SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of New York. The Company’s business currently consists of the operations of its wholly-owned subsidiary, BNB Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank’s operations include its real estate investment trust subsidiary, Bridgehampton Community, Inc.; a financial title insurance subsidiary, Bridge Abstract LLC (“Bridge Abstract”); and an investment services subsidiary, Bridge Financial Services, Inc. (“Bridge Financial Services”). In addition to the Bank, the Company had another subsidiary, Bridge Statutory Capital Trust II (“the Trust”), which was formed in 2009 and sold $16.0 million of 8.5% cumulative convertible trust preferred securities (“TPS”) in a private placement to accredited investors. In accordance with accounting guidance, the Trust was not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. The TPS were redeemed effective January 18, 2017 and the Trust was cancelled effective April 24, 2017. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial institution industry. The following is a description of the significant accounting policies that the Company follows in preparing its Consolidated Financial Statements. a) Basis of Financial Statement Presentation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of each consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statement of income for the years then ended. Such estimates are subject to change in the future as additional information becomes available or previously existing circumstances are modified. Actual future results could differ significantly from those estimates. b) Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold, which mature overnight. Cash flows are reported net for customer loan and deposit transactions, federal funds purchased, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, and repurchase agreements. c) Securities Debt and equity securities are classified in one of the following categories: (i) “held to maturity” (management has a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity), which are reported at amortized cost, (ii) “available for sale” (all other debt and marketable equity securities), which are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity, and (iii) “restricted” which represents FHLB, FRB and bankers’ banks stock which are reported at cost. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the respective securities using the interest method. Gains and losses on the sales of securities are recognized upon realization based on the specific identification method. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary are reflected as realized losses. In determining other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), management considers many factors including: (1) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Company has the intent to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. 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 these criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components: (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. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time. d) Federal Home Loan Bank Stock The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a particular amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost and classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. e) Loans, Loan Interest Income Recognition and Loans Held for Sale Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of partial charge-offs, deferred origination costs and fees and purchase premiums and discounts. Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct and indirect costs incurred in connection with loan originations are deferred and amortized to income over the life of the related loans as an adjustment to yield. When a loan prepays, the remaining unamortized net deferred origination fees or costs are recognized in the current year. Interest on loans is credited to income based on the principal outstanding during the period. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. Loans that are 90 days past due are automatically placed on nonaccrual and previously accrued interest is reversed and charged against interest income. However, if the loan is in the process of collection and the Bank has reasonable assurance that the loan will be fully collectable based upon an individual loan evaluation assessing such factors as collateral and collectability, accrued interest will be recognized as earned. If a payment is received when a loan is nonaccrual or a troubled debt restructuring loan is nonaccrual, the payment is applied to the principal balance. A troubled debt restructured loan performing in accordance with its modified terms is maintained on accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans for which the terms have been modified as a concession to the borrower due to the borrower experiencing financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructurings and are classified as impaired. Loans considered to be troubled debt restructurings can be categorized as nonaccrual or performing. The impairment of a loan is measured at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent. Generally, the Bank measures impairment of such loans by reference to the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. Loans that experience minor payment delays and payment shortfall generally are not classified as impaired. Non-residential real estate loans over $200,000 and residential real estate loans over $1.0 million are individually evaluated for impairment. Smaller balance loans may also be individually evaluated for impairment if they are part of a larger impaired relationship. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate or at the fair value of collateral less costs to sell if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Loans with balances below the aforementioned thresholds are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures. Loans that were acquired through the acquisition of Community National Bank (“CNB”) on June 19, 2015 and First National Bank of New York (“FNBNY”) on February 14, 2014, were initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, losses are recognized through the allowance for loan losses. Determining fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of expected principal and interest cash flows to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at a market interest rate. Some of the loans at the time of acquisition showed evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These loans are considered purchased credit impaired loans. For purchased credit impaired loans, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable discount. The nonaccretable discount represents estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Subsequent increases to the expected cash flows result in the reversal of a corresponding amount of the nonaccretable discount, which is then reclassified as accretable discount and recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require management to evaluate the need for an addition to the allowance for loan losses. Purchased credit impaired loans that were nonaccrual prior to acquisition may be considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if management can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if management expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, management may no longer consider the loans to be nonaccrual or nonperforming and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value. Any subsequent declines in fair value below the initial carrying value are recorded as a valuation allowance, which is established through a charge to earnings. Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan classes. f) Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on probable incurred losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. The allowance is comprised of both individual valuation allowances and loan pool valuation allowances. The Bank monitors its entire loan portfolio regularly, with consideration given to detailed analysis of classified loans, repayment patterns, probable incurred losses, past loss experience, current economic conditions, and various types of concentrations of credit. Additions to the allowance are charged to expense and realized losses, net of recoveries, are charged to the allowance. Individual valuation allowances are established in connection with specific loan reviews and the asset classification process including the procedures for impairment testing under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 310, “Receivables”. Such valuation, which includes a review of loans for which full collectability in accordance with contractual terms is not reasonably assured, considers the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less the costs to sell, if any, or the present value of expected future cash flows, or the loan’s observable market value. Any shortfall that exists from this analysis results in a specific allowance for the loan. Pursuant to the Company’s policy, loan losses must be charged-off in the period the loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectable. Assumptions and judgments by management, in conjunction with outside sources, are used to determine whether full collectability of a loan is not reasonably assured. These assumptions and judgments are also used to determine the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows or the loan’s observable market value. Individual valuation allowances could differ materially as a result of changes in these assumptions and judgments. Individual loan analyses are periodically performed on specific loans considered impaired. The results of the individual valuation allowances are aggregated and included in the overall allowance for loan losses. Loan pool valuation allowances represent loss allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risks associated with the Bank’s lending activities, but which, unlike individual allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. Pool evaluations are broken down into loans with homogenous characteristics by loan type and include commercial real estate mortgages, owner and non-owner occupied; multi-family mortgage loans; home equity loans; residential real estate mortgages; commercial, industrial and agricultural loans, secured and unsecured; real estate construction and land loans; and consumer loans. Management considers a variety of factors in determining the adequacy of the valuation allowance and has developed a range of valuation allowances necessary to adequately provide for probable incurred losses in each pool of loans. Management considers the Bank’s charge-off history along with the growth in the portfolio as well as the Bank’s credit administration and asset management philosophies and procedures when determining the allowances for each pool. In addition, management evaluates and considers the credit’s risk rating, which includes management’s evaluation of: cash flow, collateral, guarantor support, financial disclosures, industry trends and strength of borrowers’ management, the impact that economic and market conditions may have on the portfolio as well as known and inherent risks in the portfolio. Finally, management evaluates and considers the allowance ratios and coverage percentages of peer group and regulatory agency data. These evaluations are inherently subjective because, even though they are based on objective data, it is management’s interpretation of that data that determines the amount of the appropriate allowance. If the evaluations prove to be incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance for loan losses. For PCI loans, a valuation allowance is established when it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all the cash flows expected at acquisition plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition. A specific allowance is established when subsequent evaluations of expected cash flows from PCI loans reflect a decrease in those estimates. The allowance established represents the excess of the recorded investment in those loans over the present value of the currently estimated future cash flow, discounted at the last effective accounting yield. The Bank uses assumptions and methodologies that are relevant to estimating the level of impairment and probable losses in the loan portfolio. To the extent that the data supporting such assumptions has limitations, management's judgment and experience play a key role in recording the allowance estimates. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by provisions charged to earnings. Furthermore, an improvement in the expected cash flows related to PCI loans would result in a reduction of the required specific allowance with a corresponding credit to the provision. Future additions or reductions to the allowance may be necessary based on 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 the examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of the information available to them at the time of their examination. A loan is considered a potential charge-off when it is in default of either principal or interest for a period of 90, 120 or 180 days, depending upon the loan type, as of the end of the prior month. In addition to delinquency criteria, other triggering events may include, but are not limited to, notice of bankruptcy by the borrower or guarantor, death of the borrower, and deficiency balance from the sale of collateral. Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan segments. g) Premises and Equipment Buildings, furniture and fixtures, and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method using a useful life of fifty years for buildings and a range of two to ten years for equipment, computer hardware and software, and furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lives of the respective leases or the service lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Land is recorded at cost. Improvements and major repairs are capitalized, while the cost of ordinary maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to expense. h) Bank-Owned Life Insurance The Bank is the owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies on certain employees. Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. i) Other Real Estate Owned Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are charged to expense as incurred. j) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill resulting from business combinations 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 indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount of the asset may be impaired. The Company has selected November 30 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Goodwill and the BNB Bank trademark are intangible assets with indefinite lives on the Company’s balance sheet. Other intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives of ten years. Non-compete intangible assets arising from whole bank acquisitions were fully amortized as of December 31, 2016. Other intangible assets also include servicing rights, which result from the sale of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans with servicing rights retained. Servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. Servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method, which requires servicing rights to be amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Servicing assets totaled $1.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $975 thousand at December 31, 2016. k) Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as unused lines of credit, commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet when they are funded. l) Derivatives The Company records cash flow hedges at the inception of the derivative contract based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. Cash flow hedges represent a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as noninterest income. Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged. The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended. When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged transactions will affect earnings. m) Income Taxes The Company follows the asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not that a future benefit will be realized. It is management’s position, as currently supported by the facts and circumstances, that no valuation allowance is necessary against any of the Company’s deferred tax assets. In accordance with FASB ASU 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, a tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. There are no such tax positions in the Company’s financial statements at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company did not have any amounts accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2017 and 2016. n) Treasury Stock Repurchases of common stock are recorded as treasury stock at cost. Treasury stock is reissued using the first in, first out method. o) Earnings Per Share Earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities”. This ASC addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing EPS. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS, which reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options were exercised and if junior subordinated debentures were converted into common shares, is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders including assumed conversions by the weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. p) Dividends Cash available for distribution of dividends to stockholders of the Company is primarily derived from cash and cash equivalents of the Company and dividends paid by the Bank to the Company. Prior regulatory approval is required if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of the Bank’s net income of that year combined with its retained net income of the preceding two years. Dividends from the Bank to the Company at January 1, 2018 are limited to $48.2 million, which represents the Bank’s net retained earnings from the previous two years. During 2017, the Bank did not pay dividends to the Company. q) Segment Reporting While management monitors the revenue streams of the various products and services, the identifiable segments are not material and operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment. r) Stock Based Compensation Plans Stock based compensation awards are recorded in accordance with FASB ASC No. 718, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” which requires companies to record compensation cost for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units granted to employees in return for employee service. The cost is measured at the fair value of the options and awards when granted, and this cost is expensed over the employee service period, which is normally the vesting period of the options and awards. s) Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes net income and all other changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Other comprehensive income includes revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income but excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income are reported net of deferred income taxes. Accumulated other comprehensive income for the Company includes unrealized holding gains or losses on available for sale securities, unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges and changes in the funded status of the pension plan. FASB ASC 715-30 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – Pension” requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year the changes occur through comprehensive income. t) Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Newly Issued Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards The following are new accounting standards that are likely to be broadly applicable to financial institutions. Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) In May 2014, the FASB amended existing guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. This amendment supersedes and replaces nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance, establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. In addition, the amendment specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. These amendments are effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that period. The amendments allow for one of two transition methods: full retrospective or modified retrospective. The full retrospective approach requires application to all periods presented. The modified retrospective transition requires application to uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption. Periods prior to the date of adoption are not retrospectively revised, but a cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application on uncompleted contracts. While the guidance in ASU 2014-09 supersedes most existing industry-specific revenue recognition accounting guidance, much of a bank’s revenue comes from financial instruments such as debt securities and loans, which are scoped-out of the guidance. Most of the Company’s revenue comes from financial instruments, i.e. loans and securities, which are not within the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company determined its service charges on deposit accounts and fees for other customer services within non-interest income are in scope of the amended guidance. As a result of the Company’s assessment of revenue recognition, it has determined the recognition, measurement and presentation of services charges on deposit accounts and fees for other customer services will not change. The Company has not identified any material differences in the amount and timing of revenue recognition for these revenue streams that are within the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018, using the modified retrospective method of adoption. The Company’s adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) In February 2016, the FASB amended existing guidance that requires lessees recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date (1) A lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) A right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align, where necessary, the lessor accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the consolidated financial statements. Based on leases outstanding at December 31, 2017, the Company does not expect the updates to have a material impact on the income statement, but does anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in an increase in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) In June 2016, FASB issued guidance to replace the incurred loss model with an expected loss model, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model. The CECL model is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables, held-to maturity debt securities, and reinsurance receivables. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor. For public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer, like the Company, the standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may early adopt for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of 2020 using the required modified retrospective method with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the reporting period. The Company has created a cross-functional committee responsible for evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13, assessing data and system needs, and implementing required changes to loss estimation methods under the CECL model. The Company cannot yet determine the overall impact this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB amended existing guidance to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments require an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amendments also eliminate the requirement for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments are effective for public business entities that are an SEC filer, like the Company, for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The amendments should be applied prospectively. An entity is required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition in the first annual period and in the interim period within the first annual period when the entity initially adopts the amendments. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition. ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost In March 2017, the FASB amended existing guidance to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The amendments require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit costs are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The line item used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. Additionally, only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization, if applicable. For public business entities, like the Company, ASU 2017-07 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement. The amendments allow a practical expedient that permits an employer to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The amendment requires disclosure that the practical expedient was used. The components of net benefit cost are disclosed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018. The Company will present its other components of net benefit expense outside of Salaries and employee benefits in the Other operating expenses income statement line. The change in presentation will not change the Company’s operating results or financial condition. ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Scope of Modification Accounting In May 2017, the FASB provided guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The current disclosure requirements in Topic 718 apply regardless of whether an entity is required to apply modification accounting under the amendments in ASU 2017-09. The amendments in ASU 2017-09 are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The amendments should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition. ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities In August 2017, the FASB provided guidance to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. The amendments also simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The amendments in the Update better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes in both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted. ASU 2017-12 requires a modified retrospective transition method in which the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet as of the date of adoption. While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of the standard, ASU 2017-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income In February 2018, the FASB amended existing guidance to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 at the beginning of the fourth quarter 2017 and reclassified $2.7 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. For additional information, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. u) Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of New York. The Company’s business currently consists of the operations of its wholly-owned subsidiary, BNB Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank’s operations include its real estate investment trust subsidiary, Bridgehampton Community, Inc.; a financial title insurance subsidiary, Bridge Abstract LLC (“Bridge Abstract”); and an investment services subsidiary, Bridge Financial Services, Inc. (“Bridge Financial Services”). In addition to the Bank, the Company had another subsidiary, Bridge Statutory Capital Trust II (“the Trust”), which was formed in 2009 and sold $16.0 million of 8.5% cumulative convertible trust preferred securities (“TPS”) in a private placement to accredited investors. In accordance with accounting guidance, the Trust was not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. The TPS were redeemed effective January 18, 2017 and the Trust was cancelled effective April 24, 2017.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial institution industry. The following is a description of the significant accounting policies that the Company follows in preparing its Consolidated Financial Statements.

a) Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of each consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statement of income for the years then ended. Such estimates are subject to change in the future as additional information becomes available or previously existing circumstances are modified. Actual future results could differ significantly from those estimates.

b) Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold, which mature overnight. Cash flows are reported net for customer loan and deposit transactions, federal funds purchased, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, and repurchase agreements.

c) Securities

Debt and equity securities are classified in one of the following categories: (i) “held to maturity” (management has a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity), which are reported at amortized cost, (ii) “available for sale” (all other debt and marketable equity securities), which are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity, and (iii) “restricted” which represents FHLB, FRB and bankers’ banks stock which are reported at cost.

Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the respective securities using the interest method. Gains and losses on the sales of securities are recognized upon realization based on the specific identification method. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary are reflected as realized losses. In determining other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), management considers many factors including: (1) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Company has the intent to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. 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 these criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components: (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. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.

d) Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a particular amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost and classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

e) Loans, Loan Interest Income Recognition and Loans Held for Sale

Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of partial charge-offs, deferred origination costs and fees and purchase premiums and discounts. Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct and indirect costs incurred in connection with loan originations are deferred and amortized to income over the life of the related loans as an adjustment to yield. When a loan prepays, the remaining unamortized net deferred origination fees or costs are recognized in the current year. Interest on loans is credited to income based on the principal outstanding during the period. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. Loans that are 90 days past due are automatically placed on nonaccrual and previously accrued interest is reversed and charged against interest income. However, if the loan is in the process of collection and the Bank has reasonable assurance that the loan will be fully collectable based upon an individual loan evaluation assessing such factors as collateral and collectability, accrued interest will be recognized as earned. If a payment is received when a loan is nonaccrual or a troubled debt restructuring loan is nonaccrual, the payment is applied to the principal balance. A troubled debt restructured loan performing in accordance with its modified terms is maintained on accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans for which the terms have been modified as a concession to the borrower due to the borrower experiencing financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructurings and are classified as impaired. Loans considered to be troubled debt restructurings can be categorized as nonaccrual or performing. The impairment of a loan is measured at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent. Generally, the Bank measures impairment of such loans by reference to the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. Loans that experience minor payment delays and payment shortfall generally are not classified as impaired.

Non-residential real estate loans over $200,000 and residential real estate loans over $1.0 million are individually evaluated for impairment. Smaller balance loans may also be individually evaluated for impairment if they are part of a larger impaired relationship. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate or at the fair value of collateral less costs to sell if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Loans with balances below the aforementioned thresholds are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

Loans that were acquired through the acquisition of Community National Bank (“CNB”) on June 19, 2015 and First National Bank of New York (“FNBNY”) on February 14, 2014, were initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, losses are recognized through the allowance for loan losses. Determining fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of expected principal and interest cash flows to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at a market interest rate. Some of the loans at the time of acquisition showed evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These loans are considered purchased credit impaired loans.

For purchased credit impaired loans, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable discount. The nonaccretable discount represents estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Subsequent increases to the expected cash flows result in the reversal of a corresponding amount of the nonaccretable discount, which is then reclassified as accretable discount and recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require management to evaluate the need for an addition to the allowance for loan losses.

Purchased credit impaired loans that were nonaccrual prior to acquisition may be considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if management can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if management expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, management may no longer consider the loans to be nonaccrual or nonperforming and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount.

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value. Any subsequent declines in fair value below the initial carrying value are recorded as a valuation allowance, which is established through a charge to earnings.

Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan classes.

f) Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on probable incurred losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. The allowance is comprised of both individual valuation allowances and loan pool valuation allowances. The Bank monitors its entire loan portfolio regularly, with consideration given to detailed analysis of classified loans, repayment patterns, probable incurred losses, past loss experience, current economic conditions, and various types of concentrations of credit. Additions to the allowance are charged to expense and realized losses, net of recoveries, are charged to the allowance.

Individual valuation allowances are established in connection with specific loan reviews and the asset classification process including the procedures for impairment testing under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 310, “Receivables”. Such valuation, which includes a review of loans for which full collectability in accordance with contractual terms is not reasonably assured, considers the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less the costs to sell, if any, or the present value of expected future cash flows, or the loan’s observable market value. Any shortfall that exists from this analysis results in a specific allowance for the loan. Pursuant to the Company’s policy, loan losses must be charged-off in the period the loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectable. Assumptions and judgments by management, in conjunction with outside sources, are used to determine whether full collectability of a loan is not reasonably assured. These assumptions and judgments are also used to determine the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows or the loan’s observable market value. Individual valuation allowances could differ materially as a result of changes in these assumptions and judgments. Individual loan analyses are periodically performed on specific loans considered impaired. The results of the individual valuation allowances are aggregated and included in the overall allowance for loan losses.

Loan pool valuation allowances represent loss allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risks associated with the Bank’s lending activities, but which, unlike individual allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. Pool evaluations are broken down into loans with homogenous characteristics by loan type and include commercial real estate mortgages, owner and non-owner occupied; multi-family mortgage loans; home equity loans; residential real estate mortgages; commercial, industrial and agricultural loans, secured and unsecured; real estate construction and land loans; and consumer loans. Management considers a variety of factors in determining the adequacy of the valuation allowance and has developed a range of valuation allowances necessary to adequately provide for probable incurred losses in each pool of loans. Management considers the Bank’s charge-off history along with the growth in the portfolio as well as the Bank’s credit administration and asset management philosophies and procedures when determining the allowances for each pool. In addition, management evaluates and considers the credit’s risk rating, which includes management’s evaluation of: cash flow, collateral, guarantor support, financial disclosures, industry trends and strength of borrowers’ management, the impact that economic and market conditions may have on the portfolio as well as known and inherent risks in the portfolio. Finally, management evaluates and considers the allowance ratios and coverage percentages of peer group and regulatory agency data. These evaluations are inherently subjective because, even though they are based on objective data, it is management’s interpretation of that data that determines the amount of the appropriate allowance. If the evaluations prove to be incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance for loan losses.

For PCI loans, a valuation allowance is established when it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all the cash flows expected at acquisition plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition. A specific allowance is established when subsequent evaluations of expected cash flows from PCI loans reflect a decrease in those estimates. The allowance established represents the excess of the recorded investment in those loans over the present value of the currently estimated future cash flow, discounted at the last effective accounting yield.

The Bank uses assumptions and methodologies that are relevant to estimating the level of impairment and probable losses in the loan portfolio. To the extent that the data supporting such assumptions has limitations, management's judgment and experience play a key role in recording the allowance estimates. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by provisions charged to earnings. Furthermore, an improvement in the expected cash flows related to PCI loans would result in a reduction of the required specific allowance with a corresponding credit to the provision.

Future additions or reductions to the allowance may be necessary based on 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 the examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of the information available to them at the time of their examination.

A loan is considered a potential charge-off when it is in default of either principal or interest for a period of 90, 120 or 180 days, depending upon the loan type, as of the end of the prior month. In addition to delinquency criteria, other triggering events may include, but are not limited to, notice of bankruptcy by the borrower or guarantor, death of the borrower, and deficiency balance from the sale of collateral.

Unless otherwise noted, the above policy is applied consistently to all loan segments.

g) Premises and Equipment

Buildings, furniture and fixtures, and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method using a useful life of fifty years for buildings and a range of two to ten years for equipment, computer hardware and software, and furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lives of the respective leases or the service lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Land is recorded at cost.

Improvements and major repairs are capitalized, while the cost of ordinary maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to expense.

h) Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Bank is the owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies on certain employees. Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

i) Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are charged to expense as incurred.

j) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill resulting from business combinations 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 indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount of the asset may be impaired. The Company has selected November 30 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Goodwill and the BNB Bank trademark are intangible assets with indefinite lives on the Company’s balance sheet.

Other intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives of ten years. Non-compete intangible assets arising from whole bank acquisitions were fully amortized as of December 31, 2016.

Other intangible assets also include servicing rights, which result from the sale of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans with servicing rights retained. Servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. Servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method, which requires servicing rights to be amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Servicing assets totaled $1.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $975 thousand at December 31, 2016.

k) Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as unused lines of credit, commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet when they are funded.

l) Derivatives

The Company records cash flow hedges at the inception of the derivative contract based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. Cash flow hedges represent a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as noninterest income.

Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.

The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.

When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

m) Income Taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not that a future benefit will be realized. It is management’s position, as currently supported by the facts and circumstances, that no valuation allowance is necessary against any of the Company’s deferred tax assets.

In accordance with FASB ASU 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, a tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. There are no such tax positions in the Company’s financial statements at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company did not have any amounts accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

n) Treasury Stock

Repurchases of common stock are recorded as treasury stock at cost. Treasury stock is reissued using the first in, first out method.

o) Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities”. This ASC addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing EPS. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS, which reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options were exercised and if junior subordinated debentures were converted into common shares, is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders including assumed conversions by the weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.

p) Dividends

Cash available for distribution of dividends to stockholders of the Company is primarily derived from cash and cash equivalents of the Company and dividends paid by the Bank to the Company. Prior regulatory approval is required if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of the Bank’s net income of that year combined with its retained net income of the preceding two years. Dividends from the Bank to the Company at January 1, 2018 are limited to $48.2 million, which represents the Bank’s net retained earnings from the previous two years. During 2017, the Bank did not pay dividends to the Company.

q) Segment Reporting

While management monitors the revenue streams of the various products and services, the identifiable segments are not material and operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

r) Stock Based Compensation Plans

Stock based compensation awards are recorded in accordance with FASB ASC No. 718, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” which requires companies to record compensation cost for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units granted to employees in return for employee service. The cost is measured at the fair value of the options and awards when granted, and this cost is expensed over the employee service period, which is normally the vesting period of the options and awards.

s) Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income and all other changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Other comprehensive income includes revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income but excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income are reported net of deferred income taxes. Accumulated other comprehensive income for the Company includes unrealized holding gains or losses on available for sale securities, unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges and changes in the funded status of the pension plan. FASB ASC 715-30 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – Pension” requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year the changes occur through comprehensive income.

t) Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Newly Issued Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards

The following are new accounting standards that are likely to be broadly applicable to financial institutions.

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)

In May 2014, the FASB amended existing guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. This amendment supersedes and replaces nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance, establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. In addition, the amendment specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. These amendments are effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that period. The amendments allow for one of two transition methods: full retrospective or modified retrospective. The full retrospective approach requires application to all periods presented. The modified retrospective transition requires application to uncompleted contracts at the date of adoption. Periods prior to the date of adoption are not retrospectively revised, but a cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application on uncompleted contracts. While the guidance in ASU 2014-09 supersedes most existing industry-specific revenue recognition accounting guidance, much of a bank’s revenue comes from financial instruments such as debt securities and loans, which are scoped-out of the guidance. Most of the Company’s revenue comes from financial instruments, i.e. loans and securities, which are not within the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company determined its service charges on deposit accounts and fees for other customer services within non-interest income are in scope of the amended guidance. As a result of the Company’s assessment of revenue recognition, it has determined the recognition, measurement and presentation of services charges on deposit accounts and fees for other customer services will not change. The Company has not identified any material differences in the amount and timing of revenue recognition for these revenue streams that are within the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018, using the modified retrospective method of adoption. The Company’s adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)

In February 2016, the FASB amended existing guidance that requires lessees recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date (1) A lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) A right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align, where necessary, the lessor accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the consolidated financial statements. Based on leases outstanding at December 31, 2017, the Company does not expect the updates to have a material impact on the income statement, but does anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in an increase in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

In June 2016, FASB issued guidance to replace the incurred loss model with an expected loss model, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model. The CECL model is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables, held-to maturity debt securities, and reinsurance receivables. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor. For public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer, like the Company, the standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may early adopt for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of 2020 using the required modified retrospective method with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the reporting period. The Company has created a cross-functional committee responsible for evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13, assessing data and system needs, and implementing required changes to loss estimation methods under the CECL model. The Company cannot yet determine the overall impact this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB amended existing guidance to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments require an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amendments also eliminate the requirement for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments are effective for public business entities that are an SEC filer, like the Company, for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The amendments should be applied prospectively. An entity is required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition in the first annual period and in the interim period within the first annual period when the entity initially adopts the amendments. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

In March 2017, the FASB amended existing guidance to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The amendments require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit costs are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The line item used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. Additionally, only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization, if applicable. For public business entities, like the Company, ASU 2017-07 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement. The amendments allow a practical expedient that permits an employer to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The amendment requires disclosure that the practical expedient was used. The components of net benefit cost are disclosed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018. The Company will present its other components of net benefit expense outside of Salaries and employee benefits in the Other operating expenses income statement line. The change in presentation will not change the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Scope of Modification Accounting

In May 2017, the FASB provided guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The current disclosure requirements in Topic 718 apply regardless of whether an entity is required to apply modification accounting under the amendments in ASU 2017-09. The amendments in ASU 2017-09 are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The amendments should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB provided guidance to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. The amendments also simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The amendments in the Update better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes in both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted. ASU 2017-12 requires a modified retrospective transition method in which the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet as of the date of adoption. While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of the standard, ASU 2017-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB amended existing guidance to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 at the beginning of the fourth quarter 2017 and reclassified $2.7 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. For additional information, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

u) Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.