Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. Posts Higher Quarterly Net Income

BROOKLYN, NY--(Marketwired - January 27, 2015) - Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCOM) (the "Company" or "Dime"), the parent company of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh (the "Bank"), today reported financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Consolidated net income was $44.2 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $43.5 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2013. Consolidated net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was $12.0 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, compared to $11.8 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, and $10.3 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2013. 

Vincent F. Palagiano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dime, commented, "We closed 2014 on a high note by posting our highest level of quarterly net income, due primarily to elevated loan prepayment income, a recapture of $522,000 to the allowance for loan losses, and a pre-tax gain of approximately $1.0 million on the sale of securities."

Mr. Palagiano continued, "The Company achieved its annual loan growth target of 12%, originating approximately $950.0 million of loans during the year, excluding the repurchase of $200 million of loans previously sold to an investor. By meeting our growth objectives, recognizing the benefits of lower credit costs from improved credit conditions, and maintaining our highly profitable operating cost structure, we were able to effectively fight through the combined headwinds of net interest margin compression and increased marketplace lending competition."

Management's Discussion of 2014 versus 2013 Results

Net interest income was down $4.0 million, or 3.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, reflecting both a $2.5 million decline in interest income and an increase of $1.5 million in interest expense. The reduction in interest income was attributable to interest rates, as the yield on interest earning assets declined 42 basis points year over year. The increase in interest expense was conversely attributable to increased volume, as the average balance of interest bearing liabilities increased $287.4 million year-over-year. The average cost of funds actually declined by 7 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2014. 

Reported Net Interest Margin ("NIM") fell to 3.03% for 2014, from 3.39% for 2013. Loan prepayment fee income, net of accelerated premium amortization on purchased loans, added $12.5 million to net interest income in 2014 and $13.4 million in 2013. After adjusting for the net impact of prepayment income, the "core" NIM declined year-over-year, from 3.03% for 2013 to 2.73% for 2014. 

Further comparing 2014 to 2013, credit loss provisions declined by $2.2 million as credit conditions continued to improve, and operating expenses declined by $1.6 million as the Company maintained its highly efficient operating structure. Non-interest income increased by $1.6 million from 2013 to 2014, due primarily to additional mortgage banking income recognized from the reversal of a $1.0 million liability for losses on loans that were previously sold with recourse and were re-purchased in 2014, and a $1.0 million gain on the sale of securities. 

The net outcome of all of the above was a $698,000 increase in Net Income on a year-over-year basis, with earnings per diluted share remaining at the $1.23 level from 2013. Average common diluted shares outstanding were 35.9 million in 2014 versus 35.3 million in 2013, an increase of 1.8%.

Total consolidated assets grew by 11.6% in 2014, fueled by growth in total real estate loans of 11.4%. Loan originations were $948.2 million for 2014 and were supplemented by the re-acquisition of approximately $200.0 million of loans previously sold with recourse. The loan amortization rate was 19% in 2014, still historically high, however, down from 26% in 2013. The reduction in amortization rate and $200.0 million re-purchase of loans enabled the Company to meet its 12% loan growth target despite a slight reduction in total originations from 2013 to 2014. Tangible (leverage) common equity grew by $28.0 million in 2014, or 7.3%, to $412.6 million, primarily through earnings. Despite the 11.6% growth in assets, the Tier 1 core leverage ratio (tangible common equity) remained above 9.0%, ending 2014 at 9.3%.

Mr. Palagiano commented, "2014 marked an historic year for the Company, the 150^th anniversary of the Bank's founding. As we look forward to the upcoming year, we plan to make critical investments in technology and infrastructure that we believe will best position Dime to thrive in a marketplace that is rapidly changing both technologically and demographically. Achieving these strategic goals will help us proudly continue Dime's successful legacy." 

Management's Discussion of Quarterly Operating Results

• Net Interest Margin

NIM was 3.02% during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 compared to 3.09% during the September 2014 quarter, and 3.24% during the December 2013 quarter. Income recognized from loan prepayment activity, which varies from quarter to quarter, increased the Company's NIM during each of the reporting periods presented. Loan amortization and prepayments ran significantly higher during the last six months of 2014 compared to the first six months of the year. For the fourth quarter 2014, income from prepayment activity was $3.7 million, or 35 basis points of impact upon NIM, compared to $3.9 million, or 38 basis points of impact upon NIM, during the quarter ended September 30, 2014. The "core" NIM, which excludes the impact of this item, decreased from 2.71% during the September 2014 quarter to 2.67% during the December 2014 quarter, caused primarily by a reduction of 6 basis points in the average yield on interest earning assets. Core NIM for the December 2013 quarter was 2.90%.

As mentioned in the Company's previous earnings release, the core NIM is not expected to fluctuate significantly as long as the current interest rate environment remains in effect.

The average cost of funds declined by 3 basis points from the September 2014 to the December 2014 quarter, reflecting a 17 basis point reduction in the average cost of borrowings, as funding costs continued to remain at historically low levels. 

• Net Interest Income

Net interest income ("NII") was $31.7 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2014, down $231,000 from $32.0 million reported in the September 2014 quarter, and $961,000 higher than the $30.8 million reported in the December 2013 quarter. The reduction from the September 2014 quarter primarily reflected $248,000 of lower prepayment related income. The increase in NII from the December 2013 quarter resulted from $479,000 of higher prepayment fee income coupled with the growth of $396.6 million in average interest earnings assets. 

• Provision/Allowance For Loan Losses

A recapture of a portion of the allowance for loan loss reserve resulted in a credit, rather than a charge, to earnings in the fourth quarter of $522,000, due primarily to a lower loss experience applied to pass graded loans.

• Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income was $2.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $779,000 from the September 2014 quarter, and resulted primarily from a $1.0 million gain recognized in the December 2014 quarter on the sale of securities. 

• Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense was $15.2 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2014, in line with the forecasted level, and approximately $507,000 above the $14.7 million level experienced in the September 2014 quarter. There were some non-recurring reductions to operating expenses recognized in the September 2014 quarter, therefore $15.2 million recognized in the December 2014 quarter represented a more normalized level. 

Non-interest expense was 1.38% of average assets during the most recent quarter, compared to 1.36% during the September 2014 quarter. The efficiency ratio approximated 45% during the December 2014 quarter. 

• Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rate approximated 38.9% during the most recent quarter, lower than the forecasted 41.0% level, due to a favorable adjustment related to a prior year tax return. The lower effective tax rate contributed approximately $0.01 to diluted earnings per share during the December 2014 quarter.

Management's Discussion of the December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet

Total assets were $4.50 billion at December 31, 2014, up $112.7 million, or 2.6%, from September 30, 2014. 

• Real Estate Loans

Real estate loan net portfolio growth was $66.1 million for the quarter. Real estate loan originations were $272.7 million, at a weighted average interest rate of 3.21%. Of this amount, $94.8 million represented loan refinances from the existing portfolio. Approximately 76% of the loans originated during the quarter contained repricing terms of 5-years or less. Loan amortization and satisfactions totaled $209.4 million, or 20.5% (annualized) of the quarterly average portfolio balance, at an average rate of 4.63%. The average yield on the loan portfolio (excluding income recognized from prepayment activity) during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was 3.85%, compared to 3.90% during the September 2014 quarter and 4.16% during the December 2013 quarter.

• Credit Summary

Non-performing loans were $6.2 million, or 0.15% of total loans, at December 31, 2014, compared to $11.5 million, or 0.28% of total loans, at September 30, 2014. The decline in dollar amount resulted primarily from both a non-performing loan returning to accrual status and the disposal of another non-performing loan. Accruing loans delinquent between 30 and 89 days were $1.8 million, or approximately 0.04% of total loans, at December 31, 2014, compared to $1.1 million, or 0.03% of total loans, at September 30, 2014. 

At December 31, 2014, the Bank also had $15.1 million of troubled debt restructured loans that remained on accrual status and were deemed performing loans. 

As a result of both the net reduction in the allowance balance and the growth in the loan portfolio, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans declined from 0.47% at September 30, 2014 to 0.45% at December 31, 2014. 

At December 31, 2014, non-performing assets represented 2.5% of the sum of tangible capital plus the allowance for loan losses (this statistic is otherwise known as the "Texas Ratio") (see table later in news release). This number compares very favorably to both national and regional industry averages.

• Deposits and Borrowed Funds

Deposits increased by $37.2 million during the most recent quarter, reflecting net growth of $79.2 million in certificates of deposit ("CDs") and $11.3 million in non-interest bearing checking balances, that were partially offset by a net reduction of $50.6 million in money market deposits.

The Bank's Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances grew by $70.5 million during the December 2014 quarter. All of this growth came in the form of short-term borrowings. The Company plans to utilize deposits to fund asset growth in 2015, and will likely utilize borrowings on an as needed basis.

• Capital

The Company's consolidated tangible capital increased $7.8 million during the most recent quarter. Due to the $112.7 million growth in assets during the December 2014 quarter, the consolidated Tier 1 core leverage ratio (tangible common equity to tangible assets) declined from 9.35% at September 30, 2014 to 9.29% at December 31, 2014.

The Bank's tangible (leverage) capital ratio was 9.20% at December 31, 2014, down from 9.25% at September 30, 2014, due to the growth in assets during the most recent quarter. The Bank's Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 12.89% at December 31, 2014, compared to 12.84% at September 30, 2014.

Reported diluted EPS exceeded the quarterly cash dividend rate per share by 136% during the quarter ended December 31, 2014, equating to a 42% payout ratio. Additions to capital from earnings during the most recent quarterly period enabled tangible book value per share to increase $0.22 sequentially during the most recent quarter, to $11.20 at December 31, 2014.

Outlook for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2015

At December 31, 2014, Dime had outstanding loan commitments totaling $237.5 million, all of which are likely to close during the quarter ending March 31, 2015, at an average interest rate approximating 3.25%. Loan prepayments and amortization are currently projected to run in the 15% - 20% range during 2015.

The Company has a balance sheet growth objective approximating 5% for the year ending December 31, 2015. Management currently expects to utilize retail deposits to fund much of this growth. 

Deposit funding costs are expected to remain near current historically low levels through the March 2015 quarter. The Bank has $106.4 million of CDs maturing at an average cost of 1.30% during the quarter ending March 31, 2015. The current offering rates on 12-month term CDs approximates 40 basis points. During the quarter ending March 31, 2015, the Bank has $265.0 million in borrowings due to mature at an average cost of 0.97%. 

The Bank plans to utilize promotional campaigns related to money market and checking accounts (both consumer and business), the success of which will determine the direction and degree of funding from both deposits and borrowings, as well as the overall cost of funds for the March 2015 quarter.

Loan loss reserve provisions or credits will likely depend upon annualized loan portfolio growth, incurred and anticipated losses, and the overall performance of the loan portfolio.

As previously noted, the Company has several strategic technology and infrastructure initiatives planned for 2015, which are expected to slightly elevate operating costs for the year. Non-interest expense is therefore expected to range between $15.5 million and $16.0 million during the March 2015 quarter. 

The Company projects that the consolidated effective tax rate will approximate 40.0% in the March 2015 quarter.

ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

The Company (NASDAQ: DCOM) had $4.50 billion in consolidated assets as of December 31, 2014, and is the parent company of the Bank. The Bank was founded in 1864, is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, and currently has twenty-five branches located throughout Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Nassau County, New York. More information on the Company and Dime can be found on the Dime's Internet website at www.dime.com.

This News Release 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," "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 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 are 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 results to differ materially from future results 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 Dime; 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 financial condition or results of operations; 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; or 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.