Thomas M. Lyons
Management
Thank you, Chris and good morning everyone. Our net income for the fourth quarter was $17.4 million or $0.30 per share compared with trailing quarter earnings of $16.1 million or $0.28 per share. Trailing quarter earnings were impacted by a $3.2 million charge to income tax expense related to the write-off of a deferred tax asset risk throughout. Net interest income increased $382,000, compared with the trailing quarter to $55 million, as average loans outstanding grew by an annualized 7.2% or $90 million. Growth was led by multi-family commercial and commercial mortgage loans. Our net interest margin however, declined 2 basis points to 3.26%. Loan yields decreased 6 basis points as origination rates remained below portfolio yields and interest bearing liability costs increased 2 basis points to 0.69%, as longer term borrowings were added to manage interest-rate risk. Our net interest margin however, declined 2 basis points to 3.26%. Loan yields decreased 6 basis points as origination rates remained below portfolio yields and interest bearing liability costs increased 2 basis points to 0.69%, as longer term borrowings were added to manage interest-rate risk. We provided $1.8 million for loan losses this quarter, an increase from $1.2 million in the trailing quarter, primarily as a result of continued loan growth. Credit metrics improved again with non-performing loans decreasing $5 million compared to September 30, $77 million or 1.48% of total loans and classified loan levels early stage delinquencies and weighted average risk ratings, all showing continued improvement. Net charge-offs for the quarter were $3.1 million or 25 basis points of average loans. The allowance for loan losses to total loans declined to 1.24% from 1.30% at September 30. However, the allowance coverage of non-performing loans increased to 84% from 81% at September 30, as a result of the aforementioned improvements in credit quality. Our total non-performing assets consisting of non-performing loans and foreclosed assets decreased $7 million versus the trailing quarter to $82 million. And subsequent to quarter-end, we thus far sold two residential properties with a $494,000 book value and have another three residential properties and one mixed-use property with a combined book value of $1.5 million under contract. Non-interest expense increased $1.1 million versus the trailing quarter to $37.5 million, primarily as a result of increased advertising expense and a $3,00,000 increase in NPA related expenses. In addition, they were seasonal increases in facilities, maintenance and provisional fees. Income tax expense was $7.8 million for the fourth quarter and our effective tax rate was 30.9%. We welcome now your questions at this point. Non-interest expense increased $1.1 million versus the trailing quarter to $37.5 million, primarily as a result of increased advertising expense and a $3,00,000 increase in NPA related expenses. In addition, they were seasonal increases in facilities, maintenance and provisional fees. Income tax expense was $7.8 million for the fourth quarter and our effective tax rate was 30.9%. We welcome now your questions at this point.