BDGE - Bridge Bancorp Inc. Reports First Quarter 2020 Results

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y., April 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: BDGE) (the “Company”), the parent company of BNB Bank (“BNB”), today announced first quarter results for 2020.

The Company's first quarter 2020 financial results included:

• Net income for the 2020 first quarter of $9.3 million, or $0.47 per diluted share.
  
• Net interest income for the 2020 first quarter increased $2.3 million over the 2019 first quarter to $36.7 million, with a tax-equivalent net interest margin of 3.26%.
  
• Total assets of $5.1 billion at March 31, 2020, 8% higher than March 31, 2019.
  
• Loan growth of $371 million, or 11%, compared to March 31, 2019, and $82 million, or 9% annualized, from December 31, 2019.
  
• Loan and line of credit originations of $220 million for the first quarter of 2020.
• Non-public, non-brokered deposit growth of $141 million, or 5%, compared to March 31, 2019, and $74 million, or 10% annualized, from December 31, 2019.
  
• Non-performing assets of $4.6 million at March 31, 2020, $1.4 million higher than March 31, 2019 and $0.2 million higher than December 31, 2019. Allowance for credit losses coverage to total loans of 1.04% at March 31, 2020.
  
• The Company adopted CECL on January 1, 2020, which resulted in a charge to retained earnings and reduction to stockholders’ equity of $1.5 million.
  
• The provision of $5.0 million included approximately $4.0 million related to our initial estimate of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  
• Purchased 179,620 shares of the Company’s common stock at a cost of $4.6 million.
  
• All capital ratios remain strong. Declared a dividend of $0.24 during the quarter.

Commenting on the first quarter results, Kevin O’Connor, President and CEO said, “We ended the first quarter with a sound foundation; our margin holding steady, fee income staying strong, and solid capital.  In addition to being well capitalized from a financial perspective, the human capital and cultural values that have developed over the Bank’s 110 year history enabled us to meet the challenges of this current crisis and continue to serve our customers and our communities. To that end, we actively participated in the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and originated over $900 million for 3,500 small businesses.” 

Net Earnings and Returns
Net income in the 2020 first quarter was $9.3 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, a decrease of $3.6 million compared to the 2019 first quarter, driven primarily by higher provision for credit losses and non-interest expense, partially offset by higher net interest income.

Returns on average assets and equity in the 2020 first quarter were 0.76% and 7.50%, respectively.  Return on average tangible common equity was 9.59% for the 2020 first quarter.

“Our reported net income of $0.47 per diluted share was impacted by a higher provision for credit losses primarily related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced earnings per share by approximately $0.15, and reduced returns on average assets, equity and tangible common equity by approximately 25 basis points, 248 basis points and 318 basis points, respectively,” noted Mr. O’Connor.

Net Interest Income
Interest income was $44.6 million in the 2020 first quarter, an increase of $0.3 million compared to the 2019 fourth quarter, primarily due to loan portfolio growth and higher average yield in the securities portfolio, partially offset by lower average yield in the loan portfolio. Interest expense was $8.0 million in the 2020 first quarter, a decrease of $0.7 million compared to the 2019 fourth quarter, primarily due to a decrease in average cost of deposits coupled with a decrease in average borrowings, partially offset by an increase in average deposits.

The tax-equivalent net interest margin was 3.26% in the 2020 first quarter, which was unchanged compared to the 2019 fourth quarter and down 3 basis points year-over-year.

Commenting on the margin Mr. O’Connor said, “Similar to last year, we reacted quickly to the Fed’s rate cuts.  Our total deposit costs dropped 12 basis points quarter-over-quarter with most of the impact in March.  In fact, for the quarter, March had the highest margin of the three months at 3.29%.” 

Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit loss expense was $5.0 million for the 2020 first quarter, $4.4 million higher than the 2019 first quarter. The higher provision was primarily attributable to higher expected credit losses due to the current projected economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company recognized net charge-offs of $0.2 million in the 2020 first quarter, which was unchanged compared to the 2019 first quarter.

“We decided to implement the new accounting standard for credit losses “CECL” and not opt to delay adoption.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we assumed near-term economic stress, which resulted in a sizable credit loss expense.  We will continue to focus on the ongoing effects of this crisis and provide accordingly. In addition, we recognized a $1.5 million charge to stockholders’ equity on January 1 for the cumulative effect of adopting this standard,” noted Mr. O’Connor.

Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income was $5.2 million for the 2020 first quarter, which was flat compared to the 2019 first quarter, primarily attributable to higher gain on sale of SBA loans, loan swap fees, and service charges and other fees, partially offset by a decrease in other income.

Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the 2020 first quarter of $24.8 million was $2.2 million higher than the 2019 first quarter. The increase in the first quarter was primarily due to higher salaries and benefits expense. Our operating expenses to average assets dropped by 10 basis points compared to the fourth quarter.

Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $2.7 million in the 2020 first quarter, a decrease of $0.7 million compared to the 2019 first quarter. The Company estimates it will record income tax at an effective tax rate of approximately 22.5% for the remainder of 2020.

Balance Sheet
Total assets were $5.1 billion at March 31, 2020, $139.4 million higher than December 31, 2019, and $385.7 million higher than March 31, 2019. Total loans held for investment at March 31, 2020 of $3.8 billion reflects growth of $371.0 million, or 11%, over March 31, 2019. Deposits totaled $4.1 billion at March 31, 2020, an increase of $330.3 million, or 9%, compared to March 31, 2019. Demand deposits increased $167.6 million year-over-year to $1.5 billion at March 31, 2020, representing 37% of total deposits.

The allowance for credit losses was $39.2 million at March 31, 2020, $7.4 million higher than March 31, 2019. The allowance as a percentage of loans was 1.04% at March 31, 2020, compared to 0.94% at March 31, 2019.

Stockholders’ equity was $493.3 million at March 31, 2020, $28.3 million higher than March 31, 2019. The growth reflects earnings, partially offset by shareholders’ dividends and stock repurchases. During the 2020 first quarter, the Company purchased 179,620 shares of its common stock under the repurchase plan at a cost of $4.6 million. Book value per share was $25.01 at March 31, 2020, $1.58 higher than March 31, 2019. Tangible book value per share was $19.46 at March 31, 2020, $1.58 higher than March 31, 2019.

Loan and Line of Credit Origination Information (unaudited)

“We continued to generate business during the first quarter through additional C&I originations. This, along with greater line usage, resulted in a net increase in C&I loans outstanding of $79 million. IPC deposits also grew accordingly. At the end of the quarter, as the pandemic’s impact became clearer, we enhanced our liquidity profile by deferring investment purchases and adding to our brokered deposits,” Mr. O’Connor said.

Asset Quality
Asset quality measures remained solid, as non-performing assets were $4.6 million, or 0.09% of total assets, at March 31, 2020, compared to $3.2 million, or 0.07% of total assets, at March 31, 2019. Non-performing assets at March 31, 2019 included $0.2 million of other real estate owned. Non-performing loans were $4.6 million, or 0.12% of total loans at March 31, 2020, compared to $3.1 million, or 0.09% of total loans at March 31, 2019.  Loans 30 to 89 days past due decreased $5.0 million to $12.9 million at March 31, 2020, compared to $17.9 million at March 31, 2019. Loans past due 90 days and accruing at March 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $0.3 million. The increase in the current quarter of 30 to 89 days past due loans is primarily comprised of several residential loans. 

Commenting on asset quality and the current environment, Mr. O’Connor stated, “Stating the obvious, we are seeing now and facing in the future, levels of economic inactivity not seen since the great depression.  This will be a challenge to our industry. We have been working with borrowers, on a case by case basis, as they seek forbearance. Where granted we are working with them assessing their cash flows and ability to service their obligations. The historical performance of our Bank, while not an indication of future performance does evidence a credit discipline to potentially weather these difficult times. Although the environment is somewhat different it is useful to note that during the financial crisis the highest level of charge-offs we experienced in a given year was 47 basis points, and the cumulative losses experienced was 143 basis points.  Also, one should note that originated LTV on our multi-family/commercial real estate portfolio is 64%.”

Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 10:00 AM (ET) to discuss the 2020 first quarter results. In addition to this press release, supplemental information regarding the Company and COVID-19 related matters will be available on the Company’s website at www.bnbbank.com under “Investor Relations” and will be filed as a Current Report on Form 8-K prior to the conference call.

Investors who would like to join the conference call are encouraged to pre-register using the following link: http://dpregister.com/10141514. Callers who pre-register will be given a unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time. Telephonic replay will be available through the Company’s website beginning approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call through Thursday, May 14, 2020.

Call and replay information are as follows:

Call Date: Thursday, April 30, 2020
Call Time: 10:00 AM (ET)
Domestic Call Dial In:  1-844-746-0738
International Call Dial In:  1-412-317-5271

Replay Domestic Dial In:  1-877-344-7529
Replay International Dial In:  1-412-317-0088
Access Code: 10141514

About Bridge Bancorp, Inc.
Bridge Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, BNB Bank. Established in 1910, BNB, with assets of approximately $5.1 billion, operates 39 branch locations serving Long Island and the greater New York metropolitan area. Through its 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., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNB, offers financial planning and investment consultation.  For more information visit www.bnbbank.com.

BNB also has a rich tradition of involvement in the community, 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 release 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,” “intends,” “may,” “outlook,” “predicts,” “projects,” “would,” “estimates,” “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, tax rates, and results of operations and business of the Company, 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.  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 BNB’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; and other risk factors discussed elsewhere, and in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic is having an adverse impact on the Company, its customers and the communities it serves. The adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, its customers and the communities where it operates may adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition for an indefinite period of time. 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)
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BRIDGE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
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BRIDGE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Highlights (unaudited)
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(1) See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure provided elsewhere herein.
(2) Average tangible common equity represents a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as average total stockholders' equity less average goodwill and intangible assets.

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(1) Tangible common equity represents a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as total stockholders' equity less goodwill and intangible assets.
(2) Tangible assets represent a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as total assets less goodwill and intangible assets.

BRIDGE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Supplemental Financial Information
Condensed Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Average Rate Data (unaudited)
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