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 September 30, 2020

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

(718) 782-6200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value	DCOM	The NASDAQ Stock Market
Preferred Stock, Series A, $0.01 Par Value	DCOMP	The NASDAQ Stock Market

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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  ☐	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 November 6, 2020
$0.01 Par Value	33,047,862

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

		Page
Item 1.	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	4
	Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019	4
	Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three-Month and Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019	6
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three-Month  and Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019	7
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019	8
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019	12
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	14
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	44
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	68
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	70
	PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	72
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	72
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	72
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	73
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	73
Item 5.	Other Information	73
Item 6.	Exhibits	74
	Signatures	75

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,” “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. 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 include statements regarding the proposed merger (the “Merger”) of the Company with Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (“Bridge Bancorp”). 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:

● 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 affect the business of Dime Community Bank (the “Bank”);

● changes in the quality and composition of our loan or investment portfolios;

● 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 or results of operations;

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

● legislative, regulatory or policy changes may adversely affect the Company’s business or results of operations;

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

● success or consummation of new business initiatives or the integration of any acquired entities may be more difficult or expensive than the Company anticipates;

● the businesses of the Company and Bridge Bancorp may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected;

● the expected growth opportunities or cost savings from the Merger may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected;

● deposit attrition, operating costs, loss of customers and business disruption prior to and following the Merger, including adverse effects on relationships with employees and customers, may be greater than expected;

● the regulatory and shareholder approvals required for the Merger may not be obtained, or may not be obtained on the proposed terms or on the anticipated schedule;

● litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, may delay the occurrence or non-occurrence of events, including the Merger,  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, 2019 as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Further, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused local and national economic disruption and has had an impact on the Company’s operations and financial results. Given its ongoing and dynamic nature, it is difficult to predict what effects the pandemic will have on our business and results of operations in the future. The pandemic and related local and national economic disruption may, among other effects, result in a decline in demand for our products and services; increased levels of loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures; branch closures, work stoppages and unavailability of personnel; and increased cybersecurity risks, as employees  continue to increasingly work remotely.

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)

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
ASSETS:
Cash and due from banks	$	147,283		$	155,488
Total cash and cash equivalents		147,283			155,488
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value		525,597			550,995
Marketable equity securities, at fair value		5,759			5,894
Loans:
Real estate		4,933,515			5,002,354
Commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans		642,540			336,412
Other loans		1,448			1,772
Less allowance for loan losses		(48,492	)		(28,441	)
Total loans, net		5,529,011			5,312,097
Premises and fixed assets, net		20,539			21,692
Premises held for sale		—			514
Loans held for sale		2,625			500
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) capital stock		57,305			56,019
Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”)		155,068			114,257
Goodwill		55,638			55,638
Operating lease assets		35,503			37,858
Derivative assets		19,845			2,443
Accrued interest receivable		33,774			18,891
Other assets		31,444			22,174
Total Assets	$	6,619,391		$	6,354,460
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Due to depositors:
Interest-bearing deposits	$	3,714,225		$	3,804,076
Non-interest-bearing deposits		658,297			478,549
Total deposits		4,372,522			4,282,625
Escrow and other deposits		119,626			76,481
FHLBNY advances		1,128,400			1,092,250
Subordinated debt, net		114,016			113,906
Other borrowings		70,000			110,000
Operating lease liabilities		41,314			44,098
Derivative liabilities		47,955			9,080
Other liabilities		31,400			29,262
Total Liabilities		5,925,233			5,757,702
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, Series A ($0.01 par, $25.00 liquidation value, 9,000,000 shares authorized, 5,299,200 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020, and none issued or outstanding at December 31, 2019)		116,569			—
Common stock ($0.01 par, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 53,724,233 shares and 53,721,189 shares issued at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and 33,049,822 shares and 35,154,642 shares outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)		537			537
Additional paid-in capital		278,580			279,322
Retained earnings		601,913			581,817
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes		(11,539	)		(5,940	)
Unearned equity awards		(6,695	)		(6,731	)
Common stock held by the Benefit Maintenance Plan (“BMP”)		(1,496	)		(1,496	)
Treasury stock, at cost (20,674,411 shares and 18,566,547 shares at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)		(283,711	)		(250,751	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		694,158			596,758
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	6,619,391		$	6,354,460

See notes to unaudited condensed 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 September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019			2020		2019
Interest income:
Loans secured by real estate	$	47,482	$	50,732		$	146,657	$	150,720
C&I loans		5,752		4,442			14,868		12,012
Other loans		11		18			39		54
Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”)		2,707		2,973			9,076		9,131
Investment securities		715		626			1,718		1,616
Other short-term investments		729		1,488			2,577		4,392
Total interest income		57,396		60,279			174,935		177,925
Interest expense:
Deposits and escrow		6,672		16,582			28,298		47,870
Borrowed funds		5,780		7,501			17,613		22,031
Total interest expense		12,452		24,083			45,911		69,901
Net interest income		44,944		36,196			129,024		108,024
Provision for loan losses		5,931		11,228			20,003		11,100
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		39,013		24,968			109,021		96,924
Non-interest income:
Service charges and other fees		1,632		1,780			3,918		4,143
Net mortgage banking income		71		77			189		206
Net gain on equity securities		175		14			139		430
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities and other assets		215		66			3,357		(67	)
Gain on sale of loans		1,425		443			1,946		1,037
Income from BOLI		1,033		723			3,831		2,124
Loan level derivative income		1,544		197			5,201		488
Other		54		61			190		180
Total non-interest income		6,149		3,361			18,771		8,541
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		13,512		12,948			43,077		36,893
Severance		—		—			4,000		—
Stock benefit plan compensation expense		804		574			1,953		1,349
Occupancy and equipment		4,046		3,970			12,061		11,666
Data processing costs		2,146		1,803			6,177		5,777
Marketing		134		466			667		1,397
Federal deposit insurance premiums		761		(506	)		1,767		534
Merger expenses		769		—			2,427		—
Other		2,681		3,519			8,110		9,506
Total non-interest expense		24,853		22,774			80,239		67,122
Income before income taxes		20,309		5,555			47,553		38,343
Income tax expense		4,441		850			10,327		9,102
Net income		15,868		4,705			37,226		29,241
Preferred stock dividends		1,822		—			2,962		—
Net income available to common stockholders	$	14,046	$	4,705		$	34,264	$	29,241
Earnings per Share:
Basic	$	0.43	$	0.13		$	1.02	$	0.81
Diluted	$	0.42	$	0.13		$	1.01	$	0.81

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019			2020			2019
Net Income	$	15,868	$	4,705		$	37,226		$	29,241
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale		1,501		1,996			12,412			10,944
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations		271		237			813			966
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives		2,419		(2,323	)		(21,419	)		(11,684	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes		4,191		(90	)		(8,194	)		226
Deferred tax expense (benefit)		1,327		(70	)		(2,595	)		34
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		2,864		(20	)		(5,599	)		192
Total comprehensive income	$	18,732	$	4,685		$	31,627		$	29,433

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands)

	Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2020
	Number of Shares of Common Stock			Preferred Stock		Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Deferred Taxes			Unearned Equity Awards			Common Stock Held by BMP			Treasury Stock, at cost			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2020		35,154,642		$	—	$	537	$	279,322		$	581,817		$	(5,940	)	$	(6,731	)	$	(1,496	)	$	(250,751	)	$	596,758
Net income		—			—		—		—			8,392			—			—			—			—			8,392
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		—			—		—		—			—			(6,692	)		—			—			—			(6,692	)
Release of shares, net of forfeitures		91			—		—		5			—			—			(7	)		—			2			—
Stock-based compensation		—			—		—		—			—			—			671			—			—			671
Proceeds from Preferred Stock issuance, net		—			72,224		—		—			—			—			—			—			—			72,224
Shares received related to tax withholding		(4,668	)		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(79	)		(79	)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net		—			—		—		—			(4,915	)		—			—			—			—			(4,915	)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock		(1,274,679	)		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(20,711	)		(20,711	)
Ending balance as of March 31, 2020		33,875,386			72,224		537		279,327			585,294			(12,632	)		(6,067	)		(1,496	)		(271,539	)		645,648
Net income		—			—		—		—			12,966			—			—			—			—			12,966
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		—			—		—		—			—			(1,771	)		—			—			—			(1,771	)
Exercise of stock options, net		3,044			—				38			—			—			—			—			—			38
Release of shares, net of forfeitures		196,886			—		—		(784	)		—			—			(1,960	)		—			2,772			28
Stock-based compensation		—			—		—		—			—			—			478			—			—			478
Proceeds from Preferred Stock issuance, net		—			44,345		—		—			—			—			—			—			—			44,345
Shares received related to tax withholding		(10,667	)		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(169	)		(169	)
Cash dividends declared and paid to preferred stockholders		—			—		—		—			(1,140	)		—			—			—			—			(1,140	)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net		—			—		—		—			(4,623	)		—			—			—			—			(4,623	)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock		(975,064	)		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(14,257	)		(14,257	)
Ending balance as of June 30, 2020		33,089,585			116,569		537		278,581			592,497			(14,403	)		(7,549	)		(1,496	)		(283,193	)		681,543
Net Income		—			—		—		—			15,868			—			—			—			—			15,868
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		—			—		—		—			—			2,864			—			—			—			2,864
Release of shares, net of forfeitures		(3,654	)		—		—		(1	)		—			—			50			—			(49	)		—
Stock-based compensation		—			—		—		—			—			—			804			—			—			804
Shares received related to tax withholding		(6,486	)		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(81	)		(81	)
Cash dividends declared and paid to preferred stockholders					—		—		—			(1,822	)		—			—			—			—			(1,822	)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net		—			—		—		—			(4,630	)		—			—			—			—			(4,630	)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock		(29,623	)		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(388	)		(388	)
Ending balance as of September 30, 2020		33,049,822		$	116,569	$	537	$	278,580		$	601,913		$	(11,539	)	$	(6,695	)	$	(1,496	)	$	(283,711	)	$	694,158

7

	Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2019
	Number of Shares of Common Stock			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Deferred Taxes			Unearned Equity Awards			Common Stock Held by BMP			Treasury stock, at cost			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2019		36,081,455		$	537	$	277,512		$	565,713		$	(6,500	)	$	(3,623	)	$	(1,509	)	$	(230,049	)	$	602,081
Net Income		—			—		—			11,501			—			—			—			—			11,501
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		—			—		—			—			1,268			—			—			—			1,268
Release of shares, net of forfeitures		138,329			—		846			—			—			(2,729	)		—			1,883			—
Stock-based compensation		—			—		—			—			—			284			—			—			284
Shares received related to tax withholding		(418	)		—		—			—			—			—			—			(7	)		(7	)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net		—			—		—			(5,039	)		—			—			—			—			(5,039	)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock		(199,254	)		—		—			—			—			—			—			(3,814	)		(3,814	)
Ending balance as of March 31, 2019		36,020,112			537		278,358			572,175			(5,232	)		(6,068	)		(1,509	)		(231,987	)		606,274
Net Income		—			—		—			13,035			—			—			—			—			13,035
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		—			—		—			—			(1,056	)		—			—			—			(1,056	)
Exercise of stock options		8,869			—		73			—			—			—			—			—			73
Release of shares, net of forfeitures		133,451			—		896			—			—			(2,588	)		—			1,747			55
Stock-based compensation		—			—		—			—			—			491			—			—			491
Shares received related to tax withholding		(4,901	)		—		—			—			—			—			—			(98	)		(98	)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net		—			—		—			(5,051	)		—			—			—			—			(5,051	)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock		(270,136	)		—		—			—			—			—			—			(5,022	)		(5,022	)
Ending balance as of June 30, 2019		35,887,395			537		279,327			580,159			(6,288	)		(8,165	)		(1,509	)		(235,360	)		608,701
Net Income		—			—		—			4,705			—			—			—			—			4,705
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		—			—		—			—			(20	)		—			—			—			(20	)
Release of shares, net of forfeitures		64,912			—		454			—			—			(1,301	)		—			847			—
Stock-based compensation		—			—		—			—			—			574			—			—			574
Shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits		(189	)		—		(13	)		—			—			—			13			(4	)		(4	)
Shares received related to tax withholding		(466	)		—		—			—			—			—			—			(18	)		(18	)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net		—			—		—			(5,034	)		—			—			—			—			(5,034	)
Ending balance as of September 30, 2019		35,951,652		$	537	$	279,768		$	579,830		$	(6,308	)	$	(8,892	)	$	(1,496	)	$	(234,535	)	$	608,904

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$	37,226		$	29,241
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net (gain) loss on sales of securities available-for-sale		(3,357	)		67
Net gain recognized on marketable equity securities		(139	)		(430	)
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale		(1,946	)		(1,037	)
Net depreciation, amortization and accretion		3,786			2,939
Stock-based compensation		1,953			1,349
Provision for loan losses		20,003			11,100
Originations of loans held for sale		(26,007	)		(15,119	)
Proceeds from sale of loans originated for sale		38,789			25,496
Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI		(2,697	)		(2,124	)
Gain from death benefits from BOLI		(1,134	)		—
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(6,841	)		(1,408	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in other assets		(17,810	)		(1,073	)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities		6,148			(2,608	)
Net cash provided by Operating Activities		47,974			46,393
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale		68,784			130,504
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities		410			434
Purchases of securities available-for-sale		(149,353	)		(214,582	)
Acquisition of marketable equity securities		(136	)		(172	)
Proceeds from calls and principal repayments of securities available-for-sale		121,169			78,586
Purchase of BOLI		(40,000	)		—
Proceeds received from cash surrender value of BOLI		3,020			—
Loans purchased		(18,892	)		—
Proceeds from the sale of portfolio loans transferred to held for sale		35,025			9,684
Net increase in loans		(266,490	)		(114,807	)
Purchases of fixed assets, net		(1,442	)		(977	)
Sale (purchase) of FHLBNY capital stock, net		(1,286	)		3,130
Net cash used in Investing Activities		(249,191	)		(108,200	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in due to depositors		89,897			34,652
Increase in escrow and other deposits		43,145			24,999
Repayments of FHLBNY advances, long-term		(188,800	)		(223,600	)
Proceeds from FHLBNY advances, long-term		97,450			132,000
Proceeds from FHLBNY advances, short-term, net		127,500			23,000
Proceeds (repayments) of other borrowings, net		(40,000	)		60,000
Proceeds from preferred stock issuance, net		116,569			—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		38			73
Release of stock for benefit plan awards		28			55
BMP ESOP shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits		—			(4	)
Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation		(329	)		(123	)
Treasury shares repurchased		(35,356	)		(8,836	)
Cash dividends paid to preferred stockholders, net		(2,962	)		—
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders, net		(14,168	)		(15,124	)
Net cash provided by Financing Activities		193,012			27,092
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(8,205	)		(34,715	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD		155,488			147,256
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$	147,283		$	112,541
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for income taxes	$	13,755		$	10,164
Cash paid for interest		46,972			72,837
Loans transferred to held for sale		47,938			19,664
Premises held for sale transferred to premises and fixed assets, net		(514	)		—
Operating lease assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities		1,524			49,160

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

9

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 (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 September 30, 2020 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 $115,000 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 commercial 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 reflected the Bank’s evolving business model and emphasized its broader geographic and business reach while retaining the Bank’s mission to be in and of the communities it served, 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, and one-to-four family residential real estate loans, as well as mortgage-backed securities, obligations of the U.S. government and government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”), and corporate debt and equity securities.

The Holding Company neither owns nor leases any property, but instead uses the back office 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 September 30, 2020, the Bank had twenty-eight retail banking offices located throughout the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and in Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York.

On July 1, 2020, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (“Bridge Bancorp”). The Merger Agreement provides that upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, the Company will merge with and into Bridge Bancorp (the “Merger”), with Bridge Bancorp as the surviving corporation under the name “Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.” (the “Surviving Corporation”). The Surviving Corporation will be headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, and will have a corporate office located in New York, New York. At the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Company common stock, par value $0.01 per share, will be converted into the right to receive 0.648 shares of Bridge Bancorp common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Following the Merger, Dime Community Bank will merge with and into BNB Bank, a New York-chartered commercial bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridge Bancorp, with BNB Bank as the surviving bank, under the name “Dime Community Bank.”

10

Risks and Uncertainties

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has spread to most countries, including the United States. The pandemic has adversely affected economic activity globally, nationally and locally.

In March 2020, the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, local state governments, including New York (in which the Bank has retail banking offices), have taken preventative or protective actions such as travel restrictions, advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego their time outside of their homes, and other forced closures for certain types of non-essential businesses. The impact of these actions is expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets in the United States.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law at the end of March 2020.  The CARES Act is intended to provide relief and lessen a severe economic downturn. The stimulus package includes direct financial aid to American families and economic stimulus to significantly impacted industry sectors. The package also includes extensive emergency funding for hospitals and healthcare providers.

It is possible that there will be material, adverse impacts to significant estimates, asset valuations, and business operations, including intangible assets, investments, loans, deferred tax assets, and derivative counter party risk.

2. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the results of operations and statements of comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.  The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2020.  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, 2019 and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 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. This standard requires financial institutions and other organizations to use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates.

In anticipation of adoption, the Company has established the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) Subcommittee, a subcommittee of the Loan Loss Reserve Committee, to oversee the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has engaged a third party software provider to use their model to measure the expected credit losses. The CECL Subcommittee has determined loan segments based on credit risk of the loan portfolio, completed data validation, and developed qualitative adjustments. The CECL Subcommittee is in the process of finalizing internal policies, procedures, and key controls over the calculation of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). The Company has also engaged an independent third party vendor which has reviewed and validated the regression models and assumptions utilized for measuring the expected credit losses.

ASU 2016-13 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2020.  Under Section 4014 of the CARES Act, financial institutions required to adopt ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2020 were provided an option to delay the adoption of the CECL framework until the earlier of December 31, 2020 or when the national emergency is lifted. The Bank has elected to defer adoption of CECL and is utilizing the incurred loss framework as of September 30, 2020.

Upon completion of the aforementioned items, the Loan Loss Reserve Committee, which has oversight over the implementation of CECL, will adopt the standard at the earlier of December 31, 2020 or when the national emergency is lifted. Upon adoption, the Company will recognize a one-time cumulative effect change to the allowance for loan losses through retained earnings as of January 1, 2020. In the period of adoption, any adjustments related to the period end CECL estimate will be adjusted through the income statement.

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3. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

	Securities Available-for-Sale			Defined Benefit Plans			Derivatives			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of January 1, 2020	$	4,621		$	(6,024	)	$	(4,537	)	$	(5,940	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		10,783			423			(17,150	)		(5,944	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2,302	)		133			2,514			345
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during the period		8,481			556			(14,636	)		(5,599	)
Balance as of September 30, 2020	$	13,102		$	(5,468	)	$	(19,173	)	$	(11,539	)
Balance as of January 1, 2019	$	(1,957	)	$	(6,290	)	$	1,747		$	(6,500	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		7,420			285			(7,274	)		431
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		46			371			(656	)		(239	)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during the period		7,466			656			(7,930	)		192
Balance as of September 30, 2019	$	5,509		$	(5,634	)	$	(6,183	)	$	(6,308	)

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 September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Change in unrealized holding gain or loss on securities available-for-sale:
Change in net unrealized gain or loss during the period	$	1,716		$	2,062			15,769		$	10,877
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net gain on securities and other assets		(215	)		(66	)		(3,357	)		67
Net change		1,501			1,996			12,412			10,944
Tax expense		475			600			3,931			3,478
Net change in unrealized holding gain or loss on securities available-for-sale		1,026			1,396			8,481			7,466
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in other expense		4			182			194			546
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss		267			55			619			420
Net change		271			237			813			966
Tax expense		86			76			257			310
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations		185			161			556			656
Change in unrealized gain or loss on derivatives:
Change in net unrealized gain or loss during the period		100			(2,044	)		(25,098	)		(10,717	)
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense		2,319			(279	)		3,679			(967	)
Net change		2,419			(2,323	)		(21,419	)		(11,684	)
Tax benefit		766			(746	)		(6,783	)		(3,754	)
Net change in unrealized gain or loss on derivatives		1,653			(1,577	)		(14,636	)		(7,930	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,864		$	(20	)	$	(5,599	)	$	192

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4. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders 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 if all likely aggregate Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) shares are issued.  In determining the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS, treasury shares are excluded.  Vested restricted stock award (“RSA”) shares are included in the calculation of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS.  Unvested RSA and SIP shares not yet awarded are recognized as a special class of participating securities under ASC 260, and are included in the calculation of the weighted average shares outstanding for 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 September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Net income available to common stockholders	$	14,046		$	4,705		$	34,264		$	29,241
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities		(83	)		(78	)		(195	)		(172	)
Income attributable to common stock	$	13,963		$	4,627		$	34,069		$	29,069
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities		32,991,253			35,861,268			33,716,334			35,922,521
Less: weighted average participating securities		(289,786	)		(229,881	)		(295,429	)		(197,430	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		32,701,467			35,631,387			33,420,905			35,725,091
Basic EPS	$	0.43		$	0.13		$	1.02		$	0.81
Income attributable to common stock	$	13,963		$	4,627		$	34,069		$	29,069
Weighted average common shares outstanding		32,701,467			35,631,387			33,420,905			35,725,091
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding		206,229			138,074			207,305			140,968
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding		32,907,696			35,769,461			33,628,210			35,866,059
Diluted EPS	$	0.42		$	0.13		$	1.01		$	0.81

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-money stock options during the period.

There were 34,910 and 24,724 weighted-average stock options outstanding for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, which were not considered in the calculation of diluted EPS since their exercise prices exceeded the average market price during the period. There were no “out-of-the-money” stock options during the three-month or the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019.

For information about the calculation of expected aggregate LTIP and SIP share payouts, see Note 12.

5. PREFERRED STOCK

On February 5, 2020, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 2,999,200 shares, or $74,980 in aggregate liquidation preference, of its 5.50% Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The net proceeds received from the issuance of preferred stock at the time of closing was $72,224. On June 10, 2020, the Company completed an underwritten public offering, a reopening of the February 5, 2020 original issuance, of 2,300,000 shares, or $57,500 in aggregate liquidation preference, of its 5.50% Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The net proceeds received from the issuance of preferred stock at the time of closing was $44,345.  The Company expects to pay dividends when, as, and if declared by its board of directors, at a fixed rate of 5.50% per annum, payable quarterly, in arrears, on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Preferred Stock is perpetual and has no stated maturity. The Company may redeem the Preferred Stock at its option at a redemption price equal to $25.00 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends), subject to regulatory approval, on or after June 15, 2025 or within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event, as described in the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering. 

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6. INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

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

	At September 30, 2020
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	25,000	$	16	$	(43	)	$	24,973
Corporate Securities		55,044		1,806		(50	)		56,800
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		168,977		9,402		—			178,379
Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”)		257,403		8,111		(69	)		265,445
Total securities available-for-sale	$	506,424	$	19,335	$	(162	)	$	525,597

	At December 31, 2019
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	20,000	$	—	$	(65	)	$	19,935
Corporate Securities		28,086		510		—			28,596
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		241,695		5,788		—			247,483
Agency CMOs		254,453		1,105		(577	)		254,981
Total securities available-for-sale	$	544,234	$	7,403	$	(642	)	$	550,995

The carrying amount of securities pledged as collateral was $39,708 and $27,884 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

	At September 30, 2020
Weighted average contractual maturity (years):
Agency Notes		10.1
Corporate Securities		9.2
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs and Agency CMOs		17.6

The following table presents the information related to sales of securities available-for-sale as of the periods indicated:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Agency Notes:
Proceeds	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Gross gains		—		—		—		—
Tax expense on gain		—		—		—		—
Gross losses		—		—		—		—
Tax benefit on loss		—		—		—		—
Corporate Securities:
Proceeds		—		3,038		25,403		3,038
Gross gains		—		39		1,344		39
Tax expense on gain		—		12		423		12
Gross losses		—		—		—		—
Tax benefit on loss		—		—		—		—
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs:
Proceeds		5,987		15,149		39,182		106,860
Gross gains		215		22		2,005		270
Tax expense on gain		67		7		630		86
Gross losses		—		2		—		520
Tax benefit on loss		—		332		—		166
Agency CMOs:
Proceeds		—		—		4,199		—
Gross gains		—		—		8		—
Tax expense on gain		—		—		3		—
Gross losses		—		—		—		—
Tax benefit on loss		—		—		—		—

14

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Proceeds:
Marketable equity securities	$	137	$	136	$	410	$	409

The gain or loss on equity securities shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income was due to market valuation changes.  Net gain of $175 and $14 were recognized on marketable equity securities for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net gain of $139 and $430 were recognized on marketable equity securities for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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:

	September 30, 2020
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	9,957	$	43	$	—	$	—	$	9,957	$	43
Corporate Notes		4,950		50		—		—		4,950		50
Agency CMOs		14,221		21		4,951		48		19,172		69

	December 31, 2019
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	9,935	$	65	$	—	$	—	$	9,935	$	65
Agency CMOs		107,150		548		4,304		29		111,454		577

The issuers of securities available-for-sale are primarily 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. In accordance with the Company’s investment policy, corporate notes are rated “investment grade” at the time of purchase and the financials of the issuers are reviewed quarterly.  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 September 30, 2020.

7. LOANS

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.

The following table presents the loan categories for the period ended as indicated:

	Balance at
	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	186,975		$	148,429
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		2,919,186			3,385,375
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,675,488			1,350,185
Acquisition, development, and construction (“ADC”)		151,866			118,365
Total Real Estate		4,933,515			5,002,354
C&I		642,540			336,412
Other		1,448			1,772
Total		5,577,503			5,340,538
Allowance for loans losses		(48,492	)		(28,441	)
Loans, net	$	5,529,011		$	5,312,097

As of September 30, 2020, included in C&I loans was $318,568 of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. There were no SBA PPP loans at December 31, 2019. These loans carry a 100% guarantee from the SBA and have no allowance for loan losses allocated to them based on the nature of the guarantee.

15

The allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components. At September 30, 2020, the Bank’s periodic evaluation of its allowance for loan losses (specific or general) was comprised of two primary components: (1) specific reserve on impaired loans and (2) general reserve on non-impaired 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) other loans (which includes 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 Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) Limits, and consumer loans are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

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

	At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use		ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I			Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	671		$	16,666		$	9,859	$	1,777	$	28,973		$	13,502		$	17		$	42,492
Provision (credit) for loan losses		134			3,468			2,162		274		6,038			(107	)		—			5,931
Charge-offs		(6	)		(13	)		—		—		(19	)		—			(1	)		(20	)
Recoveries		—			89			—		—		89			—			—			89
Ending balance	$	799		$	20,210		$	12,021	$	2,051	$	35,081		$	13,395		$	16		$	48,492

	At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Real Estate Loans
	One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use			ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I			Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	207		$	11,817		$	3,846		$	980	$	16,850		$	4,267		$	17		$	21,134
Provision (credit) for loan losses		52			(838	)		(43	)		5		(824	)		12,046			6			11,228
Charge-offs		(6	)		(14	)		—			—		(20	)		(5,046	)		(7	)		(5,073	)
Recoveries		4			—			—			—		4			1			—			5
Ending balance	$	257		$	10,965		$	3,803		$	985	$	16,010		$	11,268		$	16		$	27,294

	At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use			ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I		Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	269		$	10,142		$	3,900		$	1,244	$	15,555		$	12,870	$	16		$	28,441
Provision for loan losses		540			10,010			8,127			807		19,484			518		1			20,003
Charge-offs		(10	)		(45	)		(6	)		—		(61	)		—		(1	)		(62	)
Recoveries		—			103			—			—		103			7		—			110
Ending balance	$	799		$	20,210		$	12,021		$	2,051	$	35,081		$	13,395	$	16		$	48,492

	At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Real Estate Loans
	One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use			ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I			Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	198		$	13,446		$	3,777		$	397	$	17,818		$	3,946		$	18		$	21,782
Provision (credit) for loan losses		64			(2,427	)		171			588		(1,604	)		12,698			6			11,100
Charge-offs		(12	)		(54	)		(145	)		—		(211	)		(5,378	)		(8	)		(5,597	)
Recoveries		7			—			—			—		7			2			—			9
Ending balance	$	257		$	10,965		$	3,803		$	985	$	16,010		$	11,268		$	16		$	27,294

16

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 September 30, 2020
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use		ADC		Total Real Estate		C&I		Other Loans		Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,184	$	—	$	10,184
Collectively evaluated for impairment		799		20,210		12,021		2,051		35,081		3,211		16		38,308
Total ending allowance balance	$	799	$	20,210	$	12,021	$	2,051	$	35,081	$	13,395	$	16	$	48,492
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	1,213	$	47	$	—	$	1,260	$	10,287	$	—	$	11,547
Collectively evaluated for impairment		186,975		2,917,973		1,675,441		151,866		4,932,255		632,253		1,448		5,565,956
Total ending loans balance	$	186,975	$	2,919,186	$	1,675,488	$	151,866	$	4,933,515	$	642,540	$	1,448	$	5,577,503

	At December 31, 2019
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use		ADC		Total Real Estate		C&I		Other Loans		Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,082	$	—	$	10,082
Collectively evaluated for impairment		269		10,142		3,900		1,244		15,555		2,788		16		18,359
Total ending allowance balance	$	269	$	10,142	$	3,900	$	1,244	$	15,555	$	12,870	$	16	$	28,441
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment		—		153		60		—		213		10,082		—		10,295
Collectively evaluated for impairment		148,429		3,385,222		1,350,125		118,365		5,002,141		326,330		1,772		5,330,243
Total ending loans balance	$	148,429	$	3,385,375	$	1,350,185	$	118,365	$	5,002,354	$	336,412	$	1,772	$	5,340,538

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Troubled debt restructurings (“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.  There were no loans modified in a manner that met the criteria of a TDR during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.  There were no TDRs as of September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

Loan payment deferrals due to COVID-19

As outlined in the CARES Act, the Company established a formal payment deferral program in April 2020 for borrowers that have been adversely affected by the pandemic.  The payment deferral programs, which formally began in the month of April 2020, primarily consist of three-month or six-month deferrals of interest and/or principal payments. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had 90 loans, representing outstanding loan balances of $334.3 million, on payment deferral (inclusive of loans deferring principal and interest payments and loans deferring only principal payments).  

Pursuant to Section 4013 of the CARES Act, a qualified loan modification, is not considered a TDR as defined by GAAP, if granted to a borrower between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of December 31, 2020 or the date that is 60 days after the date on which the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak is lifted. These loans will continue to accrue interest and will not be considered past due so long as any required payments are made in accordance with the deferral terms. As of September 30, 2020, the risk-ratings on COVID-19 loan deferrals had not been changed. The loans will be subject to the Bank’s normal credit monitoring. The collectability of accrued interest will be evaluated on a periodic basis. The table below presents the loans with payment deferrals as of September 30, 2020:

	September 30, 2020
	Number of Loans		Balance (1)		% of Portfolio
(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment		9	$	8,765		4.7	%
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate		50		237,872		8.1
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		28		75,440		4.5
C&I		3		12,257		1.9
Total		90	$	334,334

(1) Amount excludes net deferred costs due to immateriality.

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 non-accrual one-to-four family loans in less than the FNMA Limits, to be impaired. Non-accrual one-to-four family loans equal to or less than the FNMA Limits, as well as all consumer loans, are considered homogeneous loan pools and are not required to be evaluated individually for impairment unless considered a TDR.

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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 certain 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.

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

The following table summarizes impaired loans recorded as of the dates indicated:

	At September 30, 2020						At December 31, 2019
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment (1)		Related Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment (1)		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use	$	1,213	$	1,213	$	—	$	153	$	153	$	—
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		47		47		—		60		60		—
Total with no related allowance recorded		1,260		1,260		—		213		213		—
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		10,287		10,287		10,184		10,082		10,082		10,082
Total with an allowance recorded		10,287		10,287		10,184		10,082		10,082		10,082
Total	$	11,547	$	11,547	$	10,184	$	10,295	$	10,295	$	10,082

(1) The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

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

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2020				Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)		Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	—	$	—	$	10	$	4
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		1,295		—		416		7
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,525		—		2,688		54
Total with no related allowance recorded		2,820		—		3,114		65
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		10,232		—		7,500		153
Total	$	13,052	$	—	$	10,614	$	218

(1) The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

(2) Cash basis interest and interest income recognized on accrual basis approximate each other.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)		Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	1,474	$	—	$	11	$	4
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		1,019		6		480		29
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		791		1		4,691		244
Total with no related allowance recorded		3,284		7		5,182		277
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		10,157		—		3,885		159
Total	$	13,441	$	7	$	9,067	$	435

(1) The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

(2) Cash basis interest and interest income recognized on accrual basis approximate each other.

The following tables summarize the past due status of the Company’s investment in loans (excluding deferred costs and accrued interest) as of the dates indicated:

	At September 30, 2020
	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	$	354	$	—	$	470	$	867	$	1,691	$	185,284	$	186,975
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		210		—		—		1,213		1,423		2,917,763		2,919,186
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		16,173		—		1,470		47		17,690		1,657,798		1,675,488
ADC		—		—		—		—		—		151,866		151,866
Total real estate		16,737		—		1,940		2,127		20,804		4,912,711		4,933,515
C&I		84		—		—		10,287		10,371		632,169		642,540
Other		5		—		—		10		15		1,433		1,448
Total	$	16,826	$	—	$	1,940	$	12,424	$	31,190	$	5,546,313	$	5,577,503

(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of September 30, 2020.

	At December 31, 2019
	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	$	417	$	—	$	—	$	794	$	1,211	$	147,218	$	148,429
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		214		—		1,169		153		1,536		3,383,839		3,385,375
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		—		—		364		60		424		1,349,761		1,350,185
ADC		—		—		—		—		—		118,365		118,365
Total real estate		631		—		1,533		1,007		3,171		4,999,183		5,002,354
C&I		44		—		—		10,082		10,126		326,286		336,412
Other		6		1		—		2		9		1,763		1,772
Total	$	681	$	1	$	1,533	$	11,091	$	13,306	$	5,327,232	$	5,340,538

(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2019.

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Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due

The Bank continued accruing interest on four loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $1,940 at September 30, 2020, and two real estate loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $1,533 at December 31, 2019, 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 were expected to be refinanced, and therefore remained on accrual status and were deemed performing assets at the dates indicated above.

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

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

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

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

All real estate and C&I loans not classified as Special Mention, Substandard, or Doubtful were deemed pass loans at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

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

	Balance at September 30, 2020
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	186,093	$	—	$	882	$	—	$	186,975
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		2,840,057		47,181		31,948		—		2,919,186
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,657,975		6,859		10,654		—		1,675,488
ADC		151,866		—		—		—		151,866
Total real estate		4,835,991		54,040		43,484		—		4,933,515
C&I		629,942		1,490		1,026		10,082		642,540
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,465,933	$	55,530	$	44,510	$	10,082	$	5,576,055

	Balance at December 31, 2019
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	147,635	$	—	$	794	$	—	$	148,429
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		3,319,226		14,606		51,543		—		3,385,375
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,334,518		4,840		10,827		—		1,350,185
ADC		118,365		—		—		—		118,365
Total real estate		4,919,744		19,446		63,164		—		5,002,354
C&I		325,296		1,034		—		10,082		336,412
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,245,040	$	20,480	$	63,164	$	10,082	$	5,338,766

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The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of other loans:

	Balance at
	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Performing	$	1,438	$	1,770
Non-accrual		10		2
Total	$	1,448	$	1,772

8. LEASES

The Company recognizes operating lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities related to its office facilities and retail branches. The operating lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the lease liability represents the Company’s obligation to make lease payments over the lease term.

The operating lease asset and lease liability are determined at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company used its incremental borrowing rate, the rate of interest to borrow on a collateralized basis for a similar term, at the lease commencement date.

The Company made a policy election to exclude the recognition requirements of ASU 2016-02 to short-term leases, those leases with original terms of 12 months or less. Short-term lease payments are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain leases may include one or more options to renew. The exercise of lease renewal options is typically at the Company’s discretion and are included in the operating lease liability if it is reasonably certain that the renewal option will be exercised. Certain real estate leases may contain lease and non-lease components, such as common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, and insurance, which are generally accounted for separately and are not included in the measurement of the lease liability since they are generally able to be segregated. The Company does not sublease any of its leased properties. The Company does not lease properties from any related parties.

Maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at September 30, 2020 are as follows:

	Rent to be Capitalized
2020	$	1,756
2021		7,030
2022		6,829
2023		5,870
2024		5,985
Thereafter		19,108
Total undiscounted lease payments		46,578
Less amounts representing interest		5,264
Lease liability	$	41,314

Other information related to operating leases was as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Operating lease cost	$	1,636	$	1,622	$	4,867	$	4,863
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities		1,745		1,728		5,295		5,161

The weighted average remaining lease term at September 30, 2020 was 7.4 years.  The weighted average discount rate at September 30, 2020 was 3.21%.

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9. 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.  The Company engages in both cash flow hedges and freestanding derivatives.

Cash Flow Hedges

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.   The Company uses these types of derivatives 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 (Loss) and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same periods 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 $9,864 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

The Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions over a maximum period of twenty-four months (excluding forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments).

During the three month period ended March 31, 2020, the Company terminated two derivatives with notional values totaling $30,000, resulting in a termination value of $175 which will be recognized in interest expense over the remaining term of the original derivative.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of the periods indicated.

	At September 30, 2020								At December 31, 2019
	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		—	$	—	$	—	$	—		7	$	130,000	$	1,081	$	—
Interest rate swaps related to FHLBNY advances		38	$	750,000	$	—	$	28,110		19	$	315,000	$	—	$	7,718

The table below presents the effect of the cash flow hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	$	100		$	(2,044	)	$	(25,098	)	$	(10,717	)
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income into interest expense		(2,319	)		279			(3,679	)		967

All cash flow hedges are recorded gross on the balance sheet.

A portion of the cash flow hedges involve derivative agreements with the FHLBNY. These derivatives (with the FHLBNY) are cross collateralized with the Bank’s existing loan portfolio and as such do not require any additional cash collateral. A portion of the cash flow hedges involve derivative agreements with other third-party counterparties that contain provisions requiring the Bank to post cash collateral if the derivative exposure exceeds a threshold amount. As of September 30, 2020, posted collateral to the other third-party counterparties was $6,196.

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Freestanding Derivatives

The Company maintains an interest-rate risk protection program for its loan portfolio, which was established in 2019, in order to offer loan level derivatives with certain borrowers and to generate loan level derivative income.  The Company enters into interest rate swap or interest rate floor agreements with borrowers. These interest rate derivatives are designed such that the borrower synthetically attains a fixed-rate loan, while the Company receives floating rate loan payments. The Company offsets the loan level interest rate swap exposure by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap or interest rate floor with an unaffiliated and reputable bank counterparties. These interest rate derivatives do not qualify as designated hedges, under ASU 815; therefore, each interest rate derivative is accounted for as a freestanding derivative. The notional amount of the interest rate derivatives do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate derivative agreements. The following table reflects freestanding derivatives included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of the period indicated:

	At September 30, 2020
	Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower		44	$	381,659	$	23,184	$	—
Loan level interest rate floors with borrower		21		199,186		—		3,339
Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties		44		381,659		—		23,184
Loan level interest rate floors with third-party counterparties		21		199,186		3,339		—

	At December 31, 2019
	Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower		7	$	61,038	$	1,347	$	—
Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower		1		7,205		—		15
Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties		7		61,038		—		1,347
Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties		1		7,205		15		—

Loan level derivative income is recognized on the mark-to-market of the interest rate swap as a fair value adjustment at the time the transaction is closed. Total loan level derivative income is included in non-interest income as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Loan level derivative income	$	1,544	$	197	$	5,201	$	488

The interest rate swap product with the borrower is cross collateralized with the underlying loan and therefore there is no posted collateral. Certain interest rate swap agreements with third-party counterparties contain provisions that require the Company to post collateral if the derivative exposure exceeds a threshold amount. As of September 30, 2020, posted collateral was $20,484.

Credit Risk Related Contingent Features

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 September 30, 2020, 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 $29,221 for those related to FHLBNY advances and $19,845 for those related to loan level derivatives. If the Company had breached any of the above provisions at September 30, 2020, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value with the respective counterparty. There were no provisions breached for the period ended September 30, 2020.

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10. 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.

All MBS, CMO and agency notes available-for-sale are guaranteed either implicitly or explicitly by GSEs as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.  In accordance with the Company’s investment policy, corporate securities are rated “investment grade” at the time of purchase and the financials of the issuers are reviewed quarterly.  Obtaining market values as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 for these securities utilizing significant observable inputs was not difficult due to their liquid nature.

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 September 30, 2020 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
Domestic equity mutual funds	$	1,580	$	1,580	$	—	$	—
International equity mutual funds		407		407		—		—
Fixed income mutual funds		3,772		3,772		—		—
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes		24,973		—		24,973		—
Corporate Securities		56,800		—		56,800		—
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		178,379		—		178,379		—
Agency CMOs		265,445		—		265,445		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net		19,845		—		19,845		—
Financial Liabilities
Derivative – cash flow hedges		28,110		—		28,110		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net		19,845		—		19,845		—

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			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds)
Domestic equity mutual funds	$	1,657	$	1,657	$	—	$	—
International equity mutual funds		420		420		—		—
Fixed income mutual funds		3,817		3,817		—		—
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes		19,935		—		19,935		—
Corporate Securities		28,596		—		28,596		—
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		247,483		—		247,483		—
Agency CMOs		254,981		—		254,981		—
Derivative – cash flow hedges		1,081		—		1,081		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives		1,362		—		1,362		—
Financial Liabilities
Derivative – cash flow hedges		7,718		—		7,718		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives		1,362		—		1,362		—

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).  Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include certain impaired loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  There were no impaired loans carried at fair value at September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

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 24 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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 nonrecurring 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 September 30, 2020 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	147,283	$	147,283	$	—	$	—	$	147,283
Loans, net		5,529,011		—		—		5,557,285		5,557,285
Accrued interest receivable		33,774		4		1,804		31,966		33,774
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		3,015,012		3,015,012		—		—		3,015,012
Certificates of Deposits (“CDs”)		1,357,510		—		1,363,610		—		1,363,610
Escrow and other deposits		119,626		119,626		—		—		119,626
FHLBNY Advances		1,128,400		—		1,135,936		—		1,135,936
Subordinated debt, net		114,016		—		113,441		—		113,441
Other borrowings		70,000		70,000		—		—		70,000
Accrued interest payable		3,510		—		3,510		—		3,510

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			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	155,488	$	155,488	$	—	$	—	$	155,488
Loans, net		5,312,097		—		—		5,301,708		5,301,708
Accrued interest receivable		18,891		—		1,674		17,217		18,891
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		2,709,756		2,709,756		—		—		2,709,756
CDs		1,572,869		—		1,576,706		—		1,576,706
Escrow and other deposits		76,481		76,481		—		—		76,481
FHLBNY Advances		1,092,250		—		1,093,964		—		1,093,964
Subordinated debt, net		113,906		—		114,769		—		114,769
Other borrowings		110,000		110,000		—		—		110,000
Accrued interest payable		4,570		—		4,570		—		4,570

11. 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 components of net periodic costs are included in other non-interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Net expenses associated with these plans were comprised of the following components:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2020						2019
	BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan			BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost		241			10			313			13
Expected return on assets		(428	)		—			(382	)		—
Unrecognized past service liability		—			(2	)		—			(2	)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)		274			—			243			(3	)
Net periodic cost	$	87		$	8		$	174		$	8

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020						2019
	BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan			BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost		723			30			938			40
Expected return on assets		(1,284	)		—			(1,146	)		—
Unrecognized past service liability		—			(6	)		—			(6	)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)		822			—			729			(9	)
Net periodic cost	$	261		$	24		$	521		$	25

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The following table presents the Company’s planned contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of each benefit plan as disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, as well as the actual contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of each benefit plan during the period indicated:

	Planned Contributions/Benefit		Actual Contributions/Benefit Payments for the
	Payments for the Year Ended December 31, 2020		Three Months Ended September 30, 2020		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
Employee Retirement Plan	$	58	$	—	$	—
Outside Director Retirement Plan		263		56		168
Post Retirement Plan		109		44		139
BMP		569		137		410

The Company expects to make the remainder of the contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of, each benefit plan during the year ended December 31, 2020, except for the Employee Retirement Plan as there is a surplus and no contributions are required.

The BMP exists in order to compensate executive officers for any curtailments in benefits due to statutory limitations on qualifying benefit plans. There were no retirement distributions for the three month or nine month periods ended September 30, 2020.

	For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash	$	24
Market value of Common Stock from Employee Stock Ownership Plan of BMP (685 shares)		13
Gross lump-sum distribution	$	37
Non-cash tax benefit	$	—

12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company maintains the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees, the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees, the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan (“2013 Equity Plan”), and the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan (“2020 Equity Plan”) (collectively, the “Stock Plans”), which are discussed more fully in Note 22 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and which are subject to the accounting requirements of ASC 505-50 and ASC 718.  The 2020 Equity Plan was approved during the three months ended June 30, 2020.

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, 2020		42,031		$	14.63
Options granted		—			—
Options cancelled		(6,068	)		14.82
Options expired		(4,077	)		12.75
Options exercised		(3,044	)		12.75
Options outstanding at September 30, 2020		28,842		$	15.05		0.8	$	—
Options vested and exercisable at September 30, 2020		28,842		$	15.05		0.8	$	—

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

	For Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Cash received for option exercise cost	$	—	$	—	$	38	$	73
Income tax benefit recognized on stock option exercises		—		—		—		18
Intrinsic value of options exercised		—		—		8		103

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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 three or four-year period or at the end of the pre-determined 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, 2020		256,575		$	19.79
Shares granted		120,478			13.93
Shares vested		(78,409	)		19.80
Shares forfeited		(38,819	)		17.65
Unvested allocated shares at September 30, 2020		259,825		$	17.39

Information related to RSAs during each period is as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019		2020			2019
Compensation expense recognized	$	444		$	449	$	1,311		$	1,092
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of RSA		(38	)		7		(95	)		16

As of September 30, 2020, there was $3,142 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.

Performance Based Equity Awards

The Company maintains 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 stretch (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. Shares are issued at the stretch 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 period then ended:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2020		214,948		$	18.96
Shares granted		102,080			9.96
Shares vested		—			—
Shares forfeited		(61,525	)		15.22
Maximum aggregate share payout at September 30, 2020		255,503		$	14.87
Minimum aggregate share payout		—			—
Expected aggregate share payout		147,697		$	13.75

Information related to LTIP share awards during each period is as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Compensation expense recognized	$	210	$	55	$	362	$	136
Income tax benefit recognized on vesting of LTIP		—		—		—		—

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Sales Incentive Awards

The Company established the SIP, a sales incentive award program for certain officers, which meets the criteria for equity-based accounting.  For each quarter an individual can earn their shares based on their sales performance in that quarter.  The shares then vest one year from the quarter in which they are earned.  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 sales incentive equity awards, and changes during the period then ended:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2020		19,396		$	19.15
Shares granted		72,291			13.32
Shares vested		(14,048	)		19.14
Shares forfeited		(3,326	)		17.21
Maximum aggregate share payout at September 30, 2020		74,313		$	13.56
Minimum aggregate share payout		—			—
Expected aggregate share payout		74,313		$	13.56

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019		2020			2019
Compensation expense recognized	$	150		$	70	$	280		$	121
Income tax expense recognized on vesting of awards		(22	)		—		(65	)		—

13. INCOME TAXES

During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s consolidated effective tax rates were 21.9% and 15.3%, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, the Company’s consolidated effective tax rates were 21.7% and 23.7%, respectively. There were no significant unusual income tax items during the three-month or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.

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

General

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 (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 September 30, 2020 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 $115,000 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 commercial 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 reflected the Bank's evolving business model and emphasized its broader geographic and business reach while retaining the Bank's mission to be in and of the communities it served, 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, and one-to-four family residential real estate loans, as well as mortgage-backed securities, obligations of the U.S. government and government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”), and corporate debt and equity securities.

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In addition to the Bank, the Holding Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries consist of six corporations and one limited liability company, which are wholly-owned by the Bank. The following table presents an overview of the Holding Company's indirect subsidiaries, other than the Bank, as of September 30, 2020:

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Direct Subsidiaries of the Bank	Year/ State of Incorporation	Primary Business Activities
Boulevard Funding Corp.	1981 / New York	Management and ownership of real estate.
DSBW Preferred Funding Corp.	1998 / Delaware	Real Estate Investment Trust investing in multifamily    residential and commercial real estate loans.
DSBW Residential Preferred Funding Corp.	1998 / Delaware	Real Estate Investment Trust investing in one-to-four family residential loans.
Dime Insurance Agency Inc. (f/k/a Havemeyer Investments, Inc.)	1997 / New York	Sale of non-FDIC insured investment products. Currently inactive.
Dime Reinvestment Corporation	2004 / Delaware	Community Development Entity.  Currently inactive.
195 Havemeyer Corp.	2008 / New York	Management and ownership of real estate.  Currently inactive.
DSB Holdings NY, LLC	2015 / New York	Management and ownership of real estate.  Currently inactive.

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, income associated with bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) and loan level derivative income. 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 business commercial checking account balances. The Bank also actively strives to obtain checking account balances affiliated with the operation of the collateral underlying its real estate and C&I loans, as well as personal deposit accounts from its borrowers.  Historically, the Bank’s primary lending strategy included the origination of, and investment in, real estate loans secured by multifamily and mixed-use properties, and, to a lesser extent, real estate loans secured by commercial real estate properties, primarily located in the greater NYC metropolitan area. As part of the development of the Bank's Business Banking division, which began in 2017, the Bank has been focused on products and services to serve both the credit and business banking needs in its footprint.  Additionally, the Bank resumed offering 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. In the first quarter of 2017, the Bank hired seasoned executives, and bolstered its lending and credit and administrative staff. In the third quarter of 2017, the Bank was approved by the SBA as a lender, and in December 2018 the Bank received “Preferred Lender” status from the SBA, thus better positioning the Business Banking division for future expansion.

Recent Events

On February 5, 2020, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 2,999,200 shares, or $75.0 million in aggregate liquidation preference, of its 5.50% Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. On June 10, 2020, the Company completed an underwritten public offering, a reopening of the February 5, 2020 original issuance, of 2,300,000 shares, or $57.5 million in aggregate liquidation preference, of its 5.50% Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The Company will pay dividends, when, as, and if declared by its board of directors, at a fixed rate of 5.50% per annum, payable quarterly, in arrears, on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on May 15, 2020. The Preferred Stock is perpetual and has no stated maturity. The Company may redeem the Preferred Stock at its option at a redemption price equal to $25.00 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends), subject to regulatory approval, on or after June 15, 2025 or within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event, as described in the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering.

On July 1, 2020, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (“Bridge Bancorp”). The Merger Agreement provides that upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, the Company will merge with and into Bridge Bancorp (the “Merger”), with Bridge Bancorp as the surviving corporation under the name “Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.” (the “Surviving Corporation”). The Surviving Corporation will be headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, and will have a corporate office located in New York, New York. At the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Company common stock, par value $0.01 per share, will be converted into the right to receive 0.648 shares of Bridge Bancorp common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Following the Merger, Dime Community Bank will merge with and into BNB Bank, a New York-chartered commercial bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridge Bancorp, with BNB Bank as the surviving bank, under the name “Dime Community Bank.”

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Recent Developments Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The disruption to the economy and financial markets brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have an impact on the Company’s operations and financial results. As Banking was designated by New York State as an essential business, the Company remains committed to being a source of capital to businesses in its footprint. Over the past several years, the Company has taken numerous steps, including hiring personnel and adding new processes and systems, that have put the Bank in a position to help our business customers, through programs such as the SBA Payroll Protection Program. Our retail branch office locations remain open to conduct business. The locations are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on safe practices and social distancing, including social distancing signs and floor markings to guide employees and customers.  All employees and customers must wear masks and floor traffic is limited to three customers in a branch.  The Bank also offers mobile and digital banking platforms.

The Company also prioritizes the well-being of employees. The Company has deployed its Business Continuity Plans and shifted to a remote working environment during the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order, which began on March 22, 2020. Over 200 associates, 100% of non-branch staff, are using remote desktop software to re-create their desktop environment in order to work from home.  The Company has not furloughed any of its employees.

The Company continues to follow the guidance of New York State in the reopening phases, with phase four which began for New York City on July 20, 2020. The Company has assessed its own internal “return to office” strategy, and has developed a timeline and guidelines to help bring employees back safely into the office.

Financial position and results of operations

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to continue to evolve and may negatively affect the Company’s operations and the operations of the Company’s clients in future periods. Additionally, certain provisions of the CARES Act and other regulatory relief efforts could also have a material impact on the Company’s operations.

• The Company’s interest income could be reduced due to COVID-19.  In adherence with guidance from regulators, the Company is actively working with COVID-19 affected borrowers to defer their interest and /or principal payments.  While interest is expected to still accrue to income during the deferral period, should deterioration in the financial condition of the borrowers that would not support ultimate repayment of interest emerge, interest income accrued would need to be reversed.  In such a scenario, interest income in future periods could be negatively impacted.

• The Company’s fee income could be reduced due to COVID-19.  In keeping with guidance from regulators, the Company is actively working with COVID-19 affected customers to waive fees from a variety of sources, such as, but not limited to, insufficient funds and overdraft fees, ATM fees, account maintenance fees, etc.  These reductions in fees are thought, at this time, to be temporary in conjunction with the length of the expected COVID-19 related economic crisis.

• The Company’s operating expenses could increase due to additional expenditures for salaries in effort to compensate employees who are working in the front lines of retail operations, supporting a remote work environment, information technology and cybersecurity costs, and facility maintenance and cleaning costs.

At this time, the Company is unable to project the materiality of the aforementioned items on the financial position and results of operations that could occur due to the uncertainties around the impact of COVID-19.

Capital and liquidity

As of September 30, 2020, the Company and Bank capital ratios were in excess of all regulatory requirements. While the Company believes that it has sufficient capital to withstand an extended economic recession brought about by COVID-19, its reported and regulatory capital ratios could be adversely impacted by credit losses.

The Company relies on cash on hand as well as dividends from its subsidiary bank to service its debt and pay dividends to both its preferred and common stockholders.  If its subsidiary bank is unable to make dividends to it for an extended period of time, the Company may not be able to service its debt or pay dividends.

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The Company maintains access to multiple sources of liquidity, including unused borrowing capacity with the FHLBNY of $959.4 million as of September 30, 2020, and access to borrow or lend funds through American Fund Exchange ("AFX") on an overnight or short-term basis with other member institutions.  The availability of funds with AFX changes daily.  Wholesale funding markets have been operating efficiently through the pandemic.  If funding costs are elevated for an extended period of time, it could have an adverse effect on the Company’s net interest margin.  If an extended recession caused large numbers of the Company’s deposit customers to withdraw their funds, the Company might become more reliant on volatile or more expensive sources of funding.

Asset valuation

Currently, the Company does not expect COVID-19 to affect its ability to timely account for the assets on its balance sheet.  While certain valuation assumptions and judgments will change to account for pandemic-related circumstances such as widening credit spreads, the Company does not anticipate significant changes in methodology used to determine the fair value of assets measured in accordance with GAAP. These assumptions could change in future periods.

Business Continuity Plan

When "New York State on PAUSE" was initiated, the Company had already invoked its Board-approved Business Continuity Plan (“BCP”), that was updated earlier in the year, to address specific risks and operational concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The BCP includes a remote working environment for many of the Company’s back office personnel, strategic branch closures for locations that do not have plexiglass barriers, and other considerations. No material operational or internal control challenges or risks have been identified to date.  The Company does not currently anticipate significant challenges to its ability to maintain its systems.

Lending operations and accommodations to borrowers

The Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations generally rely upon the ability of the Bank’s borrowers to repay their loans, the value of collateral underlying the Bank’s secured loans, and demand for loans and other products and services the Bank offers, which are highly dependent on the business environment in the Bank’s primary markets where it operates.

As outlined in the CARES Act, the Company established a formal payment deferral program in April 2020 for borrowers that have been adversely affected by the pandemic.  The payment deferral programs, which formally began in the month of April 2020, primarily consist of three-month or six-month deferrals of interest and/or principal payments. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had 90 loans, representing outstanding loan balances of $334.3 million, on payment deferral (inclusive of loans deferring principal and interest payments and loans deferring only principal payments).  In accordance with Section 4013 of the CARES Act, issued in March 2020, these deferrals are not considered troubled debt restructurings. As of September 30, 2020, the risk-rating on COVID-19 loan deferrals had not been changed. The loans will be subject to the Bank’s normal credit monitoring. The collectability of accrued interest will be evaluated on a periodic basis.

The Bank is closely monitoring the developments and uncertainties regarding the pandemic, including various segments of our loan portfolio that may be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had 15 loans aggregating $25.6 million to restaurants of which 2 loans aggregating $12.2 million were in payment deferrals. As of September 30, 2020, within the commercial real estate portfolio, the Company had 11 loans aggregating $171.4 million to hotels of which 1 loan aggregating $6.5 million was in payment deferral, The Company does not have any exposure to the energy industry, airline industry, leveraged lending, shared national credits, credits card loans, or auto loans.

With the passage of the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), administered by the SBA, the Company is actively participating in assisting its customers with applications for resources through the program.  Dime's PPP loans generally have a two-year term and earn interest at 1%.  The Company believes that the majority of these loans will ultimately be forgiven by the SBA in accordance with the terms of the program.  As of September 30, 2020, the Company had 2,474 PPP loans totaling $318.6 million, net of deferred fees. It is the Company’s understanding that loans funded through the PPP program are fully guaranteed by the U.S. government. Should those circumstances change, the Company could be required to establish additional allowance for loan losses through additional provision expense charged to earnings.

Further, in sensitivity and service to its borrowers during this unprecedented time, the Company is waiving late payment fees. These waivers are thought, at this time, to be temporary in conjunction with the length of the expected COVID-19 related economic crisis.

We continue to monitor unfunded commitments through the pandemic, including commercial and home equity lines of credit, for evidence of increased credit exposure as borrowers utilize these lines for liquidity purposes.

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Selected Financial Highlights and Other Data

(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

	At or For the Three Months Ended September 30,						At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Per Share Data:
EPS (Diluted)	$	0.42		$	0.13		$	1.01		$	0.81
Cash dividends paid per share		0.14			0.14			0.42			0.42
Book value per share		17.48			16.94			17.48			16.94
Dividend Payout Ratio		33.33	%		107.69	%		41.58	%		51.85	%
Performance and Other Selected Ratios:
Return on average assets		0.98	%		0.29	%		0.78	%		0.61	%
Return on average common equity		9.22			3.08			7.59			6.42
Net interest spread		2.72			2.07			2.53			2.06
Net interest margin		2.92			2.34			2.79			2.34
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		125.10			118.38			123.68			118.70
Non-interest expense to average assets		1.53			1.41			1.68			1.40
Efficiency Ratio		49.02			57.69			55.61			57.76
Loan-to-Deposit ratio at end of period		127.56			124.86			127.56			124.86
Effective tax rate		21.87			15.30			21.72			23.74
Asset Quality Summary:
Non-performing loans (1)	$	12,424		$	16,378		$	12,424		$	16,378
Non-performing assets		12,424			16,378			12,424			16,378
Net charge-offs (recoveries)		(69	)		5,068			(48	)		5,588
Non-performing assets/Total assets		0.19	%		0.25	%		0.19	%		0.25	%
Non-performing loans/Total loans		0.22			0.30			0.22			0.30
Allowance for loan loss/Total loans		0.87			0.50			0.87			0.50
Allowance for loan loss/Non-performing loans		390.31			166.65			390.31			166.65

(1) Non-performing loans are defined as all loans on non-accrual status.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's policies with respect to the methodologies it uses to determine the allowance for loan losses (including reserves for loan commitments), 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 7 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

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 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. On a daily basis, appropriate senior management receives a current cash position report and one-week forecast to ensure that all short-term obligations are timely satisfied and that adequate liquidity exists to fund future activities. Reports detailing the Bank's liquidity reserves and forecasted cash flows are presented to appropriate senior management on a monthly basis, and the Board of Directors at each of its meetings. In addition on a monthly basis, a twelve-month liquidity forecast is presented to ALCO in order to assess potential future liquidity concerns. A forecast of cash flow data for the upcoming 12 months is presented to the Board of Directors on an annual basis.

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

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The Bank is a member of AFX, through which it may either borrow or lend funds on an overnight or short-term basis with other member institutions.  The availability of funds changes daily.  As of September 30, 2020, the Bank had $70.0 million of borrowings through AFX.

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 $89.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to an increase of $34.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Within deposits, core deposits (i.e., non-CDs) increased $305.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and decreased $206.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. CDs decreased $215.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to an increase of $240.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in deposits during the current period was primarily due to growth in the municipal deposits business and inflows of SBA PPP-related deposits. The decrease in CDs was primarily due to outflows of CDs from pro-active downward pricing of such products, and outflows of $87.0 million of brokered CDs.

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 or borrowing capacity through AFX. At September 30, 2020, the Bank had an additional unused borrowing capacity of $959.4 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 increased its outstanding FHLBNY advances by $36.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to a $68.6 million reduction during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, principal repayments on real estate loans (including refinanced loans) totaled $681.6 million compared to $614.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, real estate loan originations totaled $653.2 million and $649.5 million, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, principal repayments on C&I loans (including refinanced loans) totaled $112.8 million compared to $77.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, C&I loan originations totaled $442.4 million (including $334.3 million of PPP loans) and $168.9 million, respectively.

Sales of available-for-sale securities totaled $68.8 million and $130.5 million during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Purchases of available-for-sale securities totaled $149.4 million and $214.6 million during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Proceeds from pay downs and calls of available-for-sale securities were $121.2 million and $78.6 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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 September 30, 2020, 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 the period indicated:

	Actual Ratios at September 30, 2020
	Bank			Consolidated Company			Basel III Minimum Requirement			To Be Categorized as “Well Capitalized” (1)
Tier 1 common equity ratio		12.88	%		10.69	%		4.5	%		6.5	%
Tier 1 risk-based based capital ratio		12.88			13.02			6.0			8.0
Total risk-based based capital ratio		13.87			16.30			8.0			10.0
Tier 1 leverage ratio		9.97			10.10			4.0			5.0

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

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In accordance with the recently enacted Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, the federal banking agencies have adopted, effective January 1, 2020, a final rule whereby financial institutions and financial institution holding companies that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets and meet other qualifying criteria, including a leverage ratio of greater than 9%, will be eligible to opt into a “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” framework.  The leverage ratio was temporarily lowered to 8% by the Federal Reserve Board in March 2020, gradually increasing back to 9% by 2022.  The framework is available for use by election in the Bank’s Call Report.  Qualifying community banking organizations that elect to use the community bank leverage ratio framework and that maintain a leverage ratio of greater than 9% will be considered to have satisfied the generally applicable risk-based and leverage capital requirements in the agencies’ capital rules and will be considered to have met the “well capitalized” ratio requirements under the Prompt Corrective Action statutes.  The agencies reserved the authority to disallow the use of the Community Bank Leverage Ratio by a financial institution or holding company based on the risk profile of the organization.  As of September 30, 2020, the Bank has not opted into the Community Bank Leverage Ratio framework.

The Holding Company repurchased 2,279,366 and 469,390 shares of its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, up to 589,782 shares remained available for purchase under the authorized share repurchase programs.  See "Part II - Item 2. Other Information - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" for additional information about repurchases of common stock.

The Holding Company paid $3.0 million in cash dividends on preferred stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and none during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  The Holding Company paid $14.2 million and $15.1 million in cash dividends on common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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, or overnight or short-term borrowings, as well as customer and brokered 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.

The following table presents off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2020:

	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	$	132,964	$	97,319	$	—	$	—	$	230,283
Other loan commitments		91,441		—		—		—		91,441
Stand-by letters of credit		8,753		—		—		—		8,753
Total Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements	$	233,158	$	97,319	$	—	$	—	$	330,477

Asset Quality

General

The Bank does not originate or purchase loans, either whole loans or loans underlying mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), which would have been considered subprime loans at origination, i.e., real estate loans advanced to borrowers who did not qualify for market interest rates because of problems with their income or credit history. See Note 6 to the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of evaluation for impaired securities.

COVID-19 Related Loan Deferrals

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial disruptions to the global economy and the communities in which the Bank serves. In response to the pandemic, the Bank has focused on supporting borrowers that have been adversely affected by the pandemic, including making loan deferrals as needed. The payment deferral programs, which formally began in the month of April 2020, primarily consist of three-month or six-month deferrals of interest and/or principal payments. The table below presents the loans with payment deferrals as of September 30, 2020:

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	September 30, 2020
	Number of Loans		Balance(1)
(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment		9	$	8,765
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate		50		237,872
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		28		75,440
C&I		3		12,257
Total		90	$	334,334

(1) Amount excludes net deferred costs due to immateriality.

As outlined in the CARES Act, these deferrals are not considered troubled debt restructurings. These loans will continue to accrue interest and will not be considered past due so long as any required payments are made in accordance with the deferral terms. As of September 30, 2020, the risk-ratings on COVID-19 loan deferrals had not been changed. The loans will be subject to the Bank’s normal credit monitoring. The collectability of accrued interest will be evaluated on a periodic basis.

While interest is expected to still accrue to income during the deferral period, should deterioration in the financial condition of the borrowers that would not support the ultimate repayment of interest emerge, interest income accrued would need to be reversed. In such a scenario, interest income in future periods could be negatively impacted.  

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 loans, and 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, or 32 days for one-to-four family loans serviced by the subservicer. 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 on real estate loans when a loan enters non-accrual status based upon non-payment, and typically does not accept partial payments once foreclosure proceedings have commenced. At some point during foreclosure proceedings, the Bank procures current appraisal information in order to prepare an estimate of the fair value of the underlying collateral. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before the foreclosure action is completed, the property securing the loan is transferred to Other Real Estate Owned (“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 Bank's 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.

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Non-accrual Loans

Within the Bank's held-for-investment loan portfolio (excluding other loans), seventeen non-accrual loans totaled $12.4 million at September 30, 2020, and eleven non-accrual loans totaled $11.1 million at December 31, 2019.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, ten loans totaling $11.6 million were placed on non-accrual status, three of which totaling $10.0 million were sold, and one was paid off for $0.2 million. Principal amortization of $0.05 million was recognized on five non-accrual loans. There were no changes on the remaining six non-accrual loans during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020.

Impaired Loans

The recorded investment in loans deemed impaired (as defined in Note 7 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements) totaled $11.5 million, consisting of seven loans, at September 30, 2020, compared to $10.3 million, consisting of four loans, at December 31, 2019.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, seven loans totaling $11.5 million were added to impaired status, three of which totaling $10.0 million were sold, and one loan was paid off of $0.2 million. Principal amortization of $0.02 million was recognized on one impaired loan.  There were no changes on the remaining impaired loans during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020.

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

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			September 30, 2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans (1):
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	867		$	794		$	1,161
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate		1,213			153			153
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		47			60			63
C&I		10,287			10,082			15,000
Other		10			2			1
Total non-accrual loans		12,424			11,091			16,378
Non-accrual one-to-four family residential and other loans deemed homogeneous loans		(877	)		(796	)		(1,162	)
TDRs:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment		—			—			9
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate		—			—			—
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		—			—			—
Total TDRs		—			—			9
Impaired loans	$	11,547		$	10,295		$	15,225
Ratios:
Total non-accrual loans to total loans		0.22	%		0.21	%		0.30	%
Total non-performing assets to total assets(2)		0.19			0.17			0.25

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

(2) Non-performing assets includes non-accrual loans.

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

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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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.

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 three 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.

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.

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 September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019. The Bank did not recognize any provisions for losses on OREO properties during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.

Other Potential Problem Loans

Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due

The Bank continued accruing interest on four loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $1.9 million at September 30, 2020, and two loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $1.5 million at December 31, 2019, 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 were expected to be refinanced, and, therefore, remained on accrual status and were deemed performing assets at the dates indicated above.

Loans Delinquent 30 to 89 Days

The Bank had loans totaling $16.8 million that were delinquent between 30 and 89 days at September 30, 2020 and $0.6 million at December 31, 2019. 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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 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.

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Allowance for Loan Losses

Under Section 4014 of the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES” Act), financial institutions had the option to delay the adoption of the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) framework until the earlier of December 31, 2020 or when the national emergency is lifted. The Bank has elected to defer adoption of CECL and is utilizing the incurred loss framework as of September 30, 2020. The Bank's election to defer adoption of CECL was primarily due to the uncertainty around forecasting the economic variables used to calculate the expected lifetime loan losses, due to the ongoing and dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon adoption, the Bank will recognize the adoption impact as of January 1, 2020 through the balance sheet as an adjustment through equity.  In the period of adoption, any adjustments related to the period end CECL estimate will be adjusted through the income statement.

As a result, the tables present the allowance for loan losses under the incurred loss model in all periods.

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 presented below.  The following is a summary of the components of the allowance for loan losses as of the following dates:

	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019		September 30, 2019
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Impaired loans	$	10,184	$	10,082	$	7,500
Non-impaired loans:
Real estate loans		35,081		15,555		16,010
C&I loans		3,211		2,788		3,768
Consumer loans		16		16		16
Total	$	48,492	$	28,441	$	27,294

A provision of $5.9 million and $11.2 million were recorded during the three month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. A provision of $20.0 million and $11.1 million were recorded during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

During the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, the loan loss provision was driven mainly by an increase in the general allowance for loan losses due to the adjustment of qualitative factors to account for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic disruption. It is difficult to predict what effects the pandemic will have on our probable incurred loss framework in the future.  The pandemic and related local and national economic disruption may, among other effects, result in increased levels of allowance for loan losses.

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, the loan loss provision was driven mainly by a $5.0 million charge-off and a $7.5 million specific reserve both related to a single $20.0 million C&I relationship.

For a further discussion of the allowance for loan losses and related activity during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and as of December 31, 2019, please see Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

Assets.  Assets totaled $6.62 billion at September 30, 2020, $264.9 million above their level at December 31, 2019, primarily due to an increase in the loan portfolio of $216.9 million, an increase in BOLI of $40.8 million due to additional purchases, an increase in derivative assets of $17.4 million, an increase in accrued interest receivable of $14.9 million, and an increase in other assets of $9.3 million, offset by a decrease in securities of $25.4 million.

Total loans increased $216.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. During the period, the Bank had originations of $1.10 billion and purchases of $18.9 million, which exceeded the $794.4 million of aggregate amortization on loans (also including refinancing of existing loans) and sales of $71.5 million. Additionally, the allowance for loan losses increased by $20.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

The $17.4 million increase in derivative assets was primarily due to the freestanding derivative asset with borrowers related to loan swaps as a result of the 56 interest rate swap and floor transactions during the period and the interest rate environment at September 30, 2020.  The $14.9 million increase in accrued interest receivables was primarily due to COVID-19 related payment deferrals of interest on loans.

Liabilities.  Total liabilities increased $167.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to an increase of $89.9 million in deposits, an increase of $43.1 million in escrows and other deposits, an increase of $36.2 million in FHLBNY advances, and an increase of $38.9 million in derivative liabilities, offset by a decrease of $40.0 million in other borrowings.

41

The increase of $38.9 million in derivative liabilities was primarily the result of an increase of $20.4 million in the interest rate derivative liability related to FHLBNY advances, primarily due to 14 interest rate swap transactions during the period, and a $18.5 million increase in the freestanding derivative liability with counterparties related to loan swaps, which was primarily the result of 56 interest rate swap and floor transactions during the period.  The interest rate environment as of September 30, 2020 also contributed to the increase.

Stockholders' Equity.  Stockholders' equity increased $97.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to the issuance of $116.6 million of preferred stock and net income of $37.2 million, offset by $14.2 million in cash dividends paid on common stock and $3.0 million in cash dividends paid on preferred stock during the period, $35.4 million for the repurchase of Company common stock, and other comprehensive loss, net of tax, of $5.6 million.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

General.  Net income was $15.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, higher than $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.  During the three months ended September 30, 2020, net interest income increased by $8.7 million, non-interest income increased by $2.8 million, non-interest expense increased by $2.1 million, income tax expense increased by $3.6 million and the loan loss provision decreased by $5.3 million, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019.  Please see "Part I - Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Allowance for Loan Losses" for a discussion of the increase in the loan loss provision for the period ended September 30, 2020.

Net Interest Income.  The discussion of net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 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 September 30,
	2020							2019
	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost			Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost
Assets:	(Dollars in Thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Real estate loans	$	4,874,780	$	47,482		3.90	%	$	5,188,967	$	50,732		3.91	%
C&I loans		643,383		5,752		3.58			312,472		4,442		5.69
Other loans		1,444		11		3.16			1,794		18		4.01
MBS and CMO securities		435,920		2,707		2.48			432,071		2,973		2.75
Investment securities		78,405		715		3.65			74,349		626		3.37
Other short-term investments		130,520		729		2.23			181,646		1,488		3.28
Total interest-earning assets		6,164,452		57,396		3.72	%		6,191,299		60,279		3.89	%
Non-interest earning assets		327,721							255,083
Total assets	$	6,492,173						$	6,446,382
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	241,248	$	186		0.31	%	$	125,310	$	56		0.18	%
Money Market accounts		1,696,297		1,858		0.44			1,845,594		6,883		1.48
Savings accounts		405,582		170		0.17			341,170		158		0.18
CDs		1,425,083		4,458		1.24			1,674,478		9,485		2.25
Total interest-bearing deposits		3,768,210		6,672		0.70			3,986,552		16,582		1.65
FHLBNY Advances		1,040,127		4,448		1.70			1,127,379		6,159		2.17
Subordinated notes		113,992		1,330		4.64			113,845		1,330		4.64
Other borrowings		5,283		2		0.12			2,337		12		1.99
Borrowed funds		1,159,402		5,780		1.98			1,243,561		7,501		2.39
Total interest-bearing liabilities		4,927,612		12,452		1.01	%		5,230,113		24,083		1.83	%
Non-interest-bearing checking accounts		652,880							429,591
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		223,285							176,191
Total liabilities		5,803,777							5,835,895
Stockholders' equity		688,396							610,487
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	6,492,173						$	6,446,382
Net interest income			$	44,944						$	36,196
Net interest spread						2.72	%						2.07	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	1,236,839						$	961,186
Net interest margin						2.92	%						2.34	%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities						125.10	%						118.38	%
Deposits	$	4,421,090	$	6,672		0.60	%	$	4,416,143	$	16,582		1.49	%

42

Rate/Volume Analysis

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Increase/ (Decrease) Due to:
	Volume			Rate			Total
	(Dollars In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Real estate loans	$	(3,096	)	$	(154	)	$	(3,250	)
C&I loans		3,831			(2,521	)		1,310
Other loans		(3	)		(3	)		(6	)
MBS and CMO securities		26			(292	)		(266	)
Investment securities		36			54			90
Other		(351	)		(409	)		(760	)
Total	$	443		$	(3,325	)	$	(2,882	)
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	70		$	61		$	131
Money market accounts		(378	)		(4,648	)		(5,026	)
Savings accounts		26			(13	)		13
CDs		(1,093	)		(3,934	)		(5,027	)
FHLBNY Advances		(427	)		(1,284	)		(1,711	)
Subordinated notes		1			(1	)		—
Other borrowings		8			(18	)		(10	)
Total	$	(1,793	)	$	(9,837	)	$	(11,630	)
Net change in net interest income	$	2,236		$	6,512		$	8,748

Net interest income was $44.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $8.7 million from the three months ended September 30, 2019.  Average interest-earning assets were $6.16 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of $26.8 million from $6.19 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.92% during the three months ended September 30, 2020, up from 2.34% during the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Interest Income.  Interest income was $57.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of $2.9 million from the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily reflecting decreases in interest income of $3.3 million on real estate loans, and $0.8 million on other interest-bearing assets, offset by an increase in interest income of $1.3 million on C&I loans. The decreased interest income on real estate loans was related to a reduction of $314.2 million in the average balance of such loans in the period and a 1 basis point decrease in the yield.  The decreased interest income on other interest-bearing assets was due to a decrease in the target Federal funds rate versus the year-ago time period.  The increased interest income on C&I loans was due to an increase of $330.9 million in the average balance of such loans during the period, reflecting the Bank's participation in the SBA PPP loan program.  The SBA PPP loans negatively impacted the yield on C&I loans as SBA PPP loans have a weighted average rate of 1.0%.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased $11.6 million, to $12.5 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2020, from $24.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decreased interest expense was mainly attributable to a reduction in interest rates offered on money market products as well as a decrease in average balances of $149.3 million, a reduction in interest rates offered on CDs as well as a decrease in average balances of $249.4 million in CD products, and a decrease in average balances of $87.3 million in FHLBNY advances.

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Provision for Loan Losses. The Company recognized a provision for loan losses of $5.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to a provision of $11.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.  Please see "Part I - Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Allowance for Loan Losses" for a discussion of the decrease in the loan loss provision for the period ended September 30, 2020.

Non-Interest Income.  Non-interest income was $6.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $2.8 million from $3.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to an increase of $1.3 million of loan level derivative income, and an increase of $1.0 million in gains on sale of loans for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense was $24.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $2.1 million from $22.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily the result of increase in salaries and employee benefit expense of $0.6 million, FDIC premiums of $1.3 million, and merger related expenses of $0.8 million. These increases in non-interest expense were partially offset by a decrease in other non-interest expense of $0.8 million. During the three month period ended September 30, 2019, the Bank received notice that the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund Reserve Ratio reached a pre-determined threshold, and as a result, an assessment credit from the FDIC totaling $0.5 million was recorded. In addition, no FDIC insurance premium expense was recognized for the three month period ended September 30, 2019.

Non-interest expense was 1.53% and 1.41% of average assets during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Income Tax Expense.   Income tax expense was $4.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $3.6 million from $0.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019.  The Company's consolidated tax rate was 21.9% during the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 15.3% during the three months ended September 30, 2019.  The higher tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily the result of higher pre-tax income during the period.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

General.  Net income was $37.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $8.0 million from net income of $29.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net interest income increased by $21.0 million and non-interest income increased by $10.2 million. This was offset by an increase in the provision of $8.9 million, non-interest expense of $13.1 million, and income tax expense of $1.2 million.

Net Interest Income.  The discussion of net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020							2019
	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost			Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost
Assets:	(Dollars in Thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Real estate loans	$	4,898,959	$	146,657		3.99	%	$	5,195,438	$	150,720		3.87	%
C&I loans		497,214		14,868		3.99			283,527		12,012		5.65
Other loans		1,253		39		4.12			1,365		54		5.27
MBS and CMO		463,681		9,076		2.61			439,920		9,131		2.77
Investment securities		63,594		1,718		3.60			62,005		1,616		3.47
Other		144,414		2,577		2.38			163,446		4,392		3.59
Total interest-earning assets		6,069,115		174,935		3.84	%		6,145,701	$	177,925		3.86	%
Non-interest earning assets		294,653							254,951
Total assets	$	6,363,768						$	6,400,652
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	207,779	$	486		0.31	%	$	121,865	$	169		0.19	%
Money Market accounts		1,644,679		7,938		0.64			1,928,042		21,920		1.52
Savings accounts		397,941		842		0.28			333,381		248		0.10
CDs		1,507,442		19,032		1.69			1,578,922		25,533		2.16
Total interest-bearing deposits		3,757,841		28,298		1.01			3,962,210		47,870		1.62
FHLBNY advances		1,029,485		13,580		1.76			1,094,663		17,872		2.18
Subordinated notes		113,955		3,991		4.68			113,808		3,991		4.69
Other borrowings		5,971		42		0.95			8,615		167		2.60
Borrowed funds		1,149,411		17,613		2.05			1,217,036		22,031		2.42
Total interest-bearing liabilities		4,907,252		45,911		1.25	%		5,179,246	$	69,901		1.80	%
Non-interest-bearing checking accounts		579,753							416,519
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		222,659							19,769
Total liabilities		5,709,664							5,793,414
Stockholders' equity		654,104							607,238
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	6,363,768						$	6,400,652
Net interest income			$	129,024						$	108,024
Net interest spread						2.59	%						2.05	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	1,161,863						$	966,455
Net interest margin						2.83	%						2.34	%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities						123.68	%						118.70	%
Deposits	$	4,337,594	$	28,298		0.87	%	$	4,378,729	$	47,870		1.46	%

44

Rate/Volume Analysis

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Increase/ (Decrease) Due to:
	Volume			Rate			Total
	(Dollars In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Real estate loans	$	8,670		$	4,606		$	(4,063	)
C&I loans		7,718			(4,864	)		2,856
Other loans		(4	)		(13	)		(15	)
MBS and CMO		483			(538	)		(55	)
Investment securities		42			59			102
Other		(422	)		(1,394	)		(1,815	)
Total	$	(853	)	$	(2,144	)	$	(2,990	)
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	164		$	154		$	317
Money market accounts		(2,253	)		(11,730	)		(13,982	)
Savings accounts		97			498			595
CDs		(1,050	)		(5,451	)		(6,501	)
FHLBNY advances		(958	)		(3,335	)		(4,293	)
Subordinated notes		7			(7	)		—
Other borrowings		(35	)		(90	)		(125	)
Total	$	(4,028	)	$	(19,961	)	$	(23,989	)
Net change in net interest income	$	3,175		$	17,817		$	20,999

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income was $129.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $21.0 million from $108.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  Average interest-earning assets were $6.07 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of $76.6 million compared to $6.15 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Net interest margin was 2.83% during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, up from 2.34% during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

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Interest Income.  Interest income was $174.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of $3.0 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily reflecting decreases in interest income of $4.1 million on real estate loans and decreases in interest income of $1.8 million on other interest-bearing assets, offset by increased interest income of $2.9 million on C&I loans. The decreased interest income on real estate loans was due to a reduction of $296.5 million in the average balance of such loans in the period, offset by a 12 basis point increase in the yield. The decreased interest income on other interest-bearing assets was due to a decrease in the target Federal funds rate versus the year-ago time period.  The increased interest income on C&I loans was due to growth of $213.7 million in the average balances of C&I loans during the period, reflecting the Bank's participation in the SBA PPP loan program.  The SBA PPP loans negatively impacted the yield on C&I loans as SBA PPP loans have a weighted average rate of 1.0%.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased $24.0 million, to $45.9 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from $69.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in interest expense was due to decreased rates offered on money market accounts, and a decrease of $283.4 million in the average balances of such accounts, decreased rates offered on CDs and a decrease of $71.5 million of such accounts, and a decrease of $65.2 million in the average balances of FHLBNY advances and a decrease of  42 basis points in the cost of such borrowings.

Provision for Loan Losses. The Company recognized a provision for loan losses of $20.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to a provision of $11.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Non-Interest Income.  Non-interest income was $18.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $10.2 million from $8.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, due to increases in gains on the sales of securities by $3.4 million, loan level derivative income by $4.7 million, increase in gains on sale of loans by $0.9 million, and income from BOLI by $1.7 million.

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense was $80.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $13.1 million from $67.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, reflecting an increase of $6.2 million in salaries expense, $4.0 million of severance expense related to an organizational restructuring, $1.2 million in FDIC premiums, and $2.4 million of merger related expenses.  The increases in non-interest expense were offset by a decrease in other non-interest expense of $1.4 million. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, the Bank received notice that the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund Reserve Ratio reached a pre-determined threshold, and as a result, the Bank only recognized FDIC insurance premium expense for the first quarter of 2019 as an assessment credit from the FDIC totaling $0.5 million was recorded for the second quarter of 2019, and no FDIC insurance premium expense was recognized for the third quarter of 2019.

Non-interest expense was 1.68% and 1.40% of average assets during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Income Tax Expense.   Income tax expense was $10.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $1.2 million from $9.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  The Company's consolidated tax rate was 21.7% during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease from 23.7% during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk were presented at December 31, 2019 in Item 7A of the Holding Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 12, 2020.  The following is an update of the discussion provided therein.

General.  Virtually all of the Company's market risk continues to reside at the Bank level.  The Bank's largest component of market risk remains interest rate risk.  The Company is not subject to foreign currency exchange or commodity price risk.  At September 30, 2020, the Company owned thirteen marketable equity securities carried at a fair value of $5.7 million, in which market value adjustments are recorded through the statement of income.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company conducted fifty-six transactions involving derivative instruments requiring bifurcation in order to hedge interest rate or market risk.

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 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.

46

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 EVE calculated under the various Rate Shock Scenarios.

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, actual cash flows could differ significantly from the Bank's estimates resulting in significantly different EVE calculations.

The analysis that follows presents, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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 rates, 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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

	At September 30, 2020							At December 31, 2019
	EVE		Dollar Change		Percentage Change			EVE		Dollar Change			Percentage Change
Rate Shock Scenario	(Dollars in Thousands)
+ 200 Basis Points	$	584,300	$	2,256		0.39	%	$	595,201	$	(41,682	)		(6.5	)%
Pre-Shock Scenario		582,044		—		—			636,883		—			—

The Bank's Pre-Shock Scenario EVE decreased from $636.9 million at December 31, 2019 to $582.0 million at September 30, 2020. The primary factors contributing to the lower EVE at September 30, 2020 were the payments of $30.0 million of dividends from the Bank to the Holding Company and an increase in the value of the Bank's core deposit liability. These factors were partially offset by an increase in the value of the Bank's loan portfolio due to a slightly lower duration.

The Bank's EVE in the +200 basis point Rate Shock Scenario decreased from $595.2 million at December 31, 2019 to $584.3 million at September 30, 2020. 

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 September 30, 2020 assuming gradual changes in interest rates for the given rate scenarios:

Gradual Change in Interest rates of:	Percentage Change in Net Interest Income
+ 200 Basis Points		(1.51	)%
+ 100 Basis Points		(0.92	)%

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness as of September 30, 2020, of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2020 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.

47

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company has invoked its Board approved Business Continuity Plan (“BCP”) that was updated earlier in the year to address specific risks and operational concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The BCP includes a remote working environment for many of the Company’s back office personnel, strategic branch closures for locations that do not have plexiglass barriers, and other considerations. No material operational or internal control challenges or risks have been identified to date.  The Company does not currently anticipate significant challenges to its ability to maintain its systems.

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 as of September 30, 2020.

Additionally, numerous lawsuits have been filed in federal courts by purported shareholders of the Company alleging the registration statement filed by Bridge Bancorp, Inc. with the SEC on September 14, 2020 contains materially misleading omissions or misrepresentations in violation of Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder. The plaintiffs generally seek injunctive relief, unspecified damages, and an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses. The Company is reviewing the complaints and has not yet formally responded. Such litigations are common in connection with mergers involving public companies, regardless of any merits related to the underlying transaction. Although the ultimate outcome of these actions cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the claims asserted against them in these lawsuits are without merit and intend to defend against these actions vigorously. 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no changes to the risks disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020.

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

(a)          Not applicable.

(b)          Not applicable.

(c)

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs		Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (1) (2)
July 2020		29,623	$	$13.11		29,623		589,782
August 2020		—		—		—		589,782
September 2020		—		—		—		589,782

⁽¹⁾  The thirteenth stock repurchase program was publicly announced in October 2018, authorizing the purchase of up to 1,824,040 shares of Common Stock, and has no expiration date.  The thirteenth stock repurchase program was completed in February 2020. The fourteenth stock repurchase program was publicly announced January 2020, authorizing the purchase of up 2,636,598 shares of common stock, and has no expiration date.

⁽²⁾ On July 1, 2020, the Company suspended its existing 10b-5-1 plan and is currently not repurchasing any shares. Total shares available for repurchase under the fourteenth stock repurchase plan is 589,782 shares.

48

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

49

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Number
2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 1, 2020, by and between Bridge Bancorp, Inc. and Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 2, 2020 (File No. 001-39211))
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 3.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 28, 2018 (File No. 000-27782))
3.3	Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of 5.50% Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-A Registration of Certain Classes of Securities pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed with the Commission on February 5, 2020 (File No. 333-220175)
4.1	Form of 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 September 30, 1998, filed with the SEC on September 28, 1998 (File No. 000-27782))
4.2	Indenture, dated as of September 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 September 13, 2017 (File No. 000-27782))
4.3	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 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 September 13, 2017 (File No. 000-27782))
4.4	Specimen Certificate for 5.50% Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-A Registration of Certain Classes of Securities pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed with the Commission on February 5, 2020 (File No. 333-220175))
10.1	Agreement and General Release between Dime Community Bank and Robert S. Volino (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on July 6, 2020 (File No. 001-39211))
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
101	Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020 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 **
104	The cover page from the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL

** Furnished, not filed, herewith.

50

SIGNATURES

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

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

Dated: November 6, 2020	By:	/s/ KENNETH J. MAHON
		Kenneth J. Mahon
		Chief Executive Officer

Dated: November 6, 2020	By:	/s/ AVINASH REDDY
		Avinash Reddy
		Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

51

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: November 6, 2020

/s/ KENNETH J. MAHON

Kenneth J. Mahon

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

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

I, Avinash Reddy, 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: November 6, 2020

/s/ AVINASH REDDY

Avinash Reddy

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief 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 September 30, 2020 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.

Date:	November 6, 2020
By:	/s/ KENNETH J. MAHON
	Kenneth J. Mahon
	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 September 30, 2020 of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., (the "Company") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Avinash Reddy, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial 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.

Date:	November 6, 2020
By:	/s/ AVINASH REDDY
	Avinash Reddy
	Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Nov. 06, 2020
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001005409
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,047,862
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-27782
Entity Tax Identification Number	11-3297463
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Address Line One	300 Cadman Plaza West, 8th Floor
Entity Address, City or Town	Brooklyn
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	11201
City Area Code	718
Local Phone Number	782-6200
Common Stock [Member]
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
Trading Symbol	DCOM
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Preferred Stock, Series A [Member]
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Preferred Stock, Series A, $0.01 Par Value
Trading Symbol	DCOMP
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
ASSETS:
Cash and due from banks	$ 147,283	$ 155,488
Total cash and cash equivalents	147,283	155,488
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value	525,597	550,995
Marketable equity securities, at fair value	5,759	5,894
Loans:
Loans	5,577,503	5,340,538
Less allowance for loan losses	(48,492)	(28,441)
Total loans, net	5,529,011	5,312,097
Premises and fixed assets, net	20,539	21,692
Premises held for sale	0	514
Loans held for sale	2,625	500
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") capital stock	57,305	56,019
Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")	155,068	114,257
Goodwill	55,638	55,638
Operating lease assets	35,503	37,858
Derivative assets	19,845	2,443
Accrued interest receivable	33,774	18,891
Other assets	31,444	22,174
Total Assets	6,619,391	6,354,460
Due to depositors:
Interest-bearing deposits	3,714,225	3,804,076
Non-interest-bearing deposits	658,297	478,549
Total deposits	4,372,522	4,282,625
Escrow and other deposits	119,626	76,481
FHLBNY advances	1,128,400	1,092,250
Subordinated debt, net	114,016	113,906
Other borrowings	70,000	110,000
Operating lease liabilities	41,314	44,098
Derivative liabilities	47,955	9,080
Other liabilities	31,400	29,262
Total Liabilities	5,925,233	5,757,702
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, Series A ($0.01 par, $25.00 liquidation value, 9,000,000 shares authorized, 5,299,200 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020, and none issued or outstanding at December 31, 2019)	116,569	0
Common stock ($0.01 par, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 53,724,233 shares and 53,721,189 shares issued at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and 33,049,822 shares and 35,154,642 shares outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)	537	537
Additional paid-in capital	278,580	279,322
Retained earnings	601,913	581,817
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes	(11,539)	(5,940)
Unearned equity awards	(6,695)	(6,731)
Common stock held by the Benefit Maintenance Plan ("BMP")	(1,496)	(1,496)
Treasury stock, at cost (20,674,411 shares and 18,566,547 shares at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)	(283,711)	(250,751)
Total Stockholders' Equity	694,158	596,758
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	6,619,391	6,354,460
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Loans:
Loans	4,933,515	5,002,354
Commercial and Industrial ("C&I") Loans [Member]
Loans:
Loans	642,540	336,412
Other Loans [Member]
Loans:
Loans	$ 1,448	$ 1,772

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, liquidation value (in dollars per share)	$ 25.00	$ 25.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	9,000,000	9,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	5,299,200	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	5,299,200	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)	53,724,233	53,721,189
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	33,049,822	35,154,642
Treasury stock (in shares)	20,674,411	18,566,547

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Interest income:
Loans secured by real estate	$ 47,482	$ 50,732	$ 146,657	$ 150,720
C&I loans	5,752	4,442	14,868	12,012
Other loans	11	18	39	54
Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS")	2,707	2,973	9,076	9,131
Investment securities	715	626	1,718	1,616
Other short-term investments	729	1,488	2,577	4,392
Total interest income	57,396	60,279	174,935	177,925
Interest expense:
Deposits and escrow	6,672	16,582	28,298	47,870
Borrowed funds	5,780	7,501	17,613	22,031
Total interest expense	12,452	24,083	45,911	69,901
Net interest income	44,944	36,196	129,024	108,024
Provision for loan losses	5,931	11,228	20,003	11,100
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	39,013	24,968	109,021	96,924
Non-interest income:
Service charges and other fees	1,632	1,780	3,918	4,143
Net mortgage banking income	71	77	189	206
Net gain on equity securities	175	14	139	430
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities and other assets	215	66	3,357	(67)
Gain on sale of loans	1,425	443	1,946	1,037
Income from BOLI	1,033	723	3,831	2,124
Loan level derivative income	1,544	197	5,201	488
Other	54	61	190	180
Total non-interest income	6,149	3,361	18,771	8,541
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	13,512	12,948	43,077	36,893
Severance	0	0	4,000	0
Stock benefit plan compensation expense	804	574	1,953	1,349
Occupancy and equipment	4,046	3,970	12,061	11,666
Data processing costs	2,146	1,803	6,177	5,777
Marketing	134	466	667	1,397
Federal deposit insurance premiums	761	(506)	1,767	534
Merger expenses	769	0	2,427	0
Other	2,681	3,519	8,110	9,506
Total non-interest expense	24,853	22,774	80,239	67,122
Income before income taxes	20,309	5,555	47,553	38,343
Income tax expense	4,441	850	10,327	9,102
Net income	15,868	4,705	37,226	29,241
Preferred stock dividends	1,822	0	2,962	0
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 14,046	$ 4,705	$ 34,264	$ 29,241
Earnings per Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.13	$ 1.02	$ 0.81
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.42	$ 0.13	$ 1.01	$ 0.81

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 15,868	$ 4,705	$ 37,226	$ 29,241
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale	1,501	1,996	12,412	10,944
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations	271	237	813	966
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	2,419	(2,323)	(21,419)	(11,684)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	4,191	(90)	(8,194)	226
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	1,327	(70)	(2,595)	34
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,864	(20)	(5,599)	192
Total comprehensive income	$ 18,732	$ 4,685	$ 31,627	$ 29,433

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Deferred Taxes [Member]	Unearned Equity Awards [Member]	Common Stock Held by BMP [Member]	Treasury Stock, at Cost [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 537		$ 277,512	$ 565,713	$ (6,500)	$ (3,623)	$ (1,509)	$ (230,049)	$ 602,081
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	36,081,455
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	$ 0		0	11,501	0	0	0	0	11,501
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0		0	0	1,268	0	0	0	1,268
Release of shares, net of forfeitures	$ 0		846	0	0	(2,729)	0	1,883	0
Release of shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	138,329
Stock-based compensation	$ 0		0	0	0	284	0	0	284
Shares received related to tax withholding	$ 0		0	0	0	0	0	(7)	(7)
Shares received related to tax withholding (in shares)	(418)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net	$ 0		0	(5,039)	0	0	0	0	(5,039)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock	0		0	0	0	0	0	$ (3,814)	(3,814)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock (in shares)								(199,254)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 537		278,358	572,175	(5,232)	(6,068)	(1,509)	$ (231,987)	606,274
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019	36,020,112
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 537		277,512	565,713	(6,500)	(3,623)	(1,509)	(230,049)	602,081
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	36,081,455
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income									29,241
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									192
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 537		279,768	579,830	(6,308)	(8,892)	(1,496)	(234,535)	608,904
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019	35,951,652
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 537		278,358	572,175	(5,232)	(6,068)	(1,509)	(231,987)	606,274
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019	36,020,112
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	$ 0		0	13,035	0	0	0	0	13,035
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0		0	0	(1,056)	0	0	0	(1,056)
Exercise of stock options, net	$ 0		73	0	0	0	0	0	73
Exercise of stock options, net (in shares)	8,869
Release of shares, net of forfeitures	$ 0		896	0	0	(2,588)	0	1,747	55
Release of shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	133,451
Stock-based compensation	$ 0		0	0	0	491	0	0	491
Shares received related to tax withholding	$ 0		0	0	0	0	0	(98)	(98)
Shares received related to tax withholding (in shares)	(4,901)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net	$ 0		0	(5,051)	0	0	0	0	(5,051)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock	0		0	0	0	0	0	$ (5,022)	(5,022)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock (in shares)								(270,136)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	$ 537		279,327	580,159	(6,288)	(8,165)	(1,509)	$ (235,360)	608,701
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019	35,887,395
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	$ 0		0	4,705	0	0	0	0	4,705
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0		0	0	(20)	0	0	0	(20)
Release of shares, net of forfeitures	$ 0		454	0	0	(1,301)	0	847	0
Release of shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	64,912
Stock-based compensation	$ 0		0	0	0	574	0	0	574
Shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits	0		(13)	0	0	0	13	(4)	$ (4)
Shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits (in shares)									(189)
Shares received related to tax withholding	$ 0		0	0	0	0	0	(18)	$ (18)
Shares received related to tax withholding (in shares)	(466)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net	$ 0		0	(5,034)	0	0	0	0	(5,034)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 537		279,768	579,830	(6,308)	(8,892)	(1,496)	(234,535)	608,904
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019	35,951,652
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 537	$ 0	279,322	581,817	(5,940)	(6,731)	(1,496)	(250,751)	$ 596,758
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	35,154,642								35,154,642
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	$ 0	0	0	8,392	0	0	0	0	$ 8,392
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0	0	0	(6,692)	0	0	0	(6,692)
Release of shares, net of forfeitures	$ 0	0	5	0	0	(7)	0	2	0
Release of shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	91
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	0	0	0	0	671	0	0	671
Proceeds from preferred stock issuance, net		72,224	0	0	0	0	0	0	72,224
Shares received related to tax withholding	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(79)	(79)
Shares received related to tax withholding (in shares)	(4,668)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net	$ 0		0	(4,915)	0	0	0	0	(4,915)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	$ (20,711)	(20,711)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock (in shares)								(1,274,679)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 537	72,224	279,327	585,294	(12,632)	(6,067)	(1,496)	$ (271,539)	645,648
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020	33,875,386
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 537	0	279,322	581,817	(5,940)	(6,731)	(1,496)	(250,751)	$ 596,758
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	35,154,642								35,154,642
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income									$ 37,226
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(5,599)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 537	116,569	278,580	601,913	(11,539)	(6,695)	(1,496)	(283,711)	$ 694,158
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020	33,049,822								33,049,822
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 537	72,224	279,327	585,294	(12,632)	(6,067)	(1,496)	(271,539)	$ 645,648
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020	33,875,386
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	$ 0	0	0	12,966	0	0	0	0	12,966
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 0	0	0	0	(1,771)	0	0	0	(1,771)
Exercise of stock options, net		0	38	0	0	0	0	0	38
Exercise of stock options, net (in shares)	3,044
Release of shares, net of forfeitures	$ 0	0	(784)	0	0	(1,960)	0	2,772	28
Release of shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	196,886
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	0	0	0	0	478	0	0	478
Proceeds from preferred stock issuance, net		44,345	0	0	0	0	0	0	44,345
Shares received related to tax withholding	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(169)	(169)
Shares received related to tax withholding (in shares)	(10,667)
Cash dividends declared and paid to preferred stockholders	$ 0	0	0	(1,140)	0	0	0	0	(1,140)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net	0		0	(4,623)	0	0	0	0	(4,623)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	$ (14,257)	(14,257)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock (in shares)								(975,064)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	$ 537	116,569	278,581	592,497	(14,403)	(7,549)	(1,496)	$ (283,193)	681,543
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020	33,089,585
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	$ 0		0	15,868	0	0	0	0	15,868
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0	0	0	2,864	0	0	0	2,864
Exercise of stock options, net		0
Release of shares, net of forfeitures	$ 0	0	(1)	0	0	50	0	(49)	0
Release of shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	(3,654)
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	0	0	0	0	804	0	0	804
Shares received related to tax withholding	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(81)	(81)
Shares received related to tax withholding (in shares)	(6,486)
Cash dividends declared and paid to preferred stockholders	$ 0	0	0	(1,822)	0	0	0	0	(1,822)
Cash dividends declared and paid to common stockholders, net	0		0	(4,630)	0	0	0	0	(4,630)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	$ (388)	(388)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock (in shares)								(29,623)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 537	$ 116,569	$ 278,580	$ 601,913	$ (11,539)	$ (6,695)	$ (1,496)	$ (283,711)	$ 694,158
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020	33,049,822								33,049,822

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$ 37,226	$ 29,241
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net (gain) loss on sales of securities available-for-sale	(3,357)	67
Net gain recognized on marketable equity securities	(139)	(430)
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale	(1,946)	(1,037)
Net depreciation, amortization and accretion	3,786	2,939
Stock-based compensation	1,953	1,349
Provision for loan losses	20,003	11,100
Originations of loans held for sale	(26,007)	(15,119)
Proceeds from sale of loans originated for sale	38,789	25,496
Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI	(2,697)	(2,124)
Gain from death benefits from BOLI	(1,134)	0
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(6,841)	(1,408)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in other assets	(17,810)	(1,073)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	6,148	(2,608)
Net cash provided by Operating Activities	47,974	46,393
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale	68,784	130,504
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities	410	434
Purchases of securities available-for-sale	(149,353)	(214,582)
Acquisition of marketable equity securities	(136)	(172)
Proceeds from calls and principal repayments of securities available-for-sale	121,169	78,586
Purchase of BOLI	(40,000)	0
Proceeds received from cash surrender value of BOLI	3,020	0
Loans purchased	(18,892)	0
Proceeds from the sale of portfolio loans transferred to held for sale	35,025	9,684
Net increase in loans	(266,490)	(114,807)
Purchases of fixed assets, net	(1,442)	(977)
Sale (purchase) of FHLBNY capital stock, net	(1,286)	3,130
Net cash used in Investing Activities	(249,191)	(108,200)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in due to depositors	89,897	34,652
Increase in escrow and other deposits	43,145	24,999
Repayments of FHLBNY advances, long-term	(188,800)	(223,600)
Proceeds from FHLBNY advances, long-term	97,450	132,000
Proceeds from FHLBNY advances, short-term, net	127,500	23,000
Proceeds (repayments) of other borrowings, net	(40,000)	60,000
Proceeds from preferred stock issuance, net	116,569	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	38	73
Release of stock for benefit plan awards	28	55
BMP ESOP shares received to satisfy distribution of retirement benefits	0	(4)
Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation	(329)	(123)
Treasury shares repurchased	(35,356)	(8,836)
Cash dividends paid to preferred stockholders, net	(2,962)	0
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders, net	(14,168)	(15,124)
Net cash provided by Financing Activities	193,012	27,092
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(8,205)	(34,715)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	155,488	147,256
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	147,283	112,541
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for income taxes	13,755	10,164
Cash paid for interest	46,972	72,837
Loans transferred to held for sale	47,938	19,664
Premises held for sale transferred to premises and fixed assets, net	(514)	0
Operating lease assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$ 1,524	$ 49,160

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

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 (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 September 30, 2020 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 $115,000 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 commercial 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 reflected the Bank’s evolving business model and emphasized its broader geographic and business reach while retaining the Bank’s mission to be in and of the communities it served, 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, and one-to-four family residential real estate loans, as well as mortgage-backed securities, obligations of the U.S. government and government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”), and corporate debt and equity securities.

The Holding Company neither owns nor leases any property, but instead uses the back office 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 September 30, 2020, the Bank had twenty-eight retail banking offices located throughout the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and in Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York.

On July 1, 2020, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (“Bridge Bancorp”). The Merger Agreement provides that upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, the Company will merge with and into Bridge Bancorp (the “Merger”), with Bridge Bancorp as the surviving corporation under the name “Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.” (the “Surviving Corporation”). The Surviving Corporation will be headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, and will have a corporate office located in New York, New York. At the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Company common stock, par value $0.01 per share, will be converted into the right to receive 0.648 shares of Bridge Bancorp common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Following the Merger, Dime Community Bank will merge with and into BNB Bank, a New York-chartered commercial bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridge Bancorp, with BNB Bank as the surviving bank, under the name “Dime Community Bank.”

Risks and Uncertainties

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has spread to most countries, including the United States. The pandemic has adversely affected economic activity globally, nationally and locally.

In March 2020, the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, local state governments, including New York (in which the Bank has retail banking offices), have taken preventative or protective actions such as travel restrictions, advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego their time outside of their homes, and other forced closures for certain types of non-essential businesses. The impact of these actions is expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets in the United States.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law at the end of March 2020.  The CARES Act is intended to provide relief and lessen a severe economic downturn. The stimulus package includes direct financial aid to American families and economic stimulus to significantly impacted industry sectors. The package also includes extensive emergency funding for hospitals and healthcare providers.

It is possible that there will be material, adverse impacts to significant estimates, asset valuations, and business operations, including intangible assets, investments, loans, deferred tax assets, and derivative counter party risk.

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SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the results of operations and statements of comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.  The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2020.  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, 2019 and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 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. This standard requires financial institutions and other organizations to use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates.

In anticipation of adoption, the Company has established the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) Subcommittee, a subcommittee of the Loan Loss Reserve Committee, to oversee the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has engaged a third party software provider to use their model to measure the expected credit losses. The CECL Subcommittee has determined loan segments based on credit risk of the loan portfolio, completed data validation, and developed qualitative adjustments. The CECL Subcommittee is in the process of finalizing internal policies, procedures, and key controls over the calculation of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). The Company has also engaged an independent third party vendor which has reviewed and validated the regression models and assumptions utilized for measuring the expected credit losses.

ASU 2016-13 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2020.  Under Section 4014 of the CARES Act, financial institutions required to adopt ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2020 were provided an option to delay the adoption of the CECL framework until the earlier of December 31, 2020 or when the national emergency is lifted. The Bank has elected to defer adoption of CECL and is utilizing the incurred loss framework as of September 30, 2020.

Upon completion of the aforementioned items, the Loan Loss Reserve Committee, which has oversight over the implementation of CECL, will adopt the standard at the earlier of December 31, 2020 or when the national emergency is lifted. Upon adoption, the Company will recognize a one-time cumulative effect change to the allowance for loan losses through retained earnings as of January 1, 2020. In the period of adoption, any adjustments related to the period end CECL estimate will be adjusted through the income statement.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

3. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

	Securities Available-for-Sale			Defined Benefit Plans			Derivatives			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of January 1, 2020	$	4,621		$	(6,024	)	$	(4,537	)	$	(5,940	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		10,783			423			(17,150	)		(5,944	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2,302	)		133			2,514			345
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during the period		8,481			556			(14,636	)		(5,599	)
Balance as of September 30, 2020	$	13,102		$	(5,468	)	$	(19,173	)	$	(11,539	)
Balance as of January 1, 2019	$	(1,957	)	$	(6,290	)	$	1,747		$	(6,500	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		7,420			285			(7,274	)		431
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		46			371			(656	)		(239	)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during the period		7,466			656			(7,930	)		192
Balance as of September 30, 2019	$	5,509		$	(5,634	)	$	(6,183	)	$	(6,308	)

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 September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Change in unrealized holding gain or loss on securities available-for-sale:
Change in net unrealized gain or loss during the period	$	1,716		$	2,062			15,769		$	10,877
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net gain on securities and other assets		(215	)		(66	)		(3,357	)		67
Net change		1,501			1,996			12,412			10,944
Tax expense		475			600			3,931			3,478
Net change in unrealized holding gain or loss on securities available-for-sale		1,026			1,396			8,481			7,466
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in other expense		4			182			194			546
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss		267			55			619			420
Net change		271			237			813			966
Tax expense		86			76			257			310
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations		185			161			556			656
Change in unrealized gain or loss on derivatives:
Change in net unrealized gain or loss during the period		100			(2,044	)		(25,098	)		(10,717	)
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense		2,319			(279	)		3,679			(967	)
Net change		2,419			(2,323	)		(21,419	)		(11,684	)
Tax benefit		766			(746	)		(6,783	)		(3,754	)
Net change in unrealized gain or loss on derivatives		1,653			(1,577	)		(14,636	)		(7,930	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,864		$	(20	)	$	(5,599	)	$	192

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EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ("EPS")

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ("EPS") [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ("EPS")

4. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders 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 if all likely aggregate Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) shares are issued.  In determining the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS, treasury shares are excluded.  Vested restricted stock award (“RSA”) shares are included in the calculation of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS.  Unvested RSA and SIP shares not yet awarded are recognized as a special class of participating securities under ASC 260, and are included in the calculation of the weighted average shares outstanding for 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 September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Net income available to common stockholders	$	14,046		$	4,705		$	34,264		$	29,241
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities		(83	)		(78	)		(195	)		(172	)
Income attributable to common stock	$	13,963		$	4,627		$	34,069		$	29,069
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities		32,991,253			35,861,268			33,716,334			35,922,521
Less: weighted average participating securities		(289,786	)		(229,881	)		(295,429	)		(197,430	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		32,701,467			35,631,387			33,420,905			35,725,091
Basic EPS	$	0.43		$	0.13		$	1.02		$	0.81
Income attributable to common stock	$	13,963		$	4,627		$	34,069		$	29,069
Weighted average common shares outstanding		32,701,467			35,631,387			33,420,905			35,725,091
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding		206,229			138,074			207,305			140,968
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding		32,907,696			35,769,461			33,628,210			35,866,059
Diluted EPS	$	0.42		$	0.13		$	1.01		$	0.81

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-money stock options during the period.

There were 34,910 and 24,724 weighted-average stock options outstanding for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, which were not considered in the calculation of diluted EPS since their exercise prices exceeded the average market price during the period. There were no “out-of-the-money” stock options during the three-month or the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019.

For information about the calculation of expected aggregate LTIP and SIP share payouts, see Note 12.

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PREFERRED STOCK

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

PREFERRED STOCK [Abstract]

PREFERRED STOCK

5. PREFERRED STOCK

On February 5, 2020, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 2,999,200 shares, or $74,980 in aggregate liquidation preference, of its 5.50% Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The net proceeds received from the issuance of preferred stock at the time of closing was $72,224. On June 10, 2020, the Company completed an underwritten public offering, a reopening of the February 5, 2020 original issuance, of 2,300,000 shares, or $57,500 in aggregate liquidation preference, of its 5.50% Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The net proceeds received from the issuance of preferred stock at the time of closing was $44,345.  The Company expects to pay dividends when, as, and if declared by its board of directors, at a fixed rate of 5.50% per annum, payable quarterly, in arrears, on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Preferred Stock is perpetual and has no stated maturity. The Company may redeem the Preferred Stock at its option at a redemption price equal to $25.00 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends), subject to regulatory approval, on or after June 15, 2025 or within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event, as described in the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering. 

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INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES [Abstract]

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

6. INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

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

	At September 30, 2020
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	25,000	$	16	$	(43	)	$	24,973
Corporate Securities		55,044		1,806		(50	)		56,800
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		168,977		9,402		—			178,379
Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”)		257,403		8,111		(69	)		265,445
Total securities available-for-sale	$	506,424	$	19,335	$	(162	)	$	525,597

	At December 31, 2019
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	20,000	$	—	$	(65	)	$	19,935
Corporate Securities		28,086		510		—			28,596
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		241,695		5,788		—			247,483
Agency CMOs		254,453		1,105		(577	)		254,981
Total securities available-for-sale	$	544,234	$	7,403	$	(642	)	$	550,995

The carrying amount of securities pledged as collateral was $39,708 and $27,884 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

	At September 30, 2020
Weighted average contractual maturity (years):
Agency Notes		10.1
Corporate Securities		9.2
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs and Agency CMOs		17.6

The following table presents the information related to sales of securities available-for-sale as of the periods indicated:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Agency Notes:
Proceeds	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Gross gains		—		—		—		—
Tax expense on gain		—		—		—		—
Gross losses		—		—		—		—
Tax benefit on loss		—		—		—		—
Corporate Securities:
Proceeds		—		3,038		25,403		3,038
Gross gains		—		39		1,344		39
Tax expense on gain		—		12		423		12
Gross losses		—		—		—		—
Tax benefit on loss		—		—		—		—
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs:
Proceeds		5,987		15,149		39,182		106,860
Gross gains		215		22		2,005		270
Tax expense on gain		67		7		630		86
Gross losses		—		2		—		520
Tax benefit on loss		—		332		—		166
Agency CMOs:
Proceeds		—		—		4,199		—
Gross gains		—		—		8		—
Tax expense on gain		—		—		3		—
Gross losses		—		—		—		—
Tax benefit on loss		—		—		—		—

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Proceeds:
Marketable equity securities	$	137	$	136	$	410	$	409

The gain or loss on equity securities shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income was due to market valuation changes.  Net gain of $175 and $14 were recognized on marketable equity securities for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net gain of $139 and $430 were recognized on marketable equity securities for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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:

	September 30, 2020
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	9,957	$	43	$	—	$	—	$	9,957	$	43
Corporate Notes		4,950		50		—		—		4,950		50
Agency CMOs		14,221		21		4,951		48		19,172		69

	December 31, 2019
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	9,935	$	65	$	—	$	—	$	9,935	$	65
Agency CMOs		107,150		548		4,304		29		111,454		577

The issuers of securities available-for-sale are primarily 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. In accordance with the Company’s investment policy, corporate notes are rated “investment grade” at the time of purchase and the financials of the issuers are reviewed quarterly.  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 September 30, 2020.

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LOANS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

LOANS [Abstract]

LOANS

7. LOANS

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.

The following table presents the loan categories for the period ended as indicated:

	Balance at
	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	186,975		$	148,429
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		2,919,186			3,385,375
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,675,488			1,350,185
Acquisition, development, and construction (“ADC”)		151,866			118,365
Total Real Estate		4,933,515			5,002,354
C&I		642,540			336,412
Other		1,448			1,772
Total		5,577,503			5,340,538
Allowance for loans losses		(48,492	)		(28,441	)
Loans, net	$	5,529,011		$	5,312,097

As of September 30, 2020, included in C&I loans was $318,568 of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. There were no SBA PPP loans at December 31, 2019. These loans carry a 100% guarantee from the SBA and have no allowance for loan losses allocated to them based on the nature of the guarantee.

The allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components. At September 30, 2020, the Bank’s periodic evaluation of its allowance for loan losses (specific or general) was comprised of two primary components: (1) specific reserve on impaired loans and (2) general reserve on non-impaired 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) other loans (which includes 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 Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) Limits, and consumer loans are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

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

	At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use		ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I			Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	671		$	16,666		$	9,859	$	1,777	$	28,973		$	13,502		$	17		$	42,492
Provision (credit) for loan losses		134			3,468			2,162		274		6,038			(107	)		—			5,931
Charge-offs		(6	)		(13	)		—		—		(19	)		—			(1	)		(20	)
Recoveries		—			89			—		—		89			—			—			89
Ending balance	$	799		$	20,210		$	12,021	$	2,051	$	35,081		$	13,395		$	16		$	48,492

	At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Real Estate Loans
	One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use			ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I			Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	207		$	11,817		$	3,846		$	980	$	16,850		$	4,267		$	17		$	21,134
Provision (credit) for loan losses		52			(838	)		(43	)		5		(824	)		12,046			6			11,228
Charge-offs		(6	)		(14	)		—			—		(20	)		(5,046	)		(7	)		(5,073	)
Recoveries		4			—			—			—		4			1			—			5
Ending balance	$	257		$	10,965		$	3,803		$	985	$	16,010		$	11,268		$	16		$	27,294

	At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use			ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I		Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	269		$	10,142		$	3,900		$	1,244	$	15,555		$	12,870	$	16		$	28,441
Provision for loan losses		540			10,010			8,127			807		19,484			518		1			20,003
Charge-offs		(10	)		(45	)		(6	)		—		(61	)		—		(1	)		(62	)
Recoveries		—			103			—			—		103			7		—			110
Ending balance	$	799		$	20,210		$	12,021		$	2,051	$	35,081		$	13,395	$	16		$	48,492

	At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Real Estate Loans
	One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use			ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I			Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	198		$	13,446		$	3,777		$	397	$	17,818		$	3,946		$	18		$	21,782
Provision (credit) for loan losses		64			(2,427	)		171			588		(1,604	)		12,698			6			11,100
Charge-offs		(12	)		(54	)		(145	)		—		(211	)		(5,378	)		(8	)		(5,597	)
Recoveries		7			—			—			—		7			2			—			9
Ending balance	$	257		$	10,965		$	3,803		$	985	$	16,010		$	11,268		$	16		$	27,294

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 September 30, 2020
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use		ADC		Total Real Estate		C&I		Other Loans		Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,184	$	—	$	10,184
Collectively evaluated for impairment		799		20,210		12,021		2,051		35,081		3,211		16		38,308
Total ending allowance balance	$	799	$	20,210	$	12,021	$	2,051	$	35,081	$	13,395	$	16	$	48,492
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	1,213	$	47	$	—	$	1,260	$	10,287	$	—	$	11,547
Collectively evaluated for impairment		186,975		2,917,973		1,675,441		151,866		4,932,255		632,253		1,448		5,565,956
Total ending loans balance	$	186,975	$	2,919,186	$	1,675,488	$	151,866	$	4,933,515	$	642,540	$	1,448	$	5,577,503

	At December 31, 2019
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use		ADC		Total Real Estate		C&I		Other Loans		Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,082	$	—	$	10,082
Collectively evaluated for impairment		269		10,142		3,900		1,244		15,555		2,788		16		18,359
Total ending allowance balance	$	269	$	10,142	$	3,900	$	1,244	$	15,555	$	12,870	$	16	$	28,441
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment		—		153		60		—		213		10,082		—		10,295
Collectively evaluated for impairment		148,429		3,385,222		1,350,125		118,365		5,002,141		326,330		1,772		5,330,243
Total ending loans balance	$	148,429	$	3,385,375	$	1,350,185	$	118,365	$	5,002,354	$	336,412	$	1,772	$	5,340,538

Troubled debt restructurings (“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.  There were no loans modified in a manner that met the criteria of a TDR during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.  There were no TDRs as of September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

Loan payment deferrals due to COVID-19

As outlined in the CARES Act, the Company established a formal payment deferral program in April 2020 for borrowers that have been adversely affected by the pandemic.  The payment deferral programs, which formally began in the month of April 2020, primarily consist of three-month or six-month deferrals of interest and/or principal payments. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had 90 loans, representing outstanding loan balances of $334.3 million, on payment deferral (inclusive of loans deferring principal and interest payments and loans deferring only principal payments).  

Pursuant to Section 4013 of the CARES Act, a qualified loan modification, is not considered a TDR as defined by GAAP, if granted to a borrower between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of December 31, 2020 or the date that is 60 days after the date on which the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak is lifted. These loans will continue to accrue interest and will not be considered past due so long as any required payments are made in accordance with the deferral terms. As of September 30, 2020, the risk-ratings on COVID-19 loan deferrals had not been changed. The loans will be subject to the Bank’s normal credit monitoring. The collectability of accrued interest will be evaluated on a periodic basis. The table below presents the loans with payment deferrals as of September 30, 2020:

	September 30, 2020
	Number of Loans		Balance (1)		% of Portfolio
(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment		9	$	8,765		4.7	%
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate		50		237,872		8.1
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		28		75,440		4.5
C&I		3		12,257		1.9
Total		90	$	334,334

(1) Amount excludes net deferred costs due to immateriality.

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 non-accrual one-to-four family loans in less than the FNMA Limits, to be impaired. Non-accrual one-to-four family loans equal to or less than the FNMA Limits, as well as all consumer loans, are considered homogeneous loan pools and are not required to be evaluated individually for impairment 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 certain 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.

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

The following table summarizes impaired loans recorded as of the dates indicated:

	At September 30, 2020						At December 31, 2019
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment (1)		Related Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment (1)		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use	$	1,213	$	1,213	$	—	$	153	$	153	$	—
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		47		47		—		60		60		—
Total with no related allowance recorded		1,260		1,260		—		213		213		—
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		10,287		10,287		10,184		10,082		10,082		10,082
Total with an allowance recorded		10,287		10,287		10,184		10,082		10,082		10,082
Total	$	11,547	$	11,547	$	10,184	$	10,295	$	10,295	$	10,082

(1) The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

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

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2020				Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)		Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	—	$	—	$	10	$	4
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		1,295		—		416		7
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,525		—		2,688		54
Total with no related allowance recorded		2,820		—		3,114		65
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		10,232		—		7,500		153
Total	$	13,052	$	—	$	10,614	$	218

(1) The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

(2) Cash basis interest and interest income recognized on accrual basis approximate each other.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)		Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	1,474	$	—	$	11	$	4
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		1,019		6		480		29
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		791		1		4,691		244
Total with no related allowance recorded		3,284		7		5,182		277
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		10,157		—		3,885		159
Total	$	13,441	$	7	$	9,067	$	435

(1) The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

(2) Cash basis interest and interest income recognized on accrual basis approximate each other.

The following tables summarize the past due status of the Company’s investment in loans (excluding deferred costs and accrued interest) as of the dates indicated:

	At September 30, 2020
	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	$	354	$	—	$	470	$	867	$	1,691	$	185,284	$	186,975
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		210		—		—		1,213		1,423		2,917,763		2,919,186
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		16,173		—		1,470		47		17,690		1,657,798		1,675,488
ADC		—		—		—		—		—		151,866		151,866
Total real estate		16,737		—		1,940		2,127		20,804		4,912,711		4,933,515
C&I		84		—		—		10,287		10,371		632,169		642,540
Other		5		—		—		10		15		1,433		1,448
Total	$	16,826	$	—	$	1,940	$	12,424	$	31,190	$	5,546,313	$	5,577,503

(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of September 30, 2020.

	At December 31, 2019
	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	$	417	$	—	$	—	$	794	$	1,211	$	147,218	$	148,429
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		214		—		1,169		153		1,536		3,383,839		3,385,375
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		—		—		364		60		424		1,349,761		1,350,185
ADC		—		—		—		—		—		118,365		118,365
Total real estate		631		—		1,533		1,007		3,171		4,999,183		5,002,354
C&I		44		—		—		10,082		10,126		326,286		336,412
Other		6		1		—		2		9		1,763		1,772
Total	$	681	$	1	$	1,533	$	11,091	$	13,306	$	5,327,232	$	5,340,538

(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2019.

Accruing Loans 90 Days or More Past Due

The Bank continued accruing interest on four loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $1,940 at September 30, 2020, and two real estate loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $1,533 at December 31, 2019, 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 were expected to be refinanced, and therefore remained on accrual status and were deemed performing assets at the dates indicated above.

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

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

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

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

All real estate and C&I loans not classified as Special Mention, Substandard, or Doubtful were deemed pass loans at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

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

	Balance at September 30, 2020
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	186,093	$	—	$	882	$	—	$	186,975
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		2,840,057		47,181		31,948		—		2,919,186
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,657,975		6,859		10,654		—		1,675,488
ADC		151,866		—		—		—		151,866
Total real estate		4,835,991		54,040		43,484		—		4,933,515
C&I		629,942		1,490		1,026		10,082		642,540
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,465,933	$	55,530	$	44,510	$	10,082	$	5,576,055

	Balance at December 31, 2019
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	147,635	$	—	$	794	$	—	$	148,429
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		3,319,226		14,606		51,543		—		3,385,375
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,334,518		4,840		10,827		—		1,350,185
ADC		118,365		—		—		—		118,365
Total real estate		4,919,744		19,446		63,164		—		5,002,354
C&I		325,296		1,034		—		10,082		336,412
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,245,040	$	20,480	$	63,164	$	10,082	$	5,338,766

The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of other loans:

	Balance at
	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Performing	$	1,438	$	1,770
Non-accrual		10		2
Total	$	1,448	$	1,772

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LEASES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

LEASES [Abstract]

LEASES

8. LEASES

The Company recognizes operating lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities related to its office facilities and retail branches. The operating lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the lease liability represents the Company’s obligation to make lease payments over the lease term.

The operating lease asset and lease liability are determined at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company used its incremental borrowing rate, the rate of interest to borrow on a collateralized basis for a similar term, at the lease commencement date.

The Company made a policy election to exclude the recognition requirements of ASU 2016-02 to short-term leases, those leases with original terms of 12 months or less. Short-term lease payments are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain leases may include one or more options to renew. The exercise of lease renewal options is typically at the Company’s discretion and are included in the operating lease liability if it is reasonably certain that the renewal option will be exercised. Certain real estate leases may contain lease and non-lease components, such as common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, and insurance, which are generally accounted for separately and are not included in the measurement of the lease liability since they are generally able to be segregated. The Company does not sublease any of its leased properties. The Company does not lease properties from any related parties.

Maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at September 30, 2020 are as follows:

	Rent to be Capitalized
2020	$	1,756
2021		7,030
2022		6,829
2023		5,870
2024		5,985
Thereafter		19,108
Total undiscounted lease payments		46,578
Less amounts representing interest		5,264
Lease liability	$	41,314

Other information related to operating leases was as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Operating lease cost	$	1,636	$	1,622	$	4,867	$	4,863
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities		1,745		1,728		5,295		5,161

The weighted average remaining lease term at September 30, 2020 was 7.4 years.  The weighted average discount rate at September 30, 2020 was 3.21%.

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

9. 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.  The Company engages in both cash flow hedges and freestanding derivatives.

Cash Flow Hedges

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.   The Company uses these types of derivatives 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 (Loss) and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same periods 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 $9,864 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

The Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions over a maximum period of twenty-four months (excluding forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments).

During the three month period ended March 31, 2020, the Company terminated two derivatives with notional values totaling $30,000, resulting in a termination value of $175 which will be recognized in interest expense over the remaining term of the original derivative.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of the periods indicated.

	At September 30, 2020								At December 31, 2019
	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		—	$	—	$	—	$	—		7	$	130,000	$	1,081	$	—
Interest rate swaps related to FHLBNY advances		38	$	750,000	$	—	$	28,110		19	$	315,000	$	—	$	7,718

The table below presents the effect of the cash flow hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	$	100		$	(2,044	)	$	(25,098	)	$	(10,717	)
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income into interest expense		(2,319	)		279			(3,679	)		967

All cash flow hedges are recorded gross on the balance sheet.

A portion of the cash flow hedges involve derivative agreements with the FHLBNY. These derivatives (with the FHLBNY) are cross collateralized with the Bank’s existing loan portfolio and as such do not require any additional cash collateral. A portion of the cash flow hedges involve derivative agreements with other third-party counterparties that contain provisions requiring the Bank to post cash collateral if the derivative exposure exceeds a threshold amount. As of September 30, 2020, posted collateral to the other third-party counterparties was $6,196.

Freestanding Derivatives

The Company maintains an interest-rate risk protection program for its loan portfolio, which was established in 2019, in order to offer loan level derivatives with certain borrowers and to generate loan level derivative income.  The Company enters into interest rate swap or interest rate floor agreements with borrowers. These interest rate derivatives are designed such that the borrower synthetically attains a fixed-rate loan, while the Company receives floating rate loan payments. The Company offsets the loan level interest rate swap exposure by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap or interest rate floor with an unaffiliated and reputable bank counterparties. These interest rate derivatives do not qualify as designated hedges, under ASU 815; therefore, each interest rate derivative is accounted for as a freestanding derivative. The notional amount of the interest rate derivatives do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate derivative agreements. The following table reflects freestanding derivatives included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of the period indicated:

	At September 30, 2020
	Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower		44	$	381,659	$	23,184	$	—
Loan level interest rate floors with borrower		21		199,186		—		3,339
Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties		44		381,659		—		23,184
Loan level interest rate floors with third-party counterparties		21		199,186		3,339		—

	At December 31, 2019
	Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower		7	$	61,038	$	1,347	$	—
Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower		1		7,205		—		15
Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties		7		61,038		—		1,347
Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties		1		7,205		15		—

Loan level derivative income is recognized on the mark-to-market of the interest rate swap as a fair value adjustment at the time the transaction is closed. Total loan level derivative income is included in non-interest income as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Loan level derivative income	$	1,544	$	197	$	5,201	$	488

The interest rate swap product with the borrower is cross collateralized with the underlying loan and therefore there is no posted collateral. Certain interest rate swap agreements with third-party counterparties contain provisions that require the Company to post collateral if the derivative exposure exceeds a threshold amount. As of September 30, 2020, posted collateral was $20,484.

Credit Risk Related Contingent Features

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 September 30, 2020, 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 $29,221 for those related to FHLBNY advances and $19,845 for those related to loan level derivatives. If the Company had breached any of the above provisions at September 30, 2020, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value with the respective counterparty. There were no provisions breached for the period ended September 30, 2020.

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FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

10. 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.

All MBS, CMO and agency notes available-for-sale are guaranteed either implicitly or explicitly by GSEs as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.  In accordance with the Company’s investment policy, corporate securities are rated “investment grade” at the time of purchase and the financials of the issuers are reviewed quarterly.  Obtaining market values as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 for these securities utilizing significant observable inputs was not difficult due to their liquid nature.

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 September 30, 2020 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
Domestic equity mutual funds	$	1,580	$	1,580	$	—	$	—
International equity mutual funds		407		407		—		—
Fixed income mutual funds		3,772		3,772		—		—
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes		24,973		—		24,973		—
Corporate Securities		56,800		—		56,800		—
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		178,379		—		178,379		—
Agency CMOs		265,445		—		265,445		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net		19,845		—		19,845		—
Financial Liabilities
Derivative – cash flow hedges		28,110		—		28,110		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net		19,845		—		19,845		—

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds)
Domestic equity mutual funds	$	1,657	$	1,657	$	—	$	—
International equity mutual funds		420		420		—		—
Fixed income mutual funds		3,817		3,817		—		—
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes		19,935		—		19,935		—
Corporate Securities		28,596		—		28,596		—
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		247,483		—		247,483		—
Agency CMOs		254,981		—		254,981		—
Derivative – cash flow hedges		1,081		—		1,081		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives		1,362		—		1,362		—
Financial Liabilities
Derivative – cash flow hedges		7,718		—		7,718		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives		1,362		—		1,362		—

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).  Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include certain impaired loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  There were no impaired loans carried at fair value at September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

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 24 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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 nonrecurring 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 September 30, 2020 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	147,283	$	147,283	$	—	$	—	$	147,283
Loans, net		5,529,011		—		—		5,557,285		5,557,285
Accrued interest receivable		33,774		4		1,804		31,966		33,774
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		3,015,012		3,015,012		—		—		3,015,012
Certificates of Deposits (“CDs”)		1,357,510		—		1,363,610		—		1,363,610
Escrow and other deposits		119,626		119,626		—		—		119,626
FHLBNY Advances		1,128,400		—		1,135,936		—		1,135,936
Subordinated debt, net		114,016		—		113,441		—		113,441
Other borrowings		70,000		70,000		—		—		70,000
Accrued interest payable		3,510		—		3,510		—		3,510

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	155,488	$	155,488	$	—	$	—	$	155,488
Loans, net		5,312,097		—		—		5,301,708		5,301,708
Accrued interest receivable		18,891		—		1,674		17,217		18,891
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		2,709,756		2,709,756		—		—		2,709,756
CDs		1,572,869		—		1,576,706		—		1,576,706
Escrow and other deposits		76,481		76,481		—		—		76,481
FHLBNY Advances		1,092,250		—		1,093,964		—		1,093,964
Subordinated debt, net		113,906		—		114,769		—		114,769
Other borrowings		110,000		110,000		—		—		110,000
Accrued interest payable		4,570		—		4,570		—		4,570

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RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

11. 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 components of net periodic costs are included in other non-interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Net expenses associated with these plans were comprised of the following components:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2020						2019
	BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan			BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost		241			10			313			13
Expected return on assets		(428	)		—			(382	)		—
Unrecognized past service liability		—			(2	)		—			(2	)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)		274			—			243			(3	)
Net periodic cost	$	87		$	8		$	174		$	8

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020						2019
	BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan			BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost		723			30			938			40
Expected return on assets		(1,284	)		—			(1,146	)		—
Unrecognized past service liability		—			(6	)		—			(6	)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)		822			—			729			(9	)
Net periodic cost	$	261		$	24		$	521		$	25

The following table presents the Company’s planned contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of each benefit plan as disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, as well as the actual contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of each benefit plan during the period indicated:

	Planned Contributions/Benefit		Actual Contributions/Benefit Payments for the
	Payments for the Year Ended December 31, 2020		Three Months Ended September 30, 2020		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
Employee Retirement Plan	$	58	$	—	$	—
Outside Director Retirement Plan		263		56		168
Post Retirement Plan		109		44		139
BMP		569		137		410

The Company expects to make the remainder of the contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of, each benefit plan during the year ended December 31, 2020, except for the Employee Retirement Plan as there is a surplus and no contributions are required.

The BMP exists in order to compensate executive officers for any curtailments in benefits due to statutory limitations on qualifying benefit plans. There were no retirement distributions for the three month or nine month periods ended September 30, 2020.

	For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash	$	24
Market value of Common Stock from Employee Stock Ownership Plan of BMP (685 shares)		13
Gross lump-sum distribution	$	37
Non-cash tax benefit	$	—

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company maintains the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees, the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan for Outside Directors, Officers and Employees, the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan (“2013 Equity Plan”), and the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan (“2020 Equity Plan”) (collectively, the “Stock Plans”), which are discussed more fully in Note 22 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and which are subject to the accounting requirements of ASC 505-50 and ASC 718.  The 2020 Equity Plan was approved during the three months ended June 30, 2020.

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, 2020		42,031		$	14.63
Options granted		—			—
Options cancelled		(6,068	)		14.82
Options expired		(4,077	)		12.75
Options exercised		(3,044	)		12.75
Options outstanding at September 30, 2020		28,842		$	15.05		0.8	$	—
Options vested and exercisable at September 30, 2020		28,842		$	15.05		0.8	$	—

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

	For Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Cash received for option exercise cost	$	—	$	—	$	38	$	73
Income tax benefit recognized on stock option exercises		—		—		—		18
Intrinsic value of options exercised		—		—		8		103

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 three or four-year period or at the end of the pre-determined 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, 2020		256,575		$	19.79
Shares granted		120,478			13.93
Shares vested		(78,409	)		19.80
Shares forfeited		(38,819	)		17.65
Unvested allocated shares at September 30, 2020		259,825		$	17.39

Information related to RSAs during each period is as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019		2020			2019
Compensation expense recognized	$	444		$	449	$	1,311		$	1,092
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of RSA		(38	)		7		(95	)		16

As of September 30, 2020, there was $3,142 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.

Performance Based Equity Awards

The Company maintains 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 stretch (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. Shares are issued at the stretch 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 period then ended:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2020		214,948		$	18.96
Shares granted		102,080			9.96
Shares vested		—			—
Shares forfeited		(61,525	)		15.22
Maximum aggregate share payout at September 30, 2020		255,503		$	14.87
Minimum aggregate share payout		—			—
Expected aggregate share payout		147,697		$	13.75

Information related to LTIP share awards during each period is as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Compensation expense recognized	$	210	$	55	$	362	$	136
Income tax benefit recognized on vesting of LTIP		—		—		—		—

Sales Incentive Awards

The Company established the SIP, a sales incentive award program for certain officers, which meets the criteria for equity-based accounting.  For each quarter an individual can earn their shares based on their sales performance in that quarter.  The shares then vest one year from the quarter in which they are earned.  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 sales incentive equity awards, and changes during the period then ended:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2020		19,396		$	19.15
Shares granted		72,291			13.32
Shares vested		(14,048	)		19.14
Shares forfeited		(3,326	)		17.21
Maximum aggregate share payout at September 30, 2020		74,313		$	13.56
Minimum aggregate share payout		—			—
Expected aggregate share payout		74,313		$	13.56

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019		2020			2019
Compensation expense recognized	$	150		$	70	$	280		$	121
Income tax expense recognized on vesting of awards		(22	)		—		(65	)		—

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INCOME TAXES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

INCOME TAXES [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

13. INCOME TAXES

During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s consolidated effective tax rates were 21.9% and 15.3%, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, the Company’s consolidated effective tax rates were 21.7% and 23.7%, respectively. There were no significant unusual income tax items during the three-month or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

NATURE OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]

Risks and Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has spread to most countries, including the United States. The pandemic has adversely affected economic activity globally, nationally and locally.

In March 2020, the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, local state governments, including New York (in which the Bank has retail banking offices), have taken preventative or protective actions such as travel restrictions, advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego their time outside of their homes, and other forced closures for certain types of non-essential businesses. The impact of these actions is expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets in the United States.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law at the end of March 2020.  The CARES Act is intended to provide relief and lessen a severe economic downturn. The stimulus package includes direct financial aid to American families and economic stimulus to significantly impacted industry sectors. The package also includes extensive emergency funding for hospitals and healthcare providers.

It is possible that there will be material, adverse impacts to significant estimates, asset valuations, and business operations, including intangible assets, investments, loans, deferred tax assets, and derivative counter party risk.

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SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the results of operations and statements of comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.  The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2020.  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, 2019 and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 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. This standard requires financial institutions and other organizations to use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates.

In anticipation of adoption, the Company has established the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) Subcommittee, a subcommittee of the Loan Loss Reserve Committee, to oversee the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has engaged a third party software provider to use their model to measure the expected credit losses. The CECL Subcommittee has determined loan segments based on credit risk of the loan portfolio, completed data validation, and developed qualitative adjustments. The CECL Subcommittee is in the process of finalizing internal policies, procedures, and key controls over the calculation of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). The Company has also engaged an independent third party vendor which has reviewed and validated the regression models and assumptions utilized for measuring the expected credit losses.

ASU 2016-13 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2020.  Under Section 4014 of the CARES Act, financial institutions required to adopt ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2020 were provided an option to delay the adoption of the CECL framework until the earlier of December 31, 2020 or when the national emergency is lifted. The Bank has elected to defer adoption of CECL and is utilizing the incurred loss framework as of September 30, 2020.

Upon completion of the aforementioned items, the Loan Loss Reserve Committee, which has oversight over the implementation of CECL, will adopt the standard at the earlier of December 31, 2020 or when the national emergency is lifted. Upon adoption, the Company will recognize a one-time cumulative effect change to the allowance for loan losses through retained earnings as of January 1, 2020. In the period of adoption, any adjustments related to the period end CECL estimate will be adjusted through the income statement.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

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 Available-for-Sale			Defined Benefit Plans			Derivatives			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of January 1, 2020	$	4,621		$	(6,024	)	$	(4,537	)	$	(5,940	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		10,783			423			(17,150	)		(5,944	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2,302	)		133			2,514			345
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during the period		8,481			556			(14,636	)		(5,599	)
Balance as of September 30, 2020	$	13,102		$	(5,468	)	$	(19,173	)	$	(11,539	)
Balance as of January 1, 2019	$	(1,957	)	$	(6,290	)	$	1,747		$	(6,500	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		7,420			285			(7,274	)		431
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		46			371			(656	)		(239	)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during the period		7,466			656			(7,930	)		192
Balance as of September 30, 2019	$	5,509		$	(5,634	)	$	(6,183	)	$	(6,308	)

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 September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Change in unrealized holding gain or loss on securities available-for-sale:
Change in net unrealized gain or loss during the period	$	1,716		$	2,062			15,769		$	10,877
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net gain on securities and other assets		(215	)		(66	)		(3,357	)		67
Net change		1,501			1,996			12,412			10,944
Tax expense		475			600			3,931			3,478
Net change in unrealized holding gain or loss on securities available-for-sale		1,026			1,396			8,481			7,466
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in other expense		4			182			194			546
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss		267			55			619			420
Net change		271			237			813			966
Tax expense		86			76			257			310
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations		185			161			556			656
Change in unrealized gain or loss on derivatives:
Change in net unrealized gain or loss during the period		100			(2,044	)		(25,098	)		(10,717	)
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense		2,319			(279	)		3,679			(967	)
Net change		2,419			(2,323	)		(21,419	)		(11,684	)
Tax benefit		766			(746	)		(6,783	)		(3,754	)
Net change in unrealized gain or loss on derivatives		1,653			(1,577	)		(14,636	)		(7,930	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,864		$	(20	)	$	(5,599	)	$	192

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EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ("EPS") (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

EARNINGS PER COMMON 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 September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Net income available to common stockholders	$	14,046		$	4,705		$	34,264		$	29,241
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities		(83	)		(78	)		(195	)		(172	)
Income attributable to common stock	$	13,963		$	4,627		$	34,069		$	29,069
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities		32,991,253			35,861,268			33,716,334			35,922,521
Less: weighted average participating securities		(289,786	)		(229,881	)		(295,429	)		(197,430	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		32,701,467			35,631,387			33,420,905			35,725,091
Basic EPS	$	0.43		$	0.13		$	1.02		$	0.81
Income attributable to common stock	$	13,963		$	4,627		$	34,069		$	29,069
Weighted average common shares outstanding		32,701,467			35,631,387			33,420,905			35,725,091
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding		206,229			138,074			207,305			140,968
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding		32,907,696			35,769,461			33,628,210			35,866,059
Diluted EPS	$	0.42		$	0.13		$	1.01		$	0.81

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INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES [Abstract]

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 September 30, 2020
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	25,000	$	16	$	(43	)	$	24,973
Corporate Securities		55,044		1,806		(50	)		56,800
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		168,977		9,402		—			178,379
Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”)		257,403		8,111		(69	)		265,445
Total securities available-for-sale	$	506,424	$	19,335	$	(162	)	$	525,597

	At December 31, 2019
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	20,000	$	—	$	(65	)	$	19,935
Corporate Securities		28,086		510		—			28,596
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		241,695		5,788		—			247,483
Agency CMOs		254,453		1,105		(577	)		254,981
Total securities available-for-sale	$	544,234	$	7,403	$	(642	)	$	550,995

Weighted Average Contractual Maturity

	At September 30, 2020
Weighted average contractual maturity (years):
Agency Notes		10.1
Corporate Securities		9.2
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs and Agency CMOs		17.6

Summary of Sale of Available-for-sale Securities

The following table presents the information related to sales of securities available-for-sale as of the periods indicated:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Agency Notes:
Proceeds	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Gross gains		—		—		—		—
Tax expense on gain		—		—		—		—
Gross losses		—		—		—		—
Tax benefit on loss		—		—		—		—
Corporate Securities:
Proceeds		—		3,038		25,403		3,038
Gross gains		—		39		1,344		39
Tax expense on gain		—		12		423		12
Gross losses		—		—		—		—
Tax benefit on loss		—		—		—		—
Pass through MBS issued by GSEs:
Proceeds		5,987		15,149		39,182		106,860
Gross gains		215		22		2,005		270
Tax expense on gain		67		7		630		86
Gross losses		—		2		—		520
Tax benefit on loss		—		332		—		166
Agency CMOs:
Proceeds		—		—		4,199		—
Gross gains		—		—		8		—
Tax expense on gain		—		—		3		—
Gross losses		—		—		—		—
Tax benefit on loss		—		—		—		—

Sales of Marketable Equity Securities

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Proceeds:
Marketable equity securities	$	137	$	136	$	410	$	409

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:

	September 30, 2020
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	9,957	$	43	$	—	$	—	$	9,957	$	43
Corporate Notes		4,950		50		—		—		4,950		50
Agency CMOs		14,221		21		4,951		48		19,172		69

	December 31, 2019
	Less than 12 Consecutive Months				12 Consecutive Months or Longer				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes	$	9,935	$	65	$	—	$	—	$	9,935	$	65
Agency CMOs		107,150		548		4,304		29		111,454		577

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LOANS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

LOANS [Abstract]

Loan Categories

The following table presents the loan categories for the period ended as indicated:

	Balance at
	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	186,975		$	148,429
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		2,919,186			3,385,375
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,675,488			1,350,185
Acquisition, development, and construction (“ADC”)		151,866			118,365
Total Real Estate		4,933,515			5,002,354
C&I		642,540			336,412
Other		1,448			1,772
Total		5,577,503			5,340,538
Allowance for loans losses		(48,492	)		(28,441	)
Loans, net	$	5,529,011		$	5,312,097

Activity in Allowance for Loan Losses

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

	At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use		ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I			Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	671		$	16,666		$	9,859	$	1,777	$	28,973		$	13,502		$	17		$	42,492
Provision (credit) for loan losses		134			3,468			2,162		274		6,038			(107	)		—			5,931
Charge-offs		(6	)		(13	)		—		—		(19	)		—			(1	)		(20	)
Recoveries		—			89			—		—		89			—			—			89
Ending balance	$	799		$	20,210		$	12,021	$	2,051	$	35,081		$	13,395		$	16		$	48,492

	At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Real Estate Loans
	One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use			ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I			Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	207		$	11,817		$	3,846		$	980	$	16,850		$	4,267		$	17		$	21,134
Provision (credit) for loan losses		52			(838	)		(43	)		5		(824	)		12,046			6			11,228
Charge-offs		(6	)		(14	)		—			—		(20	)		(5,046	)		(7	)		(5,073	)
Recoveries		4			—			—			—		4			1			—			5
Ending balance	$	257		$	10,965		$	3,803		$	985	$	16,010		$	11,268		$	16		$	27,294

	At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use			ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I		Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	269		$	10,142		$	3,900		$	1,244	$	15,555		$	12,870	$	16		$	28,441
Provision for loan losses		540			10,010			8,127			807		19,484			518		1			20,003
Charge-offs		(10	)		(45	)		(6	)		—		(61	)		—		(1	)		(62	)
Recoveries		—			103			—			—		103			7		—			110
Ending balance	$	799		$	20,210		$	12,021		$	2,051	$	35,081		$	13,395	$	16		$	48,492

	At or for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Real Estate Loans
	One- to Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment			Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use			Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use			ADC		Total Real Estate			C&I			Other Loans			Total
Beginning balance	$	198		$	13,446		$	3,777		$	397	$	17,818		$	3,946		$	18		$	21,782
Provision (credit) for loan losses		64			(2,427	)		171			588		(1,604	)		12,698			6			11,100
Charge-offs		(12	)		(54	)		(145	)		—		(211	)		(5,378	)		(8	)		(5,597	)
Recoveries		7			—			—			—		7			2			—			9
Ending balance	$	257		$	10,965		$	3,803		$	985	$	16,010		$	11,268		$	16		$	27,294

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 September 30, 2020
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use		ADC		Total Real Estate		C&I		Other Loans		Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,184	$	—	$	10,184
Collectively evaluated for impairment		799		20,210		12,021		2,051		35,081		3,211		16		38,308
Total ending allowance balance	$	799	$	20,210	$	12,021	$	2,051	$	35,081	$	13,395	$	16	$	48,492
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	1,213	$	47	$	—	$	1,260	$	10,287	$	—	$	11,547
Collectively evaluated for impairment		186,975		2,917,973		1,675,441		151,866		4,932,255		632,253		1,448		5,565,956
Total ending loans balance	$	186,975	$	2,919,186	$	1,675,488	$	151,866	$	4,933,515	$	642,540	$	1,448	$	5,577,503

	At December 31, 2019
	Real Estate Loans
	One-to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment		Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use		Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use		ADC		Total Real Estate		C&I		Other Loans		Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,082	$	—	$	10,082
Collectively evaluated for impairment		269		10,142		3,900		1,244		15,555		2,788		16		18,359
Total ending allowance balance	$	269	$	10,142	$	3,900	$	1,244	$	15,555	$	12,870	$	16	$	28,441
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment		—		153		60		—		213		10,082		—		10,295
Collectively evaluated for impairment		148,429		3,385,222		1,350,125		118,365		5,002,141		326,330		1,772		5,330,243
Total ending loans balance	$	148,429	$	3,385,375	$	1,350,185	$	118,365	$	5,002,354	$	336,412	$	1,772	$	5,340,538

Loans Approved for Deferral

Pursuant to Section 4013 of the CARES Act, a qualified loan modification, is not considered a TDR as defined by GAAP, if granted to a borrower between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of December 31, 2020 or the date that is 60 days after the date on which the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak is lifted. These loans will continue to accrue interest and will not be considered past due so long as any required payments are made in accordance with the deferral terms. As of September 30, 2020, the risk-ratings on COVID-19 loan deferrals had not been changed. The loans will be subject to the Bank’s normal credit monitoring. The collectability of accrued interest will be evaluated on a periodic basis. The table below presents the loans with payment deferrals as of September 30, 2020:

	September 30, 2020
	Number of Loans		Balance (1)		% of Portfolio
(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment		9	$	8,765		4.7	%
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use real estate		50		237,872		8.1
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		28		75,440		4.5
C&I		3		12,257		1.9
Total		90	$	334,334

(1) Amount excludes net deferred costs due to immateriality.

Impaired Real Estate Loans

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

The following table summarizes impaired loans recorded as of the dates indicated:

	At September 30, 2020						At December 31, 2019
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment (1)		Related Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment (1)		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use	$	1,213	$	1,213	$	—	$	153	$	153	$	—
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		47		47		—		60		60		—
Total with no related allowance recorded		1,260		1,260		—		213		213		—
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		10,287		10,287		10,184		10,082		10,082		10,082
Total with an allowance recorded		10,287		10,287		10,184		10,082		10,082		10,082
Total	$	11,547	$	11,547	$	10,184	$	10,295	$	10,295	$	10,082

(1) The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

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

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2020				Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)		Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	—	$	—	$	10	$	4
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		1,295		—		416		7
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,525		—		2,688		54
Total with no related allowance recorded		2,820		—		3,114		65
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		10,232		—		7,500		153
Total	$	13,052	$	—	$	10,614	$	218

(1) The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

(2) Cash basis interest and interest income recognized on accrual basis approximate each other.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)		Average Recorded Investment (1)		Interest Income Recognized (2)
With no related allowance recorded:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	1,474	$	—	$	11	$	4
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		1,019		6		480		29
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		791		1		4,691		244
Total with no related allowance recorded		3,284		7		5,182		277
With an allowance recorded:
C&I		10,157		—		3,885		159
Total	$	13,441	$	7	$	9,067	$	435

(1) The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

(2) Cash basis interest and interest income recognized on accrual basis approximate each other.

Past Due Financing Receivables

The following tables summarize the past due status of the Company’s investment in loans (excluding deferred costs and accrued interest) as of the dates indicated:

	At September 30, 2020
	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	$	354	$	—	$	470	$	867	$	1,691	$	185,284	$	186,975
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		210		—		—		1,213		1,423		2,917,763		2,919,186
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		16,173		—		1,470		47		17,690		1,657,798		1,675,488
ADC		—		—		—		—		—		151,866		151,866
Total real estate		16,737		—		1,940		2,127		20,804		4,912,711		4,933,515
C&I		84		—		—		10,287		10,371		632,169		642,540
Other		5		—		—		10		15		1,433		1,448
Total	$	16,826	$	—	$	1,940	$	12,424	$	31,190	$	5,546,313	$	5,577,503

(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of September 30, 2020.

	At December 31, 2019
	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	$	417	$	—	$	—	$	794	$	1,211	$	147,218	$	148,429
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		214		—		1,169		153		1,536		3,383,839		3,385,375
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		—		—		364		60		424		1,349,761		1,350,185
ADC		—		—		—		—		—		118,365		118,365
Total real estate		631		—		1,533		1,007		3,171		4,999,183		5,002,354
C&I		44		—		—		10,082		10,126		326,286		336,412
Other		6		1		—		2		9		1,763		1,772
Total	$	681	$	1	$	1,533	$	11,091	$	13,306	$	5,327,232	$	5,340,538

(1) Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2019.

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 by internally assigned grade as of the dates indicated:

	Balance at September 30, 2020
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	186,093	$	—	$	882	$	—	$	186,975
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		2,840,057		47,181		31,948		—		2,919,186
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,657,975		6,859		10,654		—		1,675,488
ADC		151,866		—		—		—		151,866
Total real estate		4,835,991		54,040		43,484		—		4,933,515
C&I		629,942		1,490		1,026		10,082		642,540
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,465,933	$	55,530	$	44,510	$	10,082	$	5,576,055

	Balance at December 31, 2019
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Real Estate:
One-to-four family residential, including condominium and cooperative apartment	$	147,635	$	—	$	794	$	—	$	148,429
Multifamily residential and residential mixed-use		3,319,226		14,606		51,543		—		3,385,375
Commercial real estate and commercial mixed-use		1,334,518		4,840		10,827		—		1,350,185
ADC		118,365		—		—		—		118,365
Total real estate		4,919,744		19,446		63,164		—		5,002,354
C&I		325,296		1,034		—		10,082		336,412
Total Real Estate and C&I	$	5,245,040	$	20,480	$	63,164	$	10,082	$	5,338,766

The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of other loans:

	Balance at
	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Performing	$	1,438	$	1,770
Non-accrual		10		2
Total	$	1,448	$	1,772

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LEASES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

LEASES [Abstract]

Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities

Maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at September 30, 2020 are as follows:

	Rent to be Capitalized
2020	$	1,756
2021		7,030
2022		6,829
2023		5,870
2024		5,985
Thereafter		19,108
Total undiscounted lease payments		46,578
Less amounts representing interest		5,264
Lease liability	$	41,314

Other Information Related to Operating Leases

Other information related to operating leases was as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Operating lease cost	$	1,636	$	1,622	$	4,867	$	4,863
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities		1,745		1,728		5,295		5,161

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]

Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The table below presents the effect of the cash flow hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	$	100		$	(2,044	)	$	(25,098	)	$	(10,717	)
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income into interest expense		(2,319	)		279			(3,679	)		967

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

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 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of the periods indicated.

	At September 30, 2020								At December 31, 2019
	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		—	$	—	$	—	$	—		7	$	130,000	$	1,081	$	—
Interest rate swaps related to FHLBNY advances		38	$	750,000	$	—	$	28,110		19	$	315,000	$	—	$	7,718

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

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

The Company maintains an interest-rate risk protection program for its loan portfolio, which was established in 2019, in order to offer loan level derivatives with certain borrowers and to generate loan level derivative income.  The Company enters into interest rate swap or interest rate floor agreements with borrowers. These interest rate derivatives are designed such that the borrower synthetically attains a fixed-rate loan, while the Company receives floating rate loan payments. The Company offsets the loan level interest rate swap exposure by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap or interest rate floor with an unaffiliated and reputable bank counterparties. These interest rate derivatives do not qualify as designated hedges, under ASU 815; therefore, each interest rate derivative is accounted for as a freestanding derivative. The notional amount of the interest rate derivatives do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate derivative agreements. The following table reflects freestanding derivatives included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of the period indicated:

	At September 30, 2020
	Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower		44	$	381,659	$	23,184	$	—
Loan level interest rate floors with borrower		21		199,186		—		3,339
Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties		44		381,659		—		23,184
Loan level interest rate floors with third-party counterparties		21		199,186		3,339		—

	At December 31, 2019
	Count		Notional Amount		Fair Value Assets		Fair Value Liabilities
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower		7	$	61,038	$	1,347	$	—
Loan level interest rate swaps with borrower		1		7,205		—		15
Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties		7		61,038		—		1,347
Loan level interest rate swaps with third-party counterparties		1		7,205		15		—

Loan Level Derivative Income

Loan level derivative income is recognized on the mark-to-market of the interest rate swap as a fair value adjustment at the time the transaction is closed. Total loan level derivative income is included in non-interest income as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Loan level derivative income	$	1,544	$	197	$	5,201	$	488

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FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]

Fair Value, 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 September 30, 2020 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds):
Domestic equity mutual funds	$	1,580	$	1,580	$	—	$	—
International equity mutual funds		407		407		—		—
Fixed income mutual funds		3,772		3,772		—		—
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes		24,973		—		24,973		—
Corporate Securities		56,800		—		56,800		—
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		178,379		—		178,379		—
Agency CMOs		265,445		—		265,445		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net		19,845		—		19,845		—
Financial Liabilities
Derivative – cash flow hedges		28,110		—		28,110		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives, net		19,845		—		19,845		—

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Using
	Total		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
Financial Assets
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds)
Domestic equity mutual funds	$	1,657	$	1,657	$	—	$	—
International equity mutual funds		420		420		—		—
Fixed income mutual funds		3,817		3,817		—		—
Securities available-for-sale:
Agency Notes		19,935		—		19,935		—
Corporate Securities		28,596		—		28,596		—
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs		247,483		—		247,483		—
Agency CMOs		254,981		—		254,981		—
Derivative – cash flow hedges		1,081		—		1,081		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives		1,362		—		1,362		—
Financial Liabilities
Derivative – cash flow hedges		7,718		—		7,718		—
Derivative – freestanding derivatives		1,362		—		1,362		—

Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring

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 nonrecurring 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 September 30, 2020 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	147,283	$	147,283	$	—	$	—	$	147,283
Loans, net		5,529,011		—		—		5,557,285		5,557,285
Accrued interest receivable		33,774		4		1,804		31,966		33,774
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		3,015,012		3,015,012		—		—		3,015,012
Certificates of Deposits (“CDs”)		1,357,510		—		1,363,610		—		1,363,610
Escrow and other deposits		119,626		119,626		—		—		119,626
FHLBNY Advances		1,128,400		—		1,135,936		—		1,135,936
Subordinated debt, net		114,016		—		113,441		—		113,441
Other borrowings		70,000		70,000		—		—		70,000
Accrued interest payable		3,510		—		3,510		—		3,510

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Using
	Carrying Amount		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	155,488	$	155,488	$	—	$	—	$	155,488
Loans, net		5,312,097		—		—		5,301,708		5,301,708
Accrued interest receivable		18,891		—		1,674		17,217		18,891
Financial Liabilities
Savings, money market and checking accounts		2,709,756		2,709,756		—		—		2,709,756
CDs		1,572,869		—		1,576,706		—		1,576,706
Escrow and other deposits		76,481		76,481		—		—		76,481
FHLBNY Advances		1,092,250		—		1,093,964		—		1,093,964
Subordinated debt, net		113,906		—		114,769		—		114,769
Other borrowings		110,000		110,000		—		—		110,000
Accrued interest payable		4,570		—		4,570		—		4,570

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RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]

Net Periodic Costs

The components of net periodic costs are included in other non-interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Net expenses associated with these plans were comprised of the following components:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2020						2019
	BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan			BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans			Postretirement Plan
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost		241			10			313			13
Expected return on assets		(428	)		—			(382	)		—
Unrecognized past service liability		—			(2	)		—			(2	)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)		274			—			243			(3	)
Net periodic cost	$	87		$	8		$	174		$	8

Planned Contributions and Actual Contributions to, or Benefit Payments

The following table presents the Company’s planned contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of each benefit plan as disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, as well as the actual contributions to, or benefit payments on behalf of each benefit plan during the period indicated:

	Planned Contributions/Benefit		Actual Contributions/Benefit Payments for the
	Payments for the Year Ended December 31, 2020		Three Months Ended September 30, 2020		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
Employee Retirement Plan	$	58	$	—	$	—
Outside Director Retirement Plan		263		56		168
Post Retirement Plan		109		44		139
BMP		569		137		410

Distributions to Retired Participants

The BMP exists in order to compensate executive officers for any curtailments in benefits due to statutory limitations on qualifying benefit plans. There were no retirement distributions for the three month or nine month periods ended September 30, 2020.

	For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash	$	24
Market value of Common Stock from Employee Stock Ownership Plan of BMP (685 shares)		13
Gross lump-sum distribution	$	37
Non-cash tax benefit	$	—

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]

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, 2020		42,031		$	14.63
Options granted		—			—
Options cancelled		(6,068	)		14.82
Options expired		(4,077	)		12.75
Options exercised		(3,044	)		12.75
Options outstanding at September 30, 2020		28,842		$	15.05		0.8	$	—
Options vested and exercisable at September 30, 2020		28,842		$	15.05		0.8	$	—

Information Related to Stock Option Plan

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

	For Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Cash received for option exercise cost	$	—	$	—	$	38	$	73
Income tax benefit recognized on stock option exercises		—		—		—		18
Intrinsic value of options exercised		—		—		8		103

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, 2020		256,575		$	19.79
Shares granted		120,478			13.93
Shares vested		(78,409	)		19.80
Shares forfeited		(38,819	)		17.65
Unvested allocated shares at September 30, 2020		259,825		$	17.39

Information Related to Restricted Stock Award Plan

Information related to RSAs during each period is as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019		2020			2019
Compensation expense recognized	$	444		$	449	$	1,311		$	1,092
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of RSA		(38	)		7		(95	)		16

Performance Shares [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

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 period then ended:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2020		214,948		$	18.96
Shares granted		102,080			9.96
Shares vested		—			—
Shares forfeited		(61,525	)		15.22
Maximum aggregate share payout at September 30, 2020		255,503		$	14.87
Minimum aggregate share payout		—			—
Expected aggregate share payout		147,697		$	13.75

Information Related to Stock Award Plan

Information related to LTIP share awards during each period is as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Compensation expense recognized	$	210	$	55	$	362	$	136
Income tax benefit recognized on vesting of LTIP		—		—		—		—

Sales Incentive Award Program [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Activity Related to Performance Based Equity Awards

The following table presents a summary of activity related to sales incentive equity awards, and changes during the period then ended:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Maximum aggregate share payout at January 1, 2020		19,396		$	19.15
Shares granted		72,291			13.32
Shares vested		(14,048	)		19.14
Shares forfeited		(3,326	)		17.21
Maximum aggregate share payout at September 30, 2020		74,313		$	13.56
Minimum aggregate share payout		—			—
Expected aggregate share payout		74,313		$	13.56

Information Related to Stock Award Plan

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020			2019		2020			2019
Compensation expense recognized	$	150		$	70	$	280		$	121
Income tax expense recognized on vesting of awards		(22	)		—		(65	)		—

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2020 shares	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) RetailBranch $ / shares	Jul. 02, 2020 $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019 $ / shares
NATURE OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Subordinated notes payable, net | $		$ 115,000
Number of retail banking offices | RetailBranch		28
Merger agreement [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Bridge Bancorp, Inc [Member]
Merger agreement [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01
Common stock converted into right to receive shares (in shares) | shares	0.648

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 681,543	$ 645,648	$ 596,758	$ 608,701	$ 606,274	$ 602,081	$ 596,758	$ 602,081
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications							(5,944)	431
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss							345	(239)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,864	(1,771)	(6,692)	(20)	(1,056)	1,268	(5,599)	192
Balance	694,158	681,543	645,648	608,904	608,701	606,274	694,158	608,904
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance	(14,403)	(12,632)	(5,940)	(6,288)	(5,232)	(6,500)	(5,940)	(6,500)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,864	(1,771)	(6,692)	(20)	(1,056)	1,268
Balance	(11,539)	$ (14,403)	(12,632)	(6,308)	$ (6,288)	(5,232)	(11,539)	(6,308)
Securities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance			4,621			(1,957)	4,621	(1,957)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications							10,783	7,420
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss							(2,302)	46
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax							8,481	7,466
Balance	13,102			5,509			13,102	5,509
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance			(6,024)			(6,290)	(6,024)	(6,290)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications							423	285
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss							133	371
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax							556	656
Balance	(5,468)			(5,634)			(5,468)	(5,634)
Derivatives [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance			$ (4,537)			$ 1,747	(4,537)	1,747
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications							(17,150)	(7,274)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss							2,514	(656)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax							(14,636)	(7,930)
Balance	$ (19,173)			$ (6,183)			$ (19,173)	$ (6,183)

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), Before and After Tax Amounts by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Change in unrealized holding gain or loss on securities available-for-sale [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized gain or loss during the period	$ 1,716			$ 2,062			$ 15,769	$ 10,877
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net gain on securities and other assets	(215)			(66)			(3,357)	67
Net change	1,501			1,996			12,412	10,944
Tax expense	475			600			3,931	3,478
Net change in unrealized holding gain or loss on securities available-for-sale	1,026			1,396			8,481	7,466
Change in pension and other postretirement obligations [Abstract]
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in other expense	4			182			194	546
Change in the net actuarial gain or loss	267			55			619	420
Net change	271			237			813	966
Tax expense	86			76			257	310
Net change in pension and other postretirement obligations	185			161			556	656
Change in unrealized gain or loss on derivatives [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized gain or loss during the period	100			(2,044)			(25,098)	(10,717)
Reclassification adjustment for expense included in interest expense	2,319			(279)			3,679	(967)
Net change	2,419			(2,323)			(21,419)	(11,684)
Tax benefit	766			(746)			(6,783)	(3,754)
Net change in unrealized gain or loss on derivatives	1,653			(1,577)			(14,636)	(7,930)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 2,864	$ (1,771)	$ (6,692)	$ (20)	$ (1,056)	$ 1,268	$ (5,599)	$ 192

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EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ("EPS") (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ("EPS") [Abstract]
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 14,046	$ 4,705	$ 34,264	$ 29,241
Less: Dividends paid and earnings allocated to participating securities	(83)	(78)	(195)	(172)
Income attributable to common stock	$ 13,963	$ 4,627	$ 34,069	$ 29,069
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities (in shares)	32,991,253	35,861,268	33,716,334	35,922,521
Less: weighted average participating securities (in shares)	(289,786)	(229,881)	(295,429)	(197,430)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	32,701,467	35,631,387	33,420,905	35,725,091
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.13	$ 1.02	$ 0.81
Income attributable to common stock	$ 13,963	$ 4,627	$ 34,069	$ 29,069
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	32,701,467	35,631,387	33,420,905	35,725,091
Weighted average common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	206,229	138,074	207,305	140,968
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	32,907,696	35,769,461	33,628,210	35,866,059
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.42	$ 0.13	$ 1.01	$ 0.81
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average shares excluded from earnings per share calculation (in shares)	34,910	0	24,724	0

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PREFERRED STOCK (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jun. 10, 2020	Feb. 05, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Public Offering [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)			25.00	$ 25.00
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Public Offering [Abstract]
Number of share issued in public offering (in shares)	2,300,000	2,999,200
Preferred stock, liquidation preference	$ 57,500	$ 74,980
Preferred stock, interest rate	5.50%	5.50%
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 25.00	$ 25.00
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	$ 44,345	$ 72,224
Preferred stock, redemption price (in dollars per share)			$ 25.00

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INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, Major Categories of Securities Owned (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Securities, available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	$ 506,424		$ 506,424		$ 544,234
Gross Unrealized Gains	19,335		19,335		7,403
Gross Unrealized Losses	(162)		(162)		(642)
Fair Value	525,597		525,597		550,995
Securities pledged as collateral	39,708		39,708		27,884
Sales of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds			68,784	$ 130,504
Proceeds [Abstract]
Marketable equity securities			410	434
Net gain on securities	175	$ 14	139	430
Marketable Equity Securities [Member]
Proceeds [Abstract]
Marketable equity securities	137	136	410	409
Net gain on securities	175	14	139	430
Agency Notes [Member]
Securities, available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	25,000		25,000		20,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	16		16		0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(43)		(43)		(65)
Fair Value	24,973		$ 24,973		19,935
Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities [Abstract]
Securities weighted average term to maturity			10 years 1 month 6 days
Sales of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds	0	0	$ 0	0
Gross gains	0	0	0	0
Tax expense on gain	0	0	0	0
Gross losses	0	0	0	0
Tax benefit on loss	0	0	0	0
Corporate Securities [Member]
Securities, available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	55,044		55,044		28,086
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,806		1,806		510
Gross Unrealized Losses	(50)		(50)		0
Fair Value	56,800		$ 56,800		28,596
Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities [Abstract]
Securities weighted average term to maturity			9 years 2 months 12 days
Sales of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds	0	3,038	$ 25,403	3,038
Gross gains	0	39	1,344	39
Tax expense on gain	0	12	423	12
Gross losses	0	0	0	0
Tax benefit on loss	0	0	0	0
Pass-through MBS Issued by GSEs [Member]
Securities, available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	168,977		168,977		241,695
Gross Unrealized Gains	9,402		9,402		5,788
Gross Unrealized Losses	0		0		0
Fair Value	178,379		178,379		247,483
Sales of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds	5,987	15,149	39,182	106,860
Gross gains	215	22	2,005	270
Tax expense on gain	67	7	630	86
Gross losses	0	2	0	520
Tax benefit on loss	0	332	0	166
Agency CMOs [Member]
Securities, available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	257,403		257,403		254,453
Gross Unrealized Gains	8,111		8,111		1,105
Gross Unrealized Losses	(69)		(69)		(577)
Fair Value	265,445		265,445		$ 254,981
Sales of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds	0	0	4,199	0
Gross gains	0	0	8	0
Tax expense on gain	0	0	3	0
Gross losses	0	0	0	0
Tax benefit on loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs and Agency CMOs [Member]
Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities [Abstract]
Securities weighted average term to maturity			17 years 7 months 6 days

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INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Agency Notes [Member]
Securities available-for-sale, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	$ 9,957	$ 9,935
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	0	0
Total	9,957	9,935
Securities available-for-sale, Unrealized Losses [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	43	65
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	0	0
Total	43	65
Corporate Notes [Member]
Securities available-for-sale, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	4,950
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	0
Total	4,950
Securities available-for-sale, Unrealized Losses [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	50
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	0
Total	50
Agency CMOs [Member]
Securities available-for-sale, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	14,221	107,150
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	4,951	4,304
Total	19,172	111,454
Securities available-for-sale, Unrealized Losses [Abstract]
Less than 12 Consecutive Months	21	548
12 Consecutive Months or Longer	48	29
Total	$ 69	$ 577

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LOANS, Loan Categories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Loans [Abstract]
Total Loans	$ 5,577,503	$ 5,340,538
Allowance for loan losses	(48,492)	(28,441)
Total loans, net	5,529,011	5,312,097
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Loans [Abstract]
Total Loans	4,933,515	5,002,354
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Loans [Abstract]
Total Loans	186,975	148,429
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use [Member]
Loans [Abstract]
Total Loans	2,919,186	3,385,375
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member]
Loans [Abstract]
Total Loans	1,675,488	1,350,185
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Acquisition, Development, and Construction ("ADC") [Member]
Loans [Abstract]
Total Loans	151,866	118,365
Commercial and Industrial ("C&I") Loans [Member]
Loans [Abstract]
Total Loans	642,540	336,412
Commercial and Industrial ("C&I") Loans [Member] | Small Business Administration ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") [Member]
Loans [Abstract]
Total Loans	318,568	0
Allowance for loan losses	$ 0
Loan and leases carry guarantee rate	100.00%
Other Loans [Member]
Loans [Abstract]
Total Loans	$ 1,448	$ 1,772

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LOANS, Allowance by Class of Loan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 42,492	$ 21,134	$ 28,441	$ 21,782
Provision (credit) for loan losses	5,931	11,228	20,003	11,100
Charge-offs	(20)	(5,073)	(62)	(5,597)
Recoveries	89	5	110	9
Ending balance	48,492	27,294	48,492	27,294
Ending allowance balance [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	10,184		10,184		$ 10,082
Collectively evaluated for impairment	38,308		38,308		18,359
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	11,547		11,547		10,295
Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,565,956		5,565,956		5,330,243
Total ending loans balance	5,577,503		5,577,503		5,340,538
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	28,973	16,850	15,555	17,818
Provision (credit) for loan losses	6,038	(824)	19,484	(1,604)
Charge-offs	(19)	(20)	(61)	(211)
Recoveries	89	4	103	7
Ending balance	35,081	16,010	35,081	16,010
Ending allowance balance [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	35,081		35,081		15,555
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,260		1,260		213
Collectively evaluated for impairment	4,932,255		4,932,255		5,002,141
Total ending loans balance	4,933,515		4,933,515		5,002,354
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	671	207	269	198
Provision (credit) for loan losses	134	52	540	64
Charge-offs	(6)	(6)	(10)	(12)
Recoveries	0	4	0	7
Ending balance	799	257	799	257
Ending allowance balance [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	799		799		269
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	186,975		186,975		148,429
Total ending loans balance	186,975		186,975		148,429
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use [Member]
Allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	16,666	11,817	10,142	13,446
Provision (credit) for loan losses	3,468	(838)	10,010	(2,427)
Charge-offs	(13)	(14)	(45)	(54)
Recoveries	89	0	103	0
Ending balance	20,210	10,965	20,210	10,965
Ending allowance balance [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	20,210		20,210		10,142
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,213		1,213		153
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,917,973		2,917,973		3,385,222
Total ending loans balance	2,919,186		2,919,186		3,385,375
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member]
Allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	9,859	3,846	3,900	3,777
Provision (credit) for loan losses	2,162	(43)	8,127	171
Charge-offs	0	0	(6)	(145)
Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Ending balance	12,021	3,803	12,021	3,803
Ending allowance balance [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	12,021		12,021		3,900
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	47		47		60
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,675,441		1,675,441		1,350,125
Total ending loans balance	1,675,488		1,675,488		1,350,185
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member]
Allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,777	980	1,244	397
Provision (credit) for loan losses	274	5	807	588
Charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Ending balance	2,051	985	2,051	985
Ending allowance balance [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,051		2,051		1,244
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	151,866		151,866		118,365
Total ending loans balance	151,866		151,866		118,365
Commercial and Industrial ("C&I") Loans [Member]
Allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	13,502	4,267	12,870	3,946
Provision (credit) for loan losses	(107)	12,046	518	12,698
Charge-offs	0	(5,046)	0	(5,378)
Recoveries	0	1	7	2
Ending balance	13,395	11,268	13,395	11,268
Ending allowance balance [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	10,184		10,184		10,082
Collectively evaluated for impairment	3,211		3,211		2,788
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	10,287		10,287		10,082
Collectively evaluated for impairment	632,253		632,253		326,330
Total ending loans balance	642,540		642,540		336,412
Other Loans [Member]
Allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	17	17	16	18
Provision (credit) for loan losses	0	6	1	6
Charge-offs	(1)	(7)	(1)	(8)
Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Ending balance	16	$ 16	16	$ 16
Ending allowance balance [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	16		16		16
Loans [Abstract]
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,448		1,448		1,772
Total ending loans balance	$ 1,448		$ 1,448		$ 1,772

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LOANS, Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details) - Loan	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
LOANS [Abstract]
Number of TDRs			0		0
Number of loans modified	0	0	0	0

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LOANS Deferral Loans (Details) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) Loan	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Balance		$ 5,577,503	$ 5,340,538
COVID-19 [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Number of loans | Loan		90
Balance	[1]	$ 334,334
One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | COVID-19 [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Number of loans | Loan		9
Balance	[1]	$ 8,765
% of portfolio		4.70%
Multifamily Residential And Residential Mixed Use Allowance [Member] | COVID-19 [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Number of loans | Loan		50
Balance	[1]	$ 237,872
% of portfolio		8.10%
Commercial Real Estate Loans and Mixed Use Commercial Real Estate Allowance [Member] | COVID-19 [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Number of loans | Loan		28
Balance	[1]	$ 75,440
% of portfolio		4.50%
Commercial Real Estate Loans [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Balance		$ 4,933,515	5,002,354
Commercial Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Balance		186,975	148,429
Commercial Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential And Residential Mixed Use Allowance [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Balance		2,919,186	3,385,375
Commercial Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Loans and Mixed Use Commercial Real Estate Allowance [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Balance		1,675,488	1,350,185
C&I [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Balance		$ 642,540	$ 336,412
C&I [Member] | COVID-19 [Member]
CARES Act Loan [Abstract]
Number of loans | Loan		3
Balance	[1]	$ 12,257
% of portfolio		1.90%

[1] Amount excludes net deferred costs due to immateriality.

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LOANS, Impaired Real Estate Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		$ 1,260		$ 1,260		$ 213
With related allowance recorded		10,287		10,287		10,082
Total		11,547		11,547		10,295
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	1,260		1,260		213
With related allowance recorded	[1]	10,287		10,287		10,082
Total	[1]	11,547		11,547		10,295
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		10,184		10,184		10,082
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	2,820	$ 3,114	3,284	$ 5,182
Total	[1]	13,052	10,614	13,441	9,067
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[2]	0	65	7	277
Total	[2]	0	218	7	435
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		0		0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	0	10	1,474	11
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[2]	0	4	0	4
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use [Member]
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		1,213		1,213		153
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	1,213		1,213		153
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		0		0		0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	1,295	416	1,019	480
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[2]	0	7	6	29
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member]
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded		47		47		60
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	47		47		60
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		0		0		0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[1]	1,525	2,688	791	4,691
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With no related allowance recorded	[2]	0	54	1	244
Commercial and Industrial ("C&I") Loans [Member]
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
With related allowance recorded		10,287		10,287		10,082
Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With related allowance recorded	[1]	10,287		10,287		10,082
Related Allowance [Abstract]
Related allowance		10,184		10,184		$ 10,082
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
With related allowance recorded	[1]	10,232	7,500	10,157	3,885
Interest Income Recognized [Abstract]
With related allowance recorded	[2]	$ 0	$ 153	$ 0	$ 159

[1] The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable and net deferred costs due to immateriality.

[2] Cash basis interest and interest income recognized on accrual basis approximate each other.Cash basis interest and interest income recognized on accrual basis approximate each other.

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LOANS, Past Due (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) Loan		Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Loan
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	$ 12,424	[1]	$ 11,091	[2]
Total past due	31,190		13,306
Current	5,546,313		5,327,232
Loans	$ 5,577,503		$ 5,340,538
Number of real estate loans more than 90 days past due on contractual balloon payment | Loan	4		2
30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	$ 16,826		$ 681
60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		1
Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	1,940		1,533
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	2,127	[1]	1,007	[2]
Total past due	20,804		3,171
Current	4,912,711		4,999,183
Loans	4,933,515		5,002,354
Real Estate Loans [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	16,737		631
Real Estate Loans [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
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	1,940		1,533
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	867	[1]	794	[2]
Total past due	1,691		1,211
Current	185,284		147,218
Loans	186,975		148,429
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	354		417
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	0		0
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	470		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	1,213	[1]	153	[2]
Total past due	1,423		1,536
Current	2,917,763		3,383,839
Loans	2,919,186		3,385,375
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	210		214
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	0		1,169
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	47	[1]	60	[2]
Total past due	17,690		424
Current	1,657,798		1,349,761
Loans	1,675,488		1,350,185
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	16,173		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial 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] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	1,470		364
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	0	[1]	0	[2]
Total past due	0		0
Current	151,866		118,365
Loans	151,866		118,365
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 [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	10,287	[1]	10,082	[2]
Total past due	10,371		10,126
Current	632,169		326,286
Loans	642,540		336,412
C&I [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	84		44
C&I [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
C&I [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		0
Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-accrual	10	[1]	2	[2]
Total past due	15		9
Current	1,433		1,763
Loans	1,448		1,772
Other Loans [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	5		6
Other Loans [Member] | 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	0		1
Other Loans [Member] | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due and Still Accruing Interest [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total past due	$ 0		$ 0

[1] Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of September 30, 2020.

[2] Includes all loans on non-accrual status regardless of the number of days such loans were delinquent as of December 31, 2019.

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LOANS, Credit Quality Indicators (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	$ 5,577,503	$ 5,340,538
Real Estate Loans [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	4,933,515	5,002,354
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Pass [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	4,835,991	4,919,744
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	54,040	19,446
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	43,484	63,164
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	186,975	148,429
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | Pass [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	186,093	147,635
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	882	794
Real Estate Loans [Member] | One- to-Four Family Residential, Including Condominium and Cooperative Apartment [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	2,919,186	3,385,375
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use [Member] | Pass [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	2,840,057	3,319,226
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	47,181	14,606
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	31,948	51,543
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Multifamily Residential and Residential Mixed-Use [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	1,675,488	1,350,185
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member] | Pass [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	1,657,975	1,334,518
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	6,859	4,840
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	10,654	10,827
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mixed-Use [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	151,866	118,365
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member] | Pass [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	151,866	118,365
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | ADC [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	0	0
C & I Loans [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	642,540	336,412
C & I Loans [Member] | Pass [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	629,942	325,296
C & I Loans [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	1,490	1,034
C & I Loans [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	1,026	0
C & I Loans [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	10,082	10,082
Real Estate Loans and C & I Loans [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	5,576,055	5,338,766
Real Estate Loans and C & I Loans [Member] | Pass [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	5,465,933	5,245,040
Real Estate Loans and C & I Loans [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	55,530	20,480
Real Estate Loans and C & I Loans [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	44,510	63,164
Real Estate Loans and C & I Loans [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	10,082	10,082
Other Loans [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	1,448	1,772
Other Loans [Member] | Performing [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	1,438	1,770
Other Loans [Member] | Non-Accrual [Member]
Credit Risk Profile of Real Estate Loans [Abstract]
Loans	$ 10	$ 2

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LEASES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities [Abstract]
2020	$ 1,756		$ 1,756
2021	7,030		7,030
2022	6,829		6,829
2023	5,870		5,870
2024	5,985		5,985
Thereafter	19,108		19,108
Total undiscounted lease payments	46,578		46,578
Less amounts representing interest	5,264		5,264
Lease liability	41,314		41,314		$ 44,098
Other Information Related to Operating Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	1,636	$ 1,622	4,867	$ 4,863
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$ 1,745	$ 1,728	$ 5,295	$ 5,161
Weighted average remaining lease term	7 years 4 months 24 days		7 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average discount rate	3.21%		3.21%

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, Classification on Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) DerivativeInstrument	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) DerivativeInstrument	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) DerivativeInstrument	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) DerivativeInstrument
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Maximum period for future cash flows of forecasted transactions			24 months
Fair value assets	$ 19,845		$ 19,845
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Number of derivatives terminated | DerivativeInstrument					2
Derivative notional amount					$ 30,000
Termination value of derivative					$ 175
Posted collateral	6,196		6,196
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Loan level derivative income	1,544	$ 197	5,201	$ 488
Posted collateral	20,484		20,484
Interest Rate Products [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Estimated reclassification decrease to interest expense during next twelve months	$ 9,864		$ 9,864
Interest Rate Swaps Related to FHLBNY Advances [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Count, assets | DerivativeInstrument						7
Count, liabilities | DerivativeInstrument	38		38			19
Notional amount, assets						$ 130,000
Notional amount, liabilities	$ 750,000		$ 750,000			315,000
Fair value assets						1,081
Fair value liabilities	$ 28,110		$ 28,110			$ 7,718
Loan Level Interest Rate Swaps with Borrower [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Count, assets | DerivativeInstrument	44		44			7
Count, liabilities | DerivativeInstrument						1
Notional amount, assets	$ 381,659		$ 381,659			$ 61,038
Notional amount, liabilities						7,205
Fair value assets	23,184		23,184			1,347
Fair value liabilities	$ 0		$ 0			$ 15
Loan Level Interest Rate Floors with Borrower [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Count, assets | DerivativeInstrument	21		21
Notional amount, assets	$ 199,186		$ 199,186
Fair value assets	0		0
Fair value liabilities	$ 3,339		$ 3,339
Loan Level Interest Rate Swaps with Third-part Counterparties [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Count, assets | DerivativeInstrument	44		44			1
Count, liabilities | DerivativeInstrument						7
Notional amount, assets	$ 381,659		$ 381,659			$ 7,205
Notional amount, liabilities						61,038
Fair value assets	0		0			15
Fair value liabilities	$ 23,184		$ 23,184			$ 1,347
Loan Level Interest Rate Floors with Third-part Counterparties [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Count, assets | DerivativeInstrument	21		21
Notional amount, assets	$ 199,186		$ 199,186
Fair value assets	3,339		3,339
Fair value liabilities	$ 0		$ 0

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, Effect on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	$ 100	$ (2,044)	$ (25,098)	$ (10,717)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Posted collateral	6,196		6,196
Interest Rate Products [Member] | Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	100	(2,044)	(25,098)	(10,717)
Interest Rate Products [Member] | Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income into interest expense	$ (2,319)	$ 279	$ (3,679)	$ 967

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) Provision
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative liability, including accrued interest	$ 29,221
Number of provisions breached | Provision	0
FHLBNY advances	$ 19,845

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FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Recurring [Member]
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic equity mutual funds	$ 1,580	$ 1,657
International equity mutual funds	407	420
Fixed income mutual funds	3,772	3,817
Securities available-for-sale [Abstract]
Agency Notes	24,973	19,935
Corporate Securities	56,800	28,596
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs	178,379	247,483
Agency CMOs	265,445	254,981
Derivative - cash flow hedges		1,081
Derivative - freestanding derivatives, net	19,845	1,362
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative - cash flow hedges	28,110	7,718
Derivative - freestanding derivatives, net	19,845	1,362
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 Inputs [Member]
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic equity mutual funds	1,580	1,657
International equity mutual funds	407	420
Fixed income mutual funds	3,772	3,817
Securities available-for-sale [Abstract]
Agency Notes	0	0
Corporate Securities	0	0
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs	0	0
Agency CMOs	0	0
Derivative - cash flow hedges		0
Derivative - freestanding derivatives, net	0	0
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative - cash flow hedges	0	0
Derivative - freestanding derivatives, net	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic equity mutual funds	0	0
International equity mutual funds	0	0
Fixed income mutual funds	0	0
Securities available-for-sale [Abstract]
Agency Notes	24,973	19,935
Corporate Securities	56,800	28,596
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs	178,379	247,483
Agency CMOs	265,445	254,981
Derivative - cash flow hedges		1,081
Derivative - freestanding derivatives, net	19,845	1,362
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative - cash flow hedges	28,110	7,718
Derivative - freestanding derivatives, net	19,845	1,362
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 Inputs [Member]
Marketable equity securities (Registered Mutual Funds) [Abstract]
Domestic equity mutual funds	0	0
International equity mutual funds	0	0
Fixed income mutual funds	0	0
Securities available-for-sale [Abstract]
Agency Notes	0	0
Corporate Securities	0	0
Pass-through MBS issued by GSEs	0	0
Agency CMOs	0	0
Derivative - cash flow hedges		0
Derivative - freestanding derivatives, net	0	0
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative - cash flow hedges	0	0
Derivative - freestanding derivatives, net	0	0
Nonrecurring [Member]
Impaired Loans [Abstract]
Fair value	$ 0	$ 0

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FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Balance Sheet Groupings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	$ 147,283	$ 155,488
Loans, net	5,529,011	5,312,097
Accrued interest receivable	33,774	18,891
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	3,015,012	2,709,756
Certificates of Deposits ("CDs")	1,357,510	1,572,869
Escrow and other deposits	119,626	76,481
FHLBNY Advances	1,128,400	1,092,250
Subordinated debt, net	114,016	113,906
Other borrowings	70,000	110,000
Accrued interest payable	3,510	4,570
Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	147,283	155,488
Loans, net	5,557,285	5,301,708
Accrued interest receivable	33,774	18,891
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	3,015,012	2,709,756
Certificates of Deposits ("CDs")	1,363,610	1,576,706
Escrow and other deposits	119,626	76,481
FHLBNY Advances	1,135,936	1,093,964
Subordinated debt, net	113,441	114,769
Other borrowings	70,000	110,000
Accrued interest payable	3,510	4,570
Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 Inputs [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	147,283	155,488
Loans, net	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	4	0
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	3,015,012	2,709,756
Certificates of Deposits ("CDs")	0	0
Escrow and other deposits	119,626	76,481
FHLBNY Advances	0	0
Subordinated debt, net	0	0
Other borrowings	70,000	110,000
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	0	0
Loans, net	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	1,804	1,674
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	0	0
Certificates of Deposits ("CDs")	1,363,610	1,576,706
Escrow and other deposits	0	0
FHLBNY Advances	1,135,936	1,093,964
Subordinated debt, net	113,441	114,769
Other borrowings	0	0
Accrued interest payable	3,510	4,570
Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 Inputs [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	0	0
Loans, net	5,557,285	5,301,708
Accrued interest receivable	31,966	17,217
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Savings, money market and checking accounts	0	0
Certificates of Deposits ("CDs")	0	0
Escrow and other deposits	0	0
FHLBNY Advances	0	0
Subordinated debt, net	0	0
Other borrowings	0	0
Accrued interest payable	$ 0	$ 0

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RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Distributions to Retired Participants [Abstract]
Retirement distributions	$ 0		$ 0
Retirement Plans [Member] | BMP, Employee and Outside Director Retirement Plans [Member]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Interest cost	241	313	723	938
Expected return on assets	(428)	(382)	(1,284)	(1,146)
Unrecognized past service liability	0	0	0	0
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)	274	243	822	729
Net periodic cost	87	174	261	521
Retirement Plans [Member] | Employee Retirement Plan [Member]
Retirement and Postretirement Plans [Abstract]
Planned contributions/benefit payments	58		58
Actual contributions/benefit payments	0		0
Retirement Plans [Member] | Outside Director Retirement Plan [Member]
Retirement and Postretirement Plans [Abstract]
Planned contributions/benefit payments	263		263
Actual contributions/benefit payments	56		168
Retirement Plans [Member] | Postretirement Plan [Member]
Retirement and Postretirement Plans [Abstract]
Planned contributions/benefit payments	109		109
Actual contributions/benefit payments	44		139
Retirement Plans [Member] | BMP Retirement Plan [Member]
Retirement and Postretirement Plans [Abstract]
Planned contributions/benefit payments	569		569
Actual contributions/benefit payments	137		410
Distributions to Retired Participants [Abstract]
Cash		24		24
Market value of Common Stock from Employee Stock Ownership Plan of BMP (685 shares)		13		13
Gross lump-sum distribution		37		37
Non-cash tax benefit		$ 0		$ 0
Distribution of common stock (in shares)		685		685
Other Postretirement Plan [Member] | Postretirement Plan [Member]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Interest cost	10	13	30	40
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Unrecognized past service liability	(2)	(2)	(6)	(6)
Amortization of unrealized loss (gain)	0	(3)	0	(9)
Net periodic cost	$ 8	$ 8	$ 24	$ 25

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION, Stock Option Awards (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Information Related to Stock Option Plans [Abstract]
Cash received for option exercise cost			$ 38	$ 73
Stock Option Awards [Member]
Number of Options [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)			42,031
Options granted (in shares)			0
Options cancelled (in shares)			(6,068)
Options expired (in shares)			(4,077)
Options exercised (in shares)			(3,044)
Options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	28,842		28,842
Options vested and exercisable, end of period (in shares)	28,842		28,842
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 14.63
Options granted (in dollars per share)			0
Options cancelled (in dollars per share)			14.82
Options expired (in dollars per share)			12.75
Options exercised (in dollars per share)			12.75
Options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 15.05		15.05
Options vested and exercisable. end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 15.05		$ 15.05
Stock Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]
Options outstanding			9 months 18 days
Options vested and exercisable			9 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Options outstanding	$ 0		$ 0
Options vested and exercisable	0		0
Information Related to Stock Option Plans [Abstract]
Cash received for option exercise cost	0	$ 0	38	73
Income tax benefit recognized on stock option exercises	0	0	0	18
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 0	$ 0	$ 8	$ 103

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION, Restricted Stock Awards (Details) - Restricted Stock Awards [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 3,142		$ 3,142
Weighted average cost expected to be recognized period			2 years 7 months 6 days
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested allocated shares outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)			256,575
Shares granted (in shares)			120,478
Shares vested (in shares)			(78,409)
Shares forfeited (in shares)			(38,819)
Unvested allocated shares outstanding, end of period (in shares)	259,825		259,825
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Unvested allocated shares outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 19.79
Shares granted (in dollars per share)			13.93
Shares vested (in dollars per share)			19.80
Shares forfeited (in dollars per share)			17.65
Unvested allocated shares outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 17.39		$ 17.39
Information Related to Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Compensation expense recognized	$ 444	$ 449	$ 1,311	$ 1,092
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of RSA	$ (38)	$ 7	$ (95)	$ 16
Certain Officers [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Award vesting period			3 years
Certain Officers [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Award vesting period			4 years

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION, Performance Based Equity Awards (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Performance Based Equity Awards [Member]
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
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Shares granted (in shares)			102,080
Shares vested (in shares)			0
Shares forfeited (in shares)			(61,525)
Expected aggregate share payout (in shares)			147,697
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Shares granted (in dollars per share)			$ 9.96
Shares vested (in dollars per share)			0
Shares forfeited (in dollars per share)			15.22
Expected aggregate share payout (in dollars per share)			$ 13.75
Information Related to Stock Awards [Abstract]
Compensation expense recognized	$ 210	$ 55	$ 362	$ 136
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of awards	$ 0	0	$ 0	0
Performance Based Equity Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in shares)	0		0
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 0		$ 0
Performance Based Equity Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Aggregate share payout, beginning of period (in shares)			214,948
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in shares)	255,503		255,503
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Aggregate share payout, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 18.96
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 14.87		$ 14.87
Sales Incentive Award Program [Member]
Performance Based Equity Awards [Abstract]
Award vesting period	1 year
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Shares granted (in shares)			72,291
Shares vested (in shares)			(14,048)
Shares forfeited (in shares)			(3,326)
Expected aggregate share payout (in shares)			74,313
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Shares granted (in dollars per share)			$ 13.32
Shares vested (in dollars per share)			19.14
Shares forfeited (in dollars per share)			17.21
Expected aggregate share payout (in dollars per share)			$ 13.56
Information Related to Stock Awards [Abstract]
Compensation expense recognized	$ 150	70	$ 280	121
Income tax benefit (expense) recognized on vesting of awards	$ (22)	$ 0	$ (65)	$ 0
Sales Incentive Award Program [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in shares)	0		0
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 0		$ 0
Sales Incentive Award Program [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Aggregate share payout, beginning of period (in shares)			19,396
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in shares)	74,313		74,313
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Aggregate share payout, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 19.15
Aggregate share payout, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 13.56		$ 13.56

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INCOME TAXES (Details) - Item	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	21.90%	15.30%	21.70%	23.70%
Number of significant and unusual income tax items in the period	0	0	0	0