10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

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)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	11-3297463 (I.R.S. employer identification number)
300 Cadman Plaza West, 8th Floor, Brooklyn, NY  (Address of principal executive offices)	11201 (Zip Code)

(718) 782-6200

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all the reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES  ☒          NO  ☐

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

YES   ☒          NO  ☐

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

LARGE ACCELERATED FILER  ☐	ACCELERATED FILER  ☒
NON -ACCELERATED FILER  ☐	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
	SMALLER REPORTING COMPANY  ☐
	EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES  ☐          NO  ☒

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 May 9, 2018
$.01 Par Value	37,571,197

		Page
	PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017	4
	Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	5
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	7
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8-29
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30-40
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	40-41
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	42
	PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	42
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	42
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	42
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	42
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	42
Item 5.	Other Information	42
Item 6.	Exhibits	43
	Signatures	44

2

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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 “annualized,” "anticipate," "believe," “continue,” "could," "estimate," "expect," “impact,” "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. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following:

· the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond the Company’s control;

· there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions;

· the net interest margin is subject to material short-term fluctuation based upon market rates;

· changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect the business of Dime Community Bank (the "Bank");

· changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause the Company’s financial condition to be perceived differently;

· changes in corporate and/or individual income tax laws may adversely affect the Company's business or financial condition;

· general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which the Company conducts business, or conditions in the securities markets or the banking industry may be less favorable than the Company currently anticipates;

· legislative or regulatory changes may adversely affect the Company’s business;

· technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than the Company anticipates;

· our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities, if any;

· breaches, failures and interruptions in IT systems and IT security;

· ability to retain key employees/executive management team;

· 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" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

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

3

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands except share amounts)

	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
ASSETS:
Cash and due from banks	$	188,826		$	169,455
Total cash and cash equivalents		188,826			169,455
Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) available-for-sale, at fair value (See Note 7)		354,410			351,384
Marketable equity securities, at fair value		6,433			-
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value (Fully unencumbered)		-			4,006
Trading securities		-			2,715
Loans:
Real estate		5,360,555			5,464,067
Commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans		145,818			136,671
Other loans		1,053			1,379
Less allowance for loan losses		(21,204	)		(21,033	)
Total loans, net		5,486,222			5,581,084
Premises and fixed assets, net		25,276			24,326
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") capital stock		52,514			59,696
Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")		109,257			108,545
Goodwill		55,638			55,638
Other assets		47,341			46,611
Total Assets	$	6,325,917		$	6,403,460
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Due to depositors:
Interest-bearing deposits	$	4,105,370		$	4,095,701
Non-interest-bearing deposits		325,071			307,746
Total deposits		4,430,441			4,403,447
Escrow and other deposits		131,953			82,168
FHLBNY advances		1,010,400			1,170,000
Subordinated debt, net		113,649			113,612
Other liabilities		31,517			35,666
Total Liabilities		5,717,960			5,804,893
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock ($0.01 par, 9,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)		-			-
Common stock ($0.01 par, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 53,653,224 shares and 53,624,453 shares issued at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and 37,484,270 shares and 37,419,070 shares outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)		537			536
Additional paid-in capital		277,070			276,730
Retained earnings		544,762			535,130
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes		(4,037	)		(3,641	)
Unearned Restricted Stock Award common stock		(3,855	)		(2,894	)
Common stock held by Benefit Maintenance Plan ("BMP")		(2,196	)		(2,736	)
Treasury stock, at cost (16,168,954 shares and 16,205,383 shares at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)		(204,324	)		(204,558	)
Total Stockholders' Equity		607,957			598,567
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	6,325,917		$	6,403,460

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Interest income:
Loans secured by real estate	$	49,575	$	50,475
C& I		1,656		41
Other loans		19		18
MBS		2,257		14
Investment securities		15		190
Other short-term investments		1,511		717
Total interest income		55,033		51,455
Interest expense:
Deposits and escrow		10,751		9,507
Borrowed funds		6,267		4,461
Total interest expense		17,018		13,968
Net interest income		38,015		37,487
Provision for loan losses		193		450
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		37,822		37,037
Non-interest income:
Service charges and other fees		911		794
Mortgage banking income, net		111		16
Net gain on securities and other assets(1)		1,366		75
Gain on sale of loans		90		-
Income from BOLI		712		545
Other		54		348
Total non-interest income		3,244		1,778
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		11,177		9,926
Stock benefit plan compensation expense		388		394
Occupancy and equipment		3,872		3,628
Data processing costs		1,754		1,607
Marketing		1,047		1,466
Federal deposit insurance premiums		665		655
Other		2,831		3,093
Total non-interest expense		21,734		20,769
Income before income taxes		19,332		18,046
Income tax expense		4,587		6,889
Net income	$	14,745	$	11,157
Earnings per Share:
Basic	$	0.39	$	0.30
Diluted	$	0.39	$	0.30

⁽¹⁾ Amount includes periodic valuation gains or losses on marketable equity and trading securities

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Net Income	$	14,745		$	11,157
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities		-			34
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities available-for-sale		(2,558	)		120
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations		155			302
Change in unrealized gain on derivative asset		2,016			315
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before income taxes		(387	)		771
Deferred tax expense (benefit)		(112	)		346
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(275	)		425
Total comprehensive income	$	14,470		$	11,582

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months ended March 31, 2018
	Number of Shares			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Deferred Taxes			Unearned Stock Award Common Stock			Common Stock Held by BMP			Treasury Stock, at cost			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2018		37,419,070		$	536	$	276,730		$	535,130		$	(3,641	)	$	(2,894	)	$	(2,736	)	$	(204,558	)	$	598,567
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on marketable equity securities		-			-		-			153			(153	)		-			-			-			-
Adjusted beginning balance as of January 1, 2018		37,419,070			536		276,730			535,283			(3,794	)		(2,894	)		(2,736	)		(204,558	)		598,567
Net Income		-			-		-			14,745			-			-			-			-			14,745
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		-			-		-			-			(275	)		-			-			-			(275	)
Exercise of stock options, net		19,726			1		454			-			-			-			-			(165	)		290
Release of shares, net of forfeitures		73,019			-		426			-			-			(1,349	)		-			923			-
Stock-based compensation		-			-		-			-			-			388			-			-			388
Shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits		(27,545	)		-		(540	)		-			-			-			540			(524	)		(524	)
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income (loss)		-			-		-			(32	)		32			-			-			-			-
Cash dividends declared and paid		-			-		-			(5,234	)		-			-			-			-			(5,234	)
Ending balance as of March 31, 2018		37,484,270		$	537	$	277,070		$	544,762		$	(4,037	)	$	(3,855	)	$	(2,196	)	$	(204,324	)	$	607,957

	Three Months ended March 31, 2017
	Number of Shares		Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Deferred Taxes			Unearned Stock Award Common Stock			Common Stock Held by BMP			Treasury Stock, at cost			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2017		37,455,853	$	536	$	278,356	$	503,539		$	(5,939	)	$	(1,932	)	$	(6,859	)	$	(201,833	)	$	565,868
Net Income		-		-		-		11,157			-			-			-			-			11,157
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-		-		-		-			425			-			-			-			425
Exercise of stock options		42,062		-		624		-			-			-			-			-			624
Release of shares, net of forfeitures		71,433		-		573		-			-			(1,474	)		-			901			-
Stock-based compensation		-		-		-		-			-			394			-			-			394
Cash dividends declared and paid		-		-		-		(5,243	)		-			-			-			-			(5,243	)
Ending balance as of March 31, 2017		37,569,348	$	536	$	279,553	$	509,453		$	(5,514	)	$	(3,012	)	$	(6,859	)	$	(200,932	)	$	573,225

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$	14,745		$	11,157
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net loss (gain) recognized on marketable equity and trading securities		4			(75	)
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale		(90	)		-
Net gain on MBS available-for-sale sold		(1,370	)		-
Net depreciation, amortization and accretion		2,184			879
Stock plan compensation		388			394
Provision for loan losses		193			450
Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI		(712	)		(545	)
Deferred income tax provision		(1,728	)		688
Reduction in credit related other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) amortized through interest income		-			(26	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (Increase)  in other assets		3,204			(69	)
Increase (Decrease) in other liabilities		(4,072	)		4,413
Net cash provided by Operating activities		12,746			17,266
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities		393			-
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale		-			35
Proceeds from sales of MBS available-for-sale		158,484			-
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale		-			(16	)
Purchases of marketable equity securities		(109	)		-
Purchases of MBS available-for-sale		(189,874	)		-
Acquisition of trading securities		-			(125	)
Proceeds from calls and principal repayments of MBS available-for-sale		25,958			13
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale		765			-
Net decrease (increase) in loans		93,994			(115,759	)
Purchases of fixed assets, net		(1,879	)		(3,969	)
Sale of FHLBNY capital stock, net		7,182			3,033
Net cash provided by (used in) Investing Activities		94,914			(116,788	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in due to depositors		26,994			113,056
Increase in escrow and other deposits		49,785			32,816
Repayments of FHLBNY advances		(1,034,600	)		(404,500	)
Proceeds from FHLBNY advances		875,000			337,100
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		290			624
BMP ESOP shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits		(524	)		-
Cash dividends paid to stockholders, net		(5,234	)		(5,243	)
Net cash provided by (used in) Financing Activities		(88,289	)		73,853
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		19,371			(25,669	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD		169,455			113,503
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$	188,826		$	87,834
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for income taxes	$	2,928		$	1,662
Cash paid for interest		15,323			12,695
Loans transferred to held for sale		675			-
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		-			25
Net decrease in non-credit component of OTTI		-			8

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

1.   NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the "Holding Company" and together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the "Company") is a Delaware corporation organized by Dime Community Bank (f/k/a The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh) (the "Bank") for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock of the Bank issued in the Bank's conversion to stock ownership on June 26, 1996.  At March 31, 2018 the significant assets of the Holding Company were the capital stock of the Bank and investments retained by the Holding Company.  The liabilities of the Holding Company were comprised primarily of $113,649 subordinated notes due in 2027, which become callable commencing in 2022.  The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Bank was originally founded in 1864 as a New York State-chartered mutual savings bank, and currently operates as a New York State-chartered stock savings bank.  Effective August 1, 2016, the Bank changed its name from The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh to Dime Community Bank.  The new name more accurately reflects the Bank’s evolving business model and emphasizes its broader geographic and business reach while retaining the Bank’s mission to be in and of the communities it serves, including the virtual online community.  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, mixed use, and, to an increasing extent, commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of the U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises, and corporate debt and equity securities.

The Holding Company neither owns nor leases any property, but instead uses the administrative offices of the Bank, located in the Brooklyn Heights section of the borough of Brooklyn, New York. The Bank maintains its principal office in the Williamsburg section of the borough of Brooklyn, New York.  As of March 31, 2018, the Bank had twenty-nine retail banking offices located throughout the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and in Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York.

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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the results of operations and statements of comprehensive income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.  The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2018.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”).

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

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

8

3.   RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires companies that lease valuable assets to recognize on their balance sheets the assets and liabilities generated by contracts longer than a year. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, however, early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires that the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date be based on historical experience, current condition, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better measure their credit loss estimates. This guidance also amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. For the Company, this guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2019. The Company has established a committee that is assessing system requirements, gathering data, and evaluating the impact of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements. The Company expects to recognize a one-time cumulative effect increase to the allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the ASU takes effect, however, cannot yet determine the magnitude of the impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2017-08 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

4.   ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

	Securities Held- to-Maturity and Transferred Securities			Securities Available-for- Sale			Defined Benefit Plans			Derivative Asset			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)
Balance as of January 1, 2018	$	-		$	285		$	(6,633	)	$	2,707		$	(3,641	)
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities (1)		-			(153	)		-			-			(153	)
Adjusted balance as of January 1, 2018		-			132			(6,633	)		2,707			(3,794	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		-			(786	)		(88	)		1,373			499
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			(922	)		192			(44	)		(744	)
Net other comprehensive income during the period		-			(1,708	)		104			1,329			(275	)
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income (2)		-			-			32			-			32
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	-		$	(1,576	)	$	(6,497	)	$	4,036		$	(4,037	)
Balance as of January 1, 2017	$	(713	)	$	(92	)	$	(6,910	)	$	1,776		$	(5,939	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		18			65			-			124			207
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			-			171			47			218
Net other comprehensive income during the period		18			65			171			171			425
Balance as of March 31, 2017	$	(695	)	$	(27	)	$	(6,739	)	$	1,947		$	(5,514	)

⁽¹⁾ Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 allowing the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

⁽²⁾ Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2018-02 allowing the reclassification of certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) (or portion thereof) is recorded. The amount of the reclassification is an adjustment for the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate (35%) and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate.

9

The before and after tax amounts allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities:
Accretion of previously recognized non-credit component of OTTI	$	-		$	9
Change in unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity		-			25
Net change		-			34
Tax expense		-			16
Net change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities		-			18
Change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale:
Change in net unrealized gain during the period		(1,188	)		120
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net gain on securities and other assets		(1,370	)		-
Net change		(2,558	)		120
Tax expense (benefit)		(850	)		55
Net change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale		(1,708	)		65
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in salaries and employee benefits expense		286			-
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss		(131	)		302
Net change		155			302
Tax expense		51			131
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations		104			171
Change in unrealized loss on derivative asset or liability:
Change in net unrealized loss during the period		2,081			228
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense		(65	)		87
Net change		2,016			315
Tax expense		687			144
Net change in unrealized loss on derivative asset or liability		1,329			171
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(275	)	$	425

5.   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, and likely aggregate Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) share payout.  In determining the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS, treasury 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 RSA shares and LTIP shares not yet awarded are recognized as a special class of participating securities under ASC 260.

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Net income per the Consolidated Statements of Income	$	14,745		$	11,157
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities		(29	)		(25	)
Income attributable to common stock	$	14,716		$	11,132
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities		37,495,317			37,603,628
Less: weighted average participating securities		(145,725	)		(150,423	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		37,349,592			37,453,205
Basic EPS	$	0.39		$	0.30
Income attributable to common stock	$	14,716		$	11,132
Weighted average common shares outstanding		37,349,592			37,453,205
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding		115,133			96,371
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding		37,464,725			37,549,576
Diluted EPS	$	0.39		$	0.30

10

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

There were no “out-of-the-money” stock options during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

For information about the calculation of expected aggregate LTIP share payout, see Note 14.

6.    REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), on January 1, 2018. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity is required to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  ASU 2014-09 also requires disclosure of sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, as well as qualitative and quantitative disclosure related to contracts with certain customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.

In accordance with ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these services. The Company applies the following five steps to properly recognize revenue:

1. Identify the contract with a customer

2. Identify the performance obligations in the contract

3. Determine the transaction price

4. Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract

5. Recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation

The Company’s only in-scope revenue stream that is subject to Topic 606 is service fees on deposit accounts (including interchange fees), which is disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Service charges and other fees.”  For the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, total revenues from contracts with customers totaled $911.

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts. The Company earns fees from its deposits customers for transaction-based, account maintenance, and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as ATM use fees, stop payments, statement rendering, and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the Company fulfills the customer’s request. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of the month, representing the period over which the Company satisfied the performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs. Service charges on deposits are withdrawn from the customer’s account balance.

Interchange Income. The Company earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions conducted through various payment networks. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provide to the cardholder.

11

7.   INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

The Company adopted ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018. As a result of adoption all registered mutual funds and trading securities were reclassified as marketable equity securities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Conditions and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded through the income statement. Additionally, $153 of unrealized gains, net of taxes, was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to beginning retained earnings during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. Marketable equity securities are excluded from the tables for the period ended March 31, 2018.

The following tables summarize the major categories of securities owned by the Company as of the dates indicated:

	At March 31, 2018
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized  Gains		Gross  Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Pass-through MBS issued by Government-sponsored Enterprises (“GSEs”)	$	239,232	$	22	$	(1,889	)	$	237,365
Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (“CMO”)		117,541		470		(966	)		117,045
Total debt securities available-for-sale	$	356,773	$	492	$	(2,855	)	$	354,410

	At December 31, 2017
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Registered Mutual Funds	$	3,779	$	311	$	(84	)	$	4,006
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		72,938		16		(325	)		72,629
CMO		278,251		669		(165	)		278,755
Total investment securities available-for-sale	$	354,968	$	996	$	(574	)	$	355,390

The carrying amount of securities pledged as collateral for the Bank’s first loss guarantee was $27,084 and $28,738 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively (see Note 10).

At March 31, 2018, available-for-sale pass-through MBS issued by GSEs possessed a weighted average contractual maturity of 14.6 years and a weighted average estimated duration of 4.2 years.  As of March 31, 2018, the available-for-sale agency CMO securities had a weighted average term to maturity of 10.7 years.

During the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company sold its entire portfolio of investment securities held-to-maturity consisting of six TRUP CDO securities, of which five were deemed to be OTTI. The TRUP CDO portfolio was sold as part of the Company’s strategy to take advantage of investment opportunities. The Company does not intend to classify any securities as held-to-maturity for the foreseeable future. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, the Company recognized amortization of $25 of the unamortized portion of unrealized losses that were 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), and $8 on the unamortized portion of previous credit losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

There were no sales of available-for-sale pass-through MBS issued by GSEs during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

Proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale CMOs totaled $158,484 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. Gross gains of $1,370 were recognized on these sales. There were no sales of available-for-sale CMOs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. The tax expense related to the gain on sales of available for sale CMOs recognized during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 was $440.

12

The Company holds marketable equity securities (both investment securities available-for-sale and trading securities as of December 31, 2017) as the underlying mutual fund investments of the BMP, held in a rabbi trust. The Company may sell these securities on a periodic basis in order to pay retirement benefits to plan retirees. There are no gains or losses recognized from the sales of marketable equity securities.  A summary of the sales of marketable equity securities is listed below for the periods indicated:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Proceeds:
Marketable equity securities	$	393	$	-
Investment securities available-for-sale		-		35
Trading securities		-		-

The remaining gain or loss on securities shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income was due to market valuation changes resulting in a loss of $4 on marketable equity securities and a gain of $75 on trading securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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

	March 31, 2018
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized  Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs	$	215,028	$	1,889	$	-	$	-	$	215,028	$	1,889
Agency CMO		45,534		881		3,063		85		48,597		966

	December 31, 2017
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Registered Mutual Funds	$	-	$	-	$	2,591	$	84	$	2,591	$	84
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs		55,819		325		-		-		55,819		325
Agency CMO		86,746		96		3,168		69		89,914		165

The issuers of debt securities available-for-sale are U.S. government-sponsored entities or agencies. The decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality. It is likely that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, and as such, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily-impaired at March 31, 2018.

8.   LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY

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

Credit Quality Indicators:

On a quarterly basis, the Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying them as to credit risk.  This analysis includes all loans, such as multifamily residential, mixed use residential (i.e., loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the residential units), mixed use commercial real estate (i.e.,loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the commercial units), commercial real estate loans, acquisition, development, and construction (“ADC”) loans (which includes land loans), C&I loans, as well as one-to-four family residential and cooperative and condominium apartment loans.

13

The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

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

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

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

The Bank had no loans classified as doubtful as of March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. All real estate and C&I loans not classified as Special Mention or Substandard were deemed pass loans at both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

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

	Balance at March 31, 2018
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	61,586	$	176	$	834	$	-	$	62,596
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		4,275,143		2,409		3,399		-		4,280,951
Commercial mixed-use real estate		396,584		1,343		4,242		-		402,169
Commercial real estate		598,871		1,879		4,676		-		605,426
ADC		9,413		-		-		-		9,413
Total real estate		5,341,597		5,807		13,151		-		5,360,555
C&I		144,639		-		1,179		-		145,818
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,486,236	$	5,807	$	14,330	$	-	$	5,506,373

	Balance at December 31, 2017
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	62,042	$	178	$	875	$	-	$	63,095
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		4,374,388		6,326		466		-		4,381,180
Commercial mixed-use real estate		396,647		-		4,908		-		401,555
Commercial real estate		602,448		1,897		4,703		-		609,048
ADC		9,189		-		-		-		9,189
Total real estate		5,444,714		8,401		10,952		-		5,464,067
C&I		136,671		-		-		-		136,671
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,581,385	$	8,401	$	10,952	$	-	$	5,600,738

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

Grade	Balance at March 31, 2018		Balance at December 31, 2017
Performing	$	1,052	$	1,375
Non-accrual		1		4
Total	$	1,053	$	1,379

14

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

	At March 31, 2018
	30 to 59 Days Past Due		60 to 89 Days Past Due		Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing  Interest		Non-accrual (1)		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	-	$	9	$	6,150	$	449	$	6,608	$	55,988	$	62,596
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		2,946		-		2,625		-		5,571		4,275,380		4,280,951
Commercial mixed-use real estate		-		-		669		90		759		401,410		402,169
Commercial real estate		-		-		4,372		-		4,372		601,054		605,426
ADC		-		-		-		-		-		9,413		9,413
Total real estate	$	2,946	$	9	$	13,816	$	539	$	17,310	$	5,343,245	$	5,360,555
C&I	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	1,179	$	1,179	$	144,639	$	145,818
Consumer	$	1	$	1	$	-	$	1	$	3	$	1,050	$	1,053

⁽¹⁾ Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of March 31, 2018.

	At December 31, 2017
	30 to 59 Days Past Due		60 to 89 Days Past Due		Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due		Non-accrual (1)		Total Past  Due		Current		Total Loans
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	10	$	23	$	6,397	$	436	$	6,866	$	56,229	$	63,095
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		-		-		1,669		-		1,669		4,379,511		4,381,180
Commercial mixed-use real estate		-		-		520		93		613		400,942		401,555
Commercial real estate		-		-		11,349		-		11,349		597,699		609,048
ADC		-		-		-		-		-		9,189		9,189
Total real estate	$	10	$	23	$	19,935	$	529	$	20,497	$	5,443,570	$	5,464,067
C&I	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	136,671	$	136,671
Consumer	$	4	$	-	$	-	$	4	$	8	$	1,371	$	1,379

⁽¹⁾ Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2017.

Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due

The Bank continued accruing interest on fourteen real estate loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $13,816 at March 31, 2018, and fourteen real estate loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $19,935 at December 31, 2017, all of which were 90 days or more past due on their respective contractual maturity dates. These loans continued to make monthly payments consistent with their initial contractual amortization schedule exclusive of the balloon payments due at maturity.  These loans were well secured, and repayment or refinance is expected, and, therefore, remained on accrual status and were deemed performing assets at the dates indicated above.

Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs")

The following table summarizes outstanding TDRs by underlying collateral types as of the dates indicated:

	As of March 31, 2018				As of December 31, 2017
	No. of Loans		Balance		No. of Loans		Balance
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment		1	$	20		1	$	22
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		3		604		3		619
Commercial mixed-use real estate		1		4,152		1		4,174
Commercial real estate		1		3,279		1		3,296
Total real estate		6	$	8,055		6	$	8,111

15

Accrual status for TDRs is determined separately for each TDR in accordance with the Bank’s policies for determining accrual or non-accrual status.  At the time an agreement is entered into between the Bank and the borrower that results in the Bank's determination that a TDR has been created, the loan can be on either accrual or non-accrual status.  If a loan is on non-accrual status at the time it is restructured, it continues to be classified as non-accrual until the borrower has demonstrated compliance with the modified loan terms for a period of at least six months.  Conversely, if at the time of restructuring the loan is performing (and accruing), it will remain accruing throughout its restructured period, unless the loan subsequently meets any of the criteria for non-accrual status under the Bank’s policy and agency regulations. There were no TDRs on non-accrual status at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

The Company has not restructured any C&I or consumer loans, as these loan portfolios have not experienced any problem issues warranting restructuring. Therefore, all TDRs were collateralized by real estate at both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

There were no loans modified in a manner that met the criteria of a TDR during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Bank had no loan commitments to borrowers with outstanding TDRs.

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

There were no TDRs which defaulted within twelve months following the modification during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017 (thus no impact to the allowance for loan losses during those periods).

Impaired Loans

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

The Bank considers TDRs and all non-accrual loans, except one-to-four family loans equal to or less than the FNMA conforming loan limits for high-cost areas, such as the Bank's primary lending area, (“FNMA Limits”) and consumer loans, to be impaired.  Non-accrual one-to-four family loans equal to or less than the FNMA Limits and all consumer loans, are considered homogeneous loan pools and are not required to be evaluated individually for impairment unless considered a TDR.

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

Please refer to Note 8 for tabular information related to impaired loans.

16

9.   ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The allowance for loan losses may consist of specific and general components. At March 31, 2018, the Bank’s periodic evaluation of its allowance for loan losses (specific or general) was comprised of two primary components: (1) impaired loans and (2) pass graded loans. Within these components, the Company has identified the following portfolio segments for purposes of assessing its allowance for loan losses: (1) real estate loans; (2) C&I loans; and (3) consumer loans.  Within these segments, the Bank analyzes the allowance for loan losses based upon the underlying collateral type (classes). Smaller balance homogeneous real estate loans, such as condominium or cooperative apartment and one-to-four family residential real estate loans with balances equal to or less than the FNMA Limits, and consumer loans are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

Impaired Loan Component

All loans that are deemed to meet the definition of impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. Impairment is typically measured using the difference between the outstanding loan principal balance and either: (1) the likely realizable value of a note sale; (2) the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of likely disposal costs, if repayment is expected to come from liquidation of the collateral; or (3) the present value of estimated future cash flows (using the loan's pre-modification rate in the case of certain performing TDRs).  For impaired loans on non-accrual status, either of the initial two measurements is utilized.

All TDRs are considered impaired loans and are evaluated individually for measurable impairment, if any.  If a TDR is substantially performing in accordance with its restructured terms, management will look to either the present value of the expected cash flows from the debt service or the potential net liquidation proceeds of the underlying collateral in measuring impairment (whichever is deemed most appropriate under the circumstances). If a TDR has re-defaulted, the likely realizable net proceeds from either a note sale or the liquidation of the collateral are generally considered when measuring impairment.  While measured impairment is generally charged off immediately, impairment attributed to a reduction in the present value of expected cash flows of a performing TDR is generally reflected as an allocated reserve within the allowance for loan losses. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no allocated reserves related to TDRs within the allowance for loan losses.

Non-Impaired Loan Component

The Bank initially looks to the underlying collateral type when determining the allowance for loan losses associated with non-impaired real estate loans.  The following underlying collateral types are analyzed separately: 1) one-to-four family residential and condominium or cooperative apartment; 2) multifamily residential and residential mixed use; 3) commercial mixed use real estate, 4) commercial real estate; 5) ADC; and 6) C&I.  Within the analysis of each underlying collateral type, the following elements are additionally considered and provided weighting in determining the allowance for loan losses for non-impaired real estate loans:

(i) Charge-off experience (including peer charge-off experience)

(ii) Economic conditions

(iii) Underwriting standards or experience

(iv) Loan concentrations

(v) Regulatory climate

(vi) Nature and volume of the portfolio

(vii) Changes in the quality and scope of the loan review function

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

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

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

17

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

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

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

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

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

Consumer Loans

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

 Reserve for Loan Commitments

At both March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively, the Bank maintained a reserve of $25 associated with unfunded loan commitments accepted by the borrower.  This reserve is determined based upon the outstanding volume of loan commitments at each period end.  Any increases or reductions in this reserve are recognized in periodic non-interest expense.

18

The following tables present data regarding the allowance for loan losses activity for the periods indicated:

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
				Real Estate Loans																Consumer Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily  Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate			Commercial Real Estate			ADC		Total Real Estate				C&I
Beginning balance	$	116		$	15,219		$	1,388		$	2,147		$	123	$	18,993		$	2,021	$	19
Provision (credit) for loan losses		-			(223	)		6			(19	)		3		(233	)		424		2
Charge-offs		(15	)		-			(4	)		-			-		(19	)		-		(4	)
Recoveries		1			-			-			-			-		1			-		-
Ending balance	$	102		$	14,996		$	1,390		$	2,128		$	126	$	18,742		$	2,445	$	17

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Real Estate Loans																	Consumer Loans
	One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed- Use			Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate			Commercial Real Estate			Total Real Estate				C&I
Beginning balance	$	145		$	16,555		$	1,698		$	2,118		$	20,516		$	-	$	20
Provision (credit) for loan losses		(4	)		134			(109	)		(23	)		(2	)		453		(1	)
Charge-offs		(13	)		(69	)		-			-			(82	)		-		-
Recoveries		1			45			-			4			50			-		-
Ending balance	$	129		$	16,665		$	1,589		$	2,099		$	20,482		$	453	$	19

19

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment evaluation method as of the dates indicated:

	At March 31, 2018
			Real Estate Loans											C&I	Consumer Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		ADC		Total Real Estate
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	294	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		102		14,996		1,390		2,128		126		18,742		2,151		17
Total ending allowance balance	$	102	$	14,996	$	1,390	$	2,128	$	126	$	18,742	$	2,445	$	17
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	20	$	604	$	4,242	$	3,279	$	-	$	8,145	$	1,179	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		62,576		4,280,347		397,927		602,147		9,413		5,352,410		144,639		1,053
Total ending loans balance	$	62,596	$	4,280,951	$	402,169	$	605,426	$	9,413	$	5,360,555	$	145,818	$	1,053

	At December 31, 2017
			Real Estate Loans												Consumer Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		116		15,219		1,388		2,147		123		18,993		2,021		19
Total ending allowance balance	$	116	$	15,219	$	1,388	$	2,147	$	123	$	18,993	$	2,021	$	19
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	22	$	619	$	4,267	$	3,296	$	-	$	8,204	$	-	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		63,073		4,380,561		397,288		605,752		9,189		5,455,863		136,671		1,379
Total ending loans balance	$	63,095	$	4,381,180	$	401,555	$	609,048	$	9,189	$	5,464,067	$	136,671	$	1,379

20

The following tables summarize impaired real estate loans with no related allowance recorded as of the dates indicated (by collateral type within the real estate loan segment):

	At March 31, 2018						At December 31, 2017
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment(1)		Related Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment(1)		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	20	$	20	$	-	$	22	$	22	$	-
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		604		604		-		619		619		-
Commercial mixed-use real estate		4,242		4,242		-		4,267		4,267		-
Commercial real estate		3,279		3,279		-		3,296		3,296		-
Total with no related allowance recorded		8,145		8,145		-		8,204		8,204		-
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		1,179		1,179		294		-		-		-
Total with an allowance recorded		1,179		1,179		294		-		-		-
Total	$	9,324	$	9,324	$	294	$	8,204	$	8,204	$	-

⁽¹⁾ The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.

The following table presents information for impaired loans for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018				Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Average Recorded Investment(1)		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded  Investment(1)		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	21	$	-	$	404	$	7
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		611		12		3,302		46
Commercial mixed-use real estate		4,255		43		4,773		45
Commercial real estate		3,287		33		3,355		34
Total with no related allowance recorded		8,174		88		11,834		132
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		589		-		-		-
Total with no related allowance recorded	$	8,763	$	88	$	11,834	$	132

⁽¹⁾ The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.

10.   LOAN SECURITIZATION

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Bank completed a securitization of $280,186 of its multifamily loans through a Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) sponsored “Q-deal” securitization completed in December 2017. Four classes of FHLMC guaranteed structured pass-through certificates were issued and purchased entirely by the Bank. As part of the securitization transaction, the Bank entered into a Servicing Agreement, which included general representations and warranties, and reimbursement obligations.

Servicing responsibilities on loan sales generally include obligations to collect and remit payments of principal and interest, provide foreclosure services, manage payments of tax and insurance, and otherwise administer the underlying loans. In connection with the securitization transaction, FHLMC was designated as the master servicer and appointed the Company to perform sub-servicing responsibilities, which generally include the servicing responsibilities described above with exception to the servicing of foreclosed or defaulted loans. The overall management, servicing, and resolution of defaulted loans and foreclosed loans are separately designated to the special servicer, a third party institution that is independent of the master servicer and the Company. The master servicer has the right to terminate the Company in its role as sub-servicer and direct such responsibilities accordingly.

21

General representations and warranties associated with loan sales and securitization sales require the Company to uphold various assertions that pertain to the underlying loans at the time of the transaction, including, but not limited to, compliance with relevant laws and regulations, absence of fraud, enforcement of liens, no environmental damages, and maintenance of relevant environmental insurance. Such representations and warranties are limited to those that do not meet the quality represented at the transaction date and do not pertain to a decline in value or future payment defaults. In circumstances where the Company breaches its representations and warranties, the Company would generally be required to cure such instances through a repurchase or substitution of the subject loan(s).

With respect to the securitization transaction, the Company also has continuing involvement through a reimbursement agreement executed with Freddie Mac. To the extent the ultimate resolution of defaulted loans results in contractual principal and interest payments that are deficient, the Company is obligated to reimburse FHLMC for such amounts, not to exceed 10% of the original principal amount of the loans comprising the securitization pool at the closing date.  At both March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively, the Bank maintained a liability of $420 for the exposure to the reimbursement agreement with FHLMC, the first loss guarantee. Any increases or reductions in this liability are recognized in periodic non-interest expense.

11.   DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments.  Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.  The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s loan portfolio.

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.   During 2018, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing or forecasted issuances of short term borrowings debt.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s debt.  During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $1,132 will be reclassified as a reduction to interest expense.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Balance Sheet as of the periods indicated.

	At March 31, 2018									At December 31, 2017
	Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities			Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
Interest rate swaps related to FHLBNY advances		8	$	150,000	$	6,117	$	(78	)		7	$	135,000	$	4,041	$	-

22

The table below presents the effect of the cash flow hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income as of March 31, 2018 and 2017.

	Three months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Interest rate products
Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income	$	2,081		$	228
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income into interest expense		(65	)		87

The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of fair value. The tabular disclosure of fair value provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Balance Sheet.

At March 31, 2018

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

								Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition			Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
FHLB Advances	$	6,117	$	(78	)	$	6,039	$	-	$	-	$	6,039

At December 31, 2017

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets		Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
FHLB Advances	$	4,041	$	-	$	4,041	$	-	$	-	$	4,041

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

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

As of March 31, 2018, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $6,100. If the Company had breached any of the above provisions at March 31, 2018, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value and would have been required to pay any additional amounts due in excess of amounts previously posted as collateral with the respective counterparty. There were no provisions breached for the period ended March 31, 2018.

23

12.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

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.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Securities

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

The pass-through MBS issued by GSEs all possessed the highest possible credit rating published by at least one established credit rating agency as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Obtaining market values as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 for these securities utilizing significant observable inputs was not difficult due to their considerable demand.

Derivatives

Derivatives represent interest rate swaps and estimated fair values are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date.

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

			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	$	1,863	$	1,863		-		-
International Equity Mutual Funds		538		538		-		-
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		4,032		4,032		-		-
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		237,365		-		237,365		-
Agency CMOs		117,045		-		117,045		-
Derivative – interest rate product		6,117		-		6,117		-
Financial Liabilities
Derivative – interest rate product	$	78	$	-	$	78	$	-

24

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	$	460	$	460	$	-	$	-
International Equity Mutual Funds		120		120		-		-
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,135		2,135		-		-
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Registered Mutual Funds:
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		1,512		1,512		-		-
International Equity Mutual Funds		445		445		-		-
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,049		2,049		-		-
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		72,629		-		72,629		-
Agency CMOs		278,755		-		278,755		-
Derivative – interest rate product		4,041		-		4,041		-

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment), and are subject to fair value adjustments. Financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include certain impaired loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.

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 were collateralized by real estate and accounts receivable at March 31, 2018, and real estate at December 31, 2017, and were thus carried at the lower of the outstanding principal balance or the estimated fair value of the collateral.  Fair value is estimated through either a negotiated note sale price (Level 3 input), or, more commonly, a recent real estate appraisal (Level 3 input) or discounted valuation of underlying collateral, such as accounts receivable. Types of discounts considered include aging of receivables, condition of the collateral, potential market for the collateral and estimated disposal costs. These discounts will vary from loan to loan and may be discounted based on management's opinions concerning market developments or the client's business.

At December 31, 2017, there were no impaired loans measured at fair value. The following table presents impaired loans that were re-measured and reported at fair value through a specific valuation allowance allocation of the allowance for loan losses based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral during the reported period.

					Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018 Using
	Carrying Amount Before Allocation		Specific Valuation Allowance Allocation		Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Impaired Loans
C&I	$	1,179	$	294	$	885	$	-	$	-	$	885

25

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

The methods of determining the fair value of assets and liabilities presented in this note are consistent with our methodologies disclosed in Note 20 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the valuation of loans which was impacted by the adoption of ASU 2016-01. In accordance with ASU 2016-01, the fair value of loans held for investment, excluding previously presented impaired loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses. The discount rates used to determine fair value use interest rate spreads that reflect factors such as liquidity, credit, and nonperformance risk of the loans. Loans are considered a Level 3 classification.

The following tables present the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments other than those measured at fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring is as follows for the dates indicated, segmented by level within the fair value hierarchy. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	188,826	$	188,826	$	-	$	-	$	188,826
Loans, net (excluding impaired loans carried at fair value)		5,485,337		-		-		5,454,038		5,454,038
Accrued interest receivable		16,535		-		768		15,767		16,535
FHLBNY capital stock		52,514		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		3,205,950		3,205,950		-		-		3,205,950
Certificates of Deposits (“CDs”)		1,224,491		-		1,221,036		-		1,221,036
Escrow and other deposits		131,953		131,953		-		-		131,953
FHLBNY Advances		1,010,400		-		1,001,841		-		1,001,841
Subordinated debt, net		113,649		-		113,793		-		113,793
Accrued interest payable		3,318		-		3,318		-		3,318

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	169,455	$	169,455	$	-	$	-	$	169,455
Loans, net		5,581,084		-		-		5,519,746		5,519,746
Accrued interest receivable		16,543		-		751		15,792		16,543
FHLBNY capital stock		59,696		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		3,311,560		3,311,560		-		-		3,311,560
CDs		1,091,887		-		1,192,964		-		1,192,964
Escrow and other deposits		82,168		82,168		-		-		82,168
FHLBNY Advances		1,170,000		-		1,164,947		-		1,164,947
Subordinated debt, net		113,612		-		115,337		-		115,337
Accrued interest payable		1,623		-		1,623		-		1,623

26

13.   RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The Holding Company or the Bank maintains the Retirement Plan of Dime Community Bank (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 Dime Community Bank (the "Postretirement Plan").

The Company adopted ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), on January 1, 2018.  The components of net periodic costs are included in other non-interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Net expenses associated with these plans were comprised of the following components:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018						2017
	BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan			BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan
Service cost	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
Interest cost		292			14			329			14
Expected return on assets		(430	)		-			(395	)		-
Unrecognized past service liability		-			(2	)		-			(2	)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)		289			-			359			(1	)
Net periodic cost	$	151		$	12		$	293		$	11

The Company disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 that it expected to make contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of, benefit plans during 2018 as follows: Employee Retirement Plan - $17, Outside Director Retirement Plan - $226, Postretirement Plan - $121, and BMP - $564.  The Company made contributions of $4 to the Employee Retirement Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and expects to make the remainder of the contributions during 2018.  The Company made benefit payments of $56 on behalf of the Outside Director Retirement Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and expects to make the remainder of the estimated net contributions or benefit payments during 2018. The Company made benefit payments totaling $17 on behalf of the Postretirement Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and expects to make any additional contributions or benefit payments required for 2018.  The Company made benefit payments totaling $137 on behalf of the BMP during the three month period ended March 31, 2018 and expects to make the remaining anticipated benefit payments during 2018.

The BMP exists in order to compensate executive officers for any curtailments in benefits due to statutory limitations on qualifying benefit plans.  During the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, in addition to benefit payments from the defined benefit plan component of the BMP discussed above, gross lump-sum distributions of $1,199 were made to retired participants.  One distribution was satisfied by 22,051 shares of Common Stock (market value of $942) held by the previous Employee Stock Ownership Plan component of the BMP and cash of $257 held by the defined contribution plan components of the BMP.  As a result of the distribution, a non-cash tax benefit of $285 was recognized for the difference between market value and cost basis of the Common Stock held by the BMP.

14.    ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company maintains the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees, the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan (“2013 Equity Plan”) (collectively, the "Stock Plans"), which are discussed more fully in Note 18 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and which are subject to the accounting requirements of ASC 505-50 and ASC 718.

Stock Option Awards

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

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2018		157,546		$	15.53
Options granted		-			-
Options exercised		(28,771	)	$	16.38
Options outstanding at March 31, 2018		128,775		$	15.34		1.6	$	394
Options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2018		128,775		$	15.34		1.6	$	394

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, the cost of one exercise of 10,000 stock options was satisfied by 9,045 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $18.18.  These shares were returned to Treasury Stock.

27

Information related to stock options during each period is as follows:

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Cash received for option exercise cost	$	290	$	624
Income tax benefit recognized on stock option exercises		4		69
Intrinsic value of options exercised		97		275

There were no grants of stock options during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017. All stock options are fully vested at both March 31, 2018 and 2017.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company has made restricted stock award grants to outside Directors and certain officers under the Stock Plans. Typically, awards to outside Directors fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, while awards to officers may vest in equal annual installments over a four-year period or at the end of the four-year requisite period.  All awards were made at the fair value of Common Stock on the grant date. Compensation expense on all restricted stock awards are based upon the fair value of the shares on the respective dates of the grant.

The following table presents a summary of activity related to the RSAs granted, and changes during the period then ended:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested allocated shares outstanding at January 1, 2018		150,567		$	18.85
Shares granted		-			-
Shares vested		(4,752	)		20.13
Shares forfeited		(2,014	)		19.39
Unvested allocated shares at March 31, 2018		143,801		$	18.80

Information related to restricted stock awards during each period is as follows:

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Compensation expense recognized	$	304		$	297
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of restricted stock awards		(2	)		2
Weighted average remaining years for which compensation expense is to be recognized		2.7			1.6

Performance Based Equity Awards

The Company established the LTIP, a long term incentive award program for certain officers, which meets the criteria for equity-based accounting.  For each award, threshold (50% of target), target (100% of target) and maximum (150% of target) opportunities are eligible to be earned over a three-year performance period based on the Company's relative performance on certain goals that were established at the onset of the performance period and cannot be altered subsequently.  Shares of Common Stock are issued on the grant date and held as unvested stock awards until the end of the performance period. They are issued at the maximum opportunity in order to ensure that an adequate number of shares are allocated for shares expected to vest at the end of the performance period.

28

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

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2018		69,224		$	19.19
Shares granted		81,353			18.55
Shares vested		(3,536	)		18.83
Shares forfeited		(6,320	)		19.19
Maximum aggregate share payout at March 31, 2018		140,721		$	18.83
Minimum aggregate share payout		-			-
Expected aggregate share payout		93,813		$	18.83

Compensation expense recorded for performance based equity awards was $84 and $97 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

15.   SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Holding Company issued $115,000 of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due June 2027, which become callable commencing on June 15, 2022.  The notes will mature on June 15, 2027 (the “Maturity Date”). From and including June 13, 2017 until but excluding June 15, 2022, interest will be paid semi-annually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15 at a fixed annual interest rate equal to 4.50%. From and including June 15, 2022 to, but excluding, the Maturity Date or earlier redemption date, the interest rate shall reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the then-current three-month LIBOR plus 266 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears.  Debt issuance cost directly associated with subordinated debt offering was capitalized and netted with subordinated notes payable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  Interest expense related to the subordinated debt was $1,330 and $0 during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

16.   TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES PAYABLE

On March 19, 2004, the Holding Company completed an offering of $72,165 of trust preferred securities through Dime Community Capital Trust I, an unconsolidated special purpose entity formed for the purpose of the offering. The trust preferred securities bear a fixed interest rate of 7.0%, mature on April 14, 2034, and became callable without penalty at any time on or after April 15, 2009.  Interest expense related to the trust preferred securities payable was $1,256 during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company fully redeemed its $70,680 of trust preferred securities borrowings at par from third parties.

17.   INCOME TAXES

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company's consolidated effective tax rates were 23.7% and 38.2%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to March 31, 2017 was the result of the Tax Act, which took effect January 1, 2018, and reduced the corporate federal tax rate from a maximum rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%.  There were no other significant unusual income tax items during the three-month periods ended either March 31, 2018 or 2017.

29

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

General

Dime Community Bancshares (the “Company”), is a Delaware corporation headquartered in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The Company was organized in 1996 and is registered as a savings and loan holding company with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System pursuant to section 10(l) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended. As of March 31, 2018, the Holding Company's direct subsidiary was Dime Community Bank, a banking subsidiary that engages in commercial banking and financial services.  In 2004, the Company formed Dime Community Capital Trust I as a subsidiary, which issued $72.2 million of 7.0% trust preferred securities. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company fully redeemed the outstanding balance of $70.7 million, and dissolved the trust.  The Company also dissolved 842 Manhattan Ave Corp. during the year ended December 31, 2017 as this subsidiary was inactive. The Company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “DCOM.”

Dime Community Bank, a New York-chartered stock savings bank formerly known as “The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh,” was founded in 1864 and operates 29 full service retail banking offices located in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and in Nassau County and Suffolk 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, mixed use, and, to an increasing extent, commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of the U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises, and corporate debt and equity securities. The substantial majority of the Bank’s lending occurs in the greater New York City metropolitan area. The Bank has four active subsidiaries, including two real estate investment trusts that hold one-to-four family and multifamily residential and commercial real estate loans; Dime Insurance Agency, which engages in general insurance agency activities; and Boulevard Funding Corporation, which holds and manages real estate.

Executive Summary

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

The Bank’s primary deposit strategy is generally to increase its product and service utilization for each depositor, and to increase its household and deposit market shares in the communities that it serves. In recent years, particular emphasis has been placed upon growing individual and small business commercial checking account balances. The Bank also actively strives to obtain checking account balances affiliated with the operation of the collateral underlying its mortgage and C&I loans, as well as personal deposit accounts from its borrowers. The Bank launched an internet banking initiative, “DimeDirect,” in the second half of 2015. To date, deposits gathered through DimeDirect have primarily been money markets. The DimeDirect deposits are anticipated to carry lower administrative servicing costs than the Bank’s traditional retail deposits. Historically, the Bank’s primary lending strategy included the origination of, and investment in, mortgage loans secured by multifamily and mixed-use properties, and, to an increasing extent, mortgage loans secured by commercial real estate properties, primarily located in the greater NYC metropolitan area. As part of its strategic plan for 2018, the Bank is investing in the development of its Business Banking division, by adding products and services to serve both the credit and business banking needs in its footprint. Beginning in mid-2018, the Bank intends to once again begin to offer one-to-four family loan products.

The Business Banking division is focused on total relationship banking and will enable the Bank to diversify its loan portfolio into areas such as C&I loans, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans (a portion of which is guaranteed by the SBA), ADC loans, finance loans and leases, one-to-four family loans and consumer loans. These business lines are intended to supplement core deposit growth and provide greater funding diversity. During 2017, the Bank hired seasoned executives, and bolstered its lending and credit and administrative staff. Additionally in 2017, the Bank was approved by the SBA as a lender, better positioning the Business Banking division for future expansion. As of March 31, 2018, the C&I portfolio balance was $145.8 million and direct-sourced CRE portfolio was $100.6 million.

30

The Bank also purchases investment grade securities primarily for liquidity purposes. The Bank seeks to maintain the asset quality of its loans and other investments, and uses portfolio and asset/liability management techniques in an effort to manage the effects of interest rate volatility on its profitability and capital.

Recent Events

In June 2017, the Company issued $115.0 million of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due June 2027, which will become callable commencing in June 2022.  Interest will be paid semi-annually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15 at a fixed annual interest rate equal to 4.50%, until June 2022, at which point the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the then current three-month LIBOR plus 266 basis points. The notes will mature on June 15, 2027. The Company used part of the net proceeds from the offering to redeem its $70.7 million of trust preferred securities, which had a 7.00% annual coupon, in July 2017. See Notes 13 and 14 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for details of the subordinated notes payable and trust preferred securities payable, respectively.

In December 2017, the Bank completed a securitization of $280.2 million of its multifamily loans through a Freddie Mac sponsored “Q-deal” securitization (“Loan Securitization”). The Structured Pass-Through Certificates that were issued by Freddie Mac were purchased by the Bank as available-for-sale securities to enhance balance sheet liquidity. The Bank will continue to maintain the borrower relationships as the sub-servicer of the loans. See Note 6 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for details of the loan securitization.

Selected Financial Highlights and Other Data

(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

	At or For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Per Share Data:
EPS (Diluted)	$	0.39		$	0.30
Cash dividends paid per share		0.14			0.14
Book value per share		16.22			15.26
Dividend payout ratio		35.90	%		46.67	%
Performance and Other Selected Ratios:
Return on average assets		0.93	%		0.74	%
Return on average common equity		9.77			7.83
Net interest spread		2.28			2.40
Net interest margin		2.47			2.57
Average interest earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		115.84			116.36
Non-interest expense to average assets		1.36			1.38
Efficiency ratio		54.60			53.00
Loan-to-deposit ratio at end of period		124.31			127.59
Effective tax rate		23.73			38.17
Asset Quality Summary:
Non-performing loans	$	1,719		$	3,801
Non-performing assets		1,719			5,080
Net charge-offs (recoveries)		23			32
Non-performing loans/Total loans		0.03	%		0.07	%
Non-performing assets/Total assets		0.03			0.08
Allowance for loan loss/Total loans		0.39			0.36
Allowance for loan loss/Non-performing loans		1,233.51			551.28
Earnings to Fixed Charges Ratios (1)
Including interest on deposits		2.10	x		2.26	x
Excluding interest on deposits		3.82			4.71

⁽¹⁾ Please refer to Exhibit 12.1 for further detail on the calculation of these ratios.

31

Critical Accounting Policies

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

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

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Board of Directors of the Bank has approved a liquidity policy that it reviews and updates at least annually. Senior management is responsible for implementing the policy.  The Bank's Asset Liability Committee ("ALCO") is responsible for general oversight and strategic implementation of the policy and management of the appropriate departments are designated responsibility for implementing any strategies established by ALCO. Liquidity is managed daily and through periodic reporting to management and the Board of Directors. A forecast of cash flow data for the upcoming 12 months is presented to the Board of Directors on an annual basis.

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

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

Total deposits increased $27.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to an increase of $113.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Within deposits, core deposits (i.e., non-CDs) decreased $105.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and increased $191.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. CDs increased $132.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to a decrease of $78.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in growth during the current period was due primarily to successful gathering efforts tied to CD products, offset by outflows from the Bank’s online money market account channel, DimeDirect, as the Bank’s posted rate lagged behind many of its online competitors.

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 March 31, 2018, the Bank had an additional potential borrowing capacity of $638.8 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 decreased its outstanding FHLBNY advances by $159.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to a $67.4 million decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2017, reflecting deposit inflows and lower total assets.

32

The Company generally utilizes its liquidity and capital resources primarily to fund the origination of real estate and, recently, C&I loans, the purchase of real estate loans, mortgage-backed and other securities, the repurchase of common stock into treasury, the payment of quarterly cash dividends to holders of the common stock, and the payment of quarterly interest to holders of its outstanding trust preferred debt. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, principal repayments on real estate loans (including refinanced loans) totaled $183.1 million compared to $153.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase resulted primarily from higher prepayment volume. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, real estate loan originations totaled $75.0 million and $240.5 million, respectively. The decrease was due to the rack rates on the Company’s multifamily loans being higher than competitors.

Sales of mortgage-back securities totaled $158.5 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. There were no sales of mortgage-backed securities during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. Purchases of mortgage-backed securities totaled $189.9 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. Security purchases were de-emphasized during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, as the yield offered in highly graded investment securities was not deemed sufficiently attractive.

The Company and the Bank are subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements imposed by its primary federal regulator.  As a general matter, these capital requirements are based on the amount and composition of an institution's assets. At March 31, 2018, each of the Company and the Bank were in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements and the Bank was considered "well-capitalized" for all regulatory purposes.

The following table summarizes Company and Bank capital ratios calculated under the Basel III Capital Rules framework as of March 31, 2018:

	Actual Ratios at March 31, 2018									Basel III
	Bank			Consolidated Company			Minimum Requirement			Minimum Requirement Plus 1.875% Buffer(1)			Minimum Requirement Plus 2.5% Buffer(2)			Well Capitalized Requirement Under FDIC Prompt Corrective Action Framework(3)
Tier 1 common equity ratio		12.97	%		11.87	%		4.5	%		6.38	%		7.0	%		6.5	%
Tier 1 risk-based based capital ratio		12.97			11.87			6.0			7.88			8.5			8.0
Total risk-based based capital ratio		13.43			14.79			8.0			9.88			10.5			10.0
Tier 1 leverage ratio		9.59			8.79			4.0			n/a			n/a			5.0

⁽¹⁾ The 1.875% buffer percentage represents the phased-in requirement as of March 31, 2018.

⁽²⁾ The 2.5% buffer percentage represents the fully phased-in requirement as of January 1, 2019.

⁽³⁾ Only the Bank is subject to these requirements.

Implementation of the initial phase capital conservation buffer under the Basel III Capital Rules on January 1, 2016 did not have a material impact upon the operations of the Bank or Holding Company. Management believes that, as of March 31, 2018, the Bank and the Holding Company would satisfy all capital categories requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased in basis as if such requirement had been in effect on that date.

The Holding Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017. As of March 31, 2018, up to 1,104,549 shares remained available for purchase under authorized share purchase programs.

The Holding Company paid $5.2 million in cash dividends on common stock during both the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

Contractual Obligations

The Bank is obligated to make rental payments under leases on certain of its branches and equipment.  In addition, the Bank generally has outstanding at any time significant borrowings in the form of FHLBNY advances, as well as customer CDs with fixed contractual interest rates.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

33

The following table presents off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2018:

			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		$	78,076		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	78,076
Other loan commitments			64,696			-			-			-			64,696
Stand-by letters of credit			927			-			-			-			927
Total Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements		$	143,699		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	143,699

Asset Quality

General

At both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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.

Monitoring and Collection of Delinquent Loans

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

The Bank's loan servicing policies and procedures require that an automated late notice be sent to a delinquent borrower as soon as possible after a payment is ten days late in the case of multifamily residential, commercial real estate, or C&I 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.

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

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

The C&I portfolio is actively managed by the lenders and underwriters. All credit facilities at a minimum require an annual review of the exposure and typically terms of the loan require annual and interim financial reporting and have financial covenants to indicate expected performance levels. Guarantors are also required to, at a minimum, annually update their financial reporting. All exposures are risk rated and those entering adverse ratings due to financial performance concerns of the borrower or material delinquency of any payments or financial reporting, are subjected to added management scrutiny. Measures taken typically include amendments to the amount of the available credit facility, requirements for increased collateral, a request for a capital infusion, additional guarantor support or a material enhancement to the frequency and quality of financial reporting. Loans determined to reach adverse risk rating standards are subject to quarterly updating to Credit Administration and executive management. When warranted, loans reaching a Substandard rating could be reassigned to Credit Administration for direct handling. Loans reaching this level of attention are subject to increased scrutiny inclusive of an outside legal counsel involvement and where appropriate a declaration of default with all potential remedies considered.

34

Non-accrual Loans

Within the Bank's held-to-maturity portfolio (excluding consumer loans), twelve non-accrual loans totaled $1.7 million at March 31, 2018, and eight non-accrual loans totaled $0.5 million at December 31, 2017.  During the three months ended March 31, 2018, four loans totaling $1.2 million were placed on non-accrual status, and principal amortization of $0.01 million was recognized on five non-accrual loans. There were no changes on the remaining three non-accrual loans during the three month period ended March 31, 2018.

Impaired Loans

The recorded investment in loans deemed impaired (as defined in Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements) totaled $9.3 million, consisting of nine loans, at March 31, 2018, compared to $8.2 million, consisting of seven loans, at December 31, 2017.  During the three months ended March 31, 2018, principal amortization totaling $0.06 million was recognized on seven impaired loans.

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

	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Non-accrual loans (1):
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	449		$	436
Commercial mixed use real estate		90			93
C&I		1,179			-
Consumer		1			4
Total non-accrual loans		1,719			533
Non-accrual one-to-four family and consumer loans deemed homogeneous loans		(450	)		(440	)
TDRs:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment		20			22
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate		604			619
Commercial mixed-use real estate		4,152			4,174
Commercial real estate		3,279			3,296
Total TDRs		8,055			8,111
Impaired loans	$	9,324		$	8,204

⁽¹⁾ There were no non-accruing TDRs for the periods indicated.

Ratios:
Total non-accrual loans to total loans	0.03	%	0.01	%
Total non-performing assets to total assets	0.03		0.01

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, for economic or legal reasons, any of the following concessions has been granted that would not have otherwise been considered to a debtor experiencing financial difficulties. The following criteria are considered concessions:

· A reduction of interest rate has been made for the remaining term of the loan

· The maturity date of the loan has been extended with a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk

· The outstanding principal amount and/or accrued interest have been reduced

In instances in which the interest rate has been reduced, management would not deem the modification a TDR in the event that the reduction in interest rate reflected either a general decline in market interest rates or an effort to maintain a relationship with a borrower who could readily obtain funds from other sources at the current market interest rate, and the terms of the restructured loan are comparable to the terms offered by the Bank to non-troubled debtors.  The Bank did not modify any loans in a manner that met the criteria for a TDR during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

35

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

The Bank does not accept receivables or equity interests in satisfaction of TDRs.

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, all TDRs but one were collateralized by real estate that generated rental income.  For TDRs that demonstrated conditions sufficient to warrant accrual status, the present value of the expected net cash flows of the underlying property was utilized as the primary means of determining impairment.  Any shortfall in the present value of the expected cash flows calculated at each measurement period (typically quarter-end) compared to the present value of the expected cash flows at the time of the original loan agreement was recognized as either an allocated reserve (in the event that it related to lower expected interest payments) or a charge-off (if related to lower expected principal payments).  For TDRs on non-accrual status, an appraisal of the underlying real estate collateral is deemed the most appropriate measure to utilize when evaluating impairment, and any shortfall in valuation from the recorded balance is accounted for through a charge-off.  In the event that either an allocated reserve or a charge-off is recognized on TDRs, the periodic loan loss provision is impacted.

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

OREO

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

The Bank had no OREO properties at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. The Bank did not recognize any provisions for losses on OREO properties during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

Other Potential Problem Loans

Loans Delinquent 30 to 89 Days

The Bank had one real estate loan, totaling $2.9 million that was delinquent between 30 and 89 days at March 31, 2018, and three real estate loans totaling $0.03 million at December 31, 2017. The 30 to 89 day delinquency levels fluctuate monthly, and are generally considered a less accurate indicator of near-term credit quality trends than non-accrual loans.

Reserve for Loan Commitments

The Bank maintains a reserve associated with unfunded loan commitments accepted by the borrower. The amount of reserve was $0.03 million at both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. This reserve is determined based upon the outstanding volume of loan commitments at each period end.  Any increases or reductions in this reserve are recognized in periodic non-interest expense.

36

Allowance for Loan Losses

The methodology utilized to determine the Company's allowance for loan losses on real estate, C&I, and consumer loans, along with periodic associated activity, remained constant during the periods ended March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.  The following is a summary of the components of the allowance for loan losses as of the following dates:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017		March 31, 2017
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Impaired loans	$	294	$	-	$	-
Pass graded loans:
Real estate loans		18,742		18,993		20,482
C&I loans		2,151		2,021		453
Consumer loans		17		19		19
Total	$	21,204	$	21,033	$	21,954

The allowance for loan losses increased $0.2 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, and decreased $0.8 million compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. A provision of $0.2 million was recorded during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to a credit for loan losses of $1.0 million during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, and a provision of $0.5 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, the loan loss provision was driven mainly by a provision for specific reserves on two impaired C&I loans and growth in the C&I loan portfolio, offset by a decrease in the real estate loan portfolio.

For a further discussion of the allowance for loan losses and related activity during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and as of December 31, 2017, please see Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017

Assets.  Assets totaled $6.33 billion at March 31, 2018, $77.5 million below their level at December 31, 2017, primarily due to a decrease in the loan portfolio, offset by an increase in cash and due from banks.

Total loans decreased $94.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. During the period, the Bank recognized $194.3 million of aggregate amortization on loans (also including refinancing of existing loans), which exceeded originations of $75.0 million of real estate loans (including refinancing of existing loans) and $25.3 million of C&I loans.

Cash and due from banks increased by $19.4 million and total mortgage-backed securities increased by $3.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, as a result of holding increased on-balance sheet liquidity while management monitors the appropriate level of investment liquidity, which will be based on monetary policy, interest rates, the Bank’s funding needs, and periodic stress testing analysis.

Liabilities.  Total liabilities decreased $86.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily due to a decrease of $159.6 million in FHLBNY advances, partially offset by a $49.8 million increase in mortgagor escrow and other deposits, and an increase of $27.0 million in deposits. Please refer to "Part I – Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a discussion of the increases in retail deposits and increase in FHLBNY advances during the three months ended March 31, 2018.  The increase in mortgagor escrow and other deposits was in part due to the annual reassessment of borrower escrow accounts.

Stockholders' Equity.  Stockholders' equity increased $9.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, due primarily to net income of $14.7 million, offset by $5.2 million in cash dividends paid during the period.

37

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

General.  Net income was $14.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $3.6 million from net income of $11.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017.  During the three months ended March 31, 2018, net interest income increased by $0.5 million, non-interest income increased by $1.5 million, and the provision for loan losses decreased by $0.3 million, offset by an increase in non-interest expense of $1.0 million during the period. Income tax expense was $4.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, lower than the comparative period by $2.3 million, due to the tax law change enacted in December 2017.

Net Interest Income.  The discussion of net interest income for the three months March 31, 2018 and 2017 should be read in conjunction with the following tables, which set forth certain information related to the consolidated statements of income for those periods, and which also present the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  The average yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of their related assets or liabilities during the periods represented. Average balances were derived from average daily balances. The yields include fees that are considered adjustments to yields.

Analysis of Net Interest Income

	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2018							2017
	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/ Cost			Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/ Cost
Assets:	(Dollars in Thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Real estate loans	$	5,435,400	$	49,575		3.65	%	$	5,687,557	$	50,475		3.55	%
C&I loans		140,720		1,656		4.71			2,474		41		6.63
Other loans		1,189		19		6.39			1,067		18		6.75
MBS		351,196		2,257		2.57			3,489		14		1.61
Investment securities		6,492		15		0.92			16,841		190		4.51
Other		210,016		1,511		2.88			112,881		717		2.54
Total interest-earning assets		6,145,013		55,033		3.58	%		5,824,309	$	51,455		3.53	%
Non-interest earning assets		224,297							202,605
Total assets	$	6,369,310						$	6,026,914
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	124,440	$	54		0.18	%	$	110,797	$	58		0.21	%
Money Market accounts		2,432,242		6,318		1.05			2,693,219		5,780		0.87
Savings accounts		359,638		59		0.07			368,087		45		0.05
CDs		1,151,146		4,320		1.52			1,022,155		3,624		1.44
Borrowed Funds		1,237,094		6,267		2.05			811,288		4,461		2.23
Total interest-bearing liabilities		5,304,560		17,018		1.30	%		5,005,546	$	13,968		1.13	%
Non-interest-bearing checking accounts		310,651							291,252
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		150,544							160,393
Total liabilities		5,765,755							5,457,191
Stockholders' equity		603,555							569,723
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	6,369,310						$	6,026,914
Net interest income			$	38,015						$	37,487
Net interest spread						2.28	%						2.40	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	840,453						$	818,763
Net interest margin						2.47	%						2.57	%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities						115.84	%						116.36	%
Deposits	$	4,378,117	$	10,751		1.00	%	$	4,485,510	$	9,507		0.86	%

38

Rate/Volume Analysis

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Increase/ (Decrease) Due to:
	Volume			Rate			Total
	(Dollars In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Real estate loans	$	(2,280	)	$	1,380		$	(900	)
C&I loans		1,959			(344	)		1,615
Other loans		2			(1	)		1
MBS		1,815			428			2,243
Investment securities		(71	)		(104	)		(175	)
Other		658			136			794
Total	$	2,083		$	1,495		$	3,578
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	6		$	(10	)	$	(4	)
Money market accounts		(609	)		1,147			538
Savings accounts		(3	)		17			14
CDs		476			220			696
Borrowed funds		2,254			(448	)		1,806
Total	$	2,124		$	926		$	3,050
Net change in net interest income	$	(41	)	$	570		$	528

The Company’s net interest income and net interest margin (“NIM”) during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were impacted by the following factors:

· During the period January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2018, Federal Open Market Committee monetary policies resulted in the maintenance of the overnight federal funds rate in a range of 0.0% to 1.75%, helping deposit and borrowing costs remain at historically low levels.

· Continued marketplace competition and refinancing activity on real estate loans resulted in an ongoing reduction in the average yield on real estate loans.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income was $38.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $0.5 million from the three months ended March 31, 2017.  Average interest-earning assets were $6.15 billion at March 31, 2018, an increase of $320.7 million from $5.82 billion March 31, 2017. NIM was 2.47% during the three months ended March 31, 2018, down from 2.57% during the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily due to higher costs of deposits.

Interest Income.  Interest income was $55.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $3.6 million from the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily reflecting an increase of $1.6 million and $2.2 million in interest income on C&I loans and mortgage-backed securities, respectively. The increased interest income on C&I loans reflected the build out of the Business Banking division and growth of $138.2 million in the average balances during the comparative period. The increased interest income from mortgage-backed securities was due to the increased average balance of $347.7 million resulting from the securitization of $280.2 million of multifamily loans in December 2017.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $3.1 million, to $17.0 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, from $14.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increased interest expense was mainly attributable to an increase in average balances of borrowings of $425.8 million, growth in certificates of deposits average balance of $129.0 million due to increased offering rates on CD products.

Provision for Loan Losses. The Company recognized a provision for loan losses of $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to a provision for loan losses of $0.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017.   The decrease in loan loss provision resulted mainly from a decrease in the real estate loan portfolio, offset by growth in the C&I loan portfolio and a specific reserve on two impaired C&I loans.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income was $3.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $1.5 million from $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily due to a $1.4 million gain on sale of securities.

39

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense was $21.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $1.0 million from $20.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, reflecting increases of $1.3 million in salaries and employee benefits, $0.2 million in occupancy and equipment expense, and $0.1 million in data processing costs, offset by decreases of $0.4 million in marketing expense and $0.3 million in other operating expenses during the comparative period. The $1.3 million in salaries and employee benefits increase was due to hiring of new employees and their associated employee benefits expense, $0.2 million increase in occupancy expense was attributable to new leases related to de novo retail branches, and the $0.1 million increase in data processing costs was due to various increases in technology expenses.

Non-interest expense was 1.36% and 1.38% of average assets during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Income Tax Expense.   Income tax expense was $4.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, down $2.3 million from $6.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017.  The Company's consolidated tax rate was 23.7% during the three months ended March 31, 2018, down from 38.2% during the three months ended March 31, 2017.  The lower tax rate during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 was primarily the result of the tax law change enacted in December 2017.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk were presented at December 31, 2017 in Item 7A of the Holding Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2018.  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 March 31, 2018, the Company owned thirteen marketable equity securities carried at a fair value of $6.4 million, in which market value adjustments are recorded through the statement of income.  During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company conducted eight transactions involving derivative instruments requiring bifurcation in order to hedge interest rate or market risk.

Assets, Deposit Liabilities and Wholesale Funds.  There was no material change in the composition of assets, deposit liabilities or wholesale funds from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018.  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.  In accordance with agency regulatory guidelines, the Bank simulates the impact of interest rate volatility upon EVE using several interest rate scenarios.  EVE is the difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows of the Bank’s assets and liabilities and the value of any off-balance sheet items, such as firm commitments to originate loans, or derivatives, if applicable.

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

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

40

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

The analysis that follows presents, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the estimated EVE at both the Pre-Shock Scenario and the +200 Basis Point Rate Shock Scenario. The +200 scenario models the majority of any balance sheet optionality affected by interest rate, which may not be true in the +100 scenario. The analysis additionally presents the percentage change in EVE from the Pre-Shock Scenario to the +200 Basis Point Rate Shock Scenario at both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

	At March 31, 2018								At December 31, 2017
	EVE		Dollar Change			Percentage Change			EVE		Dollar Change			Percentage Change
Rate Shock Scenario	(Dollars in Thousands)
+ 200 Basis Points	$	608,057	$	(72,519	)		-10.7	%	$	572,782	$	(93,677	)		-14.1	%
Pre-Shock Scenario		680,576		-			-			666,459		-			-

The Bank’s Pre-Shock Scenario EVE increased from $666.5 million at December 31, 2017 to $680.6 million at March 31, 2018. The factors contributing to the more favorable valuation at March 31, 2018 included an increase in the value of the Bank's loan portfolio and a decrease in the value of the Bank’s CDs, and borrowings. Partially offsetting the favorable valuation at March 31, 2018 was a decrease in the value of the Company’s investment portfolio and core deposit liability. The more favorable valuation of the loan portfolio resulted primarily from a slight reduction in the overall duration of the portfolio. The decrease in the value of the Company’s CDs, and borrowings resulted primarily from an increase in market interest rates from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018. The decrease in value of the Company’s core deposit liability resulted primarily from an increase in the rates paid from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

The Bank’s EVE in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario increased from $572.8 million at December 31, 2017 to $608.1 million at March 31, 2018.  The factors contributing to the more favorable valuation included the previously noted increase in the Company’s loan portfolio and decrease in the value of the Company’s core deposit liability, CDs, and borrowings, partially offset by a less favorable valuation of the Company’s security portfolio. Additionally, partially offsetting the favorable valuation is an increase in the value of the Company’s CD portfolio.

Income Simulation Analysis.  As of the end of each quarterly period, the Bank also monitors the impact of interest rate changes through a net interest income simulation model.  This model estimates the impact of interest rate changes on the Bank's net interest income over forward-looking periods typically not exceeding 36 months (a considerably shorter period than measured through the EVE analysis).  Management reports the net interest income simulation results to the Bank's Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The following table discloses the estimated changes to the Bank's net interest income over the 12-month period beginning March 31, 2018 assuming gradual changes in interest rates for the given Rate Shock Scenarios:

Instantaneous Change in Interest rate of:	Percentage Change in Net Interest Income (1)
+ 200 Basis Points		(5.6	)%
+ 100 Basis Points		(1.1	)

⁽¹⁾ The impact of 100 and 200 basis point reductions in interest rates are not presented in view of the current level of the federal funds rate and other short-term interest rates.

41

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness as of March 31, 2018, of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2018 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 are likely to 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, 2017.

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

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) The Holding Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock into treasury during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.  No existing repurchase programs expired during the three months ended March 31, 2018, nor did the Company terminate any repurchase programs prior to expiration during the period.  As of March 31, 2018, the Holding Company had an additional 1,104,549 shares remaining eligible for repurchase under its twelfth stock repurchase program, which was publicly announced in September 2007.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

42

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Number
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Transition Report on Form 10-K for the transition period ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2003 (File No. 000-27782))
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 4, 2017 (File No. 000-27782))
4.1	Draft Stock Certificate of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, filed with the SEC on September 28, 1998 (File No. 000-27782))
4.2	Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2017, by and between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 13, 2017 (File No. 000-27782))
4.3	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2017, by and between Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, including the form of 4.50% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated debentures due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 13, 2017 (File No. 000-27782))
10.1	Amendment Number One to the Benefit Maintenance Plan of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
12.1	Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
31.2	Certification of Principal 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 Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
101	Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018 is formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) interactive data files: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited), (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income f(Unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited), (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited), and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements **

** Furnished, not filed, herewith.

43

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: May 9, 2018	By: /s/ KENNETH J. MAHON
	Kenneth J. Mahon
	President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: May 9, 2018	By: /s/ JAMES L. RIZZO
	James L. Rizzo
	Senior Vice President and Comptroller (Principal Financial Officer)

44

EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

AMENDMENT TO BENEFIT MAINTENANCE PLAN

This Amendment to the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. Benefit Maintenance Plan is hereby adopted to be effective as of the date set forth herein on the attached pages.

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.
By:
	Name:
	Title:
Signature Date

Page 1 of 5

I.              The Plan is hereby amended to add new Section 8.5 to be effective as of January 1, 2018 to read as follows –

“8.5        Claims Procedures:

(a)           General.  This Section 8.5 applies to all claims and appeals for benefits under this Plan other than claims and appeals related to Disability benefits or a determination of a Disability.

(b)          Claims for Benefits.  If a Participant, Former Participant, Beneficiary or any other person (hereafter, “Claimant”) does not receive timely payment of any benefits which he or she believes are due and payable under the Plan, he or she may make a claim for benefits to the Committee.  The claim for benefits must be in writing and addressed to the Committee.  If a claim by or on behalf of a Claimant is wholly or partially denied, the Committee will provide (within the applicable time frame specified in subsection (c) below) a comprehensible written notice setting forth:

(1)          The specific reason or reasons for the denial;

(2)          Specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based;

(3)          A description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to submit to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary;

(4)          A description of the Plan’s claims review process and applicable time limits; and

(5)          A description of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination upon appeal.

(c)           Time Period for Initial Claims.  If the claim for benefits is denied, the Committee will notify the Claimant within 90 days after the Committee initially received the benefit claim.  However, if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, the Committee will furnish notice of the extension to the Claimant prior to the termination of the initial 90-day period and such extension may not exceed one additional, consecutive 90-day period.

(d)          Appeal of an Adverse Benefit Determination.  If the Committee denies all or part of a claim, the Claimant shall have 60 days from the date the Claimant receives the denial to request a review by filing a written appeal with the Committee.  During the 60-day appeal period, the Committee shall provide the Claimant, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim.  As part of the written appeal, the Claimant shall have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records and other information related to the claim and the Committee shall reconsider the claim, taking into account all of the foregoing.

Page 2 of 5

(e)           Time Period for Appealed Claims.  Following a receipt of a request for review of a denied claim (as provided in subsection (d) above), the Committee shall notify the Claimant of its determination upon appeal within 60 days after the Committee receives the request for review of the denied claim.  If, for reasons beyond the control of the Committee, an extension of time is required to process the appeal, the Committee shall send to the Claimant a notice of the extension, an explanation of the circumstances requiring extension and the expected date of the decision prior to the end of the initial period.  The extension shall not exceed a period of an additional 60 days from the end of the initial 60-day period.  In no event shall the Committee’s decision be rendered later than 120 days after receipt of a request for appeal.

(f)           Supplements to Claim and Appeal Procedures.  The Committee is authorized to establish any specific and/or additional claims procedures that apply to the submission and consideration of any issue or matter that is not directly related to a claim for benefits or may apply by analogy the claims procedures listed in this Section 8.5 to the submission and consideration of such issue or matter.  Such claims procedures may be established at any time, including after the issue or matter is first submitted to the Committee.  All rules and procedures set forth in 29 CFR 2560.503-1 that apply to a claim and/or appeal for benefits covered by this Section 8.5 are hereby incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as though fully set forth herein.  The Committee shall comply with all applicable rules and procedures set forth in 29 CFR 2560.503-1 in processing a claim and/or appeal for benefits under this Section 8.5.”

II.            The Plan is hereby amended to add new Section 8.6 to be effective as of April 1, 2018 to read as follows –

“8.6        Special Claims Procedures for Disability Benefits or Determinations.

(a)           General.  This Section 8.6 applies to claims and appeals for Disability benefits or Disability determinations.

(b)           Claims for Benefits.  If a Participant, Former Participant, Beneficiary or any other person (hereafter, “Claimant”) does not receive timely payment of any Disability benefits (or any other Plan benefits which are based upon a Disability determination) which he or she believes are due and payable under the Plan, he or she may file a claim for benefits with the Committee.  The claim for benefits must be in writing and addressed to the Committee.  If a claim by or on behalf of a Claimant is wholly or partially denied, the Committee will provide (within the applicable time frame specified in subsection (c) below) a comprehensible written notice setting forth:

(1)          The specific reason or reasons for the denial;

Page 3 of 5

(2)          Specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based;

(3)          A description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to submit to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary;

(4)          A description of the Plan’s claims review process and applicable time limits; and

(5)          A description of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination upon appeal.

(c)           Time Periods for Initial Claims.  Following a receipt of a claim, the Committee shall notify (as required in subsection (b) above) a Claimant of the Committee’s determination within 45 days of the Committee receiving the claim.  If additional information is needed to process the claim, the Committee shall notify the Claimant prior to the end of the 45-day period.  The Claimant shall then have 45 days to provide the requested information, and during the time that a request for information is outstanding, the claim and the time period applicable thereto shall be suspended.  If, for reasons beyond the control of the Committee, an extension of time is required to process the claim, the Committee shall send to the Claimant a notice of the extension, an explanation of the circumstances requiring extension and the expected date of the decision prior to the end of the initial period.  The extension shall not exceed a period of an additional 30 days from the end of the initial 45-day period.  If at the end of the above 30-day extension, the Committee requires more additional time to process the claim, the Committee may again extend the time limit by an additional 30 days from the end of the above 30-day extension, if the Committee provides prior notice to the Claimant (that includes an explanation of the circumstances requiring extension and the expected date of the decision).  However, in all cases the Committee shall notify the Claimant of its benefit decision within 105 days after the initial claim was received by the Committee.

(d)           Appeal of an Adverse Benefit Determination.  If the Committee denies all or part of a claim, the Claimant shall have 180 days from the date the Claimant receives the denial to request a review by filing a written appeal with the Committee.  During the 180-day appeal period, the Committee shall provide the Claimant, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim.  As part of the written appeal, the Claimant shall have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records and other information related to the claim and the Committee shall reconsider the claim, taking into account all of the foregoing.

(e)           Time Period for Appealed Claims.  Following a receipt of a request for review of a denied claim (as provided in subsection (d) above), the Committee shall notify the Claimant of its determination upon appeal within 45 days after the Committee receives the request for review of the denied claim.  If, for reasons beyond the control of the Committee, an extension of time is required to process the appeal, the Committee shall send to the Claimant a notice of the extension, an explanation of the circumstances requiring extension and the expected date of the decision prior to the end of the initial period.  The extension shall not exceed a period of an additional 45 days from the end of the initial 45-day period.

Page 4 of 5

(f)            Supplements to Claim and Appeal Procedures.  The Committee is authorized to establish any specific and/or additional claims procedures that apply to the submission and consideration of any issue or matter that is not directly related to a claim for benefits or may apply by analogy the claims procedures listed in this Section 8.6 to the submission and consideration of such issue or matter.  Such claims procedures may be established at any time, including after the issue or matter is first submitted to the Committee.  All rules and procedures set forth in 29 CFR 2560.503-1 that apply to a claim and/or appeal for Disability benefits or a Disability determination under the Plan are hereby incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as though fully set forth herein.  The Committee shall comply with all applicable rules and procedures set forth in 29 CFR 2560.503-1 in processing a claim and/or appeal for Disability benefits or a Disability determination under the Plan.”

Page 5 of 5

EX-12.1

EXHIBIT 12.1

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

(in thousands, except ratio of earnings to fixed charges)

The following table sets forth our consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods shown. For purposes of computing the ratios, earnings represent income before taxes, extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes, plus fixed charges. Fixed charges represent total interest expense plus an estimate of the interest within rental expense, including and excluding interest on deposits. Currently, the Company has no shares of preferred stock outstanding and has not paid any dividends on preferred stock in the periods shown. Therefore, the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends is not different from the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Including Deposits)
Earnings:
Income before income taxes	$	19,332		$	18,046
Add:  Fixed charges, net		17,615			14,368
Income before income taxes and fixed charges, net	$	36,947		$	32,414
Fixed charges
Interest expense	$	17,018		$	13,968
One-third of rental expense		597			400
Interest on unrecognized tax benefits		0			0
Total fixed charges	$	17,615		$	14,368
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges		2.10	x		2.26	x

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Excluding Deposits)
Earnings:
Income before income taxes	$	19,332		$	18,046
Add:  Fixed charges, net		6,864			4,861
Income before income taxes and fixed charges, net	$	26,196		$	22,907
Fixed charges
Interest expense (excluding deposits)		6,267			4,461
One-third of rental expense		597			400
Interest on unrecognized tax benefits		-			-
Total fixed charges	$	6,864		$	4,861
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges		3.82	x		4.71	x

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a)

I, Kenneth J. Mahon, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.     The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter In the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.     The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonable likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:   May 9, 2018

/s/KENNETH J. MAHON

Kenneth J. Mahon

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a)

I, James L. Rizzo, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.     The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter In the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.     The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonable likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:    May 9, 2018

/s/ JAMES L. RIZZO

James L. Rizzo

Senior Vice President and Comptroller (Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the "Report") for the period ended March 31, 2018 of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., (the "Company") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Kenneth J. Mahon, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

May 9, 2018

Date

By:	/s/ KENNETH J. MAHON
	Kenneth J. Mahon
	President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the "Report") for the period ended March 31, 2018 of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., (the "Company") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, James L. Rizzo, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

May 9, 2018

Date

By:	/s/ James L. Rizzo
	James L. Rizzo
	Senior Vice President and Comptroller(Principal Financial Officer)

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	May 09, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001005409
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,571,197
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
ASSETS:
Cash and due from banks	$ 188,826	$ 169,455
Total cash and cash equivalents	188,826	169,455
Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") available-for-sale, at fair value (See Note 7)	354,410	351,384
Marketable equity securities, at fair value	6,433	0
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value (Fully unencumbered)	0	4,006
Trading securities	0	2,715
Loans:
Real estate	5,360,555	5,464,067
Commercial and industrial ("C&I") loans	145,818	136,671
Other loans	1,053	1,379
Less allowance for loan losses	(21,204)	(21,033)
Total loans, net	5,486,222	5,581,084
Premises and fixed assets, net	25,276	24,326
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") capital stock	52,514	59,696
Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")	109,257	108,545
Goodwill	55,638	55,638
Other assets	47,341	46,611
Total Assets	6,325,917	6,403,460
Due to depositors:
Interest-bearing deposits	4,105,370	4,095,701
Non-interest-bearing deposits	325,071	307,746
Total deposits	4,430,441	4,403,447
Escrow and other deposits	131,953	82,168
FHLBNY advances	1,010,400	1,170,000
Subordinated debt, net	113,649	113,612
Other liabilities	31,517	35,666
Total Liabilities	5,717,960	5,804,893
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock ($0.01 par, 9,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)	0	0
Common stock ($0.01 par, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 53,653,224 shares and 53,624,453 shares issued at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and 37,484,270 shares and 37,419,070 shares outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)	537	536
Additional paid-in capital	277,070	276,730
Retained earnings	544,762	535,130
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes	(4,037)	(3,641)
Unearned Restricted Stock Award common stock	(3,855)	(2,894)
Common stock held by Benefit Maintenance Plan ("BMP")	(2,196)	(2,736)
Treasury stock, at cost (16,168,954 shares and 16,205,383 shares at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)	(204,324)	(204,558)
Total Stockholders' Equity	607,957	598,567
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 6,325,917	$ 6,403,460

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	9,000,000	9,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	125,000,000	125,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	53,653,224	53,624,453
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	37,484,270	37,419,070
Treasury stock (in shares)	16,168,954	16,205,383

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Interest income:
Loans secured by real estate		$ 49,575	$ 50,475
C&I		1,656	41
Other loans		19	18
MBS		2,257	14
Investment securities		15	190
Other short-term investments		1,511	717
Total interest income		55,033	51,455
Interest expense:
Deposits and escrow		10,751	9,507
Borrowed funds		6,267	4,461
Total interest expense		17,018	13,968
Net interest income		38,015	37,487
Provision for loan losses		193	450
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		37,822	37,037
Non-interest income:
Service charges and other fees		911	794
Mortgage banking income, net		111	16
Net gain on securities and other assets	[1]	1,366	75
Gain on sale of loans		90	0
Income from BOLI		712	545
Other		54	348
Total non-interest income		3,244	1,778
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		11,177	9,926
Stock benefit plan compensation expense		388	394
Occupancy and equipment		3,872	3,628
Data processing costs		1,754	1,607
Marketing		1,047	1,466
Federal deposit insurance premiums		665	655
Other		2,831	3,093
Total non-interest expense		21,734	20,769
Income before income taxes		19,332	18,046
Income tax expense		4,587	6,889
Net income		$ 14,745	$ 11,157
Earnings per Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ 0.39	$ 0.30
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ 0.39	$ 0.30

[1] Amount includes periodic valuation gains or losses on marketable equity and trading securities

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 14,745	$ 11,157
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities	0	34
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities available-for-sale	(2,558)	120
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations	155	302
Change in unrealized gain on derivative asset	2,016	315
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before income taxes	(387)	771
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(112)	346
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(275)	425
Total comprehensive income	$ 14,470	$ 11,582

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Deferred Taxes [Member]		Unearned Stock Award Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock Held by BMP [Member]	Treasury Stock, at Cost [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 536	$ 278,356	$ 503,539	$ (5,939)		$ (1,932)	$ (6,859)	$ (201,833)	$ 565,868
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	37,455,853
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	$ 0	0	11,157	0		0	0	0	11,157
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0	0	425		0	0	0	425
Exercise of stock options, net	$ 0	624	0	0		0	0	0	624
Exercise of stock options, net (in shares)	42,062
Release of shares, net of forfeitures	$ 0	573	0	0		(1,474)	0	901	0
Release of shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	71,433
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	0	0	0		394	0	0	394
Cash dividends declared and paid	0	0	(5,243)	0		0	0	0	(5,243)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 536	279,553	509,453	(5,514)		(3,012)	(6,859)	(200,932)	573,225
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017	37,569,348
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities | ASU 2016-01 [Member]	$ 0	0	153	(153)	[1]	0	0	0	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	536	276,730	535,130	(3,641)		(2,894)	(2,736)	(204,558)	598,567
Balance (ASU 2016-01 [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 536	276,730	535,283	(3,794)		(2,894)	(2,736)	(204,558)	598,567
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	37,419,070
Balance (in shares) (ASU 2016-01 [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2017	37,419,070
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	$ 0	0	14,745	0		0	0	0	14,745
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0	0	(275)		0	0	0	(275)
Exercise of stock options, net	$ 1	454	0	0		0	0	(165)	290
Exercise of stock options, net (in shares)	19,726
Release of shares, net of forfeitures	$ 0	426	0	0		(1,349)	0	923	0
Release of shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	73,019
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	0	0	0		388	0	0	388
Shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits	$ 0	(540)	0	0		0	540	(524)	(524)
Shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits (in shares)	(27,545)
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 0	0	(32)	32		0	0	0	0
Cash dividends declared and paid	0	0	(5,234)	0		0	0	0	(5,234)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 537	$ 277,070	$ 544,762	$ (4,037)		$ (3,855)	$ (2,196)	$ (204,324)	$ 607,957
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018	37,484,270

[1] Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 allowing the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$ 14,745	$ 11,157
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net loss (gain) recognized on marketable equity and trading securities	4	(75)
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale	(90)	0
Net gain on MBS available-for-sale sold	(1,370)	0
Net depreciation, amortization and accretion	2,184	879
Stock plan compensation	388	394
Provision for loan losses	193	450
Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI	(712)	(545)
Deferred income tax provision	(1,728)	688
Reduction in credit related other than temporary impairment ("OTTI") amortized through interest income	0	(26)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (Increase) in other assets	3,204	(69)
Increase (Decrease) in other liabilities	(4,072)	4,413
Net cash provided by Operating activities	12,746	17,266
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities	393	0
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale	0	35
Proceeds from sales of MBS available-for-sale	158,484	0
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale	0	(16)
Purchases of marketable equity securities	(109)	0
Purchases of MBS available-for-sale	(189,874)	0
Acquisition of trading securities	0	(125)
Proceeds from calls and principal repayments of MBS available-for-sale	25,958	13
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale	765	0
Net decrease (increase) in loans	93,994	(115,759)
Purchases of fixed assets, net	(1,879)	(3,969)
Sale of FHLBNY capital stock, net	7,182	3,033
Net cash provided by (used in) Investing Activities	94,914	(116,788)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in due to depositors	26,994	113,056
Increase in escrow and other deposits	49,785	32,816
Repayments of FHLBNY advances	(1,034,600)	(404,500)
Proceeds from FHLBNY advances	875,000	337,100
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	290	624
BMP ESOP shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits	(524)	0
Cash dividends paid to stockholders, net	(5,234)	(5,243)
Net cash provided by (used in) Financing Activities	(88,289)	73,853
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	19,371	(25,669)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	169,455	113,503
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	188,826	87,834
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for income taxes	2,928	1,662
Cash paid for interest	15,323	12,695
Loans transferred to held for sale	675	0
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	0	25
Net decrease in non-credit component of OTTI	$ 0	$ 8

XML

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

NATURE OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

1.   NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the "Holding Company" and together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the "Company") is a Delaware corporation organized by Dime Community Bank (f/k/a The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh) (the "Bank") for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock of the Bank issued in the Bank's conversion to stock ownership on June 26, 1996.  At March 31, 2018 the significant assets of the Holding Company were the capital stock of the Bank and investments retained by the Holding Company.  The liabilities of the Holding Company were comprised primarily of $113,649 subordinated notes due in 2027, which become callable commencing in 2022.  The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Bank was originally founded in 1864 as a New York State-chartered mutual savings bank, and currently operates as a New York State-chartered stock savings bank.  Effective August 1, 2016, the Bank changed its name from The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh to Dime Community Bank.  The new name more accurately reflects the Bank’s evolving business model and emphasizes its broader geographic and business reach while retaining the Bank’s mission to be in and of the communities it serves, including the virtual online community.  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, mixed use, and, to an increasing extent, commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of the U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises, and corporate debt and equity securities.

The Holding Company neither owns nor leases any property, but instead uses the administrative offices of the Bank, located in the Brooklyn Heights section of the borough of Brooklyn, New York. The Bank maintains its principal office in the Williamsburg section of the borough of Brooklyn, New York.  As of March 31, 2018, the Bank had twenty-nine retail banking offices located throughout the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and in Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York.

XML

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the results of operations and statements of comprehensive income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.  The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2018.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”).

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

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

XML

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

3.   RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires companies that lease valuable assets to recognize on their balance sheets the assets and liabilities generated by contracts longer than a year. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, however, early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires that the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date be based on historical experience, current condition, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better measure their credit loss estimates. This guidance also amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. For the Company, this guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2019. The Company has established a committee that is assessing system requirements, gathering data, and evaluating the impact of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements. The Company expects to recognize a one-time cumulative effect increase to the allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the ASU takes effect, however, cannot yet determine the magnitude of the impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2017-08 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

XML

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

4.   ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

	Securities Held- to-Maturity and Transferred Securities			Securities Available-for- Sale			Defined Benefit Plans			Derivative Asset			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)
Balance as of January 1, 2018	$	-		$	285		$	(6,633	)	$	2,707		$	(3,641	)
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities (1)		-			(153	)		-			-			(153	)
Adjusted balance as of January 1, 2018		-			132			(6,633	)		2,707			(3,794	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		-			(786	)		(88	)		1,373			499
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			(922	)		192			(44	)		(744	)
Net other comprehensive income during the period		-			(1,708	)		104			1,329			(275	)
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income (2)		-			-			32			-			32
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	-		$	(1,576	)	$	(6,497	)	$	4,036		$	(4,037	)
Balance as of January 1, 2017	$	(713	)	$	(92	)	$	(6,910	)	$	1,776		$	(5,939	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		18			65			-			124			207
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			-			171			47			218
Net other comprehensive income during the period		18			65			171			171			425
Balance as of March 31, 2017	$	(695	)	$	(27	)	$	(6,739	)	$	1,947		$	(5,514	)

⁽¹⁾ Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 allowing the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

⁽²⁾ Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2018-02 allowing the reclassification of certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) (or portion thereof) is recorded. The amount of the reclassification is an adjustment for the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate (35%) and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate.

The before and after tax amounts allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities:
Accretion of previously recognized non-credit component of OTTI	$	-		$	9
Change in unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity		-			25
Net change		-			34
Tax expense		-			16
Net change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities		-			18
Change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale:
Change in net unrealized gain during the period		(1,188	)		120
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net gain on securities and other assets		(1,370	)		-
Net change		(2,558	)		120
Tax expense (benefit)		(850	)		55
Net change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale		(1,708	)		65
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in salaries and employee benefits expense		286			-
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss		(131	)		302
Net change		155			302
Tax expense		51			131
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations		104			171
Change in unrealized loss on derivative asset or liability:
Change in net unrealized loss during the period		2,081			228
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense		(65	)		87
Net change		2,016			315
Tax expense		687			144
Net change in unrealized loss on derivative asset or liability		1,329			171
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(275	)	$	425

XML

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")

5.   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, and likely aggregate Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) share payout.  In determining the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS, treasury 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 RSA shares and LTIP shares not yet awarded are recognized as a special class of participating securities under ASC 260.

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Net income per the Consolidated Statements of Income	$	14,745		$	11,157
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities		(29	)		(25	)
Income attributable to common stock	$	14,716		$	11,132
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities		37,495,317			37,603,628
Less: weighted average participating securities		(145,725	)		(150,423	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		37,349,592			37,453,205
Basic EPS	$	0.39		$	0.30
Income attributable to common stock	$	14,716		$	11,132
Weighted average common shares outstanding		37,349,592			37,453,205
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding		115,133			96,371
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding		37,464,725			37,549,576
Diluted EPS	$	0.39		$	0.30

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

There were no “out-of-the-money” stock options during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

For information about the calculation of expected aggregate LTIP share payout, see Note 14.

XML

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS [Abstract]

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

6.    REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), on January 1, 2018. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity is required to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  ASU 2014-09 also requires disclosure of sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, as well as qualitative and quantitative disclosure related to contracts with certain customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.

In accordance with ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these services. The Company applies the following five steps to properly recognize revenue:

1. Identify the contract with a customer

2. Identify the performance obligations in the contract

3. Determine the transaction price

4. Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract

5. Recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation

The Company’s only in-scope revenue stream that is subject to Topic 606 is service fees on deposit accounts (including interchange fees), which is disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Service charges and other fees.”  For the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, total revenues from contracts with customers totaled $911.

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts. The Company earns fees from its deposits customers for transaction-based, account maintenance, and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as ATM use fees, stop payments, statement rendering, and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the Company fulfills the customer’s request. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of the month, representing the period over which the Company satisfied the performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs. Service charges on deposits are withdrawn from the customer’s account balance.

Interchange Income. The Company earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions conducted through various payment networks. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provide to the cardholder.

XML

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES [Abstract]

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

7.   INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

The Company adopted ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018. As a result of adoption all registered mutual funds and trading securities were reclassified as marketable equity securities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Conditions and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded through the income statement. Additionally, $153 of unrealized gains, net of taxes, was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to beginning retained earnings during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. Marketable equity securities are excluded from the tables for the period ended March 31, 2018.

The following tables summarize the major categories of securities owned by the Company as of the dates indicated:

	At March 31, 2018
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized  Gains		Gross  Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Pass-through MBS issued by Government-sponsored Enterprises (“GSEs”)	$	239,232	$	22	$	(1,889	)	$	237,365
Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (“CMO”)		117,541		470		(966	)		117,045
Total debt securities available-for-sale	$	356,773	$	492	$	(2,855	)	$	354,410

	At December 31, 2017
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Registered Mutual Funds	$	3,779	$	311	$	(84	)	$	4,006
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		72,938		16		(325	)		72,629
CMO		278,251		669		(165	)		278,755
Total investment securities available-for-sale	$	354,968	$	996	$	(574	)	$	355,390

The carrying amount of securities pledged as collateral for the Bank’s first loss guarantee was $27,084 and $28,738 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively (see Note 10).

At March 31, 2018, available-for-sale pass-through MBS issued by GSEs possessed a weighted average contractual maturity of 14.6 years and a weighted average estimated duration of 4.2 years.  As of March 31, 2018, the available-for-sale agency CMO securities had a weighted average term to maturity of 10.7 years.

During the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company sold its entire portfolio of investment securities held-to-maturity consisting of six TRUP CDO securities, of which five were deemed to be OTTI. The TRUP CDO portfolio was sold as part of the Company’s strategy to take advantage of investment opportunities. The Company does not intend to classify any securities as held-to-maturity for the foreseeable future. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, the Company recognized amortization of $25 of the unamortized portion of unrealized losses that were 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), and $8 on the unamortized portion of previous credit losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

There were no sales of available-for-sale pass-through MBS issued by GSEs during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

Proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale CMOs totaled $158,484 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. Gross gains of $1,370 were recognized on these sales. There were no sales of available-for-sale CMOs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. The tax expense related to the gain on sales of available for sale CMOs recognized during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 was $440.

The Company holds marketable equity securities (both investment securities available-for-sale and trading securities as of December 31, 2017) as the underlying mutual fund investments of the BMP, held in a rabbi trust. The Company may sell these securities on a periodic basis in order to pay retirement benefits to plan retirees. There are no gains or losses recognized from the sales of marketable equity securities.  A summary of the sales of marketable equity securities is listed below for the periods indicated:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Proceeds:
Marketable equity securities	$	393	$	-
Investment securities available-for-sale		-		35
Trading securities		-		-

The remaining gain or loss on securities shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income was due to market valuation changes resulting in a loss of $4 on marketable equity securities and a gain of $75 on trading securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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

	March 31, 2018
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized  Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs	$	215,028	$	1,889	$	-	$	-	$	215,028	$	1,889
Agency CMO		45,534		881		3,063		85		48,597		966

	December 31, 2017
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Registered Mutual Funds	$	-	$	-	$	2,591	$	84	$	2,591	$	84
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs		55,819		325		-		-		55,819		325
Agency CMO		86,746		96		3,168		69		89,914		165

The issuers of debt securities available-for-sale are U.S. government-sponsored entities or agencies. The decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality. It is likely that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, and as such, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily-impaired at March 31, 2018.

XML

LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY [Abstract]

LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY

8.   LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY

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

Credit Quality Indicators:

On a quarterly basis, the Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying them as to credit risk.  This analysis includes all loans, such as multifamily residential, mixed use residential (i.e., loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the residential units), mixed use commercial real estate (i.e.,loans in which the aggregate rental income of the underlying collateral property is generated from both residential and commercial units, but the majority of such income is generated from the commercial units), commercial real estate loans, acquisition, development, and construction (“ADC”) loans (which includes land loans), C&I loans, as well as one-to-four family residential and cooperative and condominium apartment loans.

The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

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

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

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

The Bank had no loans classified as doubtful as of March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. All real estate and C&I loans not classified as Special Mention or Substandard were deemed pass loans at both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

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

	Balance at March 31, 2018
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	61,586	$	176	$	834	$	-	$	62,596
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		4,275,143		2,409		3,399		-		4,280,951
Commercial mixed-use real estate		396,584		1,343		4,242		-		402,169
Commercial real estate		598,871		1,879		4,676		-		605,426
ADC		9,413		-		-		-		9,413
Total real estate		5,341,597		5,807		13,151		-		5,360,555
C&I		144,639		-		1,179		-		145,818
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,486,236	$	5,807	$	14,330	$	-	$	5,506,373

	Balance at December 31, 2017
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	62,042	$	178	$	875	$	-	$	63,095
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		4,374,388		6,326		466		-		4,381,180
Commercial mixed-use real estate		396,647		-		4,908		-		401,555
Commercial real estate		602,448		1,897		4,703		-		609,048
ADC		9,189		-		-		-		9,189
Total real estate		5,444,714		8,401		10,952		-		5,464,067
C&I		136,671		-		-		-		136,671
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,581,385	$	8,401	$	10,952	$	-	$	5,600,738

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

Grade	Balance at March 31, 2018		Balance at December 31, 2017
Performing	$	1,052	$	1,375
Non-accrual		1		4
Total	$	1,053	$	1,379

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

	At March 31, 2018
	30 to 59 Days Past Due		60 to 89 Days Past Due		Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing  Interest		Non-accrual (1)		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	-	$	9	$	6,150	$	449	$	6,608	$	55,988	$	62,596
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		2,946		-		2,625		-		5,571		4,275,380		4,280,951
Commercial mixed-use real estate		-		-		669		90		759		401,410		402,169
Commercial real estate		-		-		4,372		-		4,372		601,054		605,426
ADC		-		-		-		-		-		9,413		9,413
Total real estate	$	2,946	$	9	$	13,816	$	539	$	17,310	$	5,343,245	$	5,360,555
C&I	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	1,179	$	1,179	$	144,639	$	145,818
Consumer	$	1	$	1	$	-	$	1	$	3	$	1,050	$	1,053

⁽¹⁾ Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of March 31, 2018.

	At December 31, 2017
	30 to 59 Days Past Due		60 to 89 Days Past Due		Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due		Non-accrual (1)		Total Past  Due		Current		Total Loans
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	10	$	23	$	6,397	$	436	$	6,866	$	56,229	$	63,095
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		-		-		1,669		-		1,669		4,379,511		4,381,180
Commercial mixed-use real estate		-		-		520		93		613		400,942		401,555
Commercial real estate		-		-		11,349		-		11,349		597,699		609,048
ADC		-		-		-		-		-		9,189		9,189
Total real estate	$	10	$	23	$	19,935	$	529	$	20,497	$	5,443,570	$	5,464,067
C&I	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	136,671	$	136,671
Consumer	$	4	$	-	$	-	$	4	$	8	$	1,371	$	1,379

⁽¹⁾ Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2017.

Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due

The Bank continued accruing interest on fourteen real estate loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $13,816 at March 31, 2018, and fourteen real estate loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $19,935 at December 31, 2017, all of which were 90 days or more past due on their respective contractual maturity dates. These loans continued to make monthly payments consistent with their initial contractual amortization schedule exclusive of the balloon payments due at maturity.  These loans were well secured, and repayment or refinance is expected, and, therefore, remained on accrual status and were deemed performing assets at the dates indicated above.

Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs")

The following table summarizes outstanding TDRs by underlying collateral types as of the dates indicated:

	As of March 31, 2018				As of December 31, 2017
	No. of Loans		Balance		No. of Loans		Balance
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment		1	$	20		1	$	22
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		3		604		3		619
Commercial mixed-use real estate		1		4,152		1		4,174
Commercial real estate		1		3,279		1		3,296
Total real estate		6	$	8,055		6	$	8,111

Accrual status for TDRs is determined separately for each TDR in accordance with the Bank’s policies for determining accrual or non-accrual status.  At the time an agreement is entered into between the Bank and the borrower that results in the Bank's determination that a TDR has been created, the loan can be on either accrual or non-accrual status.  If a loan is on non-accrual status at the time it is restructured, it continues to be classified as non-accrual until the borrower has demonstrated compliance with the modified loan terms for a period of at least six months.  Conversely, if at the time of restructuring the loan is performing (and accruing), it will remain accruing throughout its restructured period, unless the loan subsequently meets any of the criteria for non-accrual status under the Bank’s policy and agency regulations. There were no TDRs on non-accrual status at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

The Company has not restructured any C&I or consumer loans, as these loan portfolios have not experienced any problem issues warranting restructuring. Therefore, all TDRs were collateralized by real estate at both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

There were no loans modified in a manner that met the criteria of a TDR during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Bank had no loan commitments to borrowers with outstanding TDRs.

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

There were no TDRs which defaulted within twelve months following the modification during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017 (thus no impact to the allowance for loan losses during those periods).

Impaired Loans

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

The Bank considers TDRs and all non-accrual loans, except one-to-four family loans equal to or less than the FNMA conforming loan limits for high-cost areas, such as the Bank's primary lending area, (“FNMA Limits”) and consumer loans, to be impaired.  Non-accrual one-to-four family loans equal to or less than the FNMA Limits and all consumer loans, are considered homogeneous loan pools and are not required to be evaluated individually for impairment unless considered a TDR.

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

Please refer to Note 8 for tabular information related to impaired loans.

XML

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES [Abstract]

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

9.   ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The allowance for loan losses may consist of specific and general components. At March 31, 2018, the Bank’s periodic evaluation of its allowance for loan losses (specific or general) was comprised of two primary components: (1) impaired loans and (2) pass graded loans. Within these components, the Company has identified the following portfolio segments for purposes of assessing its allowance for loan losses: (1) real estate loans; (2) C&I loans; and (3) consumer loans.  Within these segments, the Bank analyzes the allowance for loan losses based upon the underlying collateral type (classes). Smaller balance homogeneous real estate loans, such as condominium or cooperative apartment and one-to-four family residential real estate loans with balances equal to or less than the FNMA Limits, and consumer loans are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

Impaired Loan Component

All loans that are deemed to meet the definition of impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. Impairment is typically measured using the difference between the outstanding loan principal balance and either: (1) the likely realizable value of a note sale; (2) the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of likely disposal costs, if repayment is expected to come from liquidation of the collateral; or (3) the present value of estimated future cash flows (using the loan's pre-modification rate in the case of certain performing TDRs).  For impaired loans on non-accrual status, either of the initial two measurements is utilized.

All TDRs are considered impaired loans and are evaluated individually for measurable impairment, if any.  If a TDR is substantially performing in accordance with its restructured terms, management will look to either the present value of the expected cash flows from the debt service or the potential net liquidation proceeds of the underlying collateral in measuring impairment (whichever is deemed most appropriate under the circumstances). If a TDR has re-defaulted, the likely realizable net proceeds from either a note sale or the liquidation of the collateral are generally considered when measuring impairment.  While measured impairment is generally charged off immediately, impairment attributed to a reduction in the present value of expected cash flows of a performing TDR is generally reflected as an allocated reserve within the allowance for loan losses. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no allocated reserves related to TDRs within the allowance for loan losses.

Non-Impaired Loan Component

The Bank initially looks to the underlying collateral type when determining the allowance for loan losses associated with non-impaired real estate loans.  The following underlying collateral types are analyzed separately: 1) one-to-four family residential and condominium or cooperative apartment; 2) multifamily residential and residential mixed use; 3) commercial mixed use real estate, 4) commercial real estate; 5) ADC; and 6) C&I.  Within the analysis of each underlying collateral type, the following elements are additionally considered and provided weighting in determining the allowance for loan losses for non-impaired real estate loans:

(i) Charge-off experience (including peer charge-off experience)

(ii) Economic conditions

(iii) Underwriting standards or experience

(iv) Loan concentrations

(v) Regulatory climate

(vi) Nature and volume of the portfolio

(vii) Changes in the quality and scope of the loan review function

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consumer Loans

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

 Reserve for Loan Commitments

At both March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively, the Bank maintained a reserve of $25 associated with unfunded loan commitments accepted by the borrower.  This reserve is determined based upon the outstanding volume of loan commitments at each period end.  Any increases or reductions in this reserve are recognized in periodic non-interest expense.

The following tables present data regarding the allowance for loan losses activity for the periods indicated:

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
				Real Estate Loans																Consumer Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily  Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate			Commercial Real Estate			ADC		Total Real Estate				C&I
Beginning balance	$	116		$	15,219		$	1,388		$	2,147		$	123	$	18,993		$	2,021	$	19
Provision (credit) for loan losses		-			(223	)		6			(19	)		3		(233	)		424		2
Charge-offs		(15	)		-			(4	)		-			-		(19	)		-		(4	)
Recoveries		1			-			-			-			-		1			-		-
Ending balance	$	102		$	14,996		$	1,390		$	2,128		$	126	$	18,742		$	2,445	$	17

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Real Estate Loans																	Consumer Loans
	One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed- Use			Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate			Commercial Real Estate			Total Real Estate				C&I
Beginning balance	$	145		$	16,555		$	1,698		$	2,118		$	20,516		$	-	$	20
Provision (credit) for loan losses		(4	)		134			(109	)		(23	)		(2	)		453		(1	)
Charge-offs		(13	)		(69	)		-			-			(82	)		-		-
Recoveries		1			45			-			4			50			-		-
Ending balance	$	129		$	16,665		$	1,589		$	2,099		$	20,482		$	453	$	19

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment evaluation method as of the dates indicated:

	At March 31, 2018
			Real Estate Loans											C&I	Consumer Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		ADC		Total Real Estate
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	294	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		102		14,996		1,390		2,128		126		18,742		2,151		17
Total ending allowance balance	$	102	$	14,996	$	1,390	$	2,128	$	126	$	18,742	$	2,445	$	17
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	20	$	604	$	4,242	$	3,279	$	-	$	8,145	$	1,179	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		62,576		4,280,347		397,927		602,147		9,413		5,352,410		144,639		1,053
Total ending loans balance	$	62,596	$	4,280,951	$	402,169	$	605,426	$	9,413	$	5,360,555	$	145,818	$	1,053

	At December 31, 2017
			Real Estate Loans												Consumer Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		116		15,219		1,388		2,147		123		18,993		2,021		19
Total ending allowance balance	$	116	$	15,219	$	1,388	$	2,147	$	123	$	18,993	$	2,021	$	19
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	22	$	619	$	4,267	$	3,296	$	-	$	8,204	$	-	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		63,073		4,380,561		397,288		605,752		9,189		5,455,863		136,671		1,379
Total ending loans balance	$	63,095	$	4,381,180	$	401,555	$	609,048	$	9,189	$	5,464,067	$	136,671	$	1,379

The following tables summarize impaired real estate loans with no related allowance recorded as of the dates indicated (by collateral type within the real estate loan segment):

	At March 31, 2018						At December 31, 2017
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment(1)		Related Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment(1)		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	20	$	20	$	-	$	22	$	22	$	-
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		604		604		-		619		619		-
Commercial mixed-use real estate		4,242		4,242		-		4,267		4,267		-
Commercial real estate		3,279		3,279		-		3,296		3,296		-
Total with no related allowance recorded		8,145		8,145		-		8,204		8,204		-
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		1,179		1,179		294		-		-		-
Total with an allowance recorded		1,179		1,179		294		-		-		-
Total	$	9,324	$	9,324	$	294	$	8,204	$	8,204	$	-

⁽¹⁾ The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.

The following table presents information for impaired loans for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018				Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Average Recorded Investment(1)		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded  Investment(1)		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	21	$	-	$	404	$	7
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		611		12		3,302		46
Commercial mixed-use real estate		4,255		43		4,773		45
Commercial real estate		3,287		33		3,355		34
Total with no related allowance recorded		8,174		88		11,834		132
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		589		-		-		-
Total with no related allowance recorded	$	8,763	$	88	$	11,834	$	132

⁽¹⁾ The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.

XML

LOAN SECURITIZATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

LOAN SECURITIZATION [Abstract]

LOAN SECURITIZATION

10.   LOAN SECURITIZATION

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Bank completed a securitization of $280,186 of its multifamily loans through a Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) sponsored “Q-deal” securitization completed in December 2017. Four classes of FHLMC guaranteed structured pass-through certificates were issued and purchased entirely by the Bank. As part of the securitization transaction, the Bank entered into a Servicing Agreement, which included general representations and warranties, and reimbursement obligations.

Servicing responsibilities on loan sales generally include obligations to collect and remit payments of principal and interest, provide foreclosure services, manage payments of tax and insurance, and otherwise administer the underlying loans. In connection with the securitization transaction, FHLMC was designated as the master servicer and appointed the Company to perform sub-servicing responsibilities, which generally include the servicing responsibilities described above with exception to the servicing of foreclosed or defaulted loans. The overall management, servicing, and resolution of defaulted loans and foreclosed loans are separately designated to the special servicer, a third party institution that is independent of the master servicer and the Company. The master servicer has the right to terminate the Company in its role as sub-servicer and direct such responsibilities accordingly.

General representations and warranties associated with loan sales and securitization sales require the Company to uphold various assertions that pertain to the underlying loans at the time of the transaction, including, but not limited to, compliance with relevant laws and regulations, absence of fraud, enforcement of liens, no environmental damages, and maintenance of relevant environmental insurance. Such representations and warranties are limited to those that do not meet the quality represented at the transaction date and do not pertain to a decline in value or future payment defaults. In circumstances where the Company breaches its representations and warranties, the Company would generally be required to cure such instances through a repurchase or substitution of the subject loan(s).

With respect to the securitization transaction, the Company also has continuing involvement through a reimbursement agreement executed with Freddie Mac. To the extent the ultimate resolution of defaulted loans results in contractual principal and interest payments that are deficient, the Company is obligated to reimburse FHLMC for such amounts, not to exceed 10% of the original principal amount of the loans comprising the securitization pool at the closing date.  At both March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively, the Bank maintained a liability of $420 for the exposure to the reimbursement agreement with FHLMC, the first loss guarantee. Any increases or reductions in this liability are recognized in periodic non-interest expense.

XML

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

11.   DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments.  Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.  The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s loan portfolio.

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.   During 2018, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing or forecasted issuances of short term borrowings debt.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s debt.  During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $1,132 will be reclassified as a reduction to interest expense.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Balance Sheet as of the periods indicated.

	At March 31, 2018									At December 31, 2017
	Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities			Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
Interest rate swaps related to FHLBNY advances		8	$	150,000	$	6,117	$	(78	)		7	$	135,000	$	4,041	$	-

The table below presents the effect of the cash flow hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income as of March 31, 2018 and 2017.

	Three months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Interest rate products
Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income	$	2,081		$	228
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income into interest expense		(65	)		87

The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of fair value. The tabular disclosure of fair value provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Balance Sheet.

At March 31, 2018

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

								Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition			Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
FHLB Advances	$	6,117	$	(78	)	$	6,039	$	-	$	-	$	6,039

At December 31, 2017

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets		Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
FHLB Advances	$	4,041	$	-	$	4,041	$	-	$	-	$	4,041

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

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

As of March 31, 2018, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $6,100. If the Company had breached any of the above provisions at March 31, 2018, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value and would have been required to pay any additional amounts due in excess of amounts previously posted as collateral with the respective counterparty. There were no provisions breached for the period ended March 31, 2018.

XML

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

12.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

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.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Securities

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

The pass-through MBS issued by GSEs all possessed the highest possible credit rating published by at least one established credit rating agency as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Obtaining market values as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 for these securities utilizing significant observable inputs was not difficult due to their considerable demand.

Derivatives

Derivatives represent interest rate swaps and estimated fair values are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date.

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

			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	$	1,863	$	1,863		-		-
International Equity Mutual Funds		538		538		-		-
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		4,032		4,032		-		-
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		237,365		-		237,365		-
Agency CMOs		117,045		-		117,045		-
Derivative – interest rate product		6,117		-		6,117		-
Financial Liabilities
Derivative – interest rate product	$	78	$	-	$	78	$	-

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	$	460	$	460	$	-	$	-
International Equity Mutual Funds		120		120		-		-
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,135		2,135		-		-
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Registered Mutual Funds:
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		1,512		1,512		-		-
International Equity Mutual Funds		445		445		-		-
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,049		2,049		-		-
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		72,629		-		72,629		-
Agency CMOs		278,755		-		278,755		-
Derivative – interest rate product		4,041		-		4,041		-

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment), and are subject to fair value adjustments. Financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include certain impaired loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.

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 were collateralized by real estate and accounts receivable at March 31, 2018, and real estate at December 31, 2017, and were thus carried at the lower of the outstanding principal balance or the estimated fair value of the collateral.  Fair value is estimated through either a negotiated note sale price (Level 3 input), or, more commonly, a recent real estate appraisal (Level 3 input) or discounted valuation of underlying collateral, such as accounts receivable. Types of discounts considered include aging of receivables, condition of the collateral, potential market for the collateral and estimated disposal costs. These discounts will vary from loan to loan and may be discounted based on management's opinions concerning market developments or the client's business.

At December 31, 2017, there were no impaired loans measured at fair value. The following table presents impaired loans that were re-measured and reported at fair value through a specific valuation allowance allocation of the allowance for loan losses based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral during the reported period.

					Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018 Using
	Carrying Amount Before Allocation		Specific Valuation Allowance Allocation		Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Impaired Loans
C&I	$	1,179	$	294	$	885	$	-	$	-	$	885

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

The methods of determining the fair value of assets and liabilities presented in this note are consistent with our methodologies disclosed in Note 20 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the valuation of loans which was impacted by the adoption of ASU 2016-01. In accordance with ASU 2016-01, the fair value of loans held for investment, excluding previously presented impaired loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses. The discount rates used to determine fair value use interest rate spreads that reflect factors such as liquidity, credit, and nonperformance risk of the loans. Loans are considered a Level 3 classification.

The following tables present the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments other than those measured at fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring is as follows for the dates indicated, segmented by level within the fair value hierarchy. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	188,826	$	188,826	$	-	$	-	$	188,826
Loans, net (excluding impaired loans carried at fair value)		5,485,337		-		-		5,454,038		5,454,038
Accrued interest receivable		16,535		-		768		15,767		16,535
FHLBNY capital stock		52,514		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		3,205,950		3,205,950		-		-		3,205,950
Certificates of Deposits (“CDs”)		1,224,491		-		1,221,036		-		1,221,036
Escrow and other deposits		131,953		131,953		-		-		131,953
FHLBNY Advances		1,010,400		-		1,001,841		-		1,001,841
Subordinated debt, net		113,649		-		113,793		-		113,793
Accrued interest payable		3,318		-		3,318		-		3,318

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	169,455	$	169,455	$	-	$	-	$	169,455
Loans, net		5,581,084		-		-		5,519,746		5,519,746
Accrued interest receivable		16,543		-		751		15,792		16,543
FHLBNY capital stock		59,696		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		3,311,560		3,311,560		-		-		3,311,560
CDs		1,091,887		-		1,192,964		-		1,192,964
Escrow and other deposits		82,168		82,168		-		-		82,168
FHLBNY Advances		1,170,000		-		1,164,947		-		1,164,947
Subordinated debt, net		113,612		-		115,337		-		115,337
Accrued interest payable		1,623		-		1,623		-		1,623

XML

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

13.   RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The Holding Company or the Bank maintains the Retirement Plan of Dime Community Bank (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 Dime Community Bank (the "Postretirement Plan").

The Company adopted ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), on January 1, 2018.  The components of net periodic costs are included in other non-interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Net expenses associated with these plans were comprised of the following components:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018						2017
	BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan			BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan
Service cost	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
Interest cost		292			14			329			14
Expected return on assets		(430	)		-			(395	)		-
Unrecognized past service liability		-			(2	)		-			(2	)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)		289			-			359			(1	)
Net periodic cost	$	151		$	12		$	293		$	11

The Company disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 that it expected to make contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of, benefit plans during 2018 as follows: Employee Retirement Plan - $17, Outside Director Retirement Plan - $226, Postretirement Plan - $121, and BMP - $564.  The Company made contributions of $4 to the Employee Retirement Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and expects to make the remainder of the contributions during 2018.  The Company made benefit payments of $56 on behalf of the Outside Director Retirement Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and expects to make the remainder of the estimated net contributions or benefit payments during 2018. The Company made benefit payments totaling $17 on behalf of the Postretirement Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and expects to make any additional contributions or benefit payments required for 2018.  The Company made benefit payments totaling $137 on behalf of the BMP during the three month period ended March 31, 2018 and expects to make the remaining anticipated benefit payments during 2018.

The BMP exists in order to compensate executive officers for any curtailments in benefits due to statutory limitations on qualifying benefit plans.  During the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, in addition to benefit payments from the defined benefit plan component of the BMP discussed above, gross lump-sum distributions of $1,199 were made to retired participants.  One distribution was satisfied by 22,051 shares of Common Stock (market value of $942) held by the previous Employee Stock Ownership Plan component of the BMP and cash of $257 held by the defined contribution plan components of the BMP.  As a result of the distribution, a non-cash tax benefit of $285 was recognized for the difference between market value and cost basis of the Common Stock held by the BMP.

XML

ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]

ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

14.    ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company maintains the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees, the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan (“2013 Equity Plan”) (collectively, the "Stock Plans"), which are discussed more fully in Note 18 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and which are subject to the accounting requirements of ASC 505-50 and ASC 718.

Stock Option Awards

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

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2018		157,546		$	15.53
Options granted		-			-
Options exercised		(28,771	)	$	16.38
Options outstanding at March 31, 2018		128,775		$	15.34		1.6	$	394
Options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2018		128,775		$	15.34		1.6	$	394

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, the cost of one exercise of 10,000 stock options was satisfied by 9,045 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $18.18.  These shares were returned to Treasury Stock.

Information related to stock options during each period is as follows:

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Cash received for option exercise cost	$	290	$	624
Income tax benefit recognized on stock option exercises		4		69
Intrinsic value of options exercised		97		275

There were no grants of stock options during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 or 2017. All stock options are fully vested at both March 31, 2018 and 2017.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company has made restricted stock award grants to outside Directors and certain officers under the Stock Plans. Typically, awards to outside Directors fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, while awards to officers may vest in equal annual installments over a four-year period or at the end of the four-year requisite period.  All awards were made at the fair value of Common Stock on the grant date. Compensation expense on all restricted stock awards are based upon the fair value of the shares on the respective dates of the grant.

The following table presents a summary of activity related to the RSAs granted, and changes during the period then ended:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested allocated shares outstanding at January 1, 2018		150,567		$	18.85
Shares granted		-			-
Shares vested		(4,752	)		20.13
Shares forfeited		(2,014	)		19.39
Unvested allocated shares at March 31, 2018		143,801		$	18.80

Information related to restricted stock awards during each period is as follows:

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Compensation expense recognized	$	304		$	297
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of restricted stock awards		(2	)		2
Weighted average remaining years for which compensation expense is to be recognized		2.7			1.6

Performance Based Equity Awards

The Company established the LTIP, a long term incentive award program for certain officers, which meets the criteria for equity-based accounting.  For each award, threshold (50% of target), target (100% of target) and maximum (150% of target) opportunities are eligible to be earned over a three-year performance period based on the Company's relative performance on certain goals that were established at the onset of the performance period and cannot be altered subsequently.  Shares of Common Stock are issued on the grant date and held as unvested stock awards until the end of the performance period. They are issued at the maximum opportunity in order to ensure that an adequate number of shares are allocated for shares expected to vest at the end of the performance period.

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

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2018		69,224		$	19.19
Shares granted		81,353			18.55
Shares vested		(3,536	)		18.83
Shares forfeited		(6,320	)		19.19
Maximum aggregate share payout at March 31, 2018		140,721		$	18.83
Minimum aggregate share payout		-			-
Expected aggregate share payout		93,813		$	18.83

Compensation expense recorded for performance based equity awards was $84 and $97 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

XML

SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE [Abstract]

SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE

15.   SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Holding Company issued $115,000 of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due June 2027, which become callable commencing on June 15, 2022.  The notes will mature on June 15, 2027 (the “Maturity Date”). From and including June 13, 2017 until but excluding June 15, 2022, interest will be paid semi-annually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15 at a fixed annual interest rate equal to 4.50%. From and including June 15, 2022 to, but excluding, the Maturity Date or earlier redemption date, the interest rate shall reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the then-current three-month LIBOR plus 266 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears.  Debt issuance cost directly associated with subordinated debt offering was capitalized and netted with subordinated notes payable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  Interest expense related to the subordinated debt was $1,330 and $0 during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

XML

TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES PAYABLE

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES PAYABLE [Abstract]

TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES PAYABLE

16.   TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES PAYABLE

On March 19, 2004, the Holding Company completed an offering of $72,165 of trust preferred securities through Dime Community Capital Trust I, an unconsolidated special purpose entity formed for the purpose of the offering. The trust preferred securities bear a fixed interest rate of 7.0%, mature on April 14, 2034, and became callable without penalty at any time on or after April 15, 2009.  Interest expense related to the trust preferred securities payable was $1,256 during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company fully redeemed its $70,680 of trust preferred securities borrowings at par from third parties.

XML

INCOME TAXES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

INCOME TAXES [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

17.   INCOME TAXES

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company's consolidated effective tax rates were 23.7% and 38.2%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to March 31, 2017 was the result of the Tax Act, which took effect January 1, 2018, and reduced the corporate federal tax rate from a maximum rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%.  There were no other significant unusual income tax items during the three-month periods ended either March 31, 2018 or 2017.

XML

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]

Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

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

	Securities Held- to-Maturity and Transferred Securities			Securities Available-for- Sale			Defined Benefit Plans			Derivative Asset			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)
Balance as of January 1, 2018	$	-		$	285		$	(6,633	)	$	2,707		$	(3,641	)
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities (1)		-			(153	)		-			-			(153	)
Adjusted balance as of January 1, 2018		-			132			(6,633	)		2,707			(3,794	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		-			(786	)		(88	)		1,373			499
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			(922	)		192			(44	)		(744	)
Net other comprehensive income during the period		-			(1,708	)		104			1,329			(275	)
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income (2)		-			-			32			-			32
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	-		$	(1,576	)	$	(6,497	)	$	4,036		$	(4,037	)
Balance as of January 1, 2017	$	(713	)	$	(92	)	$	(6,910	)	$	1,776		$	(5,939	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		18			65			-			124			207
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			-			171			47			218
Net other comprehensive income during the period		18			65			171			171			425
Balance as of March 31, 2017	$	(695	)	$	(27	)	$	(6,739	)	$	1,947		$	(5,514	)

⁽¹⁾ Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 allowing the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

⁽²⁾ Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2018-02 allowing the reclassification of certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) (or portion thereof) is recorded. The amount of the reclassification is an adjustment for the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate (35%) and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate.

Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The before and after tax amounts allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities:
Accretion of previously recognized non-credit component of OTTI	$	-		$	9
Change in unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity		-			25
Net change		-			34
Tax expense		-			16
Net change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities		-			18
Change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale:
Change in net unrealized gain during the period		(1,188	)		120
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net gain on securities and other assets		(1,370	)		-
Net change		(2,558	)		120
Tax expense (benefit)		(850	)		55
Net change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale		(1,708	)		65
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in salaries and employee benefits expense		286			-
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss		(131	)		302
Net change		155			302
Tax expense		51			131
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations		104			171
Change in unrealized loss on derivative asset or liability:
Change in net unrealized loss during the period		2,081			228
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense		(65	)		87
Net change		2,016			315
Tax expense		687			144
Net change in unrealized loss on derivative asset or liability		1,329			171
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(275	)	$	425

XML

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted EPS

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Net income per the Consolidated Statements of Income	$	14,745		$	11,157
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities		(29	)		(25	)
Income attributable to common stock	$	14,716		$	11,132
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities		37,495,317			37,603,628
Less: weighted average participating securities		(145,725	)		(150,423	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		37,349,592			37,453,205
Basic EPS	$	0.39		$	0.30
Income attributable to common stock	$	14,716		$	11,132
Weighted average common shares outstanding		37,349,592			37,453,205
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding		115,133			96,371
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding		37,464,725			37,549,576
Diluted EPS	$	0.39		$	0.30

XML

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES [Abstract]

Summary of Major Categories of Securities Owned by Entity

The following tables summarize the major categories of securities owned by the Company as of the dates indicated:

	At March 31, 2018
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized  Gains		Gross  Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Pass-through MBS issued by Government-sponsored Enterprises (“GSEs”)	$	239,232	$	22	$	(1,889	)	$	237,365
Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (“CMO”)		117,541		470		(966	)		117,045
Total debt securities available-for-sale	$	356,773	$	492	$	(2,855	)	$	354,410

	At December 31, 2017
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Registered Mutual Funds	$	3,779	$	311	$	(84	)	$	4,006
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		72,938		16		(325	)		72,629
CMO		278,251		669		(165	)		278,755
Total investment securities available-for-sale	$	354,968	$	996	$	(574	)	$	355,390

Summary of Sales of Registered Mutual Funds and Trading Securities

A summary of the sales of marketable equity securities is listed below for the periods indicated:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Proceeds:
Marketable equity securities	$	393	$	-
Investment securities available-for-sale		-		35
Trading securities		-		-

Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Investment Securities by Investment Category and Length of Time in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position

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

	March 31, 2018
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized  Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs	$	215,028	$	1,889	$	-	$	-	$	215,028	$	1,889
Agency CMO		45,534		881		3,063		85		48,597		966

	December 31, 2017
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Registered Mutual Funds	$	-	$	-	$	2,591	$	84	$	2,591	$	84
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs		55,819		325		-		-		55,819		325
Agency CMO		86,746		96		3,168		69		89,914		165

XML

LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY [Abstract]

Summary of the Credit Risk Profile of the Real Estate Loans

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

	Balance at March 31, 2018
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	61,586	$	176	$	834	$	-	$	62,596
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		4,275,143		2,409		3,399		-		4,280,951
Commercial mixed-use real estate		396,584		1,343		4,242		-		402,169
Commercial real estate		598,871		1,879		4,676		-		605,426
ADC		9,413		-		-		-		9,413
Total real estate		5,341,597		5,807		13,151		-		5,360,555
C&I		144,639		-		1,179		-		145,818
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,486,236	$	5,807	$	14,330	$	-	$	5,506,373

	Balance at December 31, 2017
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	62,042	$	178	$	875	$	-	$	63,095
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		4,374,388		6,326		466		-		4,381,180
Commercial mixed-use real estate		396,647		-		4,908		-		401,555
Commercial real estate		602,448		1,897		4,703		-		609,048
ADC		9,189		-		-		-		9,189
Total real estate		5,444,714		8,401		10,952		-		5,464,067
C&I		136,671		-		-		-		136,671
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,581,385	$	8,401	$	10,952	$	-	$	5,600,738

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

Grade	Balance at March 31, 2018		Balance at December 31, 2017
Performing	$	1,052	$	1,375
Non-accrual		1		4
Total	$	1,053	$	1,379

Past Due Financing Receivables

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

	At March 31, 2018
	30 to 59 Days Past Due		60 to 89 Days Past Due		Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing  Interest		Non-accrual (1)		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	-	$	9	$	6,150	$	449	$	6,608	$	55,988	$	62,596
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		2,946		-		2,625		-		5,571		4,275,380		4,280,951
Commercial mixed-use real estate		-		-		669		90		759		401,410		402,169
Commercial real estate		-		-		4,372		-		4,372		601,054		605,426
ADC		-		-		-		-		-		9,413		9,413
Total real estate	$	2,946	$	9	$	13,816	$	539	$	17,310	$	5,343,245	$	5,360,555
C&I	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	1,179	$	1,179	$	144,639	$	145,818
Consumer	$	1	$	1	$	-	$	1	$	3	$	1,050	$	1,053

⁽¹⁾ Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of March 31, 2018.

	At December 31, 2017
	30 to 59 Days Past Due		60 to 89 Days Past Due		Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due		Non-accrual (1)		Total Past  Due		Current		Total Loans
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	10	$	23	$	6,397	$	436	$	6,866	$	56,229	$	63,095
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		-		-		1,669		-		1,669		4,379,511		4,381,180
Commercial mixed-use real estate		-		-		520		93		613		400,942		401,555
Commercial real estate		-		-		11,349		-		11,349		597,699		609,048
ADC		-		-		-		-		-		9,189		9,189
Total real estate	$	10	$	23	$	19,935	$	529	$	20,497	$	5,443,570	$	5,464,067
C&I	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	136,671	$	136,671
Consumer	$	4	$	-	$	-	$	4	$	8	$	1,371	$	1,379

⁽¹⁾ Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2017.

Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables

The following table summarizes outstanding TDRs by underlying collateral types as of the dates indicated:

	As of March 31, 2018				As of December 31, 2017
	No. of Loans		Balance		No. of Loans		Balance
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment		1	$	20		1	$	22
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		3		604		3		619
Commercial mixed-use real estate		1		4,152		1		4,174
Commercial real estate		1		3,279		1		3,296
Total real estate		6	$	8,055		6	$	8,111

XML

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES [Abstract]

Allowance for Credit Losses for Impairment by Financing Receivables Class

The following tables present data regarding the allowance for loan losses activity for the periods indicated:

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
				Real Estate Loans																Consumer Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily  Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate			Commercial Real Estate			ADC		Total Real Estate				C&I
Beginning balance	$	116		$	15,219		$	1,388		$	2,147		$	123	$	18,993		$	2,021	$	19
Provision (credit) for loan losses		-			(223	)		6			(19	)		3		(233	)		424		2
Charge-offs		(15	)		-			(4	)		-			-		(19	)		-		(4	)
Recoveries		1			-			-			-			-		1			-		-
Ending balance	$	102		$	14,996		$	1,390		$	2,128		$	126	$	18,742		$	2,445	$	17

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Real Estate Loans																	Consumer Loans
	One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed- Use			Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate			Commercial Real Estate			Total Real Estate				C&I
Beginning balance	$	145		$	16,555		$	1,698		$	2,118		$	20,516		$	-	$	20
Provision (credit) for loan losses		(4	)		134			(109	)		(23	)		(2	)		453		(1	)
Charge-offs		(13	)		(69	)		-			-			(82	)		-		-
Recoveries		1			45			-			4			50			-		-
Ending balance	$	129		$	16,665		$	1,589		$	2,099		$	20,482		$	453	$	19

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment evaluation method as of the dates indicated:

	At March 31, 2018
			Real Estate Loans											C&I	Consumer Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		ADC		Total Real Estate
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	294	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		102		14,996		1,390		2,128		126		18,742		2,151		17
Total ending allowance balance	$	102	$	14,996	$	1,390	$	2,128	$	126	$	18,742	$	2,445	$	17
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	20	$	604	$	4,242	$	3,279	$	-	$	8,145	$	1,179	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		62,576		4,280,347		397,927		602,147		9,413		5,352,410		144,639		1,053
Total ending loans balance	$	62,596	$	4,280,951	$	402,169	$	605,426	$	9,413	$	5,360,555	$	145,818	$	1,053

	At December 31, 2017
			Real Estate Loans												Consumer Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Mixed-Use Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		116		15,219		1,388		2,147		123		18,993		2,021		19
Total ending allowance balance	$	116	$	15,219	$	1,388	$	2,147	$	123	$	18,993	$	2,021	$	19
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	22	$	619	$	4,267	$	3,296	$	-	$	8,204	$	-	$	-
Collectively evaluated for impairment		63,073		4,380,561		397,288		605,752		9,189		5,455,863		136,671		1,379
Total ending loans balance	$	63,095	$	4,381,180	$	401,555	$	609,048	$	9,189	$	5,464,067	$	136,671	$	1,379

Summary of Impaired Real Estate Loans

The following tables summarize impaired real estate loans with no related allowance recorded as of the dates indicated (by collateral type within the real estate loan segment):

	At March 31, 2018						At December 31, 2017
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment(1)		Related Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment(1)		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	20	$	20	$	-	$	22	$	22	$	-
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		604		604		-		619		619		-
Commercial mixed-use real estate		4,242		4,242		-		4,267		4,267		-
Commercial real estate		3,279		3,279		-		3,296		3,296		-
Total with no related allowance recorded		8,145		8,145		-		8,204		8,204		-
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		1,179		1,179		294		-		-		-
Total with an allowance recorded		1,179		1,179		294		-		-		-
Total	$	9,324	$	9,324	$	294	$	8,204	$	8,204	$	-

⁽¹⁾ The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.

The following table presents information for impaired loans for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018				Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Average Recorded Investment(1)		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded  Investment(1)		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	21	$	-	$	404	$	7
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		611		12		3,302		46
Commercial mixed-use real estate		4,255		43		4,773		45
Commercial real estate		3,287		33		3,355		34
Total with no related allowance recorded		8,174		88		11,834		132
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		589		-		-		-
Total with no related allowance recorded	$	8,763	$	88	$	11,834	$	132

XML

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]

Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments and Classification on Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Balance Sheet as of the periods indicated.

	At March 31, 2018									At December 31, 2017
	Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities			Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
Interest rate swaps related to FHLBNY advances		8	$	150,000	$	6,117	$	(78	)		7	$	135,000	$	4,041	$	-

Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income

The table below presents the effect of the cash flow hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income as of March 31, 2018 and 2017.

	Three months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Interest rate products
Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income	$	2,081		$	228
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income into interest expense		(65	)		87

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of fair value. The tabular disclosure of fair value provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Balance Sheet.

At March 31, 2018

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

								Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition			Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
FHLB Advances	$	6,117	$	(78	)	$	6,039	$	-	$	-	$	6,039

At December 31, 2017

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets		Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
FHLB Advances	$	4,041	$	-	$	4,041	$	-	$	-	$	4,041

XML

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]

Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

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

			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	$	1,863	$	1,863		-		-
International Equity Mutual Funds		538		538		-		-
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		4,032		4,032		-		-
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		237,365		-		237,365		-
Agency CMOs		117,045		-		117,045		-
Derivative – interest rate product		6,117		-		6,117		-
Financial Liabilities
Derivative – interest rate product	$	78	$	-	$	78	$	-

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	$	460	$	460	$	-	$	-
International Equity Mutual Funds		120		120		-		-
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,135		2,135		-		-
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Registered Mutual Funds:
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		1,512		1,512		-		-
International Equity Mutual Funds		445		445		-		-
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,049		2,049		-		-
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		72,629		-		72,629		-
Agency CMOs		278,755		-		278,755		-
Derivative – interest rate product		4,041		-		4,041		-

Impaired Loans Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

The following table presents impaired loans that were re-measured and reported at fair value through a specific valuation allowance allocation of the allowance for loan losses based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral during the reported period.

					Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018 Using
	Carrying Amount Before Allocation		Specific Valuation Allowance Allocation		Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Impaired Loans
C&I	$	1,179	$	294	$	885	$	-	$	-	$	885

Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following tables present the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments other than those measured at fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring is as follows for the dates indicated, segmented by level within the fair value hierarchy. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	188,826	$	188,826	$	-	$	-	$	188,826
Loans, net (excluding impaired loans carried at fair value)		5,485,337		-		-		5,454,038		5,454,038
Accrued interest receivable		16,535		-		768		15,767		16,535
FHLBNY capital stock		52,514		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		3,205,950		3,205,950		-		-		3,205,950
Certificates of Deposits (“CDs”)		1,224,491		-		1,221,036		-		1,221,036
Escrow and other deposits		131,953		131,953		-		-		131,953
FHLBNY Advances		1,010,400		-		1,001,841		-		1,001,841
Subordinated debt, net		113,649		-		113,793		-		113,793
Accrued interest payable		3,318		-		3,318		-		3,318

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	169,455	$	169,455	$	-	$	-	$	169,455
Loans, net		5,581,084		-		-		5,519,746		5,519,746
Accrued interest receivable		16,543		-		751		15,792		16,543
FHLBNY capital stock		59,696		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		3,311,560		3,311,560		-		-		3,311,560
CDs		1,091,887		-		1,192,964		-		1,192,964
Escrow and other deposits		82,168		82,168		-		-		82,168
FHLBNY Advances		1,170,000		-		1,164,947		-		1,164,947
Subordinated debt, net		113,612		-		115,337		-		115,337
Accrued interest payable		1,623		-		1,623		-		1,623

XML

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Costs

Net expenses associated with these plans were comprised of the following components:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018						2017
	BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan			BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan
Service cost	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
Interest cost		292			14			329			14
Expected return on assets		(430	)		-			(395	)		-
Unrecognized past service liability		-			(2	)		-			(2	)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)		289			-			359			(1	)
Net periodic cost	$	151		$	12		$	293		$	11

XML

ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]

Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options

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

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2018		157,546		$	15.53
Options granted		-			-
Options exercised		(28,771	)	$	16.38
Options outstanding at March 31, 2018		128,775		$	15.34		1.6	$	394
Options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2018		128,775		$	15.34		1.6	$	394

Information Related to Stock Option Plan

Information related to stock options during each period is as follows:

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Cash received for option exercise cost	$	290	$	624
Income tax benefit recognized on stock option exercises		4		69
Intrinsic value of options exercised		97		275

Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Awards

The following table presents a summary of activity related to the RSAs granted, and changes during the period then ended:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested allocated shares outstanding at January 1, 2018		150,567		$	18.85
Shares granted		-			-
Shares vested		(4,752	)		20.13
Shares forfeited		(2,014	)		19.39
Unvested allocated shares at March 31, 2018		143,801		$	18.80

Information Related to Restricted Stock Award Plan

Information related to restricted stock awards during each period is as follows:

	At or for the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Compensation expense recognized	$	304		$	297
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of restricted stock awards		(2	)		2
Weighted average remaining years for which compensation expense is to be recognized		2.7			1.6

Summary of Activity Related to Performance Based Equity Awards

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

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2018		69,224		$	19.19
Shares granted		81,353			18.55
Shares vested		(3,536	)		18.83
Shares forfeited		(6,320	)		19.19
Maximum aggregate share payout at March 31, 2018		140,721		$	18.83
Minimum aggregate share payout		-			-
Expected aggregate share payout		93,813		$	18.83

XML

NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) RetailBranch	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
NATURE OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Subordinated notes payable | $	$ 113,649	$ 113,612
Number of retail banking offices | RetailBranch	29

XML

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		$ 598,567	$ 565,868	$ 565,868
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		499	207
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		(744)	218
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(275)	425
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income	[1]	32
Balance		$ 607,957	$ 573,225	$ 598,567
Corporate income tax rate		21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
ASU 2016-01 [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		$ 598,567
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities				$ 0
Balance				598,567
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		(3,641)	$ (5,939)	(5,939)
Balance		(4,037)	(5,514)	(3,641)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		(3,794)
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities	[2]			(153)
Balance				(3,794)
Securities Held-to-Maturity and Transferred Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		0	(713)	(713)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		0	18
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		0	18
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income	[1]	0
Balance		0	(695)	0
Securities Held-to-Maturity and Transferred Securities [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		0
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities	[2]			0
Balance				0
Securities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		285	(92)	(92)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(786)	65
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		(922)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(1,708)	65
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income	[1]	0
Balance		(1,576)	(27)	285
Securities Available-for-Sale [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		132
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities	[2]			(153)
Balance				132
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		(6,633)	(6,910)	(6,910)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(88)	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		192	171
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		104	171
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income	[1]	32
Balance		(6,497)	(6,739)	(6,633)
Defined Benefit Plans [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		(6,633)
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities	[2]			0
Balance				(6,633)
Derivative Asset [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		2,707	1,776	1,776
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		1,373	124
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		(44)	47
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		1,329	171
Reclassification of tax effects on other comprehensive income	[1]	0
Balance		4,036	$ 1,947	2,707
Derivative Asset [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		$ 2,707
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities	[2]			0
Balance				$ 2,707

[1] Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2018-02 allowing the reclassification of certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act") (or portion thereof) is recorded. The amount of the reclassification is an adjustment for the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate (35%) and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate.

[2] Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 allowing the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

XML

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), Before and After Tax Amounts by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities [Abstract]
Accretion of previously recognized non-credit component of OTTI	$ 0	$ 9
Change in unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity	0	25
Net change	0	34
Tax expense	0	16
Net change in unrealized holding loss on securities held-to-maturity and transferred securities	0	18
Change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized gain during the period	(1,188)	120
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net gain on securities and other assets	(1,370)	0
Net change	(2,558)	120
Tax expense (benefit)	(850)	55
Net change in unrealized holding gain on securities available-for-sale	(1,708)	65
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations [Abstract]
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in salaries and employee benefits expense	286	0
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss	(131)	302
Net change	155	302
Tax expense	51	131
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations	104	171
Change in unrealized loss on derivatives asset or liability [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized loss during the period	2,081	228
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense	(65)	87
Net change	2,016	315
Tax expense	687	144
Net change in unrealized loss on derivatives asset or liability	1,329	171
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (275)	$ 425

XML

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") [Abstract]
Net income per the Consolidated Statements of Income	$ 14,745	$ 11,157
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities	(29)	(25)
Income attributable to common stock	$ 14,716	$ 11,132
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities (in shares)	37,495,317	37,603,628
Less: weighted average participating securities (in shares)	(145,725)	(150,423)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	37,349,592	37,453,205
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.30
Income attributable to common stock	$ 14,716	$ 11,132
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	37,349,592	37,453,205
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	115,133	96,371
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	37,464,725	37,549,576
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.30
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average shares excluded from earnings per share calculation (in shares)	0	0

XML

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS [Abstract]
Service charges and other fees	$ 911	$ 794

XML

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, Major Categories of Securities Owned (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 Security
Investment Securities Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost		$ 356,773		$ 354,968
Gross Unrealized Gains		492		996
Gross Unrealized Losses		(2,855)		(574)
Fair Value		354,410		355,390
Securities pledged as collateral		27,084		28,738
Sale of TRUP CDO securities [Abstract]
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		0	$ 25
Net decrease in non-credit component of OCI		0	(8)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage backed securities available-for-sale		158,484	0
Proceeds [Abstract]
Marketable equity securities		393	0
Investment securities available-for-sale		0	35
Trading securities		0	0
Gross gain recognized on sale of mortgage backed securities available for sale		1,370	0
Loss on marketable equity securities		(4,000)
Gain on trading securities	[1]	1,366	75
Pooled Bank Trust Preferred Securities ("TRUP CDOs") [Member]
Sale of TRUP CDO securities [Abstract]
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity			25
Net decrease in non-credit component of OCI			8
Number of TRUP CDO securities | Security					6
Number of TRUP CDO securities deemed OTTI | Security					5
Registered Mutual Funds [Member]
Investment Securities Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost				3,779
Gross Unrealized Gains				311
Gross Unrealized Losses				(84)
Fair Value				4,006
Pass-through MBS Issued by Government Sponsored Entities ("GSEs") [Member]
Investment Securities Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost		239,232		72,938
Gross Unrealized Gains		22		16
Gross Unrealized Losses		(1,889)		(325)
Fair Value		$ 237,365		72,629
Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities [Abstract]
Securities weighted average term to maturity		14 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average estimated duration		4 years 2 months 12 days
Sale of TRUP CDO securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of mortgage backed securities available-for-sale		$ 0	0
Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligation ("CMO") [Member]
Investment Securities Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost		117,541		278,251
Gross Unrealized Gains		470		669
Gross Unrealized Losses		(966)		(165)
Fair Value		$ 117,045		278,755
Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities [Abstract]
Securities weighted average term to maturity		10 years 8 months 12 days
Sale of TRUP CDO securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of mortgage backed securities available-for-sale		$ 158,484	$ 0
Proceeds [Abstract]
Gross gain recognized on sale of mortgage backed securities available for sale		1,370
Amount of tax expense related to the gain on sales of available for sale		$ 440
ASU 2016-01 [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities				0
Retained Earnings [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities				153
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities	[2]			$ (153)

[1] Amount includes periodic valuation gains or losses on marketable equity and trading securities

[2] Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 allowing the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

XML

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Registered Mutual Funds [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months		$ 0
12 Consecutive Months or Longer		2,591
Total		2,591
Available-for-Sale Securities, Unrealized Losses [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months		0
12 Consecutive Months or Longer		84
Total		84
Pass-through MBS Issued by Government Sponsored Entities ("GSEs") [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	$ 215,028	55,819
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	0	0
Total	215,028	55,819
Available-for-Sale Securities, Unrealized Losses [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	1,889	325
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	0	0
Total	1,889	325
Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligation ("CMO") [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	45,534	86,746
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	3,063	3,168
Total	48,597	89,914
Available-for-Sale Securities, Unrealized Losses [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	881	96
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	85	69
Total	$ 966	$ 165

XML

LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY, Credit Quality Indicators (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	$ 5,360,555	$ 5,464,067
C&I	145,818	136,671
Total Real Estate and C&I	5,506,373	5,600,738
Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Real Estate and C&I	5,486,236	5,581,385
Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Real Estate and C&I	5,807	8,401
Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Real Estate and C&I	14,330	10,952
Doubtful [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Real Estate and C&I	0	0
Real Estate Loan [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	5,360,555	5,464,067
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	5,341,597	5,444,714
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	5,807	8,401
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	13,151	10,952
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	0	0
Real Estate Loan [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	62,596	63,095
Real Estate Loan [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	61,586	62,042
Real Estate Loan [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	176	178
Real Estate Loan [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	834	875
Real Estate Loan [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	0	0
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	4,280,951	4,381,180
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	4,275,143	4,374,388
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	2,409	6,326
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	3,399	466
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	0	0
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	402,169	401,555
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	396,584	396,647
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	1,343	0
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	4,242	4,908
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	0	0
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	605,426	609,048
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	598,871	602,448
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	1,879	1,897
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	4,676	4,703
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	0	0
Real Estate Loan [Member] | ADC [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	9,413	9,189
Real Estate Loan [Member] | ADC [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	9,413	9,189
Real Estate Loan [Member] | ADC [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	0	0
Real Estate Loan [Member] | ADC [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	0	0
Real Estate Loan [Member] | ADC [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Real estate loans	0	0
C & I Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
C&I	145,818	136,671
C & I Loans [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
C&I	144,639	136,671
C & I Loans [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
C&I	0	0
C & I Loans [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
C&I	1,179	0
C & I Loans [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
C&I	0	0
Consumer Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Consumer loans	1,053	1,379
Consumer Loans [Member] | Performing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Consumer loans	1,052	1,375
Consumer Loans [Member] | Non-Accrual [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Consumer loans	$ 1	$ 4

XML

LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY, Past Due (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) Loan		Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Loan
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Real estate loans	$ 5,360,555		$ 5,464,067
C&I	$ 145,818		$ 136,671
Number of real estate loans more than 90 days past due on contractual balloon payment | Loan	14		14
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	$ 539	[1]	$ 529	[2]
Total past due	17,310		20,497
Current	5,343,245		5,443,570
Real estate loans	5,360,555		5,464,067
Real Estate Loans [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	2,946		10
Real Estate Loans [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	9		23
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	13,816		19,935
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	449	[1]	436	[2]
Total past due	6,608		6,866
Current	55,988		56,229
Real estate loans	62,596		63,095
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		10
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	9		23
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	6,150		6,397
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	0	[1]	0	[2]
Total past due	5,571		1,669
Current	4,275,380		4,379,511
Real estate loans	4,280,951		4,381,180
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	2,946		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	2,625		1,669
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	90	[1]	93	[2]
Total past due	759		613
Current	401,410		400,942
Real estate loans	402,169		401,555
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	669		520
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	0	[1]	0	[2]
Total past due	4,372		11,349
Current	601,054		597,699
Real estate loans	605,426		609,048
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	4,372		11,349
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	0	[1]	0	[2]
Total past due	0		0
Current	9,413		9,189
Real estate loans	9,413		9,189
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
C & I Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	1,179	[1]	0	[2]
Total past due	1,179		0
Current	144,639		136,671
C&I	145,818		136,671
C & I Loans [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
C&I	0		0
C & I Loans [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
C&I	0		0
C & I Loans [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
C&I	0		0
Consumer [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	1	[1]	4	[2]
Total past due	3		8
Current	1,050		1,371
Consumer loans	1,053		1,379
Consumer [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	1		4
Consumer [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	1		0
Consumer [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
Real Estate Loans and C & I Loans [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	$ 13,816		$ 19,935

[1] Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of March 31, 2018.

[2] Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2017.

XML

LOANS RECEIVABLE AND CREDIT QUALITY, Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) Loan	Mar. 31, 2017 Loan	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Loan
Troubled Debt Restructuring on Receivables [Abstract]
Number of TDRs on non-accrual status	0		0
Number of loans modified	0	0
Number of loan commitments to borrowers with outstanding TDRs	0		0
TDRs which defaulted within twelve months following the modification	0	0
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring on Receivables [Abstract]
Number of loans	6		6
Balance | $	$ 8,055		$ 8,111
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring on Receivables [Abstract]
Number of loans	1		1
Balance | $	$ 20		$ 22
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring on Receivables [Abstract]
Number of loans	3		3
Balance | $	$ 604		$ 619
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring on Receivables [Abstract]
Number of loans	1		1
Balance | $	$ 4,152		$ 4,174
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring on Receivables [Abstract]
Number of loans	1		1
Balance | $	$ 3,279		$ 3,296

XML

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES, Allowance by Class of Loan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allocated reserves related to TDRs	$ 0		$ 0
Allowance for credit losses [Roll Forward]
Provision (credit) for loan losses	193	$ 450
Unfunded Loan Commitment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allocated reserves related to TDRs	25,000		25,000
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Allowance for credit losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	18,993	20,516
Provision (credit) for loan losses	(233)	(2)
Charge-offs	(19)	(82)
Recoveries	1	50
Ending balance	18,742	20,482
Allowance for loan losses [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	18,742		18,993
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	8,145		8,204
Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,352,410		5,455,863
Total ending allowance balance	5,360,555		5,464,067
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Allowance for credit losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	116	145
Provision (credit) for loan losses	0	(4)
Charge-offs	(15)	(13)
Recoveries	1	1
Ending balance	102	129
Allowance for loan losses [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	102		116
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	20		22
Collectively evaluated for impairment	62,576		63,073
Total ending allowance balance	62,596		63,095
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed Use [Member]
Allowance for credit losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	15,219	16,555
Provision (credit) for loan losses	(223)	134
Charge-offs	0	(69)
Recoveries	0	45
Ending balance	14,996	16,665
Allowance for loan losses [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	14,996		15,219
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	604		619
Collectively evaluated for impairment	4,280,347		4,380,561
Total ending allowance balance	4,280,951		4,381,180
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member]
Allowance for credit losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,388	1,698
Provision (credit) for loan losses	6	(109)
Charge-offs	(4)	0
Recoveries	0	0
Ending balance	1,390	1,589
Allowance for loan losses [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,390		1,388
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	4,242		4,267
Collectively evaluated for impairment	397,927		397,288
Total ending allowance balance	402,169		401,555
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Allowance for credit losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,147	2,118
Provision (credit) for loan losses	(19)	(23)
Charge-offs	0	0
Recoveries	0	4
Ending balance	2,128	2,099
Allowance for loan losses [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,128		2,147
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	3,279		3,296
Collectively evaluated for impairment	602,147		605,752
Total ending allowance balance	605,426		609,048
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member]
Allowance for credit losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	123
Provision (credit) for loan losses	3
Charge-offs	0
Recoveries	0
Ending balance	126
Allowance for loan losses [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	126		123
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	9,413		9,189
Total ending allowance balance	9,413		9,189
C&I [Member]
Allowance for credit losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,021	0
Provision (credit) for loan losses	424	453
Charge-offs	0	0
Recoveries	0	0
Ending balance	2,445	453
Allowance for loan losses [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	294		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,151		2,021
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,179		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	144,639		136,671
Total ending allowance balance	145,818		136,671
Consumer Loans [Member]
Allowance for credit losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	19	20
Provision (credit) for loan losses	2	(1)
Charge-offs	(4)	0
Recoveries	0	0
Ending balance	17	$ 19
Allowance for loan losses [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	17		19
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,053		1,379
Total ending allowance balance	$ 1,053		$ 1,379

XML

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES, Impaired Real Estate Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2017
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With an allowance recorded		$ 1,179				$ 0
Total		9,324				8,204
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With an allowance recorded	[1]	1,179				0
Total	[1]	9,324				8,204
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		294				0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Total		8,763	[1]	$ 11,834	[2]
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
Total		88		132
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		8,145				8,204
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	8,145				8,204
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		0				0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	8,174		11,834
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		88		132
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to Four-Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		20				22
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	20				22
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		0				0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	21		404
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		0		7
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential And Residential Mixed Use Allowance [Member]
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		604				619
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	604				619
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		0				0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	611		3,302
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		12		46
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Mixed Use Real Estate [Member]
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		4,242				4,267
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	4,242				4,267
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		0				0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	4,255		4,773
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		43		45
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		3,279				3,296
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	3,279				3,296
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		0				0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	3,287		3,355
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		33		34
C & I [Member]
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With an allowance recorded		1,179				0
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With an allowance recorded	[1]	1,179				0
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		294				$ 0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With an allowance recorded		589	[1]	0	[2]
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With an allowance recorded		$ 0		$ 0

[1] The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.

[2] Amount recognized as a component of mortgage banking income during the period.

XML

LOAN SECURITIZATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Percentage of original principal amount, maximum	10.00%
Reimbursement agreement liability with FHLMC	$ 420	$ 420
Multifamily Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loan securitization amount		$ 280,186

XML

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, Classification on Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) DerivativeInstrument	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) DerivativeInstrument
Interest Rate Products [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Estimated reclassification decrease to interest expense during next twelve months	$ (1,132)
Interest Rate Swaps Related to FHLBNY Advances [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Count | DerivativeInstrument	8	7
Notional amount	$ 150,000	$ 135,000
Fair value assets	6,117	4,041
Fair value liabilities	$ (78)	$ 0

XML

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, Effect on Consolidated Statements of Income (Details) - Interest Rate Products [Member] - Other Comprehensive Income [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income	$ 2,081	$ 228
Interest Expense [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income (effective portion)	$ (65)	$ 87

XML

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, Offsetting of Derivative Assets (Details) - Other Assets [Member] - Interest Rate Swaps Related to FHLBNY Advances [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets	$ 6,117	$ 4,041
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition	(78)	0
Net amounts of assets presented in the statements of financial condition	6,039	4,041
Gross amounts not offset in the statement of financial position, financial instruments	0	0
Gross amounts not offset in the statement of financial position, cash collateral received	0	0
Net amount	$ 6,039	$ 4,041

XML

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) Provision
DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative liability, including accrued interest | $	$ 6,100
Number of provisions breached | Provision	0

XML

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	$ 1,863
International Equity Mutual Funds	538
Fixed Income Mutual Funds	4,032
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		$ 460
International Equity Mutual Funds		120
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,135
Registered Mutual Funds [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		1,512
International Equity Mutual Funds		445
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,049
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs	237,365	72,629
Agency CMOs	117,045	278,755
Derivative - interest rate product	6,117	4,041
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative - interest rate product	78
Level 1 Inputs [Member]
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	1,863
International Equity Mutual Funds	538
Fixed Income Mutual Funds	4,032
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		460
International Equity Mutual Funds		120
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,135
Registered Mutual Funds [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		1,512
International Equity Mutual Funds		445
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		2,049
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs	0	0
Agency CMOs	0	0
Derivative - interest rate product	0	0
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative - interest rate product	0
Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	0
International Equity Mutual Funds	0
Fixed Income Mutual Funds	0
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		0
International Equity Mutual Funds		0
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		0
Registered Mutual Funds [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		0
International Equity Mutual Funds		0
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		0
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs	237,365	72,629
Agency CMOs	117,045	278,755
Derivative - interest rate product	6,117	4,041
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative - interest rate product	78
Level 3 Inputs [Member]
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds	0
International Equity Mutual Funds	0
Fixed Income Mutual Funds	0
Trading securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		0
International Equity Mutual Funds		0
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		0
Registered Mutual Funds [Abstract]
Domestic Equity Mutual Funds		0
International Equity Mutual Funds		0
Fixed Income Mutual Funds		0
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs	0	0
Agency CMOs	0	0
Derivative - interest rate product	0	$ 0
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative - interest rate product	$ 0

XML

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans		$ 0
Specific valuation allowance allocation	$ 294	0
C&I [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Specific valuation allowance allocation	294	$ 0
Nonrecurring [Member] | C&I [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Specific valuation allowance allocation	294
Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 1 Inputs [Member] | C&I [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans	0
Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member] | C&I [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans	0
Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 Inputs [Member] | C&I [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans	885
Nonrecurring [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | C&I [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans	1,179
Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | C&I [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans	$ 885

XML

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Balance Sheet Groupings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	$ 188,826	$ 169,455
Loans, net (excluding impaired loans carried at fair value)	5,485,337	5,581,084
Accrued interest receivable	16,535	16,543
FHLBNY capital stock	52,514	59,696
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	3,205,950	3,311,560
Certificates of Deposit ("CDs")	1,224,491	1,091,887
Escrow and other deposits	131,953	82,168
FHLBNY Advances	1,010,400	1,170,000
Subordinated debt, net	113,649	113,612
Accrued interest payable	3,318	1,623
Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	188,826	169,455
Loans, net (excluding impaired loans carried at fair value)	5,454,038	5,519,746
Accrued interest receivable	16,535	16,543
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	3,205,950	3,311,560
Certificates of Deposit ("CDs")	1,221,036	1,192,964
Escrow and other deposits	131,953	82,168
FHLBNY Advances	1,001,841	1,164,947
Subordinated debt, net	113,793	115,337
Accrued interest payable	3,318	1,623
Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 Inputs [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	188,826	169,455
Loans, net (excluding impaired loans carried at fair value)	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	3,205,950	3,311,560
Certificates of Deposit ("CDs")	0	0
Escrow and other deposits	131,953	82,168
FHLBNY Advances	0	0
Subordinated debt, net	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	0	0
Loans, net (excluding impaired loans carried at fair value)	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	768	751
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	0	0
Certificates of Deposit ("CDs")	1,221,036	1,192,964
Escrow and other deposits	0	0
FHLBNY Advances	1,001,841	1,164,947
Subordinated debt, net	113,793	115,337
Accrued interest payable	3,318	1,623
Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 Inputs [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	0	0
Loans, net (excluding impaired loans carried at fair value)	5,454,038	5,519,746
Accrued interest receivable	15,767	15,792
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	0	0
Certificates of Deposit ("CDs")	0	0
Escrow and other deposits	0	0
FHLBNY Advances	0	0
Subordinated debt, net	0	0
Accrued interest payable	$ 0	$ 0

XML

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) Participants shares	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Retirement Plans [Member] | BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans [Member]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 0	$ 0
Interest cost	292	329
Expected return on assets	(430)	(395)
Unrecognized past service liability	0	0
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)	289	359
Net periodic cost	151	293
Retirement Plans [Member] | Employee Retirement Plan [Member]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Estimated employer contributions or benefit payments			$ 17
Contributions by employer	4
Retirement Plans [Member] | Outside Director Retirement Plan [Member]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Estimated employer contributions or benefit payments			226
Contributions by employer	56
Retirement Plans [Member] | BMP Retirement Plan [Member]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Estimated employer contributions or benefit payments			564
Contributions by employer	137
Lump-sum distribution for retired participant	$ 1,199
Number of retired participants that elected gross lump-sum distribution | Participants	1
Distribution of common stock (in shares) | shares	22,051
Component held by ESOP	$ 942
Benefit held by defined contribution plan	257
Tax benefit from market valuation adjustment on distribution of ESOP shares	285
Other Postretirement Plan [Member] | Postretirement Plan [Member]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	14	14
Expected return on assets	0	0
Unrecognized past service liability	(2)	(2)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)	0	(1)
Net periodic cost	12	$ 11
Estimated employer contributions or benefit payments			$ 121
Contributions by employer	$ 17

XML

ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION, Stock Option Awards (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Information Related to Stock Option Plans [Abstract]
Cash received for option exercise cost	$ 290	$ 624
Stock Option Awards [Member]
Number of Options [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	157,546
Options granted (in shares)	0
Options exercised (in shares)	(28,771)
Options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	128,775
Options vested and exercisable, end of period (in shares)	128,775
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 15.53
Options granted (in dollars per share)	0
Options exercised (in dollars per share)	16.38
Options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	15.34
Options vested and exercisable. end of period (in dollars per shares)	$ 15.34
Stock Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]
Options outstanding	1 year 7 months 6 days
Options vested and exercisable	1 year 7 months 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Options outstanding	$ 394
Options vested and exercisable	394
Information Related to Stock Option Plans [Abstract]
Cash received for option exercise cost	290	624
Income tax benefit recognized on stock option exercises	4	69
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 97	$ 275
Number of grants in period (in shares)	0	0
Stock Option Awards [Member] | Treasury Stock [Member]
Number of Options [Roll Forward]
Options exercised (in shares)	(10,000)
Number of shares issued to satisfy option exercise (in shares)	9,045
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options exercised (in dollars per share)	$ 18.18

XML

ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION, Restricted Stock Awards (Details) - Restricted Stock Awards [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested allocated shares outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	150,567
Shares granted (in shares)	0
Shares vested (in shares)	(4,752)
Shares forfeited (in shares)	(2,014)
Unvested allocated shares outstanding, end of period (in shares)	143,801
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Unvested allocated shares outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 18.85
Shares granted (in dollars per share)	0
Shares vested (in dollars per share)	20.13
Shares forfeited (in dollars per share)	19.39
Unvested allocated shares outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 18.80
Compensation expense recognized	$ 304	$ 297
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of restricted stock awards	$ (2)	$ 2
Weighted average remaining years for which compensation expense is to be recognized	2 years 8 months 12 days	1 year 7 months 6 days

XML

ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION, Performance Based Equity Awards (Details) - Performance Based Equity Awards [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Performance Based Equity Awards [Abstract]
Percentage of threshold target for each award eligible to be earned based on relative performance	50.00%
Percentage of target for each award eligible to be earned based on relative performance	100.00%
Percentage of maximum target for each award eligible to be earned based on relative performance	150.00%
Measurement period goals related to long term cash incentive payment plan award payment	3 years
Compensation expense recognized	$ 84	$ 97
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Shares granted (in shares)	81,353
Shares vested (in shares)	(3,536)
Shares forfeited (in shares)	(6,320)
Expected aggregate share payout (in shares)	93,813
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Shares granted (in dollars per share)	$ 18.55
Shares vested (in dollars per share)	18.83
Shares forfeited (in dollars per share)	19.19
Expected aggregate share payout (in dollars per share)	$ 18.83
Minimum [Member]
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in shares)	0
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Aggregate share payout, beginning of period (in shares)	69,224
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in shares)	140,721
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Aggregate share payout, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 19.19
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 18.83

XML

SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subordinated note issued	$ 113,649		$ 113,612
Interest rate	7.00%
Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subordinated note issued			$ 115,000
Subordinated debt, Due date	Jun. 30, 2027
Subordinated debt, Maturity date	Jun. 15, 2027
Interest rate			4.50%
Interest expense	$ 1,330	$ 0
Subordinated Debt [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			three-month LIBOR
Basis Spread on Variable Rate			2.66%

XML

TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES PAYABLE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 19, 2004
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES PAYABLE [Abstract]
Trust preferred securities offering				$ 72,165
Interest rate	7.00%
Interest expense recorded on trust preferred securities			$ 1,256
Trust preferred securities redeemed		$ 70,680

XML

INCOME TAXES (Details) - Item	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	23.70%	38.20%
Corporate income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Number of significant and unusual income tax items in the period	0	0