10-K 1 isbc-12312018x10k.htm 10-K Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-K
þ
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018 or
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                     to                    
Commission File No. 001-36441
 
Investors Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Delaware
 
46-4702118
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
 
101 JFK Parkway, Short Hills, New Jersey
 
07078
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
Zip Code
(973) 924-5100
(Registrant’s telephone number)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
 
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(Title of Class)
 
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large accelerated filer
 
þ
 
 
  
Accelerated filer
o
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
o
 
 
  
Smaller reporting company
o
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
o
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ
As of February 22, 2019, the registrant had 359,070,852 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, issued and 282,238,440 shares outstanding.
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price on June 30, 2018, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $3.53 billion.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
1. Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the registrant (Part III).



INVESTORS BANCORP, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
Page
Part I.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
Part II.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
 
 
 
Part III.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
 
 
 
Part IV.
Item 15.
Item 16.
 



PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These statements may be identified by the use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.
Forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our management’s experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors (many of which are beyond our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors are outlined in Item 1A. Risk Factors herein and include, without limitation, the following:
•
the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond our control;
•
there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions;
•
changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins or affect the value of our investments;
•
changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect our business;
•
changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause our financial condition to be perceived differently;
•
general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which we do business, or conditions in the real estate or securities markets or the banking industry may be less favorable than we currently anticipate;
•
legislative or regulatory changes may adversely affect our business;
•
technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than we anticipate;
•
success or consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult or expensive than we anticipate;
•
litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, may be determined adverse to us or may delay the occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than we anticipate;
•
the risks associated with continued diversification and growth of assets and adverse changes to credit quality;
•
difficulties associated with achieving expected future financial results;
•
impact on our financial performance associated with the effective deployment of capital raised in our second step conversion offering; and
•
the risk of an economic slowdown that would adversely affect credit quality and loan originations.
We have no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.
As used in this Form 10-K, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Investors Bancorp, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary, Investors Bank. Investors Bancorp, Inc.’s electronic filings with the SEC, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as amended, are made available at no cost in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.investorsbank.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. The Company’s SEC filings are also available through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
PART I

ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
Investors Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation which became the holding company for Investors Bank (“the Bank”) in May 2014, upon the completion of the mutual-to-stock conversion of Investors Bancorp, MHC. Prior to the 2014 conversion, Investors Bancorp, MHC held 55% of Investors Bancorp’s outstanding common stock in connection with its initial public offering in October 2005, which raised net proceeds of $509.7 million. The second step conversion was completed on May 7, 2014. The Company raised net proceeds of $2.15 billion by selling a total of 219,580,695 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share in the second step stock offering and issued 1,000,000 shares of common stock and a $10.0 million cash contribution to the Investors Charitable Foundation. Concurrent with the completion of the stock offering, each share of Investors Bancorp common stock owned by public stockholders (stockholders other than Investors Bancorp, MHC) was exchanged for 2.55 shares of Company common stock. At December 31, 2018, the Company had 359,070,852 common stock issued and 286,273,114 outstanding.
The Company is subject to regulation as a bank holding company by the Federal Reserve Board. The Company neither owns nor leases any property, but instead uses the premises, equipment and furniture of the Bank. At the present time, the Company

1

employs as officers only certain persons who are also officers of the Bank and uses the support staff of the Bank from time to time. These persons are not separately compensated by the Company. The Company may hire additional employees, as appropriate, to the extent it expands its business in the future.    
The Bank is a New Jersey-chartered savings bank headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey. Originally founded in 1926 as a New Jersey-chartered mutual savings and loan association, it has grown through acquisitions and internal growth, including de novo branching. In 1992, the charter was converted to a mutual savings bank and in 1997 the charter was converted to a New Jersey-chartered stock savings bank.
The Bank is in the business of attracting deposits from the public through its branch network and by a secure online channel and borrowing funds in the wholesale markets to originate loans and to invest in securities. The Bank originates multi-family loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans, one-to four- family residential mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate, construction loans and consumer loans, the majority of which are home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and cash surrender value lending on life insurance contracts. Securities, primarily mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government and Federal Agency obligations, and other securities represented 14.0% of consolidated assets at December 31, 2018. The Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (“NJDOBI”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).
Our Business Strategy
Since the Company’s initial public offering in 2005, we have transitioned from a wholesale thrift business to a retail commercial bank. This transition has been primarily accomplished by increasing the amount of our commercial loans and core deposits (savings, checking and money market accounts). Our transformation can be attributed to a number of factors, including organic growth, de novo branch openings, bank and branch acquisitions, as well as product expansion. We believe the attractive markets we operate in, namely, New Jersey and the greater New York metropolitan area, will continue to provide us with growth opportunities. Our primary focus is to build and develop profitable customer relationships across all lines of business, both consumer and commercial.

Opportunities through Our Attractive Markets
The markets in which we operate are considered attractive banking markets within the United States, and we believe they will continue to provide us with opportunities to grow. We have expanded our franchise to include the suburbs of Philadelphia and the boroughs of New York City as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. Additionally, we have strengthened our presence in our historic markets throughout New Jersey. We accomplished this expansion through de novo growth and select bank and branch acquisitions. As a result of this growth, the Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the state of New Jersey as measured by New Jersey deposits as of June 30, 2018. The markets in which we operate are desirable from an economic and demographic perspective as they are characterized by large and dense population centers, areas of high income households and centers of robust business and commercial activity. Our competition in these markets tends to be from out-of-state headquartered money centers and super-regional financial institutions as well as smaller, local community banks. We believe that as a locally headquartered institution, situated between these extremes, we can compete and capitalize on opportunities that exist in our market area. We continue to examine our branch network to optimize our market presence, which may include branch rationalization plans.
Many of the counties we serve are projected to experience moderate to strong household income growth through 2024. Though slower population growth is projected for many of the counties we serve, it is important to note that these counties are densely populated. All of the counties we serve have a strong mature market and nearly all have median household incomes greater than the national median.
We face intense competition in making loans as well as attracting deposits in our market area. Our competition for loans and deposits comes principally from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, credit unions and insurance companies. We face additional competition for deposits from short-term money market funds, brokerage firms and mutual funds. Some of our competitors offer products and services that we currently do not offer, such as trust services and private banking. As of June 30, 2018, the latest date for which statistics are available, our market share of deposits was ranked in the top 10 of total deposits in the State of New Jersey and in the top 20 within the New York metropolitan area for all institutions.

2

Growing and Diversifying the Loan Portfolio
Our business plan has been, and will continue to be, to grow and diversify our loan portfolio. We have accomplished the majority of this growth by focusing on originating multi-family and commercial real estate loans in our market area through our New York City and New Jersey loan production offices. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we originated $1.58 billion in multi-family loans and $801.8 million in commercial real estate loans. We are focusing on growing our commercial loan portfolio because it helps to diversify the loan portfolio and reduces our interest rate exposure to mortgage-backed securities and one- to four-family mortgages.
To further diversify our loan portfolio we have increased C&I lending by building relationships with small to medium sized companies in our market area. We have hired a number of experienced C&I lending teams, including a team specializing in the healthcare industry. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we originated $957.7 million in C&I loans. A significant portion of our C&I loans are secured by commercial real estate and are primarily on properties and businesses located in New Jersey and New York. We have diversified our loan portfolio, as evidenced by the fact that commercial loans (including commercial real estate, multi-family, C&I and construction loans) represent approximately 72% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2018 as compared to December 31, 2014, when commercial loans were approximately 59% of total loans. Growing and diversifying our loan portfolio will continue to be a major focus of our business strategy going forward, however, we are mindful of concentrations as it pertains to capital.

Deposit Strategy
We are focused on generating core deposits (savings, checking and money market accounts). As of December 31, 2018, we had core deposits of $13.01 billion, representing approximately 74% of total deposits, compared to December 31, 2014 when core deposits were $9.60 billion, representing 79% of total deposits. Although recent increases in interest rates has resulted in consumer preference for and growth in time deposits, we continue to focus on the growth of core deposits as they are an attractive funding alternative because they are generally a more stable source of low cost funding and are less sensitive to changes in market interest rates. Over the same time, the percent of non-interest bearing deposits to total deposits has grown from 10% to 14%. Despite intense competition for deposits, we will continue to pursue a relationship-based approach to solving our client’s financial needs and continue to invest in branch staff training, product development, de novo branch growth based on existing market presence, as well as commercial deposit gathering efforts. Over the past few years we have developed a suite of commercial deposit and cash management products, designed to appeal to small and mid-sized businesses and non-profit organizations including electronic deposit services such as remote deposit capture. Mobile and online banking services have also been developed to serve our customers’ needs and adapt to a changing environment. We will continue to enhance our digital capabilities as a way to stay connected to our customers.
Our deposit business has become more commercial oriented over the past few years as we attract more deposits from commercial entities, including most of the businesses that borrow from us. The Bank has become one of the largest depositories for government and municipal deposits in New Jersey, which provides us with an additional funding source. Our branch network, concentrated in markets with attractive demographics and a high density population, will continue to provide us with opportunities to grow and improve our deposit base.

Acquisitions
A significant portion of our historic growth can be attributed to our acquisition strategy. Through 2014 we completed eight bank or branch acquisitions. Our acquisition of Gateway Community Financial Corp was completed in January 2014, with $254.7 million of deposits and 4 branches in Gloucester County, NJ and our acquisition of Roma Financial Corporation was completed in December 2013, with $1.34 billion of deposits and 26 branches in the Philadelphia suburbs of New Jersey. Although management evaluates a number of factors when considering an acquisition, we have maintained a fundamental focus on preserving tangible book value per share. Acquisitions have provided us with the opportunity to grow our business, expand our geographic footprint and improve our financial performance. We intend to continue to evaluate potential acquisition opportunities that may present themselves in the future while maintaining the financial and pricing discipline that we have adhered to in the past.
On February 2, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of a $345.8 million equipment finance portfolio. The acquisition included a seven-person team of financing professionals to lead the Company’s Equipment Finance Group, which is a part of the Company’s business lending group and is classified within our C&I loan portfolio.

Capital Management
Capital management is a key component of our business strategy. We raised net proceeds of $2.15 billion in equity in May 2014 upon the completion of the second step mutual conversion. As of December 31, 2018, our tangible equity to asset ratio was 11.12%. Since our second step, we have managed our capital through a combination of organic growth, stock repurchases and dividends. In March 2015 we received approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to commence

3

a 5% buyback program and announced our first share repurchase program. Subsequently we announced three additional repurchase programs each authorizing a 10% buyback program. Since receiving approval in March 2015 we have repurchased 87.8 million shares totaling $1.06 billion at an average price of $12.12.
Beginning in September of 2012, we began to pay a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share. Since then our quarterly dividend has increased to $0.11 per share. For the year ended December 31, 2018 our dividend payout ratio per share was approximately 53% which included a 22% dividend increase in the fourth quarter of 2018 to $0.11 per share.

Involvement in Our Communities
The Bank proudly promotes a higher quality of life in the communities it serves in New Jersey and New York through employee volunteer efforts and our Charitable Foundations. Employees are continually encouraged to become leaders in their communities and use the Bank’s support to help others. Through the Investors Charitable Foundation, established in 2005, and the Roma Charitable Foundation, which we acquired in December 2013, the Bank has contributed or committed $33.9 million in donations to enrich the lives of New Jersey and New York citizens by supporting initiatives in the arts, education, youth development, affordable housing, and health and human services.
Community involvement is one of the principal values of the Bank and provides our staff with a meaningful ability to help others. We believe these efforts contribute to creating a culture at the Bank that promotes high employee morale while enhancing the presence of the Bank in our local markets. We continue to look for opportunities to help the communities we serve and in 2018 participated in the State of New Jersey’s Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program with a $1.3 million charitable contribution.
Lending Activities
Our loan portfolio is comprised of multi-family loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, C&I loans, residential mortgage loans and consumer and other loans. At December 31, 2018, multi-family loans totaled $8.17 billion, or 37.8% of our total loan portfolio, commercial real estate loans totaled $4.79 billion, or 22.1% of our total loan portfolio, C&I loans totaled $2.39 billion, or 11.1% of our total loan portfolio, and construction loans totaled $227.0 million, or 1.1% of our total loan portfolio. Residential mortgage loans represented $5.35 billion, or 24.8% of our total loans at December 31, 2018. We also offer consumer loans, which consist primarily of home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and cash surrender value lending on life insurance contracts. At December 31, 2018, consumer and other loans totaled $707.9 million, or 3.3% of our total loan portfolio.

4

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan. Commercial loans are comprised of multi-family loans, commercial real estate loans, C&I loans and construction loans. Our primary focus over recent years has been on the origination of commercial loans.

 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Amount
%
 
Amount
%
 
Amount
%
 
Amount
%
 
Amount
%
 
 
(Dollars in thousands )
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
$
8,165,187

37.75
%
$
7,802,835

38.84
%
$
7,459,131

39.65
%
$
6,255,904

37.04
%
$
5,049,114

33.44
%
Commercial real estate loans
4,786,825

22.13
 
4,548,101

22.64
 
4,452,300

23.67
 
3,829,099

22.67
 
3,147,153

20.84
 
Commercial and industrial loans
2,389,756

11.05
 
1,625,375

8.09
 
1,275,283

6.78
 
1,044,385

6.18
 
544,458

3.61
 
Construction loans
227,015

1.05
 
416,883

2.07
 
314,843

1.67
 
225,843

1.34
 
148,396

0.98
 
Total commercial loans
15,568,783

71.98
 
14,393,194

71.64
 
13,501,557

71.77
 
11,355,231

67.23
 
8,889,121

58.87
 
Residential mortgage loans
5,351,115

24.75
 
5,026,517

25.02
 
4,711,880

25.05
 
5,039,543

29.83
 
5,769,477

38.21
 
Consumer and other loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity loans
114,207

0.53
 
137,964

0.69
 
161,356

0.86
 
201,063

1.19
 
222,871

1.48
 
Home equity credit lines
246,198

1.14
 
251,654

1.25
 
240,518

1.28
 
220,357

1.30
 
200,066

1.32
 
Other
347,461

1.60
 
281,519

1.40
 
195,391

1.04
 
75,136

0.45
 
18,017

0.12
 
Total consumer and other loans
707,866

3.27
 
671,137

3.34
 
597,265

3.18
 
496,556

2.94
 
440,954

2.92
 
Total loans
$
21,627,764

100.00
%
$
20,090,848

100.00
%
$
18,810,702

100.00
%
$
16,891,330

100.00
%
$
15,099,552

100.00
%
Deferred fees, premiums and other, net (1)
(13,811
)
 
 
(7,778
)
 
 
(12,474
)
 
 
(11,692
)
 
 
(11,698
)
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(235,817
)
 
 
(230,969
)
 
 
(228,373
)
 
 
(218,505
)
 
 
(200,284
)
 
 
Net loans
$
21,378,136

 
 
$
19,852,101

 
 
$
18,569,855

 
 
$
16,661,133

 
 
$
14,887,570

 
 
(1) Included in deferred fees and premiums are accretable purchase accounting adjustments in connection with loans acquired and an adjustment to the carrying amount of the residential loans hedged.



5

    Portfolio Maturities. The following table summarizes the scheduled repayments of our loan portfolio based on contractual maturity or next repricing date, including PCI loans at December 31, 2018. Overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less.
 
 
At December 31, 2018
 
Multi-Family Loans
 
Commercial
Real Estate Loans
 
Commercial and
Industrial Loans
 
Construction
Loans
 
Residential
Mortgage Loans
 
Consumer  and
Other Loans
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Amounts Due:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One year or less
$
423,892

 
$
384,573

 
$
509,788

 
$
157,596

 
$
285,638

 
$
132,371

 
$
1,893,858

After one year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One to three years
2,014,655

 
964,314

 
377,285

 
69,419

 
331,900

 
198,013

 
3,955,586

Three to five years
2,856,370

 
1,674,960

 
429,232

 
—

 
325,979

 
98,204

 
5,384,745

Five to ten years
2,480,563

 
1,359,820

 
753,424

 
—

 
1,102,536

 
56,116

 
5,752,459

Ten to twenty years
389,707

 
403,158

 
281,877

 
—

 
750,568

 
57,925

 
1,883,235

Over twenty years
—

 
—

 
38,150

 
—

 
2,554,494

 
165,237

 
2,757,881

Total due after one year
7,741,295

 
4,402,252

 
1,879,968

 
69,419

 
5,065,477

 
575,495

 
19,733,906

Total loans
$
8,165,187

 
$
4,786,825

 
$
2,389,756

 
$
227,015

 
$
5,351,115

 
$
707,866

 
$
21,627,764

Deferred fees, premiums and other, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(13,811
)
Allowance for loan losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(235,817
)
Net loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
21,378,136


The following table sets forth fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2018 that are contractually due after December 31, 2019.
 
 
Due After December 31, 2019
 
Fixed
 
Adjustable
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
$
2,614,380

 
$
5,126,915

 
$
7,741,295

Commercial real estate loans
1,391,663

 
3,010,589

 
4,402,252

Commercial and industrial loans
1,390,009

 
489,959

 
1,879,968

Construction loans
69,419

 
—

 
69,419

Total commercial loans
5,465,471

 
8,627,463

 
14,092,934

Residential mortgage loans
3,667,384

 
1,398,093

 
5,065,477

Consumer and other loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity loans
112,597

 
—

 
112,597

Home equity credit lines
—

 
190,435

 
190,435

Other
576

 
271,887

 
272,463

Total consumer and other loans
113,173

 
462,322

 
575,495

Total loans
$
9,246,028

 
$
10,487,878

 
$
19,733,906

Multi-family Loans. At December 31, 2018, $8.17 billion, or 37.8%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of multi-family loans. Our policy generally has been to originate multi-family loans in New York, New Jersey and surrounding states. The multi-family loans in our portfolio consist of both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, which were originated at prevailing market rates. Multi-family loans are generally five to fifteen year term balloon loans amortized over fifteen to thirty years.
Commercial Real Estate Loans. At December 31, 2018, $4.79 billion, or 22.1%, of our total loan portfolio was commercial real estate loans. We originate commercial real estate loans in New Jersey, New York and surrounding states, which are secured by industrial properties, retail buildings, office buildings and other commercial properties. Commercial real estate loans in our portfolio consist of both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans which were originated at prevailing market rates. Commercial real estate loans are generally five to fifteen year term balloon loans amortized over fifteen to thirty years.

6

Commercial and Industrial Loans. At December 31, 2018, $2.39 billion, or 11.1%, of our total loan portfolio were classified as C&I loans. We offer a wide range of credit facilities to C&I clients throughout our geographic footprint. Our credit offerings are lines of credit, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate term loans and letters of credit. A significant portion of our C&I loans are secured by commercial real estate and are primarily properties and businesses located in New Jersey and New York. Other collateral for these types of loans can be comprised of real estate, equipment and/or a lien on the general assets, including inventory and receivables of the underlying business, and in many cases are further supported by a personal guarantee of the owner. As the Company and our footprint have grown, we have broadened our product offerings to create certain C&I lending subspecialties, including expanded lending to the healthcare industry. Included in the Company’s C&I loans were $107.0 million of loans to cooperative housing corporations and groups (“Co-Op loans”). In February 2018, we completed the acquisition of a $345.8 million equipment finance portfolio, comprised of both loans and leases, which is classified within our C&I portfolio and are primarily secured by critical use assets. In connection with the acquisition, we launched an Equipment Finance Group within our C&I team.
Construction Loans.  At December 31, 2018, we held $227.0 million in construction loans representing 1.1% of our total loan portfolio. We offer loans directly to owners and developers on income-producing properties and residential for-sale housing units. Generally, construction loans are structured to have a three-year term and are made in amounts of up to 70% of the appraised value of the completed property, or a maximum up to the cost of the improvements. Funds are disbursed based on inspections in accordance with a schedule reflecting the completion of portions of the project. Construction financing for units to be sold require a pre-sale contract or we will limit the amount of speculative building without a sales contract.
Residential Mortgage Loans. At December 31, 2018, $5.35 billion, or 24.8%, of our loan portfolio consisted of residential mortgage loans. Residential mortgage loans are originated by our mortgage subsidiary, Investors Home Mortgage, for our loan portfolio and for sale to third parties. We also purchase mortgage loans from correspondent entities including other banks and mortgage brokers. Our agreements call for these correspondent entities to originate loans that adhere to our underwriting standards. In most cases, we acquire the loans with servicing rights.
We offer various loan programs to provide financing for low-and moderate-income home buyers, some of which include down payment assistance for home purchases. Through these programs, qualified individuals receive a reduced rate of interest on most of our loan programs and have their application fee refunded at closing, as well as other incentives if certain conditions are met.
Consumer and Other Loans. At December 31, 2018, consumer and other loans totaled $707.9 million, or 3.3% of our total loan portfolio. We offer consumer loans, most of which consist of home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and cash surrender value lending on life insurance contracts. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit are secured by residences primarily located in New Jersey and New York. Home equity loans are offered with fixed rates of interest, with terms generally up to 20 years and to a maximum of $750,000. Home equity lines of credit have adjustable rates of interest, indexed to the prime rate.
At December 31, 2018, cash surrender value loans totaled $344.6 million, or 49% of consumer and other loans. Acceptable credit history and FICO scores are reviewed along with the evaluation of the financial rating of the insurance carrier.
Loan Originations and Purchases. The following table shows our loan originations, loan purchases and repayment activities with respect to our portfolio of loans receivable for the periods indicated. Origination, sale and repayment activities with respect to our loans-held-for-sale are excluded from the table.

7

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Loan originations and purchases
 
 
 
 
 
Loan originations:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
$
1,583,196

 
$
1,164,910

 
$
2,162,447

Commercial real estate loans
801,784

 
705,107

 
1,078,601

Commercial and industrial loans
957,722

 
663,433

 
608,899

Construction loans
104,530

 
414,183

 
451,505

Total commercial loans
3,447,232

 
2,947,633

 
4,301,452

Residential mortgage loans
593,642

 
516,532

 
523,342

Consumer and other loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity loans
9,993

 
16,781

 
14,614

Home equity credit lines
31,184

 
36,505

 
145,147

Other
69,277

 
79,717

 
100,262

Total consumer and other loans
110,454

 
133,003

 
260,023

Total loan originations
4,151,328

 
3,597,168

 
5,084,817

Loan purchases:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial loans
66,072

 
—

 
—

Total commercial loans
66,072

 
—

 
—

Residential mortgage loans
447,968

 
540,898

 
141,562

Total loan purchases
514,040

 
540,898

 
141,562

Loans sold
—

 
(48,099
)
 
(9,752
)
Principal repayments
(3,472,097
)
 
(2,809,630
)
 
(3,302,545
)
Other items, net (1)
2,017

 
1,909

 
(5,360
)
Net loans acquired in acquisition
330,747

 
—

 
—

Net increase in loan portfolio
$
1,526,035

 
$
1,282,246

 
$
1,908,722

 
(1) Other items include charge-offs and recoveries, loan loss provisions, loans transferred to other real estate owned, amortization and accretion of deferred fees and costs, discounts and premiums, purchase accounting adjustments, and an adjustment to the carrying amount of the residential loans hedged.
Credit Policy and Procedures
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. The credit approval process provides for prompt and thorough underwriting and approval or decline of loan requests. The approval method used is a hierarchy of individual credit authorities for new credit requests and renewals. All credit actions require a total of two signatures, one from the Bank’s business line and one from the Bank’s credit risk management group. Transactions exceeding certain thresholds are submitted to the Bank’s Credit Approval Committee for decision. Our credit authority standards and limits are reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors. Approval limits are established on criteria such as the risk associated with each credit action, amount, and aggregate credit exposure of a borrower. The Bank’s Credit Risk Committee approves authorities for lending and credit personnel, which are ultimately submitted to our Board for ratification. Credit authorities are based on position, capability, and experience of the individuals.
Loans to One Borrower. The Bank’s regulatory limit on total loans to any one borrower or attributed to any one borrower is 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus. As of December 31, 2018, the regulatory lending limit was $434.5 million. The Bank’s internal policy limit is $150.0 million, with exceptions to this policy communicated to the Board of Directors. The Bank reviews these group exposures on a regular basis. The Bank also sets additional limits on size of loans by loan type. At December 31, 2018, there were two relationships with an individual borrower and its related entities that exceeded the internal limit totaling $184.6 million. Both were communicated to the Board of Directors and were performing in accordance with their contractual terms as of December 31, 2018.


8

Asset Quality. One of the Bank’s key operating objectives has been, and continues to be, maintaining a high level of asset quality. The Bank maintains sound credit standards for new loan originations and purchases. We do not originate or purchase sub-prime loans, negative amortization loans or option ARM loans. Our portfolio contains interest-only and no income verification residential mortgage loans. At December 31, 2018, interest-only residential and consumer loans represented less than 1% of the residential and consumer portfolio. From time to time and for competitive purposes, we originate interest-only commercial real estate and multi-family loans. As of December 31, 2018, these loans represented less than 10% of the total commercial loan portfolio. We maintain stricter underwriting criteria for these interest-only loans than for amortizing loans. We believe these criteria adequately control the potential exposure to such risks and that adequate provisions for loan losses are provided for all known and inherent risks.
The underlying credit quality of our loan portfolio is dependent primarily on each borrower’s continued ability to make required loan payments and, in the event a borrower is unable to do so, is dependent on the value of the collateral securing the loan, if any. A borrower’s ability to pay is typically dependent on employment and other sources of income in the case of one-to four-family mortgage loans and consumer loans. In the case of multi-family and commercial real estate loans, repayment is dependent on the cash flow generated by the property; in the case of C&I loans, on the cash flows generated by the business, which in turn is impacted by general economic conditions. Other factors, such as unanticipated expenditures or changes in the financial markets, may also impact a borrower’s ability to pay. Collateral values, particularly real estate values, may also be impacted by a variety of factors including general economic conditions, demographics, maintenance and collection or foreclosure delays.
Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans. Purchased Credit-Impaired (“PCI”) loans are loans acquired at a discount, due in part to credit quality. PCI loans are accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality”, and are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance (i.e., the allowance for loan losses). As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, PCI loans totaled $4.5 million and $8.3 million, respectively.



9

Delinquent Loans. The following table sets forth our loan delinquencies by type and by amount at the dates indicated, excluding loans classified as PCI.
 
 
Loans Delinquent For
 
 
 
 
 
60-89 Days
 
90 Days and Over
 
Total
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
At December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
1

 
$
2,572

 
13

 
$
33,683

 
14

 
$
36,255

Commercial real estate loans
2

 
3,511

 
13

 
2,415

 
15

 
5,926

Commercial and industrial loans
5

 
867

 
7

 
4,560

 
12

 
5,427

Construction loans
—

 
—

 
1

 
227

 
1

 
227

Total commercial loans
8

 
6,950

 
34

 
40,885

 
42

 
47,835

Residential mortgage loans
31

 
7,712

 
168

 
39,255

 
199

 
46,967

Consumer and other loans
8

 
1,650

 
43

 
2,830

 
51

 
4,480

Total
47

 
$
16,312

 
245

 
$
82,970

 
292

 
$
99,282

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
2

 
$
7,652

 
1

 
$
203

 
3

 
$
7,855

Commercial real estate loans
2

 
778

 
16

 
11,519

 
18

 
12,297

Commercial and industrial loans
—

 
—

 
2

 
75

 
2

 
75

Construction loans
1

 
295

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
295

Total commercial loans
5

 
8,725

 
19

 
11,797

 
24

 
20,522

Residential mortgage loans
42

 
8,739

 
260

 
54,900

 
302

 
63,639

Consumer and other loans
14

 
521

 
83

 
5,755

 
97

 
6,276

Total
61

 
$
17,985

 
362

 
$
72,452

 
423

 
$
90,437

Non-Performing Assets. Non-performing assets include loans delinquent 90 days or more, non-accrual loans, performing troubled debt restructurings and real estate owned, and excludes PCI loans. Loans are classified as non-accrual when they are delinquent 90 days or more or if management has specific information that it is probable they will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We did not have any loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest at December 31, 2018 and 2017. Non-accrual loans decreased by $10.8 million to $124.9 million at December 31, 2018 from $135.7 million at December 31, 2017. Included in the amount of non-accrual loans at December 31, 2018 were $7.1 million of commercial real estate loans and $4.2 million of C&I loans that were classified as non-accrual which were performing in accordance with their contractual terms. Included in the amount of non-accrual loans at December 31, 2017 were $13.9 million of multi family loans, $7.7 million of commercial real estate loans and $8.1 million of commercial and industrial loans that were classified as non-accrual which were performing in accordance with their contractual terms. During 2017, the Company sold $48.1 million of non-performing commercial real estate and multi-family loans from one relationship, resulting in no charge-offs. There were no sales of non-performing loans during 2018.
The ratio of non-accrual loans to total loans decreased to 0.58% at December 31, 2018 from 0.68% at December 31, 2017. Our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets decreased to 0.55% at December 31, 2018 from 0.61% at December 31, 2017. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-accrual loans increased to 188.78% at December 31, 2018 from 170.17% at December 31, 2017. For further discussion of our non-performing assets and non-performing loans and the allowance for loan losses, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-performing assets excluding PCI loans at the dates indicated.
 

10

 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
$
33,940

 
$
14,978

 
$
482

 
$
3,467

 
$
2,989

Commercial real estate loans
12,391

 
34,043

 
9,205

 
10,820

 
13,940

Commercial and industrial loans
19,394

 
9,989

 
4,659

 
9,225

 
2,903

Construction loans
227

 
295

 
—

 
792

 
4,345

Total commercial loans
65,952

 
59,305

 
14,346

 
24,304

 
24,177

Residential mortgage loans
55,612

 
70,220

 
72,593

 
81,816

 
79,971

Consumer and other loans
3,349

 
6,202

 
7,335

 
9,306

 
4,211

Total non-accrual loans
124,913

 
135,727

 
94,274

 
115,426

 
108,359

Real estate owned
6,911

 
5,830

 
4,492

 
6,283

 
7,839

Performing troubled debt restructurings
13,620

 
10,957

 
9,445

 
22,489

 
35,624

Total non-performing assets
$
145,444

 
$
152,514

 
$
108,211

 
$
144,198

 
$
151,822

Total non-accrual loans to total loans
0.58
%
 
0.68
%
 
0.50
%
 
0.68
%
 
0.72
%
Total non-performing assets to total assets
0.55
%
 
0.61
%
 
0.47
%
 
0.69
%
 
0.81
%
 
At December 31, 2018, there were $47.8 million of loans deemed troubled debt restructured loans, of which $13.6 million were classified as accruing and $34.2 million were classified as non-accrual. For the year ended December 31, 2018, interest income that would have been recorded had our non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms amounted to $4.1 million. We recognized interest income of $1.6 million on such loans for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Other Real Estate Owned. Real estate we acquire as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as other real estate owned (“REO”) until sold. When property is acquired it is recorded at fair value at the date of foreclosure less estimated costs to sell the property. Holding costs and declines in fair value result in charges to expense after acquisition. At December 31, 2018, we had REO of $6.9 million consisting of 30 residential properties and 3 commercial properties.
Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide that loans and other assets of lesser quality should be classified as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss” assets. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. An asset classified as “doubtful” has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard with the added characteristic the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable. An asset classified as “loss” is considered uncollectible and of such little value that its continuance on the institution’s books as an asset without the establishment of a specific valuation allowance or charge-off is not warranted. We classify an asset as “special mention” if the asset has a potential weakness that warrants management’s close attention. While such assets are not impaired or classified assets, management has concluded that if the potential weakness in the asset is not addressed, the value of the asset may deteriorate, adversely affecting the repayment of the asset.
We are required to establish an allowance for loan losses in an amount that management considers prudent for loans classified substandard or doubtful, as well as for other problem loans. General allowances represent loss allowances, which have been established to recognize the inherent losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When we classify problem assets as “loss,” we are required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of the amount of the asset so classified or to charge off such amount. Our determination as to the classification of our assets and the amount of our valuation allowances is subject to review by the NJDOBI and the FDIC, which can require that we establish additional general or specific loss allowances.
We review the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. Not all classified assets constitute non-performing assets.
Impaired Loans. The Company defines an impaired loan as a loan for which it is probable, based on current information, that the lender will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company evaluates commercial loans with an outstanding balance greater than $1.0 million and on non-accrual status, loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), and other commercial loans with an outstanding balance greater than $1.0 million if management has specific information that it is probable they will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement for impairment. Impaired loans are individually evaluated to determine that the loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the fair value

11

of the collateral or the present value of the expected future cash flows. Smaller balance homogeneous loans are evaluated for impairment collectively unless they are modified in a TDR. Such loans include residential mortgage loans, consumer loans, and loans not meeting the Company’s definition of impaired, and are specifically excluded from impaired loans. At December 31, 2018, loans meeting the Company’s definition of an impaired loan totaled $86.7 million. The allowance for loan losses related to loans classified as impaired at December 31, 2018, amounted to $2.2 million. Interest income received during the year ended December 31, 2018 on loans classified as impaired totaled $904,000. For further detail on our impaired loans, see Note 1 and Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 15 - Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.”
Allowance for Loan Losses
Our allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level necessary to absorb loan losses that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In determining the allowance for loan losses, management considers the losses inherent in our loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of loan activities, along with the general economic and real estate market conditions. A description of our methodology in establishing our allowance for loan losses is set forth in the section “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies — Allowance for Loan Losses.” The allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2018 is maintained at a level that represents management’s best estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio. However, this analysis process is inherently subjective, as it requires us to make estimates that may be susceptible to significant revisions based upon changes in economic and real estate market conditions. Although we believe we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, additions may be necessary if the current economic environment deteriorates.
As an integral part of their examination processes, the NJDOBI and the FDIC will periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

12

Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance balance (beginning of period)
$
230,969

 
$
228,373

 
$
218,505

 
$
200,284

 
$
173,928

Provision for loan losses
12,000

 
16,250

 
19,750

 
26,000

 
37,500

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
(2,603
)
 
(6
)
 
(161
)
 
(284
)
 
(323
)
Commercial real estate loans
(7,200
)
 
(8,072
)
 
(455
)
 
(1,021
)
 
(6,147
)
Commercial and industrial loans
(7,078
)
 
(5,656
)
 
(4,485
)
 
(516
)
 
(2,447
)
Construction loans
—

 
(100
)
 
(52
)
 
(466
)
 
(640
)
Residential mortgage loans
(5,246
)
 
(4,875
)
 
(9,425
)
 
(9,526
)
 
(7,715
)
Consumer and other loans
(1,963
)
 
(500
)
 
(419
)
 
(403
)
 
(972
)
Total charge-offs
(24,090
)
 
(19,209
)
 
(14,997
)
 
(12,216
)
 
(18,244
)
Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
17

 
1,677

 
1,885

 
445

 
3,784

Commercial real estate loans
5,213

 
549

 
689

 
807

 
201

Commercial and industrial loans
9,478

 
200

 
541

 
295

 
516

Construction loans
—

 
—

 
267

 
317

 
799

Residential mortgage loans
2,193

 
2,816

 
1,631

 
2,295

 
1,783

Consumer and other loans
37

 
313

 
102

 
278

 
17

Total recoveries
16,938

 
5,555

 
5,115

 
4,437

 
7,100

Net charge-offs
(7,152
)
 
(13,654
)
 
(9,882
)
 
(7,779
)
 
(11,144
)
Allowance balance (end of period)
$
235,817

 
$
230,969

 
$
228,373

 
$
218,505

 
$
200,284

Total loans outstanding
$
21,627,764

 
$
20,090,848

 
$
18,810,702

 
$
16,891,330

 
$
15,099,552

Average loans outstanding
20,498,857

 
19,414,842

 
17,479,932

 
15,716,010

 
13,776,250

Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans outstanding
1.09
%
 
1.15
%
 
1.21
%
 
1.29
%
 
1.33
%
Net loans charged off as a percent of average loans outstanding
0.03
%
 
0.07
%
 
0.06
%
 
0.05
%
 
0.08
%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans (1)
170.22
%
 
157.46
%
 
220.18
%
 
158.43
%
 
139.10
%

(1) Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans and performing TDRs.

13

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.
 
 
December 31,
 
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
 
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total  Loans
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total  Loans
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total  Loans
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total  Loans
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
(Dollars in thousands)
End of period allocated to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
$
82,876

37.7
%
$
81,469

38.9
%
$
95,561

39.6
%
$
88,223

37.0
%
$
71,147

33.4
%
Commercial real estate loans
48,449

22.1

56,137

22.6

52,796

23.7

46,999

22.7

44,030

20.8

Commercial and industrial loans
71,084

11.1

54,563

8.1

43,492

6.8

40,585

6.2

20,759

3.6

Construction loans
7,486

1.1

11,609

2.1

11,653

1.7

6,794

1.3

6,488

1.0

Residential mortgage loans
20,776

24.7

21,835

25.0

19,831

25.0

31,443

29.8

47,936

38.2

Consumer and other loans
3,102

3.3

3,099

3.3

2,850

3.2

3,155

2.9

3,347

2.9

Unallocated
2,044

 
2,257

 
2,190

 
1,306

 
6,577

 
Total allowance
$
235,817

100.0
%
$
230,969

100.0
%
$
228,373

100.0
%
$
218,505

100.0
%
$
200,284

100.0
%
Securities
The Board of Directors has adopted our Investment Policy. This policy determines the types of securities in which we may invest. The Investment Policy is reviewed annually by management and changes to the policy are recommended to and subject to approval by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors delegates operational responsibility for the implementation of the Investment Policy to the Asset Liability Committee, which is primarily comprised of senior officers. While general investment strategies are developed by the Asset Liability Committee, the execution of specific actions rests primarily with our Treasurer. The Treasurer is responsible for ensuring the guidelines and requirements included in the Investment Policy are followed and all securities are considered prudent for investment. Investment transactions are reviewed and ratified by the Board of Directors at their regularly scheduled meetings.
Our Investment Policy requires that investment transactions conform to Federal and New Jersey State investment regulations. Our investments purchased may include, but are not limited to, U.S. Treasury obligations, securities issued by various Federal Agencies, State and Municipal subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, certain certificates of deposit of insured financial institutions, overnight and short-term loans to other banks, investment grade corporate debt instruments, and mutual funds. In addition, the Company may invest in equity securities subject to certain limitations.
The Investment Policy requires that securities transactions be conducted in a safe and sound manner. Purchase and sale decisions are based upon a thorough pre-purchase analysis of each instrument to determine if it conforms to our overall asset/liability management objectives. The analysis must consider its effect on our risk-based capital measurement, prospects for yield and/or appreciation and other risk factors.
In December 2013, regulatory agencies adopted a rule on the treatment of certain collateralized debt obligations backed by trust preferred securities to implement sections of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), known as the Volcker Rule. At December 31, 2018, none of our securities were deemed to be a covered fund under the Volcker Rule.

14

At December 31, 2018, our securities portfolio totaled $3.68 billion representing 14.0% of our total assets. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale when purchased. At December 31, 2018, $1.56 billion of our debt securities were classified as held-to-maturity and reported at amortized cost and $2.12 billion were classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. We purchase mortgage-backed pass through and collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) securities insured or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (government-sponsored enterprises) and Ginnie Mae (government agency), and to a lesser extent, a variety of federal and state housing authorities (collectively referred to below as “agency-issued mortgage-backed securities”). At December 31, 2018, agency-issued mortgage-backed securities including CMOs, totaled $3.56 billion, or 96.7%, of our total securities portfolio. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received proceeds of $632.4 million on the sale of lower yielding mortgage-backed securities from the available-for-sale portfolio resulting in gross realized losses of $32.8 million. Proceeds from the sale were reinvested in higher yielding mortgage-backed securities.
Actual cash flows on mortgage-backed securities may differ from estimated cash flows over the life of the security, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such instruments that can change the net yield on such securities. There is also reinvestment risk associated with the cash flows from such securities. The fair value of such securities may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates and/or other market variables.
Our mortgage-backed securities portfolio had a weighted average yield of 2.25% for the year ended December 31, 2018. The estimated fair value of our mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2018 was $3.53 billion, which is $44.8 million less than the carrying value. The decrease to the fair value is attributed to an increase in interest rates during 2018.
We also may invest in securities issued by non-agency or private mortgage originators, provided those securities are rated AAA by nationally recognized rating agencies and satisfactorily pass an internal credit review at the time of purchase. Currently, the Company does not hold any non-agency mortgage-backed securities in its portfolio.
Corporate and Other Debt Securities. Our corporate and other debt securities portfolio primarily consists of collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) backed by pooled trust preferred securities (“TruPS”), principally issued by banks and to a lesser extent insurance companies and real estate investment trusts. The interest rates on these securities are indexed to the 3-month LIBOR rate and reset quarterly. These securities have been classified in the held-to-maturity portfolio since their purchase. At December 31, 2018, corporate and other debt securities totaled $50.4 million, or 1.37%, of our total securities portfolio.
At December 31, 2018, the TruPS portfolio had a carrying value of $45.4 million, or 1.23% of our total securities portfolio, and a fair value of $82.0 million with none of the securities in an unrealized loss position. Throughout the year we engage an independent valuation firm to assist us in valuing our TruPS portfolio and the related other-than temporary impairment, or OTTI, analysis. At December 31, 2018, management deemed that the present value of projected cash flows for each security was greater than the book value and we did not recognize any OTTI charges for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received proceeds of $7.3 million from the payoff and paydown of TruPS which resulted in $3.2 million of interest income from securities, as well as a gain of $1.2 million recognized as non-interest income. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company received proceeds of $3.1 million from the liquidation of one TruP security. As a result, $1.9 million was recognized as interest income from securities. There was no liquidation of TruPS for the year ended December 31, 2016.
We continue to closely monitor the performance of our CDO portfolio as well as the events surrounding this segment of the market. We will continue to evaluate for other-than-temporary impairment, which could result in a future non-cash charge to earnings.
Municipal Bonds.  At December 31, 2018, we had $25.5 million in municipal bonds which represents 0.69% of our total securities portfolio. These bonds are comprised of $21.5 million in short-term Bond Anticipation or Tax Anticipation notes and $4.0 million of longer term New Jersey Revenue Bonds.

Government Sponsored Enterprises. At December 31, 2018, debt securities issued by Government Sponsored Enterprises held in our security portfolio totaled $41.3 million representing 1.12% of our total securities portfolio.
Equity Securities. At December 31, 2018, we had $5.8 million in equity securities representing 0.16% of our total securities portfolio. Equity securities are not insured or guaranteed investments and are affected by market interest rates and stock market fluctuations. Such investments are carried at their fair value with fluctuations in the fair value of such investments, including temporary declines in value, reflected in the consolidated income statement.

15

Securities Portfolios. The following table sets forth the composition of our investment securities portfolios at the dates indicated.
 
At December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Equity securities
$
5,001

 
5,793

 
4,911

 
5,701

 
5,825

 
6,660

Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal National Mortgage Association
$
980,546

 
968,556

 
1,322,255

 
1,303,576

 
1,022,383

 
1,008,587

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
988,348

 
986,650

 
649,060

 
640,242

 
603,774

 
598,439

Government National Mortgage Association
165,211

 
166,956

 
39,577

 
38,208

 
47,538

 
46,747

Total mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale
2,134,105

 
2,122,162

 
2,010,892

 
1,982,026

 
1,673,695

 
1,653,773

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
2,134,105

 
2,122,162

 
2,010,892

 
1,982,026

 
1,673,695

 
1,653,773

Held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government sponsored enterprises
$
41,258

 
40,022

 
43,281

 
42,596

 
2,128

 
2,140

Municipal bonds
25,513

 
26,455

 
40,595

 
41,846

 
37,978

 
39,493

Corporate and other debt securities
50,441

 
87,033

 
48,087

 
86,294

 
44,092

 
84,245

Total debt securities
117,212

 
153,510

 
131,963

 
170,736

 
84,198

 
125,878

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal National Mortgage Association
954,548

 
932,396

 
1,101,093

 
1,091,600

 
1,244,833

 
1,233,079

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
401,636

 
392,335

 
473,345

 
468,436

 
410,133

 
407,424

Government National Mortgage Association
81,741

 
80,323

 
90,220

 
89,353

 
16,392

 
16,420

Total mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity
1,437,925

 
1,405,054

 
1,664,658

 
1,649,389

 
1,671,358

 
1,656,923

Total debt securities held-to-maturity
$
1,555,137

 
1,558,564

 
1,796,621

 
1,820,125

 
1,755,556

 
1,782,801

Total securities
$
3,694,243

 
3,686,519

 
3,812,424

 
3,807,852

 
3,435,076

 
3,443,234


At December 31, 2018, except for our investments in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securities, we had no investment in the securities of any issuer that had an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our equity.

16

Portfolio Maturities and Coupon. The composition, maturities and weighted average coupon rate of the securities portfolio at December 31, 2018 are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur. Municipal securities coupons have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.
 
 
One Year or Less
 
More than One Year
through Five Years
 
More than Five Years
through Ten Years
 
More than Ten Years
 
Total Securities
 
 
Carrying Value
 
Weighted
Average
Coupon
 
Carrying Value
 
Weighted
Average
Coupon
 
Carrying Value
 
Weighted
Average
Coupon
 
Carrying Value
 
Weighted
Average
Coupon
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Coupon
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Equity securities
 
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
5,001

 
—
%
 
$
5,001

 
$
5,793

 
—
%
Available-for-Sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
91,895

 
2.47

 
896,453

 
3.13

 
988,348

 
986,650

 
3.07

Federal National Mortgage Association
 
—

 
—

 
8,790

 
2.70

 
105,924

 
2.55

 
865,832

 
2.83

 
980,546

 
968,556

 
2.79

Government National Mortgage Association
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
165,211

 
3.42

 
165,211

 
166,956

 
3.42

Total mortgage-backed securities
 
—

 
—

 
8,790

 
2.70

 
197,819

 
2.51

 
1,927,496

 
3.02

 
2,134,105

 
2,122,162

 
2.97

Total available-for-sale debt securities
 
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
8,790

 
2.70
%
 
$
197,819

 
2.51
%
 
$
1,927,496

 
3.02
%
 
$
2,134,105

 
$
2,122,162

 
2.97
%
Held-to-Maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government sponsored enterprises
 
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
41,258

 
2.58
%
 
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
41,258

 
$
40,022

 
2.58
%
Municipal bonds
 
21,493

 
3.26

 
—

 
—

 
4,020

 
9.13

 
—

 
—

 
25,513

 
26,455

 
4.18

Corporate and other debt securities
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,000

 
5.13

 
45,441

 
3.83

 
50,441

 
87,033

 
3.96

Total debt securities
 
21,493

 
3.26

 
—

 
—

 
50,278

 
3.36

 
45,441

 
3.83

 
117,212

 
153,510

 
3.52

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
 
—

 
—

 
322

 
5.07

 
289,788

 
2.39

 
111,526

 
2.44

 
401,636

 
392,335

 
2.41

Federal National Mortgage Association
 
—

 
—

 
53,089

 
1.92

 
530,509

 
2.15

 
370,950

 
2.83

 
954,548

 
932,396

 
2.40

Government National Mortgage Association
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,636

 
2.34

 
72,105

 
2.69

 
81,741

 
80,323

 
2.65

Total mortgage-backed securities
 
—

 
—

 
53,411

 
1.94

 
829,933

 
2.24

 
554,581

 
2.73

 
1,437,925


1,405,054

 
2.42

Total held-to-maturity debt securities
 
$
21,493

 
3.26
%
 
$
53,411

 
1.94
%
 
$
880,211

 
2.30
%
 
$
600,022

 
2.82
%
 
$
1,555,137


$
1,558,564

 
2.50
%

17

Sources of Funds
General. Deposits are the primary source of funds used for our lending and investment activities. Our strategy is to increase core deposit growth to fund these activities. In addition, we use a significant amount of borrowings, primarily advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”), to supplement cash flow needs, to lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk management and to manage our cost of funds. Additional sources of funds include principal and interest payments from loans and securities, loan and security prepayments and maturities, repurchase agreements, brokered deposits, income on other earning assets and retained earnings. While cash flows from loans and securities payments can be relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and levels of competition.
Deposits. At December 31, 2018, we held $17.58 billion in total deposits, representing 75.7% of our total liabilities. Although recent increases in market interest rates have resulted in consumer preference for and growth in time deposits, our long-term deposit strategy has been focused on attracting core deposits (savings, checking and money market accounts) as they represent a more stable source of low cost funds and may be less sensitive to changes in market interest rates. At December 31, 2018, we held $13.01 billion in core deposits, representing 74.0% of total deposits, of which $311.0 million are brokered money market deposits. At December 31, 2018, $4.57 billion, or 26.0%, of our total deposit balances were certificates of deposit, which included $1.53 billion of brokered certificates of deposit. In addition, municipal deposits are a significant source of funds. At December 31, 2018, $4.28 billion, or 24.3%, of our total deposits consisted of public fund deposits from local New Jersey government entities.
We have a suite of commercial deposit products, designed to appeal to small and mid-sized businesses and non-profit organizations. Interest rates, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are all reviewed on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on our current operating strategies, market rates, liquidity requirements, competitive forces and growth goals. We also rely on personalized customer service, long-standing relationships with customers and an active marketing program to attract and retain deposits.
The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market and other prevailing interest rates and competition. The variety of deposit accounts we offer allows us to respond to changes in consumer demands and to be competitive in obtaining deposit funds. Our ability to attract and maintain deposits and the rates we pay on deposits will continue to be significantly affected by market conditions.
We intend to continue to invest in technology platforms and branch staff training, de novo branches, and to aggressively market and advertise our core deposit products and will attempt to generate our deposits from a diverse client group within our primary market area. We remain focused on attracting and maintaining deposits from consumers, businesses and municipalities which operate in our marketplace.
The following table sets forth the distribution of total deposit accounts, by account type, at the dates indicated.
 
 
At December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Balance
 
Percent
of Total
Deposits
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
Balance
 
Percent
of Total
Deposits
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
Balance
 
Percent
of Total
Deposits
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-interest bearing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Checking accounts
$
2,535,848

 
14.4
%
 
—
%
 
$
2,424,608

 
14.0
%
 
—
%
 
$
2,173,493

 
14.2
%
 
—
%
Interest-bearing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Checking accounts
4,783,563

 
27.2

 
1.53

 
4,909,054

 
28.3

 
0.91

 
3,916,208

 
25.6

 
0.45

Money market deposits
3,641,070

 
20.7

 
1.55

 
4,243,545

 
24.4

 
0.90

 
4,150,583

 
27.2

 
0.65

Savings
2,048,941

 
11.7

 
0.64

 
2,320,228

 
13.4

 
0.48

 
2,092,989

 
13.7

 
0.29

Certificates of deposit
4,570,847

 
26.0

 
1.35

 
3,460,262

 
19.9

 
1.13

 
2,947,560

 
19.3

 
0.91

Total deposits
$
17,580,269

 
100.0
%
 
1.16
%
 
$
17,357,697

 
100.0
%
 
0.77
%
 
$
15,280,833

 
100.0
%
 
0.51
%


18

The following table sets forth, by rate category, the amount of certificates of deposit outstanding as of the dates indicated.
 
 
At December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Certificates of Deposit
 
 
 
 
 
0.00% - 0.25%
$
355,822

 
$
527,836

 
$
639,425

0.26% - 0.50%
107,088

 
141,253

 
194,827

0.51% - 1.00%
157,646

 
396,098

 
643,526

1.01% - 2.00%
942,149

 
2,355,997

 
1,427,999

2.01% - 3.00%
3,006,347

 
37,808

 
31,956

Over 3.00%
1,795

 
1,270

 
9,827

Total
$
4,570,847

 
$
3,460,262

 
$
2,947,560

The following table sets forth, by rate category, the remaining period to maturity of certificates of deposit outstanding at December 31, 2018.
 
 
 
Within
Three
Months
 
Over
Three to
Six Months
 
Over
Six Months to
One Year
 
Over
One Year to
Two Years
 
Over
Two Years to
Three Years
 
Over
Three
Years
 
Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Certificates of Deposit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.00% - 0.25%
 
$
152,663

 
$
79,139

 
$
105,889

 
$
7,977

 
$
6,782

 
$
3,372

 
$
355,822

0.26% - 0.50%
 
15,387

 
8,324

 
22,605

 
60,764

 
8

 
—

 
107,088

0.51% - 1.00%
 
9,767

 
6,481

 
16,177

 
33,331

 
53,053

 
38,837

 
157,646

1.01% - 2.00%
 
509,639

 
275,825

 
113,714

 
19,083

 
3,524

 
20,364

 
942,149

2.01% - 3.00%
 
434,053

 
518,378

 
1,456,213

 
509,822

 
84,867

 
3,014

 
3,006,347

Over 3.00%
 
70

 
35

 
—

 
951

 
539

 
200

 
1,795

Total
 
$
1,121,579

 
$
888,182

 
$
1,714,598

 
$
631,928

 
$
148,773

 
$
65,787

 
$
4,570,847

The following table sets forth the aggregate amount of outstanding certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 and the respective maturity of those certificates as of December 31, 2018.
 
 
At December 31, 2018
 
(In thousands)
Three months or less
$
231,850

Over three months through six months
340,893

Over six months through one year
907,570

Over one year
391,704

Total
$
1,872,017


19

Borrowings. We borrow directly from the FHLB. All of our FHLB borrowings are advances collateralized by our residential and commercial mortgage portfolios. The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our advances from the FHLB at the dates and for the periods indicated.
 
 
At or for the Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of period
$
4,930,681

 
$
4,331,052

 
$
4,391,420

 
$
3,106,783

 
$
2,598,186

Average balance during period
4,655,757

 
4,526,596

 
3,663,087

 
2,997,873

 
2,548,744

Maximum outstanding at any month end
5,080,960

 
5,355,298

 
4,391,420

 
3,548,000

 
3,230,000

Weighted average interest rate at end of period
2.16
%
 
1.96
%
 
1.79
%
 
2.12
%
 
2.24
%
Average interest rate during period
2.01
%
 
1.88
%
 
1.86
%
 
2.06
%
 
2.19
%
We also borrow funds under repurchase agreements with the FHLB and various brokers. These agreements are recorded as financing transactions as we maintain effective control over the transferred or pledged securities. The dollar amount of the securities underlying the agreements continues to be carried in our securities portfolio while the obligations to repurchase the securities are reported as liabilities. The securities underlying the agreements are delivered to the party with whom each transaction is executed. Those parties agree to resell to us the identical securities we delivered to them at the maturity of the agreement. The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our securities sold under agreements to repurchase at the dates and for the periods indicated. In addition, the Bank had unsecured overnight borrowing lines with other institutions totaling $450.0 million, of which $255.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2018.

 
At or for the Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of period
$
250,000

 
$
130,481

 
$
154,831

 
$
156,307

 
$
167,918

Average balance during period
202,027

 
149,030

 
153,000

 
159,438

 
192,865

Maximum outstanding at any month end
280,000

 
153,000

 
154,831

 
163,000

 
261,205

Weighted average interest rate at end of period
2.67
%
 
1.87
%
 
2.19
%
 
2.21
%
 
2.28
%
Average interest rate during period
2.68
%
 
2.11
%
 
2.16
%
 
2.25
%
 
2.02
%
Subsidiary Activities
Investors Bancorp, Inc. has one direct subsidiary, which is Investors Bank.
Investors Bank. Investors Bank is a New Jersey chartered savings bank headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey. Originally founded in 1926, the bank is in the business of attracting deposits from the public through its branch network and borrowing funds in the wholesale markets to originate loans and to invest in securities. Investors Bank has the following active direct and indirect subsidiaries: Investors Home Mortgage, Investors Investment Corp., Investors Commercial, Inc., Investors Financial Group, Inc., Marathon Realty Investors Inc. and Investors Financial Group Insurance Agency, Inc. Investors Bank has several additional subsidiaries which are inactive: these subsidiaries are My Way Development LLC, MNBNY Holdings Inc., Investors Financial Services, Inc. and Investors Real Estate Corporation. Two other dormant direct or indirect subsidiaries, B.F.S. Agency, Inc. and 3D Holding Company, Inc., were dissolved in 2018.
•Investors Home Mortgage. Investors Home Mortgage is a New Jersey limited liability company that was formed in 2001 for the purpose of originating loans for sale to both Investors Bank and third parties. During 2011, in conjunction with the rebranding of Investors Bank, this subsidiary changed the name it does business under from ISB Mortgage Co., LLC to Investors Home Mortgage. Investors Home Mortgage serves as Investors Bank’s retail lending production arm throughout the branch network. The Bank has filed regulatory applications to merge Investors Home Mortgage into the Bank. It is anticipated that, upon receipt of the required regulatory approvals, Investors Home Mortgage will be merged into the Bank and will cease to exist. Following the merger, the business activities of Investors Home Mortgage will be conducted directly by Investors Bank.
•Investors Investment Corp. Investors Investment Corp. is a New Jersey corporation that was formed in 2004 as an investment company subsidiary. The purpose of this subsidiary is to invest in securities such as, but not limited to, U.S.

20

Treasury obligations, mortgage-backed securities, certificates of deposit, mutual funds, and equity securities, subject to certain limitations.
•Investors Commercial, Inc. Investors Commercial, Inc. is a New Jersey corporation that was formed in 2010 as an operating subsidiary of Investors Bank. The purpose of this subsidiary is to originate and purchase residential mortgage loans and commercial loans including multi-family mortgage loans, commercial real estate mortgage loans and C&I mortgage loans primarily in New York State.
•Investors Financial Group, Inc. Investors Financial Group, Inc. is a New Jersey corporation that was formed in 2011 as an operating subsidiary of Investors Bank. The primary purpose of this subsidiary is to process sales of non-deposit investment products through third party service providers to customers and consumers as may be referred by Investors Bank.
•Marathon Realty Investors Inc. Marathon Realty Investors Inc. is a New York corporation established in 2006 and acquired in the merger with Marathon Banking Corporation in October 2012. Marathon Realty Investors Inc. operates, and is taxed, in a manner that enables it to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a result of this election, Marathon Realty Investors Inc. is not taxed at the corporate level on taxable income distributed to stockholders, provided that certain REIT qualification tests are met.
•Investors Financial Group Insurance Agency, Inc. Investors Financial Group Insurance Agency, Inc. is a New Jersey licensed insurance agency formed in 2016. The purpose of this subsidiary is to receive commissions relating to the sale of certain insurance products, including, but not limited to, life insurance, fixed annuities and indexed annuities.
Enterprise Risk Management Framework
Our Board of Directors oversees our risk management process, including the bank-wide approach to risk management, carried out by our management. Our Board approves the strategic plans and the policies that set standards for the nature and level of risk we are willing to assume. The Board receives reports on the management of critical risks and the effectiveness of risk management systems. While our full Board maintains the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees, including Audit, Risk Oversight and Compensation and Benefits committees, oversee risk in certain specified areas. The Risk Oversight Committee of the Board meets quarterly and provides independent oversight of all risk functions. Our Board has assigned responsibility to our Chief Risk Officer for maintaining the Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) framework to identify, assess, monitor and mitigate risks in the execution of our strategic goals and objectives and ensure we operate in a safe and sound manner in accordance with the Board approved policies.
During 2018, the Bank continued to enhance its risk management systems, policies and procedures adding staffing and expertise.  The Bank’s Management Risk Committee meets regularly and provides governance over risk policy and risk escalation. The ERM framework supports a culture that promotes proactive risk management by all Bank employees, a risk appetite framework with defined risk tolerance limits, and risk governance with a three lines of defense model to manage and oversee risk. In a three lines of defense structure, each line of business and corporate function serves as the first line of defense and has responsibility for identifying, assessing, managing and mitigating risks in their areas. Independent Risk Management serves as the second line of defense and is responsible for providing guidance, oversight and appropriate challenge to the first line of defense. Internal Audit serves as the third line of defense and ensures that appropriate risk management controls, processes and systems are in place and functioning effectively.
Our ERM framework is consistent with common industry practices and regulatory guidance and is appropriate to our size, growth trajectory and the complexity of our business activities. The ERM Framework encompasses the following categories of risks; credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, price risk, operational risk, model risk, supplier risk, fraud risk, information security including cybersecurity, compliance risk, strategic risk, and reputational risk.
Personnel
As of December 31, 2018, we had 1,903 full-time employees and 59 part-time employees. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

21

Supervision and Regulation
The Bank is a New Jersey-chartered savings bank, and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC under the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the Commissioner of the NJDOBI (the “Commissioner”) as the issuer of its charter, and, as a non-member state chartered savings bank, by the FDIC as the deposit insurer and its primary federal regulator. The Bank must file reports with the Commissioner and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition, and it must obtain regulatory approval prior to entering into certain transactions, such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other depository institutions and opening or acquiring branch offices. The Commissioner and the FDIC each conduct periodic examinations to assess the Bank’s compliance with various regulatory requirements. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which a savings bank may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the DIF and its depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes.
As a bank holding company controlling the Bank, the Company is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”), and the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board under the BHCA and to the provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948 (the “New Jersey Banking Act”) and the regulations of the Commissioner under the New Jersey Banking Act applicable to bank holding companies.
The regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks is intended to protect depositors, the DIF, and the U.S. banking system as a whole. This system is not designed to protect equity investors in bank holding companies. The Company is required to file reports with, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of, the Federal Reserve Board, the Commissioner and the FDIC. The Federal Reserve Board and the Commissioner conduct periodic examinations to assess the Company’s compliance with various regulatory requirements. The Company files certain reports with, and otherwise complies with, the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws and the listing requirements of NASDAQ.
Our business is heavily regulated by both state and federal agencies. Both the scope of the laws and regulations and the intensity of supervision to which our business is subject have increased in recent years, in response to the financial crisis as well as other factors such as technological and market changes. Regulatory enforcement and fines have also increased across the banking and financial services sector. Many of these changes have occurred as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations, most of which are now in place. In addition, on May 24, 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (the “EGRRCP Act”) was enacted. This legislation includes targeted amendments to the Dodd-Frank Act and other financial services laws. While we currently anticipate that this legislation may result in regulatory and supervisory frameworks that are more tailored to our risk profile and asset size, such a result generally depends on future action by the U.S. banking agencies and, as a result, cannot be predicted with any certainty. The Company expects that its business will remain subject to extensive regulation and supervision.
Stress Tests
Prior to the enactment of the EGRRCP Act, the Dodd-Frank Act required banks with total consolidated assets of more than $10 billion to conduct annual stress tests. The Dodd-Frank Act also required the FDIC, in coordination with federal financial regulatory agencies, to issue regulations establishing methodologies for stress testing that provide for at least three different sets of conditions, including baseline, adverse, and severely adverse. The regulations also required banks to publish a summary of the results of the stress tests. The EGRRCP Act has eliminated the annual mandated stress test requirement for banks like us with total consolidated assets of less than $100 billion.
The Bank submitted its stress tests results by July 31, 2017, as required, and published updated stress test results on October 25, 2017. The stress testing results affirmed the adequacy of the Bank’s capital, even under severe economic conditions. While we are no longer required to conduct annual stress tests, we have advised our regulators that we will continue to conduct stress testing of our loan portfolio and advise our Board of Directors and our regulators of the results of such testing.
Volcker Rule
Under the provisions of the Volcker Rule we are prohibited from: (i) engaging in short-term proprietary trading for our own account; and (ii) having certain ownership interest in and relationships with hedge funds or private equity funds. The fundamental prohibitions of the Volcker Rule apply to banking entities of any size, including the Company and the Bank. The final Volcker Rule regulations impose significant compliance and reporting obligations on banking entities. The Company has put in place the compliance programs required by the Volcker Rule and has also implemented a governance and control program to ensure appropriate oversight and ongoing compliance. The U.S. banking agencies have indicated that they are evaluating certain revisions to the Volcker Rule which may affect its applications to banks based upon asset size and other factors. It is too early to assess whether there will be any major change in the scope or applicability of the Volcker Rule.

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Consumer Protection and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Supervision
The Dodd-Frank Act also established the CFPB. The CFPB has rulemaking authority over all banks, and its examination and enforcement authority applies to banks at or greater than $10 billion in total assets. The Bank is subject to CFPB supervision and examination of compliance with Federal Consumer Protection Laws. In addition, this agency is responsible for interpreting and enforcing a broad range of consumer protection laws (“Federal Consumer Protection Laws”) that govern the provision of deposit accounts and the making of loans, including the regulation of mortgage lending and servicing. This includes laws such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
The Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt stricter consumer protection laws and for state attorneys general to enforce consumer protection rules issued by the CFPB. In addition, while the CFPB is under new leadership, it is too early to assess whether this will result in any major change to the supervision or enforcement focus of the CFPB. The Company expects that its business will remain subject to extensive regulations and supervision by the CFPB as well as applicable state consumer protection laws and regulations, which will continue to increase our operating and compliance costs.
New Jersey Banking Regulation
Activity Powers. The Bank derives its lending, investment and other powers primarily from the applicable provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act and its related regulations. Under these laws and regulations, savings banks, including the Bank, generally may invest in:
•
real estate mortgages;
•
consumer and commercial loans;
•
specific types of debt securities, including certain corporate debt securities and obligations of federal, state and local governments and agencies;
•
certain types of corporate equity securities; and
•
certain other assets.
A savings bank may also make investments pursuant to a “leeway” power, which permits investments not otherwise permitted by the New Jersey Banking Act, subject to certain restrictions imposed by the FDIC. “Leeway” investments must comply with a number of limitations on the individual and aggregate amounts of “leeway” investments. A savings bank may also exercise trust powers upon approval of the Commissioner. Lastly, New Jersey savings banks may exercise those powers, rights, benefits or privileges authorized for national banks or out-of-state banks or for federal or out-of-state savings banks or savings associations, provided that before exercising any such power, right, benefit or privilege, prior approval by the Commissioner by regulation or by specific authorization is required. The exercise of these lending, investment and activity powers are limited by federal law and the related regulations. See “Federal Banking Regulation — Activity Restrictions on State-Chartered Banks” below.
Loans-to-One-Borrower Limitations. With certain specified exceptions, a New Jersey-chartered savings bank may not make loans or extend credit to a single borrower or to entities related to the borrower in an aggregate amount that would exceed 15% of the bank’s capital funds. A savings bank may lend an additional 10% of the bank’s capital funds if secured by collateral meeting the requirements of the New Jersey Banking Act. The Bank currently complies with applicable loans-to-one-borrower limitations.
Dividends. Under the New Jersey Banking Act, a stock savings bank may declare and pay a dividend on its capital stock only to the extent that the payment of the dividend would not impair the capital stock of the savings bank. In addition, a stock savings bank may not pay a dividend unless the savings bank would, after the payment of the dividend, have a surplus of not less than 50% of its capital stock, or alternatively, the payment of the dividend would not reduce the surplus. Federal law may also limit the amount of dividends that may be paid by the Bank. See “— Federal Banking Regulation — Prompt Corrective Action” below.
Minimum Capital Requirements. Regulations of the Commissioner impose on New Jersey-chartered depository institutions, including the Bank, minimum capital requirements similar to those imposed on insured state banks. See “— Federal Banking Regulation — Capital Requirements” below.
Examination and Enforcement. The NJDOBI may examine the Bank whenever it deems an examination advisable. The NJDOBI engages in routine annual examinations of the Bank. The Commissioner may order any savings bank to discontinue any violation of law or unsafe or unsound business practice, and may direct any director, officer, attorney or employee of a savings bank engaged in an objectionable activity, after the Commissioner has ordered the activity to be terminated, to show cause at a hearing before the Commissioner why such person should not be removed. The Commissioner may also seek the appointment of receiver or conservator for a New Jersey saving bank under certain conditions.

23

Federal Banking Regulation
Capital Requirements. In July 2013, the FDIC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Final Capital Rules also revised the quantity and quality of required minimum risk-based and leverage capital requirements, consistent with the Reform Act and the Third Basel Accord adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, or Basel III capital standards. In doing so, the Final Capital Rules:
•
Established a new minimum Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (common equity tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets) of 4.5% and increased the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio from 4.0% to 6.0%, while maintaining the minimum Total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% and the minimum Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 4.0%.
•
Revised the rules for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance their risk sensitivity.
•
Phased out trust preferred securities and cumulative perpetual preferred stock as Tier 1 capital.
•
Added a requirement to maintain a minimum Conservation Buffer, composed of Common equity tier 1 capital, of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, to be applied to the new Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and the Total risk-based capital ratio, which means that banking organizations, on a fully phased in basis no later than January 1, 2019, must maintain a minimum Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 7.0%, a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.5% and a minimum Total risk-based capital ratio of 10.5% or have restrictions imposed on capital distributions and discretionary cash bonus payments.
•
Changed the definitions of capital categories for insured depository institutions for purposes of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 prompt corrective action provisions. Under these revised definitions, to be considered well-capitalized, an insured depository institution must have a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of at least 5.0%, a Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0% and a Total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0%.
The new minimum regulatory capital ratios and changes to the calculation of risk-weighted assets became effective for the Bank and Company on January 1, 2015. The required minimum Conservation Buffer commenced on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and increased in annual increments to 1.875% on January 1, 2018. The Conservation Buffer completed its phase in by increasing to 2.5% on January 1, 2019. The rules impose restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary cash bonus payments if the minimum Conservation Buffer is not met. As of December 31, 2018 the Company and the Bank met the currently applicable Conservation Buffer of 1.875%.
In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the FDIC takes into consideration, not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions where deemed necessary.
The federal banking agencies, including the FDIC, have also adopted regulations to require an assessment of an institution’s exposure to declines in the economic value of a bank’s capital due to changes in interest rates when assessing the bank’s capital adequacy. Under such a risk assessment, examiners evaluate a bank’s capital for interest rate risk on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of both quantitative and qualitative factors. Institutions with significant interest rate risk may be required to hold additional capital. According to the agencies, applicable considerations include:
•
the quality of the bank’s interest rate risk management process;
•
the overall financial condition of the bank; and
•
the level of other risks at the bank for which capital is needed.

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As of December 31, 2018, the Bank and the Company were considered “well capitalized” under applicable regulations and exceeded all regulatory capital requirements as follows:
 
 
As of December 31, 2018 (1)
 
 
Actual
 
Minimum Capital Requirement with Conservation Buffer
 
To be Well Capitalized under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions (2)
 
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Bank:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
 
$
2,660,183

 
10.28
%
 
$
1,034,893

 
4.000
%
 
$
1,293,616

 
5.00
%
Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
 
2,660,183

 
13.41
%
 
1,264,973

 
6.375
%
 
1,289,776

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
 
2,660,183

 
13.41
%
 
1,562,613

 
7.875
%
 
1,587,417

 
8.00
%
Total Risk-Based Capital
 
2,896,998

 
14.60
%
 
1,959,467

 
9.875
%
 
1,984,271

 
10.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investors Bancorp, Inc.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
 
$
2,925,743

 
11.29
%
 
$
1,036,821

 
4.000
%
 
n/a
 
n/a
Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
 
2,925,743

 
14.71
%
 
1,267,950

 
6.375
%
 
n/a
 
n/a
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
 
2,925,743

 
14.71
%
 
1,566,291

 
7.875
%
 
n/a
 
n/a
Total Risk-Based Capital
 
3,162,558

 
15.90
%
 
1,964,080

 
9.875
%
 
n/a
 
n/a
(1)
For purposes of calculating Tier 1 leverage ratio, assets are based on adjusted total average assets. In calculating Tier 1 risk-based capital and Total risk-based capital, assets are based on total risk-weighted assets.
(2)
Prompt corrective action provisions do not apply to the bank holding company.
Activity Restrictions on State-Chartered Banks. Federal law and FDIC regulations generally limit the activities and investments of state-chartered FDIC insured banks and their subsidiaries to those permissible for national banks and their subsidiaries, unless such activities and investments are specifically exempted by law or consented to by the FDIC.
Before making a new investment or engaging in a new activity that is not permissible for a national bank or otherwise permissible under federal law or FDIC regulations, an insured bank must seek approval from the FDIC to make such investment or engage in such activity. The FDIC will not approve the activity unless the bank meets its minimum capital requirements and the FDIC determines that the activity does not present a significant risk to the FDIC insurance funds. Certain activities of subsidiaries that are engaged in activities permitted for national banks only through a “financial subsidiary” are subject to additional restrictions.
Federal law permits a state-chartered savings bank to engage, through financial subsidiaries, in any activity in which a national bank may engage through a financial subsidiary and on substantially the same terms and conditions. In general, the law permits a national bank that is well-capitalized and well-managed to conduct, through a financial subsidiary, any activity permitted for a financial holding company other than insurance underwriting, insurance investments or real estate development or merchant banking. The total assets of all such financial subsidiaries may not exceed the lesser of 45% of the bank’s total assets or $50 billion. The bank must have policies and procedures to assess the financial subsidiary’s risk and protect the bank from such risk and potential liability, must not consolidate the financial subsidiary’s assets with the bank’s and must exclude from its own assets and equity all equity investments, including retained earnings, in the financial subsidiary. State-chartered savings banks may retain subsidiaries in existence as of March 11, 2000 and may engage in activities that are not authorized under federal law. Although the Bank meets all conditions necessary to establish and engage in permitted activities through financial subsidiaries, it has not chosen to engage in such activities.
Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank system, which consists of the regional Federal Home Loan Banks, each subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”). The Federal Home Loan Banks provide a credit facility for member institutions. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Banks make loans to members (i.e., advances) in accordance with policies and procedures, including collateral requirements, established by the respective Boards of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Banks. These policies and procedures are subject to the regulation and oversight of the FHFA. All long-term advances are required to provide funds for residential home financing. The FHFA has also established standards of community or investment service that members must meet to maintain access to such long-term advances.
Safety and Soundness Standards. Pursuant to the requirements of FDICIA, as amended by the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994, each federal banking agency, including the FDIC, has adopted guidelines establishing general standards relating to matters such as internal controls, information and internal audit systems, loan

25

documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings and compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director, or principal stockholder.
In addition, the FDIC adopted regulations to require a savings bank that is given notice by the FDIC that it is not satisfying any of such safety and soundness standards to submit a compliance plan to the FDIC. If, after being so notified, a savings bank fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan or fails in any material respect to implement an accepted compliance plan, the FDIC may issue an order directing corrective and other actions of the types to which a significantly undercapitalized institution is subject under the “prompt corrective action” provisions of FDICIA. If a savings bank fails to comply with such an order, the FDIC may seek to enforce such an order in judicial proceedings and to impose civil monetary penalties.
Enforcement. The FDIC has extensive enforcement authority over insured savings banks, including the Bank. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease and desist orders and to remove directors and officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations of laws and regulations and to unsafe or unsound practices.
Prompt Corrective Action. Federal law establishes a prompt corrective action framework to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions. The FDIC has adopted regulations to implement the prompt corrective action legislation. Those regulations were amended effective January 1, 2015 to incorporate the previously mentioned increased regulatory capital standards that were effective on the same date. An institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater. An institution is “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or greater. An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 3.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%. An institution is considered to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%.
Generally a receiver or conservator must be appointed for an institution that is “critically “undercapitalized” within specific time frames. The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the FDIC within 45 days of the date a savings bank receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly “undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Various restrictions, such as restrictions on capital distributions and growth, also apply to “undercapitalized” institutions. The FDIC may also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.
The Bank was classified as “well-capitalized” under the prompt corrective action framework as of December 31, 2018.
Liquidity. The Bank maintains sufficient liquidity to ensure its safe and sound operation, in accordance with FDIC regulations. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Deposit Insurance. The Bank is a member of the DIF, which is administered by the FDIC. Deposit accounts in the Bank are insured by the FDIC, up to a maximum of $250,000 for each separately insured depositor.
The FDIC imposes an assessment for deposit insurance against all insured depository institutions. Each institution’s assessment is based on the perceived risk to the insurance fund of the institution, with institutions deemed riskiest paying higher assessments. The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to revise its procedures to base assessments on average total assets less tangible capital, rather than deposits. The FDIC’s assessment schedule ranges from 1.5 basis points to 40 basis points of average total assets less tangible capital. The FDIC has a more comprehensive approach to evaluating, for assessment purposes, the risk presented by larger institutions such as the Bank. Large institutions (i.e., $10 billion or more in assets) such as the Bank are subject to assessment based upon a detailed scorecard approach involving (i) a performance score determined using forward-looking risk measures, including certain stress testing, and (ii) a loss severity score, which is designed to measure, based on modeling, potential loss to the FDIC insurance fund if the institution failed.  The total score is converted to an assessment rate, subject to certain adjustments. In addition, effective as of July 1, 2016 the FDIC implemented a requirement of the Dodd-Frank Act that institutions with assets of $10 billion or more be responsible for increasing the DIF reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35%. On September 30, 2018, the DIF reached 1.36%, ahead of the September 30, 2020 deadline required under the Dodd-Frank Act. FDIC regulations provide that surcharges on insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of $10 billion or more will cease upon

26

DIF reserve ratio reaching the statutorily required minimum. Assessments on large banks for periods subsequent to September 30, 2018 will no longer include a quarterly surcharge.
Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. We are not currently aware of any practice, condition or violation that may lead to termination of our deposit insurance.
In addition to the FDIC assessments, the Financing Corporation is authorized to impose and collect, with the approval of the FDIC, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the FICO began to mature in 2017 and continue to mature through 2019. For the fourth quarter of 2018, the annualized Financing Corporation assessment was equal to 0.32 basis points of total average assets less tangible capital.
Transactions with Affiliates of Investors Bank. Transactions between an insured bank, such as the Bank, and any of its affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and implementing regulations. An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. Generally, a subsidiary of a bank that is not also a depository institution or financial subsidiary is not treated as an affiliate of the bank for purposes of Sections 23A and 23B.
Section 23A:
•
limits the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such bank’s capital and surplus, as defined in the applicable regulations. Such transactions with all affiliates are limited to an amount equal to 20% of such capital and surplus; and
•
requires that all such transactions be on terms that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices.
The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of guarantees and other similar types of transactions. Further, most loans by a bank to any of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100% to 130% of the loan amounts. In addition, any covered transaction by a bank with an affiliate and any purchase of assets or services by a bank from an affiliate must be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the bank, as those that would be provided to a non-affiliate.
Pursuant to Federal Reserve Board Regulation O, we are also subject to quantitative restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, principal stockholders and their related interests. In general, such extensions of credit (i) may not exceed certain dollar limitations, (ii) must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties and (iii) must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Certain extensions of credit also require the approval of our Board of Directors.
Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements. Banks are subject to the prohibitions of 12 U.S.C. Section 1972 on certain tying arrangements. A depository institution is prohibited, subject to specific exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.
Privacy Standards. FDIC regulations require the Bank to disclose its privacy policy, including identifying with whom it shares “non-public personal information,” to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter.
The Bank is also required to provide its customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having the Bank share their non-public personal information with unaffiliated third parties before it can disclose such information, subject to certain exceptions.
In addition, in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Bank must provide its customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having the Bank share their non-public personal information for marketing purposes with an affiliate or subsidiary before it can disclose such information.
The FDIC and other federal banking agencies adopted guidelines establishing standards for safeguarding customer information. The guidelines describe the agencies’ expectations for the creation, implementation and maintenance of an information security program, which includes administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the size and complexity of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities. The standards set forth in the guidelines are intended to insure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such records or information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.

27

Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All FDIC-insured institutions have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods. In connection with its examination of a state chartered savings bank, the FDIC is required to assess the institution’s record of compliance with the CRA. Among other things, the current CRA regulations rates an institution based on its actual performance in meeting community needs. In particular, the current evaluation system focuses on three tests:
•
a lending test, to evaluate the institution’s record of making loans in its service areas;
•
an investment test, to evaluate the institution’s record of investing in community development projects, affordable housing, and programs benefiting low or moderate income individuals and/or census tracts and businesses; and
•
a service test, to evaluate the institution’s delivery of services through its branches, ATMs and other offices.
An institution’s failure to comply with the provisions of the CRA could, at a minimum, result in regulatory restrictions on its activities. The Bank received a “satisfactory” CRA rating in our most recent publicly-available federal evaluation, which was conducted by the FDIC in October 2017.
In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the FDIC, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice.
In April 2018, the U.S. Department of Treasury issued a memorandum to the Federal banking regulators with recommended changes to the CRA’s implementing regulations to reduce their complexity and associated burden on banks. The U.S. banking agencies are in the process of soliciting “ideas for building a new framework to transform or modernize the regulations that implement the CRA,” without proposing any specific revisions to present CRA requirements. We will continue to evaluate the impact of any changes to the regulations implementing the CRA.
Loans to a Bank’s Insiders
Federal Regulation. A bank’s loans to its insiders — executive officers, directors, principal shareholders (any owner of 10% or more of its stock) and any of certain entities affiliated with any such persons (an insider’s related interest) are subject to the conditions and limitations imposed by Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and its implementing regulations. Under these restrictions, the aggregate amount of the loans to any insider and the insider’s related interests may not exceed the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to national banks, which is comparable to the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to the Bank. All loans by a bank to all insiders and insiders’ related interests in the aggregate may not exceed the bank’s capital and surplus. With certain exceptions, loans to an executive officer, other than loans for the education of the officer’s children and certain loans secured by the officer’s residence, may not exceed the lesser of (1) $100,000 or (2) the greater of $25,000 or 2.5% of the bank’s capital and surplus. Federal regulation also requires that any proposed loan to an insider or a related interest of that insider be approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the bank, with any interested directors not participating in the voting, if such loan, when aggregated with any existing loans to that insider and the insider’s related interests, would exceed either (1) $500,000 or (2) the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus.
Generally, loans to insiders must be made on substantially the same terms as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those that are prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons. An exception is made for extensions of credit made pursuant to a benefit or compensation plan of a bank that is widely available to employees of the bank and that does not give any preference to insiders of the bank over other employees of the bank.
In addition, federal law prohibits extensions of credit to a bank’s insiders and their related interests by any other institution that has a correspondent banking relationship with the bank, unless such extension of credit is on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and does not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.
Extensions of credit to a savings bank’s executive officers are subject to specific limits based on the type of loans involved. Generally, loans are limited to $100,000, except for a mortgage loan secured by the officer’s primary residence and education loans for the officer’s children.
New Jersey Regulation. The New Jersey Banking Act imposes conditions and limitations on loans and extensions of credit to directors and executive officers of a savings bank and to corporations and partnerships controlled by such persons, which are comparable in many respects to the conditions and limitations imposed on the loans and extensions of credit to insiders and their related interests under federal law, as discussed above. The New Jersey Banking Act also provides that a savings bank that is in compliance with federal law is deemed to be in compliance with such provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act.

28


Federal Reserve System

Under Federal Reserve Board regulations, the Bank is required to maintain reserves against its transaction accounts. The Federal Reserve Board regulations generally require that reserves of 3% must be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts over $16.3 million and up to $124.2 million, and 10% against that portion of total transaction accounts in excess of up to $124.2 million. The first $16.3 million of otherwise reservable balances are exempted from the reserve requirements. The Bank is in compliance with these requirements. These requirements are adjusted annually by the Federal Reserve Board. Required reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash and/or an interest bearing account at a Federal Reserve Bank; or a pass-through account as defined by the Federal Reserve Board.
Anti-Money Laundering and Customer Identification
The Bank is subject to FDIC regulations implementing the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, or the USA PATRIOT Act. The USA PATRIOT Act gives the federal government powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing, and broadened anti-money laundering (“AML”) requirements. By way of amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act contains measures intended to encourage information sharing among bank regulatory and law enforcement agencies. Further, certain provisions of Title III impose affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, brokers, dealers, credit unions, money transfer agents and parties registered under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act and the related FDIC regulations require the:
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Establishment of AML compliance programs that includes policies, procedures, and internal controls; the appointment of an AML compliance officer; an effective training program; and independent testing;
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Making of certain reports to FinCEN and law enforcement that are designated to assist in the detection and prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing activities;
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Establishment of a program specifying procedures for obtaining and maintaining certain records from customers seeking to open new accounts, including verifying the identity of customers within a reasonable period of time;
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Establishment of enhanced due diligence policies, procedures and controls designed to detect and report money-laundering, terrorist financing and other suspicious activity;
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Monitoring account activity for suspicious transactions; and
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Impose a heightened level of review for certain high risk customers or accounts.
The USA PATRIOT Act also includes prohibitions on correspondent accounts for foreign shell banks and requires compliance with record keeping obligations with respect to correspondent accounts of foreign banks. Bank regulators are directed to consider a holding company’s effectiveness in combating money laundering when ruling on Federal Reserve Act and Bank Merger Act applications.
The bank regulatory agencies have increased the regulatory scrutiny of the BSA and AML programs maintained by financial institutions. Significant penalties and fines, as well as other supervisory orders may be imposed on a financial institution for non-compliance with these requirements. In addition, the federal bank regulatory agencies must consider the effectiveness of financial institutions engaging in a merger transaction in combating money laundering activities. The Bank has adopted policies and procedures to comply with these requirements.
On August 12, 2016, the Bank agreed to enter into an informal agreement (“Informal Agreement”) with the FDIC and the NJDOBI with regard to BSA and AML compliance matters. The Bank agreed to; 1) develop, adopt and implement a system of internal controls designed to ensure full compliance with BSA; 2) conduct a comprehensive validation of the Bank’s BSA/AML automated compliance system; and 3) develop, adopt and implement effective training programs relating to BSA. The Bank also agreed to review certain transactions and accounts for BSA and AML compliance and to establish a Compliance Committee of the Board. The Bank continues to strengthen and enhance its BSA and AML compliance practices, policies, procedures and controls. In December 2018, the FDIC and the NJDOBI informed the Bank that the informal agreement had been terminated.

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Holding Company Regulation
Federal Regulation. Bank holding companies, including the Company, are subject to examination, regulation and periodic reporting under the Bank Holding Company Act, as administered by the Federal Reserve Board. Federal Reserve Board regulations impose consolidated capital adequacy requirements on bank holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act required the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves.
In addition, Federal Reserve Board guidance sets forth the supervisory expectation that bank holding companies will inform and consult with Federal Reserve Board staff in advance of issuing a dividend that exceeds earnings for the quarter and should inform the Federal Reserve Board and should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce dividends if (i) net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends, (ii) prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the bank holding company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition, or (iii) the bank holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.
A bank holding company is required to provide the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, would be equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. Such notice and approval is not required for a bank holding company that is as “well capitalized” under applicable regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, that has received a composite “1” or “2” rating, as well as a “satisfactory” rating for management, at its most recent bank holding company examination by the Federal Reserve Board, and that is not the subject of any unresolved supervisory issues. However, it has recently come to the attention of the Company that the Federal Reserve Board staff is interpreting the capital regulations as requiring a bank holding company to secure Federal Reserve Board approval prior to redeeming or repurchasing any capital stock that is included in regulatory capital.
As a bank holding company, the Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any bank or bank holding company. Prior Federal Reserve Board approval is also required for the Company to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after giving effect to such acquisition, it would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than 5% of any class of voting shares of such bank or bank holding company.
In addition, a bank holding company that does not elect to be a financial holding company under federal regulations is generally prohibited from engaging in, or acquiring direct or indirect control of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks. Some of the principal activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation to be closely related to banking are:
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making or servicing loans;
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performing certain data processing services;
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providing discount brokerage services; or acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor;
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leasing personal or real property;
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making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and
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acquiring a savings and loan association.
A bank holding company that elects to be a financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature or incident to activities which are financial in nature. The Company has not elected to be a financial holding company, although it may seek to do so in the future. A bank holding company may elect to become a financial holding company if:
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each of its depository institution subsidiaries is “well capitalized”;
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each of its depository institution subsidiaries is “well managed”;
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each of its depository institution subsidiaries has at least a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating at its most recent examination; and
•
the bank holding company has filed a certification with the Federal Reserve Board stating that it elects to become a financial holding company.
Under federal law, depository institutions are liable to the FDIC for losses suffered or anticipated by the FDIC in connection with the default of a commonly controlled depository institution, or for any assistance provided by the FDIC to such an institution

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in danger of default. This law would potentially be applicable to the Company if it ever acquired as a separate subsidiary a depository institution in addition to the Bank.
The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, as amended by Section 613 of the Dodd-Frank Act, regulates interstate banking activities by establishing a framework for nationwide interstate banking and branching. As amended, this interstate banking and branching authority generally permits a bank in one state to establish a de novo branch at a location in another host state if state banks chartered in such host state would also be permitted to establish a branch at that location in the state. Under these amendments, the Bank is permitted to establish branch offices in other states in addition to its existing New Jersey and New York branch offices.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 eliminated most of the barriers to affiliations among banks, securities firms, insurance companies, and other financial companies previously imposed under federal banking laws if certain criteria are satisfied. Certain subsidiaries of well-capitalized and well-managed banks may be treated as “financial subsidiaries,” which are generally permitted to engage in activities that are financial in nature, including securities underwriting, dealing, and market making; sponsoring mutual funds and investment companies, and other activities that the Federal Reserve has determined to be closely related to banking.
New Jersey Regulation. Under the New Jersey Banking Act, a company owning or controlling a savings bank is regulated as a bank holding company. The New Jersey Banking Act defines the terms “company” and “bank holding company” as such terms are defined under the BHCA. Each bank holding company controlling a New Jersey-chartered bank or savings bank must file certain reports with the Commissioner and is subject to examination by the Commissioner.
Acquisition of Investors Bancorp, Inc. Under federal law and under the New Jersey Banking Act, no person may acquire control of the Company or the Bank without first obtaining approval of such acquisition of control by the Federal Reserve Board and the Commissioner.
Federal Securities Laws. The Company’s common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The Company’s common stock held by persons who are affiliates (generally officers, directors and principal stockholders) of the Company may not be resold without registration or unless sold in accordance with certain resale restrictions. If the Company meets specified current public information requirements, each affiliate of the Company is able to sell in the public market, without registration, a limited number of shares in any three-month period.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was enacted to address, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information.
As directed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are required to certify that our quarterly and annual reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. The rules adopted by the SEC under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have several requirements, including having these officers certify that: they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting; they have made certain disclosures to our auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors about our internal control over financial reporting; and they have included information in our quarterly and annual reports about their evaluation and whether there have been changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could materially affect internal control over financial reporting. We have existing policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations.
Taxation
Federal Taxation
General. The Company and its subsidiary are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated federal income tax return. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) was enacted. The new legislation reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and will impact the manner in which the Company is taxed going forward. The Company’s federal tax returns are not currently under audit. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company or its subsidiary.
Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, the Company currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its federal and state income tax returns.

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Bad Debt Reserves. Historically, the Bank was subject to special provisions in the tax law regarding allowable bad debt tax deductions and related reserves. Tax law changes were enacted in 1996 pursuant to the Small Business Protection Act of 1996 (the “1996 Act”), which eliminated the use of the percentage of taxable income method for tax years after 1995 and required recapture into taxable income over a six-year period of all bad debt reserves accumulated after 1987. The Bank has fully recaptured its post-1987 reserve balance. Currently, the Bank uses the specific charge off method to account for bad debt deductions for income tax purposes.
Taxable Distributions and Recapture. Prior to the 1996 Act, bad debt reserves created prior to January 1, 1988 (pre-base year reserves) were subject to recapture into taxable income if the Bank failed to meet certain thrift asset and definitional tests. As a result of the 1996 Act, bad debt reserves accumulated after 1987 are required to be recaptured into income over a six-year period. However, all pre-base year reserves are subject to recapture if the Bank makes certain non-dividend distributions, repurchases any of its stock, pays dividends in excess of tax earnings and profits, or ceases to maintain a bank charter. At December 31, 2018, the Bank’s total federal pre-base year reserve was approximately $45.2 million.
Alternative Minimum Tax. The Tax Act repealed the alternative minimum tax on corporations for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017.
Net Operating Loss Carryovers. A corporation may carry forward net operating losses arising in tax years ending after December 31, 2017 indefinitely, subject to a deduction limitation of 80% of taxable income in a given year. However, net operating losses arising in tax years on or before December 31, 2017 are not subject to the 80% limitation deduction. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had total federal net operating loss carryforwards of $5.6 million related to prior acquisitions, arising in tax years prior to December 31, 2017.
Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction. The Company may exclude from its federal taxable income 100% of dividends received from the Bank as a wholly owned subsidiary. The corporate dividends-received deduction is 65% when the dividend is received from a corporation having at least 20% of its stock owned by the recipient corporation. A 50% dividends-received deduction is available for dividends received from a corporation having less than 20% of its stock owned by the recipient corporation.
State Taxation
New Jersey State Taxation. The Company and its subsidiary file separate New Jersey corporate business tax returns on an unconsolidated basis. Generally, the income of corporations and savings institutions in New Jersey, which is calculated based on federal taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, is subject to New Jersey tax. On July 1, 2018, Assembly Bill 4202 was signed into law, providing significant revisions to New Jersey’s Corporation Business Tax laws. Among the changes provided for in the new legislation is a surtax, an additional imposition of tax, on corporate taxpayers that have allocated New Jersey net income in excess of $1 million. For tax years 2018 and 2019, the surtax is imposed at a rate of 2.5%; and for tax years 2020 and 2021, the surtax rate is 1.5%.
For 2018, the Company is required to file a standalone New Jersey income tax return. The Company meets the requirements to elect to be taxed as a New Jersey Investment Company, which allows it to be taxed at a rate of 3.6% compared to the 9% New Jersey statutory corporate rate.
New Jersey tax law has not allowed for a taxpayer to file a tax return on a combined or consolidated basis with another member of the affiliated group where there is common ownership. On July 1, 2018, Assembly Bill 4202 was signed into law, mandating combined reporting for tax years ending on or after July 31, 2019.
In connection with the Company’s second step conversion, a $20.0 million charitable contribution was made to the Investors Charitable Foundation, $10.0 million of which was made by the Bank and the remaining $10.0 million by the Company. For the Company, the excess contribution over the allowable deduction limit for the standalone entity may be carried forward to the succeeding 5 taxable years. Based on the entity’s standalone future state taxable income, a valuation allowance was established for the portion of the state tax benefit related to the contribution that is not more likely than not to be realized. At December 31, 2018, the Company’s valuation allowance pertaining to the charitable contribution was reversed due to the enactment of New Jersey tax reform within the reporting period, which allows for charitable contributions at the Company standalone entity level to be subtracted from the combined group’s entire net income in future years, thus resulting in the projection of full utilization of the charitable deductions.
New York State Taxation. The New York State corporate franchise tax is based on the combined entire net income of the Company and its affiliates allocable and apportionable to New York State and taxed at a rate of 6.5%. The amount of revenues that are sourced to New York State under the new legislation can be expected to fluctuate over time. In addition, the Company and its affiliates are subject to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) Surcharge allocable to business activities carried on in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District. The MTA surcharge for 2018 was 28.6% of a recomputed New York

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State franchise tax, calculated using a 6.5% tax rate on allocated and apportioned entire net income. The Bank is currently under audit with respect to its New York State combined franchise tax return for tax years 2013 and 2014. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. Since the starting point for computing entire net income, the primary base of the New York general corporation franchise tax, is federal taxable income, the federal concepts of income and deductions which apply for New York franchise tax purposes, subject to statutory additions, subtractions and modifications, continue to apply in the same manner as prior to the enactment of the new legislation.
New York City Taxation. The Company and its affiliates are subject to the combined corporate tax for New York City calculated on a similar basis as the New York State franchise tax, subject to the New York City apportionment rules. While the majority of the Company’s entire net income is derived from outside of the New York City jurisdiction, the sourcing rules enacted by the 2015 tax law provisions have increased the income apportioned to New York City and in turn, caused an increase to our effective tax rate.
Pennsylvania Taxation. Considered a mutual thrift institution conducting business in Pennsylvania, the Bank is subject to the mutual thrift institutions tax. The mutual thrift institutions tax is imposed at the rate of 11.5% on apportionable net taxable income and is required to be reported and filed on the annual Net Income Tax Report. Mutual thrift institutions are exempt from all other Pennsylvania corporate taxes.
Delaware State Taxation. As a Delaware holding company not earning income in Delaware, the Company is exempted from Delaware corporate income tax but is required to file annual returns and pay annual fees and an annual franchise tax to the State of Delaware.

Other State Taxation. On February 2, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of a $345.8 million equipment finance portfolio, comprised of both loans and leases secured by various equipment including, but not limited to, trucks, railcars and container vessels, domiciled across numerous states. The Company’s filing obligations with respect to the equipment finance portfolio vary from state to state and depend upon the reporting requirements in the various jurisdictions.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
The risks set forth below, in addition to the other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition to the risks set forth below and the other risks described in this annual report, there may also be additional risks and uncertainties that are not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. As a result, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Further, to the extent that any of the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors set forth below also are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.

We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.
The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the NJDOBI, our chartering authority, by the FDIC, as insurer of our deposits, and by the CFPB, with respect to consumer protection laws. As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to regulation and oversight by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which a bank and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the requirement for additional capital, the imposition of restrictions on our operations, restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and make other capital distributions to shareholders, restrictions on our ability to repurchase shares, the classification of our assets and the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses, compliance and privacy issues, BSA and AML compliance, and approval of merger transactions. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, could have a material impact on the Bank, the Company and our operations.
The potential exists for additional Federal or state laws and regulations regarding capital requirements, lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies are expected to remain active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the potential issuance of formal enforcement orders. New laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes, along with negative developments in the financial industry and the domestic and international credit markets, could increase our costs of regulatory compliance and may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the markets for and value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability.


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If the bank regulators impose limitations on our commercial real estate lending activities, our earnings, dividend paying capacity and/or ability to repurchase shares could be adversely affected.
In 2006, the FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (collectively, the “Agencies”) issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance did not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure may receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate and construction and land loans, represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital and the outstanding balance of the commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. Our level of non-owner occupied commercial real estate equaled 450% of Bank total risk-based capital at December 31, 2018 and our commercial real estate loan portfolio increased by 30% during the preceding 36 months.
In December 2015, the Agencies released a new statement on prudent risk management for commercial real estate lending (the “2015 Statement”). In the 2015 Statement, the Agencies express concerns about easing commercial real estate underwriting standards, direct financial institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise risk management practices to identify, measure and monitor lending risks, and indicate that the Agencies will continue “to pay special attention” to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. If the FDIC, the Bank’s primary federal regulator were to impose restrictions on the amount of commercial real estate loans we can hold in our portfolio, or require higher capital ratios as a result of the level of commercial real estate loans we hold, our earnings, dividend paying capacity and/or ability to repurchase shares would be adversely affected.

If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.
We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans and our loss and delinquency experience, and we evaluate economic conditions. If actual results differ significantly from our assumptions, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our allowance. Bank regulators also periodically review our loan portfolio, the allowance for loan losses, and our assumptions underlying the determinations we have made regarding the allowance for loan losses, and as a result can require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs.
In addition, the Financial Accounting Standards Board has adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, that will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. This standard changes the accounting methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses from an incurred loss model to a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model. The CECL model will require the Bank to maintain at each periodic reporting date an allowance for loan losses in an amount that is equal to its estimate of expected lifetime credit losses on the loans in its portfolio.  This change in accounting methodology may have a negative impact to our provision and allowance for loan losses. Utilization of the CECL model may require the Bank to increase its provision and allowance for loan losses and will increase the types and amount of data the Bank will need to collect and consider in determining an appropriate level for its allowance for loan losses. Material additions to our allowance would materially decrease our net income.

Because we intend to continue to increase our commercial originations, our credit risk will increase.
At December 31, 2018, our portfolio of multi-family, commercial real estate, C&I and construction loans totaled $15.57 billion, or 72.0% of our total loans. We intend to continue to increase our originations of multi-family, commercial real estate, C&I and construction loans, which generally have more risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Since repayment of commercial loans depends on the successful management and operation of the borrower’s properties or related businesses, repayment of such loans can be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market, local economy or the management of the business or property. In addition, our commercial borrowers may have more than one loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan. Because we plan to continue to increase our originations of these loans, it may be necessary to increase the level of our allowance for loan losses because of the increased risk characteristics associated with these types of loans. Any such increase to our allowance for loan losses would adversely affect our earnings.

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Significant portions of our multi-family loan portfolio and commercial real estate portfolio and nearly all of our C&I loan portfolio are unseasoned. It is difficult to judge the future performance of unseasoned loans.
Our multi-family loan portfolio has increased to $8.20 billion at December 31, 2018 from $5.05 billion at December 31, 2014. Our commercial real estate portfolio has increased to $4.79 billion at December 31, 2018 from $3.15 billion at December 31, 2014. Our C&I loan portfolio has increased to $2.39 billion at December 31, 2018 from $544.5 million at December 31, 2014. Consequently, a large portion of our multi-family loans and commercial real estate loans and nearly all of our C&I loans are unseasoned. It is difficult to assess the future performance of these recently originated loans because of their relatively limited payment history from which to judge future collectability, especially in the economic environment since 2014. These loans may experience higher delinquency or charge-off levels than our historical loan portfolio experience, which could adversely affect our future performance.

We continue to expand our business lending efforts, which may expose us to increased lending risks and may have a negative effect on our results of operations.
In an effort to diversify our loan portfolio, we have expanded our business lending team to include leveraged lending and equipment finance teams, as well as a healthcare lending team. We will continue to explore other markets within business lending. These types of loans generally have a higher risk of loss compared to our one- to four-family residential real estate loans and multi-family loans, which could have a negative effect on our results of operations. In addition, some of our equipment finance portfolio relies on the residual values of the underlying equipment and therefore could be negatively impacted by a change in valuation. Because we are not as experienced with these new loan products, we may require additional time and resources for offering and managing such products effectively or may be unsuccessful in offering such products at a profit.

We may be required to transition from the use of LIBOR in the future.
On July 27, 2017, the Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calibration of LIBOR to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021. The continuation of LIBOR cannot be guaranteed after 2021. At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR and it is impossible to predict the effect of any such alternatives on the value of LIBOR-based securities and variable rate loans, subordinated debentures, or other securities or financial arrangements, given LIBOR's role in determining market interest rates globally. Uncertainty as to the nature of alternative reference rates and as to potential changes or other reforms to LIBOR may adversely affect LIBOR rates and the value of LIBOR-based loans and securities in our portfolio, and may impact the availability and cost of hedging instruments and borrowings. We have material contracts that are indexed to LIBOR. If LIBOR rates are no longer available and we are required to implement substitute indices for the calculation of interest rates, we may incur expenses in effecting the transition, and may be subject to disputes or litigation with customers and security holders over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute indices, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
Our liabilities reprice faster than our assets and future increases in interest rates will reduce our profits.
Our ability to make a profit largely depends on our net interest income, which could be negatively affected by changes in interest rates. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities; and the interest expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.
The interest income we earn on our assets and the interest expense we pay on our liabilities are generally fixed for a contractual period of time. Our liabilities generally have shorter contractual maturities than our assets. This imbalance can create significant earnings volatility, because market interest rates change over time. In periods of rising and/or flattening interest rates, the interest income earned on our assets may not increase as rapidly as the interest paid on our liabilities. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Management of Market Risk.”
In addition, changes in interest rates can affect the average life of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities. Increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and/or make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable-rate loans. An increase in interest rates can also result in decreased prepayment of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities. Conversely, a decrease in interest rates may cause increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities as borrowers refinance their debt to reduce their borrowing costs. This creates reinvestment risk, which is the risk that we may not be able to reinvest the funds from faster prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates we earned on the prepaid loans or securities.
Changes in interest rates also affect the current market value of our interest-earning securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities moves inversely with changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2018, the fair value of our total securities

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portfolio was $3.69 billion. Unrealized net losses on debt securities available-for-sale are reported as a separate component of equity. To the extent interest rates increase and the value of our available-for-sale portfolio decreases, our stockholders’ equity will be adversely affected.
We evaluate interest rate sensitivity using models that estimate net interest income sensitivity and the change in our economic value of equity over a range of interest rate scenarios. The economic value of equity analysis is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts. At December 31, 2018, in the event of a 200 basis point increase in interest rates, whereby rates increase evenly over a twelve-month period, and assuming management took no action to mitigate the effect of such change, the model projects that we would experience a 5.0% or $32.4 million decrease in net interest income. In a 200 basis point instantaneous increase in interest rates scenario, the model projects an 11.4% or $495.0 million decrease in economic value of equity.

The flattening or inversion of the yield curve may adversely affect our net interest income and profitability.
During the past several years it has been the policy of the Federal Reserve Board to maintain interest rates at historically low levels. As a result, market rates on the loans we have originated and the yields on securities we have purchased have been at historically lower levels. However, in 2017 and 2018 the Federal Reserve Board has increased the federal funds target rate by 200 basis points, which has resulted in increases in short-term rates, such as the cost of deposits and the cost of overnight borrowings, while long-term rates on loans and securities have not risen as much, resulting in a flattening of the yield curve.  A flat yield curve combined with low interest rates generally leads to lower revenue and reduced margins because it tends to limit our ability to increase the spread between asset yields and funding costs. Sustained periods of time with a flat yield curve coupled with low interest rates, or an inversion of the yield curve, could have a material adverse effect on our net interest margin and earnings.

We may not be able to continue to grow our business, which may adversely impact our results of operations.
Our total assets have grown from approximately $18.77 billion at December 31, 2014 to $26.23 billion at December 31, 2018. Our business strategy calls for continued growth. Our ability to continue to grow depends, in part, upon our ability to successfully attract deposits, identify favorable loan and investment opportunities, acquire other banks and non-bank entities and enhance our market presence. In the event that we do not continue to grow, our results of operations could be adversely impacted.
Our ability to grow successfully will depend on whether we can continue to fund this growth while maintaining cost controls and asset quality, remain in good standing with our regulators, as well as on factors beyond our control, such as national and regional economic conditions and interest rate trends. If we are not able to control costs and maintain asset quality, such growth could adversely impact our earnings and financial condition.

Public funds deposits are an important source of funds for us and a reduced level of those deposits may hurt our profits and liquidity position.
Public funds deposits are a significant source of funds for our lending and investment activities. At December 31, 2018, $4.28 billion, or 24.3% of our total deposits, consisted of public funds deposits from local government entities, predominately domiciled in the state of New Jersey, such as townships, school districts, hospital districts, sheriff departments and other municipalities, which are collateralized by letters of credit from the FHLB and investment securities. Given our use of these high-average balance public funds deposits as a source of funds, our inability to retain such funds could adversely affect our liquidity. Further, our public funds deposits are primarily interest-bearing demand deposit accounts or short-term time deposits and are therefore more sensitive to interest rate risks. If we are forced to pay higher rates on our public funds accounts to retain those funds, or if we are unable to retain such funds and we are forced to resort to other sources of funds for our lending and investment activities, such as borrowings from the FHLB, the interest expense associated with these other funding sources may be higher than the rates we are currently paying on our public funds deposits, which would adversely affect our net income.

Public funds deposits are an important source of funds for us and legislation concerning a State-chartered bank in New Jersey could challenge our overall strategies and potentially reduce the level of public fund deposits.
At December 31, 2018, we had $4.28 billion in municipal deposits from various municipalities and other governmental entities. Such deposits are generally used to fund our loans and investments. In addition, the State of New Jersey is considering creating a State Bank, whose purpose would be to promote economic development, commerce, and industry in the State. It intends to permit State funds, including funds from State institutions and any State public source, to be held by the State Bank. Given the degree of our funding reliance on New Jersey-based municipal deposits and the potential lending ability of the proposed State Bank, we are uncertain of the impact this proposal may have on us. The possible loss of public funds on deposit may increase the costs of our funding needs, which could have a negative impact on our net income and negatively impact liquidity. The proposed legislation was first introduced in 2018, and there is no assurance it will become law, or will become law in its current form.


36

We could be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify mortgage loan purchasers due to breaches of representations and warranties, borrower fraud, or certain borrower defaults, which could have an adverse impact on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
We sell into the secondary market a portion of the residential mortgage loans that we originate through our mortgage subsidiary, Investors Home Mortgage. The whole loan sale agreements we enter into in connection with such loan sales require us to repurchase or substitute mortgage loans in the event there is a breach of any of representations or warranties. In addition, we may be required to repurchase mortgage loans as a result of borrower fraud or in the event of early payment default of the borrower on a mortgage loan. We have established a reserve for estimated repurchase and indemnification obligations on the residential mortgage loans that we sell. We make various assumptions and judgments in determining this reserve. If our assumptions are incorrect, our reserve may not be sufficient to cover losses from repurchase and indemnification obligations related to our residential loans sold. Such event would have an adverse effect on our earnings.

FHLB funds are an important source of funding for the Company and a reduced level may have an adverse impact on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
We borrow directly from the FHLB and various financial institutions.  Our financial flexibility will be severely constrained if we are unable to maintain our access to funding or if adequate financing is not available to accommodate future growth at acceptable interest rates. If we are unable to secure alternative funding or need to rely on more expensive funding sources, our operating margins, profitability and liquidity would be negatively impacted.

We may incur impairments to goodwill.
At December 31, 2018, we had approximately $82.5 million recorded as goodwill. We evaluate goodwill for impairment, at least annually. Significant negative industry or economic trends, including declines in the market price of our common stock, reduced estimates of future cash flows or disruptions to our business, could result in impairments to goodwill. We operate in competitive environments and projections of future operating results and cash flows may vary significantly from actual results. If our analysis results in impairment to goodwill, we would be required to record an impairment charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which such impairment is determined to exist. Any such change could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

A worsening of national or local economic conditions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Deteriorating economic conditions could significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the value of our loans and investments, and our on-going operations, costs and profitability.  Declines in real estate values and sales volumes and unemployment levels, particularly in New York and New Jersey given our concentration in this region, may result in greater loan delinquencies, increases in our nonperforming, criticized and classified assets and a decline in demand for our products and services. These events may cause us to incur losses and may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. The majority of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate in New York and New Jersey.

Our inability to achieve profitability on new branches may negatively affect our earnings.
We have expanded our presence throughout our market area and may pursue further expansion through de novo branching or the purchase of branches from other financial institutions. The profitability of our expansion strategy will depend on whether the income that we generate from the new branches will offset the increased expenses resulting from operating these branches. We expect that it may take a period of time before these branches can become profitable, especially in areas in which we do not have an established presence. During this period, the expense of operating these branches may negatively affect our net income.

Growing by acquisition entails integration and certain other risks.
Although we have successfully integrated business acquisitions in recent years, failure to successfully integrate systems subsequent to the completion of any future acquisitions could have a material impact on the operations of the Bank.
 
Future acquisition activity could dilute book value.
Both nationally and in our region, the banking industry is undergoing consolidation marked by numerous mergers and acquisitions. From time to time we may be presented with opportunities to acquire institutions and/or bank branches and we may engage in discussions and negotiations. Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and trading values, and therefore, may result in the dilution of our book value per share.


37

Capital requirements for financial institutions have increased in recent years, which may adversely impact our return on equity, or constrain us from paying dividends or repurchasing shares.
In 2015, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board instituted a new rule which substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to the Bank and the Company. This rule implemented the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.
The rule included new minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios, and refines the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating these ratios. The new minimum capital requirements are: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 to risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4% under prior rules); (iii) a total capital to risk-based assets ratio of 8%; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. The rule also established a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital, and resulted in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%; (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%; and (iii) a total capital to risk-based assets ratio of 10.5%. The required minimum capital conservation buffer was phased in incrementally and increased to 1.25% on January 1, 2017, further increased to 1.875% on January 1, 2018 and finally increased to 2.5% on January 1, 2019. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such actions.
The application of these more stringent capital requirements for the Bank and the Company could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions constraining us from paying dividends or repurchasing shares if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements.

We may be adversely affected by changes in tax laws and regulations.
The Tax Act had both positive and negative effects on our financial performance. The new legislation resulted in a reduction in our federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018, which had a favorable impact on our earnings and capital generation abilities. However, the new legislation also enacted limitations on certain deductions, such as the deduction of FDIC deposit insurance premiums and executive compensation, which partially offset the anticipated increase in net earnings from the lower tax rate. In addition, under ASC 740, Income Taxes, companies are required to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment. As a result of the lower corporate tax rate, the resulting impact of the re-measurement of the Company’s deferred tax balances was $49.2 million, which was recorded as a tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017. The impact of the Tax Act may differ from the foregoing, possibly materially, due to changes in interpretations or in assumptions that we have made, guidance or regulations that may be promulgated, and other actions that we may take as a result of the Tax Act. Similarly, the Bank’s customers are likely to experience varying effects from both the individual and business tax provisions of the Tax Act and such effects, whether positive or negative, may have a corresponding impact on our business and the economy as a whole. We are subject to changes in tax law that could increase our effective tax rates. These law changes may be retroactive to previous periods and as a result could negatively affect our current and future financial performance.

We currently utilize incentive-based payment arrangements with our employees as compensation practices. Potential regulatory changes to this practice could have an impact on our current practices and impact our results of operations.
The Bank is subject to the compensation-related provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act which prohibit incentive-based payment arrangements that encourage inappropriate risk taking. The scope and content of the U.S. banking regulators’ policies on incentive compensation are continuing to develop and are likely to continue evolving in the future.

Strong competition within our market area may limit our growth and profitability.
Competition in the banking and financial services and non bank industry is intense. In our market area, we compete with numerous commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. In addition, we compete with numerous online financial service providers who compete in the new digital fintech marketplace and who may not be subject to our regulatory requirements. Some of our competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have, have greater name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business, and offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. In addition, larger bank and non bank competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we can. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our market area. The greater resources and deposit and loan products offered by some of our competitors may limit our ability to increase our interest-earning assets. For additional information see “Item 1. Business.”


38

Any future increase in FDIC insurance premiums will adversely impact our earnings.
As a “large institution” within the meaning of FDIC regulations (i.e., greater than $10 billion in assets), the Bank’s deposit insurance premium is determined differently than smaller banks.  Small banks are assessed based on a risk classification determined by examination ratings, financial ratios and certain specified adjustments.  Large institutions are subject to assessment based upon a more detailed scorecard approach involving (i) a performance score determined using forward-looking risk measures, including certain stress testing, and (ii) a loss severity score, which is designed to measure, based on modeling, potential loss to the FDIC insurance fund if the institution failed. The total score is converted to an assessment rate, subject to certain adjustments, with institutions deemed riskier paying higher assessments.

We may eliminate dividends on our common stock.
Although we pay quarterly cash dividends to our stockholders, stockholders are not entitled to receive dividends. Downturns in domestic and global economies and other factors could cause our board of directors to consider, among other things, the elimination of or reduction in the amount and/or frequency of cash dividends paid on our common stock.

We could be adversely affected by failure in our internal controls.
We continue to devote a significant amount of effort, time and resources to continually strengthen our controls and ensure compliance with complex accounting standards and banking regulations. A failure in our internal controls could have a significant negative impact not only on our earnings, but also on the perception that customers, regulators and investors may have of us.

Our failure to effectively deploy the capital raised in our second step conversion offering may have an adverse effect on our financial performance.
We invested 50% of the net proceeds from our second step conversion offering in the Bank; provided funding to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan for the purchase of 6,617,421 shares of common stock sold in the offering; and contributed $20.0 million to Investors Charitable foundation by issuing 1,000,000 shares and a $10.0 million cash contribution.  A substantial portion of the net proceeds were used to pay off short-term borrowings as they matured and invest in securities. We continue to utilize the remainder of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including, among other items, paying cash dividends and repurchasing shares of our common stock.  Our failure to deploy the capital effectively may reduce our profitability and may adversely affect the value of our common stock.

Our recruitment efforts may not be sufficient to implement our business strategy and execute successful operations.
As we continue to grow, we may find our recruitment efforts more challenging. If we do not succeed in attracting, hiring, and integrating experienced or qualified personnel, we may not be able to continue to successfully implement our business strategy.

A failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties, could disrupt our businesses, and adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, as well as cause reputational harm.
The Bank collects, processes and stores sensitive consumer data by utilizing computer systems and telecommunications networks operated by both the Bank and third-party service providers. Our operational and security systems, infrastructure, including our computer systems, data management, and internal processes, as well as those of third parties, are integral to our business. We rely on our employees and third parties in our day-to-day and ongoing operations, who may, as a result of human error, misconduct or malfeasance, or failure or breach of third- party systems or infrastructure, expose us to risk. We have taken measures to implement backup systems and other safeguards to support our operations, but our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by any significant disruptions to us or to third parties with whom we interact. In addition, our ability to implement backup systems and other safeguards with respect to third-party systems is more limited than with our own systems.
We handle a substantial volume of customer and other financial transactions every day. Our financial, accounting, data processing, check processing, electronic funds transfer, loan processing, online and mobile banking, automated teller machines, or ATMs, backup or other operating or security systems and infrastructure may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. This could adversely affect our ability to process these transactions or provide these services. There could be sudden increases in customer transaction volume, electrical, telecommunications or other major physical infrastructure outages, natural disasters, events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts, and cyber attacks. We continuously update these systems to support our operations and growth. This updating entails significant costs and creates risks associated with implementing new systems and integrating them with existing ones. Operational risk exposures could adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, and cause reputational harm.

39


A cyber attack, information or security breach, or a technology failure of ours or of a third-party could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business or manage our exposure to risk, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, increase our costs to maintain and update our operational and security systems and infrastructure, and adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, as well as cause reputational harm.
Our business is highly dependent on the security and efficacy of our infrastructure, computer and data management systems, as well as those of third parties with whom we interact. Cyber security risks for financial institutions have significantly increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists and other external parties, including foreign state actors. Our operations rely on the secure processing, transmission, storage and retrieval of confidential, proprietary and other information in our computer and data management systems and networks, and in the computer and data management systems and networks of third parties. We rely on digital technologies, computer, database and email systems, software, and networks to conduct our operations. In addition, to access our network, products and services, our customers and third parties may use personal mobile devices or computing devices that are outside of our network environment.
Financial services institutions have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, cyber attacks, including computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, phishing attacks, denial of service or other security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information of the institution, its employees or customers or of third parties, or otherwise materially disrupt network access or business operations. For example, denial of service attacks have been launched against a number of large financial institutions and several large retailers have disclosed substantial cyber security breaches affecting debit and credit card accounts of their customers. We have experienced cyber security incidents in the past, although not material, and we anticipate that, as a larger bank, we could experience further incidents. There can be no assurance that we will not suffer material losses or other material consequences relating to technology failure, cyber attacks or other information or security breaches.
Misconduct by employees could also result in fraudulent, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of clients or improper use of confidential information. The Bank may not be able to prevent employee errors or misconduct, and the precautions the Bank takes to detect this type of activity might not be effective in all cases. Employee errors or misconduct could subject the Bank to civil claims for negligence or regulatory enforcement actions, including fines and restrictions on our business.
In addition, there have been instances where financial institutions have been victims of fraudulent activity in which criminals pose as customers to initiate wire and automated clearinghouse transactions out of customer accounts. The recent massive breach of the systems of a credit bureau presents additional threats as criminals now have more information about a larger portion of the population of the United States than past breaches have involved, which could be used by criminals to pose as customers initiating transfers of money from customer accounts. Although the Bank has policies and procedures in place to verify the authenticity of its customers, the Bank cannot assure that such policies and procedures will prevent all fraudulent transfers. Such activity can result in financial liability and harm to our reputation.
As cyber threats and other fraudulent activity continues to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify and enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities or incidents. Any of these matters could result in our loss of customers and business opportunities, significant disruption to our operations and business, misappropriation or destruction of our confidential information and/or that of our customers, or damage to our customers’ and/or third parties’ computers or systems, and could result in a violation of applicable privacy laws and other laws, litigation exposure, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, loss of confidence in our security measures, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensatory costs, and additional compliance costs. In addition, any of the matters described above could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

We rely on third-party providers and other suppliers for a number of services that are important to our business. An interruption or cessation of an important service by any third-party could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are dependent for the majority of our technology, including our core operating system, on third-party providers. If these companies were to discontinue providing services to us, we may experience significant disruption to our business. In addition, each of these third parties faces the risk of cyber attack, information breach or loss, or technology failure. If any of our third-party service providers experience such difficulties, or if there is any other disruption in our relationships with them, we may be required to find alternative sources of such services. We are dependent on these third-party providers securing their information systems, over which we have limited control, and a breach of their information systems could adversely affect our ability to process transactions, service our clients or manage our exposure to risk and could result in the disclosure of sensitive, personal

40

customer information, which could have a material adverse impact on our business through damage to our reputation, loss of business, remedial costs, additional regulatory scrutiny or exposure to civil litigation and possible financial liability. Assurance cannot be provided that we could negotiate terms with alternative service sources that are as favorable or could obtain services with similar functionality as found in existing systems without the need to expend substantial resources, if at all, thereby resulting in a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

Severe weather, acts of terrorism and other external events could impact our ability to conduct business.
Weather-related events have adversely impacted our market area in recent years, especially areas located near coastal waters and flood prone areas. Such events that may cause significant flooding and other storm-related damage may become more common events in the future. Financial institutions have been, and continue to be, targets of terrorist threats aimed at compromising operating and communication systems and the metropolitan New York area and Northern New Jersey remain central targets for potential acts of terrorism. Such events could cause significant damage, impact the stability of our facilities and result in additional expenses, impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, reduce the value of collateral securing repayment of our loans, and result in the loss of revenue. While we have established and regularly test disaster recovery procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.

ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None. 

ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
At December 31, 2018, the Company and the Bank conducted business from their corporate headquarters in Short Hills, New Jersey, with operation centers located in Iselin, Robbinsville and Dunellen, New Jersey as well as lending offices in Short Hills, Iselin, Robbinsville, Mount Laurel, Spring Lake, Newark, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Melville, as well as a full-service branch network of 151 offices.

ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company, the Bank and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the resolution of these legal actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.


41

Part II

ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our shares of common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ISBC”. The approximate number of holders of record of Investors Bancorp, Inc.’s common stock as of February 22, 2019 was approximately 8,300. Certain shares of Investors Bancorp, Inc. are held in “nominee” or “street” name and accordingly, the number of beneficial owners of such shares is not known or included in the foregoing number.
Stock Performance Graph
Set forth below is a stock performance graph comparing (a) the cumulative total return on the Company’s common stock for the period beginning December 31, 2013 through December 31, 2018, (b) the cumulative total return of publicly traded thrifts over such period, and, (c) the cumulative total return of all publicly traded banks and thrifts over such period. Cumulative return assumes the reinvestment of dividends, and is expressed in dollars based on an assumed investment of $100.
chart-b8202e99cd135adc816a01.jpg
 
Index
12/31/2013

 
12/31/2014

 
12/31/2015

 
12/31/2016

 
12/31/2017

 
12/31/2018

Investors Bancorp, Inc.
100.00

 
113.19

 
128.07

 
146.85

 
149.70

 
115.51

SNL U.S. Bank and Thrift
100.00

 
111.63

 
113.89

 
143.78

 
169.07

 
140.45

SNL U.S. Thrift
100.00

 
107.55

 
120.94

 
148.14

 
147.06

 
123.87

Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

42

Stock Repurchases
    
The following table reports information regarding repurchases of our common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 and the stock repurchase plans approved by our Board of Directors.

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)(2)
 
Average Price paid Per Share
 
As part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Yet to be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1, 2018 through October 31, 2018
 
301,468

 
$
11.28

 
300,000

 
2,980,054

November 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018
 
2,300,679

 
$
12.06

 
2,300,000

 
680,054

December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018
 
3,300,243

 
$
10.91

 
3,300,000

 
26,266,834

Total
 
5,902,390

 
$
11.38

 
5,900,000

 
 
(1) On October 25, 2018, the Company announced its fourth share repurchase program, which authorized the purchase of 10% of its publicly-held outstanding shares of common stock, or 28,886,780 shares. The plan commenced upon the completion of the third repurchase plan on December 10, 2018. This program has no expiration date and has 26,266,834 shares yet to be repurchased as of December 31, 2018.
(2) 2,390 shares were withheld to cover income taxes related to restricted stock vesting under our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. Shares withheld to pay income taxes are repurchased pursuant to the terms of the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan and not under our share repurchase program.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The information set forth in Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report under the heading “Equity Compensation Plan Information” is incorporated by reference herein.


43

ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following information is derived in part from the consolidated financial statements of Investors Bancorp, Inc. For additional information, reference is made to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements of Investors Bancorp, Inc. and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform with current year classifications.
 
 
At December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In thousands)
Selected Financial Condition Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,229,008

 
$
25,129,244

 
$
23,174,675

 
$
20,888,684

 
$
18,773,639

Loans receivable, net
21,378,136

 
19,852,101

 
18,569,855

 
16,661,133

 
14,887,570

Loans held-for-sale
4,074

 
5,185

 
38,298

 
7,431

 
6,868

Equity securities
5,793

 
5,701

 
6,660

 
6,495

 
8,523

Debt securities held-to-maturity
1,555,137

 
1,796,621

 
1,755,556

 
1,844,223

 
1,564,479

Debt securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value
2,122,162

 
1,982,026

 
1,653,773

 
1,298,202

 
1,189,401

Bank owned life insurance
211,914

 
155,635

 
161,940

 
159,152

 
161,609

Deposits
17,580,269

 
17,357,697

 
15,280,833

 
14,063,656

 
12,172,326

Borrowed funds
5,435,681

 
4,461,533

 
4,546,251

 
3,263,090

 
2,766,104

Goodwill
82,546

 
77,571

 
77,571

 
77,571

 
77,571

Stockholders’ equity
3,005,330

 
3,125,451

 
3,123,245

 
3,311,647

 
3,577,855

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In thousands)
Selected Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and dividend income
$
968,416

 
$
881,683

 
$
793,521

 
$
731,723

 
$
660,862

Interest expense
288,399

 
201,907

 
153,336

 
136,639

 
118,891

Net interest income
680,017

 
679,776

 
640,185

 
595,084

 
541,971

Provision for loan losses
12,000

 
16,250

 
19,750

 
26,000

 
37,500

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
668,017

 
663,526

 
620,435

 
569,084

 
504,471

Non-interest income(1)
10,081

 
35,637

 
37,201

 
40,125

 
41,861

Non-interest expenses
407,680

 
418,574

 
358,564

 
328,332

 
339,860

Income before income tax expense
270,418

 
280,589

 
299,072

 
280,877

 
206,472

Income tax expense (2)
67,842

 
153,845

 
106,947

 
99,372

 
74,751

Net income
$
202,576

 
$
126,744

 
$
192,125

 
$
181,505

 
$
131,721

Earnings per share — basic
$
0.72

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.65

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.38

Earnings per share — diluted
$
0.72

 
$
0.43

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.38

 
(1) Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2018 includes a loss of $32.8 million related to the sale of debt securities available-for-sale in December 2018.
(2) Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes $49.2 million related to the enactment of the Tax Act in December 2017.

44

 
 
At or for the Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on assets (ratio of net income to average total assets)
 
0.80
%
 
0.52
%
 
0.88
%
 
0.92
%
 
0.76
%
Return on assets - Adjusted (1)
 
0.90
%
 
0.73
%
 
0.88
%
 
0.92
%
 
0.76
%
Return on equity (ratio of net income to average equity)
 
6.57
%
 
4.00
%
 
6.06
%
 
5.26
%
 
4.71
%
Return on equity - Adjusted (1)
 
7.36
%
 
5.56
%
 
6.06
%
 
5.26
%
 
4.71
%
Net interest rate spread (2)
 
2.46
%
 
2.67
%
 
2.83
%
 
2.91
%
 
3.08
%
Net interest margin (3)
 
2.76
%
 
2.89
%
 
3.04
%
 
3.12
%
 
3.27
%
Efficiency ratio (4)
 
59.08
%
 
58.51
%
 
52.93
%
 
51.69
%
 
58.21
%
Efficiency ratio - Adjusted (1)(4)
 
56.39
%
 
58.51
%
 
52.93
%
 
51.69
%
 
58.21
%
Non-interest expenses to average total assets
 
1.61
%
 
1.73
%
 
1.64
%
 
1.66
%
 
1.96
%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
 
1.25x

 
1.26x

 
1.29x

 
1.30x

 
1.28x

Dividend payout ratio (5)
 
52.78
%
 
75.00
%
 
40.00
%
 
45.45
%
 
31.58
%
Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing assets to total assets
 
0.55
%
 
0.61
%
 
0.47
%
 
0.69
%
 
0.81
%
Non-accrual loans to total loans
 
0.58
%
 
0.68
%
 
0.50
%
 
0.68
%
 
0.72
%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans (6)
 
170.22
%
 
157.46
%
 
220.18
%
 
158.43
%
 
139.10
%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
 
1.09
%
 
1.15
%
 
1.21
%
 
1.29
%
 
1.33
%
Capital Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 leverage ratio (7)
 
10.28
%
 
11.00
%
 
12.03
%
 
12.41
%
 
12.79
%
Common equity tier 1 risk-based (7)
 
13.41
%
 
13.94
%
 
14.75
%
 
15.87
%
 
n/a

Tier 1 risk-based capital (7)
 
13.41
%
 
13.94
%
 
14.75
%
 
15.87
%
 
17.01
%
Total-risk-based capital (7)
 
14.60
%
 
15.13
%
 
15.99
%
 
17.12
%
 
18.26
%
Equity to total assets
 
11.46
%
 
12.44
%
 
13.48
%
 
15.85
%
 
19.06
%
Tangible equity to tangible assets (8)
 
11.12
%
 
12.10
%
 
13.10
%
 
15.43
%
 
18.60
%
Average equity to average assets
 
12.15
%
 
13.06
%
 
14.52
%
 
17.41
%
 
16.16
%
Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book value per common share (8)
 
$
10.95

 
$
10.64

 
$
10.53

 
$
10.30

 
$
10.39

Tangible book value per common share (8)
 
$
10.59

 
$
10.31

 
$
10.18

 
$
9.97

 
$
10.08

Number of full service offices
 
151

 
156

 
151

 
140

 
132

Full time equivalent employees
 
1,928

 
1,931

 
1,829

 
1,734

 
1,682

 
(1)
Adjusted ratios for the year ended December 31, 2018 exclude a $32.8 million pre-tax loss on the sale of debt securities available-for-sale in December 2018. Adjusted ratios for the year ended December 31, 2017 exclude $49.2 million of income tax expense related to the enactment of the Tax Act in December 2017.
(2)
The net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted-average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted- average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the period.
(3)
The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets for the period.
(4)
The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
(5)
The dividend payout ratio represents dividends paid per share divided by net income per share.
(6)
Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans and performing troubled debt restructured loans.
(7)
Ratios are for Investors Bank and do not include capital retained at the holding company level. The information presented prior to December 31, 2015 reflect the requirements in effect at that time, as the Basel III requirements became effective on January 1, 2015, see “Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation”.
(8)
Excludes goodwill and intangible assets for the calculation of tangible book value and tangible equity. For common share calculation, excludes treasury shares and unallocated ESOP shares.

45



ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Since the Company’s initial public offering in 2005, we have transitioned from a wholesale thrift business to a retail commercial bank. This transition has been primarily accomplished by increasing the amount of our commercial loans and core deposits (savings, checking and money market accounts). Our transformation can be attributed to a number of factors, including organic growth, de novo branch openings, bank and branch acquisitions, as well as product expansion. We believe the attractive markets we operate in, namely, New Jersey and the greater New York metropolitan area, will continue to provide us with growth opportunities. Our primary focus is to build and develop profitable customer relationships across all lines of business, both consumer and commercial.
Our results of operations depend primarily on net interest income, which is directly impacted by the interest rate environment. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, primarily loans and investment securities, and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, primarily interest-bearing transaction accounts, time deposits, and borrowed funds. Net interest income is affected by the level and direction of interest rates, the shape of the market yield curve, the timing of the placement and the repricing of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities on our balance sheet, and the rate of prepayments on our mortgage-related assets.
A flattening of the yield curve, caused primarily by rising short term interest rates combined with competitive pricing in both the loan and deposit markets, continues to create a challenging net interest margin environment. We continue to actively manage our interest rate risk against a backdrop of a relatively flat yield curve. If short-term interest rates and related deposit competition increase further, we may be subject to near-term net interest margin compression. Should the yield curve steepen, we may experience an improvement in net interest income, particularly if short-term interest rates do not increase further. In August 2018, we entered into a $1.0 billion asset swap transaction where fixed rate loan payments were exchanged for variable rate payments. This transaction was executed in an effort to reduce our exposure to rising rates. In December 2018, we sold approximately $665.0 million of our lower yielding mortgage-backed debt securities available-for-sale at an after-tax loss of $25.6 million. Proceeds from the sale were reinvested in debt securities yielding on average 160 basis points higher than the securities sold.
Our results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic conditions. While the consumer continues to benefit from improved housing and employment metrics, the velocity of economic growth, domestically and internationally, while recently improving, may be negatively impacted by rising interest rates. In addition, in December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted which reduced our federal tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 which resulted in recognizing a $49.2 million increase to income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 due to the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets.  On July 1, 2018, the State of New Jersey enacted new legislation that created a temporary surtax effective for tax years 2018 through 2021 and will require companies to file combined tax returns beginning in 2019. The new state tax legislation resulted in a $2.3 million increase to our net deferred tax asset and a decrease to our state tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Total assets increased $1.10 billion, or 4.4%, to $26.23 billion at December 31, 2018 from $25.13 billion at December 31, 2017. Net loans increased $1.53 billion, or 7.7%, to $21.38 billion at December 31, 2018 from $19.85 billion at December 31, 2017. Securities decreased $101.3 million, or 2.7%, to $3.68 billion at December 31, 2018 from $3.78 billion at December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we originated or funded $1.58 billion in multi-family loans, $957.7 million in commercial and industrial loans, $801.8 million in commercial real estate loans, $593.6 million in residential loans, $110.5 million in consumer and other loans and $104.5 million in construction loans. In addition, during February 2018, we completed the acquisition of a $345.8 million equipment finance portfolio, comprised of both loans and leases, which is classified within our commercial and industrial loan portfolio. Our ongoing strategy is to continue to work towards becoming more commercial bank-like and maintain a well-diversified loan portfolio. We understand the heightened regulatory sensitivity around commercial real estate and multi-family concentrations and continue to be diligent in our underwriting and credit risk monitoring of these portfolios. The overall level of non-performing loans remains low compared to our national and regional peers; however, our commercial real estate concentration is above 300% of regulatory capital and therefore subjects us to heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Capital management is a key component of our business strategy. We continue to manage our capital through a combination of organic growth, stock repurchases and cash dividends. Effective capital management and prudent growth allows us to effectively leverage the capital from the Company’s public offerings, while being mindful of tangible book value for stockholders. Our capital to total assets ratio has decreased to 11.46% at December 31, 2018 from 12.44% at December 31, 2017. Since the commencement

46

of our first stock repurchase plan post second step stock offering, the Company has repurchased a total of 87.8 million shares at an average cost of $12.12 per share totaling $1.06 billion. Stockholders’ equity was impacted for the year ended December 31, 2018 by the repurchase of 20.4 million shares of common stock for $258.2 million as well as cash dividends of $0.38 per share totaling $113.2 million. On October 25, 2018, the Company announced its fourth share repurchase program, which authorized the purchase of an additional 10% of its publicly-held outstanding shares of common stock, or 28,886,780 shares. The new repurchase program commenced immediately upon completion of the third share repurchase program on December 10, 2018.
We continue to enhance our employee training and development programs, build additional risk management and operational infrastructure and add personnel as our Company grows and our business changes. In August 2016 we entered into an informal agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (“NJDOBI”) with regard to Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) compliance matters. Our BSA/AML team has worked diligently to enhance the risk infrastructure procedures and technology, while ensuring its long term sustainability for the Company. In December 2018, the FDIC and the NJDOBI informed the Bank that the informal agreement had been terminated. We will continue to execute our business strategies with a focus on prudent and opportunistic growth while striving to produce financial results that will create value for our stockholders. We intend to continue to grow our business by successfully attracting deposits, identifying favorable loan and investment opportunities, acquiring other banks and non-bank entities, enhancing our market presence and product offerings as well as continuing to invest in our people.

Critical Accounting Policies
We consider accounting policies that require management to exercise significant judgment or discretion or to make significant assumptions that have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets or on income to be critical accounting policies. As of December 31, 2018, we consider the following to be our critical accounting policies.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is the estimated amount considered necessary to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through the provision for loan losses that is charged against income. The methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy by management because of the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions used, and the potential for changes in the economic environment that could result in changes to the amount of the recorded allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses has been determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, under which we are required to maintain an allowance for probable losses at the balance sheet date. We are responsible for the timely and periodic determination of the amount of the allowance required. We believe that our allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover specifically identifiable losses, as well as estimated losses inherent in our portfolio for which certain losses are probable but not specifically identifiable. Loans acquired are marked to fair value on the date of acquisition with no valuation allowance reflected in the allowance for loan losses. In conjunction with the quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, the Company performs an analysis on acquired loans to determine whether or not an allowance should be ascribed to those loans.
Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The analysis of the allowance for loan losses has two components: collectively evaluated and individually evaluated. Specific allocations are made for loans determined to be impaired. A loan is deemed to be impaired if it is a commercial loan with an outstanding balance greater than $1.0 million and on non-accrual status, loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), and other commercial loans greater than $1.0 million if management has specific information that it is probable it will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is measured by determining the present value of expected future cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral adjusted for market conditions and selling expenses. The collectively evaluated component is determined by segregating the remaining loans by type of loan, risk rating (if applicable) and payment history. In addition, the Company’s residential portfolio is subdivided between fixed and adjustable rate loans as adjustable rate loans are deemed to be subject to more credit risk if interest rates rise. Reserves for each loan segment or the loss factors are generally determined based on the Company’s historical loss experience over a look-back period determined to provide the appropriate amount of data to accurately estimate expected losses as of period end. Additionally, management assesses the loss emergence period for the expected losses of each loan segment and adjusts each historical loss factor accordingly. The loss emergence period is the estimated time from the date of a loss event (such as a personal bankruptcy) to the actual recognition of the loss (typically via the first full or partial loan charge-off), and is determined based upon a study of the Company’s past loss experience by loan segment. The loss factors may also be adjusted to account for qualitative or environmental factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses inherent in the portfolio to differ from historical loss experience. This evaluation is based on among other things, loan and delinquency trends, general economic conditions, credit concentrations, industry trends and lending and credit management policies and procedures, but is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revisions based upon changes in economic and real estate market conditions. Actual loan losses may be

47

different than the allowance for loan losses we have established which could have a material negative effect on our financial results.
On a quarterly basis, management reviews the current status of various loan assets in order to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. In this evaluation process, specific loans are analyzed to determine their potential risk of loss. Loans determined to be impaired are evaluated for potential loss exposure. Any shortfall results in a recommendation of a specific allowance or charge-off if the likelihood of loss is evaluated as probable. To determine the adequacy of collateral on a particular loan, an estimate of the fair value of the collateral is based on the most current appraised value available for real property or a discounted cash flow analysis on a business. The appraised value for real property is then reduced to reflect estimated liquidation expenses.
The allowance contains reserves identified as unallocated. These reserves reflect management’s attempt to provide for the imprecision and the uncertainty that is inherent in estimates of probable credit losses.
Our lending emphasis has been the origination of multi-family loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate, construction loans, and consumer loans, the majority of which are home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and cash surrender value lending on life insurance contracts. These activities resulted in a concentration of loans secured by real estate property and businesses located in New Jersey and New York. Based on the composition of our loan portfolio, we believe the primary risks to our loan portfolio are increases in interest rates, a decline in the general economy, and declines in real estate market values in New Jersey, New York and surrounding states. Any one or combination of these events may adversely affect our loan portfolio resulting in increased delinquencies, loan losses and future levels of loan loss provisions. As a substantial amount of our loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, appraisals of the underlying value of property securing loans are critical in determining the amount of the allowance required for specific loans. Assumptions for appraisal valuations are instrumental in determining the value of properties. Negative changes to appraisal assumptions could significantly impact the valuation of a property securing a loan and the related allowance determined. The assumptions supporting such appraisals are carefully reviewed to determine that the resulting values reasonably reflect amounts realizable on the related loans.
The Company obtains an appraisal for all commercial loans that are collateral dependent upon origination. An updated appraisal is obtained annually for loans rated substandard or worse with a balance of $500,000 or greater. An updated appraisal is obtained biennially for loans rated special mention with a balance of $2.0 million or greater. This is done in order to determine the specific reserve or charge off needed. As part of the allowance for loan losses process, the Company reviews each collateral dependent commercial loan classified as non-accrual and/or impaired and assesses whether there has been an adverse change in the collateral value supporting the loan. The Company utilizes information from its commercial lending officers and its credit department and special assets department’s knowledge of changes in real estate conditions in our lending area to identify if possible deterioration of collateral value has occurred. Based on the severity of the changes in market conditions, management determines if an updated appraisal is warranted or if downward adjustments to the previous appraisal are warranted. If it is determined that the deterioration of the collateral value is significant enough to warrant ordering a new appraisal, an estimate of the downward adjustments to the existing appraised value is used in assessing if additional specific reserves are necessary until the updated appraisal is received.
For homogeneous residential mortgage loans, the Company’s policy is to obtain an appraisal upon the origination of the loan and an updated appraisal in the event a loan becomes 90 days delinquent. Thereafter, the appraisal is updated every two years if the loan remains in non-performing status and the foreclosure process has not been completed. Management adjusts the appraised value of residential loans to reflect estimated selling costs and declines in the real estate market.
Management believes the potential risk for outdated appraisals for impaired and other non-performing loans has been mitigated due to the fact that the loans are individually assessed to determine that the loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the fair value of the collateral. Loans are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collectability of the full principal balance is in doubt.
Although we believe we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, additions may be necessary based on the growth and composition of the loan portfolio, the level of loan delinquency and the economic conditions in our lending area. Management uses relevant information available; however, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate that is subject to significant judgment and short-term change. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, as an integral part of their examination process, will periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.
Derivative Financial Instruments. As required by ASC 815, the Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the

48

Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.  Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge.  The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
Total Assets. Total assets increased by $1.10 billion, or 4.4%, to $26.23 billion at December 31, 2018 from $25.13 billion at December 31, 2017. Net loans increased by $1.53 billion, or 7.7%, to $21.38 billion at December 31, 2018. Securities decreased by $101.3 million, or 2.7%, to $3.68 billion at December 31, 2018 from $3.78 billion at December 31, 2017 and cash and cash equivalents decreased by $421.5 million to $196.9 million at December 31, 2018 from $618.4 million at December 31, 2017.
Net Loans. Net loans increased by $1.53 billion, or 7.7%, to $21.38 billion at December 31, 2018 from $19.85 billion at December 31, 2017. The detail of the loan portfolio (including PCI loans) is below:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial Loans:
 
 
 
Multi-family loans
$
8,165,187

 
7,802,835

Commercial real estate loans
4,786,825

 
4,548,101

Commercial and industrial loans
2,389,756

 
1,625,375

Construction loans
227,015

 
416,883

Total commercial loans
15,568,783

 
14,393,194

Residential mortgage loans
5,351,115

 
5,026,517

Consumer and other
707,866

 
671,137

Total Loans
21,627,764

 
20,090,848

Deferred fees, premiums and other, net
(13,811
)
 
(7,778
)
Allowance for loan losses
(235,817
)
 
(230,969
)
Net loans
$
21,378,136

 
$
19,852,101

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we originated or funded $1.58 billion in multi-family loans, $957.7 million in commercial and industrial loans, $801.8 million in commercial real estate loans, $593.6 million in residential loans, $110.5 million in consumer and other loans and $104.5 million in construction loans. The growth in the loan portfolio reflects our continued focus on growing and diversifying our loan portfolio. In addition, during February 2018, we completed the acquisition of a $345.8 million equipment finance portfolio, comprised of both loans and leases, which is classified within our commercial and industrial portfolio. A significant portion of our commercial loan portfolio, including commercial and industrial loans, are secured by commercial real estate and are primarily on properties and businesses located in New Jersey and New York. In addition to the loans originated for our portfolio, our mortgage subsidiary, Investors Home Mortgage Co., originated residential mortgage loans for sale to third parties totaling $65.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. We also purchased mortgage loans from correspondent entities including other banks and mortgage bankers. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we purchased loans totaling $448.0 million from these entities.
    

49

The following table sets forth non-accrual loans (excluding PCI loans and loans held-for-sale) on the dates indicated as well as certain asset quality ratios:
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
September 30, 2018
 
June 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
# of Loans
Amount
 
# of Loans
Amount
 
# of Loans
Amount
 
# of Loans
Amount
 
# of Loans
Amount
 
(Dollars in millions)
Multi-family
15

$
33.9

 
3

$
2.6

 
9

$
19.5

 
8

$
20.2

 
5

$
15.0

Commercial real estate
35

12.4

 
39

15.5

 
36

16.7

 
38

19.7

 
37

34.0

Commercial and industrial
14

19.4

 
14

19.8

 
13

28.9

 
19

23.3

 
11

10.0

Construction
1

0.2

 
1

0.2

 
1

0.3

 
1

0.3

 
1

0.3

Total commercial loans
65

65.9

 
57

38.1

 
59

65.4

 
66

63.5

 
54

59.3

Residential and consumer
320

59.0

 
347

66.3

 
375

69.2

 
390

72.5

 
427

76.4

Total non-accrual loans
385

$
124.9

 
404

$
104.4

 
434

$
134.6

 
456

$
136.0

 
481

$
135.7

Accruing troubled debt restructured loans
54

$
13.6

 
59

$
13.2

 
56

$
12.8

 
54

$
12.4

 
49

$
11.0

Non-accrual loans to total loans
 
0.58
%
 
 
0.50
%
 
 
0.65
%
 
 
0.66
%
 
 
0.68
%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-accrual loans
 
188.78
%
 
 
221.06
%
 
 
171.46
%
 
 
169.97
%
 
 
170.17
%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans
 
1.09
%
 
 
1.10
%
 
 
1.11
%
 
 
1.12
%
 
 
1.15
%
Total non-accrual loans decreased to $124.9 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $135.7 million at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2018, there were $5.8 million of commercial real estate loans and $4.2 million of commercial and industrial loans that were classified as non-accrual which were performing in accordance with their contractual terms. There were no sales of non-performing loans during the year ended December 31, 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold $48.1 million of non-performing commercial real estate and multi-family loans, resulting in no charge-offs. Classified loans as a percent of total loans increased to 3.18% at December 31, 2018 from 2.17% at December 31, 2017. In assessing and classifying our commercial loan portfolio, the Company places significant emphasis on the borrower’s ability to service its debt. At December 31, 2018, our allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans was 1.09%. At December 31, 2018, there were $47.8 million of loans deemed as TDRs, of which $28.5 million were residential and consumer loans, $15.5 million were commercial and industrial loans, $2.9 million were commercial real estate loans and $892,000 were multi-family loans. TDRs of $13.6 million were classified as accruing and $34.2 million were classified as non-accrual at December 31, 2018. We continue to proactively and diligently work to resolve our troubled loans.
In addition to non-accrual loans, we continue to monitor our portfolio for potential problem loans. Potential problem loans are defined as loans about which we have concerns as to the ability of the borrower to comply with the current loan repayment terms and which may cause the loan to be placed on non-accrual status. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has deemed potential problem loans totaling $54.1 million, which is comprised of 7 multi-family loans totaling $25.7 million, 15 commercial and industrial loans totaling $10.3 million, 3 construction loans totaling $9.2 million and 8 commercial real estate loans totaling $8.9 million. Management is actively monitoring all of these loans.
The allowance for loan losses increased by $4.8 million to $235.8 million at December 31, 2018 from $231.0 million at December 31, 2017. Our allowance for loan losses is the result of the inherent credit risk, growth and composition of our overall portfolio, as well as the level of non-accrual loans and charge-offs. Future increases in the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on the growth and composition of the loan portfolio, the level of loan delinquency and the economic conditions in our lending area. At December 31, 2018, our allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans was 1.09%.

50

Securities. Securities are held primarily for liquidity, interest rate risk management and yield enhancement. Our Investment Policy requires that investment transactions conform to Federal and New Jersey State investment regulations. Our investments purchased may include, but are not limited to, U.S. Treasury obligations, securities issued by various Federal Agencies, State and Municipal subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, certain certificates of deposit of insured financial institutions, overnight and short-term loans to other banks, investment grade corporate debt instruments, and mutual funds. In addition, the Company may invest in equity securities subject to certain limitations. Purchase decisions are based upon a thorough analysis of each security to determine if it conforms to our overall asset/liability management objectives. The analysis must consider its effect on our risk-based capital measurement, prospects for yield and/or appreciation and other risk factors. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale when purchased.
At December 31, 2018, our securities portfolio represented 14.0% of our total assets. Securities, in the aggregate, decreased by $101.3 million, or 2.7%, to $3.68 billion at December 31, 2018 from $3.78 billion at December 31, 2017. This decrease was a result of sales and paydowns, partially offset by purchases. During December 2018, we sold approximately $665 million of our lower yielding mortgage-backed debt securities available-for-sale for a loss of $32.8 million with the proceeds from the sale reinvested in higher yielding debt securities.
Stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank, Bank Owned Life Insurance and Other Assets. The amount of stock we own in the FHLB increased by $28.7 million, or 12.4% to $260.2 million at December 31, 2018 from $231.5 million at December 31, 2017. The amount of stock we own in the FHLB is primarily related to the balance of our outstanding borrowings from the FHLB. Bank owned life insurance was $211.9 million at December 31, 2018 and $155.6 million at December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we purchased $125.0 million of bank owned life insurance and surrendered $71.0 million of an older policy. Other assets were $29.3 million at December 31, 2018 and $3.8 million at December 31, 2017.
Deposits.  At December 31, 2018, deposits totaled $17.58 billion, representing 75.7% of our total liabilities. Our deposit strategy is focused on attracting core deposits (savings, checking and money market accounts), resulting in a deposit mix of lower cost core products. We remain committed to our plan of attracting more core deposits because core deposits represent a more stable source of low cost funds and may be less sensitive to changes in market interest rates.
Deposits increased by $222.6 million, or 1.3%, from $17.36 billion at December 31, 2017 to $17.58 billion at December 31, 2018. Total checking accounts decreased $14.3 million to $7.32 billion at December 31, 2018 from $7.33 billion at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2018, we held $13.01 billion in core deposits, representing 74.0% of total deposits, of which $311.0 million are brokered money market deposits. At December 31, 2018, $4.57 billion, or 26.0%, of our total deposit balances were certificates of deposit, of which included $1.53 billion of brokered certificates of deposit. Although recent increases in interest rates has resulted in consumer preference for and growth in time deposits, we continue to focus on the growth of core deposits as they are an attractive funding alternative because they are generally a more stable source of low cost funding and are less sensitive to changes in market interest rates.
Borrowed Funds.  Borrowings are primarily with the FHLB which are collateralized by our residential and commercial mortgage portfolios. Borrowed funds increased by $974.1 million, or 21.8%, to $5.44 billion at December 31, 2018 from $4.46 billion at December 31, 2017 to help fund the growth of the loan portfolio.
Stockholders’ Equity. Stockholders’ equity decreased by $120.1 million to $3.01 billion at December 31, 2018 from $3.13 billion at December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily attributed to the repurchase of 20.4 million shares of common stock for $258.2 million and cash dividends of $0.38 per share totaling $113.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $202.6 million, share-based plan activity of $30.3 million, and other comprehensive income of $18.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Analysis of Net Interest Income
Net interest income represents the difference between income we earn on our interest-earning assets and the expense we pay on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends on the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned on such assets and paid on such liabilities.

Average Balances and Yields. The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, however interest receivable on these loans have been fully reserved for and not included in interest income. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.


51

 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Average
Outstanding
Balance
 
Interest
Earned/
Paid
 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Outstanding
Balance
 
Interest
Earned/
Paid
 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Outstanding
Balance
 
Interest
Earned/
Paid
 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
 
$
212,980

 
$
2,435

 
1.14
%
 
$
272,382

 
$
2,164

 
0.79
%
 
144,610

 
$
342

 
0.24
%
Equity securities
 
5,754

 
134

 
2.33

 
5,699

 
139

 
2.44

 
6,566

 
198

 
3.02

Debt securities available-for-sale
 
2,042,129

 
46,057

 
2.26

 
1,844,887

 
37,152

 
2.01

 
1,391,807

 
25,317

 
1.82

Debt securities held-to-maturity
 
1,668,106

 
48,989

 
2.94

 
1,704,333

 
44,923

 
2.64

 
1,836,692

 
42,643

 
2.32

Net loans
 
20,498,857

 
854,595

 
4.17

 
19,414,842

 
783,938

 
4.04

 
17,479,932

 
715,901

 
4.10

Stock in FHLB
 
247,513

 
16,206

 
6.55

 
243,409

 
13,367

 
5.49

 
204,735

 
9,120

 
4.45

Total interest-earning assets
 
24,675,339

 
968,416

 
3.92

 
23,485,552

 
881,683

 
3.75

 
21,064,342

 
793,521

 
3.77

Non-interest-earning assets
 
707,370

 
 
 
 
 
758,134

 
 
 
 
 
779,138

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
25,382,709

 
 
 
 
 
$
24,243,686

 
 
 
 
 
$
21,843,480

 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings deposits
 
$
2,170,510

 
$
13,240

 
0.61
%
 
$
2,107,363

 
$
8,395

 
0.40
%
 
$
2,096,769

 
$
6,304

 
0.30
%
Interest-bearing checking
 
4,651,313

 
62,447

 
1.34

 
4,383,110

 
37,091

 
0.85

 
3,381,909

 
16,268

 
0.48

Money market accounts
 
3,837,174

 
46,394

 
1.21

 
4,240,775

 
34,366

 
0.81

 
3,925,095

 
25,621

 
0.65

Certificates of deposit
 
4,149,438

 
66,564

 
1.60

 
3,202,312

 
33,691

 
1.05

 
3,161,843

 
33,864

 
1.07

Total interest-bearing deposits
 
14,808,435

 
188,645

 
1.27

 
13,933,560

 
113,543

 
0.81

 
12,565,616

 
82,057

 
0.65

Borrowed funds
 
4,898,867

 
99,754

 
2.04

 
4,675,626

 
88,364

 
1.89

 
3,816,087

 
71,279

 
1.87

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
19,707,302

 
288,399

 
1.46

 
18,609,186

 
201,907

 
1.08

 
16,381,703

 
153,336

 
0.94

Non-interest-bearing liabilities
 
2,590,675

 
 
 
 
 
2,468,005

 
 
 
 
 
2,289,036

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
22,297,977

 
 
 
 
 
21,077,191

 
 
 
 
 
18,670,739

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
3,084,732

 
 
 
 
 
3,166,495

 
 
 
 
 
3,172,741

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
25,382,709

 
 
 
 
 
$
24,243,686

 
 
 
 
 
$
21,843,480

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
 
$
680,017

 
 
 
 
 
$
679,776

 
 
 
 
 
$
640,185

 
 
Net interest rate spread (1)
 
 
 
 
 
2.46
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.67
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.83
%
Net interest-earning assets (2)
 
$
4,968,037

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,876,366

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,682,639

 
 
 
 
Net interest margin (3)
 
 
 
 
 
2.76
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.89
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.04
%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to total interest-bearing liabilities
 
1.25

 
 
 
 
 
1.26

 
 
 
 
 
1.29

 
 
 
 

(1)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(2)
Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

52

Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately, based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
 
Years Ended December 31,
2017 vs. 2016
 
 
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
Net
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
Net
Increase
(Decrease)
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning cash accounts
 
$
(471
)
 
742

 
271

 
$
310

 
1,512

 
1,822

Equities
 
1

 
(6
)
 
(5
)
 
(26
)
 
(33
)
 
(59
)
Debt securities available-for-sale
 
3,892

 
5,013

 
8,905

 
8,305

 
3,530

 
11,835

Debt securities held-to-maturity
 
(28
)
 
4,094

 
4,066

 
(1,582
)
 
3,862

 
2,280

Net loans
 
44,129

 
26,528

 
70,657

 
82,931

 
(14,894
)
 
68,037

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
225

 
2,614

 
2,839

 
1,719

 
2,528

 
4,247

Total interest-earning assets
 
47,748

 
38,985

 
86,733

 
91,657

 
(3,495
)
 
88,162

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings
 
254

 
4,591

 
4,845

 
31

 
2,060

 
2,091

Interest-bearing checking
 
2,306

 
23,050

 
25,356

 
4,760

 
16,063

 
20,823

Money market accounts
 
(3,278
)
 
15,306

 
12,028

 
2,031

 
6,714

 
8,745

Certificates of deposit
 
9,977

 
22,896

 
32,873

 
447

 
(620
)
 
(173
)
Total deposits
 
9,259

 
65,843

 
75,102

 
7,269

 
24,217

 
31,486

Borrowed funds
 
4,257

 
7,133

 
11,390

 
16,240

 
845

 
17,085

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
13,516

 
72,976

 
86,492

 
23,509

 
25,062

 
48,571

Increase in net interest income
 
$
34,232

 
(33,991
)
 
241

 
$
68,148

 
(28,557
)
 
39,591

Comparison of Operating Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Net Income.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $202.6 million compared to net income of $126.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Included in net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was a $32.8 million loss on the sale of debt securities available-for-sale. Included in net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was a $49.2 million increase to income tax expense related to the enactment of the Tax Act due to the revaluation of the Company’s net deferred tax assets.
Net Interest Income.  Net interest income increased by $241,000 to $680.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $679.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The net interest margin decreased 13 basis points to 2.76% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 2.89% for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Interest and Dividend Income. Total interest and dividend income increased by $86.7 million, or 9.8%, to $968.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Interest income on loans increased by $70.7 million, or 9.0%, to $854.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as a result of a $1.08 billion, or 5.6%, increase in the average balance of net loans to $20.50 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily attributed to organic loan growth and the acquired equipment finance portfolio. In addition, the weighted average yield on net loans increased 13 basis points to 4.17%. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income, totaled $20.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Interest income on all other interest-earning assets, excluding loans, increased by $16.1 million, or 16.4%, to $113.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 which is attributable to an increase of 33 basis points to 2.73% in the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets, excluding loans. In addition, the average balance of all other interest earning assets, excluding loans, increased $105.8 million to $4.18 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased by $86.5 million, or 42.8%, to $288.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits increased $75.1 million, or 66.1%, to $188.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The weighted average cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 46 basis points to 1.27% for the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, the average balance of total interest-bearing deposits increased $874.9 million, or 6.3%, to $14.81 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018. Interest expense on borrowed funds increased by $11.4 million, or 12.9%, to $99.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The weighted average cost of borrowings increased 15 basis points to 2.04% for the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, the average balance of borrowed funds increased $223.2 million, or 4.8%, to $4.90 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Non-Interest Income.  Total non-interest income decreased by $25.6 million, or 71.7%, to $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Excluding the impact of the sale of securities, total non-interest income was $42.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $7.3 million, or 20.5%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase is to due a $4.0 million increase in other income primarily attributed to non-depository investment products, an increase of $2.2 million in income on bank owned life insurance and an increase of $1.8 million in fees and service charges.
Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expenses were $407.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $10.9 million, or 2.6%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of the branch closure costs of $2.8 million and $2.5 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the workforce reduction severance benefits of $3.4 million recognized in 2017, total non-interest expenses decreased $7.8 million, or 1.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2018. This decrease is due to professional fees decreasing $23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, largely attributable to lower consulting fees associated with risk management and compliance efforts. This decrease was partially offset by compensation and fringe benefits, excluding severance benefits, increasing $12.2 million as a result of additions to our staff to support the growth and build out of our risk management and operating infrastructure, as well as normal merit increases. In addition, data processing and communication expense increased $3.4 million.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense was $67.8 million and $153.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The effective tax rate was 25.1% for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 54.8% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily driven by the enactment of the Tax Act. The enactment of the Tax Act in December 2017 resulted in the Company recognizing a $49.2 million increase to income tax expense due to the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2017. On July 1, 2018, the State of New Jersey enacted new legislation that created a temporary surtax effective for tax years 2018 through 2021 and will require companies to file combined tax returns beginning in 2019. The new legislation resulted in a $2.3 million increase to our net deferred tax asset and a decrease to our state tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2018. Additionally, income tax expense includes the excess tax benefits related to the Company’s stock plans of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Net Income.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $126.7 million compared to net income of $192.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Included in net income for 2017 was a $49.2 million increase to income tax expense related to the enactment of the Tax Act due to the revaluation of the Company’s net deferred tax assets.
Net Interest Income.  Net interest income increased by $39.6 million, or 6.2%, to $679.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $640.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The net interest margin decreased 15 basis points to 2.89% for the year ended December 31, 2017 from 3.04% for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Interest and Dividend Income. Total interest and dividend income increased by $88.2 million, or 11.1%, to $881.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Interest income on loans increased by $68.0 million, or 9.5%, to $783.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of a $1.93 billion, or 11.1%, increase in the average balance of net loans to $19.41 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily attributed to the growth in the commercial loan portfolio. This increase was offset by a decrease of 6 basis points in the weighted average yield on net loans to 4.04%. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income, totaled $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $22.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Interest income on all other interest-earning assets, excluding loans, increased by $20.1 million, or 25.9%, to $97.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 which is attributable to a $486.3 million increase in the average balance of all other interest earning assets, excluding loans, to $4.07 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition, the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets, excluding loans, increased 23 basis points to 2.40%.
Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased by $48.6 million, or 31.7%, to $201.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits increased $31.5 million, or 38.4%, to $113.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The average balance of total interest-bearing deposits increased $1.37 billion, or 10.9%, to $13.93

54

billion for the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition, the weighted average cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 16 basis points to 0.81% for the year ended December 31, 2017. Interest expense on borrowed funds increased by $17.1 million, or 24.0%, to $88.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The average balance of borrowed funds increased $859.5 million or 22.5%, to $4.68 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition, the weighted average cost of borrowings increased 2 basis points to 1.89% for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Non-Interest Income.  Total non-interest income decreased by $1.6 million, or 4.2%, to $35.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Gain on securities transactions decreased $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition, gain on loans decreased $1.6 million and other income decreased $1.1 million attributed to non-depository investment products. These decreases were offset by an increase of $3.2 million in fees and service charges for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expense was $418.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $60.0 million, or 16.7%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. In December 2017, we announced a plan to reduce operating expenses including a workforce reduction and the closure of branches. This plan resulted in the recognition of $5.9 million of expenses during the year ended December 31, 2017 attributed to $3.4 million of severance benefits and $2.5 million related to the branch closures. In addition, professional fees increased $18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, largely attributable to BSA remediation efforts and the continued risk management infrastructure enhancements. Compensation and fringe benefits increased $17.1 million, excluding the workforce reduction severance benefits, for the year ended December 31, 2017 as a result of additions to our staff to support continued growth and continued build out of our risk management and operating infrastructure, as well as normal merit increases, partially offset by lower pension costs. Advertising and promotional expenses increased $5.8 million due to our current advertising campaigns and federal insurance premiums increased $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense was $153.8 million and $106.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. In December 2017, the Tax Act was enacted and resulted in the Company recognizing a $49.2 million increase to income tax expense due to the revaluation of the Company’s net deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2017. The effective tax rate was 54.8% for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 35.8% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Additionally, income tax expense includes the excess tax benefits related to the Company’s stock plans of $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Management of Market Risk
Qualitative Analysis. One significant form of market risk is interest rate risk. Interest rate risk results from timing differences in the cash flow or re-pricing of our assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts (i.e., loan commitments); the effect of loan prepayments, deposit activity; potential differences in the behavior of lending and funding rates arising from the use of different indices; and “yield curve risk” arising from changes in the term structure of interest rates. Changes in market interest rates can affect net interest income by influencing the amount and rate of new loan originations, the ability of borrowers to repay variable rate loans, the volume of loan prepayments and the mix and flow of deposits.
The general objective of our interest rate risk management process is to determine the appropriate level of risk given our business model and then manage that risk in a manner consistent with our policy to reduce, to the extent possible, the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. Our Asset Liability Committee, which consists of senior management and executives, evaluates the interest rate risk inherent in our balance sheet, our operating environment and capital and liquidity requirements and may modify our lending, investing and deposit gathering strategies accordingly. On a quarterly basis, our Board of Directors reviews various Asset Liability Committee reports, the aforementioned activities and strategies, the estimated effect of those strategies on our net interest income and the estimated effect that changes in market interest rates may have on the economic value of our loan and securities portfolios, as well as the intrinsic value of our deposits and borrowings.
Our tactics and strategies may include the use of various financial instruments, including derivatives, to manage our exposure to interest rate risk. Certain derivatives are designated as hedging instruments in a qualifying hedge accounting relationship (fair value or cash flow hedge). Hedged instruments can be either assets or liabilities. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had cash flow and fair value hedges with aggregate notional amounts of $2.61 billion and $900.0 million, respectively. In August 2018, we entered into a $1.0 billion asset swap transaction where fixed rate loan payments were exchanged for variable rate payments. This transaction was executed in an effort to reduce the Company’s exposure to rising rates.

We actively evaluate interest rate risk in connection with our lending, investing and deposit activities which also includes the evaluation of our balance sheet position. At December 31, 2018, 25% of our total loan portfolio was comprised of residential mortgages, of which approximately 31% was in variable rate products, while 69% was in fixed rate products. Our variable rate and short term fixed rate mortgage related assets have helped to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Long term fixed-

55

rate products may adversely impact our net interest income in a rising rate environment. The origination of commercial real estate loans, particularly multi-family loans and commercial and industrial loans, which have outpaced the growth in the residential portfolio in recent years, generally help reduce our interest rate risk due to their shorter term compared to fixed rate residential mortgage loans. In addition, we primarily invest in securities which display relatively conservative interest rate risk characteristics.
We use an internally managed and implemented industry standard asset/liability model to complete our quarterly interest rate risk reports. The model projects net interest income based on various interest rate scenarios and horizons. We use a combination of analyses to monitor our exposure to changes in interest rates.
Our net interest income sensitivity analysis determines the relative balance between the repricing of assets and liabilities over various horizons. This asset and liability analysis includes expected cash flows from loans and securities, using forecasted prepayment rates, reinvestment rates, as well as contractual and forecasted liability cash flows. This analysis identifies mismatches in the timing of asset and liability cash flows but does not necessarily provide an accurate indicator of interest rate risk because the rate forecasts and assumptions used in the analysis may not reflect actual experience. The economic value of equity (“EVE”) analysis estimates the change in the net present value (“NPV”) of assets and liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts over a range of immediate rate shock interest rate scenarios. In calculating changes in EVE, for the various scenarios we forecast loan and securities prepayment rates, reinvestment rates and deposit decay rates.
In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”) has proposed that the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) is the rate that represents best practice as the alternative to USD-LIBOR for use in derivatives and other financial contracts that are currently indexed to USD-LIBOR. ARRC has proposed a paced market transition plan to SOFR from USD-LIBOR and organizations are currently working on industry wide and company specific transition plans as it relates to derivatives and cash markets exposed to USD-LIBOR. The Company has material contracts that are indexed to USD-LIBOR and is monitoring this activity and evaluating the related risks.
Quantitative Analysis. The table below sets forth, as of December 31, 2018, the estimated changes in our EVE and our net interest income that would result from the designated changes in interest rates. Such changes to interest rates are calculated as an immediate and permanent change for the purposes of computing EVE and a gradual change over a one-year period for the purposes of computing net interest income. Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. The following table reflects management’s expectations of the changes in EVE and net interest income for an interest rate decrease of 100 basis points and increase of 200 basis points.

 
 
EVE (1) (2)
 
Net Interest Income (3)
Change in
Interest Rates
(basis points)
 
Estimated
EVE
 
Estimated Increase (Decrease)
 
Estimated  Net
Interest
Income
 
Estimated Increase (Decrease)
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
+ 200bp
 
$
3,837,499

 
 
(495,049
)
 
(11.4
)%
 
$
615,089

 
(32,412
)
 
(5.0
)%
0bp
 
$
4,332,548

 
 
—

 
—

 
$
647,501

 
—

 
—

-100bp
 
$
4,496,931

 
 
164,383

 
3.8
 %
 
$
666,182

 
18,681

 
2.9
 %
(1)
Assumes an instantaneous and parallel shift in interest rates at all maturities.
(2)
EVE is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.
(3)
Assumes a gradual change in interest rates over a one year period at all maturities.
The table set forth above indicates at December 31, 2018, in the event of a 200 basis points increase in interest rates, we would be expected to experience a 11.4% decrease in EVE and a $32.4 million, or 5.0%, decrease in net interest income. In the event of a 100 basis points decrease in interest rates, we would be expected to experience a 3.8% increase in EVE and an $18.7 million, or 2.9%, increase in net interest income. This data does not reflect any future actions we may take in response to changes in interest rates, such as changing the mix in or growth of our assets and liabilities, which could change the results of the EVE and net interest income calculations.
As mentioned above, we use an internally developed asset liability model to compute our quarterly interest rate risk reports. Certain shortcomings are inherent in any methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes in EVE and net interest income require certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. The EVE and net interest income table presented above assumes no balance sheet growth and that generally the composition of our interest-rate sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and, accordingly, the data does not reflect any actions we may take in

56

response to changes in interest rates. The table also assumes a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve. Accordingly, although the EVE and net interest income table provide an indication of our sensitivity to interest rate changes at a particular point in time, such measurement is not intended to and does not provide a precise forecast of the effects of changes in market interest rates on our EVE and net interest income.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is the ability to economically meet current and future financial obligations. Our primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, FHLB and other borrowings and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from the sale of loans and investment maturities. While scheduled amortization of loans is a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Our Asset Liability Committee is responsible for establishing and monitoring our liquidity targets and strategies to ensure that sufficient liquidity exists for meeting the needs of our customers as well as unanticipated contingencies. The Company has other sources of liquidity, including unsecured overnight lines of credit, brokered deposits and other borrowings from correspondent banks.
A primary source of funds is cash provided by cash flows on loans and securities. Principal repayments on loans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $3.47 billion, $2.81 billion and $3.30 billion, respectively. Principal repayments on securities for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $685.5 million, $660.3 million and $671.3 million, respectively. There were sales of securities during years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 of $632.4 million, $102.1 million and $72.2 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received proceeds of $7.3 million from the payoff and paydown of TruPS which resulted in $3.2 million of interest income from securities, as well as a gain of $1.2 million recognized as non-interest income. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company received proceeds of $3.1 million from the liquidation of one TruP security. As a result, $1.9 million was recognized as interest income from securities. There was no liquidation of TruPS for the year ended December 31, 2016.
    
In addition to cash provided by principal and interest payments on loans and securities, our other sources of funds include cash provided by operating activities, deposits and borrowings. Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 totaled $275.6 million, $302.4 million and $227.1 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 deposits increased $222.6 million, $2.08 billion and $1.22 billion, respectively. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of and direction of changes in market interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors, and other factors.
For the year ended December 31, 2018 net borrowed funds increased $974.1 million to help fund the growth of the loan portfolio. For the year ended December 31, 2017 net borrowed funds decreased $84.7 million, and for the year ended December 31, 2016 net borrowed funds increased $1.28 billion.
Our primary use of funds are for the origination and purchase of loans and the purchase of securities. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we originated loans of $4.15 billion, $3.60 billion and $5.08 billion, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, excluding loans and leases acquired in the acquisition of the equipment finance portfolio, we purchased loans of $514.0 million. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we purchased loans of $540.9 million and $141.6 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 we purchased securities of $1.24 billion, $1.15 billion and $1.04 billion, respectively. In addition, we utilized $258.2 million, $59.1 million and $363.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, to repurchase shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase plans.
At December 31, 2018, we had commitments to originate commercial loans of $220.5 million. Additionally, we had commitments to originate residential loans of approximately $93.1 million and purchase residential loans of $120.1 million. Unused home equity lines of credit and undisbursed business and constructions loans totaled approximately $1.50 billion at December 31, 2018. Certificates of deposit due within one year of December 31, 2018 totaled $3.72 billion, or 21.2% of total deposits. If these deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including but not limited to other retail and commercial deposits and wholesale funding. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit due on or before December 31, 2018.
Liquidity management is both a short and long-term function of business management. Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents. The levels of these assets depend upon our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At December 31, 2018, cash and cash equivalents totaled $196.9 million. Securities, which provide an additional source of liquidity, totaled $3.68 billion at December 31, 2018. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, we have wholesale funding alternatives, which provide an additional source of funds. At December 31, 2018, our borrowing

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capacity at the FHLB was $12.41 billion, of which we had outstanding borrowings of $8.39 billion, which included letters of credit totaling $3.47 billion. In addition, the Bank had uncommitted unsecured overnight borrowing lines with other institutions totaling $450.0 million, of which $255.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2018.
    
Investors Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements, including a risk-based capital measure. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories. At December 31, 2018, Investors Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. Investors Bank is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines. See “Item 1. Supervision and Regulation — Federal Banking Regulation — Capital Requirements.”
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of our commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval processes that we use for loans that we originate.
Contractual Obligations. In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include operating leases for premises and equipment.
The following table summarizes our significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations and other funding needs by payment date at December 31, 2018. The payment amounts represent those amounts due to the recipient and do not include any unamortized premiums or discounts or other similar carrying amount adjustments.
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations
 
Less than
One Year
 
One to
Three Years
 
Three to
Five Years
 
More than
Five Years
 
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
Other borrowed funds
 
$
1,405,130

 
$
1,875,000

 
$
1,600,551

 
$
305,000

 
$
5,185,681

Repurchase agreements
 
—

 
250,000

 
—

 
—

 
250,000

Operating leases
 
24,377

 
68,934

 
61,828

 
78,738

 
233,877

Total
 
$
1,429,507

 
$
2,193,934

 
$
1,662,379

 
$
383,738

 
$
5,669,558


The Company has entered into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s borrowings and loans. During the year ended December 31, 2018, such derivatives were used (i) to hedge the variability in cash flows associated with borrowings and (ii) to hedge changes in the fair value of certain pools of prepayable fixed-rate assets. These derivatives had an aggregate notional amount of $2.61 billion as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of derivatives designated as hedging activities as of December 31, 2018 was a liability of $432,000, inclusive of accrued interest and variation margin posted in accordance with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. In August 2018, we entered into a $1.0 billion asset swap transaction where fixed rate loan payments were exchanged for variable rate payments. This transaction was executed in an effort to reduce the Company’s exposure to rising rates.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and related notes of Investors Bancorp, Inc. have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature. As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than the effects of inflation.

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Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
In May 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-06, “Codification Improvements to Topic 942, Financial Services-Depository and Lending”, which supersedes the guidance within Subtopic 942-740 that has been rescinded by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and is no longer relevant. ASU 2018-06 is effective on its date of issuance of May 7, 2018 and did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. The purpose of this guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging relationships with the company’s risk management activities by expanding strategies that qualify for hedge accounting, modifying the presentation of certain hedging relationships in the financial statements and simplifying the application of hedge accounting in certain situations. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted in any interim or annual period before the effective date. ASU 2017-12 will be applied using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment related to the elimination of the separate measurement of ineffectiveness to the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the amendments in this update are adopted. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-12 on January 1, 2018, which did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification
Accounting”. This update provides guidance about changes to terms or conditions of a share-based payment award which would require modification accounting. In particular, an entity is required to account for the effects of a modification if the fair value, vesting condition or the equity/liability classification of the modified award is not the same immediately before and after a change to the terms and conditions of the award. The update is to be applied prospectively for awards modified on or after the adoption date. The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 on January 1, 2018, which did not have any impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost”, which requires that companies disaggregate the service cost component from other components of net benefit cost. This update calls for companies that offer postretirement benefits to present the service cost, which is the amount an employer has to set aside each quarter or fiscal year to cover the benefits, in the same line item with other current employee compensation costs. Other components of net benefit cost will be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The Company adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” The amendments in this ASU provide a practical way to determine when a set of assets and activities is not a business. The screen provided in this ASU requires that when all or substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The amendments also provide other considerations to determine whether a set is a business if the screen is not met. The update is to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the determination of whether future acquisitions are considered a business combination and the resulting impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.” This ASU addresses the recognition of current and deferred taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer and amends current U.S. GAAP by eliminating the exception for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory to defer such recognition until sale to an outside party. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 on January 1, 2018, which did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”, a new standard which addresses diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies), distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the

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earliest date practicable. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments- Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and    Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This amendment supersedes the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories, requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income, and simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The amendment requires public business entities that are required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet to measure that fair value using the exit price notion. The amendment requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option. The amendment requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or in the accompanying notes to the financial statements. The amendment reduces diversity in current practice by clarifying that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale debt securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. Entities should apply the amendment by means of a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with the exception of the amendment related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values, which should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. Subsequently, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which targets specific areas of improvement such as discontinuation of and adjustments to equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, forward contracts and purchased options. Similarly, the FASB issued ASU 2018-04, “Investments-Debt Securities (Topic 320) and Regulated Operations (Topic 980): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 117 and SEC Release No. 33-9273”, which supersedes and adds various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of SAB 117. The Company adopted ASU 2016-01, 2018-03 and 2018-04 on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The objective of this amendment is to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This update affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are in the scope of other standards. The ASU was effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Subsequently, the FASB issued the following standards related to ASU 2014-09: ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations” ; ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”; ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting”; ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients”; and ASU 2017-05, “Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets.” These amendments are intended to improve and clarify the implementation guidance of ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. As the guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans, leases, securities and derivatives that are accounted for under other U.S. GAAP, the new revenue recognition standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. See Footnote 20, Revenue Recognition, for further details.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings (SEC Update)”, which amends certain paragraphs in the ASC to give effect to announcements made by the SEC observer at two recent Emerging Issues Task Force meetings. SEC registrants are required to reasonably estimate the impact that adoption of the standards on revenue recognition, leases, and measurement of credit losses on financial instruments is expected to have on financial statements. If such estimate is indeterminate, registrants should consider providing additional qualitative disclosures to assess the effect on financial statements as a result of adopting of these new standards. There are no effective date or transition requirements for this standard.
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted January 1, 2019
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, which requires all lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset, measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments, at the lease commencement date for leases classified as operating leases as well as finance leases. The update also requires new quantitative disclosures related to leases in the Consolidated Financial Statements. There are practical expedients in this update that relate to leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs and the use of hindsight to extend or terminate a lease or purchase the leased asset.

60

Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged under the new guidance. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, “Leases (Topic 842) - Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842”, which provides an optional practical expedient to not evaluate land easements which were existing or expired before the adoption of Topic 842 that were not accounted for as leases under Topic 840. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842) - Targeted Improvements”, which provides an optional transition method under which comparative periods presented in the financial statements will continue to be in accordance with current Topic 840, Leases, and a practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component. In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20, which provides an accounting policy election for lessors related to sales and other similar taxes collected from lessees and addresses lessor accounting for variable payments. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, 2018-01, 2018-11 and 2018-20 on January 1, 2019, we expect to recognize right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities totaling $191.2 million and $200.7 million, respectively. We expect to elect the practical expedients under ASU 2016-02 such that we will not reassess (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. We also expect to elect the use of hindsight to determine the lease term and in assessing impairment of right-of-use assets, and we do not expect to apply the recognition requirements under ASU 2016-02 to short-term leases, with short-term being defined by the related accounting guidance. As lessee, we expect to account for lease and non-lease components separately because such amounts are readily determinable under our lease contracts rather than elect the practical expedient to account for the components as a single lease component. As lessor, we expect to elect to account for sales and other similar taxes collected from lessees as lessee costs as provided by ASU 2018-20. With respect to comparative reporting, we expect to apply the optional transition method to adopt the new leases standard, under which we would initially apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption as prescribed in ASU 2018-11. As lessor, we expect to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single component where the lease components would otherwise be accounted for separately under the new revenue guidance provided the non-lease component associated with the lease component is not the predominant component of the combined component as a practical expedient provided by ASU 2018-11. We expect to elect the transitional practical expedient to not evaluate existing or expired land easements in connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-02.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The amendments in this update expand the scope of Topic 718 to include sharebased payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees and to apply the guidance therein except for specific guidance on inputs to an option pricing model and the attribution of cost; i.e., the period of time over which share based payment awards vest and the pattern of cost recognition over that period. The amendments also clarify that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide financing to the issuer or awards granted in conjunction with selling goods and services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted if the entity has already adopted Topic 606. Upon adoption, an entity should remeasure liability-classified awards that have not been settled at date of adoption and equity-classified awards for which a measurement date has not been established through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the first day of the fiscal year of adoption. Upon transition, an entity should measure these nonemployee awards at fair value as of the adoption date but must not remeasure assets that are completed. The Company currently applies the guidance of Topic 718 to its accounting for share-based payment awards to its Board of Directors, and, therefore, ASU 2018-07 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities”. The amendments in this update require the premium on callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date rather than the maturity date; however, securities held at a discount continue to be amortized to maturity. The amendments apply only to debt securities purchased at a premium that are callable at fixed prices and on preset dates. The amendments more closely align interest income recorded on debt securities held at a premium or discount with the economics of the underlying instrument. ASU No. 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has reviewed its callable debt securities portfolio and determined that, upon adoption of ASU 2017-08 on January 1, 2019, there would not be any impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16: “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)-Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes”. The amendment permits the use of the Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. ASU 2018-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period upon issuance of this Update if an entity already has adopted Update 2017-12. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively for

61

qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after the date of adoption. The Company will evaluate the effect of ASU No. 2018-16 on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15: “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other- Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. This new guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. Specifically, where a cloud computing arrangement includes a license to internal-use software, the software license is accounted for by the customer in accordance with Subtopic 350-40, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software”. ASU 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this Update should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company does not expect ASU No. 2018-15 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14: “Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans”. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifying the specific requirements of disclosures, and adding disclosure requirements identified as relevant. Among other changes, the ASU adds disclosure requirements to Topic 715-20 for the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and other plans with promised interest crediting rates and an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The amendments remove disclosure requirements for the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year, the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer, and the effects of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the (a) aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs and (b) benefit obligation for postretirement health care benefits. ASU 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The update is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company will evaluate the effect of ASU 2018-14 on disclosures in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement”. The amendments remove the requirement to disclose the amount of, and reasons for, transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of such transfers and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value and clarify the purpose of the measurement uncertainty disclosure. The ASU adds disclosure requirements about the changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted to any removed or modified disclosures and delay adoption of additional disclosures until the effective date. Changes should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon the effective date with the exception of the following, which should be applied prospectively: disclosures relating to changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the disclosures for uncertainty measurement. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 will not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This ASU simplifies subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 of the impairment test while retaining the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine whether the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The ASU also eliminates the requirements 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. Therefore, the same impairment assessment applies to all reporting units. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment testing dates beginning after January 1, 2017. The update is to be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect ASU No. 2017-04 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This ASU significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that aren’t measured at fair value through net income. In issuing the standard, the FASB is responding to criticism that today’s guidance delays recognition of credit losses. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, will apply to: (1) financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and (2) certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. This includes, but is not limited to, loans, leases, held-to-maturity debt securities, loan commitments, and financial guarantees. The CECL model does not apply to available-

62

for sale (“AFS”) debt securities. For AFS debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to what they do today, except that the losses will be recognized as allowances rather than reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. As a result, entities will recognize improvements to estimated credit losses immediately in earnings rather than as interest income over time, as they do today. The ASU also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. ASU 2016-13 also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses. In addition, entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses”, which clarifies the scope of the guidance in the amendments in ASU 2016-13 with respect to operating lease receivables. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (i.e., modified retrospective approach). While early adoption is permitted, the Company does not expect to elect that option. The Company has begun its evaluation of the amended guidance including the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. The extent of the change is indeterminable at this time as it will be dependent upon portfolio composition and credit quality at the adoption date, as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time. Upon adoption, any impact to the allowance for credit losses - currently allowance for loan and lease losses - will have an offsetting impact on retained earnings.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
For information regarding market risk see “Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Financial Statements are included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K.

ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.

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ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
With the participation of management, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2018. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of that date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in internal controls.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
(c) Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting.
The management of Investors Bancorp, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Investors Bancorp’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of Investors Bancorp; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Investors Bancorp’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Investors Bancorp’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our assessment we believe that, as of December 31, 2018, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Investors Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. This report appears on page 67.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certifications have been filed with the SEC as Exhibit 31.1 and Exhibit 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.

Part III

ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding directors, executive officers and corporate governance of the Company is incorporated herein by reference in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with respect to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 21, 2019.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with respect to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 21, 2019.

64

ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with respect to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 21, 2019. Information regarding equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with respect to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 21, 2019.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence is incorporated herein by reference in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with respect to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 21, 2019.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is incorporated herein by reference in Investors Bancorp’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with respect to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 21, 2019.

Part IV

ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) (1) Financial Statements




65




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Investors Bancorp, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Investors Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 1, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have not been able to determine the specific year that we began serving as the Company’s auditor, however we are aware that we have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1954.
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 1, 2019

66


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Investors Bancorp, Inc.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Investors Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and our report dated March 1, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 1, 2019



67

INVESTORS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
(In thousands except share data)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
196,891

 
618,394

Equity securities
5,793

 
5,701

Debt securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value
2,122,162

 
1,982,026

Debt securities held-to-maturity, net (estimated fair value of $1,558,564 and $1,820,125 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively)
1,555,137

 
1,796,621

Loans receivable, net
21,378,136

 
19,852,101

Loans held-for-sale
4,074

 
5,185

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
260,234

 
231,544

Accrued interest receivable
77,501

 
72,855

Other real estate owned
6,911

 
5,830

Office properties and equipment, net
177,432

 
180,231

Net deferred tax asset
104,411

 
121,663

Bank owned life insurance
211,914

 
155,635

Goodwill and intangible assets
99,063

 
97,665

Other assets
29,349

 
3,793

Total assets
$
26,229,008

 
25,129,244

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Deposits
$
17,580,269

 
17,357,697

Borrowed funds
5,435,681

 
4,461,533

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
129,891

 
104,308

Other liabilities
77,837

 
80,255

Total liabilities
23,223,678

 
22,003,793

Commitments and contingencies

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 authorized shares; none issued
—

 
—

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 359,070,852 issued at December 31, 2018 and 2017; 286,273,114 and 306,126,087 outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively
3,591

 
3,591

Additional paid-in capital
2,805,423

 
2,784,390

Retained earnings
1,173,897

 
1,084,177

Treasury stock, at cost; 72,797,738 and 52,944,765 shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively
(884,750
)
 
(633,110
)
Unallocated common stock held by the employee stock ownership plan
(81,262
)
 
(84,258
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(11,569
)
 
(29,339
)
Total stockholders’ equity
3,005,330

 
3,125,451

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
26,229,008

 
25,129,244

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

68

INVESTORS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest and dividend income:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans receivable and loans held-for-sale
$
854,595

 
783,938

 
715,901

Securities:
 
 
 
 

Equity
134

 
139

 
198

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
1,080

 
486

 
36

Mortgage-backed securities
80,906

 
70,827

 
60,211

Municipal bonds and other debt
13,060

 
10,762

 
7,713

Interest-bearing deposits
2,435

 
2,164

 
342

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
16,206

 
13,367

 
9,120

Total interest and dividend income
968,416

 
881,683

 
793,521

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 

Deposits
188,645

 
113,543

 
82,057

Borrowed Funds
99,754

 
88,364

 
71,279

Total interest expense
288,399

 
201,907

 
153,336

Net interest income
680,017

 
679,776

 
640,185

Provision for loan losses
12,000

 
16,250

 
19,750

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
668,017

 
663,526

 
620,435

Non-interest income
 
 
 
 

Fees and service charges
22,142

 
20,326

 
17,148

Income on bank owned life insurance
5,926

 
3,742

 
4,423

Gain on loans, net
2,144

 
3,187

 
4,787

(Loss) gain on securities, net
(31,604
)
 
1,275

 
3,100

Gain on sale of other real estate owned, net
923

 
591

 
96

Other income
10,550

 
6,516

 
7,647

Total non-interest income
10,081

 
35,637

 
37,201

Non-interest expense
 
 
 
 

Compensation and fringe benefits
235,928

 
227,177

 
206,698

Advertising and promotional expense
13,054

 
14,411

 
8,644

Office occupancy and equipment expense
63,539

 
61,509

 
56,220

Federal deposit insurance premiums
17,760

 
16,610

 
12,183

General and administrative
2,328

 
3,030

 
3,131

Professional fees
15,278

 
38,853

 
20,104

Data processing and communication
27,810

 
24,364

 
21,043

Other operating expenses
31,983

 
32,620

 
30,541

Total non-interest expenses
407,680

 
418,574

 
358,564

Income before income tax expense
270,418

 
280,589

 
299,072

Income tax expense
67,842

 
153,845

 
106,947

Net income
$
202,576

 
126,744

 
192,125

Basic earnings per share
$
0.72

 
0.44

 
0.65

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.72

 
0.43

 
0.64

Weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
281,925,219

 
290,183,952

 
297,580,834

Diluted
282,791,859

 
291,966,475

 
300,954,885

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


69

INVESTORS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Net income
$
202,576

 
126,744

 
192,125

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in funded status of retirement obligations
2,622

 
(745
)
 
7,471

Unrealized losses on debt securities available-for-sale
(11,296
)
 
(8,148
)
 
(12,284
)
Accretion of loss on debt securities reclassified to held to maturity
599

 
468

 
1,092

Reclassification adjustment for security losses (gains) included in net income
24,202

 
(765
)
 
(1,358
)
Other-than-temporary impairment accretion on debt securities
3,085

 
(1,612
)
 
880

Net (losses) gains on derivatives arising during the period
(836
)
 
6,063

 
7,424

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
18,376

 
(4,739
)
 
3,225

Total comprehensive income
$
220,952

 
122,005

 
195,350



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

70

INVESTORS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Retained
earnings
 
Treasury
stock
 
Unallocated
Common Stock
Held by ESOP
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
 
Total
stockholders’
equity
 
(In thousands except share data)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
3,591

 
2,785,503

 
936,040

 
(295,412
)
 
(90,250
)
 
(27,825
)
 
3,311,647

Cumulative effect of adopting ASU No. 2016-09
—

 
(8,051
)
 
8,051

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net income
—

 
—

 
192,125

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
192,125

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,225

 
3,225

Purchase of treasury stock (31,336,369 shares)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(363,410
)
 
—

 
—

 
(363,410
)
Treasury stock allocated to restricted stock plan (276,890 shares)
—

 
(3,237
)
 
(85
)
 
3,322

 
—

 
—

 
—

Compensation cost for stock options and restricted stock
—

 
21,975

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
21,975

Option exercise
—

 
(34,325
)
 
—

 
68,642

 
—

 
—

 
34,317

Restricted stock forfeitures (100,205 shares)
—

 
1,206

 
(90
)
 
(1,116
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Cash dividend paid ($0.26 per common share)
—

 
—

 
(82,291
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(82,291
)
ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released
—

 
2,661

 
—

 
—

 
2,996

 
—

 
5,657

Balance at December 31, 2016
3,591

 
2,765,732

 
1,053,750

 
(587,974
)
 
(87,254
)
 
(24,600
)
 
3,123,245

Net income
—

 
—

 
126,744

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
126,744

Effect of adopting ASU No. 2018-02
—

 
—

 
4,629

 
—

 
—

 
(4,629
)
 
—

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(110
)
 
(110
)
Purchase of treasury stock (4,463,669 shares)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(59,090
)
 
—

 
—

 
(59,090
)
Treasury stock allocated to restricted stock plan (440,000 shares)
—

 
(6,329
)
 
1,030

 
5,299

 
—

 
—

 
—

Compensation cost for stock options and restricted stock
—

 
20,542

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
20,542

Option exercise
—

 
(3,689
)
 
—

 
12,830

 
—

 
—

 
9,141

Restricted stock forfeitures (367,734 shares)
—

 
4,601

 
(426
)
 
(4,175
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Cash dividend paid ($0.33 per common share)
—

 
—

 
(101,550
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(101,550
)
ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released
—

 
3,533

 
—

 
—

 
2,996

 
—

 
6,529

Balance at December 31, 2017
3,591

 
2,784,390

 
1,084,177

 
(633,110
)
 
(84,258
)
 
(29,339
)
 
3,125,451

Net income
—

 
—

 
202,576

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
202,576

Effect of adopting ASU No. 2016-01
—

 
—

 
606

 
—

 
—

 
(606
)
 
—

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
18,376

 
18,376

Purchase of treasury stock (20,380,355 shares)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(258,175
)
 
—

 
—

 
(258,175
)
Treasury stock allocated to restricted stock plan (91,982 shares)
—

 
(1,178
)
 
57

 
1,121

 
—

 
—

 
—

Compensation cost for stock options and restricted stock
—

 
18,437

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
18,437

Option exercise
—

 
(4,280
)
 
—

 
10,023

 
—

 
—

 
5,743

Restricted stock forfeitures (392,946 shares)
—

 
4,942

 
(333
)
 
(4,609
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Cash dividend paid ($0.38 per common share)
—

 
—

 
(113,186
)
 

 
—

 
—

 
(113,186
)
ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released
—

 
3,112

 
—

 
—

 
2,996

 
—

 
6,108

Balance at December 31, 2018
$
3,591

 
2,805,423

 
1,173,897

 
(884,750
)
 
(81,262
)
 
(11,569
)
 
3,005,330

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

71

INVESTORS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
202,576

 
126,744

 
192,125

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
ESOP and stock-based compensation expense
24,545

 
27,071

 
27,632

Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities, net
10,728

 
15,077

 
13,702

Amortization of premiums and accretion of fees and costs on loans, net
(6,571
)
 
(4,506
)
 
(4,508
)
Amortization of other intangible assets
1,974

 
2,427

 
2,881

Provision for loan losses
12,000

 
16,250

 
19,750

Depreciation and amortization of office properties and equipment
17,104

 
17,421

 
16,190

Loss (gain) on securities, net
31,604

 
(1,275
)
 
(3,100
)
Mortgage loans originated for sale
(65,525
)
 
(140,171
)
 
(245,792
)
Proceeds from mortgage loan sales
68,202

 
175,669

 
219,078

Gain on sales of mortgage loans, net
(1,566
)
 
(2,384
)
 
(4,154
)
Gain on sale of other real estate owned
(923
)
 
(591
)
 
(96
)
Income on bank owned life insurance
(5,926
)
 
(3,742
)
 
(4,423
)
Increase in accrued interest receivable
(4,646
)
 
(6,886
)
 
(7,406
)
Deferred tax expense
15,513

 
100,008

 
11,640

(Increase) decrease in other assets
(23,085
)
 
19,840

 
3,479

Decrease in other liabilities
(429
)
 
(38,542
)
 
(9,862
)
Total adjustments
72,999

 
175,666

 
35,011

Net cash provided by operating activities
275,575

 
302,410

 
227,136

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of loans receivable
(514,040
)
 
(540,898
)
 
(141,562
)
Net originations of loans receivable
(703,577
)
 
(807,105
)
 
(1,795,505
)
Proceeds from disposition of loans held for investment
578

 
48,902

 
10,398

Gain on disposition of loans held for investment
(578
)
 
(803
)
 
(646
)
Proceeds from sale of leased equipment
10,899

 
—

 
—

Gain on sale of leased equipment
(673
)
 
—

 
—

Net proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
6,187

 
4,751

 
5,021

Proceeds from sales/calls of equity securities
—

 
1,000

 
122

Proceeds from principal repayments/calls/maturities of debt securities available for sale
384,181

 
338,049

 
302,769

Proceeds from sales of debt securities available for sale
632,444

 
102,120

 
57,757

Proceeds from principal repayments/calls/maturities of debt securities held to maturity
301,309

 
321,294

 
368,543

Proceeds from sales of debt securities held to maturity
—

 
—

 
14,348

Purchases of equity securities
(90
)
 
(86
)
 
(97
)
Purchases of debt securities available for sale
(1,182,036
)
 
(785,831
)
 
(744,283
)
Purchases of debt securities held to maturity
(54,836
)
 
(364,837
)
 
(295,157
)
Proceeds from redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
252,176

 
180,599

 
215,142

Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
(280,866
)
 
(174,265
)
 
(274,583
)
Purchases of office properties and equipment
(14,305
)
 
(20,235
)
 
(21,088
)
Death benefit proceeds from bank owned life insurance
3,618

 
10,047

 
875

Purchases of bank owned life insurance
(125,000
)
 
—

 
—

Proceeds from surrender of bank owned life insurance contract
71,029

 
—

 
—

Cash paid for acquisition
(340,183
)
 
—

 
—


72

Net cash used in investing activities
(1,553,763
)
 
(1,687,298
)
 
(2,297,946
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in deposits
222,572

 
2,076,864

 
1,217,177

Funds borrowed (repayments of funds borrowed) under other repurchase agreements
120,000

 
(23,000
)
 
—

Net increase (decrease) in borrowed funds
854,148

 
(61,718
)
 
1,283,161

Net increase (decrease) in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
25,583

 
(1,543
)
 
(2,870
)
Dividends paid
(113,186
)
 
(101,550
)
 
(82,291
)
Exercise of stock options
5,743

 
9,141

 
34,317

Purchase of treasury stock
(258,175
)
 
(59,090
)
 
(363,410
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
856,685

 
1,839,104

 
2,086,084

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(421,503
)
 
454,216

 
15,274

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
618,394

 
164,178

 
148,904

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
196,891

 
618,394

 
164,178

Supplemental cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
6,674

 
5,913

 
3,351

Cash paid during the year for:
 
 
 
 

    Interest
275,525

 
197,810

 
152,807

    Income taxes
69,271

 
101,948

 
117,127

Acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash assets acquired:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
330,747

 
—

 
—

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
4,975

 
—

 
—

Total non-cash assets acquired
335,722

 
—

 
—

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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INVESTORS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The following significant accounting and reporting policies of Investors Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary (collectively, the Company) conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and are used in preparing and presenting these consolidated financial statements.
 
(a)
Basis of Presentation    
The consolidated financial statements are comprised of the accounts of Investors Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Investors Bank (the “Bank”) and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made in the consolidated financial statements to conform with current year classifications. In the opinion of management, all the adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated financial condition and the consolidated results of operations for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations and other data presented for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for subsequent years.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The estimate of our allowance for loan losses, the valuation of deferred tax assets, impairment judgments and fair value regarding securities, stock based compensation and derivative instruments involve a higher degree of complexity and subjectivity and require estimates and assumptions about highly uncertain matters. Actual results may differ from our estimates and assumptions. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these material estimates.
Business
Investors Bancorp, Inc.’s primary business is holding the common stock of the Bank and a loan to the Investors Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The Bank provides banking services to customers primarily through branch offices in New Jersey and New York. The Bank’s competition for loans and deposits comes principally from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, credit unions and insurance companies. The Company faces additional competition for deposits from short-term money market funds, brokerage firms and mutual funds and is subject to the regulations of certain federal and state regulatory authorities and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.
 
(b)
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, amounts due from banks and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions. The Company is required by the Federal Reserve System to maintain cash reserves equal to a percentage of certain deposits. The reserve requirement totaled $67.5 million at December 31, 2018 and $68.3 million at December 31, 2017.
 
(c)
Securities
The Company’s securities portfolio includes equity securities, debt securities held-to-maturity and debt securities available-for-sale. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. If management has the positive intent not to sell and the Company would not be required to sell a debt security prior to maturity, it is classified as held-to-maturity. Such securities are stated at amortized cost, adjusted for unamortized purchase premiums and discounts. Securities in the available-for-sale category are mortgage-backed securities which the Company may sell prior to maturity. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with any unrealized appreciation or depreciation, net of tax effects, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/loss in stockholders’ equity. Discounts and premiums on debt securities are accreted or amortized using the level-yield method over the estimated lives of the securities, including the effect of prepayments. Realized gains and losses are recognized when securities are sold or called using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses on equity securities are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company periodically evaluates the securities portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment. Other-than-temporary impairment means the Company believes the security’s impairment is due to factors that could include its inability to pay interest or dividends, its potential for default, and/or other factors. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 320, “Investments — Debt Securities”, when a held-to-maturity or available-for-sale debt security is assessed for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company has to first consider (a) whether it intends to sell the security, and (b) whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery

74

of its amortized cost basis. If one of these circumstances applies to a debt security for which a determination has been made that a debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired, an other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income equal to the full amount of the decline in fair value below amortized cost. If neither of these circumstances applies to a debt security, but the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred that must be separated into two categories: (a) the amount related to credit loss, and (b) the amount related to other factors. In assessing the level of other-than-temporary impairment attributable to credit loss, the Company compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost basis of the security. The portion of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss is recognized in non-interest income as a component of gain (loss) on securities, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income, while the amount related to other factors is recorded as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. When a debt security becomes other-than-temporarily impaired, its amortized cost basis is reduced to reflect the portion of the total impairment related to credit loss.
To determine whether a security’s impairment is other-than-temporary, the Company considers factors that include, the duration and severity of the impairment; the Company’s ability and intent to hold security investments until they recover in value (as well as the likelihood of such a recovery in the near term); the Company’s intent to sell security investments; and whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell such securities before recovery of their individual amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss. For debt securities, the primary consideration in determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary is whether or not it is probable that current or future contractual cash flows have been or may be impaired.
 
(d)
Loans Receivable, Net
Loans receivable, other than loans held-for-sale, are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for unamortized premiums, unearned discounts, deferred origination fees and costs, net purchase accounting adjustments, hedged items and the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans is accrued and credited to income as earned. Premiums and discounts on purchased loans and net loan origination fees and costs are deferred and amortized to interest income over the estimated life of the loan as an adjustment to yield.
The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses charged to earnings and is decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. The provision for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance which considers, among other things, the Company’s past loan loss experience (using the appropriate look-back and loss emergence periods), known and inherent risks in the portfolio, existing adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions. While management uses available information to recognize estimated losses on loans, future additions may be necessary based on changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based upon their judgments and information available to them at the time of their examinations.
A loan is considered delinquent when we have not received a payment within 30 days of its contractual due date. The accrual of income on loans is discontinued when interest or principal payments are 90 days in arrears or when the timely collection of such income is doubtful. Loans on which the accrual of income has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual loans and outstanding interest previously credited is reversed. Interest income on non-accrual loans and impaired loans is recognized in the period collected unless the ultimate collection of principal is considered doubtful. A loan is returned to accrual status when all amounts due have been received and the remaining principal is deemed collectible. Loans are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collectability of the full principal balance is in doubt.
The Company defines an impaired loan as a loan for which it is probable, based on current information, that the lender will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company evaluates commercial loans with an outstanding balance greater than $1.0 million and on non-accrual status, loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), and other commercial loans with $1.0 million in outstanding principal if management has specific information that it is probable they will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are individually evaluated to determine that the loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the fair value of the collateral or the present value of the expected future cash flows. Smaller balance homogeneous loans are evaluated for impairment collectively unless they are modified in a troubled debt restructure. Such loans include residential mortgage loans, consumer loans, and loans not meeting the Company’s definition of impaired, and are specifically excluded from impaired loans.
Purchased Credit-Impaired (“PCI”) loans, are loans acquired at a discount due, in part, to credit quality. PCI loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality”, and are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance (i.e., the allowance for loan losses). The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the initial carrying amount (fair value) of the PCI loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income utilizing the level-yield method over the life of the loans. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “non-accretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield adjustment, as a loss accrual or a

75

valuation allowance. Reclassifications of the non-accretable difference to the accretable yield may occur subsequent to the loan acquisition dates due to increases in expected cash flows of the loans and would result in an increase in yield on a prospective basis.

(e)
Loans Held-for-Sale
Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized in a valuation allowance through charges to earnings. Premiums and discounts and origination fees and costs on loans held-for-sale are deferred and recognized as a component of the gain or loss on sale. Gains and losses on sales of loans held-for-sale are recognized on settlement dates and are determined by the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the loans. These transactions are accounted for as sales based on our satisfaction of the criteria for such accounting which provide that, as transferor, we have surrendered control over the loans.

(f)
Stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank
The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”), is required to hold shares of capital stock of the FHLB based on our activities, primarily our outstanding borrowings, with the FHLB. The stock is carried at cost, less any impairment.

(g)
Office Properties and Equipment, Net
Land is carried at cost. Office buildings, leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Office buildings and furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the respective leases or the lives of the assets, whichever is shorter.

(h)
Bank Owned Life Insurance
Bank owned life insurance is carried at the amount that could be realized under the Company’s life insurance contracts as of the date of the consolidated balance sheets and is classified as a non-interest earning asset. Increases in the carrying value are recorded as non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income and insurance proceeds received are generally recorded as a reduction of the carrying value. At December 31, 2018, the carrying value is the cash surrender value of $211.9 million. At December 31, 2017, the carrying value is the cash surrender value of $147.6 million and a claims stabilization reserve of $8.0 million. Repayment of the claims stabilization reserve (funds transferred from the cash surrender value to provide for future death benefit payments) and the deferred acquisition costs (costs incurred by the insurance carrier for the policy issuance) is guaranteed by the insurance carrier provided that certain conditions are met at the date on which a contract is surrendered. The Company satisfied these conditions at December 31, 2018 and 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased $125.0 million of bank owned life insurance and surrendered the policies with the claims stabilization reserve and deferred acquisition costs for full settlement of $71.0 million.

(i)
Intangible Assets
Goodwill. Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite useful life and is tested, at least annually, for impairment at the reporting unit level. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. For purposes of our goodwill impairment testing, we have identified the Bank as a single reporting unit.
At December 31, 2018, the carrying amount of our goodwill totaled $82.5 million. In connection with our annual impairment assessment we applied the guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company’s qualitative assessment concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
Mortgage Servicing Rights. The Company recognizes as separate assets the rights to service mortgage loans. The right to service loans for others is generally obtained through the sale of loans with servicing retained. The initial asset recognized for originated mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) is measured at fair value. The estimated fair value of MSR is obtained through independent third party valuations through an analysis of future cash flows, incorporating assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value including market discount rates, prepayment speeds, servicing income, servicing costs, default rates and other market driven data, including the market’s perception of future interest rate movements. MSR are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. We apply the amortization method for measurements of our MSR. MSR are assessed for impairment based on fair value at each reporting date. MSR impairment, if any, is recognized in a valuation allowance through charges to earnings as a component of fees and service charges. Subsequent increases in the fair value of

76

impaired MSR are recognized only up to the amount of the previously recognized valuation allowance. Fees earned for servicing loans are reported as income when the related mortgage loan payments are collected.
Core Deposit Premiums. Core deposit premiums represent the intangible value of depositor relationships assumed in purchase acquisitions and are amortized on an accelerated basis over 10 years. The Company periodically evaluates the value of core deposit premiums to ensure the carrying amount exceeds it implied fair value.

(j)
Other Real Estate Owned
Other real estate owned (“REO”) consists of properties acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. Such assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, based on independent appraisals. Write-downs required at the time of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Thereafter, decreases in the properties’ estimated fair value are charged to income along with any additional property maintenance and protection expenses incurred in owning the properties.

(k)
Borrowed Funds
    Our FHLB borrowings are advances collateralized by our residential and commercial mortgage portfolios. In addition, the Bank had uncommitted unsecured overnight borrowing lines with other institutions totaling $450.0 million, of which $255.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2018.
The Bank also enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase with selected brokers and the FHLB. The securities underlying the agreements are delivered to the counterparty who agrees to resell to the Bank the identical securities at the maturity or call of the agreement. These agreements are recorded as financing transactions, as the Bank maintains effective control over the transferred securities, and no gain or loss is recognized. The dollar amount of the securities underlying the agreements continues to be carried in the Bank’s securities portfolio. The obligations to repurchase the securities are reported as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets.

(l)
Income Taxes
The Company records income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” as amended, using the asset and liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities: (i) are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns; (ii) are attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases; and (iii) are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years when those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences and carryforwards became deductible. Where applicable, deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance for any portions determined not likely to be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period of enactment. The valuation allowance is adjusted, by a charge or credit to income tax expense, as changes in facts and circumstances warrant. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, where applicable, in income tax expense.
 
(m)
Employee Benefits
The Company has a defined-benefit pension plan which operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes and as a multiple-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code. As of December 31, 2016, the annual benefit provided under the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (“Pentegra DB Plan”) was frozen by an amendment to the plan. Freezing the plan eliminates all future benefit accruals and each participant’s frozen accrued benefit was determined as of December 31, 2016 and no further benefits will accrue beyond such date.
The Company has an Executive Supplemental Retirement Wage Replacement Plan (“SERP II”) and the Supplemental ESOP and Retirement Plan (“SERP I”) (collectively, the “SERPs”). The SERP II is a nonqualified, defined benefit plan which provides benefits to certain executives as designated by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors. More specifically, the SERP II was designed to provide participants with a normal retirement benefit equal to an annual benefit of 60% of the participant’s highest annual base salary and cash incentive (over a consecutive 36-month period within the participant’s credited service period) reduced by the sum of the benefits provided under the Pentegra DB Plan and SERP I.
Effective as of the close of business of December 31, 2016, the SERP II was amended to freeze future benefit accruals, and for certain participants, structure the benefits payable attributable solely to the participants’ 2016 year of service to vest over a two-year period such that the participants had a right to 50% of their accrued benefits attributable to their 2016 year of service as of December 31, 2016, which became 100% vested as of December 31, 2017.

77

The Company has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees. The Company currently matches 50% of the first 8% contributed by participants and recognizes expense as its contributions are made. In addition, the 401(k) plan includes a discretionary profit sharing plan for eligible employees.
The employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) is accounted for in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718-40, “Employers’ Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans.” The funds borrowed by the ESOP from the Company to purchase the Company’s common stock are being repaid from the Bank’s contributions over a period of up to 30 years. The Company’s common stock not yet allocated to participants is recorded as a reduction of stockholders’ equity at cost. Compensation expense for the ESOP is based on the market price of the Company’s stock and is recognized as shares are committed to be released to participants due to the repayment of the loan by the ESOP to the Company.
The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. The Company estimates the per share fair value of option grants on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using assumptions for the expected dividend yield, expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected option term. These assumptions are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. The Black-Scholes option pricing model also contains certain inherent limitations when applied to options that are not traded on public markets.
The per share fair value of options is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions. In general, the per share fair value of options will move in the same direction as changes in the expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected option term, and in the opposite direction as changes in the expected dividend yield. For example, the per share fair value of options will generally increase as expected stock price volatility increases, risk-free interest rate increases, expected option term increases and expected dividend yield decreases. The use of different assumptions or different option pricing models could result in materially different per share fair values of options.

(n)
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share, or EPS, are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the year. The weighted-average common shares outstanding includes the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding less the weighted average number of unvested shares of restricted stock and unallocated shares held by the ESOP. For EPS calculations, ESOP shares that have been committed to be released are considered outstanding. ESOP shares that have not been committed to be released are excluded from outstanding shares on a weighted average basis for EPS calculations.
Diluted EPS is computed using the same method as basic EPS, but includes the effect of all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period, such as unexercised stock options and unvested shares of restricted stock, calculated using the treasury stock method. When applying the treasury stock method, we add: (1) the assumed proceeds from option exercises and (2) the average unamortized compensation costs related to unvested shares of restricted stock and stock options. We then divide this sum by our average stock price to calculate shares repurchased. The excess of the number of shares issuable over the number of shares assumed to be repurchased is added to basic weighted average common shares to calculate diluted EPS.

(o)
Derivative Financial Instruments
As required by ASC 815, the Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.  Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge.  The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

2. Stock Transactions
Stock Repurchase Programs
On March 16, 2015, the Company announced it had received approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to commence its first repurchase program since completion of its second step conversion. On June 30, 2015, the Company’s second repurchase program began upon completion of the first program. On April 28, 2016, the Company announced its third

78

share repurchase program, which authorized the purchase of 10% of its publicly-held outstanding shares of common stock, or 31,481,189 shares. The third program commenced immediately upon completion of the second program on June 17, 2016.
On October 25, 2018, the Company announced its fourth share repurchase program, which authorized the purchase of 10% of its publicly-held outstanding shares of common stock, or 28,886,780 shares. The fourth program commenced immediately upon completion of the third program on December 10, 2018.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased 20,380,355 shares at a cost of $258.2 million, or approximately $12.67 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company purchased 4,463,669 shares at a cost of $59.1 million, or approximately $13.24 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company purchased 31,336,369 shares at a cost of $363.4 million, or approximately $11.60 per share.
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, shares repurchased include 395,233, 313,269 and 256,405 shares, respectively, withheld to cover income taxes related to restricted stock vesting under our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. Shares withheld to pay income taxes are repurchased pursuant to the terms of the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.
Cash Dividends
Since September 2012, we have paid a quarterly cash dividend. Our dividend payout ratio for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were 53%, 75% and 40%.

3.     Business Combinations
On February 2, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of a $345.8 million equipment finance portfolio. The acquisition included a seven-person team of financing professionals to lead the Company’s Equipment Finance Group, which is a part of the Company’s business lending group and is classified within our commercial and industrial loan portfolio. The purchase price paid of $340.2 million was paid using available cash.
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting as prescribed by FASB ASC 805 “Business Combinations”, as amended. Under this method of accounting, the purchase price has been allocated to the respective assets acquired based on their estimated fair values, net of applicable income tax effects. The excess cost over fair value of assets acquired, or $5.0 million, has been recorded as goodwill.
The acquired portfolio was fair valued on the date of acquisition based on guidance from ASC 820-10 which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The valuation methods utilized took into consideration adjustments for interest rate risk, funding cost, servicing cost, residual risk, credit and liquidity risk.
The calculation of goodwill is subject to change for up to one year after the closing date of the transaction as additional information relative to closing date estimates and uncertainties becomes available. As the Company finalizes its analysis of these assets, there may be adjustments to the recorded carrying values.

4. Securities
Equity Securities
Equity securities are reported at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s portfolio of equity securities had an estimated fair value of $5.8 million and $5.7 million as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Realized gains and losses from sales of equity securities, as well as changes in fair value of equity securities still held at the reporting date, are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company adopted FASB ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments- Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and    Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”) on January 1, 2018 resulting in the cumulative-effect adjustment of $606,000 reflected in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity. The update supersedes the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories and requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income rather than other comprehensive income (loss).

79

The following table presents the disaggregated net gains on equity securities reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income:
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
(in thousands)
Net gains recognized during the period on equity securities
$
2

 
$
—

Less: Net gains recognized during the period on equity securities sold
—

 
—

Unrealized gains recognized during the period on equity securities
$
2

 
$
—


Debt Securities
The following tables present the carrying value, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value for available-for-sale debt securities and the amortized cost, net unrealized losses, carrying value, gross unrecognized gains and losses and estimated fair value for held-to-maturity debt securities as of the dates indicated:

 
At December 31, 2018
 
Carrying value
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair value
 
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
$
988,348

 
6,492

 
8,190

 
986,650

Federal National Mortgage Association
980,546

 
3,560

 
15,550

 
968,556

Government National Mortgage Association
165,211

 
1,745

 
—

 
166,956

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
2,134,105

 
11,797

 
23,740

 
2,122,162

 
At December 31, 2018
 
Amortized cost
 
Net unrealized losses (1)
 
Carrying value
 
Gross
unrecognized
gains (2)
 
Gross
unrecognized
losses (2)
 
Estimated
fair value
 
(In thousands)
Held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored enterprises
$
41,258

 
—

 
41,258

 
—

 
1,236

 
40,022

Municipal bonds
25,513

 
—

 
25,513

 
942

 
—

 
26,455

Corporate and other debt securities
66,295

 
15,854

 
50,441

 
36,592

 
—

 
87,033

Total debt securities held-to-maturity
133,066

 
15,854

 
117,212

 
37,534

 
1,236

 
153,510

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
402,231

 
595

 
401,636

 
112

 
9,413

 
392,335

Federal National Mortgage Association
955,237

 
689

 
954,548

 
535

 
22,687

 
932,396

Government National Mortgage Association
81,741

 
—

 
81,741

 
—

 
1,418

 
80,323

Total mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity
1,439,209

 
1,284

 
1,437,925

 
647

 
33,518

 
1,405,054

Total debt securities held-to-maturity
$
1,572,275

 
17,138

 
1,555,137

 
38,181

 
34,754

 
1,558,564


(1) Net unrealized losses of held-to-maturity corporate and other debt securities represent the other than temporary charge related to other non-credit factors and is being amortized through accumulated other comprehensive income over the remaining life of the securities. For mortgage-backed securities, it represents the net loss on previously designated available-for sale debt securities transferred to held-to-maturity at fair value and is being amortized through accumulated other comprehensive income over the remaining life of the securities.
(2) Unrecognized gains and losses of held-to-maturity debt securities are not reflected in the financial statements, as they represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as held-to-maturity; or (ii) the date that an other than temporary impairment charge is recognized on a held-to-maturity security, through the date of the balance sheet.

80


 
At December 31, 2017
 
Carrying value
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair value
 
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
$
649,060

 
382

 
9,200

 
640,242

Federal National Mortgage Association
1,322,255

 
700

 
19,379

 
1,303,576

Government National Mortgage Association
39,577

 
—

 
1,369

 
38,208

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
2,010,892

 
1,082

 
29,948

 
1,982,026

 
At December 31, 2017
 
Amortized cost
 
Net unrealized losses (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Gross
unrecognized
gains (2)
 
Gross
unrecognized
losses (2)
 
Estimated
fair value
 
(In thousands)
Held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored enterprises
$
43,281

 
—

 
43,281

 
—

 
685

 
42,596

Municipal bonds
40,595

 
—

 
40,595

 
1,251

 
—

 
41,846

Corporate and other debt securities
68,232

 
20,145

 
48,087

 
38,207

 
—

 
86,294

Total debt securities held-to-maturity
152,108

 
20,145

 
131,963

 
39,458

 
685

 
170,736

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
474,314

 
969

 
473,345

 
530

 
5,439

 
468,436

Federal National Mortgage Association
1,102,242

 
1,149

 
1,101,093

 
2,787

 
12,280

 
1,091,600

Government National Mortgage Association
90,220

 
—

 
90,220

 
—

 
867

 
89,353

Total mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity
1,666,776

 
2,118

 
1,664,658

 
3,317

 
18,586

 
1,649,389

Total held-to-maturity securities
$
1,818,884

 
22,263

 
1,796,621

 
42,775

 
19,271

 
1,820,125


(1) Net unrealized losses of held-to-maturity corporate and other debt securities represent the other than temporary charge related to other non-credit factors and is being amortized through accumulated other comprehensive income over the remaining life of the securities. For mortgage-backed securities, it represents the net loss on previously designated available-for sale debt securities transferred to held-to-maturity at fair value and is being amortized through accumulated other comprehensive income over the remaining life of the securities.
(2) Unrecognized gains and losses of held-to-maturity debt securities are not reflected in the financial statements, as they represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as held-to-maturity; or (ii) the date that an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized on a held-to-maturity security, through the date of the balance sheet.
At December 31, 2018, corporate and other debt securities include a portfolio of collateralized debt obligations backed by pooled trust preferred securities (“TruPS”), principally issued by banks and to a lesser extent insurance companies and real estate investment trusts. At December 31, 2018 the TruPS had a carrying value and estimated fair value of $45.4 million and $82.0 million, respectively. While all were investment grade at purchase, securities classified as non-investment grade at December 31, 2018 had a carrying value and estimated fair value of $43.1 million and $76.9 million, respectively. Fair value is derived from considering specific assumptions, including terms of the TruPS structure, events of deferrals, defaults and liquidations, the projected cash flow for principal and interest payments, and discounted cash flow modeling.
Investment securities with a carrying value of $726.4 million and an estimated fair value of $711.3 million are pledged to secure borrowings and municipal deposits. The contractual maturities of the Bank’s mortgage-backed securities are generally less than 20 years with effective lives expected to be shorter due to prepayments. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to underlying loan prepayments or early call privileges of the issuer, therefore, mortgage-backed securities are not included in the following table. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities other than mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below. 

81

 
December 31, 2018
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated
fair value
 
(In thousands)
Due in one year or less
$
21,493

 
21,493

Due after one year through five years
—

 
—

Due after five years through ten years
50,278

 
50,018

Due after ten years
45,441

 
81,999

Total
$
117,212

 
153,510


Gross unrealized losses on debt securities and the estimated fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were as follows:
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
$
97,137

 
994

 
288,916

 
7,196

 
386,053

 
8,190

Federal National Mortgage Association
125,389

 
2,098

 
489,337

 
13,452

 
614,726

 
15,550

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
222,526

 
3,092

 
778,253

 
20,648

 
1,000,779

 
23,740

Held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored enterprises
$
—

 
—

 
40,022

 
1,236

 
40,022

 
1,236

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
51,045

 
553

 
339,534

 
8,860

 
390,579

 
9,413

Federal National Mortgage Association
214,400

 
2,449

 
663,671

 
20,238

 
878,071

 
22,687

Government National Mortgage Association
35,499

 
492

 
44,824

 
926

 
80,323

 
1,418

Total mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity
300,944

 
3,494

 
1,048,029

 
30,024

 
1,348,973

 
33,518

Total debt securities held-to-maturity
$
300,944

 
3,494

 
1,088,051

 
31,260

 
1,388,995

 
34,754

Total
$
523,470

 
6,586

 
1,866,304

 
51,908

 
2,389,774

 
58,494

 

82

 
December 31, 2017
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
$
365,078

 
3,115

 
220,744

 
6,085

 
585,822

 
9,200

Federal National Mortgage Association
684,327

 
6,276

 
447,310

 
13,103

 
1,131,637

 
19,379

Government National Mortgage Association
14,981

 
283

 
23,227

 
1,086

 
38,208

 
1,369

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
1,064,386

 
9,674

 
691,281

 
20,274

 
1,755,667

 
29,948

Held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored enterprises
$
42,596

 
685

 
—

 
—

 
42,596

 
685

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
$
290,340

 
2,946

 
111,849

 
2,493

 
402,189

 
5,439

Federal National Mortgage Association
369,484

 
2,380

 
430,955

 
9,900

 
800,439

 
12,280

Government National Mortgage Association
51,126

 
867

 
—

 
—

 
51,126

 
867

Total mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity
710,950

 
6,193

 
542,804

 
12,393

 
1,253,754

 
18,586

Total debt securities held-to-maturity
$
753,546

 
6,878

 
542,804

 
12,393

 
1,296,350

 
19,271

Total
$
1,817,932

 
16,552

 
1,234,085

 
32,667

 
3,052,017

 
49,219

At December 31, 2018, the majority of gross unrealized losses primarily relate to our mortgage-backed-security portfolio which is comprised of debt securities issued by U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprises. The fair values of these securities have been negatively impacted by the increase in intermediate-term market interest rates.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment (“OTTI”)
We conduct a quarterly review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if the value of any security has declined below its cost or amortized cost, and whether such decline is other-than-temporary. If a determination is made that a debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company will estimate the amount of the unrealized loss that is attributable to credit and all other non-credit related factors. The credit related component will be recognized as an other-than-temporary impairment charge in non-interest income. The non-credit related component will be recorded as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.
With the assistance of a valuation specialist, we evaluate the credit and performance of each issuer underlying our pooled TruPS. Cash flows for each security are forecasted using assumptions for defaults, recoveries, pre-payments and amortization. At December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 management deemed that the present value of projected cash flows for each security was greater than the book value and did not recognize any additional OTTI charges for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. At December 31, 2018, non-credit related OTTI recorded on the previously impaired TruPS was $15.9 million ($11.4 million after-tax). This amount is being accreted into income over the estimated remaining life of the securities.

83

The following table presents the changes in the credit loss component of the impairment loss of debt securities that the Company has written down for such loss as an other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings.
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Balance of credit related OTTI, beginning of period
$
85,768

 
95,743

 
100,200

Additions:
 
 
 
 
 
Initial credit impairments
—

 
—

 
—

Subsequent credit impairments
—

 
—

 
—

Reductions:
 
 
 
 
 
Accretion of credit loss impairment due to an increase in expected cash flows
(4,703
)
 
(6,164
)
 
(4,457
)
Reductions for securities sold or paid off during the period
(470
)
 
(3,811
)
 
—

Balance of credit related OTTI, end of period
$
80,595

 
85,768

 
95,743


The credit loss component of the impairment loss represents the difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the securities prior to considering credit losses. The beginning balance represents the credit loss component for debt securities for which OTTI occurred prior to the period presented. If OTTI is recognized in earnings for credit impaired debt securities, they would be presented as additions based upon whether the current period is the first time a debt security was credit impaired (initial credit impairment) or is not the first time a debt security was credit impaired (subsequent credit impairments). The credit loss component is reduced if the Company sells, intends to sell or believes it will be required to sell previously credit impaired debt securities. Additionally, the credit loss component is reduced if (i) the Company receives cash flows in excess of what it expected to receive over the remaining life of the credit impaired debt security, (ii) the security matures or (iii) the security is fully written down.
Realized Gains and Losses
Gains and losses on the sale of all securities are determined using the specific identification method. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received proceeds of $632.4 million on its lower yielding mortgage-backed securities sold from the debt securities available-for-sale portfolio resulting in gross realized losses of $32.8 million. Proceeds from the sale were reinvested in higher yielding debt securities.
There were no sales of equity securities or debt securities in the held-to-maturity portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2018; however, the Company received proceeds of $7.3 million from the payoff and paydown of TruPS which resulted in $3.2 million of interest income from securities, as well as a gain of $1.2 million recognized as non-interest income. In addition, in accordance with ASU 2016-01, the Company recognized unrealized gains on equity securities of $2,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company received proceeds of $102.1 million on pools of mortgage-backed securities sold from the debt securities available-for-sale portfolio resulting in gross realized gains of $1.3 million and gross realized losses of $69,000. There were no sales of equity securities or debt securities held-to-maturity for the year ended December 31, 2017; however, the Company received proceeds of $3.1 million from the liquidation of a TruP security. As a result, $1.9 million was recognized as interest income from securities.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company received proceeds of $57.9 million on equity securities and pools of mortgage-backed securities sold from the available-for-sale portfolio resulting in a gross realized gain of $2.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company received proceeds of $14.3 million on a pool of mortgage-backed securities sold from the held-to-maturity portfolio resulting in a gross realized gain of $836,000. These securities met the criteria of principal pay downs under 85% of the original investment amount and therefore did not result in a tainting of the held-to-maturity portfolio. The Company sells securities when, in management’s assessment, market pricing presents an economic benefit that outweighs holding such securities, and when securities with smaller balances become cost prohibitive to carry.


84

5. Loans Receivable, Net
The detail of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows:
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
(In thousands)
Multi-family loans
$
8,165,187

 
7,802,835

Commercial real estate loans
4,783,095

 
4,541,347

Commercial and industrial loans
2,389,756

 
1,625,375

Construction loans
227,015

 
416,883

Total commercial loans
15,565,053

 
14,386,440

Residential mortgage loans
5,350,504

 
5,025,266

Consumer and other loans
707,746

 
670,820

Total loans excluding PCI loans
21,623,303

 
20,082,526

PCI loans
4,461

 
8,322

Deferred fees, premiums and other, net (1)
(13,811
)
 
(7,778
)
Allowance for loan losses
(235,817
)
 
(230,969
)
Net loans
$
21,378,136

 
19,852,101

(1) Included in deferred fees and premiums are accretable purchase accounting adjustments in connection with loans acquired and an adjustment to the carrying amount of the residential loans hedged.

Allowance for Loan Losses
An analysis of the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of the period
$
230,969

 
228,373

 
218,505

Loans charged off
(24,090
)
 
(19,209
)
 
(14,997
)
Recoveries
16,938

 
5,555

 
5,115

Net charge-offs
(7,152
)
 
(13,654
)
 
(9,882
)
Provision for loan losses
12,000

 
16,250

 
19,750

Balance at end of the period
$
235,817

 
230,969

 
228,373

The allowance for loan losses is the estimated amount considered necessary to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through the provision for loan losses that is charged against income. In determining the allowance for loan losses, we make significant estimates and therefore, have identified the allowance as a critical accounting policy. The methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy by management because of the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions used, and the potential for changes in the economic environment that could result in changes to the amount of the recorded allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses has been determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, under which we are required to maintain an allowance for probable losses at the balance sheet date. We are responsible for the timely and periodic determination of the amount of the allowance required. We believe that our allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover specifically identifiable losses, as well as estimated losses inherent in our portfolio for which certain losses are probable but not specifically identifiable. Loans acquired are marked to fair value on the date of acquisition with no valuation allowance reflected in the allowance for loan losses. In conjunction with the quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, the Company performs an analysis on acquired loans to determine whether or not an allowance should be ascribed to those loans. PCI loans are loans acquired at a discount that is due, in part, to credit quality. PCI loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30 and are initially recorded at fair value as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows with no valuation allowance reflected in the allowance for loan losses.

85

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded charge-offs of $379,000 and $96,000, respectively, related to PCI loans acquired.
Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The analysis of the allowance for loan losses has two components: collectively evaluated and individually evaluated. Specific allocations are made for loans determined to be impaired. A loan is deemed to be impaired if it is a commercial loan with an outstanding balance greater than $1.0 million and on non-accrual status, loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), and other commercial loans greater than $1.0 million if management has specific information that it is probable they will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is measured by determining the present value of expected future cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral adjusted for market conditions and selling expenses. The collectively evaluated component is determined by segregating the remaining loans by type of loan, risk rating (if applicable) and payment history. In addition, the Company’s residential portfolio is subdivided between fixed and adjustable rate loans as adjustable rate loans are deemed to be subject to more credit risk if interest rates rise. Reserves for each loan segment or the loss factors are generally determined based on the Company’s historical loss experience over a look-back period determined to provide the appropriate amount of data to accurately estimate expected losses as of period end. Additionally, management assesses the loss emergence period for the expected losses of each loan segment and adjusts each historical loss factor accordingly. The loss emergence period is the estimated time from the date of a loss event (such as a personal bankruptcy) to the actual recognition of the loss (typically via the first full or partial loan charge-off), and is determined based upon a study of the Company’s past loss experience by loan segment. The loss factors may also be adjusted to account for qualitative or environmental factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses inherent in the portfolio to differ from historical loss experience. This evaluation is based on among other things, loan and delinquency trends, general economic conditions, credit concentrations, industry trends and lending and credit management policies and procedures, but is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revisions based upon changes in economic and real estate market conditions. Actual loan losses may be different than the allowance for loan losses we have established which could have a material negative effect on our financial results.
On a quarterly basis, management reviews the current status of various loan assets in order to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. In this evaluation process, specific loans are analyzed to determine their potential risk of loss. Loans determined to be impaired are evaluated for potential loss exposure. Any shortfall results in a recommendation of a specific allowance or charge-off if the likelihood of loss is evaluated as probable. To determine the adequacy of collateral on a particular loan, an estimate of the fair value of the collateral is based on the most current appraised value available for real property or a discounted cash flow analysis on a business. The appraised value for real property is then reduced to reflect estimated liquidation expenses.
The allowance contains reserves identified as unallocated. These reserves reflect management’s attempt to provide for the imprecision and the uncertainty that is inherent in estimates of probable credit losses.
Our lending emphasis has been the origination of multi-family loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate, construction loans and consumer loans, the majority of which are home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and cash surrender value lending on life insurance contracts. These activities resulted in a concentration of loans secured by real estate property and businesses located in New Jersey and New York. Based on the composition of our loan portfolio, we believe the primary risks to our loan portfolio are increases in interest rates, a decline in the general economy, and declines in real estate market values in New Jersey, New York and surrounding states. Any one or combination of these events may adversely affect our loan portfolio resulting in increased delinquencies, loan losses and future levels of loan loss provisions. As a substantial amount of our loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, appraisals of the underlying value of property securing loans are critical in determining the amount of the allowance required for specific loans. Assumptions for appraisal valuations are instrumental in determining the value of properties. Negative changes to appraisal assumptions could significantly impact the valuation of a property securing a loan and the related allowance determined. The assumptions supporting such appraisals are carefully reviewed to determine that the resulting values reasonably reflect amounts realizable on the related loans.
The Company obtains an appraisal for all commercial loans that are collateral dependent upon origination. An updated appraisal is obtained annually for loans rated substandard or worse with a balance of $500,000 or greater. An updated appraisal is obtained biennially for loans rated special mention with a balance of $2.0 million or greater. This is done in order to determine the specific reserve or charge off needed. As part of the allowance for loan losses process, the Company reviews each collateral dependent commercial loan classified as non-accrual and/or impaired and assesses whether there has been an adverse change in the collateral value supporting the loan. The Company utilizes information from its commercial lending officers and its credit department and special assets department’s knowledge of changes in real estate conditions in our lending area to identify if possible deterioration of collateral value has occurred. Based on the severity of the changes in market conditions, management determines if an updated appraisal is warranted or if downward adjustments to the previous appraisal are warranted. If it is determined that the deterioration of the collateral value is significant enough to warrant ordering a new appraisal, an estimate of the downward adjustments to the existing appraised value is used in assessing if additional specific reserves are necessary until the updated appraisal is received.

86

For homogeneous residential mortgage loans, the Company’s policy is to obtain an appraisal upon the origination of the loan and an updated appraisal in the event a loan becomes 90 days delinquent. Thereafter, the appraisal is updated every two years if the loan remains in non-performing status and the foreclosure process has not been completed. Management adjusts the appraised value of residential loans to reflect estimated selling costs and declines in the real estate market.
Management believes the potential risk for outdated appraisals for impaired and other non-performing loans has been mitigated due to the fact that the loans are individually assessed to determine that the loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the fair value of the collateral. Loans are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collectability of the full principal balance is in doubt.
Although we believe we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, additions may be necessary based on the growth and composition of the loan portfolio, the level of loan delinquency and the economic conditions in our lending area. Management uses relevant information available; however, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate that is subject to significant judgment and short-term change. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, as an integral part of their examination process, will periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.


87

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Multi-
Family Loans
 
Commercial
Real Estate Loans
 
Commercial
and Industrial
Loans
 
Construction
Loans
 
Residential
Mortgage Loans
 
Consumer
and Other
Loans
 
Unallocated
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance-December 31, 2017
$
81,469

 
56,137

 
54,563

 
11,609

 
21,835

 
3,099

 
2,257

 
230,969

Charge-offs
(2,603
)
 
(7,200
)
 
(7,078
)
 
—

 
(5,246
)
 
(1,963
)
 
—

 
(24,090
)
Recoveries
17

 
5,213

 
9,478

 
—

 
2,193

 
37

 
—

 
16,938

Provision
3,993

 
(5,701
)
 
14,121

 
(4,123
)
 
1,994

 
1,929

 
(213
)
 
12,000

Ending balance-December 31, 2018
$
82,876

 
48,449

 
71,084

 
7,486

 
20,776

 
3,102

 
2,044

 
235,817

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,082

 
72

 
—

 
2,154

Collectively evaluated for impairment
82,876

 
48,449

 
71,084

 
7,486

 
18,694

 
3,030

 
2,044

 
233,663

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Balance at December 31, 2018
$
82,876

 
48,449

 
71,084

 
7,486

 
20,776

 
3,102

 
2,044

 
235,817

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
32,046

 
6,623

 
19,624

 
—

 
27,884

 
570

 
—

 
86,747

Collectively evaluated for impairment
8,133,141

 
4,776,472

 
2,370,132

 
227,015

 
5,322,620

 
707,176

 
—

 
21,536,556

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
—

 
3,730

 
—

 
—

 
611

 
120

 
—

 
4,461

Balance at December 31, 2018
$
8,165,187

 
4,786,825

 
2,389,756

 
227,015

 
5,351,115

 
707,866

 
—

 
21,627,764


88

 
December 31, 2017
 
Multi-
Family Loans
 
Commercial
Real Estate Loans
 
Commercial
and Industrial
Loans
 
Construction
Loans
 
Residential
Mortgage Loans
 
Consumer
and Other
Loans
 
Unallocated
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance-December 31, 2016
$
95,561

 
52,796

 
43,492

 
11,653

 
19,831

 
2,850

 
2,190

 
228,373

Charge-offs
(6
)
 
(8,072
)
 
(5,656
)
 
(100
)
 
(4,875
)
 
(500
)
 
—

 
(19,209
)
Recoveries
1,677

 
549

 
200

 
—

 
2,816

 
313

 
—

 
5,555

Provision
(15,763
)
 
10,864

 
16,527

 
56

 
4,063

 
436

 
67

 
16,250

Ending balance-December 31, 2017
$
81,469

 
56,137

 
54,563

 
11,609

 
21,835


3,099

 
2,257

 
230,969

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,678

 
97

 
—

 
1,775

Collectively evaluated for impairment
81,469

 
56,137

 
54,563

 
11,609

 
20,157

 
3,002

 
2,257

 
229,194

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Balance at December 31, 2017
$
81,469

 
56,137

 
54,563

 
11,609

 
21,835


3,099

 
2,257

 
230,969

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
14,776

 
29,736

 
8,989

 
—

 
26,376

 
879

 
—

 
80,756

Collectively evaluated for impairment
7,788,059

 
4,511,611

 
1,616,386

 
416,883

 
4,998,890

 
669,941

 
—

 
20,001,770

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
—

 
6,754

 
—

 
—

 
1,251

 
317

 
—

 
8,322

Balance at December 31, 2017
$
7,802,835

 
4,548,101

 
1,625,375

 
416,883

 
5,026,517


671,137

 
—

 
20,090,848

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends, among other factors. For non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial and commercial real estate loans the Company analyzes the loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk and assesses the probability of collection for each type of class. In assessing and classifying our commercial loan portfolio, the Company places significant emphasis on the borrower’s ability to service its debt. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:
Pass - “Pass” assets are well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor (or guarantors, if any) or by the fair value, less cost to acquire and sell, of any underlying collateral in a timely manner.
Watch - A “Watch” asset has all the characteristics of a Pass asset but warrants more than the normal level of supervision. These loans may require more detailed reporting to management because some aspects of underwriting may not conform to policy or adverse

89

events may have affected or could affect the cash flow or ability to continue operating profitably, provided, however, the events do not constitute an undue credit risk. Residential and consumer loans delinquent 30-59 days are considered watch if not already identified as impaired.
Special Mention - A “Special Mention” asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date. Special Mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Residential and consumer loans delinquent 60-89 days are considered special mention if not already identified as impaired.
Substandard - A “Substandard” asset is inadequately protected by the current worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Residential and consumer loans delinquent 90 days or greater as well as those identified as impaired are considered substandard.
Doubtful - An asset classified “Doubtful” has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable on the basis of currently known facts, conditions, and values.
Loss - An asset or portion thereof, classified “Loss” is considered uncollectible and of such little value that its continuance on the institution’s books as an asset, without establishment of a specific valuation allowance or charge-off, is not warranted. This classification does not necessarily mean that an asset has no recovery or salvage value; but rather, there is much doubt about whether, how much, or when the recovery will occur. As such, it is not practical or desirable to defer the write-off.
The following tables present the risk category of loans as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 by class of loans excluding PCI loans:
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Pass
 
Watch
 
Special  Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
$
6,462,056

 
1,061,168

 
313,498

 
328,465

 
—

 
—

 
8,165,187

Commercial real estate
3,910,282

 
552,080

 
162,488

 
158,245

 
—

 
—

 
4,783,095

Commercial and industrial
1,647,130

 
571,620

 
53,861

 
117,145

 
—

 
—

 
2,389,756

Construction
163,503

 
35,774

 
9,200

 
18,538

 
—

 
—

 
227,015

Total commercial loans
12,182,971

 
2,220,642

 
539,047

 
622,393

 
—

 
—

 
15,565,053

Residential mortgage
5,268,234

 
12,082

 
7,712

 
62,476

 
—

 
—

 
5,350,504

Consumer and other
694,432

 
8,443

 
1,650

 
3,221

 
—

 
—

 
707,746

Total
$
18,145,637

 
2,241,167

 
548,409

 
688,090

 
—

 
—

 
21,623,303


 
December 31, 2017
 
Pass
 
Watch
 
Special  Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
$
6,791,999

 
702,384

 
154,125

 
154,327

 
—

 
—

 
7,802,835

Commercial real estate
3,751,790

 
528,179

 
105,089

 
156,289

 
—

 
—

 
4,541,347

Commercial and industrial
1,102,304

 
443,669

 
37,944

 
41,458

 
—

 
—

 
1,625,375

Construction
272,882

 
109,252

 
34,454

 
295

 
—

 
—

 
416,883

Total commercial loans
11,918,975

 
1,783,484

 
331,612

 
352,369

 
—

 
—

 
14,386,440

Residential mortgage
4,926,002

 
14,272

 
7,749

 
77,243

 
—

 
—

 
5,025,266

Consumer and other
657,515

 
6,270

 
521

 
6,514

 
—

 
—

 
670,820

Total
$
17,502,492

 
1,804,026

 
339,882

 
436,126

 
—

 
—

 
20,082,526


90

    
The following tables present the payment status of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 by class of loans, excluding PCI loans:
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
30-59 Days
 
60-89 Days
 
Greater
than 90
Days
 
Total Past
Due
 
Current
 
Total
Loans
Receivable
 
(In thousands)
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
$
23,098

 
2,572

 
33,683

 
59,353

 
8,105,834

 
8,165,187

Commercial real estate
5,491

 
3,511

 
2,415

 
11,417

 
4,771,678

 
4,783,095

Commercial and industrial
2,988

 
867

 
4,560

 
8,415

 
2,381,341

 
2,389,756

Construction
9,200

 
—

 
227

 
9,427

 
217,588

 
227,015

Total commercial loans
40,777

 
6,950

 
40,885

 
88,612

 
15,476,441

 
15,565,053

Residential mortgage
13,811

 
7,712

 
39,255

 
60,778

 
5,289,726

 
5,350,504

Consumer and other
8,524

 
1,650

 
2,830

 
13,004

 
694,742

 
707,746

Total
$
63,112

 
16,312

 
82,970

 
162,394

 
21,460,909

 
21,623,303

 

 
December 31, 2017
 
30-59 Days
 
60-89 Days
 
Greater
than 90
Days
 
Total Past
Due
 
Current
 
Total
Loans
Receivable
 
(In thousands)
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
$
7,263

 
7,652

 
203

 
15,118

 
7,787,717

 
7,802,835

Commercial real estate
19,355

 
778

 
11,519

 
31,652

 
4,509,695

 
4,541,347

Commercial and industrial
4,855

 
—

 
75

 
4,930

 
1,620,445

 
1,625,375

Construction
—

 
295

 
—

 
295

 
416,588

 
416,883

Total commercial loans
31,473

 
8,725

 
11,797

 
51,995

 
14,334,445

 
14,386,440

Residential mortgage
15,191

 
8,739

 
54,900

 
78,830

 
4,946,436

 
5,025,266

Consumer and other
6,357

 
521

 
5,755

 
12,633

 
658,187

 
670,820

Total
$
53,021

 
17,985

 
72,452

 
143,458

 
19,939,068

 
20,082,526

The following table presents non-accrual loans, excluding PCI loans, at the dates indicated:
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual:
 
Multi-family
15

 
$
33,940

 
5

 
$
14,978

Commercial real estate
35

 
12,391

 
37

 
34,043

Commercial and industrial
14

 
19,394

 
11

 
9,989

Construction
1

 
227

 
1

 
295

Total commercial loans
65

 
65,952

 
54

 
59,305

Residential mortgage and consumer
320

 
58,961

 
427

 
76,422

Total non-accrual loans
385

 
$
124,913

 
481

 
$
135,727

Included in the non-accrual table above are TDR loans whose payment status is current but the Company has classified as non-accrual as the loans have not maintained their current payment status for six consecutive months under the restructured terms and

91

therefore do not meet the criteria for accrual status. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, these loans are comprised of the following:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
TDR with payment status current classified as non-accrual:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
2

 
$
2,817

 
1

 
$
10

Commercial and industrial
2

 
9,762

 
—

 
—

Total commercial loans
4

 
12,579

 
1

 
10

Residential mortgage and consumer
26

 
4,006

 
24

 
4,103

Total TDR with payment status current classified as non-accrual
30

 
$
16,585

 
25

 
$
4,113

The following table presents TDR loans which were also 30-89 days delinquent and classified as non-accrual at the dates indicated:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
TDR 30-89 days delinquent classified as non-accrual:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
—

 
$
—

 
1

 
$
918

Commercial real estate
—

 
—

 
2

 
14,321

Total commercial loans
—

 
—

 
3

 
15,239

Residential mortgage and consumer
11

 
1,810

 
13

 
1,995

Total TDR 30-89 days delinquent classified as non-accrual
11

 
$
1,810

 
16

 
$
17,234

The Company has no loans past due 90 days or more delinquent that are still accruing interest.
PCI loans are excluded from non-accrual loans, as they are recorded at fair value based on the present value of expected future cash flows. As of December 31, 2018, PCI loans with a carrying value of $4.5 million included $4.1 million of which were current, $229,000 of which were 30-89 days delinquent and $248,000 of which were 90 days or more delinquent. As of December 31, 2017, PCI loans with a carrying value of $8.3 million included $7.1 million of which were current, $203,000 of which were 30-89 days delinquent and $1.0 million of which were 90 days or more delinquent.
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, loans meeting the Company’s definition of an impaired loan were primarily collateral dependent loans which totaled $86.7 million and $80.8 million, respectively, with allocations of the allowance for loan losses of $2.2 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, interest income received and recognized on these loans totaled $904,000 and $1.5 million, respectively.


92

The following tables present loans individually evaluated for impairment by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
(In thousands)
With no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
$
32,046

 
34,199

 
—

 
33,656

 
146

Commercial real estate
6,623

 
11,896

 
—

 
6,611

 
79

Commercial and industrial
19,624

 
26,323

 
—

 
20,218

 
232

Construction
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total commercial loans
58,293

 
72,418

 
—

 
60,485

 
457

Residential mortgage and consumer
12,626

 
17,130

 
—

 
11,907

 
167

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Commercial real estate
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Commercial and industrial
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Construction
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total commercial loans
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Residential mortgage and consumer
15,828

 
16,498

 
2,154

 
15,627

 
280

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
32,046

 
34,199

 
—

 
33,656

 
146

Commercial real estate
6,623

 
11,896

 
—

 
6,611

 
79

Commercial and industrial
19,624

 
26,323

 
—

 
20,218

 
232

Construction
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total commercial loans
58,293

 
72,418

 
—

 
60,485

 
457

Residential mortgage and consumer
28,454

 
33,628

 
2,154

 
27,534

 
447

Total impaired loans
$
86,747

 
106,046

 
2,154

 
88,019

 
904


93

 
December 31, 2017
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
(In thousands)
With no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
$
14,776

 
14,819

 
—

 
14,365

 
249

Commercial real estate
29,736

 
37,288

 
—

 
29,974

 
404

Commercial and industrial
8,989

 
12,008

 
—

 
8,681

 
28

Construction
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total commercial loans
53,501

 
64,115

 
—

 
53,020

 
681

Residential mortgage and consumer
12,357

 
16,236

 
—

 
12,100

 
430

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Commercial real estate
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Commercial and industrial
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Construction
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total commercial loans
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Residential mortgage and consumer
14,898

 
15,461

 
1,775

 
14,767

 
386

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
14,776

 
14,819

 
—

 
14,365

 
249

Commercial real estate
29,736

 
37,288

 
—

 
29,974

 
404

Commercial and industrial
8,989

 
12,008

 
—

 
8,681

 
28

Construction
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total commercial loans
53,501

 
64,115

 
—

 
53,020

 
681

Residential mortgage and consumer
27,255

 
31,697

 
1,775

 
26,867

 
816

Total impaired loans
$
80,756

 
95,812

 
1,775

 
79,887

 
1,497

The average recorded investment is the annual average calculated based upon the ending quarterly balances. The interest income recognized is the year to date interest income recognized on a cash basis.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
On a case-by-case basis, the Company may agree to modify the contractual terms of a borrower’s loan to remain competitive and assist customers who may be experiencing financial difficulty, as well as preserve the Company’s position in the loan. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession has been made at the time of such modification, the loan is classified as a TDR.
Substantially all of our TDR loan modifications involve lowering the monthly payments on such loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan, or a combination of these two methods. These modifications rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, we frequently obtain additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying commercial loans. Restructured loans remain on non-accrual status until there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.


94

The following tables present the total TDR loans at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. There were five residential PCI loans that were classified as TDRs at December 31, 2018. There were four residential PCI loans that were classified as TDRs at December 31, 2017.
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Accrual
 
Non-accrual
 
Total
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
—

 
$
—

 
1

 
$
892

 
1

 
$
892

Commercial real estate
—

 
—

 
3

 
2,859

 
3

 
2,859

Commercial and industrial
2

 
2,070

 
4

 
13,479

 
6

 
15,549

Total commercial loans
2

 
2,070

 
8

 
17,230

 
10

 
19,300

Residential mortgage and consumer
52

 
11,550

 
79

 
16,908

 
131

 
28,458

Total
54

 
$
13,620

 
87

 
$
34,138

 
141

 
$
47,758


 
December 31, 2017
 
Accrual
 
Non-accrual
 
Total
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
# of loans
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
—

 
$
—

 
1

 
$
918

 
1

 
$
918

Commercial real estate
—

 
—

 
4

 
14,489

 
4

 
14,489

Commercial and industrial
—

 
—

 
1

 
1,287

 
1

 
1,287

Total commercial loans
—

 
—

 
6

 
16,694

 
6

 
16,694

Residential mortgage and consumer
49

 
10,957

 
71

 
16,298

 
120

 
27,255

Total
49

 
$
10,957

 
77

 
$
32,992

 
126

 
$
43,949


The following tables present information about TDRs that occurred during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-
modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-
modification
Recorded
Investment
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
1

 
$
929

 
$
929

Commercial real estate
4

 
3,664

 
3,492

 
3

 
20,225

 
15,787

Commercial and industrial
5

 
14,682

 
14,682

 
—

 
—

 
—

Residential mortgage and consumer
23

 
4,813

 
4,813

 
27

 
5,445

 
5,345

    
Post-modification recorded investment represents the net book balance immediately following modification.
All TDRs are impaired loans, which are individually evaluated for impairment, as discussed above. Collateral dependent impaired loans classified as TDRs were written down to the estimated fair value of the collateral. There were charge offs of $214,000 for collateral dependent TDRs during the year ended December 31, 2018. Of this amount, one borrower subsequently repaid the full amount of outstanding loan principal which resulted in a recovery of $172,000. There were $4.8 million of charge-offs for collateral

95

dependent TDRs during the year ended December 31, 2017. The allowance for loan losses associated with the TDRs presented in the above tables totaled $2.2 million and $1.8 million for the periods at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Loan modifications generally involve the reduction in loan interest rate and/or extension of loan maturity dates and also may include step up interest rates in their modified terms which will impact their weighted average yield in the future. All residential loans deemed to be TDRs were modified to reflect a reduction in interest rates to current market rates. The commercial loan modifications which qualified as TDRs had their maturity extended.
The following tables present information about pre and post modification interest yield for TDRs which occurred during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-modification
Interest Yield
 
Post-
modification
Interest Yield
 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-modification
Interest Yield
 
Post-
modification
Interest Yield
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
—

 
—
%
 
—
%
 
1

 
5.75
%
 
5.75
%
Commercial real estate
4

 
4.42
%
 
4.42
%
 
3

 
4.67
%
 
4.67
%
Commercial and industrial
5

 
5.96
%
 
5.96
%
 
—

 
—
%
 
—
%
Residential mortgage and consumer
23

 
5.10
%
 
4.26
%
 
27

 
4.36
%
 
3.37
%
Payment defaults for loans modified as a TDR in the previous 12 months to December 31, 2018 consisted of 3 residential loans, 2 commercial real estate loans and 1 multi family loan with a recorded investment of $584,000, $568,000 and $892,000, respectively, at December 31, 2018. Payment defaults for loans modified as a TDR in the previous 12 months to December 31, 2017 consisted of 6 residential loans, 2 commercial real estate loans and 1 multi-family loan with a recorded investment of $442,000, $14.4 million and $918,000, respectively, at December 31, 2017.
Non-Performing Loan Sales
For the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no sales of non-performing loans. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold $48.1 million of non-performing commercial real estate and multi-family loans resulting in no charge-offs.
    
6. Office Properties and Equipment, Net
Office properties and equipment are summarized as follows:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Land
 
$
18,364

 
19,884

Office buildings
 
73,960

 
83,659

Leasehold improvements
 
130,803

 
112,485

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
 
105,118

 
92,650

Construction in process
 
3,786

 
6,567

 
 
332,031

 
315,245

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
154,599

 
135,014

 
 
$
177,432

 
180,231

Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $17.1 million, $17.4 million and $16.2 million, respectively.


96

7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage servicing rights
 
$
11,712

 
13,228

Core deposit premiums
 
4,050

 
6,024

Other
 
755

 
842

Total other intangible assets
 
16,517

 
20,094

Goodwill
 
82,546

 
77,571

Goodwill and intangible assets
 
$
99,063

 
97,665


For the year ended December 31, 2018, the increase in goodwill reflects the acquisition of the equipment finance portfolio. See Note 3.
The following table summarizes other intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
Gross Intangible Asset
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Net Intangible Assets
 
 
(In thousands)
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
$
19,808

 
(7,921
)
 
(175
)
 
11,712

Core Deposit Premiums
 
25,058

 
(21,008
)
 
—

 
4,050

Other
 
1,150

 
(395
)
 
—

 
755

Total other intangible assets
 
$
46,016

 
(29,324
)
 
(175
)
 
16,517

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
$
20,236

 
(6,886
)
 
(122
)
 
13,228

Core Deposit Premiums
 
25,058

 
(19,034
)
 
—

 
6,024

Other
 
1,150

 
(308
)
 
—

 
842

Total other intangible assets
 
$
46,444

 
(26,228
)
 
(122
)
 
20,094

Mortgage servicing rights are accounted for using the amortization method. Under this method, the Company amortizes the loan servicing asset in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. The Company sells loans on a servicing-retained basis. Loans that were sold on this basis had an unpaid principal balance of $1.62 billion and $1.77 billion at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, all of which relate to residential mortgage loans. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the servicing asset, included in intangible assets, had an estimated fair value of $14.9 million and $15.0 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, fair value was based on expected future cash flows considering a weighted average discount rate of 12.50%, a weighted average constant prepayment rate on mortgages of 8.52% and a weighted average life of 7.3 years.
Core deposit premiums are amortized using an accelerated method and having a weighted average amortization period of 10 years.

97

The following presents the estimated future amortization expense of other intangible assets for the next five years:
 
Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
Core Deposit Premiums
 
Other
 
(In thousands)
2019
$
409

 
$
1,521

 
$
87

2020
425

 
1,112

 
87

2021
440

 
756

 
67

2022
451

 
466

 
57

2023
461

 
195

 
57


8. Deposits
Deposits are summarized as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
(In thousands)
Non-interest bearing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Checking accounts
—
%
 
$
2,535,848

 
14.42
%
 
—
%
 
$
2,424,608

 
13.97
%
Interest-bearing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Checking accounts
1.53
%
 
4,783,563

 
27.21
%
 
0.91
%
 
4,909,054

 
28.28
%
Money market deposits
1.55
%
 
3,641,070

 
20.71
%
 
0.90
%
 
4,243,545

 
24.45
%
Savings
0.64
%
 
2,048,941

 
11.66
%
 
0.48
%
 
2,320,228

 
13.37
%
Certificates of deposit
1.35
%
 
4,570,847

 
26.00
%
 
1.13
%
 
3,460,262

 
19.93
%
Total Deposits
1.16
%
 
$
17,580,269

 
100.00
%
 
0.77
%
 
$
17,357,697

 
100.00
%

Included in the above balances for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are money market deposits of $311.0 million and $709.7 million, respectively, obtained through brokers and certificates of deposit of $1.53 billion and $759.5 million, respectively, obtained through brokers.

Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Within one year
 
$
3,724,359

 
2,841,219

One to two years
 
631,928

 
388,261

Two to three years
 
148,773

 
97,091

Three to four years
 
41,953

 
65,116

After four years
 
23,834

 
68,575

 
 
$
4,570,847

 
3,460,262

The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more totaled approximately $1.87 billion and $2.37 billion at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

98

Interest expense on deposits consists of the following:
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Checking accounts
$
62,447

 
37,091


16,268

Money market deposits
46,394

 
34,366


25,621

Savings
13,240

 
8,395

 
6,304

Certificates of deposit
66,564

 
33,691


33,864

Total
$
188,645

 
113,543

 
82,057


9. Borrowed Funds
Borrowed funds are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Principal
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
Principal
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Funds borrowed under repurchase agreements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other brokers
 
$
250,000

 
2.67%
 
$
130,481

 
1.87%
Other borrowed funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB advances
 
4,930,681

 
2.16%
 
4,331,052

 
1.96%
Other
 
255,000

 
2.60%
 
—

 
—%
Total other borrowed funds:
 
5,185,681

 
2.18%
 
4,331,052

 
1.96%
Total borrowed funds
 
$
5,435,681

 
2.20%
 
$
4,461,533

 
1.96%
Borrowed funds had scheduled maturities as follows:
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Principal
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
Principal
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Within one year
 
$
1,405,130

 
2.24%
 
$
861,481

 
2.18%
One to two years
 
1,175,000

 
2.06%
 
719,349

 
1.80%
Two to three years
 
950,000

 
2.26%
 
975,000

 
1.95%
Three to four years
 
700,551

 
1.98%
 
700,000

 
2.00%
Four to five years
 
900,000

 
2.19%
 
700,703

 
1.98%
After five years
 
305,000

 
2.90%
 
505,000

 
1.77%
Total borrowed funds
 
$
5,435,681

 
2.20%
 
$
4,461,533

 
1.96%
Mortgage-backed securities have been sold, subject to repurchase agreements, to the FHLB and various brokers. Mortgage-backed securities sold, subject to repurchase agreements, are held by the FHLB for the benefit of the Company. Repurchase agreements require repurchase of the identical securities. Whole mortgage loans have been pledged to the FHLB as collateral for advances, but are held by the Company.

99

The amortized cost and fair value of the underlying securities used as collateral for borrowings are as follows:
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized cost of collateral:
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
280,356

 
411,933

Total amortized cost of collateral
 
$
280,356

 
411,933

Fair value of collateral:
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
273,884

 
404,331

Total fair value of collateral
 
$
273,884

 
404,331


During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the maximum month-end balance of the repurchase agreements was $280.0 million, $153.0 million and $153.0 million, respectively. The average amount of repurchase agreements outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $202.0 million, $149.0 million and $153.0 million, respectively, and the average interest rate was 2.68%, 2.11% and 2.16%, respectively.
At December 31, 2018, our borrowing capacity at the FHLB was $12.41 billion, of which the Company had outstanding borrowings of $8.39 billion, which included letters of credit totaling $3.47 billion. In addition, the Bank had access to unsecured overnight borrowings (Fed Funds) with other financial institutions totaling $450.0 million, of which $255.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2018.

10. Income Taxes

The components of income tax expense are as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(In thousands)
Current tax expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
34,668

 
47,101

 
82,708

State
 
17,661

 
6,736

 
12,599

 
 
52,329

 
53,837

 
95,307

Deferred tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
16,979

 
105,044

 
8,107

State
 
(1,466
)
 
(5,036
)
 
3,533

 
 
15,513

 
100,008

 
11,640

Total income tax expense
 
$
67,842

 
153,845

 
106,947

 

100

The following table presents the reconciliation between the actual income tax expense and the “expected” amount computed using the applicable statutory federal income tax rate of 21% for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 35% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
“Expected” federal income tax expense
 
$
56,788

 
98,206


104,675

State tax, net
 
12,487

 
6,051

 
9,887

Impact of tax reform
 
(2,284
)
 
49,164

 
—

Tax exempt interest
 
(974
)
 
(1,094
)
 
(799
)
Non-deductible FDIC premiums
 
1,636

 
—

 
—

Bank owned life insurance
 
(1,242
)
 
(1,310
)
 
(1,548
)
Excess tax benefits from employee share-based payments
 
(1,073
)
 
(1,722
)
 
(7,735
)
ESOP fair market value adjustment
 
653

 
1,237

 
931

Non-deductible compensation
 
2,187

 
1,451

 
1,602

Other
 
(336
)
 
1,862

 
(66
)
Total income tax expense
 
$
67,842

 
153,845

 
106,947

The temporary differences and loss carryforwards which comprise the deferred tax asset and liability are as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Deferred tax asset:
 
 
 
 
Employee benefits
 
$
27,315

 
21,201

Deferred compensation
 
845

 
994

Allowance for loan losses
 
67,079

 
67,307

Net unrealized loss on securities
 
7,643

 
12,542

ESOP
 
3,623

 
3,518

Allowance for delinquent interest
 
318

 
283

Fair value adjustments related to acquisitions
 
15,189

 
12,750

Charitable contribution carryforward
 
888

 
720

Loan origination costs
 
8,325

 
7,964

State NOL
 
3,604

 
3,996

Other
 
1,457

 
1,720

Gross deferred tax asset
 
136,286

 
132,995

Valuation allowance
 
—

 
(284
)
 
 
136,286

 
132,711

Deferred tax liability:
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets
 
89

 
71

Mortgage servicing rights
 
3,555

 
4,039

Premises and equipment
 
4,161

 
1,664

Net unrealized gain on hedging activities
 
4,946

 
5,274

Equipment financing(1)
 
19,124

 
—

Gross deferred tax liability
 
31,875

 
11,048

Net deferred tax asset
 
$
104,411

 
121,663


(1) During 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of an equipment finance portfolio. At December 31, 2018, the deferred tax liability associated with the portfolio largely represents the accelerated tax depreciation allowed by the Tax Act.

101

A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. The measurement of such deferred tax items is reduced by the amount that is more likely than not to be realized based on available evidence. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences and carryforwards become deductible. A valuation allowance is recorded for tax benefits which management has determined are not more likely than not to be realized. At December 31, 2018, there was no valuation allowance. At December 31, 2017, the valuation allowance was $284,000.
Under ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, companies are required to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment; therefore, the Company re-measures its deferred tax assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rate expected to apply when its temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. On July 1, 2018, New Jersey Assembly Bill 4202 was signed into law, providing significant revisions to New Jersey’s Corporation Business Tax laws. The new legislation provided for temporary increases to the corporate income tax rate for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, as well as mandatory combined reporting effective for tax years beginning after 2018. As of the date of enactment, the resulting impact of the re-measurement of the Company’s deferred tax balances was an increase of $2.3 million. On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Act. The new law reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. As of the date of enactment, the resulting impact of the re-measurement of the Company’s deferred tax balances was a decrease of $49.2 million.
Based on the Company’s standalone future state taxable income, a valuation allowance was previously established for the portion of the state tax benefit related to a prior year charitable contribution that is not more likely than not to be realized. At December 31, 2018, the Company’s valuation allowance pertaining to the charitable contribution was reversed due to the enactment of the New Jersey tax reform within the reporting period, which allows for charitable contributions at the Company’s standalone entity level to be subtracted from the combined group’s entire net income in future years, thus resulting in the projection of full utilization of the charitable deduction.
Based upon projections of future taxable income and the ability to carry forward net operating losses indefinitely, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the remaining deferred tax asset.
Retained earnings at December 31, 2018 included approximately $45.2 million for which deferred income taxes of approximately $13.7 million have not been provided. The retained earnings amount represents the base year allocation of income to bad debt deductions for tax purposes only. Base year reserves are subject to recapture if the Bank makes certain non-dividend distributions, repurchases any of its stock, pays dividends in excess of tax earnings and profits, or ceases to maintain a bank charter. Under ASC 740, this amount is treated as a permanent difference and deferred taxes are not recognized unless it appears that it will be reduced and result in taxable income in the foreseeable future. Events that would result in taxation of these reserves include failure to qualify as a bank for tax purposes or distributions in complete or partial liquidation.
The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits or related interest or penalties at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
The Company files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and in the states of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. As of December 31, 2018, the Company is no longer subject to federal income tax examination for years prior to 2015. Investors Bank and its affiliates are currently under audit by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for tax years 2013 and 2014. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examination by New Jersey and New York for years prior to 2014 and 2013, respectively.

11. Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
The Company participates in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (“Pentegra DB Plan”), a tax-qualified defined-benefit pension plan. The Pentegra DB Plan’s Employer Identification Number is 13-5645888 and the Plan Number is 333. The Pentegra DB Plan operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes and as a multiple-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code. There are no collective bargaining agreements in place that require contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan.
The Pentegra DB Plan is a single plan under Internal Revenue Code Section 413(c) and, as a result, all of the assets stand behind all of the liabilities. Accordingly, under the Pentegra DB Plan contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers. As of December 31, 2016, the annual benefit provided under the Pentegra DB Plan was frozen by an amendment to the plan. Freezing the plan eliminated all future benefit accruals and each participant’s frozen accrued benefit was determined as of December 31, 2016 with no further benefits accrued subsequent to December 31, 2016.

102

The funded status (fair value of plan assets divided by funding target) as of July 1, 2018 and 2017 was 90.00% and 93.06%, respectively. The fair value of plan assets reflects any contributions received through June 30, 2018.
The Company’s required contribution and pension cost was $3.8 million, $1.6 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The accrued pension liability was $751,000 and $499,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company’s contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan are not more than 5% of the total contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan. The Company’s expected contribution for the 2019 plan year is approximately $4.6 million.
SERPs, Directors’ Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
The Company has an Executive Supplemental Retirement Wage Replacement Plan (“SERP II”) and the Supplemental ESOP and Retirement Plan (“SERP I”) (collectively, the “SERPs”). The SERP II is a nonqualified, defined benefit plan which provides benefits to certain executives as designated by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors. More specifically, the SERP II was designed to provide participants with a normal retirement benefit equal to an annual benefit of 60% of the participant’s highest annual base salary and cash incentive (over a consecutive 36-month period within the participant’s credited service period) reduced by the sum of the benefits provided under the Pentegra DB Plan and the SERP I.
Effective as of the close of business of December 31, 2016, the SERP II was amended to freeze future benefit accruals, and for certain participants, structure the benefits payable attributable solely to the participants’ 2016 year of service to vest over a two-year period such that the participants had a right to 50% of their accrued benefits attributable to their 2016 year of service as of December 31, 2016, which became 100% vested as of December 31, 2017.
The SERP I compensates certain executives (as designated by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors) participating in the ESOP whose contributions are limited by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company also maintains the Amended and Restated Director Retirement Plan (“Directors’ Plan”) for certain directors, which is a nonqualified, defined benefit plan. The Directors’ Plan was frozen on November 21, 2006 such that no new benefits accrued under, and no new directors were eligible to participate in the plan. The SERPs and the Directors’ Plan are unfunded and the costs of the plans are recognized over the period that services are provided.
The following table sets forth information regarding the SERP II and the Directors’ Plan:
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
42,901

 
40,296

Service cost
—

 
1,486

Interest cost
1,419

 
1,513

Gain due to change in mortality assumption
(100
)
 
(260
)
(Gain) loss due to change in discount rate
(2,822
)
 
2,270

Loss (gain) due to demographic changes
122

 
(1,375
)
Actuarial gain
(435
)
 
(196
)
Benefits paid
(861
)
 
(833
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
40,224

 
42,901

Funded status
$
(40,224
)
 
(42,901
)
The unfunded pension benefits of $40.2 million and $42.9 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to pension plans, on a pre-tax basis, at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized in the following table.
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In thousands)
Prior service cost
$
—

 
—

Net actuarial loss
2,997

 
6,738

Total amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
2,997

 
6,738

The accumulated benefit obligation for the SERP II and the Directors’ Plan was $37.2 million and $36.2 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The measurement date for our SERP II and Directors’ Plan is December 31 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

103

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used in the plan determinations at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Discount rate
3.99
%
 
3.34
%
Rate of compensation increase
—
%
 
—
%
The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Service cost
$
—

 
1,486

 
2,088

Interest cost
1,419

 
1,513

 
1,895

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost
—

 
—

 
—

Net loss
506

 
458

 
2,055

Total net periodic benefit cost
$
1,925

 
3,457

 
6,038

The following are the weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Discount rate
3.34
%
 
3.80
%
 
3.99
%
Rate of compensation increase
—
%
 
—
%
 
4.36
%
Estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate for the next ten calendar years are as follows:
 
Amount
 
(In thousands)
2019
$
854

2020
2,056

2021
2,699

2022
2,677

2023
2,892

2024 through 2028
14,471

401(k) Plan
The Company has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees provided they meet the eligibility age requirement of age 21. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company matched 50% of the first 8% contributed by the participants to the 401(k) plan. For the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company matched 50% of the first 6% contributed by participants. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the 401(k) plan included a discretionary profit sharing contribution of 1% of eligible earnings for eligible employees. The Company’s aggregate contributions to the 401(k) plan for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $4.8 million, $4.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
The ESOP is a tax-qualified plan designed to invest primarily in the Company’s common stock that provides employees with the opportunity to receive a funded retirement benefit from the Bank, based primarily on the value of the Company’s common stock. During the Company’s initial public stock offering in October 2005, the ESOP was authorized to purchase, and did purchase, 10,847,883 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $3.92 per share with the proceeds of a loan from the Company to the ESOP. In connection with the completion of the Company’s mutual to stock conversion on May 7, 2014, the ESOP purchased an additional 6,617,421 common shares of stock at a price of $10.00 per share with the proceeds of a loan from the Company to the ESOP. The Company refinanced the outstanding principal and interest balance of $33.9 million and borrowed an additional $66.2 million to purchase the additional shares. The outstanding loan principal balance at December 31, 2018 was $88.9 million.

104

Shares of the Company’s common stock pledged as collateral for the loan are released from the pledge pro-rata for allocation to participants as loan payments are made.
At December 31, 2018, shares allocated to participants were 5,622,856 since the plan inception. ESOP shares that were unallocated or not yet committed to be released totaled 11,842,448 at December 31, 2018, and had a fair value of $123.2 million. ESOP compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $5.5 million, $5.8 million and $5.4 million, respectively, representing the fair value of shares allocated or committed to be released during the year.
The SERP I also provides supplemental benefits to certain executives as designated by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors who are prevented from receiving the full benefits contemplated by ESOP’s benefit formula due to the Internal Revenue Code. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the decline in our stock price resulted in a compensation benefit related to this plan of $672,000. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, compensation expense related to this plan amounted to $262,000 and $766,000, respectively.
Equity Incentive Plan
At the annual meeting held on June 9, 2015, stockholders of the Company approved the Investors Bancorp, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (“2015 Plan”) which provides for the issuance or delivery of up to 30,881,296 shares (13,234,841 restricted stock awards and 17,646,455 stock options) of Investors Bancorp, Inc. common stock.
Restricted shares granted under the 2015 Plan vest in equal installments, over the service period generally ranging from 5 to 7 years beginning one year from the date of grant. Additionally, certain restricted shares awarded are performance vesting awards, which may or may not vest depending upon the attainment of certain corporate financial targets. The vesting of restricted stock may accelerate in accordance with the terms of the 2015 Plan. The product of the number of shares granted and the grant date closing market price of the Company’s common stock determine the fair value of restricted shares under the 2015 Plan. Management recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of restricted shares on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company granted 91,982 shares of restricted stock awards under the 2015 Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2018, it was determined that the performance-based stock awards granted during 2015 were achieved at 70% of target based upon the performance criteria. This resulted in 70% of these performance-based stock awards being earned and converted to time-based stock awards that vest over a service period and the balance being forfeited.
Stock options granted under the 2015 Plan vest in equal installments, over the service period generally ranging from 5 to 7 years beginning one year from the date of grant. The vesting of stock options may accelerate in accordance with the terms of the 2015 Plan. Stock options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date based on the closing market price and have an expiration period of 10 years. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company granted 50,000 stock options under the 2015 Plan.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Compensation and Benefits Committee approved the issuance of 440,000 restricted stock awards and 93,800 stock options to certain officers under the 2015 Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Compensation and Benefits Committee approved the issuance of 276,890 restricted stock awards and 201,440 stock options to certain officers under the 2015 Plan.
The fair value of stock options granted as part of the 2015 Plan was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions for the period presented below:
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Weighted average expected life (in years)
6.50

 
6.50

 
7.00

Weighted average risk-free rate of return
2.80
%
 
2.05
%
 
1.67
%
Weighted average volatility
17.71
%
 
24.12
%
 
24.05
%
Dividend yield
2.78
%
 
2.45
%
 
1.93
%
Weighted average fair value of options granted
$
1.94

 
$
2.91

 
$
2.80

Total stock options granted
50,000

 
93,800

 
201,440


The weighted average expected life of the stock option represents the period of time that stock options are expected to be outstanding and is estimated using historical data of stock option exercises and forfeitures. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair values of these awards, which have graded vesting, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. Upon exercise of vested options, management expects to draw on treasury stock as the source for shares.

105

The following table presents the share based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Stock option expense
$
5,554

 
5,994

 
6,556

Restricted stock expense
12,799

 
14,548

 
15,419

Total share based compensation expense
$
18,353

 
20,542

 
21,975

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s restricted shares as of December 31, 2018 and changes therein during the year then ended:
 
 
Number of
Shares
Awarded
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2017
 
4,940,335

 
$
12.67

Granted
 
91,982

 
12.80

Vested
 
(1,161,624
)
 
12.66

Forfeited
 
(392,946
)
 
12.58

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
 
3,477,747

 
$
12.69

Expected future expenses relating to the non-vested restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 is $35.3 million over a weighted average period of 3.15 years.
The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for its option plan for the year ended December 31, 2018:
 
 
Number of
Stock
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
11,469,417

 
$
12.00

 
7.0
 
$
21,587

Granted
 
50,000

 
12.95

 
9.5
 
 
Exercised
 
(828,348
)
 
6.93

 
1.0
 
 
Forfeited
 
(228,875
)
 
12.60

 
 
 
 
Expired
 
(246,147
)
 
10.62

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
 
10,216,047

 
$
12.43

 
6.5
 
$
522

Exercisable at December 31, 2018
 
5,121,771

 
$
12.34

 
6.4
 
$
522

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $1.94, $2.91 and $2.80 per share, respectively. Expected future expense relating to the non-vested options outstanding as of December 31, 2018 is $15.2 million over a weighted average period of 2.80 years.

12. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is a defendant in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Management and the Company’s legal counsel are of the opinion that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
At December 31, 2018, the Company was obligated under various non-cancelable operating leases on buildings and land used for office space and banking purposes. These operating leases contain escalation clauses which provide for increased rental expense, based primarily on increases in real estate taxes and cost-of-living indices. Rental expense under these leases aggregated approximately $24.4 million, $23.7 million and $22.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

106

The projected annual minimum rental commitments are as follows:
 
 
Amount
 
(In thousands)
2019
$
24,377

2020
23,790

2021
23,427

2022
21,717

2023
20,678

Thereafter
119,888

 
$
233,877

Financial Transactions with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk and Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company is a party to transactions with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These transactions consist of commitments to extend credit. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
At December 31, 2018, the Company had commitments to originate total commercial loans of $220.5 million. Additionally, the Company had commitments to originate residential loans of approximately $93.1 million and purchase residential loans of $120.1 million. Unused home equity lines of credit and undisbursed business and construction lines totaled approximately $1.50 billion at December 31, 2018. No commitments are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company has no exposure to credit loss if the customer does not exercise its rights to borrow under the commitment.
The Company uses the same credit policies and collateral requirements in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet loans. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to customers as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.
The Company principally grants commercial real estate loans, multi-family loans, commercial and industrial loans, construction loans, residential mortgage loans and consumer and other loans to borrowers throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and states in close proximity. Its borrowers’ abilities to repay their obligations are dependent upon various factors, including the borrowers’ income and net worth, cash flows generated by the underlying collateral or from business operations, value of the underlying collateral and priority of the Company’s lien on the property. Such factors are dependent upon various economic conditions and individual circumstances beyond the Company’s control; the Company is, therefore, subject to risk of loss. The Company believes its lending policies and procedures adequately minimize the potential exposure to such risks and adequate provisions for loan losses are provided for all probable and estimable losses.
Our portfolio contains interest-only residential mortgage loans. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, interest-only residential and consumer loans represented less than 1% of the residential and consumer portfolio. From time to time and for competitive purposes, we originate interest-only commercial real estate and multi-family loans. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, these loans represented less than 10% of the total commercial loan portfolio. We maintain stricter underwriting criteria for these interest-only loans than for amortizing loans. We believe these criteria adequately control the potential exposure to such risks and that adequate provisions for loan losses are provided for all known and inherent risks.
In the normal course of business the Company sells residential mortgage loans to third parties. These loan sales are subject to customary representations and warranties. In the event that the Company is found to be in breach of these representations and warranties, it may be obligated to repurchase certain of these loans.
The Company has entered into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s borrowings and loans. During the year ended December 31, 2018, such derivatives were used (i) to hedge the variability in cash flows associated with borrowings and (ii) to hedge changes in the fair value of certain pools of prepayable fixed-rate assets. These

107

derivatives had an aggregate notional amount of $2.61 billion as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of derivatives designated as hedging activities as of December 31, 2018 was a liability of $432,000, inclusive of accrued interest and variation margin posted in accordance with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The Company has also entered into derivatives resulting from participations in interest rate swaps provided to external lenders as part of loan participation arrangements. The fair value of the derivatives resulting from such arrangements and not designated as hedging activities was a liability of $66,000 as of December 31, 2018.
In connection with its mortgage banking activities, the Company has certain freestanding derivative instruments. At December 31, 2018, the Company had commitments of approximately $15.4 million to fund loans which will be classified as held-for-sale with a like amount of commitments to sell such loans which are considered derivative instruments under ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The Company also had commitments of $10.0 million to sell loans at December 31, 2018. The fair values of these derivative instruments are immaterial to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The guarantees generally extend for a term of up to one year and are fully collateralized. For each guarantee issued, if the customer defaults on a payment or performance to the third party, the Company would have to perform under the guarantee. Outstanding standby letters of credit totaled $30.0 million at December 31, 2018. The fair values of these obligations were immaterial at December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2018, the Company had no commercial letters of credit outstanding.

13. Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The Company is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s floating rate borrowings and pools of fixed-rate assets.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are primarily to reduce cost and add stability to interest expense in an effort to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of amounts subject to variability caused by changes in interest rates from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Such derivatives were used to hedge the variability in cash flows associated with borrowings.
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate borrowings. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $7.7 million will be reclassified as a decrease to interest expense.
Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed-rate assets due to changes in benchmark interest rates. The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value on these instruments attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate. Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges involve the payment of fixed-rate amounts to a counterparty in exchange for the Company receiving variable-rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. Such derivatives were used to hedge the changes in fair value of certain of its pools of prepayable fixed rate assets.
For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in interest income.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the

108

amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities. The Company’s existing credit derivatives result from participations in interest rate swaps provided to external lenders as part of loan participation arrangements, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain lenders which participate in loans.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet    
 
Asset Derivatives
 
 
Liability Derivatives
 
At December 31, 2018
 
At December 31, 2017
 
At December 31, 2018
 
At December 31, 2017
 
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
 
Notional amount
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
 
Notional amount
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(In millions)
 
(In thousands)
 
(In millions)
 
(In thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Swaps
Other assets
$
—

 
Other assets
$
—

 
$
2,605

Other liabilities
$
432

 
$
900

Other liabilities
$
613

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
$
—

 
 
$
—

 
 
 
$
432

 
 
 
$
613

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Contracts
Other assets
$
—

 
Other assets
$
—

 
$
18.3

Other liabilities
$
66

 
$
—

Other liabilities
$
—

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
$
—

 
 
$
—

 
 
 
$
66

 
 
 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Effective January 1, 2017, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) amended their rules to legally characterize the variation margin posted between counterparties to be classified as settlements of the outstanding derivative contracts instead of cash collateral. The Company adopted the new rule on a prospective basis to include the accrued interest and variation margin posted by the CME in the fair value.

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In thousands)
Cash Flow Hedges - Interest rate swaps
 
 
 
Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
$
893

 
$
2,049

Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense
2,056

 
(4,160
)


109

Location and Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Fair Value and Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
The following table presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
The effects of fair value and cash flow hedging:
Income statement location
(In thousands)
Gain or (loss) on fair value hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20
 
 
 
 
Interest contracts
 
 
 
 
Hedged items
Interest income on loans
$
294

 
$
—

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest income on loans
(366
)
 
—

Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20
 
 
 
 
Interest contracts
 
 
 
 
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Interest expense on borrowings
2,056

 
(4,160
)
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring
Interest expense on borrowings
—

 
—

Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the income statement in which the effects of fair value are recorded
 
$
1,984

 
$
(4,160
)

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the following amounts were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to cumulative basis adjustment for fair value hedges. There were no fair value hedges at December 31, 2017:
 
Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets/(Liabilities)
 
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets/(Liabilities)
Balance sheet location
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(In thousands)
Loans receivable, net (1)
$
1,005,294

 
$
—

 
$
294

 
$
—

(1) At December 31, 2018, the amortized cost basis of the closed portfolios used in these hedging relationships was $2.24 billion; the cumulative basis adjustments associated with these hedging relationships was $0.3 million; and the amounts of the designated hedged items were $1.01 billion.

Location and Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income as of December 31, 2018. There were no derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments as of December 31, 2017:
 
Consolidated Statements of Income location
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
 
(In thousands)
Other Contracts
Other income / (expense)
$
211

Total
 
$
211



110

Offsetting Derivatives
The following table presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The net amounts of derivative liabilities and assets can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of the fair value hierarchy, see Note 14, Fair Value Measurements. The tabular disclosure of fair value provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Recognized
 
Gross Amounts Offset
 
Net Amounts Presented
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Posted
 
Net Amount
 
(In thousands)
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative contracts
$
498

 
$
—

 
$
498

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
498

Total
$
498

 
$
—

 
$
498

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
498

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative contracts
$
613

 
$
—

 
$
613

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
613

Total
$
613

 
$
—

 
$
613

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
613

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

14. Fair Value Measurements
We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Our debt securities available-for-sale and derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record at fair value other assets or liabilities on a non-recurring basis, such as held-to-maturity debt securities, mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”), loans receivable and other real estate owned. These non-recurring fair value adjustments involve the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. Additionally, in connection with our mortgage banking activities we have commitments to fund loans held-for-sale and commitments to sell loans, which are considered free-standing derivative instruments, the fair values of which are not material to our financial condition or results of operations.
In accordance with FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, we group our assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:
•
Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
•
Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
•
Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include the use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques. The results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.
We base our fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

111

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Equity securities
Our equity securities portfolio is carried at estimated fair value on a recurring basis, with any unrealized gains and losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The fair values of equity securities are based on quoted market prices (Level 1). The Company adopted FASB ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018.
Debt securities available-for-sale
Our debt available-for-sale portfolio is carried at estimated fair value on a recurring basis, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. The fair values of debt securities available-for-sale are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets (Level 2). The pricing service may use quoted market prices of comparable instruments or discounted cash flow analyses, incorporating inputs that are currently observable in the markets for similar securities. Inputs that are often used in the valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to, benchmark yields, credit spreads, default rates, prepayment speeds and non-binding broker quotes. As the Company is responsible for the determination of fair value, it performs quarterly analyses on the prices received from the pricing service to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. Specifically, the Company compares the prices received from the pricing service to a secondary pricing source. Additionally, the Company compares changes in the reported market values and returns to relevant market indices to test the reasonableness of the reported prices. The Company’s internal price verification procedures and review of fair value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services has not historically resulted in adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service.

Derivatives
Derivatives are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The fair values of interest rate swap and risk participation agreements are based on a valuation model that uses primarily observable inputs, such as benchmark yield curves and interest rate spreads.

The following tables provide the level of valuation assumptions used to determine the carrying value of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
 
 
Carrying Value at December 31, 2018
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
(In thousands)
Equity securities
$
5,793

 
5,793

 
—

 
—

Debt securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
986,650

 
—

 
986,650

 
—

Federal National Mortgage Association
968,556

 
—

 
968,556

 
—

Government National Mortgage Association
166,956

 
—

 
166,956

 
—

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
2,122,162

 
—

 
2,122,162

 
—

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
432

 
—

 
432

 
—

Other contracts
66

 
—

 
66

 
—

Total derivatives
$
498

 
—

 
498

 
—


112

 
Carrying Value at December 31, 2017
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
(In thousands)
Equity securities
$
5,701

 
5,701

 
—

 
—

Debt securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
640,242

 
—

 
640,242

 
—

Federal National Mortgage Association
1,303,576

 
—

 
1,303,576

 
—

Government National Mortgage Association
38,208

 
—

 
38,208

 
—

Total debt securities available-for-sale
$
1,982,026

 
—

 
1,982,026

 
—

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
613

 
—

 
613

 
—

There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2018 from December 31, 2017, and there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2018.
There were no Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
Mortgage Servicing Rights, Net
Mortgage servicing rights are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of MSR is obtained through independent third party valuations through an analysis of future cash flows, incorporating assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value including market discount rates, prepayment speeds, servicing income, servicing costs, default rates and other market driven data, including the market’s perception of future interest rate movements. The prepayment speed and the discount rate are considered two of the most significant inputs in the model. At December 31, 2018, the fair value model used prepayment speeds ranging from 4.98% to 27.30% and a discount rate of 12.50% for the valuation of the mortgage servicing rights. At December 31, 2017, the fair value model used prepayment speeds ranging from 5.56% to 23.22% and a discount rate of 13.20% for the valuation of the mortgage servicing rights. A significant degree of judgment is involved in valuing the mortgage servicing rights using Level 3 inputs. The use of different assumptions could have a significant positive or negative effect on the fair value estimate.

Impaired Loans Receivable
Loans which meet certain criteria are evaluated individually for impairment. A loan is deemed to be impaired if it is a commercial loan with an outstanding balance greater than $1.0 million and on non-accrual status, loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and other commercial loans with $1.0 million in outstanding principal if management has specific information that it is probable they will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Our impaired loans are generally collateral dependent and, as such, are carried at the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. Estimated fair value is calculated using an independent third-party appraiser for collateral-dependent loans. In the event the most recent appraisal does not reflect the current market conditions due to the passage of time and other factors, management will obtain an updated appraisal or make downward adjustments to the existing appraised value based on their knowledge of the property, local real estate market conditions, recent real estate transactions, and for estimated selling costs, if applicable. Appraisals were generally discounted in a range of 0% to 25%. For non collateral-dependent loans, management estimates the fair value using discounted cash flows based on inputs that are largely unobservable and instead reflect management’s own estimates of the assumptions as a market participant would in pricing such loans.
Other Real Estate Owned
Other Real Estate Owned is recorded at estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs when acquired, thus establishing a new cost basis. Fair value is generally based on independent appraisals. These appraisals include adjustments to comparable assets based on the appraisers’ market knowledge and experience, and are discounted an additional 0% to 25% for estimated costs to sell. When an asset is acquired, the excess of the loan balance over fair value, less estimated selling costs, is charged to the allowance for loan losses. If further declines in the estimated fair value of the asset occur, a writedown is recorded through expense.

113

The valuation of foreclosed assets is subjective in nature and may be adjusted in the future because of changes in economic conditions. Operating costs after acquisition are generally expensed.

Loans Held For Sale
Residential mortgage loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value and are therefore measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. When available, the Company uses observable secondary market data, including pricing on recent closed market transactions for loans with similar characteristics.
The following tables provide the level of valuation assumptions used to determine the carrying value of our assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. For the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, there was no change to the carrying value of MSR or loans held for sale measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
 
 Security Type
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range
Weighted Average Input
Carrying Value at December 31, 2018
 


Minimum
Maximum

Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
 


 


(In thousands)
Impaired loans
Market comparable and estimated cash flow
Lack of marketability and probability of default
1.0%
83.0%
11.20%
15,148

—

—

15,148

Other real estate owned
Market comparable
Lack of marketability
0.0%
25.0%
10.50%
241

—

—

241




 


$
15,389

—

—

15,389

 
 Security Type
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range
Weighted Average Input
Carrying Value at December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Minimum
Maximum
 
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Impaired loans
Market comparable and estimated cash flow
Lack of marketability and probability of default
1.0%
45.0%
21.00%
30,445

—

—

30,445

Other real estate owned
Market comparable
Lack of marketability
0.0%
25.0%
21.65%
$
263

—

—

263

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
30,708

—

—

30,708

Other Fair Value Disclosures
Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions for the Company’s financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis are set forth below.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For cash and due from banks, the carrying amount approximates fair value.
Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity
Our debt securities held-to-maturity portfolio, consisting primarily of mortgage backed securities and other debt securities for which we have a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, is carried at amortized cost. Management utilizes various inputs to determine the fair value of the portfolio. The Company obtains one price for each security primarily from a third-party pricing service, which generally uses quoted or other observable inputs for the determination of fair value. The pricing service normally derives the security prices through recently reported trades for identical or similar securities, making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available observable market information. For securities not actively traded, the pricing service may use quoted market prices of comparable instruments or discounted cash flow analyses, incorporating inputs that are currently observable

114

in the markets for similar securities. Inputs that are often used in the valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to, benchmark yields, credit spreads, default rates, prepayment speeds and non-binding broker quotes. In the absence of quoted prices and in an illiquid market, valuation techniques, which require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable, are used to determine fair value of the investment. Valuation techniques are based on various assumptions, including, but not limited to forecasted cash flows, discount rates, rate of return, adjustments for nonperformance and liquidity, and liquidation values. As the Company is responsible for the determination of fair value, it performs quarterly analyses on the prices received from the pricing service to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. Specifically, the Company compares the prices received from the pricing service to a secondary pricing source. Additionally, the Company compares changes in the reported market values and returns to relevant market indices to test the reasonableness of the reported prices. The Company’s internal price verification procedures and review of fair value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services has not historically resulted in adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service.
FHLB Stock
The fair value of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”) stock is its carrying value, since this is the amount for which it could be redeemed. There is no active market for this stock and the Bank is required to hold a minimum investment based upon the balance of mortgage related assets held by the member and or FHLB advances outstanding.
Loans
Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as residential mortgage and consumer. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and non-performing categories.
The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information. They do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale a particular financial instrument. Fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, risk characteristics and economic conditions. These estimates are subjective, involve uncertainties, and cannot be determined with precision.
Deposit Liabilities
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as savings, checking accounts and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates which approximate currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
Borrowings
The fair value of borrowings are based on securities dealers’ estimated fair values, when available, or estimated using discounted contractual cash flows using rates which approximate the rates offered for borrowings of similar remaining maturities.

115

Commitments to Extend Credit
The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For commitments to originate fixed rate loans, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. Due to the short-term nature of our outstanding commitments, the fair values of these commitments are immaterial to our financial condition.
The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are presented in the following table.
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Carrying
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
value
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
196,891

 
196,891

 
196,891

 
—

 
—

Equities
5,793

 
5,793

 
5,793

 
—

 
—

Debt securities available-for-sale
2,122,162

 
2,122,162

 
—

 
2,122,162

 
—

Debt securities held-to-maturity
1,555,137

 
1,558,564

 
—

 
1,476,565

 
81,999

FHLB stock
260,234

 
260,234

 
260,234

 
—

 
—

Loans held for sale
4,074

 
4,074

 
—

 
4,074

 
—

Net loans
21,378,136

 
21,085,185

 
—

 
—

 
21,085,185

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits, other than time deposits
$
13,009,422

 
13,009,422

 
13,009,422

 
—

 
—

Time deposits
4,570,847

 
4,546,991

 
—

 
4,546,991

 
—

Borrowed funds
5,435,681

 
5,398,553

 
—

 
5,398,553

 
—

Derivative financial instruments
498

 
498

 
—

 
498

 
—


 
December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
value
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
618,394

 
618,394

 
618,394

 
—

 
—

Equities
5,701

 
5,701

 
5,701

 
—

 
—

Debt securities available-for-sale
1,982,026

 
1,982,026

 
—

 
1,982,026

 
—

Debt securities held-to-maturity
1,796,621

 
1,820,125

 
—

 
1,738,906

 
81,219

FHLB stock
231,544

 
231,544

 
231,544

 
—

 
—

Loans held for sale
5,185

 
5,185

 
—

 
5,185

 
—

Net loans
19,852,101

 
20,003,717

 
—

 
—

 
20,003,717

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits, other than time deposits
$
13,897,435

 
13,897,435

 
13,897,435

 
—

 
—

Time deposits
3,460,262

 
3,438,673

 
—

 
3,438,673

 
—

Borrowed funds
4,461,533

 
4,437,346

 
—

 
4,437,346

 
—

Derivative financial instruments
613

 
613

 
—

 
613

 
—

Limitations
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a portion of the Company’s

116

financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance-sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets that are not considered financial assets include deferred tax assets, premises and equipment and bank owned life insurance. Liabilities for pension and other postretirement benefits are not considered financial liabilities. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

15. Regulatory Capital
The Bank and the Company are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank and the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank and the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Tier 1 leverage ratio, Common equity tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based capital and Total risk-based capital (as defined in the regulations). In July 2013, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Final Capital Rules also revised the quantity and quality of required minimum risk-based and leverage capital requirements, consistent with the Reform Act and the Third Basel Accord adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, or Basel III capital standards. The Common equity tier 1 risk-based ratio and changes to the calculation of risk-weighted assets became effective for the Bank and Company on January 1, 2015. The required minimum Conservation Buffer commenced on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and increased in annual increments to 1.875% on January 1, 2018. The Conservation Buffer completed its phase in by increasing to 2.5% on January 1, 2019. The rules impose restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary cash bonus payments if the minimum Conservation Buffer is not met. As of December 31, 2018 the Company and the Bank met the currently applicable Conservation Buffer of 1.875%.
As of December 31, 2018, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank and the Company must maintain minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio, Common equity tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based capital and Total risk-based capital as set forth in the tables. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank and the Company’s category.

117

The following is a summary of the Bank and the Company’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2018 compared to the FDIC minimum capital adequacy requirements and the FDIC requirements for classification as a well-capitalized institution.
 
 
 
Actual
 
Minimum Capital Requirement with Conservation Buffer
 
To be Well  Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions (2)
 
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount    
 
Ratio    
 
Amount    
 
Ratio    
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
As of December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio (1)
 
$
2,660,183

 
10.28
%
 
$
1,034,893

 
4.000
%
 
$
1,293,616

 
5.00
%
Common equity tier 1 risk-based
 
2,660,183

 
13.41
%
 
1,264,973

 
6.375
%
 
1,289,776

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
 
2,660,183

 
13.41
%
 
1,562,613

 
7.875
%
 
1,587,417

 
8.00
%
Total Risk-Based Capital
 
2,896,998

 
14.60
%
 
1,959,467

 
9.875
%
 
1,984,271

 
10.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investors Bancorp, Inc:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio (1)
 
$
2,925,743

 
11.29
%
 
$
1,036,821

 
4.000
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

Common equity tier 1 risk-based
 
2,925,743

 
14.71
%
 
1,267,950

 
6.375
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
 
2,925,743

 
14.71
%
 
1,566,291

 
7.875
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

Total Risk-Based Capital
 
3,162,558

 
15.90
%
 
1,964,080

 
9.875
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

 
 
Actual
 
Minimum Capital Requirement with Conservation Buffer
 
To be Well  Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions (2)
 
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount    
 
Ratio    
 
Amount    
 
Ratio    
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
As of December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio (1)
 
$
2,732,757

 
11.00
%
 
$
993,750

 
4.000
%
 
$
1,242,188

 
5.00
%
Common equity tier 1 risk-based
 
2,732,757

 
13.94
%
 
1,127,081

 
5.750
%
 
1,274,092

 
6.50
%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
 
2,732,757

 
13.94
%
 
1,421,102

 
7.250
%
 
1,568,113

 
8.00
%
Total Risk-Based Capital
 
2,964,721

 
15.13
%
 
1,813,131

 
9.250
%
 
1,960,141

 
10.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investors Bancorp, Inc:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio (1)
 
$
3,072,783

 
12.36
%
 
$
994,164

 
4.000
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

Common equity tier 1 risk-based
 
3,072,783

 
15.67
%
 
1,127,662

 
5.750
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
 
3,072,783

 
15.67
%
 
1,421,835

 
7.250
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

Total Risk-Based Capital
 
3,304,747

 
16.85
%
 
1,814,066

 
9.250
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

(1) For purposes of calculating Tier 1 leverage ratio, assets are based on adjusted total average assets. In calculating Tier 1 risk-based capital and Total risk-based capital, assets are based on total risk-weighted assets.
(2) Prompt corrective action provisions do not apply to the bank holding company.


118

16. Parent Company Only Financial Statements
The following condensed financial statements for Investors Bancorp, Inc. (parent company only) reflect the investment in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Investors Bank, using the equity method of accounting.
 
Balance Sheets

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from bank
 
$
145,570

 
194,848

Equity securities
 
1,033

 
903

Debt securities held-to-maturity (estimated fair value of $5,034 and $5,075 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
5,000

 
5,000

Investment in subsidiary
 
2,739,770

 
2,800,867

ESOP loan receivable
 
88,885

 
90,794

Other assets
 
38,604

 
42,196

Total Assets
 
$
3,018,862

 
3,134,608

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
$
13,531

 
9,157

Total stockholders’ equity
 
3,005,331

 
3,125,451

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
3,018,862

 
3,134,608

Statements of Operations

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Income:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on ESOP loan receivable
$
4,086

 
3,481

 
3,084

Dividend from subsidiary
289,200

 
131,400

 
30,000

Interest on deposit with subsidiary
2

 
2

 
2

Interest and dividends on investments
256

 
277

 
132

Gain on securities, net
130

 
—

 
72

Other income
11

 
2

 
—

 
293,685

 
135,162

 
33,290

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
193

 
144

 
120

Other expenses
2,671

 
2,578

 
3,933

Income before income tax expense
290,821

 
132,440

 
29,237

Income tax expense
43

 
276

 
452

Income before undistributed earnings of subsidiary
290,778

 
132,164

 
28,785

(Dividend in excess of earnings) equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
(88,202
)
 
(5,420
)
 
163,340

Net income
$
202,576

 
126,744

 
192,125



119

 Other Comprehensive Income
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Net income
$
202,576

 
126,744

 
192,125

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain on securities
—

 
534

 
543

Total other comprehensive income
—

 
534

 
543

Total comprehensive income
$
202,576

 
127,278

 
192,668


Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
202,576

 
126,744

 
192,125

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend in excess of earnings (equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary)
 
88,202

 
5,420

 
(163,340
)
Gain on securities transactions, net
 
(130
)
 
—

 
(72
)
Decrease in other assets
 
19,409

 
14,678

 
14,805

Increase in other liabilities
 
4,374

 
1,346

 
(3,655
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
314,431

 
148,188

 
39,863

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of debt securities held-to-maturity
 
—

 
—

 
(5,000
)
Proceeds from principal repayments on equity securities
 
—

 
1,000

 
72

Principal collected on ESOP loan
 
1,909

 
2,045

 
2,050

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
1,909

 
3,045

 
(2,878
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock
 
(258,175
)
 
(59,090
)
 
(363,410
)
Exercise of stock options
 
5,743

 
9,141

 
34,317

Dividends paid
 
(113,186
)
 
(101,550
)
 
(82,291
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(365,618
)
 
(151,499
)
 
(411,384
)
Net decrease in cash and due from bank
 
(49,278
)
 
(266
)
 
(374,399
)
Cash and due from bank at beginning of year
 
194,848

 
195,114

 
569,513

Cash and due from bank at end of year
 
$
145,570

 
194,848

 
195,114

 

120

17. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following tables are a summary of certain quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 
 
2018 Quarter Ended
 
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Interest and dividend income
 
$
231,567

 
238,402

 
244,026

 
254,421

Interest expense
 
59,083

 
67,101

 
77,100

 
85,115

Net interest income
 
172,484

 
171,301

 
166,926

 
169,306

Provision for loan losses
 
2,500

 
4,000

 
2,000

 
3,500

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
169,984

 
167,301

 
164,926

 
165,806

Non-interest income
 
9,110

 
11,478

 
10,287

 
(20,794
)
Non-interest expenses
 
101,085

 
102,584

 
101,788

 
102,223

Income before income tax expense
 
78,009

 
76,195

 
73,425

 
42,789

Income tax expense
 
20,084

 
19,098

 
19,201

 
9,459

Net income
 
$
57,925

 
57,097

 
54,224

 
33,330

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.20

 
0.20

 
0.19

 
0.12

Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.20

 
0.20

 
0.19

 
0.12

 
 
 
2017 Quarter Ended
 
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Interest and dividend income
 
$
210,094

 
215,508

 
225,764

 
230,317

Interest expense
 
42,975

 
48,452

 
54,853

 
55,627

Net interest income
 
167,119

 
167,056

 
170,911

 
174,690

Provision for loan losses
 
4,000

 
6,000

 
1,750

 
4,500

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
163,119

 
161,056

 
169,161

 
170,190

Non-interest income
 
9,703

 
9,320

 
8,395

 
8,219

Non-interest expenses
 
99,558

 
106,268

 
103,274

 
109,474

Income before income tax expense
 
73,264

 
64,108

 
74,282

 
68,935

Income tax expense
 
27,244

 
24,475

 
28,437

 
73,689

Net income (loss)
 
$
46,020

 
39,633

 
45,845

 
(4,754
)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
0.16

 
0.14

 
0.16

 
(0.02
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
0.16

 
0.14

 
0.16

 
(0.02
)


121

18. Earnings Per Share
The following is a summary of our earnings per share calculations and reconciliation of basic to diluted earnings per share.
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Earnings for basic and diluted earnings per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings applicable to common stockholders
$
202,576

 
$
126,744

 
$
192,125

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic
281,925,219

 
290,183,952

 
297,580,834

Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents(1)
866,640

 
1,782,523

 
3,374,051

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted
282,791,859

 
291,966,475

 
300,954,885

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.72

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.65

Diluted
$
0.72

 
$
0.43

 
$
0.64

(1) For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were 9,761,548, 10,246,677, and 19,046,222 equity awards, respectively, that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

19. Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income, gross and net of tax, are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Gross
 
Tax
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Tax
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Tax
 
Net
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income
$
270,418

 
(67,842
)
 
202,576

 
280,589

 
(153,845
)
 
126,744

 
299,072

 
(106,947
)
 
192,125

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in funded status of retirement obligations
3,647

 
(1,025
)
 
2,622

 
313

 
(1,058
)
 
(745
)
 
12,452

 
(4,981
)
 
7,471

Unrealized losses on debt securities available-for-sale
(15,925
)
 
4,629

 
(11,296
)
 
(7,714
)
 
(434
)
 
(8,148
)
 
(19,399
)
 
7,115

 
(12,284
)
Accretion of loss on debt securities reclassified to held-to-maturity from available-for-sale
834

 
(235
)
 
599

 
1,243

 
(775
)
 
468

 
1,846

 
(754
)
 
1,092

Reclassification adjustment for security losses (gains) included in net income
32,848

 
(8,646
)
 
24,202

 
(1,275
)
 
510

 
(765
)
 
(2,264
)
 
906

 
(1,358
)
Other-than-temporary impairment accretion on debt securities
4,291

 
(1,206
)
 
3,085

 
1,614

 
(3,226
)
 
(1,612
)
 
1,488

 
(608
)
 
880

Net (losses) gains on derivatives arising during the period
(1,163
)
 
327

 
(836
)
 
6,209

 
(146
)
 
6,063

 
12,550

 
(5,126
)
 
7,424

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
24,532

 
(6,156
)
 
18,376

 
390

 
(5,129
)
 
(4,739
)
 
6,673

 
(3,448
)
 
3,225

Total comprehensive income
$
294,950

 
(73,998
)
 
220,952

 
280,979

 
(158,974
)
 
122,005

 
305,745

 
(110,395
)
 
195,350


122

The following table presents the after-tax changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
Change in funded status of retirement obligations
 
Accretion of loss on debt securities reclassified to held-to-maturity
 
Unrealized (losses) gains on debt securities available-for-sale and gains included in net income
 
Other-than-temporary impairment accretion on debt securities
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
 
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance - December 31, 2017
$
(5,640
)
 
(1,520
)
 
(21,184
)
 
(14,482
)
 
13,487

 
(29,339
)
Net change
2,622

 
599

 
12,906

 
3,085

 
(836
)
 
18,376

Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01
—

 
—

 
(606
)
 
—

 
—

 
(606
)
Balance - December 31, 2018
$
(3,018
)
 
(921
)
 
(8,884
)
 
(11,397
)
 
12,651

 
(11,569
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance - December 31, 2016
$
(4,895
)
 
(1,988
)
 
(12,271
)
 
(12,870
)
 
7,424

 
(24,600
)
Net change
188

 
398

 
(2,113
)
 
(2,256
)
 
3,673

 
(110
)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2018-02
(933
)
 
70

 
(6,800
)
 
644

 
2,390

 
(4,629
)
Balance - December 31, 2017
$
(5,640
)
 
$
(1,520
)
 
$
(21,184
)
 
$
(14,482
)
 
$
13,487

 
$
(29,339
)

The following table presents information about amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the consolidated statements of income and the affected line item in the statement where net income is presented.
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In thousands)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income
 
 
 
Loss (gain) on securities, net
$
32,848

 
(1,275
)
Change in funded status of retirement obligations
 
 
 
Adjustment of net obligation
(137
)
 
(20
)
Amortization of net loss
517

 
479

Compensation and fringe benefits
380

 
459

Reclassification adjustment for unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives
 
 
 
Interest expense
(2,056
)
 
4,161

Total before tax
31,172

 
3,345

Income tax expense
(8,226
)
 
(1,213
)
Net of tax
$
22,946

 
2,132


20. Revenue Recognition
The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” on January 1, 2018.  The objective of this amendment is to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS.  This update affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets unless those contracts are in the scope of other standards.  Revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans, leases, securities and derivatives, that are accounted for under other U.S. GAAP are specifically excluded from Topic 606.
The Company’s contracts with customers in the scope of Topic 606 are contracts for deposit accounts and contracts for non-deposit investment accounts through a third party service provider.  Both types of contracts result in non-interest income being recognized.  The revenue resulting from deposit accounts, which includes fees such as insufficient funds fees, wire transfer fees and out-of-network ATM transaction fees, is included as a component of fees and service charges on the consolidated statements of income.  The revenue resulting from non-deposit investment accounts is included as a component of other income on the consolidated statements of income. 

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Revenue from contracts with customers included in fees and service charges was $13.4 million, $12.9 million and $10.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Revenue from contracts with customers included in other income was $8.3 million, $4.9 million and $6.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
For our contracts with customers, we satisfy our performance obligations each day as services are rendered.  For our deposit account revenue, we receive payment on a daily basis as services are rendered and for our non-deposit investment account revenue, we receive payment on a monthly basis from our third party service provider as services are rendered.

21. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
In May 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-06, “Codification Improvements to Topic 942, Financial Services-Depository and Lending”, which supersedes the guidance within Subtopic 942-740 that has been rescinded by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and is no longer relevant. ASU 2018-06 is effective on its date of issuance of May 7, 2018 and did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. The purpose of this guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging relationships with the company’s risk management activities by expanding strategies that qualify for hedge accounting, modifying the presentation of certain hedging relationships in the financial statements and simplifying the application of hedge accounting in certain situations. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted in any interim or annual period before the effective date. ASU 2017-12 will be applied using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment related to the elimination of the separate measurement of ineffectiveness to the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the amendments in this update are adopted. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-12 on January 1, 2018, which did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification
Accounting”. This update provides guidance about changes to terms or conditions of a share-based payment award which would require modification accounting. In particular, an entity is required to account for the effects of a modification if the fair value, vesting condition or the equity/liability classification of the modified award is not the same immediately before and after a change to the terms and conditions of the award. The update is to be applied prospectively for awards modified on or after the adoption date. The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 on January 1, 2018, which did not have any impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost”, which requires that companies disaggregate the service cost component from other components of net benefit cost. This update calls for companies that offer postretirement benefits to present the service cost, which is the amount an employer has to set aside each quarter or fiscal year to cover the benefits, in the same line item with other current employee compensation costs. Other components of net benefit cost will be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The Company adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” The amendments in this ASU provide a practical way to determine when a set of assets and activities is not a business. The screen provided in this ASU requires that when all or substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The amendments also provide other considerations to determine whether a set is a business if the screen is not met. The update is to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the determination of whether future acquisitions are considered a business combination and the resulting impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.” This ASU addresses the recognition of current and deferred taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer and amends current U.S. GAAP by eliminating the exception for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory to defer such recognition until sale to an outside party. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 on January 1, 2018, which did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

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In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”, a new standard which addresses diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies), distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments- Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and    Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This amendment supersedes the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories, requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income, and simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The amendment requires public business entities that are required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet to measure that fair value using the exit price notion. The amendment requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option. The amendment requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or in the accompanying notes to the financial statements. The amendment reduces diversity in current practice by clarifying that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale debt securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. Entities should apply the amendment by means of a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with the exception of the amendment related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values, which should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. Subsequently, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which targets specific areas of improvement such as discontinuation of and adjustments to equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, forward contracts and purchased options. Similarly, the FASB issued ASU 2018-04, “Investments-Debt Securities (Topic 320) and Regulated Operations (Topic 980): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 117 and SEC Release No. 33-9273”, which supersedes and adds various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of SAB 117. The Company adopted ASU 2016-01, 2018-03 and 2018-04 on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The objective of this amendment is to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This update affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are in the scope of other standards. The ASU was effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Subsequently, the FASB issued the following standards related to ASU 2014-09: ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations” ; ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”; ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting”; ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients”; and ASU 2017-05, “Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets.” These amendments are intended to improve and clarify the implementation guidance of ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. As the guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans, leases, securities and derivatives that are accounted for under other U.S. GAAP, the new revenue recognition standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. See Footnote 20, Revenue Recognition, for further details.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings (SEC Update)”, which amends certain paragraphs in the ASC to give effect to announcements made by the SEC observer at two recent Emerging Issues Task Force meetings. SEC registrants are required to reasonably estimate the impact that adoption of the standards on revenue recognition, leases, and measurement of credit losses on financial instruments is expected to have on financial statements. If such estimate is indeterminate, registrants

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should consider providing additional qualitative disclosures to assess the effect on financial statements as a result of adopting of these new standards. There are no effective date or transition requirements for this standard.
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted January 1, 2019
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, which requires all lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset, measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments, at the lease commencement date for leases classified as operating leases as well as finance leases. The update also requires new quantitative disclosures related to leases in the Consolidated Financial Statements. There are practical expedients in this update that relate to leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs and the use of hindsight to extend or terminate a lease or purchase the leased asset. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged under the new guidance. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, “Leases (Topic 842) - Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842”, which provides an optional practical expedient to not evaluate land easements which were existing or expired before the adoption of Topic 842 that were not accounted for as leases under Topic 840. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842) - Targeted Improvements”, which provides an optional transition method under which comparative periods presented in the financial statements will continue to be in accordance with current Topic 840, Leases, and a practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component. In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20, which provides an accounting policy election for lessors related to sales and other similar taxes collected from lessees and addresses lessor accounting for variable payments. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, 2018-01, 2018-11 and 2018-20 on January 1, 2019, we expect to recognize right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities totaling $191.2 million and $200.7 million, respectively. We expect to elect the practical expedients under ASU 2016-02 such that we will not reassess (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. We also expect to elect the use of hindsight to determine the lease term and in assessing impairment of right-of-use assets, and we do not expect to apply the recognition requirements under ASU 2016-02 to short-term leases, with short-term being defined by the related accounting guidance. As lessee, we expect to account for lease and non-lease components separately because such amounts are readily determinable under our lease contracts rather than elect the practical expedient to account for the components as a single lease component. As lessor, we expect to elect to account for sales and other similar taxes collected from lessees as lessee costs as provided by ASU 2018-20. With respect to comparative reporting, we expect to apply the optional transition method to adopt the new leases standard, under which we would initially apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption as prescribed in ASU 2018-11. As lessor, we expect to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single component where the lease components would otherwise be accounted for separately under the new revenue guidance provided the non-lease component associated with the lease component is not the predominant component of the combined component as a practical expedient provided by ASU 2018-11. We expect to elect the transitional practical expedient to not evaluate existing or expired land easements in connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-02.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The amendments in this update expand the scope of Topic 718 to include sharebased payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees and to apply the guidance therein except for specific guidance on inputs to an option pricing model and the attribution of cost; i.e., the period of time over which share based payment awards vest and the pattern of cost recognition over that period. The amendments also clarify that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide financing to the issuer or awards granted in conjunction with selling goods and services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted if the entity has already adopted Topic 606. Upon adoption, an entity should remeasure liability-classified awards that have not been settled at date of adoption and equity-classified awards for which a measurement date has not been established through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the first day of the fiscal year of adoption. Upon transition, an entity should measure these nonemployee awards at fair value as of the adoption date but must not remeasure assets that are completed. The Company currently applies the guidance of Topic 718 to its accounting for share-based payment awards to its Board of Directors, and, therefore, ASU 2018-07 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities”. The amendments in this update require the premium on callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date rather than the maturity date; however, securities held at a discount continue to be amortized to maturity. The amendments apply only to debt securities purchased at a premium that are callable at fixed prices and on preset dates. The amendments more closely align interest income recorded on debt securities held at a premium or discount with the economics of the underlying instrument. ASU No. 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has reviewed its callable debt securities portfolio and

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determined that, upon adoption of ASU 2017-08 on January 1, 2019, there would not be any impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16: “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)-Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes”. The amendment permits the use of the Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. ASU 2018-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period upon issuance of this Update if an entity already has adopted Update 2017-12. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after the date of adoption. The Company will evaluate the effect of ASU No. 2018-16 on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15: “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other- Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. This new guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. Specifically, where a cloud computing arrangement includes a license to internal-use software, the software license is accounted for by the customer in accordance with Subtopic 350-40, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software”. ASU 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this Update should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company does not expect ASU No. 2018-15 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14: “Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans”. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifying the specific requirements of disclosures, and adding disclosure requirements identified as relevant. Among other changes, the ASU adds disclosure requirements to Topic 715-20 for the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and other plans with promised interest crediting rates and an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The amendments remove disclosure requirements for the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year, the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer, and the effects of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the (a) aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs and (b) benefit obligation for postretirement health care benefits. ASU 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The update is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company will evaluate the effect of ASU 2018-14 on disclosures in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement”. The amendments remove the requirement to disclose the amount of, and reasons for, transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of such transfers and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value and clarify the purpose of the measurement uncertainty disclosure. The ASU adds disclosure requirements about the changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted to any removed or modified disclosures and delay adoption of additional disclosures until the effective date. Changes should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon the effective date with the exception of the following, which should be applied prospectively: disclosures relating to changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the disclosures for uncertainty measurement. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 will not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This ASU simplifies subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 of the impairment test while retaining the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine whether the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The ASU also eliminates the requirements 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. Therefore, the same impairment assessment applies to all reporting units. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after

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December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment testing dates beginning after January 1, 2017. The update is to be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect ASU No. 2017-04 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This ASU significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that aren’t measured at fair value through net income. In issuing the standard, the FASB is responding to criticism that today’s guidance delays recognition of credit losses. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, will apply to: (1) financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and (2) certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. This includes, but is not limited to, loans, leases, held-to-maturity debt securities, loan commitments, and financial guarantees. The CECL model does not apply to available-for sale (“AFS”) debt securities. For AFS debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to what they do today, except that the losses will be recognized as allowances rather than reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. As a result, entities will recognize improvements to estimated credit losses immediately in earnings rather than as interest income over time, as they do today. The ASU also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. ASU 2016-13 also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses. In addition, entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses”, which clarifies the scope of the guidance in the amendments in ASU 2016-13 with respect to operating lease receivables. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (i.e., modified retrospective approach). While early adoption is permitted, the Company does not expect to elect that option. The Company has begun its evaluation of the amended guidance including the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. The extent of the change is indeterminable at this time as it will be dependent upon portfolio composition and credit quality at the adoption date, as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time. Upon adoption, any impact to the allowance for credit losses - currently allowance for loan and lease losses - will have an offsetting impact on retained earnings.    

22. Subsequent Events
As defined in FASB ASC 855, “Subsequent Events”, subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. Financial statements are considered issued when they are widely distributed to stockholders and other financial statement users for general use and reliance in a form and format that complies with U.S. GAAP.     
On January 30, 2019, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.11 per share. The $0.11 dividend per share was paid to stockholders on February 25, 2019, with a record date of February 11, 2019.

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(a)(3)
Exhibits
The following exhibits are either filed as part of this report or are incorporated herein by reference:
 

  
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

129


 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

  
 
 
 

  
 
 
 
101

  
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) related notes to these financial statements

 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File no. 333-192966), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2013.

(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File No. 000-51557) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2010.

(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on 10-Q of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File No. 001-36441) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2016.

(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File No. 000-51557) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2010.

(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File No. 001-36441) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2015.

(6)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement for Investors Bancorp, Inc.’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Commission File No. 001-36441) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2015.

(7)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Definitive Proxy Statement for Investors Bancorp, Inc.’s 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Commission File No. 000-51557) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 15, 2006.

(8)
Incorporated by reference to Annex D to the Definitive Proxy Statement for Investors Bancorp, Inc.’s 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Commission File No. 000-51557) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2013.

(9)
Incorporated by reference to the Amended Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File No. 333-192966) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2014.

(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.15 and 10.16 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File No. 001-36441) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2017.
(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File No. 001-36441) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2017.
(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File No. 001-36441) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 10, 2018.

(13)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Investors Bancorp, Inc. (Commission File No. 001-36441) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 2018.


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ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS BANCORP, INC.
 
 
 
Date: March 1, 2019
 
By:
 
/s/  Kevin Cummings
 
 
 
 
Kevin Cummings
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
(Duly Authorized Representative)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 

132

 
 
 
 
 
Signatures
  
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
/s/  Kevin Cummings
Kevin Cummings
  
Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
/s/  Domenick Cama
Domenick Cama
  
Director, President and
Chief Operating Officer
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
/s/  Sean Burke
Sean Burke
  
Chief Financial Officer and
Executive Vice President
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
/s/ Robert C. Albanese
Robert C. Albanese
 
Director
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
/s/  Dennis M. Bone
Dennis M. Bone
  
Director
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
/s/  Doreen R. Byrnes
Doreen R. Byrnes
  
Director
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Peter H. Carlin
Peter H. Carlin
 
Director
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
/s/ William Cosgrove
William Cosgrove
 
Director
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
/s/  James Garibaldi
James Garibaldi
 
Director
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Michele N. Siekerka
Michele N. Siekerka
 
Director
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
/s/  Paul N. Stathoulopoulos
Paul N. Stathoulopoulos
  
Director
 
March 1, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
/s/  James H. Ward III
James H. Ward III
  
Director
 
March 1, 2019



133