Bridge Bancorp, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2013 Results

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y., Jan. 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridge Bancorp, Inc. BDGE, the parent company of The Bridgehampton National Bank (BNB), today announced fourth quarter and year end results for 2013. Highlights of the Company's financial results for the quarter and year end include:

• Core net income of $3.7 million and $.33 per share for the quarter, a 9% increase in core net income over 2012.
   
• Core net income of $13.5 million and $1.40 per share for the year 2013, a 5% increase over 2012 core net income.
   
• Returns on average assets and equity utilizing core net income for 2013 were .79% and 10.18%, respectively.
   
• Net interest income increased $6.8 million for 2013, with a net interest margin of 3.24%.
   
• Total assets of $1.9 billion at year end, 17% higher than 2012.
   
• Loan growth of 27% for 2013, with loans exceeding $1 billion at year end.
   
• Deposits of $1.54 billion at year end, a 9% increase compared to 2012.
    
• Continued solid asset quality metrics and reserve coverage.  
   
• Successful completion of a $37.5 million common stock offering following the announcement of agreement to acquire FNBNY Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, the First National Bank of New York (collectively "FNBNY").
   
• Tier 1 Capital increased by $53.6 million, over 40% higher than year end 2012.
   
• Declared a dividend of $.23 during the quarter.

"This was another year marked by significant achievements for Bridgehampton National Bank. Through organic growth, we eclipsed $1 billion in loans and $1.5 billion in deposits. In October, we announced the acquisition of, FNBNY Bancorp, increasing our franchise's scale and extending our footprint into Nassau County. Finally, we strengthened our Company with the completion of an equity offering.  Complementing these milestones was our continued strong financial performance with record levels of revenues and net income. The Company has a strong, well-capitalized balance sheet, funded by core branch deposits, positioning us to successfully fulfill our mission to be the community bank of choice for the communities we serve," commented Kevin M. O'Connor, President and CEO of Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

Net Earnings and Returns

Net income for this quarter was $3.6 million or $.32 per share, while core net income was $3.7 million or $.33 per share, a 9% increase compared to $3.4 million or $.39 per share, for the same period in 2012. Net income for 2013 was $13.1 million or $1.36 per share, while core net income was $13.5 million or $1.40 per share, a 5% increase compared to $12.8 million or $1.48 per share in 2012. Core net income reflects the quarterly and annual results adjusted for acquisition costs, net of tax, related to the FNBNY acquisition that is expected to close on February 14, 2014. The decreases in earnings per share reflect the additional 1.9 million shares issued in connection with the $37.5 million common stock offering in October 2013. Rising net income reflects the growth in earning assets generating higher levels of net interest income, offsetting increases in operating expenses.  Returns on average assets and equity for 2013 were .77% and 9.89%, respectively, while core returns on average assets and equity, were .79% and 10.18%, respectively.

Interest income grew in 2013 as average earning assets increased by 17% or $239.9 million, offsetting the reduction in the net interest margin from 3.52% to 3.24%. This decline was attributable to several factors, as the positive impact of increased loan demand and higher deposit balances were offset by the continuing impact of historically low market interest rates. Net interest margin increased in the fourth quarter to 3.25% from 3.21% in the third quarter of 2013. This improvement reflects higher yields on earning assets, primarily securities, and a reduced cost of funds associated with lower deposit costs.

The provision for loan losses was $.7 million for the quarter, $.4 million lower than the 2012 fourth quarter. For 2013, the provision was $2.4 million, a decrease of $2.6 million from 2012. Net charge-offs were $.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, a decrease from $.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 and $.8 million for 2013, a decrease from $1.4 million in 2012. These declines reflect an improving economy, increasing collateral values and stable asset quality trends.

Total non-interest income decreased $.4 million for the fourth quarter due to a $.5 million decrease in net securities gains, offset in part by higher title revenue. During the year, total non-interest income declined $1.8 million reflecting $2.0 million less in securities gains, partially offset by higher title revenue, fee income and service charges. Non-interest expense for 2013 increased in both the quarter and year due to investments in new facilities, including three new branches, enhancements to technology, additional staffing and acquisition costs.  Although non-interest expense increased in 2013, the Company's ratio of operating expenses to average assets decreased to 2.21% from 2.34% in 2012. 

"Our revenue growth reflects the benefits of the Bank's increased scale as we continue to expand our customer base, grow core deposits and provide funding for businesses and consumers in the communities we serve.  Following our agreement to acquire FNBNY, we successfully completed a 1.9 million share common equity offering adding $37.5 million in net new capital.  This new equity capital significantly increased all relevant capital ratios, and will allow us to continue to exceed all "well-capitalized" ratios following the expected 1^st quarter closing of the FNBNY acquisition. During this quarter certain profitability measures were impacted by this equity and increase in shares outstanding.  However, a strong, well-capitalized balance sheet enables us to continue executing our community banking business strategy for the long term," noted Mr. O'Connor.

Balance Sheet and Asset Quality

Total assets were $1.9 billion at year end, $272 million higher than 2012 and average assets increased $251 million or 17%. These increases reflect strong organic growth, and changes in overall asset composition, as loans increased $214.8 million or 27%, while investment securities increased $40.8 million or 5%. Earning asset growth continues to be funded principally by deposits, as these increased $129.8 million or 9% to $1.54 billion at December 2013.  Demand deposits totaled $582.9 million, $53.7 million or 10% higher than December 2012.

Asset quality measures remained strong. Loans past due 30 to 89 days declined to $1.5 million at December 2013 from $2.4 million at December 2012.  Non-performing loans at December 2013 were $3.8 million or 0.38% of total loans, compared to $3.3 million or 0.41% at December 2012. Non-performing assets increased, as we converted a $2.4 million loan through a negotiated deed in lieu of foreclosure and partial pay down into OREO, with no resulting charge-off. The allowance for loan losses increased $1.6 million to $16.0 million from $14.4 million, as of December 2012. The allowance as a percentage of total loans was 1.58% at December 2013, compared to 1.66% at September 2013, and 1.81% at December 2012.  

Stockholders' equity grew $40.8 million to $159.5 million at December 2013, compared to $118.7 million at December 2012.  The growth reflects earnings, as well as the capital raised in connection with the October 2013 common stock offering and Dividend Reinvestment Plan, partially offset by shareholders' dividends, and a decline in the fair value of available for sale investment securities.  Overall, Tier 1 Capital increased to $186.5 million, 40% higher than the December 2012 level. The Company's capital ratios continue to exceed all regulatory minimums, and the Bank remains classified as well capitalized.

FNBNY Acquisition Update

All regulatory approvals have been received in connection with the acquisition of FNBNY and a special meeting of shareholders will be held on February 12, 2014 to obtain shareholder approval of the acquisition.  Shareholders representing a majority of the FNBNY voting shares previously have entered into voting agreements to approve the acquisition, and the transaction is expected to close on Friday, February 14, 2014.

"We are excited about the anticipated February 14, 2014 closing of the FNBNY acquisition and look forward to welcoming FNBNY customers. We have been working closely on the integration with the Board, management and employees of FNBNY to ensure all our new and future customers benefit from the expanded branch network and our community banking model," 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 $1.9 billion, and a primary market area of Suffolk County, Long Island, operates 23 retail branch locations. Following the closing of the FNBNY acquisition, the combined institution will have over $2.0 billion in assets, $1.7 billion in deposits and 26 branches serving Long Island. Through this 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 Investment Services 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 tables below 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, a failure to satisfy the conditions to closing for the proposed merger with FNBNY in a timely manner or at all; disruption to the parties' businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the transaction; and difficulties related to the integration of the businesses following the merger, which could adversely affect operating results; and other factors discussed elsewhere in this report, and in other reports filed by the Company 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.