Bridge Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2014 Results

Continued Strong Growth in Deposits, Loans and Income


BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y., Oct. 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:BDGE), the parent company of The Bridgehampton National Bank (BNB), today announced its results for the third quarter of 2014 and reported record net income and earnings per share of $4.9 million and $.42 per share. Highlights of the Company's financial results for the quarter include:

  • Record net income of $4.9 million and $.42 per share, a 56% increase in net income over the September 2013 quarter.
     
  • Returns on average assets and equity for the September 2014 quarter were .89% and 10.83%, respectively.
     
  • Quarterly net interest income increased $4.3 million to $17.4 million for September 2014, with a net interest margin of 3.45%.
     
  • Total assets of $2.2 billion at September 2014, 30% higher than September 2013.
     
  • Loan growth of $310 million or 33%, compared to September 2013.
     
  • Deposits of $1.80 billion, a 23% increase compared to the third quarter of 2013. 
     
  • Continued solid asset quality metrics and reserve coverage.   
     
  • Tier 1 Capital increased by $41.7 million, or 29% higher than September 2013.
     
  • Declared a dividend of $.23 during the quarter.

"Our growth in deposits, assets and record results reflect our efforts to expand our franchise coupled with the success of our new and legacy customers. Our larger footprint, capital base and related infrastructure investments enabled us to gain operating leverage, resulting in higher net interest income and net income. We continue to consider opportunities to grow our franchise and during the quarter we opened our 27th branch in Bay Shore, New York and expect to open branches during the fourth quarter of this year in Port Jefferson and Smithtown, New York," commented Kevin M. O'Connor, President and CEO of Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

Net Earnings and Returns

Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was $4.9 million or $0.42 per share, compared to $3.1 million or $.34 per share, for the same period in 2013. Net income for the 2013 third quarter includes $0.3 million or $0.03 per share of charges, net of tax, associated with the February 2014 acquisition of FNBNY Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, the First National Bank of New York (collectively "FNBNY"). The increase in net income reflects growth in earning assets generating higher net interest income and higher non interest income, with offsetting increases in operating expenses. Third quarter 2014 earnings per share reflect the additional 1.9 million shares issued with the $37.5 million October 2013 common stock offering. Returns on average assets and equity for the third quarter of 2014 were .89% and 10.83%, respectively, compared to .71% and 9.86%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2013.

Net interest income grew in the third quarter of 2014, as average earning assets increased by 23% or $372.8 million, and the net interest margin increased to 3.45% from 3.21% in September 2013. This growth reflects the positive effects of greater loan demand and higher deposit balances, including the acquired loans and deposits of FNBNY. The net interest margin's improvement reflects an increase in average loans to average earning assets to 60% for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 from 55% in September 2013. The margin also benefited from higher yields on securities and a reduced cost of funds associated with lower deposit costs.

The provision for loan losses was $0.5 million for the quarter, consistent with September 2013, while net charge-offs were $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2014. Total non-interest income increased $0.5 million, due primarily to $0.3 million in higher other income principally related to BOLI and $0.2 million in increases in service fees and title fee income. Non-interest expense increased $2.2 million for the quarter compared to September 2013, reflecting the additional costs of the acquired FNBNY operations, investments in new branches, technology enhancements and additional staffing partially offset by a decrease of $0.3 million in acquisition related costs.

Core net income for the nine months ended September 2014 was $13.4 million or $1.16 per share compared to $9.3 million or $1.02 per share for the same period in 2013. Core net income excludes FNBNY acquisition costs, branch restructuring costs and net gains and losses on securities sales.  

"Our continued growth in loans and deposits, combined with a favorable change in the mix of our earning assets, contributed to a higher net interest margin and record net interest income. Our higher net income reflects the operating leverage gained from the return on our investments in infrastructure required to support our larger scale," noted Mr. O'Connor.

Balance Sheet and Asset Quality

Total assets at quarter end were $2.2 billion, $514.7 million or 30% higher than September 2013 and average assets for the three months ended September 2014 increased $437.2 million or 25% compared to September 2013. This growth includes the assets acquired in connection with the FNBNY acquisition in February 2014. Loans grew $310.3 million to $1.24 billion compared to $933.2 million at September 2013. The increase in loans was primarily driven by organic loan growth of $241.8 million or 26% growth over September 2013. Earning asset growth continues to be funded principally by deposits, which increased $340.2 million or 23% to $1.80 billion at September 2014. Demand deposits totaled $605.5 million, $118.2 million or 24% higher than September 2013.

Asset quality measures remained strong as non-performing assets decreased $1.5 million from $4.3 million at September 30, 2013 to $2.8 million or 0.13% of the total assets at September 2014. Non-performing assets include real estate owned of $0.6 million acquired through a deed in lieu of foreclosure. This property was sold in October 2014 at a modest gain. Non-performing loans of $2.2 million represent 0.18% of total loans, compared to $4.3 million or 0.46% at September 2013. Loans 30 to 89 days past due decreased $0.4 million to $1.2 million from $1.6 million as of September 2013.

The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio excludes the FNBNY acquired loans, recorded at their fair value, effectively netted estimated future losses against those loan balances. The allowance for loan losses increased $1.0 million to $17.0 million from $16.0 million as of December 2013. The allowance as a percentage of BNB originated loans was 1.45% at September 2014, compared to 1.58% at December 2013, and 1.66% at September 2013. These declines reflect an improving economy, increasing collateral values, and stable asset quality trends.

Stockholders' equity grew $56.0 million to $175.0 million at September 2014, compared to $119.0 million at September 2013. The growth reflects earnings, as well as the capital raised in connection with the October 2013 common stock offering and Dividend Reinvestment Plan, and an increase in the fair value of available for sale investment securities partially offset by shareholders' dividends. Overall, Tier 1 Capital increased to $186.3 million, 29% higher than the September 2013 level. The Company's capital ratios continue to exceed all regulatory minimums, and the Bank remains classified as "well capitalized".

Challenges and Opportunities

"Despite some signs of economic recovery, interest rates have remained at historically low levels as accommodative central banks continue to evaluate the potential impact of significant worldwide geopolitical turmoil. The consequences of these events and the expected wind down of liquidity by the Federal Reserve present unique challenges to the banking industry. We continue to carefully monitor the possible impact of these events on market interest rates and asset values while remaining focused on managing both interest rate and credit risk," commented Mr. O'Connor. 

"While we are mindful of these concerns, we remain committed to executing our business plan and long term growth strategy. Our approach to expansion and investment in infrastructure has extended our footprint and increased our scale allowing us to partner with entrepreneurs as they expand and invest in their enterprises. We continue to seek opportunities for growth with the understanding that we must remain strong and flexible. Our success has been, and will continue to be, built on our core principles of serving the financial needs of our customers in the communities where we live and work and delivering long term results for our employees and our shareholders," concluded Mr. O'Connor.

About Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

Bridge Bancorp, Inc. is a one bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, The Bridgehampton National Bank (BNB). Established in 1910, BNB, with assets of approximately $2.2 billion, and a primary market area of Suffolk and Southern Nassau Counties, Long Island, operates 27 retail branch locations and two loan production offices; one in Manhattan, and one in Riverhead, New York. Through our branch network and its electronic delivery channels, BNB provides deposit and loan products and financial services to local businesses, consumers and municipalities. Title insurance services are offered through BNB's wholly owned subsidiary, Bridge Abstract. Bridge Financial Services, Inc. offers financial planning and investment consultation.

BNB continues a rich tradition of involvement in the community, by supporting programs and initiatives that promote local business, the environment, education, healthcare, social services and the arts.

Please see the attached tables for selected financial information.

This report may contain statements relating to the future results of the Company (including certain projections and business trends) that are considered "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "PSLRA"). Such forward-looking statements, in addition to historical information, involve risk and uncertainties, and are based on the beliefs, assumptions and expectations of management of the Company. Words such as "expects," "believes," "should," "plans," "anticipates," "will," "potential," "could," "intend," "may," "outlook," "predict," "project," "would," "estimated," "assumes," "likely," and variation of such similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, possible or assumed estimates with respect to the financial condition, expected or anticipated revenue, and results of operations and business of the Company and FNBNY, including earnings growth; revenue growth in retail banking lending and other areas; origination volume in the consumer, commercial and other lending businesses; current and future capital management programs; non-interest income levels, including fees from the title abstract subsidiary and banking services as well as product sales; tangible capital generation; market share; expense levels; and other business operations and strategies. For this presentation, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA.

Factors that could cause future results to vary from current management expectations include, but are not limited to, changing economic conditions; legislative and regulatory changes, including increases in FDIC insurance rates; monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; changes in tax policies; rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities; changes in interest rates; deposit flows; the cost of funds; demands for loan products; demand for financial services; competition; changes in the quality and composition of the Bank's loan and investment portfolios; changes in management's business strategies; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; changes in real estate values; an unexpected increase in operating costs; expanded regulatory requirements as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, difficulties related to the integration of the businesses following the FNBNY merger, which could adversely affect operating results; and other risk factors discussed elsewhere, and in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this report, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

BRIDGE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition (unaudited)
(In thousands)
       
  September 30, December 31, September 30,
  2014 2013 2013
ASSETS      
Cash and Due from Banks  $ 40,481  $ 39,997  $ 32,612
Interest Earning Deposits with Banks  7,280  5,576  4,362
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents  47,761  45,573  36,974
       
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Value  612,901  575,179  488,664
Securities Held to Maturity  209,777  201,328  197,622
Total Securities  822,678  776,507  686,286
       
Securities, Restricted  10,600  7,034  4,424
       
Loans Held for Investment  1,243,560  1,013,263  933,234
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses  (17,017)  (16,001)  (15,483)
Loans, net 1,226,543 997,262 917,751
Premises and Equipment, net  31,862  27,983  27,830
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets  11,560  2,224  2,238
Accrued Interest Receivable and Other Assets  65,249  40,163  26,051
Total Assets  $ 2,216,253  $ 1,896,746  $ 1,701,554
       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Demand Deposits  $ 605,456  $ 582,938  $ 487,281
Savings, NOW and Money Market Deposits  1,040,566  855,246  868,318
Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 or more  97,170  64,445  69,625
Other Time Deposits  60,061  36,450  37,800
Total Deposits  1,803,253  1,539,079  1,463,024
Federal Funds Purchased and Repurchase Agreements  52,774  75,370  52,315
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances  150,955  98,000  40,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures  16,002  16,002  16,002
Other Liabilities and Accrued Expenses  18,294  8,835  11,206
Total Liabilities  2,041,278  1,737,286  1,582,547
Total Stockholders' Equity  174,975  159,460  119,007
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity  $ 2,216,253  $ 1,896,746  $ 1,701,554
       
Selected Financial Data:      
       
Tangible Book Value Per Share  $ 14.03  $ 13.90  $ 12.62
       
Capital Ratios:      
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets) 13.2% 16.3% 14.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets) 12.1% 15.1% 12.8%
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets) 8.6% 10.3% 8.4%
       
Asset Quality:      
Loans 30-89 days past due  $ 1,159  $ 1,549  $ 1,648
Loans 90 days past due and accruing  $ 306  $ 1  $ 551
       
Non-performing loans  $ 2,230  $ 3,821  $ 4,279
Real estate owned  577  2,242  --
Non-performing assets  $ 2,807  $ 6,063  $ 4,279
       
Non-performing loans/Total loans 0.18% 0.38% 0.46%
Non-performing assets/Total assets 0.13% 0.32% 0.25%
Allowance/Non-performing loans 763.09% 418.76% 361.84%
Allowance/Total loans 1.37% 1.58% 1.66%
Allowance/Originated loans 1.45% 1.58% 1.66%
     
BRIDGE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES    
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)    
(In thousands, except per share amounts)    
                 
  Three months ended     Nine months ended    
  September 30,     September 30,    
  2014 2013     2014 2013    
                 
Interest Income  $ 19,219  $ 14,913      $ 55,307  $ 42,752    
Interest Expense  1,857  1,865      5,594  5,470    
Net Interest Income  17,362  13,048      49,713  37,282    
Provision for Loan Losses  500  500      1,700  1,650    
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses  16,862  12,548      48,013  35,632    
Other Non Interest Income  2,153  1,692      5,592  4,932    
Title Fee Income  400  357      1,183  1,041    
Net Securities Gains (Losses)  9  11      (1,119)  659    
Total Non Interest Income  2,562  2,060      5,656  6,632    
Salaries and Benefits  6,656  5,292      19,274  16,012    
Acquisition Costs and Branch Restructuring  --  338      4,734  338    
Amortization of Core Deposit Intangible  96  14      250  45    
Other Non Interest Expense  5,342  4,217      14,973  11,729    
Total Non Interest Expense  12,094  9,861      39,231  28,124    
Income Before Income Taxes  7,330  4,747      14,438  14,140    
Provision for Income Taxes  2,459  1,624      4,843  4,652    
Net Income  $ 4,871  $ 3,123      $ 9,595  $ 9,488    
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share  $ 0.42  $ 0.34      $ 0.83  $ 1.04    
Weighted Average Common Shares  11,642  9,211      11,584  9,082    
                 
Selected Financial Data:                
                 
Return on Average Total Assets 0.89% 0.71%     0.61% 0.76%    
Acquisition Costs and Branch Restructuring, Net of Tax 0.00% 0.06%     0.19% 0.02%    
Net Securities Losses (Gains), Net of Tax 0.00% 0.00%     0.05% (0.03%)    
Core Return on Average Total Assets 0.89% 0.77%     0.85% 0.75%    
                 
Return on Average Stockholders' Equity 10.83% 9.86%     7.27% 10.43%    
Acquisition Costs and Branch Restructuring, Net of Tax 0.00% 0.83%     2.34% 0.29%    
Net Securities Losses (Gains), Net of Tax -0.01% (0.03%)     0.55% (0.50%)    
Core Return on Average Stockholders' Equity 10.82% 10.66%     10.16% 10.22%    
                 
Net Interest Margin 3.45% 3.21%     3.42% 3.24%    
Core Efficiency 59.59% 61.86%     59.78% 62.83%    
Core Operating Expense as a % of Average Assets 2.21% 2.18%     2.20% 2.24%    
                 
Reconciliation of GAAP and core net income and earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
                 
  Three months ended Nine months ended
  September 30, September 30,
  2014 2013 2014 2013
                 
Net Income Reported/Diluted Earnings Per Share - (GAAP)  $ 4,871  $ 0.42  $ 3,123  $ 0.34  $ 9,595  $ 0.83  $ 9,488  $ 1.04
Adjustments:                
Acquisition Costs and Branch Restructuring, Net of Tax  --  --  $ 262  0.03  3,082  0.27  262  0.03
Net Securities (Gains) Losses, Net of Tax  (6)  --  $ (8)  --  727  0.06  (447)  (0.05)
Net Income/Diluted Earnings Per Share - Core  $ 4,865  $ 0.42  $ 3,377  $ 0.37  $ 13,404  $ 1.16  $ 9,303  $ 1.02
                 
The table above provides a reconciliation of GAAP net income and core net income (GAAP net income adjusted for acquisition costs for the FNBNY merger, and branch restructuring costs, and net securities losses/gains) and GAAP earnings per share and core earnings per share. The Company's management believes the presentation of core net income and core earnings per share provides investors with a greater understanding of the Company's operating results, in addition to the results measured in accordance with GAAP. While management uses these non-GAAP measures in its analysis of the Company's performance, this information should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with GAAP or considered to be more important than financial results determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
BRIDGE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Supplemental Financial Information
Condensed Consolidated Average Balance
Sheets And Average Rate Data (unaudited)
(In thousands)
             
  Three months ended September 30,
  2014 2013
      Average     Average
  Average   Yield/ Average   Yield/
  Balance Interest Cost Balance Interest Cost
Interest earning assets:            
Loans, net (including loan fee income)  $ 1,207,009  $ 14,997 4.93%  $ 904,889  $ 11,585 5.08%
Securities  801,939  4,433  2.19  735,050  3,595  1.94
Deposits with banks  12,404  8  0.26  8,645  7  0.32
Total interest earning assets  2,021,352  19,438  3.82  1,648,584  15,187  3.65
Non interest earning assets:            
Other Assets  149,371      84,910    
Total assets  $ 2,170,723      $ 1,733,494    
             
Interest bearing liabilities:            
Deposits  $ 1,196,502  $ 1,122 0.37%  $ 991,544  $ 1,248 0.50%
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements  81,849  149  0.72  51,933  123  0.94
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  92,443  245  1.05  46,065  153  1.32
Junior Subordinated Debentures  16,002  341  8.45  16,002  341  8.45
Total interest bearing liabilities  1,386,796  1,857  0.53  1,105,544  1,865  0.67
Non interest bearing liabilities:            
Demand deposits  587,298      493,989    
Other liabilities  18,192      8,305    
Total liabilities  1,992,286      1,607,838    
Stockholders' equity  178,437      125,656    
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $ 2,170,723      $ 1,733,494    
             
Net interest income/interest rate spread    17,581 3.29%    13,322 2.98%
             
Net interest earning assets/net interest margin  $ 634,556   3.45%  $ 543,040   3.21%
             
Less: Tax equivalent adjustment    (219)      (274)  
             
Net interest income    $ 17,362      $ 13,048  
             
             
             
BRIDGE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Supplemental Financial Information
Condensed Consolidated Average Balance
Sheets And Average Rate Data (unaudited)
(In thousands)
             
  Nine months ended September 30,
  2014 2013
      Average     Average
  Average   Yield/ Average   Yield/
  Balance Interest Cost Balance Interest Cost
Interest earning assets:            
Loans, net (including loan fee income)  $ 1,143,019  $ 42,383 4.96%  $ 860,213  $ 33,438 5.20%
Securities  818,333  13,699  2.24  707,117  10,192  1.93
Deposits with banks  11,804  23  0.26  9,332  20  0.29
Total interest earning assets  1,973,156  56,105  3.80  1,576,662  43,650  3.70
Non interest earning assets:            
Other Assets  127,963      81,724    
Total assets  $ 2,101,119      $ 1,658,386    
             
Interest bearing liabilities:            
Deposits  $ 1,148,344  $ 3,360 0.39%  $ 966,342  $ 3,832 0.53%
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements  73,460  418  0.76  57,290  373  0.87
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  113,348  792  0.93  28,222  241  1.14
Junior Subordinated Debentures  16,002  1,024  8.56  16,002  1,024  8.56
Total interest bearing liabilities  1,351,154  5,594  0.55  1,067,856  5,470  0.68
Non interest bearing liabilities:            
Demand deposits  559,379      461,645    
Other liabilities  14,229      7,214    
Total liabilities  1,924,762      1,536,715    
Stockholders' equity  176,357      121,671    
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $ 2,101,119      $ 1,658,386    
             
Net interest income/interest rate spread    50,511 3.25%    38,180 3.02%
             
Net interest earning assets/net interest margin  $ 622,002   3.42%  $ 508,806   3.24%
             
Less: Tax equivalent adjustment    (798)      (898)  
             
Net interest income    $ 49,713      $ 37,282  


            

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