Hanover Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a New York corporation which became the holding company for Hanover Community Bank (the “Bank”) in 2016. The Bank, headquartered in Mineola, New York, is a New York State chartered bank. The Bank commenced operations on November 4, 2008 and is a full-service bank providing personal and business lending and deposit services. As a New York State chartered, non-Federal Reserve member bank, the Bank is subject to regulation by the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company is subject to regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the FRB.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, local, national and global economic activity. Various actions taken to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 included restrictions on travel, quarantines and government mandated closures of various businesses. The outbreak caused significant disruptions to the economy and disrupted banking and other financial activity in the areas in which the Company operates.

The CARES Act was enacted in March 2020 to, among other things, provide emergency assistance to individuals, families and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in future periods, and it is unknown what the complete financial impact will be to the Company. The extent of such impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the coronavirus, the new “waves” of COVID-19 infections and the distribution of vaccines and vaccination rates, among others. It is possible that estimates made in the financial statements could be materially and adversely impacted due to these conditions.

The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. This method requires the use of fair values in determining the carrying values of the purchased assets and assumed liabilities, which are recorded at fair value at acquisition date, and identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value. Costs directly related to the business combinations are recorded as expenses as they are incurred. Fair values are subject to adjustment for up to one year after the closing date of an acquisition as additional information relative to closing date fair values become available.

Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale at the time of purchase. Investment securities classified as held-to-maturity, which management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, are reported at amortized cost. Investment securities classified as available for sale, which management has the intent and ability to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity, are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred income taxes, included in stockholders’ equity as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Any decision to sell investment securities available for sale would be based on various factors, including, but not limited to, asset / liability management strategies, changes in interest rates or prepayment risks, liquidity needs, or regulatory capital considerations.

The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. The Company also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis.

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Gains or losses on loan sales are recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between net sales proceeds and the principal balance of the loans sold, adjusted for net deferred loan fees or costs. Loan origination and commitment fees, net of certain direct loan origination costs, are deferred as an adjustment to the carrying value of the loan until it is sold.

Acquired loans are evaluated upon acquisition and classified as either purchased credit impaired or purchased non-impaired. Purchased credit impaired loans reflect credit deterioration since origination such that it is probable at acquisition that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments. For purchased credit impaired loans, expected cash flows at the acquisition date in excess of the fair value of loans are recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loans (accretable yield) using a level yield method if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable. The excess of the loan’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date are recognized prospectively as interest income. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date are recognized immediately through the provision for loan losses. For purchased non-impaired loans, the difference between the fair value and unpaid principal balance of the loan at the acquisition date is amortized or accreted to interest income over the economic life of the loans using a method that approximates the interest method.

The principal business of the Bank is lending in one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, commercial real estate mortgage loans, multi-family mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans and consumer loans. The Bank considers its primary lending area to be Nassau County and the New York City boroughs. A substantial portion of the Bank's loans is secured by real estate in these areas. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of the loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market and economic conditions in this region.

One-to-four family residential mortgage loans involve certain risks such as interest rate risk and risk of nonpayment. Adjustable-rate loans decrease the interest rate risk to the Company that is associated with changes in interest rates but involve other risks, primarily because as interest rates rise, the payment by the borrower rises to the extent permitted by the terms of the loan, thereby increasing the potential for default. At the same time, the marketability of the underlying property may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. Repayment risk can be affected by the overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices.

Commercial real estate lending entails significant additional risks as compared with single-family residential property lending. Such loans typically involve large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Loans in this classification include income producing investment properties and owner-occupied real estate used for business purposes. The underlying properties are located largely in the Bank's primary market area. The cash flows of the income producing investment properties could be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by increased vacancy rates, which in turn, could have an effect on credit quality. In the case of owner-occupied real estate used for business purposes, a weakened economy and resultant decreased consumer and/or business spending could have an adverse effect on credit quality.

Multifamily lending entails additional risks as compared with single-family residential property lending, but less when compared to commercial real estate lending. Loans in this classification include income producing residential investment properties of five or more families. Loans are made to established owners with a proven and demonstrable record of strong performance. Loans are secured by a first mortgage lien on the subject property. Repayment is derived generally from the rental income generated from the property and may be supplemented by the owners' personal cash flow. Credit risk arises with changes in economic conditions that could cause an increase in vacancy rates.

Commercial and industrial lending is generally considered higher risk due to the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers and the effects of general economic conditions on the business. Generally, these loans are primarily secured by inventories and other assets of the business and repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer and/or business spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this loan class.

The Company’s construction loan portfolio covers the development of commercial properties. Construction loans involve the disbursement of funds during construction with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans because their ultimate repayment depends on the satisfactory completion of construction and is sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing. Repayment is dependent on completion of the project and the subsequent financing of the completed project as a commercial real estate loan, and in some instances on the rent or sale of the underlying project.

Consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates than other lending but generally involve more credit risk because of the type and nature of the collateral and, in certain cases, the absence of collateral. Repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower and, if applicable, sale of the collateral securing the loan. Therefore, the overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this loan class.

A loan is considered past due when it is not paid in accordance with its contractual terms. The accrual of income on loans, including impaired loans, and other loans in the process of foreclosure, is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days or more delinquent, or when certain factors indicate that the ultimate collection of principal and interest is in doubt. Loans on which the accrual of income has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual loans. All previously accrued interest is reversed against interest income, and income is recognized subsequently only in the period that cash is received, provided no principal payments are due and the remaining principal balance outstanding is deemed collectible. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

The Company defines an impaired loan as a loan for which it is probable, based on current information, that the Company will not collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company has defined the population of impaired loans to be all non-accrual loans, loans risk rated 9 (Doubtful) or 10 (Loss), and all loans subject to a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). Impaired loans are individually assessed to determine that the loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or the underlying collateral (less estimated costs to sell) if the loan is collateral dependent. Impairments are recognized through a charge to the allowance for loan losses for the amount that the loan’s carrying value exceeds the discounted cash flow analysis or estimated fair value of collateral (less estimated costs to sell) if the loan is collateral dependent.

The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses charged against income and is decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loan losses are recognized in the period the loans, or portion thereof, are deemed uncollectible. Generally, the Company will record a loan charge-off (including a partial charge-off) to reduce a loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell, if it is determined that it is probable that recovery will come primarily from the sale of such collateral. The provision for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance which considers, among other things, impaired loans, past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, existing adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, and estimated fair value of any underlying collateral securing loans. Additionally, management evaluates changes, if any, in underwriting standards, collection, charge-off and recovery practices, the nature or volume of the portfolio, lending staff, concentration of loans, as well as current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to provide for probable and reasonably estimable losses at the statement of condition date.

Specific allowances are established for impaired loans, generally defined by the Company to be all nonaccrual loans, loans risk rated 8 (Substandard), 9 (Doubtful) or 10 (Loss), and all loans subject to a TDR. The amount of impairment provided for as an allowance is represented by the deficiency, if any, between the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the original loan’s effective interest rate or the underlying collateral value (less estimated costs to sell) if the loan is collateral dependent, and the carrying value of the loan. Impaired loans that have no impairment losses are not considered for general valuation allowances described below.

General allowances are established for loan losses on a portfolio basis for loans that do not meet the definition of impaired. The portfolio is grouped into similar risk characteristics, primarily by loan segment and internal credit risk ratings. Historical loss experience is applied to each loan group using a three-year lookback period. The loss experience is adjusted, as appropriate, for the environmental factors discussed below. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revisions based upon changes in economic and market conditions. Actual loan losses may be significantly more than the allowance for loan losses we have established, which could have a material negative effect on the Company’s financial results.

In underwriting a loan secured by real property, the Company requires an appraisal (or an automated valuation model) of the property by an independent licensed appraiser approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The appraisal is subject to review by an independent third party hired by the Company. Management reviews and inspects properties before disbursement of funds during the term of a construction loan. Generally, management obtains updated appraisals when a loan is deemed impaired. These appraisals may be more limited than those prepared for the underwriting of a new loan. In addition, when the Company acquires other real estate owned, it generally obtains a current appraisal to substantiate the net carrying value of the asset at the time of foreclosure.

While management uses available information to recognize probable and reasonably estimable losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based upon changes in economic, market or other conditions. Changes in estimates could result in a material change in the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

A loan modification is deemed a TDR when two conditions are met: 1) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty; and 2) a concession is made by the Company that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower or collateral with similar credit risk characteristics. Once an obligation has been restructured, it continues to be considered restructured until paid in full or otherwise settled, sold or charged off. The Company records an impairment charge equal to the difference between the present value of estimated future cash flows under the restructured terms discounted at the original loan’s effective interest rate, or the underlying collateral value less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent.

The CARES Act allows financial institutions to suspend application of certain current TDR accounting guidance under ASC 310-40 for loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of December 31, 2020 or 60 days after the end of the COVID-19 national emergency, provided certain criteria are met. This relief can be applied to loan modifications for borrowers that were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019 and to loan modifications that defer or delay the payment of principal or interest or change the interest rate on the loan. In April 2020, federal and state banking regulators issued the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus to provide further interpretation of when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, specifically indicating that if the modification is either short-term (e.g., six months) or mandated by a federal or state government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the borrower is not experiencing financial difficulty under ASC 310-40. The Company continues to prudently work with borrowers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while managing credit risks and recognizing an appropriate allowance for loan and lease losses on its loan portfolio. The Company approved total loan modifications under the CARES Act of $220.4 million, of which $19.5 million remain as of September 30, 2021.

Another key program under the CARES Act is the PPP administered by the SBA which provided funding to qualifying businesses and organizations. Under this program, we have originated approximately $366.1 million in principal amount of PPP loans to local borrowers. As of September 30, 2021, borrowers had applied for and received forgiveness on $225.4 million in PPP loans. These loans are fully guaranteed by the SBA and provide for full forgiveness of the loans during a specified forgiveness period that meet specific guidelines provided by the SBA. Loans that do not meet the forgiveness criteria will enter a repayment period of two or five years.

The Company originates and sells mortgage loans in the secondary market and may retain the servicing of these loans. When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sale of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. In addition, upon the acquisition of Savoy the Company retains the servicing of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans that are sold in the secondary market.

Under the fair value measurement method, the Company measures servicing rights at fair value at each reporting date and reports changes in fair value of servicing assets in earnings in the period in which the changes occur and are included as a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated income statement. The fair value of servicing rights is subject to significant fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Land is carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which are 39 years for buildings and two to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Repairs and maintenance costs are recorded as a component of non-interest expense as incurred.

Goodwill arises from business combinations and is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. The Company has selected August 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the balance sheet.

Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share is the amount of earnings available to each share of common stock during the reporting period adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares are excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share in the periods in which the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Income tax expense is comprised of two components, current and deferred. The current component reflects taxes payable or refundable for a current period based on applicable tax laws, and the deferred component represents the tax effects of temporary differences between amounts recognized for financial accounting and tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax effects of such differences that are anticipated to result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future, when the temporary differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not they will be realized, and may be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or some portion will not be realized.

Tax positions that are uncertain but meet a more likely than not recognition threshold are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position meets the more likely than not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management's judgment.

The Company measures certain assets and liabilities on a fair value basis, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurement." Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 15. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

Revenue from contracts with customers generally comprises deposit service fees, which are included as a component of other non-interest income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company identifies the performance obligations included in the contracts with customers, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations, as applicable, and recognizes revenue when performance obligations are satisfied, which is generally at the point services are performed for the customer.

In connection with the previous acquisition of Chinatown Federal Savings Bank (“CFSB”), the assets of the CFSB Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“CFSB SERP”) are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The CFSB SERP provides benefits to two former executives of CFSB and the assets of the CFSB SERP are held in a Rabbi Trust which was fully funded prior to the acquisition of CFSB by the Company. The Company has no further liability or obligation with respect to the CFSB SERP assets other than record keeping. No ongoing valuation of the assets will be obtained and the amount of plan assets will continue to be equal to the liability reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The SERP liability is included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The amendments in this update primarily replace the existing accounting requirements for operating leases for lessees. Lessee accounting requirements for finance leases and lessor accounting requirements for operating leases and sales type and direct financing leases (sales-type and direct financing leases were both previously referred to as capital leases) are largely unchanged. The amendments require the lessee of an operating lease to record a balance sheet gross-up upon lease commencement by recognizing a right-of-use asset and lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments. The right-of-use asset and lease liability should be derecognized in a manner that effectively yields a straight-line lease expense over the lease term. In addition to the changes to the lessee operating lease accounting requirements, the amendments also change the types of costs that can be capitalized related to a lease agreement for both lessees and lessors. The amendments also require additional disclosures for all lease types for both lessees and lessors. The FASB has subsequently issued additional ASUs intended to clarify guidance, provide implementation support, and provide an additional transition election. The amendments are effective on October 1, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The amendments must be applied on a modified retrospective basis, and we anticipate selecting the transition option that will allow us to record a cumulative adjustment as of the adoption date. We are assessing our current population of lease contracts and upon adoption, our balance sheet will include a right-of-use asset and lease liability for our operating leases where we are the lessee, which primarily include our facilities leases. We do not anticipate the adoption of these amendments will have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements. We plan to adopt these amendments on October 1, 2022 and expect to use the modified retrospective approach as currently required.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments introduce an impairment model that is based on current expected credit losses, rather than incurred losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments (i.e. loans and held to maturity securities), including certain off-balance sheet financial instruments (i.e. commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit that are not unconditionally cancellable). The CECL should consider historical information, current information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments, over the contractual term. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. Financial instruments with similar risk characteristics may be grouped together when estimating credit losses. The allowance for credit losses for purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination that are measured at amortized cost basis is determined in a similar manner to other financial assets measured at amortized cost basis; however, the initial estimate of expected credit loss would be recognized through an allowance for credit losses with an offset (i.e. increase) to the purchase price at acquisition. Only subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for loan losses for these assets. The ASU also amends the current available for sale security impairment model for debt securities whereby credit losses relating to available for sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. The amendments will be applied through a modified retrospective approach, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. As the Company is a smaller-reporting company under SEC regulations, the Company will adopt CECL on October 1, 2023 and the future adoption of this ASU may have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.