
19,084
18,960
17,174
   Debit escrow balances
67
159
79
Sub-total real estate loans
20,668
20,220
20,228
Consumer loans
26
23
26
TOTAL
$20,694
$20,243
$20,254

 
At September 30, 2011
At June 30, 2011
At December 31 2010
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
   Impaired loans
$2,821
$280
$- 
   Substandard loans not deemed impaired
   Special Mention loans
1,606
2,046
1,880
   Pass graded loans
17,010
17,006
17,178
   Debit escrow balances
74
157
74
Sub-total real estate loans
21,511
19,489
19,132
Consumer loans
28
29
34
TOTAL
$21,539
$19,518
$19,166

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

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
2011
 
2012
2011
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Net recoveries (charge-offs)
$350 
$(148)
 
$(3,500)
$(3,062)
Provision
126 
2,217 
 
3,858 
5,305 
Transfer (to) from reserve for loan commitments
(159)
(48)
 
(241)
128 

The allowance for loan losses increased $451,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to the addition of $866,000 of reserves on loans classified as substandard but not individually evaluated for impairment.  Partially offsetting this increase was a reduction of $420,000 in the allowance component related to Special Mention loans, that reflected a reduction in the expected loss percentage applied to such loans as of September 30, 2012 compared to June 30, 2012.  The provision for loan losses recorded during the three-months ended September 30, 2012 reflected the additional reserve estimated on loans classified as substandard but not individually evaluated for impairment, as well as anticipated growth in the loan portfolio.

The allowance for loan losses increased $440,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as increases of $1.9 million in the component related to pass graded loans and $866,000 in the component related to loans classified as substandard but not individually evaluated for impairment, were partially offset by declines of $1.6 million in the component related to impaired loans and $700,000 in the component related to Special Mention loans.  Reductions from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 of $17.5 million in the balance of impaired loans led to the decline in its allowance component.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company added a reserve component related to loans classified as substandard but not individually evaluated for impairment, which is derived based upon a loss migration analysis of such loans.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company also updated the loss migration period utilized to compute the reserve component related to Special Mention loans.  Based upon the updated migration period, a significantly lower reserve estimate was computed on Special Mention loans at September 30, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011. The increase in the allowance associated with Pass graded loans reflected a higher expected loss allocation applied to a portion of the pass graded loans at September 30, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011 as a result of movements of pass loans within various loss estimate categories.  The provision for loan losses recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 reflected both the replenishment of a portion of the allowance for loan losses that was reduced by net charge-off
 
43

activity during the period, as well as the additional reserve estimated on loans classified as substandard but not individually evaluated for impairment.

For a further discussion of the allowance for loan losses and related activity during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, please see Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.  Period-end balances of special mention and pass graded real estate loans are summarized in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, and period-end balances of impaired loans are summarized in Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

Assets.  Assets totaled $3.95 billion at September 30, 2012, $66.8 million below their level at December 31, 2011.

Real estate loans and investment securities available for sale declined by $134.9 million and $119.8 million, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, borrower refinancing activities increased as a result of continued low marketplace interest rates, and generated an aggregate amortization level in the Company's real estate loan portfolio that was both unusually high and above the total origination level for the period.  In addition, the Company sold $30.9 million of problem loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  Investment securities available for sale declined as a result of $200.3 million of calls during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, which were partially offset by $80.1 million of purchases during the period.

A portion of the liquid funds generated from loan amortization and investment security call activities was (i) retained in cash and due from banks, which increased $151.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012; and (ii) used for the purchase of $60.0 million of federal funds sold and other short term investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Liabilities.  Total liabilities decreased $93.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  During this period, the Company utilized additional liquidity generated from loan amortization and calls of investment securities available for sale to prepay $40.0 million of REPOS and $55.0 million in FHLBNY advances.  The Company additionally elected not to replace $117.3 million of FHLBNY advances that matured during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as a result of the additional liquidity held during the period. Partially offsetting the $212.3 million decline in borrowed funds, retail deposits (due to depositors) increased $75.5 million, and mortgagor escrow and other deposits, which typically grow during the first and third quarters of each calendar year, grew $39.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Please refer to "Part I – Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a discussion of the increase in retail deposits during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Stockholders' Equity.  Stockholders' equity increased $26.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to net income of $33.6 million, $4.1 million of common stock issued for the exercise of stock options, a $3.0 million aggregate increase related to either expense amortization or income tax benefits associated with stock benefit plans that added to the cumulative balance of stockholders' equity, and a net after-tax reduction of $313,000 in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss (due to an adjustment in the funded status of a defined benefit plan).  Partially offsetting these items were $14.4 million in cash dividends paid during the period.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

General.  Net income was $11.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of $631,000 from net income of $11.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011.  During the comparative period, the provision for loan losses declined $2.1 million and non-interest income increased $425,000. Partially offsetting these additions to pre-tax income was a reduction of $776,000 in net interest income and an increase of $807,000 in non-interest expense.  Income tax expense increased $304,000 during the comparative period due to the growth of $935,000 in pre-tax earnings.

Net Interest Income.  The discussion of net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 presented below should be read in conjunction with the following tables, which set forth certain information related to the condensed consolidated statements of operations for those periods, and which also present the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  The average yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of their related assets or liabilities during the periods represented. Average balances were derived from average daily balances. The yields include fees that are considered adjustments to yields.

44

Analysis of Net Interest Income

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
   
2012
   
   
   
2011
   
 
 
 
   
   
Average
   
   
   
Average
 
 
 
Average
   
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
 
 
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
Assets:
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Real estate loans
 
$
3,329,996
   
$
45,963
     
5.52
%
 
$
3,412,553
   
$
49,139
     
5.76
%
Other loans
   
2,421
     
28
     
4.63
     
1,043
     
24
     
9.20
 
MBS
   
86,037
     
677
     
3.15
     
105,886
     
1,192
     
4.50
 
Investment securities
   
97,926
     
223
     
0.91
     
150,930
     
321
     
0.85
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
199,888
     
582
     
1.16
     
151,335
     
640
     
1.69
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
3,716,268
   
$
47,473
     
5.11
%
   
3,821,747
   
$
51,316
     
5.37
%
Non-interest earning assets
   
183,761
                     
230,412
                 
Total assets
 
$
3,900,029
                   
$
4,052,159
                 
 
                                               
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest bearing checking accounts
 
$
93,132
   
$
48
     
0.21
%
 
$
93,649
   
$
66
     
0.28
%
Money Market accounts
   
850,288
     
1,155
     
0.54
     
775,697
     
1,295
     
0.66
 
Savings accounts
   
365,976
     
141
     
0.15
     
345,237
     
180
     
0.21
 
CDs
   
935,278
     
3,958
     
1.68
     
1,053,415
     
4,957
     
1.87
 
Borrowed Funds
   
993,289
     
8,773
     
3.51
     
1,171,433
     
10,646
     
3.61
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
3,237,963
   
$
14,075
     
1.73
%
   
3,439,431
   
$
17,144
     
1.98
%
Non-interest bearing checking accounts
   
151,006
                     
142,035
                 
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
   
128,028
                     
119,078
                 
Total liabilities
   
3,516,997
                     
3,700,544
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
383,032
                     
351,615
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
3,900,029
                   
$
4,052,159
                 
Net interest income
         
$
33,398
                   
$
34,172
         
Net interest spread
                   
3.38
%
                   
3.39
%
Net interest-earning assets
 
$
478,305
                   
$
382,316
                 
Net interest margin
                   
3.59
%
                   
3.58
%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
                   
114.77
%
                   
111.12
%

Rate/Volume Analysis

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Increase/ (Decrease) Due to:
 
 
 
Volume
Rate
Total
 
(Dollars In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
Real Estate Loans
 $(1,159)
$(2,017)
 $(3,176)
Other loans
24 
 (20)
 4 
MBS
 (191)
 (324)
 (515)
Investment securities
 (117)
19 
(98)
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
 174 
 (232)
 (58)
Total
$ (1,269)
$ (2,574)
$ (3,843)
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 Interest bearing checking accounts
$(1)
 $ (17)
$(18)
Money market accounts
109 
 (249)
 (140)
Savings accounts
12 
 (51)
 (39)
CDs
 (525)
 (474)
 (999)
Borrowed funds
 (1,597)
 (276)
 (1,873)
Total
$ (2,002)
 $ (1,067)
$ (3,069)
Net change in net interest income
$733 
$ (1,507)
$ (774)

During the period January 1, 2009 through September 30, 2012, FOMC monetary policies resulted in the maintenance of the overnight federal funds rate in a range of 0.0% to 0.25%.  As a result, beginning in early 2009, the Company was able to commence an orderly reduction of both its deposit and borrowing costs that continued through September 2012.  In addition, both marketplace competition and refinancing activity related to loans secured by multifamily and commercial real estate increased considerably during the
 
45

nine months ended September 30, 2012, resulting in a reduction in the average yield on real estate loans.  Both of these factors impacted the Company's net interest margin during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.

Interest Income.  Interest income was $47.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012, a reduction of $3.8 million from the three months ended September 30, 2011, primarily reflecting $3.2 million of lower interest income on real estate loans, and a reduction of $515,000 in interest income on MBS.  The declines in interest income on both real estate loans and MBS resulted from reductions of $82.6 million and $20.0 million, respectively, in their average balances during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, coupled with a declines of 24 basis points and 135 basis points in their respective average yields during the comparative period.  During the period October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012, purchases of MBS were limited and were exceeded by principal repayments of existing MBS.  Similarly, high volumes of prepayment and refinancing in the real estate loan portfolio due to the low interest rate environment resulted in reductions in real estate loans that exceeded new origination volume from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.  The high volumes of prepayment and refinancing on real estate loans similarly served as the primary contributor to the reductions in the average yields of real estate loans and MBS during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased $3.1 million, to $14.1 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $17.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011.  This decline resulted primarily from reductions of $1.9 million and $1.0 million in interest expense on borrowed funds and CDs, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The reduction in interest expense on borrowed funds resulted primarily from a decline of $178.1 million in their average balance from the three months ended September 30, 2011 to the three months ended September 30, 2012, as the Company, during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2012, elected to utilize liquidity generated from increased loan amortization activity to restructure and/or reduce its aggregate level of borrowed funds.  The reduction in interest expense on CDs reflected both declines of $118.1 million in their average balance and 19 basis points in their average cost during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.  Since the Company did not elect to compete aggressively for CDs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, it experienced attrition in the higher cost CDs that matured during the period.  The reduction in the average cost of CDs during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011 resulted from ongoing reductions in offering rates on new CDs that occurred from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses was $126,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $2.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The reduction reflected the improvement in the overall credit quality in the loan portfolio that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company experienced declines in both non-accrual and delinquent loans, as well as a net recovery of loan balances (negative net charge-off activity).

Non-Interest Income.  Total non-interest income increased $425,000 from the three months ended September 30, 2011 to the three months ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to an increase of $123,000 in mortgage banking income and an increase of $203,000 in the net gain or loss on securities and other assets.  The increase in the net gain or loss on securities and other assets primarily reflected a more favorable periodic valuation of trading securities. The growth in mortgage banking income resulted from the reduction of $141,000 in the liability for the First Loss Position on loans sold to FNMA with recourse that was recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012.  This reduction, which served to increase mortgage banking income, was deemed warranted due to both ongoing amortization and stabilization of problem loans within the portfolio of loans sold to FNMA with recourse.

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense was $15.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of $807,000 from $15.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $522,000 as a result of both additional staffing and ongoing increases to existing salaries and benefits.  Other expenses increased $474,000 primarily as a result of higher marketing expenses associated with promotional deposit activities undertaken during the September 2012 quarter, as well as an increase of $208,000 in expenses associated with reserves for loan commitments that reflected additional real estate loan commitments entered into during the September 2012 quarter.

Non-interest expense was 1.62% of average assets during the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 1.48% during the three months ended September 30, 2011, reflecting both the $807,000 increase in non-interest expense and a reduction of $152.1 million in average assets from the three months ended September 30, 2011 to the three months ended September 30, 2012.

Income Tax Expense.   Income tax expense increased $304,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, due to the growth of $935,000 in pre-tax earnings.  The Company's consolidated tax rate approximated its normalized 41% during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
46

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

General.  Net income was $33.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, a reduction of $1.0 million from net income of $34.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  During the comparative period, net interest income declined $4.1 million, and non-interest expense increased $948,000, which were partially offset by an increase of $1.6 million in non-interest income and a reduction of $1.4 million in the provision for loan losses, resulting in a net reduction in pre-tax income of $2.0 million.  Income tax expense declined $1.0 million during the comparative period due to the reduction in pre-tax earnings.

Net Interest Income.  The discussion of net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 presented below should be read in conjunction with the following tables, which set forth certain information related to the condensed consolidated statements of operations for those periods, and which also present the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  The average yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of their related assets or liabilities during the periods represented. Average balances were derived from average daily balances. The yields include fees that are considered adjustments to yields.

Analysis of Net Interest Income

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
   
2012
   
   
   
2011
   
 
 
 
   
   
Average
   
   
   
Average
 
 
 
Average
   
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
   
Yield/
 
 
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
Assets:
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Real estate loans
 
$
3,387,534
   
$
143,735
     
5.66
%
 
$
3,445,220
   
$
151,625
     
5.87
%
Other loans
   
1,870
     
76
     
5.42
     
1,090
     
74
     
9.05
 
MBS
   
89,154
     
2,456
     
3.67
     
117,436
     
3,974
     
4.51
 
Investment securities
   
122,552
     
1,043
     
1.13
     
150,650
     
1,019
     
0.90
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
186,189
     
1,895
     
1.36
     
166,407
     
2,089
     
1.67
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
3,787,299
   
$
149,205
     
5.25
%
   
3,880,803
   
$
158,781
     
5.46
%
Non-interest earning assets
   
178,618
                     
225,541
                 
Total assets
 
$
3,965,917
                   
$
4,106,344
                 
 
                                               
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest bearing checking accounts
 
$
93,172
   
$
141
     
0.20
%
 
$
96,870
   
$
266
     
0.37
%
Money Market accounts
   
810,179
     
3,326
     
0.55
     
752,423
     
3,818
     
0.68
 
Savings accounts
   
362,429
     
442
     
0.16
     
339,778
     
551
     
0.22
 
CDs
   
960,293
     
12,540
     
1.74
     
1,070,216
     
15,446
     
1.93
 
Borrowed Funds
   
1,081,514
     
31,465
     
3.89
     
1,224,048
     
33,325
     
3.64
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
3,307,587
   
$
47,914
     
1.94
%
   
3,483,335
   
$
53,406
     
2.05
%
Non-interest bearing checking accounts
   
150,914
                     
139,983
                 
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
   
133,857
                     
140,570
                 
Total liabilities
   
3,592,358
                     
3,763,888
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
373,559
                     
342,456
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
3,965,917
                   
$
4,106,344
                 
Net interest income
         
$
101,291
                   
$
105,375
         
Net interest spread
                   
3.32
%
                   
3.41
%
Net interest-earning assets
 
$
479,712
                   
$
397,468
                 
Net interest margin
                   
3.57
%
                   
3.62
%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
                   
114.50
%
                   
111.41
%

47

Rate/Volume Analysis

 
   
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Increase/ (Decrease) Due to:
 
 
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
 
 
(Dollars In thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
   
   
 
Real Estate Loans
 
$
(2,502
)
 
$
(5,388
)
 
$
(7,890
)
Other loans
   
43
     
(41
)
   
2
 
MBS
   
(867
)
   
(651
)
   
(1,518
)
Investment securities
   
(213
)
   
237
     
24
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
221
     
(415
)
   
(194
)
Total
 
$
(3,318
)
 
$
(6,258
)
 
$
(9,576
)
 
                       
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
 Interest bearing checking accounts
 
$
(6
)
 
$
(119
)
 
$
(125
)
Money market accounts
   
267
     
(759
)
   
(492
)
Savings accounts
   
41
     
(150
)
   
(109
)
CDs
   
(1,486
)
   
(1,420
)
   
(2,906
)
Borrowed funds
   
(4,018
)
   
2,158
     
(1,860
)
Total
 
$
(5,202
)
 
$
(290
)
 
$
(5,492
)
Net change in net interest income
 
$
1,884
   
$
(5,968
)
 
$
(4,084
)

During the period January 1, 2009 through September 30, 2012, FOMC monetary policies resulted in the maintenance of the overnight federal funds rate in a range of 0.0% to 0.25%.  As a result, beginning in early 2009, the Company was able to commence an orderly reduction of both its deposit and borrowing costs that continued through September 2012.  In addition, both marketplace competition and refinancing activity related to loans secured by multifamily and commercial real estate increased considerably during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, resulting in a reduction in the average yield on real estate loans.  Both of these factors impacted the Company's net interest margin during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Interest Income.  Interest income was $149.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, a reduction of $9.6 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2011, primarily reflecting $7.9 million of lower interest income on real estate loans, and a reduction of $1.5 million in interest income on MBS.  The declines in interest income on both real estate loans and MBS resulted from a reduction of $57.7 million and $28.3 million, respectively, in their average balances during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011, coupled with declines of 21 basis points and 84 basis points in their respective average yields during the comparative period.  During the period October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012, purchases of MBS were limited and were exceeded by principal repayments of existing MBS.  Similarly, high volumes of prepayment and refinancing in the real estate loan portfolio due to the low interest rate environment resulted in reductions in real estate loans that exceeded new origination volume from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.  The high volumes of prepayment and refinancing on real estate loans similarly served as the primary contributor to the reductions in the average yields of real estate loans and MBS during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased $5.5 million, to $47.9 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $53.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  This decline resulted primarily from reductions of $1.9 million and $2.9 million in interest expense on borrowed funds and CDs, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Interest expense on money market deposits also declined $492,000 during the comparative period.  The reduction in interest expense on borrowed funds resulted primarily from a decline of $142.5 million in their average balance from the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as the Company, during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2012, elected to utilize liquidity generated from increased loan amortization activity to restructure and/or reduce its aggregate level of borrowed funds.  The reduction in interest expense on CDs reflected both declines of $109.9 million in their average balance and 19 basis points in their average cost during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Since the Company did not elect to compete aggressively for CDs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, it experienced attrition in the higher cost CDs that matured during the period.  The reduction in the average cost of CDs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011 resulted from ongoing reductions in offering rates on new CDs that occurred from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.  The reduction in interest expense on money market accounts resulted from a decline of 13 basis points in their average cost during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011, reflecting ongoing reductions in offering rates on money market accounts that occurred from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses was $3.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $5.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The reduction reflected the improvement in the overall credit quality in the loan portfolio that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  During the nine months ended
 
48

September 30, 2012, the Company experienced declines in both non-accrual and delinquent loans, as well as a net recovery of loan balances (negative net charge-off activity).

Non-Interest Income.  Total non-interest income increased $1.6 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to the nine months ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to an increase of $1.0 in mortgage banking income and $514,000 of lower OTTI charges recognized on TRUPS (which is recognized as a reduction component of non-interest income). The growth in mortgage banking income resulted from the reduction of $1.1 million in the liability for the First Loss Position on loans sold to FNMA with recourse that was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  This reduction, which served to increase mortgage banking income, was deemed warranted due to both ongoing amortization and stabilization of problem loans within the portfolio of loans sold to FNMA with recourse.

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense was $47.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of $948,000 from $46.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.2 million as a result of both additional staffing and ongoing increases to existing salaries and benefits.  Other expenses increased $646,000 primarily as a result of higher marketing expenses associated with promotional deposit activities undertaken during the September 2012 quarter, as well as an increased expense associated with reserves for loan commitments that reflected additional real estate loan commitments entered into during the September 2012 quarter.  FDIC insurance costs decreased $606,000 primarily as a result of higher assessment rates effective in the first quarter of 2011 (a transitional quarter between recapitalization plans).

Non-interest expense was 1.61% of average assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 1.52% during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, reflecting both the $948,000 increase in non-interest expense and a reduction of $140.4 million in average assets from the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Income Tax Expense.   Income tax expense declined $1.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to the reduction of $2.0 million in pre-tax earnings.  The Company's consolidated tax rate approximated its normalized 41% during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Item 3.             Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk were presented at December 31, 2011 in Item 7A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2012.  The following is an update of the discussion provided therein.

General.  Virtually all of the Company's market risk continues to reside at the Bank level.  The Bank's largest component of market risk remains interest rate risk.  The Company is not subject to foreign currency exchange or commodity price risk.  At September 30, 2012, the Company owned nine mutual fund investments totaling $3.4 million that were designated as trading.  At September 30, 2012, the Company did not conduct transactions involving derivative instruments requiring bifurcation in order to hedge interest rate or market risk.

Assets, Deposit Liabilities and Wholesale Funds.  Borrowings were reduced by $212.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  Otherwise, there was no material change in the composition of assets, deposit liabilities or wholesale funds from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012.  See "Part I - Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a discussion of deposit and borrowing activity during the period.

Interest Rate Risk Exposure Analysis
Economic Value of Equity ("EVE") Analysis.  At September 30, 2012, the Bank continued to monitor the impact of interest rate volatility upon EVE in the same manner as at December 31, 2011.

The analysis that follows presents the estimated EVE resulting from market interest rates prevailing at a given quarter-end ("Pre-Shock Scenario"), and under other interest rate scenarios (each a "Rate Shock Scenario") represented by immediate, permanent, parallel shifts in interest rates from those observed at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  The analysis additionally presents a measurement of the interest rate sensitivity at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  Interest rate sensitivity is measured by the basis point changes in the various EVE ratios ("EVE Ratios") from the Pre-Shock Scenario to the Rate Shock Scenarios.  EVE Ratios represent the EVE as a percentage of the total value of assets determined under each respective Pre- and Rate Shock Scenario.  An increase in the EVE Ratio is considered favorable, while a decline is considered unfavorable.

    The EVEs presented below incorporate some asset and liability values derived from the Bank's valuation model, such as those for mortgage loans and time deposits, and some asset and liability values provided by reputable independent sources, such as values for the Bank's MBS and CMO portfolios, as well as its putable borrowings.  The Bank's valuation model makes various estimates regarding cash flows from principal repayments on loans and deposit decay rates at each level of interest rate change.  The Bank's estimates for loan repayment levels are influenced by the recent history of prepayment activity in its loan portfolio, as well as the interest rate
 
49

 composition of the existing portfolio, especially in relation to the existing interest rate environment.  In addition, the Bank considers the amount of fee protection inherent in the loan portfolio when estimating future repayment cash flows.  Regarding deposit decay rates, the Bank tracks and analyzes the decay rate of its deposits over time and over various interest rate scenarios and then makes estimates of its deposit decay rate for use in the valuation model.  The Bank also generates a series of spot discount rates that are integral to the valuation of the projected monthly cash flows of its assets and liabilities.  The Bank's valuation model employs discount rates that it considers representative of prevailing market rates of interest, with appropriate adjustments it believes are suited to the heterogeneous characteristics of the Bank's various asset and liability portfolios.  No matter the care and precision with which the estimates are derived, however, actual cash flows could differ significantly from the Bank's estimates, resulting in significantly different EVE calculations.
 
 
 
At September 30, 2012
   
At December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Economic Value of Equity
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
Dollar
Amount
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
   
EVE
Ratio
   
Basis Point Change in EVE Ratio
   
Board Approved EVE Ratio Limit
   
EVE Dollar
Amount
   
EVE
Ratio
   
Basis Point Change in EVE Ratio
   
Board Approved EVE Ratio Limit
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thouisands)
 
Rate Shock Scenario
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
+ 200 Basis Points
 
$
393,338
   
$
7,764
     
-1.94
%
   
10.00
%
   
(3
)
   
6.0
%
 
$
432,018
     
10.69
%
   
29
     
6.0
%
Pre-Shock Scenario
   
401,102
     
-
     
-
     
10.03
   
     
8.0
     
429,193
     
10.40
   
     
8.0
 

The Pre-Shock Scenario EVE was $401.1 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $429.2 million at December 31, 2011, and the EVE Ratio at September 30, 2012 was 10.03% in the Pre-Shock Scenario, compared to 10.40% at December 31, 2011.  The declines in both the Pre-Shock Scenario EVE and the Pre-Shock Scenario EVE Ratio resulted primarily from reductions in marketplace deposit offering rates during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, which lowered the Bank's Pre-Shock Scenario core deposit intangible value at September 30, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011.  

The Bank's +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario EVE as of September 30, 2012 decreased from its $432.0 million balance at December 31, 2011 to $393.3 million at September 30, 2012, reflecting reduced benefit in the valuation of both CDs and borrowings in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario EVE as of September 30, 2012.  The reduced benefit in valuation reflected portions of these liabilities moving closer to their maturity or interest rate repricing date period during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
The EVE Ratio was 10.00% in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario at September 30, 2012, a reduction from the EVE Ratio of 10.69% in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario at December 31, 2011, reflecting the reduction in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario EVE from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012.

At September 30, 2012, the interest rate sensitivity in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario was a negative 3 basis points, compared to interest rate sensitivity of positive 29 basis points in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario at December 31, 2011, also reflecting the reduction in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario EVE.
 Income Simulation Analysis.  As of the end of each quarterly period, the Company also monitors the impact of interest rate changes through a net interest income simulation model.  This model monitors the impact of interest rate changes on the Bank's net interest income over forward-looking periods typically not exceeding 24 months (a considerably shorter period than measured through the EVE analysis).  The following table reports the changes to the Company's net interest income over the 12-month period ending September 30, 2013 assuming instantaneous changes in interest rates for the given Rate Shock Scenarios.

Instantaneous Change in Interest rate of:
 
Percentage Change in Aggregate
Net Interest Income
+ 200 Basis Points
 
(7.0)%
+ 100 Basis Points
 
(3.3)   
-100 Basis Points
 
N/A(1)
(1) Due to the existing low level of interest rates, this calculation was deemed not applicable for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2013 (and was therefore not presented).
 
50

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness as of September 30, 2012, of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2012 in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management of the Company as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                          Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A.   Risk Factors

There were no material changes from the risks disclosed in the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Please see "Part I – Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Recent Developments" for a discussion of the Federal Reserve Board's proposed rules implementing the Basel III regulatory capital reforms.

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

(c)    The Holding Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock into treasury during the three months ended September 30, 2012.  No existing repurchase programs expired during the three months ended September 30, 2012, nor did the Company terminate any repurchase programs prior to expiration during the period.  As of September 30, 2012, the Company had an additional 1,124,549 shares remaining eligible for repurchase under its twelfth stock repurchase program, which was publicly announced in June 2007.

Item 3.                          Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.            (Removed and Reserved)

Item 5.            Other Information

None.

Item 6.            Exhibits
 

Exhibit Number

3(i)
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (1)
3(ii)
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (11)
4.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. [See Exhibit 3(i) hereto]
4.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. [See Exhibit 3(ii) hereto]
4.3
 
Draft Stock Certificate of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (2)
4.4
 
Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated as of July 29, 2004, by and among Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware Trustee, Wilmington Trust Company as
   Institutional Trustee, Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., as Sponsor, the Administrators of Dime Community Capital Trust I and the holders from time to time of undivided
   beneficial interests in the assets of Dime Community Capital Trust I (5)
4.5
 
Indenture, dated as of March 19, 2004, between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (5)

51


4.6
 
Series B Guarantee Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2004, executed and delivered by Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., as Guarantor and Wilmington Trust Company, as
   Guarantee Trustee, for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Series B Capital Securities of Dime Community Capital Trust I (5)
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh and Vincent F. Palagiano (13)
10.2
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh and Michael P. Devine (13)
10.3
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh and Kenneth J. Mahon (13)
10.4
 
Employment Agreement between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Vincent F. Palagiano (13)
10.5
 
Employment Agreement between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Michael P. Devine (13)
10.6
 
Employment Agreement between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Kenneth J. Mahon (13)
10.7
 
Form of Employee Retention Agreement by and among The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh, Dime Community Bancorp, Inc. and certain officers (15)
10.8
 
The Benefit Maintenance Plan of Dime Community Bancorp, Inc. (12)
10.9
 
Severance Pay Plan of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh (9)
10.10
 
Retirement Plan for Board Members of Dime Community Bancorp, Inc. (9)
10.12
 
Recognition and Retention Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees of Dime Community Bancorp, Inc., as amended by amendments number 1 and 2 (3)
10.13
 
Form of stock option agreement for Outside Directors under Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.  2001 Stock Option Plans for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. (3)
10.14
 
Form of stock option agreement for officers and employees under Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plans for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (3)
10.15
 
Form of award notice for outside directors under the Recognition and Retention Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees of Dime Community Bancorp, Inc. (3)
10.16
 
Form of award notice for officers and employees under the Recognition and Retention Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees of Dime Community Bancorp, Inc. (3)
10.19
 
Option Conversion Certificates between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and each of Messrs. Russo, Segrete, Calamari, Latawiec, O'Gorman, and Ms. Swaya pursuant to Section
   1.6(b) of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 18, 1998 by and between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Financial Bancorp, Inc. (4)
10.20
 
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees (14)
10.21
 
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees (8)
10.22
 
Waiver executed by Vincent F. Palagiano (7)
10.23
 
Waiver executed by Michael P. Devine (7)
10.24
 
Waiver executed by Kenneth J. Mahon (7)
10.25
 
Form of restricted stock award notice for officers and employees under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (6)
10.27
 
Form of restricted stock award notice for outside directors under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (6)
10.28
 
Employee Retention Agreement between The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh, Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.  and Daniel Harris (9)
10.29
 
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan (9)
10.30
 
The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh 401(K) Savings Plan (Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2010) (10)
10.31
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Certain Affiliates (9)
10.32
 
Amendment to the Benefit Maintenance Plan of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. effective August 23, 2012
12.1
 
Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
31(i).1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
31(i).2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
101**
 
Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2012, is formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) interactive data files: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

52


**
Furnished, not filed, herewith.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Transition Report on Form 10-K for the transition period ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 28, 2003.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 filed on September 28, 1998.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 filed on September 26, 1997, and the Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2004 and March 29, 2005.
(4)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000 filed on September 28, 2000.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the registrant's Registration Statement No. 333-117743 on Form S-4 filed on July 29, 2004.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2005.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 filed on May 10, 2005.
(8)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 filed on August 8, 2008.
(9)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed on March 16, 2009.
(10)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 filed on May 10, 2010
(11)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2011.
(12)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2011.
(13)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 filed on May 10, 2011
(14)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 filed on August 9, 2011
(15)
Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 filed on May 9, 2012




SIGNATURES



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


Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.



Dated: November 13, 2012
 
By: /s/ VINCENT F. PALAGIANO
 
 
Vincent F. Palagiano
 
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer


Dated: November 13, 2012
 
By: /s/ KENNETH J. MAHON
 
 
Kenneth J. Mahon
 
 
First Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

53