UNITED STATES OF AMERICA


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
 
          
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016

OR

   
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number:  000-11486

For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission File Number: 000-11486

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.


(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

New Jersey52-1273725
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer
Incorporation or Organization)(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

301 Sylvan Avenue


Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632


(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

201-816-8900


(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YesxNo Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes xNo No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):

Large accelerated filer oAccelerated filer xNon-accelerated filer oSmaller reporting company 
(Do not check if smaller
reporting company)Smaller reporting company o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YesoNo Nox

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, no par value:30,084,74430,179,900 shares
(Title of Class)(Outstanding as of November 9, 2015)May 6, 2016)



Table of Contents

Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Condition at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 (unaudited) and December 31, 201420153
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015 and 2014
(unaudited)5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 (unaudited)
and for the year ended December 31, 201420156
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements8
 
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations4142
 
Item 3.Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risks54
 
Item 4.Controls and Procedures55
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Legal Proceedings56
 
Item 1a.Risk Factors56
 
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds5657
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities57
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures57
Item 5.Other Information57
Item 6.Exhibits58
 
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities56
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures56
Item 5.Other Information56
Item 6.Exhibits57
SIGNATURES

2


2



Item 1. Financial Statements

ConnectOne Bancorp, inc. and Subsidiaries

CONNECTONEBANCORP, INC. ANDSUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION

(in thousands, except for share data) September 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
 
  (unaudited)    
ASSETS      
Cash and due from banks 30,100  $31,813 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks  128,421   95,034 
Cash and cash equivalents  158,521   126,847 
         
Investment securities:        
Available-for-sale  224,214   289,532 
Held-to-maturity (fair value of $234,493 and $231,445)  227,221   224,682 
         
Loans held for sale  990    
Loans receivable  2,953,381   2,538,641 
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses  21,533   14,160 
Net loans receivable  2,931,848   2,524,481 
         
Investment in restricted stock, at cost  30,362   23,535 
Bank premises and equipment, net  21,523   20,653 
Accrued interest receivable  11,662   11,700 
Bank-owned life insurance  53,681   52,518 
Other real estate owned  3,244   1,108 
Goodwill  145,909   145,909 
Core deposit intangibles  4,125   4,825 
Other assets  24,953   22,782 
Total assets $3,838,253  $3,448,572 
LIABILITIES        
Deposits:        
Noninterest-bearing $586,643  $492,515 
Interest-bearing  2,079,981   1,983,092 
Total deposits  2,666,624   2,475,607 
Borrowings  621,674   495,553 
Subordinated debentures  55,155   5,155 
Other liabilities  23,654   26,038 
Total liabilities  3,367,107   3,002,353 
         
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES        
         
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Preferred stock, $1,000 liquidation value per share, authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 11,250 shares of Series B preferred stock at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; total liquidation value of $11,250 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014  11,250   11,250 
Common stock, no par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued 32,261,541 shares at September 30, 2015 and 31,758,558 at December 31, 2014; outstanding 30,197,619 shares at September 30, 2015 and 29,694,636 at December 31, 2014  374,287   374,287 
Additional paid-in capital  8,315   6,015 
Retained earnings  97,321   72,398 
Treasury stock, at cost (2,063,922 common shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014)  (16,717)  (16,717)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (3,310)  (1,014)
Total stockholders’ equity  471,146   446,219 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $3,838,253  $3,448,572 

March 31,December 31,
(in thousands, except for share data)  2016  2015
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks$34,603$31,291
Interest-bearing deposits with banks83,656169,604
       Cash and cash equivalents118,259200,895
  
Investment securities:
       Available-for-sale191,331195,770
       Held-to-maturity (fair value of $229,470 and $230,558)219,373224,056
  
Loans receivable3,263,8133,099,007
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses29,07426,572
       Net loans receivable3,234,7393,072,435
 
Investment in restricted stock, at cost31,48732,612
Bank premises and equipment, net22,65222,333
Accrued interest receivable12,60412,545
Bank-owned life insurance79,41278,801
Other real estate owned1,6962,549
Goodwill145,909145,909
Core deposit intangibles3,6913,908
Other assets29,84724,096
      Total assets$4,091,000$4,015,909
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
       Noninterest-bearing$614,507$650,775
       Interest-bearing2,278,5642,140,191
              Total deposits2,893,0712,790,966
Borrowings646,501671,587
Subordinated debentures (net of $763 and $812 in debt issuance costs)54,39254,343
Other liabilities22,30921,669
      Total liabilities3,616,2733,538,565
  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $1,000 liquidation value per share, authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding  
       11,250 shares of Series B preferred stock at December 31, 2015; total liquidation value of $11,250 at
       December 31, 2015 - 11,250
 
Common stock, no par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued 32,227,000 shares at March 31, 2016 
       and 32,149,585 at December 31, 2015; outstanding 30,163,078 shares at March 31, 2016 and 30,085,663
       at December 31, 2015374,287374,287
Additional paid-in capital 9,3248,527
Retained earnings112,663104,606
Treasury stock, at cost (2,063,922 common shares at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015)(16,717)(16,717)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(4,830)(4,609)
      Total stockholders’ equity474,727477,344
      Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$   4,091,000$   4,015,909

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3

3



ConnectOne Bancorp, inc. and Subsidiaries

CONNECTONEBANCORP, INC. ANDSUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands, except for share and per share data) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
             
Interest income            
Interest and fees on loans $32,276  $28,098   91,807  $48,670 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:                
Taxable  2,669   2,916   8,340   8,840 
Tax-exempt  901   892   2,666   2,840 
Dividends  297   349   797   639 
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments  43   88   127   88 
Total interest income  36,186   32,343   103,737   61,077 
Interest expense                
Deposits  3,655   2,725   9,980   5,343 
Borrowings  2,804   2,072   7,060   4,914 
Total interest expense  6,459   4,797   17,040   10,257 
Net interest income  29,727   27,546   86,697   50,820 
Provision for loan and lease losses  4,175   1,300   7,550   2,209 
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses  25,552   26,246   79,147   48,611 
Noninterest income                
Annuities and insurance commissions  77   94   210   299 
Bank-owned life insurance  388   401   1,162   912 
Net gains on sale of loans held for sale  63   65   276   144 
Deposit, loan and other income  1,224   502   2,145   1,967 
Insurance recovery        2,224    
Net gains on sales of investment securities  2,067   111   2,793   2,100 
Total noninterest income  3,819   1,173   8,810   5,422 
Noninterest expenses                
Salaries and employee benefits  6,905   6,243   20,480   13,153 
Occupancy and equipment  1,916   1,781   5,785   3,658 
FDIC insurance  535   504   1,535   1,092 
Professional and consulting  836   530   2,045   1,289 
Marketing and advertising  247   209   634   276 
Data processing  957   902   2,686   1,761 
Merger-related expenses     8,784      10,573 
Loss on extinguishment of debt     4,550   2,397   4,550 
Amortization of core deposit intangible  217   248   700   260 
Other expenses  1,688   1,649   4,643   3,028 
Total noninterest expenses  13,301   25,400   40,905   39,640 
Income before income tax expense  16,070   2,019   47,052   14,393 
Income tax expense  5,228   253   15,309   3,851 
Net income  10,842   1,766   31,743   10,542 
Less: Preferred stock dividends  28   28   84   84 
Net income available to common stockholders $10,814  $1,738   31,659  $10,458 
                 
Earnings per common share:                
Basic $0.36  $0.06   1.06  $0.50 
Diluted $0.36  $0.06   1.04  $0.49 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                
Basic  30,045,818   29,636,001   29,786,374   20,819,241 
Diluted  30,335,571   30,108,103   30,323,376   21,285,452 
Dividend per common share $0.075  $0.075   0.225  $0.225 

Three Months Ended
March 31,    
(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)     2016     2015
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans$35,017$29,314
Interest and dividends on investment securities:  
       Taxable2,1402,910
       Tax-exempt883 883
       Dividends 352220
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments13443
              Total interest income38,52633,370
Interest expense
Deposits3,9393,025
Borrowings3,2672,053
              Total interest expense7,2065,078
Net interest income31,32028,292
Provision for loan and lease losses3,0001,825
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses28,32026,467
Noninterest income
Annuities and insurance commissions4086
Bank-owned life insurance612386
Net gains on sale of loans held for sale35114
Deposit, loan and other income515463
Net gains on sale of investment securities-506
              Total other income1,2021,555
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits7,5996,628
Occupancy and equipment2,2472,082
FDIC insurance595560
Professional and consulting711494
Marketing and advertising184194
Data processing1,024900
Amortization of core deposit intangible217241
Other expenses1,7761,532
              Total other expense14,35312,631
Income before income tax expense15,16915,391
Income tax expense4,7785,012
Net Income10,39110,379
Less: Preferred stock dividends2228
Net income available to common stockholders$10,369$10,351
Earnings per common share
              Basic$0.35$0.35
              Diluted$0.34$0.34
Weighted average common shares outstanding
              Basic29,995,87029,757,316
              Diluted       30,257,676       30,149,469
Dividends per common share$0.075$0.075

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4

4



ConnectOne Bancorp, inc. and Subsidiaries

CONNECTONEBANCORP, INC. ANDSUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Net income $10,842  $1,766  $31,743  $10,542 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:                
Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale:                
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities  108   (1,171)  (1,196)  5,656 
Tax effect  (39)  584   485   (1,882)
Net of tax amount  69   (587)  (711)  3,774 
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains arising during this period  (2,067)  (111)  (2,793)  (2,100)
Tax effect  794   42   1,091   601 
Net of tax amount  (1,273)  (69)  (1,702)  (1,499)
Amortization of unrealized holding losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity  37   57   165   156 
Tax effect  (15)  (24)  (67)  (67)
Net of tax amount  22   33   98   89 
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges  (855)     (1,153)   
Tax effect  349      471    
Net of tax amount  (506)     (682)   
Pension plan:                
Actuarial gains  183      1,186   1,281 
Tax effect  (75)     (485)  (523)
Net of tax amount  108      701   758 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income  (1,580)  (623)  (2,296)  3,122 
Total comprehensive income $9,262  $1,143  $29,447  $13,664 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in thousands)     2016     2015
Net income$10,391$10,379
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains and losses on securities:
       Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities arising
              during the period8951,509
       Tax effect(357)(595)
              Net of tax538914
       Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net
              income- (506)
       Tax effect-207
              Net of tax-(299)
       Amortization of unrealized net losses on held-to-maturity 
              securities transferred from available-for-sale securities5165
       Tax effect(20)(25)
              Net of tax3140
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedge(1,437)(534)
Tax effect587 218
       Net of tax(850)(316)
Unrealized pension plan gains and losses:      
      Unrealized pension plan (losses) gains before reclassifications  (1)  634
      Tax effect  -  (259)
             Net of tax  (1)  375
      Reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net      
             income  102  108
      Tax effect  (41)  (44)
             Net of tax  61  64
Total other comprehensive (loss) income  (221)  778
Total comprehensive income $10,170 $11,157

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5

5



ConnectOne Bancorp, inc. and Subsidiaries

CONNECTONEBANCORP, INC. ANDSUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except for per
share data)
 Preferred
Stock
  Common
Stock
  Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Treasury
Stock
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
Balanceas ofJanuary 1, 2014 $11,250  $110,056  $4,986  $61,914  $(17,078) $(2,544) $168,584 
Net income           18,565         18,565 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax                 1,530   1,530 
Dividend on series B preferred stock           (112)        (112)
Issuance cost of common stock           (7)        (7)
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.300 per share)           (7,962)        (7,962)
Exercise of 100,911 stock options        806      361      1,167
Stock issued (13,221,152 shares) and options acquired (783,732 shares) in acquisition of Legacy ConnectOne     264,231               264,231 
Stock-based compensation expense        223            223 
Balance as of December 31, 2014  11,250   374,287   6,015   72,398   (16,717)  (1,014)  446,219 
Net income           31,743         31,743 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax                 (2,296)  (2,296)
Dividend on series B preferred stock           (84)        (84)
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.225 per share)           (6,736)        (6,736)
Exercise of stock options (340,492 shares)        1,424            1,424 
Restricted stock and performance units grants (162,491 shares)                     
Stock-based compensation expense        876            876 
Balance as of September 30, 2015 $11,250  $374,287  $8,315  $97,321  $(16,717) $(3,310) $471,146 

Accumulated
AdditionalOtherTotal
PreferredCommonPaid InRetainedTreasuryComprehensiveStockholders’
(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)    Stock    Stock    Capital    Earnings    Stock    Loss    Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2014$11,250$374,287$6,015$72,398$(16,717)$(1,014)$446,219
Net income---10,379--10,379
Other comprehensive income, net of tax-----778778
Dividend on series B preferred stock---(28)--(28)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
       ($0.075 per share)---(2,223)--(2,223)
Exercise of stock options (110,500 shares)--590---590
Restricted stock grants (59,466 shares)-------
Stock-based compensation--479---479
Balance as of March 31, 2015$11,250$374,287$7,084$80,526$(16,717)$(236)$456,194
Balance as of December 31, 2015$11,250$374,287$8,527$104,606$(16,717)$(4,609)$477,344
Net income---10,391--10,391
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax-----(221)(221)
Dividend on series B preferred stock---(22)--(22)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
       ($0.075 per share)---(2,312)--(2,312)
Redemption of preferred stock(11,250)-----(11,250)
Exercise of stock options (5,495 shares)--42---42
Restricted stock grants (71,920 shares)-------
Stock-based compensation--755---755
Balance as of March 31, 2016$    -$    374,287$    9,324$    112,663$    (16,717)$    (4,830)$    474,727

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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ConnectOne Bancorp, inc. and Subsidiaries

CONNECTONEBANCORP, INC. ANDSUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands) Nine months Ended
September 30,
 
  2015  2014 
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $31,743  $10,542 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on investment securities, net  1,442   1,966 
Depreciation and amortization  2,420   1,717 
Provision for loan losses  7,550   2,209 
Stock-based compensation  876   51 
Gains on sales of investment securities, net  (2,793)  (2,100)
Net loss on sale of other real estate owned  112   23 
Loans originated for resale  (18,004)  (7,316)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale  17,290   6,730 
Gains on sale of loans held for sale  (276)  (144)
Decrease in accrued interest receivable  38   296 
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance  (1,163)  (912)
(Increase) decrease in other assets  (3,324)  1,128 
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities  294   (3,791)
Net cash provided by operating activities  36,205   10,399 
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Investment securities available-for-sale:        
Purchases  (34,796)  (31,550)
Sales  44,397   66,738 
Maturities, calls and principal repayments  53,542   20,951 
Investment securities held-to-maturity:        
Purchases  (17,531)  (8,310)
Maturities and principal repayments  14,702   6,235 
Net (purchases) redemptions of restricted investment in bank stocks  (6,827)  4,710 
Net increase in loans  (417,291)  (167,314)
Purchases of premises and equipment  (2,590)  (2,199)
Cash acquired in acquisition of Legacy ConnectOne     70,318 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned  126   1,562 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities  (366,268)  (38,859)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Net increase in deposits  191,017   75,821 
Increase in subordinated debt  50,000    
Advances of FHLB borrowings  625,000   11,590 
Repayments of FHLB borrowings  (482,879)   
Net decrease in repurchase agreements  (16,000)   
Cash dividends on preferred stock  (84)  (84)
Cash dividends paid on common stock  (6,741)  (4,681)
Issuance cost of common stock     (7)
Tax benefit of options exercised     357 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  1,424   785 
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities  361,737   83,781 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  31,674   55,321 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  126,847   82,692 
         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $158,521  $138,013 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:        
Cash payments for:        
Interest paid on deposits and borrowings $15,940  $10,222 
Income taxes  17,045   4,653 
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing activities:        
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned  2,374    
Dividends declared, not paid  (5)  1,063 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in thousands)   2016   2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income$10,391$10,379
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment653799
Provision for loan and lease losses3,0001,825
Amortization of intangibles217241
Net accretion of loans(1,174)(1,442)
Accretion on bank premises(31)(26)
Accretion on deposits(75)  (191)
Accretion on borrowings(86)(143)
Stock-based compensation755479
Gains on sales of investment securities, net-(506)
Gains on sale of loans held for sale, net (35)(114)
Loans originated for resale (1,916)(8,468)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale1,9517,190
Net loss on sale of other real estate owned115112
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance(612)(386)
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on investments securities, net417518
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable(58)187
Increase in other assets(7,137)(49)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities960(2,388)
       Net cash provided by operating activities7,3358,017
  
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment securities available-for-sale:
              Purchases(19,135)(1,543)
              Sales-9,537
              Maturities, calls and principal repayments24,2956,673
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
              Purchases(1,000)(9,986)
              Maturities and principal repayments5,4392,749
Net redemptions (purchases) of restricted investment in bank stocks1,125(1,339)
Net increase in loans(164,130)(100,708)
Purchases of premises and equipment(941)(478)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned738126
       Net cash used in investing activities(153,609)(94,969)
  
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase in deposits102,18020,595
Advances of FHLB borrowings50,00090,101
Repayments of FHLB borrowings(75,000)(60,363)
Cash dividends paid on common stock(2,312)(2,247)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock(22)(28)
Redemption of preferred stock(11,250)-
Proceeds from exercise of stock options42590
       Net cash provided by financing activities63,63848,648
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(82,636)(38,304)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period200,895126,847
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$118,259$88,543
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash payments for:
       Interest paid on deposits and borrowings$6,492$4,724
       Income taxes$10,235$5,500

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7

7



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. (the “Parent Corporation”) are prepared on an accrual basis and include the accounts of the Parent Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ConnectOne Bank (the “Bank” and, collectively with the Parent Corporation and the Parent Corporation’s other direct and indirect subsidiaries, the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The Bank is a community-based, full-service New Jersey-chartered commercial bank that was founded in 2005. The Bank operates from its headquarters located at 301 Sylvan Avenue in the Borough of Englewood Cliffs, Bergen County, New Jersey and through its twenty-onetwenty other banking offices. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets, and commercial and residential real estate. Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from business operations. There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or client. However, the clients’ ability to repay their loans is dependent on the cash flows, real estate and general economic conditions in the area.

The followingpreceding unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, and, accordingly, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2015,2016, or for any other interim period. The Company’s 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the consolidated statements of condition and that affect the results of operations for the periods presented. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to current presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or stockholders’ equity.

Note 2. New Authoritative Accounting Guidance

ASU No. 2014-12, "Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period ("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered.The Company adopted ASU 2014-12 effective on January 1, 2016and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest—Imputation"Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”Costs" requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in the ASU No. 2015-03.The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03 will be effective for reporting periods (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU No. 2015-03 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015 2016and didis not expected to have a significant impact on itsthe Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 3. Business Combinations

On January 20, 2014,ASU No. 2015-12, "Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960): Defined Contribution Pension Plans, (Topic 962): Health and Welfare Benefit Plans, (Topic 965): (Part I) Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts, (Part II) Plan Investment Disclosures, (Part III) Measurement Date Practical Expedient." ASU No. 2015-12 simplifies accounting for employee benefit plans as follows: (i) fully benefit-responsive investment contracts are now to be measured, presented and disclosed at contract value, (ii) the Parent Corporation entered intorequirement to disclose investments that represent 5 percent or more of net assets available for benefits has been eliminated, (iii) the net appreciation or depreciation in investments for the period should be presented in the aggregate, but is no longer required to be disaggregated and disclosed by general type, (iv) if an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc., a New Jersey Company (“Legacy ConnectOne”). Effective July 1, 2014 (the “Effective Time”),investment is measured using the Parent Corporation completed the merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Merger”) with Legacy ConnectOne. At closing, Legacy ConnectOne merged with and into the Parent Corporation, with the Parent Corporation as the surviving Company. Also at closing, the Parent Corporation changed its name from “Center Bancorp, Inc.” to “ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.” and changed its NASDAQ trading symbol to “CNOB” from “CNBC.”

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, holders of Legacy ConnectOne common stock, no parnet asset value per share (the “Legacy ConnectOne Common Stock”), received 2.6 shares(or its equivalent) practical expedient in Topic 820, and that investment is in a fund that files a U.S. Department of common stockLabor Form 5500, Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan, as a direct filing entity, disclosure of that investment’s strategy is no longer required, and (v) allows employers to measure (as a practical expedient) benefit plan assets on a month-end date nearest to the employer’s fiscal year end when the fiscal period does not coincide with a month end. ASU No. 2015-12 is effective for the Companyon January 1, 2016 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” requires the recognition of a right of use asset and related lease liability by lessees for leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP. Topic 842, which replaces the current guidance under Topic 840, retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee also will not significantly change from current GAAP. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities. Topic 842 will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019, with an early adoption permitted. The Company must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for the applicable leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the Parent Corporation, no par value per share (the “Company Common Stock”),earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for each shareleases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Management is currently evaluating the impact of Legacy ConnectOne Common Stock held immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, with cash to be paid in lieu of fractional shares. Each outstanding share of Company Common Stock remained outstanding and was unaffected by the Merger. Each option granted by Legacy ConnectOne to purchase shares of Legacy ConnectOne Common Stock was converted into an option to purchase Company Common StockTopic 842 on the same terms and conditions as were applicable prior to the Merger (taking into account any acceleration or vesting by reason of the consummation of the Merger and its related transactions), subject to adjustment of the exercise price and the number of shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such option based on the 2.6 exchange ratio.Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Immediately following the Merger, Union Center National Bank, a bank organized pursuant to the laws of the United States, and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent Corporation (“UNCB”), merged (the “Bank Merger”) with and into ConnectOne Bank, a New Jersey state-chartered commercial bank and a wholly owned subsidiary of Legacy ConnectOne, with ConnectOne Bank as the surviving entity (the “Bank”). The Bank now conducts business only in the name of and under the brand of ConnectOne.

8

8



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 3. Business Combinations – (continued)

The assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their fair values as of July 1, 2014 based on management’s best estimate using the information available as of the Merger date. The application of the acquisition method of accounting resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $129,105,000 and a core deposit intangible of $5,308,000. As of July 1, 2014, Legacy ConnectOne had assets with a carrying value of approximately $1.5 billion, including loans with a carrying value of approximately $1.2 billion, and deposits with a carrying value of approximately $1.1 billion. The table below summarizes the amounts recognized as of the Merger date for each major class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the estimated fair value adjustments and the amounts recorded in the Company’s financial statements at fair value at the Merger date (in thousands):

Consideration paid through Parent Corporation common stock issued to Legacy ConnectOne shareholders and fair value of stock options acceleration was:

         $ 264,231 
  Legacy
ConnectOne
carrying value
  Fair value
adjustments
   As recorded
at
acquisition
 
              
Cash and cash equivalents $70,318  $   $70,318 
Investment securities  28,436   16 (a)  28,452 
Restricted stock  13,646       13,646 
Loans held for sale  190       190 
Loans  1,304,600   (5,316)(b)  1,299,284 
Bank owned life insurance  15,481       15,481 
Premises and equipment  7,380   (905) (c)  6,475 
Accrued interest receivable  4,470       4,470 
Core deposit and other intangibles     5,308 (d)  5,308 
Other real estate owned  2,455       2,455 
Other assets  10,636   3,650 (e)  14,286 
Deposits  (1,049,666)  (1,676)(f)  (1,051,342)
FHLB borrowings  (262,046)  (1,324)(g)  (263,370)
Other liabilities  (10,527)      (10,527)
Total identifiable net assets $135,373  $(247) $135,126 
              
Goodwill recorded in the Merger          $129,105 

The following provides an explanation of certain fair value adjustments presented in the above table:

a)Represents the fair value adjustment on investment securities held to maturity.
b)Represents the elimination of Legacy ConnectOne’s allowance for loan and lease losses, deferred fees, deferred costs and an adjustment of the amortized cost of loans to estimated fair value, which includes an interest rate mark and credit mark.
c)Represent an adjustment to reflect the fair value of above-market rent on leased premises. The above-market rent adjustment will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the respective leases.
d)Represents intangible assets recorded to reflect the fair value of core deposits. The core deposit asset was recorded as an identifiable intangible asset and will be amortized on an accelerated basis over the estimated average life of the deposit base.
e)Consist primarily of adjustments in net deferred tax assets resulting from the fair value adjustments related to acquired assets, liabilities assumed and identifiable intangibles recorded.
f)Represents fair value adjustment on time deposits as the weighted average interest rates of time deposits assumed exceeded the costs of similar funding available in the market at the time of the Merger, as well as the elimination of fees paid on brokered time deposits.
g)Represents the fair value adjustment on FHLB borrowings as the weighted average interest rate of FHLB borrowings assumed exceeded the cost of similar funding available in the market at the time of the Merger.

The amount of goodwill recorded represents the excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired by the Company and reflects the economies of scale, increased market share and lending capabilities, greater access to best-in-class banking technology, and related synergies that are expected to result from the acquisition.

9

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 3. Business Combinations – (continued)

Except for collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, the fair values for loans acquired from Legacy ConnectOne were estimated using cash flow projections based on the remaining maturity and repricing terms. Cash flows were adjusted by estimated future credit losses and the rate of prepayments. Projected monthly cash flows were then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted market rate for similar loans. For collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, fair value was estimated by analyzing the value of the underlying collateral, assuming the fair values of the loans were derived from the eventual sale of the collateral. These values were discounted using market derived rates of returns, with consideration given to the period of time and costs associated with the foreclosure and disposition of the collateral. There was no carryover of Legacy ConnectOne allowance for loan and lease losses associated with the loans that were acquired, as the loans were initially recorded at fair value on the date of the Merger.

The acquired loan portfolio subject to purchased credit impairment accounting guidance (ASC 310-30) as of July 1, 2014 was comprised of collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality as follows (in thousands):

  ASC 310-30
Loans
 
     
Contractual principal and accrued interest at acquisition $23,284 
Principal not expected to be collected (non-accretable discount)  (6,942)
Expected cash flows at acquisition  16,342 
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount)  (5,013)
Fair value of acquired loans $11,329 

The core deposit intangible asset recognized is being amortized over its estimated useful life of approximately 10 years utilizing the accelerated method. Other intangibles consist of below market rents, which are amortized over the remaining life of each lease using the straight-line method.

Goodwill is not amortized for book purposes; however, it is reviewed at least annually for impairment and is not deductible for tax purposes.

The fair value of retail demand and interest bearing deposit accounts was assumed to approximate the carrying value as these accounts have no stated maturity and are payable on demand. The fair value of time deposits was estimated by discounting the contractual future cash flows using market rates offered for time deposits of similar remaining maturities. The fair value of borrowed funds was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using market rates for similar borrowings.

Direct acquisition and integration costs of the Merger were expensed as incurred and totaled $12.4 million for the full year 2014. These items were recorded as merger-related expenses on the statement of operations.

Note 4.3. Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes any additional common shares as if all potentially dilutive common shares were issued (e.g., stock options). The Company’s weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS include the effect of stock options and restricted stock awards outstanding using the Treasury Stock Method, which are not included in the calculation of basic EPS.

Earnings per common share have been computed as follows:

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Net income $10,842  $1,766  $31,743  $10,542 
Less: preferred stock dividends  (28)  (28)  (84)  (84)
Net income available to common stockholders $10,814  $1,738   31,659   10,458 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding  30,046   29,636   29,786   20,819 
Plus: effect of dilutive options and awards  290   472   537   466 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding  30,336   30,108   30,323   21,285 
Earnings per common share:                
Basic $0.36  $0.06  $1.06  $0.50 
Diluted  0.36   0.06   1.04   0.49 

10

Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in thousands, except for per share data)     2016     2015
Net income$10,391$10,379
Preferred stock dividends(22)  (28)
       Net income available to common stockholders $10,369$10,351
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding29,99629,757
Effect of dilutive options262392
       Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding       30,258       30,149
Earnings per common share:
       Basic$0.35$0.35
       Diluted$0.34$0.34

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)


Note 5.4. Investment Securities

The Company’s investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014.2015. Investment securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses included in equity, net of tax. Accordingly, the carrying value of such securities reflects their fair value as of September 30, 2015.March 31, 2016. Fair value is based upon either quoted market prices, or in certain cases where there is limited activity in the market for a particular instrument, assumptions are made to determine their fair value. See Note 87 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion.

Transfers of debt securities from the available-for-sale category to the held-to-maturity category are made at fair value at the date of transfer. The unrealized holding gain or loss at the date of transfer remains in accumulated other comprehensive income and in the carrying value of the held-to-maturity investment security. Premiums or discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted using the effective interest method over the life of the security as an adjustment of yield. Unrealized holding gains or losses that remain in accumulated other comprehensive income are amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment of yield, offsetting the related amortization of the premium or accretion of the discount.

9



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 4. Investment Securities

The following tables present information related to the Company’s investment securities at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014.2015 (dollars in thousands):

  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 
  September 30, 2015 
  (in thousands) 
Investment securities available-for-sale                
Federal agency obligations $30,474  $438  $(7) $30,905 
Residential mortgage pass-through securities  46,943   1,162   (14)  48,091 
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities  2,996   59      3,055 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  8,191   191      8,382 
Trust preferred securities  16,087   385   (150)  16,322 
Corporate bonds and notes  76,049   2,418   (81)  78,386 
Asset-backed securities  21,403   2   (275)  21,130 
Certificates of deposit  1,896   27   (3)  1,920 
Equity securities  376      (38)  338 
Other securities  15,715   67   (97)  15,685 
Total $220,130  $4,749  $(665) $224,214 
Investment securities held-to-maturity                
U.S. Treasury and agency securities $28,419  $1,328  $  $29,747 
Federal agency obligations  35,519   642   (47)  36,114 
Residential mortgage-backed securities  4,240   19   (1)  4,258 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities  4,150   97      4,247 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  118,877   4,470   (46)  123,301 
Corporate bonds and notes  36,016   888   (78)  36,826 
Total $227,221  $7,444  $(172) $234,493 
                 
Total investment securities $447,351  $12,193  $(837) $458,707 

11

GrossGross
 AmortizedUnrealizedUnrealizedFair
March 31, 2016     Cost     Gains     Losses     Value
Investment securities available-for-sale
       Federal agency obligations$    31,370$    486$    (29)$    31,827
       Residential mortgage pass-through securities47,4041,162(21)48,545
       Commercial mortgage pass-through securities2,96588-3,053
       Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions9,642164-9,806
       Trust preferred securities16,089440(350)16,179
       Corporate bonds and notes40,771873(256)41,388
       Asset-backed securities18,682-(528)18,154
       Certificates of deposit1,49620-1,516
       Equity securities37629(28)377
       Other securities20,49084(88)20,486
              Total securities available-for-sale$189,285 $3,346$(1,300)$191,331
 
GrossGross
AmortizedUnrecognizedUnrecognizedFair
     Cost     Gains     Losses     Value
Investment securities held-to-maturity
       U.S. Treasury and agency securities$    28,523$    1,890$    -$    30,413
       Federal agency obligations31,567700(8)33,259
       Residential mortgage-backed securities3,48928(15)3,502
       Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,31730-1,347
       Obligations of U.S. states and political divisions117,4166,208-123,624
       Corporate bonds and notes37,0611,396(132)38,325
              Total securities held-to-maturity$219,373$10,252$(155)$229,470
  
       Total investment securities$408,658$13,598$(1,455)$420,801

10



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 5.4. Investment Securities – (continued)

  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 
  December 31, 2014 
  (in thousands) 
Investment securities available-for-sale                
Federal agency obligations $32,650  $217  $(50) $32,817 
Residential mortgage pass-through securities  58,836   1,531   (11)  60,356 
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities  3,042   4      3,046 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  8,201   205      8,406 
Trust preferred securities  16,086   489   (269)  16,306 
Corporate bonds and notes  119,838   5,950   (11)  125,777 
Asset-backed securities  27,393   140   (31)  27,502 
Certificates of deposit  2,098   27   (2)  2,123 
Equity securities  376      (69)  307 
Other securities  12,941   33   (82)  12,892 
Total $281,461  $8,596  $(525) $289,532 
Investment securities held-to-maturity                
U.S. Treasury and agency securities $28,264  $920  $  $29,184 
Federal agency obligations  27,103   322   (28)  27,397 
Residential mortgage-backed securities  5,955   28      5,983 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities  4,266   50      4,316 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  120,144   4,512   (60)  124,596 
Corporate bonds and notes  38,950   1,026   (7)  39,969 
Total $224,682  $6,858  $(95) $231,445 
                 
 Total investment securities $506,143  $15,454  $(620) $520,977 

GrossGross
AmortizedUnrealizedUnrealizedFair
December 31, 2015CostGainsLossesValue
Investment securities available-for-sale                    
       Federal agency obligations$    29,062$    142$    (58)$    29,146
       Residential mortgage pass-through securities44,155803(48)44,910
       Commercial mortgage pass-through securities2,981-(9)2,972
       Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions8,188169-8,357
       Trust preferred securities16,088398(231)16,255
       Corporate bonds and notes53,566702(292)53,976
       Asset-backed securities20,00518(298)19,725
       Certificates of deposit1,89518(8)1,905
       Equity securities37621(23)374
       Other securities18,303-(153)18,150
              Total securities available-for-sale$194,619$2,271$(1,120)$195,770
  
GrossGross
AmortizedUnrecognizedUnrecognizedFair
CostGainsLossesValue
Investment securities held-to-maturity
       U.S. Treasury and agency securities$    28,471$    755$    -$    29,226
       Federal agency obligations33,616280(119)33,777
       Residential mortgage-backed securities3,80511(6)3,810
       Commercial mortgage-backed securities4,11027(2)4,135
       Obligations of U.S. states and political divisions118,0155,001(3)123,013
       Corporate bonds and notes36,039719(161)36,597
              Total securities held-to-maturity$224,056$6,793$(291)$230,558
   
       Total investment securities$418,675$9,064$(1,411)$426,328

The following table presents information for investment securities at September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, based on scheduled maturities. Actual maturities can be expected to differ from scheduled maturities due to prepayment or early call options of the issuer.

  September 30, 2015 
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
 
  (in thousands) 
Investment securities available-for-sale:        
Due in one year or less $16,296  $16,443 
Due after one year through five years  30,271   31,401 
Due after five years through ten years  55,740   56,953 
Due after ten years  51,793   52,248 
Residential mortgage pass-through securities  46,943   48,091 
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities  2,996   3,055 
Equity securities  376   338 
Other securities  15,715   15,685 
Total $220,130  $224,214 
Investment securities held-to-maturity:        
Due in one year or less $  $ 
Due after one year through five years  13,571   13,888 
Due after five years through ten years  76,126   78,980 
Due after ten years  129,134   133,120 
Residential mortgage-backed securities  4,240   4,258 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities  4,150   4,247 
Total $227,221  $234,493 
Total investment securities $447,351  $458,707 

12

March 31, 2016
 AmortizedFair
CostValue
(in thousands)
Investment securities available-for-sale:          
       Due in one year or less$     10,948$     10,967
       Due after one year through five years15,80016,287
       Due after five years through ten years37,58237,795
       Due after ten years53,72058,821
       Residential mortgage pass-through securities47,40448,545
       Commercial mortgage pass-through securities2,9653,053
       Equity securities376377
       Other securities20,49020,486
              Total$189,285$191,331
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
       Due in one year or less$1,000$1,000
       Due after one year through five years14,56114,907
       Due after five years through ten years85,42890,182
       Due after ten years113,578118,532
       Residential mortgage pass-through securities3,4893,502
       Commercial mortgage pass-through securities1,3171,347
              Total$219,373$229,470
 
Total investment securities$408,658$420,801

11



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 5.4. Investment Securities – (continued)

Gross gains and losses from the sales, calls and maturities of investment securities for the three-monththree months ended March 31, 2016 and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Proceeds $32,125  $2,303  $44,397  $66,738 
Gross gains on sales of investment securities  2,067   111   2,793   2,122 
Gross losses on sales of investment securities           (22)
Net gains on sales of investment securities $2,067  $111  $2,793  $2,100 
Less: tax provision on net gains  794   42   1,091   601 
Total $1,273  $69  $1,702  $1,499 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in thousands) 2016     2015
Proceeds$    -$      9,537
Gross gains on sales of investment securities -506
Gross losses on sales of investment securities --
       Net gains on sales of investment securities -506
       Less: tax provision on net gains-207
              Total$-$299

The Company performs regular analysis on the securities portfolio to determine whether a decline in fair value indicates that an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired in accordance with FASB ASC 320-10. FASB ASC 320-10 requires companies to record other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charges, through earnings, if they have the intent to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, an impaired debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current period credit loss, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its estimated fair value at the balance sheet date. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that the entityCompany will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period loss, and as such, itthe Company determines that a decline in fair value is other than temporary, the OTTI is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment.

The Company maintains a watch list for the identification and monitoring of securities experiencing problems that require a heightened level of review. This could include credit rating downgrades.

The Company’s assessment of whether an impairment in the portfolio is other than temporary includes factors such as whether the issuer has defaulted on scheduled payments, announced restructuring and/or filed for bankruptcy, has disclosed severe liquidity problems that cannot be resolved, disclosed deteriorating financial condition or sustained significant losses.

The following table presents detailed information for each single issuer trust preferred security held by the Company at September 30, 2015, of which all but one has at least one rating below investment grade (in thousands):

           Lowest
        Gross  Credit
  Amortized  Fair  Unrealized  Rating
Issuer Cost  Value  Gain (Loss)  Assigned
               
Countrywide Capital IV $1,771  $1,804  $33  BB+
Countrywide Capital V  2,747   2,829   82  BB+
Countrywide Capital V  250   257   7  BB+
Nationsbank Cap Trust III  1,576   1,426   (150) BB+
Morgan Stanley Cap Trust IV  2,500   2,537   37  BB
Morgan Stanley Cap Trust IV  1,743   1,775   32  BB
Goldman Sachs  1,000   1,149   149  BB
Stifel Financial  4,500   4,545   45  BBB-
Total $16,087  $16,322  $235   

13

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 5. Investment Securities – (continued)

Temporarily Impaired Investments

The Company does not believe that the unrealized losses, for all securities, which were comprised of 5746 and 5474 investment securities as of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively, represent an other-than-temporary impairment. The gross unrealized losses associated withU.S. Treasury and agency securities, federal agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, tax-exempttax-exempt securities, asset-backed securities, trust preferred securities, mutual funds and equity securities are not considered to be other than temporary because these unrealized losses are related to changes in interest rates and do not affect the expected cash flows of the underlying collateral or issuer.

Factors affecting the market price include credit risk, market risk, interest rates, economic cycles, and liquidity risk. The magnitude of any unrealized loss may be affected by the relative concentration of the Company’s investment in any one issuer or industry. The Company has established policies to reduce exposure through diversification of concentration of the investment portfolio including limits on concentrations to any one issuer. The Company believes the investment portfolio is prudently diversified.

The decline in value is related to a change in interest rates and subsequent change in credit spreads required for these issues affecting market price. All issues are performing and are expected to continue to perform in accordance with their respective contractual terms and conditions. Short to intermediate average durations and in certain cases monthly principal payments should reduce further market value exposure to increases in rates.

12



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 4. Investment Securities – (continued)

The Company evaluates all securities with unrealized losses quarterly to determine whether the loss is other than temporary. Unrealized losses in the corporate debt securities category consist primarily of senior unsecured corporate debt securities issued by large financial institutions, insurance companies and other corporate issuers. Single issuer corporate trust preferred securities are also included, and in the case of one holding the market valuation loss is largely based upon the floating rate coupon and corresponding market valuation. Neither that trust preferred issuer, nor any other corporate issuers, have defaulted on interest payments. The unrealized loss in equity securities consists of losses on other bank equities. The decline in fair value is due in large part to the lack of an active trading market for these securities, changes in market credit spreads and rating agency downgrades. Management concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2015.

March 31, 2016.

In determining that the securities giving rise to the previously mentioned unrealized losses were not other than temporary, the Company evaluated the factors cited above, which the Company considers when assessing whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired. In making these evaluations the Company must exercise considerable judgment. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the actual results will not differ from the Company’s judgments and that such differences may not require the future recognition of other-than-temporary impairment charges that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In addition, the value of, and the realization of any loss on, an investment security is subject to numerous risks as cited above.

14

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 5. Investment Securities – (continued)

The following tables indicate gross unrealized losses not recognized in income and fair value, aggregated by investment category and the length of time individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014:2015:

  September 30, 2015 
  Total  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or Longer 
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Losses
 
  (in thousands) 
Investment securities available-for-sale:                        
Federal agency obligation $3,743  $(7) $3,478  $(5) $265  $(2)
Residential mortgage pass-through securities  2,283   (14)  2,162   (13)  121   (1)
Trust preferred securities  1,426   (150)        1,426   (150)
Corporate bonds and notes  8,389   (81)  6,437   (58)  1,952   (23)
Asset-backed securities  19,628   (275)  18,359   (235)  1,269   (40)
Certificates of deposit  220   (3)  220   (3)      
Equity securities  338   (38)        338   (38)
Other securities  5,597   (97)        5,597   (97)
Total $41,624  $(665) $30,656  $(314) $10,968  $(351)
                         
Investment securities held-to-maturity:                        
Federal agency obligation $5,443  $(47) $4,614  $(47) $829  $ 
Residential mortgage pass-through securities  438   (1)  391   (1)  47    
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  7,313   (46)  7,313   (46)      
Corporate bonds and notes  2,670   (78)  2,670   (78)      
Total $15,864  $(172) $14,988  $(172) $876  $ 
                         
Total temporarily impaired securities $57,488  $(837) $45,644  $(486) $11,844  $(351)

15

March 31, 2016
TotalLess than 12 Months12 Months or Longer
      Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized
ValueLossesValueLossesValueLosses
(in thousands)
Investment securities
      available-for-sale:
 
Federal agency obligation$   7,070$   (29)$   6,836$   (28)$   234$   (1)
Residential mortgage
       pass-through securities7,173(21)6,679(14)494(7)
Trust preferred securities1,227(350)--1,227(350)
Corporate bonds and notes15,553(256)11,727(118)3,826(138)
Asset-backed securities18,154(528)14,825(417)3,329(111)
Equity securities117(28)--117(28)
Other securities5,412(88)--5,412(88)
       Total$54,706$(1,300)$40,067$(577)$14,639$(723)
 
Investment securities
      held-to-maturity:
 
Federal agency obligation$4,161$(8)$2,300$(6)$1,861$(2)
Residential mortgage
       pass-through securities1,920(15)1,920(15)--
Corporate bonds and notes2,632(131)2,632(131)--
       Total$8,713$(154)$6,852$(152)$1,861$(2)
 
Total temporarily impaired
       securities$63,419$(1,454)$46,919$(729)$16,500$(725)

13



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 5.4. Investment Securities – (continued)

  December 31, 2014 
  Total  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or Longer 
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Losses
 
  (in thousands) 
Investment securities available-for-sale:                        
Federal agency obligation $6,755  $(50) $2,770  $(9) $3,985  $(41)
Residential mortgage pass-through securities  5,694   (11)  5,694   (11)      
Trust preferred securities  1,307   (269)        1,307   (269)
Corporate bonds and notes  1,961   (11)  1,961   (11)      
Asset-backed securities  9,773   (31)  9,773   (31)      
Certificates of deposit  369   (2)  369   (2)      
Equity securities  307   (69)        307   (69)
Other securities  5,417   (82)  1,978   (21)  3,439   (61)
Total $31,583  $(525) $22,545  $(85) $9,038  $(440)
       ��                 
Investment securities held-to-maturity:                        
Federal agency obligation $3,228  $(28) $3,228  $(28) $  $ 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  8,341   (60)  1,401   (3)  6,940   (57)
Corporate bonds and notes  993   (7)  993   (7)      
Total $12,562  $(95) $5,622  $(38) $6,940  $(57)
Total temporarily impaired securities $44,145  $(620) $28,167  $(123) $15,978  $(497)

December 31, 2015
TotalLess than 12 Months12 Months or Longer
 FairUnrealizedFairUnrealizedFairUnrealized
     Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses
(dollars in thousands)
Investment Securities
       Available-for-Sale:
Federal agency obligation$    12,260$    (58)$    12,013$    (54)$    247$    (4)
Residential mortgage
       pass-through securities9,027(48)9,027(48)
Commercial mortgage-backed
       securities2,971(9)2,971(9)
Trust preferred securities1,345(231)1,345(231)
Corporate bonds and notes16,533(292)12,702(161)3,831(131)
Asset-backed securities14,745(298)11,250(188)3,495(110)
Certificates of deposit215(8)215(8)
Equity securities123(23)123(23)
Other securities5,347(153)5,347(153)
Total$62,566$(1,120)$48,178$(468)$14,388$(652)
Investment Securities
       Held-to-Maturity:
Federal agency obligation12,554(119)11,783(109)771(10)
Residential mortgage
       pass-through securities2,480(6)2,480(6)
Commercial mortgage-backed
       securities1,331(2)1,331(2)
Obligations of U.S. states
       and political subdivisions981(3)981(3)
Corporate bonds and notes5,536(161)5,536(161)
Total$22,882$(291)$22,111$(281)$771$(10)
Total Temporarily Impaired
       Securities$85,448$(1,411)$70,289$(749)$15,159$(662)

Investment securities having a carrying value of approximately $142.8$155.3 million and $224.7$142.5 million at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, borrowings, Federal Reserve Discount Window and Federal Home Loan Bank advances and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

As of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014,2015, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders’ equity.

Note 6 -5 – Derivatives

The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. The notional amount of the interest rate swap does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate swap agreements.

Interest rate swaps were entered into on August 24, 2015, October 15, 2014 and December 30, 2014, each with a respective notional amount of $25.0 million and were designated as a cash flow hedgehedges of a Federal Home Loan Bank advance. The swaps were determined to be fully effective during the period presented and therefore no amount of ineffectiveness has been included in net income while the aggregate fair value of the swaps is recorded in other assets (liabilities) with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) would be reclassified to current earnings should the hedges no longer be considered effective. The Company expects the hedges to remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swaps.

16

14



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 65 – Derivatives – (continued)

Summary information about the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30,March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and 2014 and DecemberMarch 31, 2014 is2015 are presented in the following table.

(dollars in thousands) September 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
  September 30,
2014
 
Notional amount $75,000  $50,000  $ 
Weighted average pay rates  1.56%  1.58%  %
Weighted average receive rates  0.30%  0.24%  %
Weighted average maturity  4.1 years   4.4 years    
Fair value $(1,105) $48  $ 

     March 31,     December 31,     March 31,
(dollars in thousands)201620152015
Notional amount$      75,000$     75,000$     50,000
Weighted average pay rates1.57%1.56%1.58%
Weighted average receive rates0.56%0.44%0.24%
Weighted average maturity3.6 years3.8 years4.2 years
Fair value$(1,568)$(131)$(486)

Interest expense recorded on these swap transactions totaled approximately $165 thousand and $528$191 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. There were no related expenses duringMarch 31, 2016 and $166 thousands for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2014.March 31, 2015.

Cash Flow Hedge

The following table presents the net gains (losses), recorded in other comprehensive income and the Consolidated Statements of Income relating to the cash flow derivative instruments for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:following periods:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Amount of
loss
recognized
in other
Amount of lossNon-
recognizedAmount of lossinterest
in OCIreclassifiedincome
(Effectivefrom OCI to interest(Ineffective
(in thousands)Portion)incomePortion)
Interest rate contracts$(1,437)$-$    -
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Amount of
loss
recognized
in other
Amount of lossnon-
recognizedAmount of lossinterest
in OCIreclassifiedincome
(effectivefrom OCI to interest(ineffective
(in thousands)Portion)incomeportion)
Interest rate contracts$    (534)$    -$    -

  2015 
(in thousands) Amount of loss
recognized
in OCI (Effective
Portion)
  Amount of loss
reclassified
from OCI to
interest income
  Amount of loss
recognized in other
Non-interest income
(Ineffective Portion)
 
Interest rate contracts $(1,153) $  $ 

There were no net gains (losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income orThe following table reflects the cash flow hedges included in the Consolidated Statementconsolidated statements of Income relating to cash flow derivative instruments for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.condition as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

17

20162015
 NotionalNotional
(in thousands)     Amount     Fair Value     Amount     Fair Value
Included in other assets/(liabilities):
       Interest rate swaps related to FHLB Advances$    75,000$    (1,568)$    75,000$    (131)

15



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 7.6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan and lease losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.

Loan segments are defined as a group of loans and leases, which share similar initial measurement attributes, risk characteristics, and methods for monitoring and assessing credit risk. Management has determined that the Company has five segments of loans and leases: commercial (including lease financing), commercial real estate, commercial construction, residential real estate (including home equity) and consumer.

Interest income on commercial, commercial real estate, commercial construction and residential loans are discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans. A loan is moved to nonaccrual status in accordance with the Company’s policy, typically after 90 days of non-payment.

All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

The policy of the Company is to generally grant commercial, residential and consumer loans to residents and businesses within its market area. The borrowers’ abilities to repay their obligations are dependent upon various factors including the borrowers’ income and net worth, cash flows generated by the borrowers’ underlying collateral, value of the underlying collateral, and priority of the lender’s lien on the property. Such factors are dependent upon various economic conditions and individual circumstances beyond the control of the Company. 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 that adequate provisions for loan and lease losses are provided for all known and inherent risks. Collateral and/or personal guarantees are required for a large majority of the Company’s loans.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The allowance for loan and lease losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan and lease loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired.

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans, for which the terms have been modified, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) and classified as impaired. As part of the evaluation of impaired loans, the Company individually reviews for impairment all non-homogeneous loans internally classified as substandard or below. Generally, smaller impaired non-homogeneous loans and impaired homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.

The Bank has defined its population of impaired loans to include all loans on nonaccrual status; all troubled debt restructuring loans; and all loans (above an established dollar threshold of $250,000) internally classified as “Special Mention” or below that require a specific reserve.

Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

18

16



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 7.6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

Troubled debt restructurings are separately identified for impairment disclosures and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a troubled debt restructuring is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan and lease losses.

The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience, the primary factor, is determined by loan class and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Bank over an actual three year rolling calculation. This actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. This actual loss experience is supplemented with the exogenous factor adjustments based on the risks present for each loan category. These exogenous factors (nine total) include consideration of the following: concentrations of credit; delinquency & nonaccrual trends; economic & business conditions including evaluation of the national and regional economies and industries with significant loan concentrations; external factors including legal, regulatory or competitive pressures that may impact the loan portfolio; changes in the experience, ability, or size of the lending staff, management, or board of directors that may impact the loan portfolio; changes in underwriting standards, collection procedures, charge-off practices, or other changes in lending policies and procedures that may impact the loan portfolio; loss and recovery trends; changes in portfolio size and mix; and trends in problem loans.

Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans

The Company purchases groups of loans in conjunction with mergers, some of which have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These purchased credit impaired loans are recorded at the amount paid, such that there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for loan and lease losses. After acquisition, losses are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses.

Such purchased credit impairedcredit-impaired loans (“PCI”) are accounted for individually. The Company estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each loan and the expected cash flows in excess of amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan (accretable yield). The excess of the loan’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

Over the lifeA PCI loan may be resolved either through a sale of the loan, by working with the customer and obtaining partial or full repayment, by short sale of the collateral, or byforeclosure.A gain or loss on resolution would be recognized based on the difference between the proceeds received and the carrying amount of the loan.

Payments received earlier than expected cash flows continue to be estimated.  If the present valueor in excess of expected cash flows is less thanfrom sales or other resolutions may result in the carrying amount,value of a loss is recorded.  If the present value ofpool being reduced to zero even though outstanding contractual balances and expected cash flows is greater thanremain related to loans in the pool. Once the carrying amount, itvalue of a pool is reduced to zero, any future proceeds, which may include cash or real estate acquired in foreclosure, from the remaining loans, representing further realization of accretable yield, are recognized as partinterest income upon receipt.

PCI loans that met the criteria for nonaccrual may be considered performing, regardless of futurewhether the customer is contractually delinquent, if management can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if management expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, management may no longer consider the loans to be nonaccrual or nonperforming and may accrue interest income.on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount.

17



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

Composition of Loan Portfolio

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio, including net deferred loan fees, at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014:2015:

  September 30,
2015
  December 31, 2014 
  (in thousands) 
Commercial $569,605  $499,816 
Commercial real estate  1,873,714   1,634,510 
Commercial construction  283,623   167,359 
Residential real estate  225,158   234,967 
Consumer  3,569   2,879 
Gross loans  2,955,669   2,539,531 
Net deferred loan fees  (2,288)  (890)
Total loans receivable $2,953,381  $2,538,641 

March 31,December 31,
20162015
(in thousands)
Commercial     $    601,708     $    570,116
Commercial real estate2,028,3011,966,696
Commercial construction402,594328,838
Residential real estate231,319233,690
Consumer1,8512,454
       Gross loans3,265,7733,101,794
Net deferred loan fees(1,960)(2,787)
       Total loans receivable$3,263,813$3,099,007

At September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014,2015 loan balances of approximately $1.6 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, were pledged to secure borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.

19

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 7. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans

The Company holds purchased loans for which there was, at their acquisition date, evidence of deterioration of credit quality since their origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected. The carrying amount of those loans is as follows at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014.2015.

  September 30,
2015
  December 31, 2014 
  (in thousands) 
Commercial $7,046  $7,199 
Commercial real estate  1,799   1,816 
Residential real estate  323   806 
Total carrying amount $9,168  $9,821 

March 31,December 31,
2016     2015
      (in thousands)
Commercial$7,059$7,078
Commercial real estate1,7451,775
Residential real estate334328
       Total carrying amount$9,138$9,181

For those purchased loans disclosed above, the Company did not increase the allowance for loan and lease losses for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015.

March 31, 2016.

The accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, on the purchased loans disclosed above for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 is as follows (in thousands):

Three MonthsThree Months
 Ended MarchEnded March
31, 201631, 2015
Beginning balance     $    3,599     $    4,805
New loans purchased--
Accretion of income(183)(54)
Reclassification from nonaccretable differences--
Disposals--
Ending balance$3,416$4,751

18



  Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2014
  Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2015
  Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2015
 
Beginning balance $5,013  $4,678  $4,805 
New loans purchased         
Accretion of income  (76)  (53)  (180)
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference         
Disposals         
Ending balance $4,937  $4,625  $4,625 

CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

The following table presents information about the recorded investment in loan receivables on nonaccrual status by segment at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014:2015:

Loans Receivable on Nonaccrual Status

  September 30,
2015
  December 31, 2014 
  (in thousands) 
Commercial $5,051  $616 
Commercial real estate  3,467   8,197 
Commercial construction  1,479    
Residential real estate  2,891   2,796 
Total loans receivable on nonaccrual status $12,888  $11,609 

Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogenous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.

20

March 31,December 31,
20162015
(in thousands)
Commercial$7,239     $6,586
Commercial real estate8,8419,112
Commercial construction1,6361,479
Residential real estate3,7343,559
       Total loans receivable on nonaccrual status$            21,450$            20,736

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 7. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)


The Company continuously monitors the credit quality of its loans receivable. In addition to its internal staff, the Company utilizes the services of a third party loan review firm to rate the credit quality of its loans receivable. Credit quality is monitored by reviewing certain credit quality indicators. Assets classified “Pass” are deemed to possess average to superior credit quality, requiring no more than normal attention. Assets classified as “Special Mention” have generally acceptable credit quality yet possess higher risk characteristics/circumstances than satisfactory assets. Such conditions include strained liquidity, slow pay, stale financial statements, or other conditions that require more stringent attention from the lending staff. These conditions, if not corrected, may weaken the loan quality or inadequately protect the Company’s credit position at some future date. Assets are classified “Substandard” if the asset has a well-defined weakness that requires management’s attention to a greater degree than for loans classified special mention. Such weakness, if left uncorrected, could possibly result in the compromised ability of the loan to perform to contractual requirements. An asset is classified as “Doubtful” if it is inadequately protected by the net worth and/or paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral, if any, that secures the obligation. Assets classified as doubtful include assets for which there is a “distinct possibility” that a degree of loss will occur if the inadequacies are not corrected. The following table presents information, excluding net deferred loan fees, about the Company’s loan credit quality at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014: 

  September 30, 2015 
  Pass  Special Mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Total 
  (in thousands) 
Commercial $476,142  $80,516  $12,696  $251  $569,605 
Commercial real estate  1,827,412   25,189   21,113      1,873,714 
Commercial construction  282,144      1,479      283,623 
Residential real estate  222,370      2,788      225,158 
Consumer  3,482      87      3,569 
                     
Total loans $2,811,550  $105,705  $38,163  $251  $2,955,669 

  December 31, 2014 
  Pass  Special Mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Total 
  (in thousands) 
Commercial $481,638  $3,686  $14,203  $289  $499,816 
Commercial real estate  1,596,606   14,140   23,764      1,634,510 
Commercial construction  165,880   1,479         167,359 
Residential real estate  230,772      4,195      234,967 
Consumer  2,778      101      2,879 
                     
Total loans $2,477,674  $19,305  $42,263  $289  $2,539,531 

212015:

March 31, 2016
          Special               
PassMentionSubstandardDoubtfulTotal
(in thousands)
Commercial$494,413$6,976$      100,319$-$601,708
Commercial real estate1,979,211      17,82031,270-      2,028,301
Commercial construction400,1318271,636-402,594
Residential real estate226,879-4,440-231,319
Consumer1,770-81-1,851
 
       Total loans$      3,102,404$25,623$137,746$-$3,265,773
 
December 31, 2015
Special
PassMentionSubstandardDoubtfulTotal
(in thousands)
Commercial$462,358$11,760$95,998$-$570,116
Commercial real estate1,919,04118,99028,4262391,966,696
Commercial construction326,6976621,479-328,838
Residential real estate229,426-4,264-233,690
Consumer2,368-86-2,454
                
       Total loans$2,939,890$31,412$130,253$239$3,101,794

19



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 7.6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

The following table provides an analysis of the impaired loans, by loan segment, at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014:

  September 30, 2015 
  Recorded
Investment
  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  Related
Allowance
 
No related allowance recorded  (in thousands) 
Commercial $690   735    
Commercial real estate  4,830   5,233     
Commercial construction  1,479   1,479     
Residential real estate  3,164   3,518     
Consumer  95   87     
Total $10,258   11,052     
             
With an allowance recorded            
Commercial $79,724  $79,494  $3,001 
             
Total            
Commercial $80,414  $80,229  $3,001 
Commercial real estate  4,830   5,233    
Commercial construction  1,479   1,479    
Residential real estate  3,164   3,518    
Consumer  95   87    
Total $89,982  $90,546  $3,001 

  December 31, 2014 
  Recorded
Investment
  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  Related
Allowance
 
No related allowance recorded (in thousands)
Commercial $481  $527    
Commercial real estate  5,890   6,587     
Residential real estate  3,072   3,407     
Consumer  109   101     
Total $9,552  $10,622     
             
With an allowance recorded            
Commercial $387  $390  $111 
Commercial real estate  3,520   3,520   151 
Total $3,907  $3,910  $262 
             
Total            
Commercial $868  $917  $111 
Commercial real estate  9,410   10,107   151 
Residential real estate  3,072   3,407    
Consumer  109   101    
Total $13,459  $14,532  $262 

22

2015:

     March 31, 2016
     Unpaid     
RecordedPrincipalRelated
InvestmentBalanceAllowance
No related allowance recorded(in thousands)
Commercial$3,320$3,625
Commercial real estate15,27115,202
Commercial construction2,4662,538
Residential real estate4,1234,532
Consumer8181
       Total$25,261$25,978
 
With an allowance recorded
Commercial$91,928$91,851$7,677
 
Total
Commercial$95,248$95,476$7,677
Commercial real estate15,27115,202-
Commercial construction2,4662,538-
Residential real estate4,1234,532-
Consumer8181-
       Total$117,189$     117,829$          7,677
 
December 31, 2015
Unpaid
RecordedPrincipalRelated
InvestmentBalanceAllowance
No related allowance recorded(in thousands)
Commercial$610$645
Commercial real estate15,51716,512
Commercial construction2,1492,141
Residential real estate3,9544,329
Consumer8786
       Total$22,317$23,713
 
With an allowance recorded
Commercial$84,787$84,449$6,725
 
Total
Commercial$85,397$85,094$6,725
Commercial real estate15,51716,512-
Commercial construction2,1492,141-
Residential real estate3,9544,329-
Consumer8786-
       Total$     107,104$108,162$6,725

20



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 7.6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

The following table provides an analysis related to the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans by segment as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2015  2014  2015  2014 
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Interest
Income
Recognized
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Interest
Income
Recognized
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Interest
Income
Recognized
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Interest
Income
Recognized
 
                                 
Impaired loans with no related allowance recorded:                                
                                 
Commercial $712  $  $897  $  $707  $  $778  $30 
Commercial real estate  4,869   15   5,046   31   4,905   46   5,313   74 
Commercial construction  1,479            1,479         31 
Residential real estate  3,221   7   1,975   ��  3,251   12   2,044   5 
Consumer  100   1   106   2   102   4   106    
Total $10,381   23  $8,024   33  $10,444  $62  $8,241  $140 
                                 
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded:                                
                                 
Commercial $79,732  $722  $  $  $45,747  $1,206  $  $ 
Commercial real estate        3,600   37         3,600   122 
Total $79,732  $722  $3,600  $37  $45,747  $1,206  $3,600  $122 
                                 
Total impaired loans:                                
                                 
Commercial $80,444  $712  $897  $  $46,454  $1,206  $778  $30 
Commercial real estate  4,869   15   8,646   68   4,905   46   8,913   196 
Commercial construction  1,479            1,479          
Residential mortgage  3,221   7   1,975      3,251   12   2,044   31 
Consumer  100   1   106   2   102   4   106   5 
Total $90,113  $745  $11,624  $70   56,191  $1,268  $11,841  $262 

Three Months Ended March 31,
     2016     2015
Average     InterestAverage     Interest
RecordedIncomeRecordedIncome
InvestmentRecognizedInvestmentRecognized
Impaired loans with
no related allowance
recorded
 
Commercial$2,591$24$290$-
Commercial real
estate15,274256,05219
Commercial
construction2,30716--
Residential real
estate4,10753,6132
Consumer8411061
 
      Total$24,363$71$10,061$22
 
Impaired loans with
an allowance
recorded
 
Commercial$83,759$737$387$-
Commercial real 
estate--6,335-
 
      Total$83,759$737$6,722$-
 
Total impaired loans
 
Commercial$86,350$761$677$-
Commercial real
estate15,2742512,38719
Commercial  
construction2,30716
Residential real
estate4,10753,6132
Consumer8411061
 
Total$108,122$808$16,783$22

Included in impaired loans at September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014 and September 30, 20142015 are loans that are deemed troubled debt restructurings. The recorded investment in loans include accrued interest receivable and other capitalized costs such as real estate taxes paid on behalf of the borrower and loan origination fees, net, when applicable. Cash basis interest and interest income recognized on accrual basis approximate each other.

23

21



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 7.6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

The following table provides an analysis of the aging of the recorded investment of loans, excluding net deferred loan fees that are past due at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 20142015 by segment:

Aging Analysis

  September 30, 2015 
  30-59 Days
Past Due
  60-89 Days
Past Due
  90 Days or
Greater Past
Due
  Total Past
Due
  Current  Total Loans
Receivable
  Loans
Receivable 90
Days or Greater
Past Due and

Accruing
 
  (in thousands) 
Commercial $  $9,726  $5,020  $14,746  $554,859  $569,605  $ 
Commercial real estate  782   1,365   3,232   5,379   1,868,335   1,873,714    
Commercial construction        1,479   1,479   282,144   283,623    
Residential real estate  922   1,308   3,244   5,474   219,684   225,158   268 
Consumer              3,569   3,569     
Total $1,704  $12,399  $12,975  $27,078  $2,928,591  $2,955,669  $268 

Aging Analysis

  December 31, 2014 
  30-59 Days
Past Due
  60-89 Days
Past Due
  90 Days or
Greater Past
Due
  Total Past
Due
  Current  Total Loans
Receivable
  Loans
Receivable 90
Days or Greater
Past Due and
Accruing
 
  (in thousands) 
Commercial $6,060  $  $662  $6,722  $493,094  $499,816  $45 
Commercial real estate  4,937   638   5,961   11,535   1,622,975   1,634,510   609 
Commercial construction              167,359   167,359    
Residential real estate  1,821   210   3,200   5,231   229,736   234,967   557 
Consumer  30   1      31   2,848   2,879    
Total $12,848  $849  $9,823  $23,520  $2,516,011  $2,539,531  $1,211 

24

March 31, 2016
            Loans
  Receivable 90
90 Days orDays or Greater
30-59 Days60-89 DaysGreater PastTotal PastTotal LoansPast Due and
Past DuePast DueDueDueCurrentReceivableAccruing
(in thousands)
Commercial$5,539$-$12,409$17,948$583,760$601,708$5,250
Commercial real
estate5,408-10,02715,4352,012,8662,028,3011,382
Commercial
construction1,750--1,750400,844402,594-
Residential real
estate1,7413802,7464,867226,452231,319-
Consumer2--21,8491,851
       Total$14,440$380$25,181$40,002$3,225,771$3,265,773$6,632
 
December 31, 2015
Loans
Receivable 90
90 Days orDays or Greater
30-59 Days60-89 DaysGreater PastTotal PastTotal LoansPast Due and
Past DuePast DueDueDueCurrentReceivableAccruing
(in thousands)
Commercial$6,887$3,505$6,865$17,257$552,859$570,116$-
Commercial real
estate1,9989889,56112,5471,954,1491,966,696-
Commercial 
construction--1,4791,479327,359328,838-
Residential real
estate--2,1222,122231,568233,690-
Consumer49-132,4412,454-
       Total$8,889$4,502$20,027$33,418$  3,068,376$3,101,794$-

22



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 7.6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

The following table details, at the period presented, the amount of loans receivable that are evaluated individually, and collectively, for impairment (excluding net deferred loan fees), those acquired with deteriorated quality, and the related portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses that are allocated to each loan portfolio segment:

  September 30, 2015 
  Commercial  Commercial real estate  Commercial construction  Residential real estate  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
  (in thousands) 
Allowance for loan and lease losses                            
Individually evaluated for impairment $3,001  $  $  $  $  $  $3,001 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  4,122   10,274   2,646   1,012   4   474   18,532 
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality                     
Total $7,123  $10,274  $2,646  $1,012  $4  $474  $21,533 
                             
Loans receivable                            
Individually evaluated for impairment $80,414  $4,830  $1,479  $3,164  $95  $  $89,982 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  482,145   1,867,085   282,144   221,671   3,474      2,856,519 
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality  7,046   1,799      323         9,168 
Total $569,605  $1,873,714  $283,623  $225,158  $3,569  $  $2,955,669 

March 31, 2016
CommercialCommercialResidential
Commercial   real estate   construction   real estate   Consumer   Unallocated   Total
   (in thousands)
Allowance for loan and lease losses
        Individually evaluated for impairment$7,677$-$-$-$-$-$7.677
Collectively evaluated for impairment5,42010,9413,6171,074434121,397
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality-------
Total$13,097$10,941$3,617$1,074$4$341$29,074
 
Gross loans
Individually evaluated for impairment$95,248$15,271$2,466$4,123$81$-$117,189
Collectively evaluated for impairment499,4012,011,285400,128226,8621,770-3,139,446
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality7,0591,745-334--9,138
Total$601,708$2,028,301$402,594$231,319$1,851$-$  3,265,773

The table above includes approximately $0.9 billion$824 million of acquired loans for the period ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 reported as collectively evaluated for impairment.

impairment, of which approximately $661 million were included in the commercial real estate loan segment.

The following table at the period presented, details the amount of gross loans that are evaluated individually, and collectively, for impairment (excluding net deferred loan fees)costs), those acquired with deteriorated quality, and the related portion of the allowance for loan and lease lossesloss that areis allocated to each loan portfolio segment:class:

  December 31, 2014 
  Commercial  Commercial real estate  Commercial construction  Residential real estate  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
  (in thousands) 
Allowance for loan and lease losses                            
Individually evaluated for impairment $111  $151  $  $  $  $  $262 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  2,972   7,648   1,239   1,113   7   919   13,898 
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality                     
Total $3,083  $7,799  $1,239  $1,113  $7  $919  $14,160 
                             
Loans receivable                            
Individually evaluated for impairment $868  $9,410  $  $3,072  $109  $  $13,459 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  491,749   1,623,284   167,359   231,089   2,770      2,516,251 
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality  7,199   1,816      806         9,821 
Total $499,816  $1,634,510  $167,359  $234,967  $2,879  $  $2,539,531 

December 31, 2015
CommercialCommercialResidential
  Commercial  real estate  construction  real estate  Consumer  Unallocated  Total
 (in thousands)
Allowance for loan and lease losses
         Individually evaluated for impairment$6,725$-$-$-$-$-$6,725
Collectively evaluated for impairment4,22410,9263,253976446419,847
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality-------
Total$10,949$10,926$3,253$976$4$464$26,572
 
Gross loans
Individually evaluated for impairment$85,397$15,517$2,149$3,954$87$-$107,104
Collectively evaluated for impairment477,6411,949,404326,689229,4082,367-2,985,509
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality7,0781,775-328--9,181
Total$570,116$1,966,696$328,838$233,690$2,454$-$  3,101,794

The tabletables above includesinclude approximately $1.2 billion$867 million of acquired loans for the period endedas of December 31, 20142015 reported as collectively evaluated for impairment.impairment, of which $672 million were included in the commercial real estate loan segment.

25

23



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 7.6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

      

The Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses is analyzed quarterly. Many factors are considered, including growth in the portfolio, delinquencies, nonaccrual loan levels, and other factors inherent in the extension of credit. There have been no material changes to the allowance for loan and lease losses methodology as disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

2015.

A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses is as follows:

  Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 
  Commercial  Commercial real estate  Commercial construction  Residential real estate  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
  (in thousands) 
Balance at June 30, 2015 $4.633  $9,195  $1,945  $1,161  $7  $535  $17,480 
                             
Charge-offs     (124)              (124)
                             
Recoveries  2                  2 
                             
Provision  2,488   1,203   701   (149)  (3)  (61)  4,175 
                             
Balance at September 30, 2015 $7,123  $10,274  $2,646  $1,012  $4  $474  $21,533 

  Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 
  Commercial  Commercial real estate  Commercial construction  Residential real estate  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
  (in thousands) 
Balance at June 30, 2014 $2,412  $5,741  $504  $1,011  $63  $1,364  $10,825 
                             
Charge-offs              (18)     (18)
                             
Recoveries              11      11 
                             
Provision  336   1,281   20   41   (51)  (327)  1,300 
                             
Balance at September 30, 2014 $2,478  $7,022  $524  $1,052  $5  $1,037  $12,118 

26

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
    Commercial  Commercial  Residential      
Commercialreal estateconstructionreal estateConsumerUnallocatedTotal
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31,
2015$10,949$10,926$3,253$976$4$464$26,572
 
Charge-offs(445)--(67)--(512)
 
Recoveries113----14
 
Provision2,5922364165-(123)3,000
                            
Balance at March 31, 2016$13,097$10,941$3,617$1,074$4$341$29,074 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
CommercialCommercialResidential
Commercialreal estateconstructionreal estate ConsumerUnallocatedTotal
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31,
2014$             3,083$             7,799$1,239$1,113$7$             919$14,160
 
Charge-offs(45)(4)--             (11)-(60)
 
Recoveries6--11-8
 
Provision8831,051279         (133)7(262)1,825
                            
Balance at March 31, 2015$3,927$8,846$1,518$981$4$657$  15,933

24



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 7.6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 
  Commercial  Commercial real estate  Commercial construction  Residential real estate  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
  (in thousands) 
Balance at December 31, 2014 $3,083  $7,799  $1,239  $1,113  $7  $919  $14,160 
                             
Charge-offs  (100)  (406)        (13)     (519)
                             
Recoveries  12   327      2   1      342 
                             
Provision  4,128   2,554   1,407   (103)  9   (445)  7,550 
                             
Balance at September 30, 2015 $7,123  $10,274  $2,646  $1,012  $4  $474  $21,533 

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 
  Commercial  Commercial real estate  Commercial construction  Residential real estate  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
  (in thousands) 
Balance at December 31, 2013 $1,698  $5,746  $362  $990  $146  $1,391  $10,333 
                             
Charge-offs  (333)        (108)  (7)     (448)
                             
Recoveries           11   13      24 
                             
Provision  1,113   1,276   162   159   (147)  (354)  2,209 
                             
Balance at September 30, 2014 $2,478  $7,022  $524  $1,052  $5  $1,037  $12,118 

27

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 7. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

Trouble Debt Restructurings

At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were on nonaccrual status or were contractually past due in excess of 90 days and still accruing interest, or whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings.

The policy of the Company generally is to grant commercial, mortgage and consumer loans to residents and businesses within its market area. The borrowers’ability of borrowers abilities to repay their obligations are dependent upon various factors, including the borrowers’ income and net worth, cash flows generated by the borrowers’ underlying collateral, value of the underlying collateral, and priority of the lender’s lien on the property. Such factors are dependent upon various economic conditions and individual circumstances beyond the control of the Company. 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 that adequate provisions for loan and lease losses are provided for all known and inherent risks. Collateral and/or personal guarantees are required for virtually all loans. A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.

Loans modified in a troubled debt restructuringrestructurings totaled a recorded investment of $77.1$96.5 million at September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, of which $1.1$1.4 million were on nonaccrual status. The remaining loans modifiedstatus and $95.1 million were current and have complied with the terms of their restructure agreement.performing troubled debt restructurings. At December 31, 2014,2015, loans modified in a troubled debt restructuringrestructurings totaled $2.8$86.6 million, of which $1.0$0.7 million were on nonaccrual status. The remaining loans modifiedstatus and $85.9 million were current at the time of the restructuring and have complied with the terms of their restructure agreement.performing troubled debt restructurings. The Company has allocated $2.0$6.0 million in specific allocations with respect to loans whose loan terms had been modified in troubled debt restructurings as of September 30, 2015. ThereMarch 31, 2016. At December 31, 2015, there were $4.5 million in specific allocations with respect to performing troubled debt restructurings, and there were no specific allocations with respect to troubled debt restructurings as of September 30, 2014. TheMarch 31, 2015.Performing TDRs presented as of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 increased the allowance for loan and lease losses by $2.0$1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. TheMarch 31, 2016. Performing TDRs presented as of September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 did not increase the allowance for loan and lease losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

March 31, 2015.

The $2.0$6.0 million in specific allocations referenced above were associated with taxi medallion lending referred to above wasand were calculated based on the present value of estimated cash flows, including contractual debt interest service through maturity, and principal repayments based on the fair value of the collateral and excludesexcluding any consideration for the personal guarantees of borrowers, which providesprovide an additional source of repayment but cannot be relied upon. The valuation per corporate medallion used for the calculation at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 was $814,000. Aapproximately $775,000. An additional $1.5 million specific allocation was required at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 due to a decline in the Company’s estimated valuation of taxi medallions from June 30,at December 31, 2015, when there was nothe specific allocation required.was $4.5 million.

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

     Pre-Modification  Post-Modification 
     Outstanding  Outstanding 
  Number of  Recorded  Recorded 
  Loans  Investment  Investment 
Troubled debt restructurings:            
Commercial  47  $75,363  $75,363 
Commercial real estate         
Commercial construction         
Residential real estate         
Consumer         
             
Total  47  $75,363  $75,363 

Pre-ModificationPost-Modification
OutstandingOutstanding
 Number ofRecordedRecorded
     Loans     Investment     Investment
Troubled debt restructurings:
       Commercial9$9,555$9,555
       Commercial real estate---
       Commercial construction---
       Residential real estate---
       Consumer---
 
              Total9$9,555$9,555

The increase in TDRs was primarily due to six loans secured by New York City taxi medallions totaling $8.0 million that were modified during the secondfirst quarter of 2015. The2016. Four of these modifications consisted of a deferral of principal amortization from approximately 25-30 year amortization to interest-only. There was no extensionshort-term extensions of the loans’ contractual maturity dates there was no forgivenessat the pre-existing contractual rate and two of principle, and thethese modifications interest rates on these loans were increaseddecreased from approximately 3%-3.25% to 3.75%1.3-1.6%. These six loans were accruing prior to modification, andwhile five remained in accrual status post-modification.

The troubled debt restructurings described above increased the allowance for loan and lease losses by $45 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2016.There were no charge-offs in connection with a loan modification at the time of modification during the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2016. There were no troubled debt restructurings for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

25



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

There were no troubled debt restructurings occurring during the three months ended March 31, 2015. There were no charge-offs in connection with a loan modification at the time of modification during the three months ended March 31, 2015. There were no troubled debt restructurings for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification during the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2015.

28

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 7. Loans and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses – (continued)

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

     Pre-Modification  Post-Modification 
     Outstanding  Outstanding 
  Number of  Recorded  Recorded 
  Loans  Investment  Investment 
Troubled debt restructurings:            
Commercial  1  $672  $315 
Commercial real estate         
Commercial construction         
Residential real estate  1   53   51 
Consumer         
             
Total  2  $725  $366 

The Company had a $333,000 charge-off in connection with a loan modification at the time of modification during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. There were no troubled debt restructurings for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Note 8.7 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements820-10-05 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements and Disclosures,”enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date.

FASB ASC 820-10-65 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 820-10-05 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This ASC also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.

FASB ASC 820-10-05 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniquesmethods used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC 820-10-05 are described below:as follows:

Level 1:Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 1:   Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2:   Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3:   Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (for example, supported with little or no market activity).

Level 2:Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3:Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (for example, supported with little or no market activity).

An asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

29

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 8.  Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)

The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014:

2015:

Securities available-for-saleAvailable-for-Sale -

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified withwithin Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 inputs include securities that have quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 1 securities held include:  US Treasury securities, publicly traded equity securities, mutual funds and overnight money market funds.IfIf quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows. Examples of instruments, which would generally be classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy include municipal bonds and certain agency collateralized mortgage obligations. In certain cases where there is limited activity in the market for a particular instrument, assumptions must be made to determine theirthe fair value of the instruments and these are classified as Level 3. Due to the inactive condition of the markets amidst the financial crisis, the Company treated certain securities as Level 3 securities in order to provide more appropriate valuations. For assets in an inactive market, the infrequent trades that do occur are not a true indication of fair value. When measuring fair value, the valuation techniques available under the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach are used. The Company’s evaluations are based on market data and the Company employs combinations of these approaches for its valuation methods depending on the asset class.

26



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

DerivativesNote 7 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Derivatives

The fair value of derivatives are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date (level 2). Our derivatives are traded in an over-the-counter market where quoted market prices are not always available. Therefore, the fair values of derivatives are determined using quantitative models that utilize multiple market inputs. The inputs will vary based on the type of derivative, but could include interest rates, prices and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, prepayment rate, and volatility factors to value the position. The majority of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services.

Loans heldHeld for saleSale -

Loans held for sale are carriedrequired to be measured at the lower of cost or fair value. Under FASB ASC 820-10-05, market value is to represent fair value. Management obtains quotes or bids on all or part of these loans directly from the purchasing financial institutions.

Loans Receivable

Loans receivable - The fair value of performing loans, except residential mortgages, is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risks inherent in the loan. The estimate of maturity is based on the historical experience of the Bank with prepayments for each loan classification, modified as required by an estimate of the effect of current economic and lending conditions. For performing residential mortgage loans, fair value is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows adjusted for prepayment estimates using discount rates based on secondary market sources adjusted to reflect differences in servicing and credit costs.

Off-balance sheet financial instrumentsOff-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments-

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 fixed rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current market levels of interest rate and the committed rates.

The fair value of financial standby letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties.

30

27



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 8.7 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

For financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 20142015 are as follows:

March 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Quoted Prices
in ActiveSignificant
Markets forOtherSignificant
IdenticalObservableUnobservable
AssetsInputsInputs
          (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)
(in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements:
Assets
Investment securities:
       Available-for-sale:
              Federal agency obligations$     31,827$     -$     31,827$     -
              Residential mortgage pass-
                     through securities 48,545-48,545-
              Commercial mortgage pass-
                     through securities3,053-3,053-
              Obligations of U.S. states and
                     political subdivision9,806-9,806-
              Trust preferred securities 16,179 - 16,179 -
              Corporate bonds and notes41,388 -41,388 -
              Asset-backed securities18,154- 18,154-
              Certificates of deposit1,516-1,516-
              Equity securities377377--
              Other securities20,48620,486--
       Total available-for-sale$191,331$20,863$170,468$-
Liabilities
Derivatives$1,568$-$1,568$-
 
Total liabilities$1,568$-$1,568$-

There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

     September 30, 2015 
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(in thousands)                
Recurring fair value measurements:                
Assets                
Investment securities:                
Available-for-sale:                
Federal agency obligations $30,905  $  $30,905  $ 
Residential mortgage pass-through securities  48,091      48,091    
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities  3,055      3,055    
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivision  8,382      8,382    
Trust preferred securities  16,322      16,322    
Corporate bonds and notes  78,386      78,386    
Asset-backed securities  21,130      21,130    
Certificates of deposit  1,920      1,920    
Equity securities  338   338       
Other securities  15,685   15,685       
Total available-for-sale  224,214   16,023   208,191    
Loans held for sale  990      990    
Total assets $225,204  $16,023  $209,181  $ 
Liabilities                
Derivatives $1,105  $  $1,105  $ 
                 
Total liabilities $1,105  $  $1,105  $ 

31

28



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 8.7 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)

December 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Quoted Prices
in ActiveSignificant
Markets forOtherSignificant
IdenticalObservableUnobservable
AssetsInputsInputs
          (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)
(in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements:            
Assets
Investment securities:            
       Available-for-sale:
              Federal agency obligations $     29,146 $     - $     29,146 $     -
              Residential mortgage pass-
                     through securities44,910-44,910-
              Commercial mortgage pass-            
                     through securities  2,972  -  2,972  -
              Obligations of U.S. states and 
                     political subdivision8,357-8,357-
              Trust preferred securities  16,255  -  16,255  -
              Corporate bonds and notes53,976-53,976-
              Asset-backed securities  19,725  -  19,725  -
              Certificates of deposit1,905-1,905-
              Equity securities  374  374  -  -
              Other securities18,15018,150--
       Total available-for-sale $195,770 $18,524 $177,246 $-
       Liabilities
       Derivatives $131 $- $131 $-
       Total liabilities$131$-$131$-

     December 31, 2014 
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(in thousands)                
Recurring fair value measurements:                
Assets                
Investment securities:                
Available-for-sale:                
Federal agency obligations $32,817  $  $32,817  $ 
Residential mortgage pass-through securities  60,356      60,356    
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities  3,046      3,046    
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivision  8,406      8,406    
Trust preferred securities  16,306      16,306    
Corporate bonds and notes  125,777      125,777    
Asset-backed securities  27,502      27,502    
Certificates of deposit  2,123      2,123    
Equity securities  307   307       
Other securities  12,892   12,892       
Total available-for-sale  289,532   13,199   276,333    
Derivatives  48      48    
Total assets $289,580  $13,199  $276,381  $ 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, thereThere were no transfers of investment securities available-for-sale into or out ofbetween Level 1, Level 2 orand Level 3 assets.during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company may be required periodically to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or impairment write-downs of individual assets. The Company primarily utilized appraisal value less cost to sell and other unobservable market inputs to determine fair value of assets, and therefore, these valuations are classified as a Level 3 measurement. For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the unobservable inputs used to derive fair value measurements at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014 were2015 are as follows:

Impaired loans     Valuation Techniques     Range of Unobservable Inputs
CommercialAppraisals of collateral valueAdjustment for age of comparable sales, generally a decline of 0% to 15%
Commercial real estateAppraisals. Adjustment for age of collateral valuelease payments. Market capitalization rates between 8%4% and 12%. Market rental rates for similar properties8%

32


29



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 8.7 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Quoted
Prices
in ActiveSignificant
Markets forOtherSignificant
IdenticalObservableUnobservable
March 31,AssetsInputsInputs
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:   2016   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)
Impaired loans (in thousands)
Commercial$        3,410$        -$    -$        3,410
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Quoted
 Prices
in ActiveSignificant
 Markets forOtherSignificant
 IdenticalObservableUnobservable
December 31,AssetsInputsInputs
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:2015(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Impaired loans (in thousands)
Commercial$3,751$-$-$3,751

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis: September 30, 2015  Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
              
Impaired loans (in thousands) 
Commercial $3,360  $  $  $3,360 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis December 31,
2014
  Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
             
Impaired loans (in thousands) 
Commercial $276  $  $  $276 
Commercial real estate  3,369         3,369 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014.

2015.

Impaired loans -The value of the impaired loans above were measured based upon the fair value of the collateral of the loans. Smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, such as residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, are specifically excluded from the impaired loan portfolio. The Company’s impaired loans are primarily collateral dependent. Impaired loans are individually assessed to determine that each loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the fair value of the related collateral. Impaired loans at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 that required a valuation allowance during 2015 were $4.4$5.1 million with a related valuation allowance of $1,001,000$1.7 million compared to $3.9$6.0 million with a related valuation allowance of $262,000$2.2 million at December 31, 2014. Additional provision for loan and lease losses of $211,000 and $840,000 for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2015, respectively, and $0 and $210,500 three and nine months ending September 30, 2014, respectively, were recorded.2015.

33

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 8.  Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC 825-10 requires all entities to disclose the estimated fair value of their financial instrument assets and liabilities. For the Company, as for most financial institutions, the majority of its assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments as defined in FASB ASC 825-10. Many of the Company’s financial instruments, however, lack an available trading market as characterized by a willing buyer and willing seller engaging in an exchange transaction. It is also the Company’s general practice and intent to hold its financial instruments to maturity and not to engage in trading or sales activities except for loans held-for-sale and investment securities available-for-sale. Therefore, significant estimations and assumptions, as well as present value calculations, were used by the Company for the purposes of this disclosure.

Cash and cash equivalents -equivalents.The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values.

FHLB stock -stock.It is not practical to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

30



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)

Investment securities held-to-maturity-Securities Held-to-Maturity.The fair value of the Company’s investment securities held-to-maturity was primarily measured using information from a third-party pricing service. If quoted prices were not available, fair values were estimated primarily by obtaining quoted prices for similar assets in active markets or through the use of pricing models. In cases where there may be limited or less transparent information provided by the Company’s third-party pricing service, fair value may be estimated by the use of secondary pricing services or through the use of non-binding third-party broker quotes.

Loans -Loans.The fair value of the Company’s loans was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. Loans were segregated by types such as commercial, residential and consumer loans. Expected future cash flows were projected based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments.

Noninterest-bearing deposits -Interest-Bearing DepositsThe fair value for non-interest-bearing deposits is equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.

Interest-bearing deposits -. The fair values of the Company’s interest-bearing deposits were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses. The discountdiscounted rates used were based on rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. The fair values of the Company’s interest-bearing deposits do not take into consideration the value of the Company’s long-term relationships with depositors, which may have significant value.

Term Borrowings and subordinated debentures-Subordinated Debentures. The fair value of the Company’s long-term borrowings and subordinated debentures were calculated using a discounted cash flow approach and applying discount rates currently offered based on weighted remaining maturities.

Accrued interest receivable/payable-Interest Receivable/Payable.The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value resulting in a level 2 or level 3 classification based on the level of the asset or liability with which the accrual is associated.

34

31



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 8.7 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)

The following presents the carrying amount, fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014.2015.

        Fair Value Measurements 
  Carrying
Amount
  Fair
Value
  Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
  (in thousands) 
September 30, 2015                    
Financial assets                    
Cash and cash equivalents $158,521  $158,521  $158,521  $  $ 
Investment securities available-for-sale  224,214   224,214   16,023   208,191    
Investment securities held-to-maturity  227,221   234,493   29,747   186,133   18,613 
Investments in restricted stock, at cost  30,362    n/a    n/a    n/a    n/a 
Loans held for sale  990   990      990    
Net loans receivable  2,931,848   2,929,939         2,929,939 
Accrued interest receivable  11,662   11,662   221   2,631   8,810 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
Noninterest-bearing deposits  586,643   586,643   586,643       
Interest-bearing deposits  2,079,981   2,084,440      2,084,440    
Borrowings  621,674   627,399      627,399    
Subordinated debentures  55,155   55,007      55,007    
Derivatives  1,105   1,105      1,105    
Accrued interest payable  5,198   5,198      5,198    
                     

        Fair Value Measurements 
  Carrying
Amount
  Fair
Value
  Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
  (in thousands) 
December 31, 2014               
Financial assets                    
Cash and cash equivalents $126,847  $126,847  $126,847  $  $ 
Investment securities available-for-sale  289,532   289,532   13,199   276,333    
Investment securities held-to-maturity  224,682   231,445   29,184   183,489   18,772 
Investments in restricted stock, at cost  23,535   n/a   n/a   n/a   n/a 
Net loans receivable  2,524,481   2,538,415         2,538,415 
Derivatives  48   48      48    
Accrued interest receivable  11,700   11,700   68   3,674   7,958 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
Noninterest-bearing deposits  492,516   492,516   492,516       
Interest-bearing deposits  1,983,091   1,990,484      1,990,484    
Borrowings  495,553   505,641      505,641    
Subordinated debentures  5,155   4,768      4,768    
Accrued interest payable  3,930   3,930      3,930    

35

Fair Value Measurements
Quoted
Prices in
ActiveSignificant
Markets forOtherSignificant
IdenticalObservableUnobservable
CarryingFairAssetsInputsInputs
     Amount     Value     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)
(in thousands)
March 31, 2016
Financial assets
       Cash and due from banks$     118,259$     118,259$     118,259$     -$     -
       Investment securities available-for-sale191,331191,33120,863170,468-
       Investment securities held-to-maturity219,373229,47030,413180,55318,504
       Restricted investment in bank stocks31,487n/an/an/an/a
       Net loans3,234,7393,242,398--3,242,398
       Accrued interest receivable12,60412,6041992,4869,919
 
Financial liabilities
       Noninterest-bearing deposits614,507614,507614,507--
       Interest-bearing deposits2,278,5642,285,918-2,285,918-
       Borrowings646,501651,739-651,739-
       Subordinated debentures, net54,39257,879-57,879-
       Derivatives1,5681,568-1,568-
       Accrued interest payable$5,101$5,101$-$5,101$-
 
December 31, 2015
Financial assets
       Cash and due from banks$200,895$200,895$200,895$-$-
       Investment securities available-for-sale195,770195,77018,524177,246-
       Investment securities held-to-maturity224,056230,55829,226182,77418,558
       Restricted investment in bank stocks32,612n/an/an/an/a
       Net loans3,072,4353,059,343--3,059,343
       Accrued interest receivable12,54512,545682,6999,778
 
Financial liabilities
       Noninterest-bearing deposits650,775650,775650,775--
       Interest-bearing deposits2,140,1912,137,149-2,137,149-
       Borrowings671,587674,131-674,131-
       Subordinated debentures, net54,34355,209-55,209-
       Derivatives131131-131-
       Accrued interest payable$4,387$4,387$-$4,387$-

32



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Note 8.7 - Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)

The fair value of commitments to originate loans 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 fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current market levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair values of letters of credit and lines of credit are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date.

Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on these estimated fair values.

The Company’s remaining assets and liabilities, which are not considered financial instruments, have not been valued differently than has been customary with historical cost accounting. No disclosure of the relationship value of the Company’s core deposit base is required by FASB ASC 825-10.

Fair value estimates are based on existing 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. For example, there are certain significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities, such as deferred taxes, premises and equipment, and goodwill. 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.

Management believes that reasonable comparability between financial institutions may not be likely, due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates which must be made, given the absence of active secondary markets for many of the financial instruments. This lack of uniform valuation methodologies also introduces a greater degree of subjectivity to these estimated fair values.

Note 9.8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax) at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 20142015 consisted of the following:

March 31,December 31,
     2016     2015
(in thousands)
Net unrealized gain on investment securities available-for-sale$     1,251$     713
Cash flow hedge(927)(77)
Unamortized component of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to- 
       maturity (1,142)(1,173)
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans (4,012)  (4,072)
       Total accumulated other comprehensive loss$(4,830)$(4,609)

33



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

  September 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
 
  (in thousands) 
Net unrealized gain on investment securities available-for-sale $2,461  $4,874 
Cash flow hedge  (654)  28 
Unamortized component of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity  (1,203)  (1,301)
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans  (3,914)  (4,615)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $(3,310) $(1,014)

Note 10.9. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company maintains three stock-based compensation plans from which new grants could be issued. The Company’s stock-based compensation plans permit Parent Corporation common stock to be issued to key employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The options grantedGrants under the existing plans are intended tocan be either incentivein the form of stock options (qualified or non-qualified options. Under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, a total of 303,615non-qualified), restricted shares, are available for grant and issuance as of September 30, 2015. In addition, a total of 114,327 shares remainor performance units. Shares available for grant and issuance under Legacy ConnectOne equity plans. Options may be exercised withthe existing plans as of March 31, 2016 are as follows 68,516 under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan and 235,090 shares issued from Treasuryunder the North Jersey Community Bancorp 2009 Equity Compensation Plan. The Company intends to issue all shares under these plans in the form of newly issued shares orshares.

Restricted stock and option awards typically have a combination of both.

36

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 10.  Stock-Based Compensation

Options have been granted to purchase common stock at the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. Options granted to date are exercisable after a three to five-yearthree-year vesting period starting one year after the date of grant andwith one-third vesting each year. The options generally expire ten years from the date of grant. Restricted sharesstock awards granted to datenew employees and board members may be granted with shorter vesting periods. Grants of performance units typically have a cliff vesting schedule ranging from one to threeafter 3 years.

Stock-based compensation expense for share-based payment awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated on the date of grant. The Company recognizes compensation costs for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the option vesting term of three years. The Company estimates the forfeiture rate based on its historical experience during the preceding seven fiscal years.

Under the principal stock-based compensation plans, the Company may also grant stock awards to certain employees. Stock awards All issuances are independent of option grants and are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminatesthe recipient leaves or is terminated prior to the release of any applicable restrictions. During that period, ownership of theawards vesting. Restricted shares cannot be transferred. Restricted stock and stock awards that are fully vested at the time of grant have the same cash dividend and voting rights as other common stock while options and performance units do not.

All awards are considered to be currently issued and outstanding.at fair value of the underlying shares at the grant date. The Company expenses the cost of stockthe awards, which is determined to be the fair market value of the sharesawards at the date of grant, ratably over the period during which any restrictions lapse.

There were 97,544 and 50,303 restricted stock awards outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. These awards were issued with an award price equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the award date and with a three year vesting period. Forfeiture provisions exist for personnel that separate employment before the vesting period expires.

There were no shares of common stock underlyingNo options that were granted during the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 or 2015.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 a total of71,920and 2014,48,507 restricted shares were awarded, respectively.

Options activity under the stock-based The compensation plans as of September 30, 2015 and changesexpense related to restricted stock awards during the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2015 were as follows: March 31, 2016 was $182,000.

  Shares  Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2014  882,657  $5.65         
Exercised  (340,492) $4.19         
Canceled/expired               
Forfeited  (4,731)            
Outstanding at September 30, 2015  537,434  $6.50   3.43  $6,878,825 
Exercisable at September 30, 2015  532,636  $6.44   3.38  $6,829,750 

The aggregate intrinsic value of options above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the third quarter of 2015During 2016 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on September 30, 2015. This amount changes based on the fair value of the Company’s stock.

37

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation – (continued)

In conjunction with the plans above, the Company granted restricted shares to certain executive officers. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at issue date. The fair value of the stock granted was based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date. Generally, grants of restricted shares to date vest one-third, each, on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

  Nonvested
Shares
  Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Nonvested at December 31, 2014  50,203  $11.79 
         
Granted  67,906   18.50 
Vested  (20,565)  10.76 
Forfeited/cancelled/expired      
Outstanding at September 30, 2015  97,544  $16.62 

As of September 30, 2015, there was approximately $30,500 of total unrecognized compensation expense relating to unvested stock options. As of September 30, 2015, there was approximately $1,167,500 of total unrecognized compensation expense relating to unvested restricted stock awards. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

On April 30, 2015, the Company granted to various key employees performance unit awards, (which are classified as equity awards), with each unit entitling the holder to one share of the Company’s common stock contingent upon the Company meeting or exceeding certain return on asset targets over the course of a three-year period ending April 30, 2018.commencing on the date of issuance. Under the agreement, and assuming the Company has met or exceeded the applicable targets, grants of performance unit awards will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date or on an earlier date in the event of a change in control, as defined in the grant agreement. At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the specific number of shares related to performance unit awards that were expected to vest was 94,585,151,577, determined by actual performance in consideration of the established range of the performance targets, which is consistent with the level of expense currently being recognized over the vesting period. Should this expectation change, additional compensation expense could be recorded in future periods or previously recognized expense could be reversed. The maximum amount of performance unit awards is 113,502.181,892 shares. The total amount of compensation cost related to performance unit awards included in salary expense during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $193,000 and $0, respectively.

Option activity under the principal option plans as of March 31, 2016 and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2016 were as follows:

Weighted-
Average
Weighted-Remaining
AverageContractual
ExerciseTermAggregate
     Shares     Price     (In Years)     Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2015535,906$     6.48
Granted--
Exercised(5,495)7.67
Forfeited/cancelled/expired     (20,839)9.77     
Outstanding at March 31, 2016509,572$6.342.92$     5,102,923
Exercisable at March 31, 2016503,941$6.222.90$5,071,354

34



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 9. Stock-Based Compensation

Information related to stock option exercises during 2016:

2016
Intrinsic value of options exercised$      54,326
Cash received from options exercised42,171
Tax benefit realized from options exercised17,114
Weighted average fair value of options granted-

The aggregate intrinsic value of options above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on March 31, 2016 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on March 31, 2016. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Parent Corporation’s stock.

The below table represents information regarding restricted shares currently outstanding at March 31, 2016:

Weighted-
Average
NonvestedGrant Date
     Shares     Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 201596,902$16.81
Granted71,920 15.88
Vested(54,648) 16.01
Forfeited/cancelled/expired (1,000)19.58
Nonvested at March 31, 2016113,174$     16.81

As of March 31, 2016, there was $1,806,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted shares granted under the plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 24.0 months. The total fair value of shares vested during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, was $686,000.

35



CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 9 - Stock Based Compensation – (continued)

A summary of the status of unearned performance unit awards and the change during the period is presented in the table below:

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
SharesFair Value
Unearned at December 31, 2015     94,485     $19.46
Awarded64,54017.15
 
Forfeited      (7,447)19.46
Expired--
Unearned at March 31, 2016151,578$     19.46

  Shares  Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Unearned at June 30, 2015  94,585  $19.46 
Awarded      
Forfeited      
Expired      
Unearned at September 30, 2015  94,585  $19.46 

The Company recognized $256,000 inAt March 31, 2016, compensation expensecost of $2,198,000 related to the performance units for the quarter ended September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2015, there was approximately $1,584,985 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unearned performance units. These costs arenonvested awards not yet recognized is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.52.3 years.

38

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 11.10. Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost

The Company maintained a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for substantially all of its employees until March 31, 2007, at which time the Company froze the plan. The following table sets forth the net periodic pension cost of the Company’s pension plan for the periods indicated.

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine months Ended
September 30,
 
  2015  2014  2015  2014 
  (in thousands) 
Interest cost $127  $143  $394  $429 
Expected return on plan assets  (123)  (148)  (387)  (444)
Net amortization  108   55   324   165 
Recognized settlement loss  64      629    
Net periodic pension cost $176  $50  $960  $150 
                 
Net actuarial gain $(183) $  $(1,186) $(1,281)
                 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income $(183) $  $(1,186) $(1,281)
                 
Total recognized in net expense and OCI (before tax) $(7) $50  $(226) $(1,131)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
20162015
Interest cost$     128$     138
Expected return on plan assets     (136)     (137)
Net amortization102108
Recognized settlement loss-450
       Total periodic pension expense$94$559
 
Net actuarial gain$(101)$(742)
 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income$(101)$(742)
 
Total recognized in net periodic expense and other
comprehensive income (before tax)$(7)$(183)

Contributions

As of March 31, 2016, The Company contributedintended to contribute $2.0 million to its Pension Trust during the second quarter of 2015. The Company does not plan on contributing additional amounts2016. (As intended, the company contributed $2.0 million to theits Pension Trust for the remainder of 2015.in April 2016). The trust is established to provide retirement and other benefits for eligible employees and their beneficiaries. No part of the trust assets may be applied to any purpose other than providing benefits under the plan and for defraying expenses of administering the plan and the trust.

36




CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 12.11. FHLB and other borrowings

The Company’s FHLB and other borrowings and weighted average interest rates are summarized below:

  September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014 
  Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
  (in thousands) 
By type of borrowing:            
FHLB borrowings $606,674   1.16% $464,553   1.18%
Repurchase agreements  15,000   5.95%  31,000   5.90%
Total borrowings $621,674   1.28% $495,553   1.48%
                 
By remaining period to maturity:                
One year or less $290,674   0.53%  258,553   0.50%
One to two years  151,000   1.60%  30,000   1.40%
Two to three years  35,000   1.00%  71,000   2.33%
Three to four years  80,000   1.67%  96,000   2.67%
Four to five years  65,000   2.82%      
Greater than five years     0.00%  40,000   3.42%
Total borrowings $621,674   1.28% $495,553   1.48%

March 31, 2016December 31, 2015
AmountRateAmountRate
(in thousands)
By type of borrowing:
       FHLB borrowings$631,5011.30%$656,5871.26%
       Repurchase agreements("REPO")15,0005.9515,0005.95
Total borrowings$646,5011.41$671,5871.37
 
By remaining period to maturity:                    
       One year or less$330,5010.64270,5870.64
       One to two years121,0001.90171,0001.56
       Two to three years105,0001.96130,0001.84
       Three to four years50,0001.6635,0001.60
       Four to five years40,0003.4265,0002.82
Total borrowings$    646,501     1.41%$    671,587     1.37%

The FHLB borrowings are secured by pledges of certain collateral including, but not limited to, U.S. government and agency mortgage-backed securities and a blanket assignment of qualifying first lien mortgage loans, consisting of both residential mortgages and commercial real estate loans.

39

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 12. FHLB and other borrowings – (continued)

The Company has entered into agreements under which it has sold securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities. Under these arrangements, the Company may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase the assets. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Company’s consolidated statement of condition, while the securities underlying the securities sold under agreements to repurchase remain in the respective asset accounts and are delivered to and held as collateral by third party trustees.

Three of the FHLB notes ($2,500,000 and $7,500,000 each due April 2, 2018, and $5,000,000 due July 16, 2018) contain a convertible option which allows the FHLB, at quarterly intervals, to convert the fixed convertible advance into replacement funding for the same or lesser principal based on any advance then offered by the FHLB at its current market rate. The Company has the option to repay these advances, if converted, without penalty. The remaining advances are payable at stated maturity, with a prepayment penalty for fixed rate advances. All FHLB advances are fixed rate while the REPOs are variable rate advances. The advances at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 were collateralized by approximately $1.1$1.2 billion of commercial mortgage loans, net of required over collateralizationover-collateralization amounts, under a blanket lien arrangement. At September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 the Company had remaining borrowing capacity of approximately $550at FHLB of approximately $594 million.

37




CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 12 – Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase

Repurchase agreements are secured borrowings. The Company pledges investment securities to secure those borrowings. Information concerning repurchase agreements is summarized as follows for the periods presented:

March 31,December 31,March 31,
(dollars in thousands)201620152015
Average daily balance during the year-to-date$15,000$22,890$31,000
Average interest rate during the year-to-date5.95%5.92%5.90%
Maximum month-end balance during the year-to-date$    15,000$    31,000$    31,000%
Weighted average interest rate during the year-to-date     5.95%     5.92%     5.90%

The table below shows the remaining contractual maturity of agreement by fair value of collateral pledged:

March 31, 2016
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
Overnight andUp to 30Greater Than
(dollars in thousands)ContinuousDays30-90 Days90 DaysTotal
Repurchase agreements and
Repurchase-to-maturity transactions
       U.S. Treasury and agency securities     $-     $-     $-     $5,069     $5,069
       Residential mortgage pass-through securities---14,84914,849
Total Borrowings$    -$    -$    -$    19,918$    19,918
 
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure in Note 14$4,918

December 31, 2015
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
Overnight andUp to 30Greater Than
(dollars in thousands)ContinuousDays30-90 Days90 DaysTotal
Repurchase agreements and
Repurchase-to-maturity transactions
       U.S. Treasury and agency securities     $-     $-     $-     $6,313     $6,313
       Residential mortgage pass-through securities---12,58912,589
Total Borrowings$    -$    -$    -$    18,902$    18,902
 
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure in Note 14$3,902

The fair value of securities pledged to secure repurchase agreement may decline. The Company manages this risk by having a policy to pledge securities valued at 8% above the gross outstanding balance of repurchase agreement. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are secured by securities with a carrying amount of $19.1 million and $18.8 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Note 13 - Subordinated Debentures

During 2003, the Company formed a statutory business trust, which exists for the exclusive purpose of (i) issuing Trust Securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust; (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Trust securities in junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (subordinated debentures) of the Company; and (iii) engaging in only those activities necessary or incidental thereto. On December 19, 2003, Center Bancorp Statutory Trust II, a statutory business trust and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent Corporation issued $5.0 million of MMCapS capital securities to investors due on January 23, 2034. The capital securities presently qualify as Tier I capital. The trust loaned the proceeds of this offering to the Company and received in exchange $5.2 million of the Parent Corporation’s subordinated debentures. The subordinated debentures are redeemable in whole or in part prior to maturity. The floating interest rate on the subordinate debentures is three-month LIBOR plus 2.85% and reprices quarterly. The rate at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 was 3.15%3.47%. These subordinated debentures and the related income effects are not eliminated in the consolidated financial statements as the statutory business trust is not consolidated in accordance with FASB ASC 810-10. Distributions on the subordinated debentures owned by the subsidiary trust have been classified as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

38




CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 13 - Subordinated Debentures – (continued)

The following table summarizes the mandatory redeemable trust preferred securities of the Company’s Statutory Trust II at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014.2015.

SecuritiesRedeemable by
Issuance DateIssuedLiquidation ValueCoupon RateMaturityIssuer Beginning
12/19/2003$     5,000,000$1,000 per CapitalFloating 3-month01/23/203401/23/2009
SecurityLIBOR + 285 Basis
Points

Issuance Date Securities
Issued
  Liquidation Value Coupon Rate Maturity Redeemable by
Issuer Beginning
12/19/2003 $5,000,000  $1,000 per Capital Security Floating 3-month LIBOR + 285 Basis Points 01/23/2034 01/23/2009

During June 2015, the Parent Corporation issued $50 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes (the “Notes”) to certain institutional investors. The Notes are non-callable for five years, have a stated maturity of July 1, 2025, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.75% per year, from and including SeptemberJune 30, 2015 to, but excluding July 1, 2020. From and including July 1, 2020 to the maturity date or early redemption date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to a level equal to the then current three-month LIBOR rate plus 393 basis points. As of September 30, 2015, there wereMarch 31, 2016,unamortized costs related to the debt issuance of $828,000.

were $763,000.

The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes will bewere used to redeem, on or before January 1, 2016, $11.3 million of Senior Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock issued in 2011 to the U.S. Treasury under the Small Business Lending Fund Program, and for general corporate purposes, which includedby the Parent Corporation contributingto contribute $35.0 million of common equity to the Bank on SeptemberJune 30, 2015.

2015, and to repay, on March 11, 2016, $11.25 million of SBLF preferred issued to the U.S. Treasury. Remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes.

In connection with the issuance of the Notes, the Parent Corporation obtained ratings from Kroll Bond Rating Agency (“KBRA”). KBRA assigned investment grade ratings of BBB- for the Company’s subordinated debt and a senior deposit rating of BBB+ for the Bank.

Note 14 – Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

40Certain financial instrument-related assets and liabilities may be eligible for offset on the consolidated statements of condition because they are subject to master netting agreements or similar agreements. However, the Company does not elect to offset such arrangements on the consolidated financial statements. The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements with financial institution counterparties. For additional detail regarding interest rate swap agreements refer to Footnote 5 within this section. In the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract, both parties have the right to net settle multiple contracts. Also, certain interest rate swap agreements may require the Company to receive or pledge cash or financial instrument collateral based on the contract provisions.

39




CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 14 – Offsetting Assets and Liabilities – (continued)

The Company also entered into an agreement to sell securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities, referred to as a repurchase agreement. Under this agreement, the Company may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase the assets. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Company’s consolidated statement of condition, while the securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities account, therefore there is no offsetting or netting of the investment securities assets with the repurchase agreement liability. The following table presents information about financial instruments that are eligible for offset as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

Gross Amounts Not Offset
Gross AmountsNet AmountsCash or
Offset in theof Assets Presented in theFinancialFinancial
Gross AmountsStatement ofStatement of FinancialInstrumentsInstrumentNet
RecognizedFinancial PositionPositionRecognizedCollateralAmount
(in thousands)
March 31, 2016
Assets:
       Interest rate swaps   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-
Liabilities:
       Interest rate swaps$1,568$-$1,568$-$1,568$-
       Repurchase
              agreements15,000-15,000-15,000-
                     Total$16,568$-$16,568$-$16,568$-
December 31, 2015
Assets:
       Interest rate swaps$48$-$-$-$-$-
Liabilities:
       Interest rate swaps$131$-$131$-$131$-
       Repurchase
              agreements15,000-15,000-15,000-
                     Total$    15,131$    -$    15,131$    -$    15,131$    -

40




CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 15 – Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

As of January 1, 2016, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03 “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the consolidated statement of condition as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability. This ASU is required to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The following table summarizes the impact of retrospective application to the consolidated statement of condition for the year ended December 31, 2015:

December 31,
(dollars in thousands)     2015
Other assets
       As previously reported$24,908
       As reported under the new guidance24,096
 
Total assets
       As previously reported$4,016,721
       As reported under the new guidance4,015,909
 
Subordinated debentures
       As previously reported$55,155
       As reported under the new guidance54,343
 
Total liabilities
       As previously reported$3,539,377
       As reported under the new guidance3,538,565

41




Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The purpose of this analysis is to provide the reader with information relevant to understanding and assessing the Company’s results of operations for the periods presented herein and financial condition as of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014.2015. In order to fully understand this analysis, the reader is encouraged to review the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Sections 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of ConnectOne Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries, including statements preceded by, followed by or that include words or phrases such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continue,” “remain,” “pattern” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may” or similar expressions. There are a number of important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from historical performance and these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) competitive pressures among depository institutions may increase significantly; (2) changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins; (3) prepayment speeds, loan origination and sale volumes, charge-offs and loan and lease loss provisions may vary substantially from period to period; (4) general economic conditions may be less favorable than expected; (5) political developments, sovereign debt problems, wars or other hostilities may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (6) legislative or regulatory changes or actions may adversely affect the businesses in which ConnectOne Bancorp is engaged, including, without limitation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and regulations issued thereafter;thereunder; (7) changes and trends in the securities markets may adversely impact ConnectOne Bancorp; (8) a delayed or incomplete resolution of regulatory issues could adversely impact planning by ConnectOne Bancorp; (9) the impact on reputation risk created by the developments discussed above on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity could be significant; and (10)the outcome of regulatory and legal investigations and proceedings may not be anticipated. Further information on other factors that could affect the financial results of ConnectOne Bancorp is included in Item 1A.1a. of ConnectOne Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in ConnectOne Bancorp’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents are available free of charge at the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The accounting and reporting policies followed by ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) conform, in all material respects, to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management has made estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the consolidated statements of condition and for the periods indicated in the consolidated statements of operations. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The Company’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of financial condition and results of operations. The Company has identified the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses, the other-than-temporary impairment evaluation of securities, the evaluation of the impairment of goodwill and the evaluation of deferred tax assets to be critical because management must make subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available. Additional information on these policies is provided below.

Allowance for loan and lease losses and Related Provision

The allowance for loan and lease losses represents management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, individual credit situation and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the consolidated statements of condition.

The evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses includes, among other factors, an analysis of historical loss rates by loan category applied to current loan totals. However, actual loan and lease losses may be higher or lower than historical trends, which vary. Actual losses on specified problem loans, which also are provided for in the evaluation, may vary from estimated loss percentages, which are established based upon a limited number of potential loss classifications.

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42




The allowance for loan and lease losses is established through a provision for loan and lease losses charged to expense. Management believes that the current allowance for loan and lease losses will be adequate to absorb loan and lease losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible based on the evaluation of known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. The evaluation takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and size of the portfolio, overall portfolio quality, and specific problem loans and current economic conditions which may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay. The evaluation also details historical losses by loan category and the resulting loan and lease loss rates which are projected for current loan total amounts. Loss estimates for specified problem loans are also detailed. All of the factors considered in the analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses may be subject to change. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provisions for loan and lease losses may be required that could materially adversely impact earnings in future periods. Additional information can be found in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investment Securities

Investment securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when market conditions warrant such an evaluation, to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. FASB ASC 320-10-65 clarifies the interaction of the factors that should be considered when determining whether a debt security is other–than-temporarily impaired. For debt securities, management assesses whether (a) it has the intent to sell the security and (b) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to its anticipated recovery.

In instances when a determination is made that an other-than-temporary impairment exists but the investor does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security prior to its anticipated recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to a decrease in cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security (the credit loss) and (b) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Fair Value of Investment Securities

FASB ASC 820-10-35 clarifies the application of the provisions of FASB ASC 820-10-05 in an inactive market and how an entity would determine fair value in an inactive market. The Company applies the guidance in FASB ASC 820-10-35 when determining fair value for the Company’s private label collateralized mortgage obligations, pooled trust preferred securities and single name corporate trust preferred securities. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

FASB ASC 820-10-65 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 820-10-05 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This ASC also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.

Goodwill

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB ASC 350-10, which requires that goodwill be reported separate from other intangible assets in the Consolidated Statements of Condition and not be amortized but rather tested for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. No impairment charge was deemed necessary.

Income Taxes

The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns.

Fluctuations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could impact the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 includes additional discussion on the accounting for income taxes.

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43




Operating Results Overview

On July 1, 2014, the merger of equals with Center Bancorp, Inc. and legacy ConnectOne was completed (the “Merger”). Accordingly, third quarter 2015 and 2014 results reflect the operations of the combined entity, whereas, historical financial information prior to July 1, 2014 includes only the operations of Center Bancorp, Inc., the legal and accounting acquirer in the transaction. On July 1, 2014, the combined company changed its name to ConnectOne.

Net income available to common stockholders for both the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 amounted to $10.8$10.4 million, compared to $1.7 million for the comparable three-month period ended September 30, 2014. The Company’sor $0.34 per diluted earnings per share were $0.36 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.06 for the same three months of 2014. Two significant items negatively impacted 2014 pre-tax results: (i) $8.8 million in merger-related expenses and (ii) $4.6 million loss on extinguishment of debt.share.

Net income available to common stockholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $31.7 million compared to $10.5 million for the comparable nine-month period ended September 30, 2014. The Company’s diluted earnings per share were $1.04 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.49 for the first nine months of 2014. Two significant items negatively impacted 2014 pre-tax results: (i) $10.6 million in merger-related expenses and (ii) $4.6 million loss on extinguishment of debt.

Net Interest Income and Margin

Net interest income is the difference between the interest earned on the portfolio of earning assets (principally loans and investments) and the interest paid for deposits and borrowings, which support these assets. Net interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis by adjusting tax-exempt income (primarily interest earned on obligations of state and political subdivisions) by the amount of income tax which would have been paid had the assets been invested in taxable issues. Net interest margin is defined as net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis as a percentage of total average interest-earning assets.

Net interest income is the difference between the interest earned on the portfolio of earning assets (principally loans and investments) and the interest paid for deposits and borrowings, which support these assets. Net interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis by adjusting tax-exempt income (primarily interest earned on obligations of state and political subdivisions) by the amount of income tax which would have been paid had the assets been invested in taxable issues. Net interest margin is defined as net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis as a percentage of total average interest-earning assets.

Fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) net interest income for the thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 was $30.4$32.0 million, an increase of $2.2$3.1 million, or 7.9%10.7%, from the same quarter of 2014.2015. This was a result of a 12.8%17.2% increase in average interest-earning assets due to significant organic loan growth, partially offset by a 1623 basis-point contraction inof the net interest margin. Included in net interest income was accretion and amortization of purchase accounting adjustments of $1.3 million during the thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 and $2.9$1.8 million in the thirdsame quarter of 2014.2015. Excluding these purchase accounting adjustments, the adjusted net interest margin was 3.35%3.31% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2015, 62016, 15 basis points higherlower than the 2014 third2015 first quarter adjusted net interest margin of 3.29%3.46%. The improvementreduction in the adjusted net interest margin in the thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 versus the same 20142015 period was primarily attributable to an improved mix of interest earning assets arising from a greater proportion of average loans in third quarter of 2015 along with a reduction in the average rate paid on borrowings, which resulted from a $70 million debt extinguishment and subsequent refinancing accomplished at the end of the third quarter of 2014.

FTE net interest income for the first nine months of 2015 was $88.6 million, an increase of $36.0 million, from the same period of 2014. This was a result of a 63.3% increase in average interest-earning assets, due primarily to the Merger and, to a lesser extent, strong organic growth, coupled with a 10 basis-point widening in the net interest margin. Included in net interest income was accretion and amortization of purchase accounting adjustments of $4.7 million during the first nine months of 2015 and $2.9 million for the first nine months of 2014. Excluding these purchase accounting adjustments, the adjusted net interest margin was 3.41% in the first nine months of 2015, 11 basis points higher than the same prior-year period. The improvement in the adjusted net interest margin in 2015 versus 2014 was attributable to a decline in yield on loans combined with an improved mixincrease in overall funding rates. The decline in loan yields largely reflects the impact of a protracted low interest earning assets (specifically, a greater proportionrate environment, while the increase in the cost of higher yielding loansfunds was due to the June 30, 2015 issuance of approximately $50 million in subordinated debt, the extension of liability duration in connection with interest rate risk management, and a lower proportionthe impact of lower-yielding securities) arising primarily from the Merger.an increasingly competitive environment for deposits.

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44




Average Statements of Condition with Interest and Average Rates

The following tables, “Average Statements of Condition with Interest and Average Rates”, present for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, the Company’s average assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity. The Company’s net interest income, net interest spread and net interest margin are also reflected.

Average Statements of Condition with Interest and Average Rates

Three Months Ended March 31,
20162015
 Three Months Ended September 30, InterestInterest
 2015  2014 AverageIncome/AverageAverageIncome/Average
 Average
Balance
  Interest
Income/
Expense
  Average
Rate (7)
  Average
Balance
  Interest
Income/
Expense
  Average
Rate (7)
     Balance    Expense    Rate (7)    Balance    Expense    Rate (7)
 (dollars in thousands) (dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:                        
Investment securities (1) (2) $483,677  $4,055   3.33% $520,568  $4,372   3.33%$415,481$3,499     3.39%$509,931$4,268     3.39%
Loans (2) (3) (4)  2,863,708   32,446   4.50%  2,344,410   28,218   4.78%3,189,57235,2064.442,571,55229,4534.65
Federal funds sold and interest bearing with banks90,7121340.5976,138 430.23
Restricted investment in bank stocks  66,867   297   4.38%  163,471   265   4.98%33,1933524.2625,2732203.54
Federal funds sold and interest bearing with banks  26,899   43   0.26%  21,107   88   0.21%
Total interest-earning assets  3,441,151   36,841   4.25%  3,049,556   32,943   4.29%3,728,95839,1914.233,182,89433,9844.33
Allowance for loan and lease losses  (18,157)          (11,250)        (27,221)(14,749)
Noninterest earning assets  306,509           312,293         332,638298,675
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $3,729,503          $3,350,599         
Total assets$4,034,375$3,466,820
                        
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Money market deposits $710,767  $794   0.44% $698,686  $677   0.38%$782,757$8120.42$707,474$7220.41
Savings deposits  220,481   146   0.26%  233,041   144   0.25%215,4911570.29222,6131620.29
Time deposits  787,262   2,391   1.20%  676,291   1,474   0.86%807,8012,5351.26688,9891,8181.07
Other interest-bearing deposits  352,156   324   0.37%  375,041   429   0.45%377,6964350.46349,6283230.37
Total interest-bearing deposits  2,070,666   3,655   0.70%  1,983,059   2,724   0.54%2,183,7453,9390.731,968,7043,0250.62
                        
Borrowings  544,774   1,944   1.42%  430,238   1,988   1.83%684,4692,4131.42534,0521,9681.49
Capital lease  2,933   44   5.95%  3,044   45   5.87%2,874436.022,989456.10
Subordinated debentures  55,155   816   5.87%  5,155   40   3.08%
Subordinated debentures (8)55,1558115.915,155403.14
Total interest-bearing liabilities  2,673,528   6,459   0.96%  2,421,496   4,797   0.79%2,926,2437,2060.992,510,9005,0780.82
                        
Demand deposits  560,129           465,369         609,312481,500
Other liabilities  24,164           17,349         16,31720,200
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities  584,293           482,718         625,629501,700
Stockholders’ equity  471,682           446,385         482,503454,220
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $3,729,503          $3,350,599         $  4,034,375$  3,466,820
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)      30,382           28,146     31,98528,906 
Net interest spread (5)          3.29%          3.50%3.24%3.51%
Net interest margin (6)          3.50%          3.66%3.45%3.68%
Tax equivalent adjustment      (655)          (600)    (665)(614)
Net interest income     $29,727          $27,546     $  31,320$  28,292
                        

(1)Average balances are based on amortized cost.
(2)Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using 35% federal tax rate.
(3)Includes loan fee income.
(4)Loans include nonaccrual loans.
(5)Represents difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average cost of interest bearing liabilities and is presented on a tax equivalent basis.
(6)Represents net interest income on a tax equivalent basis divided by average total interest-earning assetsassets.
(7)Rates are annualized.

44

(8)Amount does not reflect netting of debt issuance costs of $763 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
 
45



Average Statements of Condition with Interest and Average Rates

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2015  2014 
  Average
Balance
  Interest
Income/
Expense
  Average
Rate (7)
  Average
Balance
  Interest
Income/
Expense
  Average
Rate (7)
 
  (dollars in thousands) 
Interest-earning assets:                        
Investment securities (1) (2) $496,375  $12,442   3.35% $513,221  $13,441   3.50%
Loans (2) (3) (4)  2,709,332   92,279   4.55%  1,437,381   48,969   4.55%
Federal funds sold and interest bearing with banks  65,663   127   0.26%  13,146   408   4.15%
Restricted investment in bank stock  26,385   797   4.04%  55,089   88   0.21%
Total interest-earning assets  3,297,755   105,645   4.28%  2,018,837   62,906   4.17%
Allowance for loan and lease losses  (16,469)          (10,791)        
Noninterest earning assets  302,316           226,410         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $3,583,602          $2,234,456         
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Money market deposits $692,919  $2,204   0.43% $509,212  $1,771   0.46%
Savings deposits  220,639   465   0.28%  185,986   394   0.28%
Time deposits  742,037   6,339   1.14%  342,177   2,205   0.86%
Other interest-bearing deposits  349,626   972   0.37%  358,482   973   0.36%
Total interest-bearing deposits  2,005,221   9,980   0.67%  1,395,857   5,343   0.51%
                         
Borrowings  548,013   6,022   1.47%  243,597   4,752   2.61%
Capital lease  2,961   134   6.05%  1,026   45   5.87%
Subordinated debentures  22,188   904   5.45%  5,155   117   3.03%
Total interest-bearing liabilities  2,578,383   17,040   0.88%  1,645,635   10,257   0.83%
                         
Demand deposits  514,936           307,249         
Other liabilities  26,917           15,018         
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities  541,853           322,267         
Stockholders’ equity  463,366           266,374         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $3,583,602          $2,234,276         
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)      88,605           52,649     
Net interest spread (5)          3.40%          3.34%
Net interest margin (6)          3.59%          3.49%
Tax equivalent adjustment      (1,908)          (1,829)    
Net interest income     $86,697          $50,820     

(1)Average balances are based on amortized cost.
(2)Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using 35% federal tax rate.
(3)Includes loan fee income.
(4)Loans include nonaccrual loans.
(5)Represents difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average cost of interest bearing liabilities and is presented on a tax equivalent basis.
(6)Represents net interest income on a tax equivalent basis divided by average total interest-earning assets
(7)Rates are annualized.

45

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income totaled $3.8$1.2 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2015, an increase2016, a decrease of $2.6$0.4 million from $1.2$1.6 million in the comparable prior-year quarter. The increase was due to an increase in net gains on saleThere were no securities sold during the first quarter of investment securities of $1.9 million and a fee of approximately $0.7 million collected in satisfaction of an equity participation in a certain credit extension. Net securities2016. Securities gains were $2.1 million and $0.1$0.5 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

2015.

Noninterest income includes bank-owned life insurance income, deposit and loan fees, annuities and life insurance commissions, and gains on sales of residential mortgages in the secondary market and represents a relatively small portion of the Bank’s total revenue. Although management intends to continue its strategy of de-emphasizing service charges in order to attract new and retain existing clients, it expects fee income to increase modestly in future periods.

Noninterest income totaled $8.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $3.4 million from $5.4 million in the comparable prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to an insurance recovery of $2.2 million and an increase of $0.7 million in net securities gains.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expenses for the thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 were $13.3$14.4 million, a $12.1$1.7 million, or 47.6%, decrease from $25.4 million in the third quarter of 2014, and were $40.9 million for the first nine months of 2015, a $1.3 million, or 3.3%13.6%, increase from $39.6$12.6 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2014.2015. The factors contributingincrease was largely attributable to the decreasea $1.0 million increase in the quarterly comparison were merger expenses of $8.8 million and debt extinguishment charges of $4.6 million incurred in 2014, offset by increases of $0.6 million in salariessalary and employee benefits, expenses, $0.3$0.2 million in professional and consulting expensesexpense, $0.2 in occupancy and equipment expense, and $0.1 million in occupancy and equipment expenses. The factors contributing to the increase in the year-to-date comparison were increases, due to the merger and organic growth, in salary and employee benefits expenses of $7.3 million, occupancy charges of $2.1 million and all other expenses, including data processing, all resulting from increased levels of business and consulting fees, of $4.7 million, partially offset by decreases in merger expenses of $10.6 million and debt extinguishment charges of $4.6 million.staff resulting from organic growth.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $5.2 million and $15.3$4.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively,first quarter of 2016, compared with $0.3 million and $3.9to $5.0 million for the threefirst quarter of 2015, resulting in effective tax rates of 31.5% and nine months ended September 30, 2014,32.6% for the first quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2015, respectively.The effective tax rates were 32.5% for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, compared with 12.5% and 26.8%,rate for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively. The lower effective tax rates in 2014 were duefull year 2016 is currently expected to a relatively lower level of taxable income compared with 2015, primarily due to merger charges.

be approximately 31.5%.

Financial Condition

Loan Portfolio

Commercial lending is the Company’s primary business activity. The Company’s loan portfolio consists of commercial, residential and consumer loans, serving the diverse client base in its market area. The composition of the Company’s portfolio remains relatively constant but can change due to factors such as the economic climate, the level and fluctuations in interest rates, real estate values and employment metrics. Organic growth (i.e., growth other than through mergers and acquisitions) is generated through business development, repeat client requests for new financings, penetration into existing markets and entry into new markets.

The Company seeks to create growth in commercial lending by offering client-focused products, competitive pricing and by capitalizing on the positive trends in its market area. Products offered are designed to meet the financial requirements of the Company’s clients. It is the objective of the Company’s credit policies to diversify the commercial loan portfolio to limit concentrations in any single segment.

46

The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio, excluding loans held for sale and unearned net origination fees and costs, by type of loan at the periodsindicated.periodsindicated.

Dollar
 September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014  Dollar
Change
 March 31, 2016December 31, 2015Change
 Amount  %  Amount  %  2015 vs. 2014     Amount    %    Amount    %    2016 vs. 2015
 (dollars in thousands) (dollars in thousands)
Commercial $569,605   19.3% $499,816   19.7% $69,789 $601,70818.4%$570,11618.4%$31,592
                    
Commercial real estate  1,873,714   63.4   1,634,510   64.4   239,204 2,028,30162.11,966,69663.461,605
                    
Commercial construction  283,623   9.6   167,359   6.6   116,264  402,59412.3 328,838 10.6 73,756
                    
Residential real estate  225,158   7.6   234,967   9.2   (9,809) 231,319 7.1 233,6907.5 (2,371)
                    
Consumer  3,569   0.1   2,879   0.1   690 1,8510.12,4540.1(603)
                    
Gross loans $2,955,669   100.0% $2,539,531   100.0% $416,138 $    3,265,773    100.0%$    3,101,794    100.0%$163,979
                    

46



At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, total gross loans amounted to $3.0$3.3 billion, an increase of $0.4$0.2 billion, or 16.4%5.3%, as compared to December 31, 2014.2015. Net loan growth was primarily attributable to multi-family ($165 million),32 million, excluding a $28 million loan reclassified during the current quarter as multi-family from other commercial real estate ($74 million)estate), commercial and industrial (“C&I”) ($7032 million), other commercial real estate ($29 million, excluding the aforementioned reclassification) and construction ($11674 million). Management’s current intent is to maintain a multi-family portfolio concentration in the range of 25-30% of total loans, while growing the C&I and construction segments. The growth in loans was funded with increases in deposits, borrowings and subordinated debt.

At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, acquired loans remaining in the loan portfolio totaled $0.9$0.8 billion, compared to $1.2$0.9 billion as of December 31, 2014.2015.

Allowance for Loan and leaseLease Losses and relatedRelated Provision

The purpose of the allowance for loan and lease losses (the “ALLL”) is to establish a valuation allowance for probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. Additions to the ALLL are made through provisions charged against current operations and through recoveries made on loans previously charged off. The ALLL is maintained at an amount considered adequate by management to provide for probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio based upon historical losses and a periodic evaluation of external and portfolio risk factors. In establishing an appropriate ALLL, an assessment of the individual borrowers, a determination of the value of the underlying collateral, a review of historical loss experience and an analysis of the levels and trends of loan categories, delinquencies and problem loans are considered. Such factors as the level and trend of interest rates and current economic conditions and peer group statistics are also reviewed. The Company’s analysis of its ALLL also takes into consideration the potential impact that current trends may have on the Company’s borrower base.

Although management uses the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan and lease losses remains an estimate, which is subject to significant judgment and short-term change. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses. Such agencies may require the Company to increase the ALLL based on their analysis of information available to them at the time of their examination. Furthermore, the majority of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate in the State of New Jersey. Future adjustments to the ALLL may be necessary due to economic factors impacting New Jersey real estate and the economy in general, as well as operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond the Company’s control.

At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the allowance was $21.5$29.1 million as compared to $14.2$26.6 million at December 31, 2014.2015. Provisions to the allowance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 totaled $4.2$3.0 million, and $7.6 million, respectively, compared to $1.3 and $2.2 million$1.8 for the same periodsperiod in 2014.2015. The increase to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 primarily resulted from approximately $2.0$1.5 million in additional provisioning relatedof specific allocations to the Bank’s taxi cab medallion loan portfolio, and the remainderpartially offset by a reduced level of the increase reflects higher organic loan growth.non-Taxi specific allocations. See “Asset Quality” for a discussion of the taxi cab medallion portfolio. There were $122$498 thousand and $177 thousandin net charge-offs during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively,March 31, 2016, compared to $7 thousand and $424$52 thousand in net charge-offs for the three month and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.March 31, 2015. The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans amounted to 0.73%0.89% at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 compared to 0.56%0.86% at December 31, 20142015 and 0.50%0.60% at September 30, 2014.

March 31, 2015.

The level of the allowance for the respective periods of 20152016 and 20142015 reflects the credit quality within the loan portfolio, the loan volume recorded during the periods, the changing composition of the commercial and residential real estate loan portfolios and other related factors. In management’s view, the level of the ALLL at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 is adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Management’s judgment regarding the adequacy of the allowance constitutes a “Forward-Looking Statement” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from management’s analysis, based principally upon the factors considered by management in establishing the allowance.

47

47



Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses are presented in the following table for the periods indicated.

Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2016     2015
(dollars in thousands)
Average loans for the period$      3,189,572$      2,571,552
Loans receivable at end of period$3,263,813$2,640,739
  
Analysis of the Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Balance - beginning of year$26,572$14,160
Charge-offs:
              Commercial(445)(45)
              Commercial real estate-(4)
              Residential real estate(67)-
              Consumer-(11)
       Total charge-offs(512)(60)
Recoveries:
              Commercial16
              Commercial real estate 13-
              Residential real estate -1
              Consumer- 1
       Total recoveries14 8
Net charge-offs(498)(52)
Provision for loan and lease losses3,0001,825
Balance - end of period$29,074$15,933
Ratio of annualized net charge-offs during the period to average loans during the period0.06%0.01%
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percent of total loans0.89%0.60%

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2015  2014 
  (dollars in thousands) 
Average loans for the period $2,709,332  $1,437,381 
Loans receivable at end of period  2,953,381   2,426,765 
         
Analysis of the Allowance for loan and lease losses:        
Balance - beginning of year $14,160  $10,333 
Charge-offs:        
Commercial  (100)  (333)
Commercial real estate  (406)   
Residential real estate     (108)
Consumer  (13)  (7)
Total charge-offs  (519)  (448)
Recoveries:        
Commercial  12    
Commercial real estate  327   11 
Residential real estate  2   13 
Consumer  1    
Total recoveries  342   24 
Net charge-offs  (177)  (424)
Provision for loan and lease losses  7,550   2,209 
Balance - end of period $21,533  $12,118 
Ratio of annualized net charge-offs during the period to average loans during the period  0.01%  0.04%
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percent of total loans  0.73%  0.50%

Asset Quality

The Company manages asset quality and credit risk by maintaining diversification in its loan portfolio and through review processes that include analysis of credit requests and ongoing examination of outstanding loans, delinquencies, and potential problem loans, with particular attention to portfolio dynamics and mix. The Company strives to identify loans experiencing difficulty early enough to correct the problems, to record charge-offs promptly based on realistic assessments of current collateral values and cash flows, and to maintain an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses at all times.

It is generally the Company’s policy to discontinue interest accruals once a loan is past due as to interest or principal payments for a period of ninety days. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest accruals cease and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are generally applied against principal. A loan may be restored to an accruing basis when all past due amounts have been collected. Loans past due 90 days or more which are both well-secured and in the process of collection may remain on an accrual basis.

Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned. Nonaccrual loans represent loans on which interest accruals have been suspended. In general, it is the policy of management to consider the charge-off of uncollectible amounts of loans at the point they become past due 90 days. Performing troubled debt restructured loans represent loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties on which a concession was granted, such as a reduction in interest rate below the current market rate for new debt with similar risks or modified repayment terms, and are performing under the restructured terms.

48



The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, the amount of the Company’s nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing,(“OREO”), performing troubled debt restructuredrestructurings (“TDRs”) and loans past due 90 days and the carrying amount of the purchased-credit impaired loans. still accruing:

  September 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
 
  (in thousands) 
Nonaccrual loans $12,888  $11,609 
Other real estate owned  3,244   1,108 
Total nonperforming assets $16,132  $12,717 
         
Performing troubled debt restructured loans $77,090  $1,763 
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing  268   1,211 
Purchased-credit impaired loans (carrying amount)  9,168   9,821 

March 31,December 31,
     2016     2015
Nonaccrual loans$21,450$20,737
OREO1,6962,549
Total nonperforming assets$23,146$23.286
Performing TDRs $     95,122 $     85,925
Loans past due 90 days and still  
       accruing$6,631$-
  
Nonaccrual loans to total loans
       receivable0.66%0.67%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.57%0.58%
Nonperforming assets, performing
       TDRs, and loans past due 90 days
       and still accruing to total loans
       receivable3.83%3.52%

The increase in TDRs was primarily due to 47six loans secured by NYCNew York City taxi medallions totaling $75.4$8.0 million that were modified in troubled debt restructurings during the secondfirst quarter of 2015. The2016. Four of these modifications consisted of a deferral of principal amortization from approximately 25-30 year amortization to interest-only. There was no extensionshort-term extensions of the loans’ contractual maturity dates at the pre-existing contractual rate and the loans’in two of these modifications interest rates were increaseddecreased from approximately 3%-3.25% to 3.75%1.3%-1.6%. There was no forgiveness of principal and the average remaining maturity of the loans was approximately 23 months at the time of modification. These six loans were accruing prior to modification, andwhile five remained in accrual status post-modification.

As of March 31, 2016, loans secured by New York City taxi medallions totaled $103.2 million, of which $99.9 million was current and $1.4 million was past due 30-59 days. Troubled debt restructurings associated with this portfolio totaled $86.4 million and total nonaccrual loans were $1.9 million. The $2.0Company has allocated $6.0 million in specific allocations associated with taxirespect to loans whose loan terms had been modified in troubled debt restructurings as of March 31, 2016. The average net loan-to-value ratio of the medallion lending referred toportfolio was approximately 92%, based on the Company’s valuation of the medallions discussed below.

The $6.0 million in specific allocations referenced above waswere calculated based on the present value of estimated cash flows, including contractual debt interest service through maturity, and principal repayments based on the fair value of the collateral and excludesexcluding any consideration for the personal guarantees of borrowers, which providesprovide an additional source of repayment but cannot be relied upon. The valuation per corporate medallion used for the calculation at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 was $814,000. Aapproximately $775,000. An additional $1.5 million specific allocation was required at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 due to a decline in the Company’s estimated valuation of taxi medallions from June 30,December 31, 2015, when therethe specific allocation was no specific reserve.$4.5 million.

As of September 30, 2015, taxi medallion loans, all of which are secured by New York City taxi medallions, totaled $103.3 million, and were 100% current as to principal and interest.  The average loan-to-value ratio, assuming current estimated values was approximately 92.7%.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, “special mention” loans, which include acceptable credit quality loans which possess higher riskcharacteristics than satisfactory assets, increased from $19.3 million, or 0.8% of total loans, at December 31, 2014 to $105.7 million, or 3.6% of total loans, at September 30, 2015.  The increase in “special mention” loans was due to downgrades of specific credits in both the commercial and commercial real estate segments of the loan portfolio.  The commercial loans were downgraded due to $75.4 million of taxi medallion loans being classified as troubled debt restructurings during the second quarter of 2015.

Investment Portfolio

At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the principal components of the investment securities portfolio were U.S. Treasury and agency obligations, federal agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions, corporate bonds and notes, trust preferred securities, asset backed securities and equity securities.

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015, approximately $44.4 million inMarch 31, 2016, no investment securities were sold from the available-for-sale portfolio. The cash flow from the sale of investment securities was primarily used to fund loan growth.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, average investment securities decreased $36.9$94.5 million to approximately $483.7$415.5 million, or 14.1%11.1% of average interest-earning assets, from $520.6$509.9 million on average, or 17.1%16.0% of average interest-earning assets, for the comparable period in 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, average investment securities decreased $16.8 million to approximately $496.4 million, or 15.1% of average interest-earning assets, from $513.2 million on average, or 25.4% of average interest-earnings assets, for the comparable period in 2014.

2015.

At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, net unrealized gains on investment securities available-for-sale, which are carried as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and included in stockholders’ equity, net of tax, amounted to $2.5$1.3 million as compared with net unrealized gains of $4.9$0.7 million at December 31, 2014.2015. At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities held-to-maturity that were transferred from securities available-for-sale, are carried, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and included in stockholders’ equity. The gross unrealized losses associated with agency securities and federal agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds and tax-exempt securities are not considered to be other-than-temporary because their unrealized losses are related to changes in interest rates and do not affect the expected cash flows of the underlying collateral or issuer.

49



Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

The principal objective of our asset and liability management function is to evaluate the interest-rate risk included in certain balance sheet accounts; determine the level of risk appropriate given our business focus, operating environment, and capital and liquidity requirements; establish prudent asset concentration guidelines; and manage the risk consistent with Board approved guidelines. We seek to reduce the vulnerability of our operations to changes in interest rates, and actions in this regard are taken under the guidance of the Bank’s Asset Liability Committee (the “ALCO”). The ALCO generally reviews our liquidity, cash flow needs, maturities of investments, deposits and borrowings, and current market conditions and interest rates.

We currently utilize net interest income simulation and economic value of equity (“EVE”) models to measure the potential impact to the Bank of future changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 20142015 the results of the models were within guidelines prescribed by our Board of Directors. If model results were to fall outside prescribed ranges, action, including additional monitoring and reporting to the Board, would be required by the ALCO and Bank’s management.

49

The net interest income simulation model attempts to measure the change in net interest income over the next one-year period, and over the next three-year period on a cumulative basis, assuming certain changes in the general level of interest rates.

Based on our model, which was run as of September 30,March 31, 2016, we estimated that over the next one-year period a 200 basis-point instantaneous increase in the general level of interest rates would increase our net interest income by 5.82%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous decrease in interest rates would decrease net interest income by 3.51%. As of December 31, 2015, we estimated that over the next one-year period, a 200 basis-point instantaneous increase in the general level of interest rates would increase our net interest income by 3.84%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous decrease in interest rates would decrease net interest income by 3.78%.   As of December 31, 2014, we estimated that over the next one-year period, a 200 basis-point instantaneous increase in the general level of interest rates would increase our net interest income by 0.29%5.65%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous decrease in the general level of interest rates would decrease our net interest income by 3.41%3.62%.

Based on our model, which was run as of September 30,March 31, 2016, we estimated that over the next three years, on a cumulative basis, a 200 basis-point instantaneous increase in the general level of interest rates would increase our net interest income by 6.91%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous decrease in interest rates would decrease net interest income by 5.29%. As of December 31, 2015, we estimated that over the next three years, on a cumulative basis, a 200 basis-point instantaneous increase in the general level of interest rates would increase our net interest income by 5.36%6.66%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous decrease in interest rates would decrease net interest income by 6.41%5.59%.   As of December 31, 2014, we estimated that over the next three years, on a cumulative basis, a 200 basis-point instantaneous increase in the general level of interest rates would increase our net interest income by 2.76%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous decrease in interest rates would decrease net interest income by 6.54%.

An EVE analysis is also used to dynamically model the present value of asset and liability cash flows with instantaneous rate shocks of up 200 basis points and down 100 basis points. The economic value of equity is likely to be different as interest rates change. Our EVE as of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, would decline by 10.95%10.32% with an instantaneous rate shock of up 200 basis points, and increase by 10.62%5.3% with an instantaneous rate shock of down 100 basis points. Our EVE as of December 31, 2014,2015, would decline by 15.02%9.65% with an instantaneous rate shock of up 200 basis points, and increase by 13.65%8.20% with an instantaneous rate shock of down 100 basis points.

Estimated Change in
Interest RatesEstimatedEVEInterest RatesEstimatedEstimated Change in NII
(basis points)     EVE     Amount     %     (basis points)     NII     Amount     %
+300 $368,986 $(70,461) (16.0)%+300 $132,218$10,5038.6%
+200394,087(45,360)(10.3)+200128,7947,0795.8
+100417,015(22,432)(5.1)+100125,0823,3672.8
0439,447-0.00121,715-0.0
-100462,79223,3455.3-100117,437(4,278)(3.5)

Interest Rates  Estimated  Estimated change in EVE  Estimated  Estimated change in NII 
(basis points)  EVE  Amount  %  NII  Amount  % 
+300  $357,062  $(77,571)  (17.8)% $124,943  $7,230   6.1%
+200   387,045   (47,588)  (10.9)  122,227   4,514   3.8 
+100   412,208   (22,425)  (5.2)  119,609   1,896   1.6 
0   434,633      0.0   117,713      0.0 
-100   480,809   46,176   10.6   113,259   (4,454)  (3.8)

Estimates of Fair Value

The estimation of fair value is significant to a number of the Company’s assets, including loans held for sale and investment securities available-for-sale. These are all recorded at either fair value or the lower of cost or fair value. Fair values are volatile and may be influenced by a number of factors. Circumstances that could cause estimates of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities to change include a change in prepayment speeds, discount rates, or market interest rates. Fair values for most available-for-sale investment securities are based on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic condition risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

50



Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The financial statements and notes thereto presented elsewhere herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of operations; unlike most industrial companies, nearly all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are monetary. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

50

Liquidity

Liquidity is a measure of a bank’s ability to fund loans, withdrawals or maturities of deposits, and other cash outflows in a cost-effective manner. Our principal sources of funds are deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal, maturities of investment securities, and funds provided by operations. While scheduled loan payments and maturing investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flow and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the amount of liquid assets remained at a level management deemed adequate to ensure that, on a short and long-term basis, contractual liabilities, depositors’ withdrawal requirements, and other operational and client credit needs could be satisfied. As of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, liquid assets (cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks and unencumbered investment securities) were $466.5$368.2 million, which represented 12.2%9.0% of total assets and 17.5%10.4% of total deposits and borrowings, compared to $416.4$466.5 million at December 31, 2014,2015, which represented 12.1%11.6% of total assets and 14.0%13.5% of total deposits and borrowings on such date.

The decrease in the current period was mainly attributable to a reduction in cash balances of $82.6 million at March 31, 2016 from December 31, 2015.

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and, based on available qualified collateral as of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, had the ability to borrow $1.6 billion. In addition, at September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the Bank had in place borrowing capacity of $37 million through correspondent banks. The Bank also has a credit facility established with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for direct discount window borrowings with capacity based on pledged collateral of $94$67.3 million. At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the Bank had aggregate available and unused credit of $686.3$696.4 million, which represents the aforementioned facilities totaling $1.3 billion net of $606$631 million in outstanding borrowings. At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, outstanding commitments for the Bank to extend credit were $589$584 million.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $158.5$118.3 million on September 30, 2015, increasingMarch 31, 2016, decreasing by $31.7$82.6 million from $126.8$200.9 million at December 31, 2014.2015. Operating activities provided $36.2$7.3 million in net cash. Investing activities used $366.3$153.6 million in net cash, primarily reflecting an increase in loans, which was offset in part by cash flow from the securities portfolio.loans. Financing activities provided $361.7$63.6 million in net cash, primarily reflecting a net increase of $191.0$102.2 million in deposits, $50.0aredemption of $11.3 million from the repayment of new subordinated debt,preferred stock, and a net increasedecrease of $142.1$25.0 million in borrowings (consisting of $625.0$50.0 million in new borrowings offset by repayments of $482.9$75.0 million). Borrowing activity was significantly higher during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 when compared to the same period of 2014 due to the Merger and continued growth in our lending operations.

Deposits

Deposits

Total deposits increased by $191.0$102.1 million, or 7.7%3.7% to $2.6$2.9 billion at September 30, 2015.March 31, 2016, which was primarily attributable to increases intime deposits, interest-bearing demand and money market, offset by a decrease in non-interest-bearing demand. The following table sets forth the composition of our deposit base by the periodsindicated.

Dollar
March 31, 2016December 31, 2015Change
     Amount     %     Amount     %     2016 vs. 2015
(dollars in thousands)
Demand, noninterest-bearing$614,50821.2%$650,77523.3%$(36,267)
Demand, interest-bearing & NOW517,80917.9490,38017.627,429
Money market678,22223.5658,69523.619,527
Savings219,8657.6216,3997.83,466
Time862,66729.8774,71727.787,950
       Total deposits$     2,893,071     100.0%$     2,790,966     100.0%$     102,105

51



  September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014  Dollar
Change
 
  Amount  %  Amount  %  2015 vs. 2014 
  (dollars in thousands) 
Noninterest-bearing demand $586,643   22.0% $492,515   19.9% $94,129 
                     
Interest-bearing demand  334,018   12.5   365,550   14.8   (31,533)
                     
Savings Deposits  220,199   8.3   224,638   9.1   (4,439)
                     
Money market deposits  743,277   27.9   723,505   29.2   19,772 
                     
Time Deposits  782,487   29.3   669,399   27.0   113,088 
                     
Total deposits $2,666,624   100.0% $2,475,607   100.0% $191,017 

Subordinated Debentures

During December 2003, Center Bancorp Statutory Trust II, a statutory business trust and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent Corporation issued $5.0 million of MMCapS capital securities to investors due on January 23, 2034. The trust loaned the proceeds of this offering to the Company and received in exchange $5.2 million of the Parent Corporation’s subordinated debentures. The subordinated debentures are redeemable in whole or part. The floating interest rate on the subordinated debentures is three-month LIBOR plus 2.85% and re-pricesreprices quarterly. The rate at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 was 3.13%3.47%.

51

During June 2015, the Parent Corporation issued $50 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes (the “Notes”) to certain institutional accredited investors. The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes are expectedwere used by the Parent Corporation to be usedcontribute $35.0 million of common equity to redeem,the Bank on January 1,June 30, 2015, and to repay, on March 11, 2016, $11.3$11.25 million outstanding of its Senior Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred StockSBLF preferred issued in 2011 to the U.S. Treasury under the Small Business Lending Fund Program, andTreasury. Remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes, which included the Parent Corporation contributing $35 million of the net proceeds to the Bank in the form of common equity.purposes. The Notes are non-callable for five years, have a stated maturity of July 1, 2025, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.75% per year, from and including SeptemberJune 30, 2015 to, but excluding July 1, 2020. From and including July 1, 2020 to the maturity date or early redemption date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to a level equal to the then current three-month LIBOR rate plus 393 basis points.

Stockholders’ Equity

Total stockholders’ equity amounted to $471.1was $475 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $446.2March 31, 2016, a decrease of $3 million atfrom December 31, 2014.2015. The increasedecrease in total stockholders’ equity was primarily attributabledue to the $11.25 million payoff of our SBLF preferred stock, offset by an increase of $8 million in retained earnings of $24.9 million and approximately $2.3$1 million of equity issuance related to stock-based compensation, including the exercise of options, offset by a $2.3 million decrease in other comprehensive income (primarily $2.3 million in unrealized losses on available for sale securities and $0.7 million in unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, offset by $0.7 million in pension plan actuarial gains).options. Book value per common share was $15.23$15.74 at September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, compared to $14.65$15.49 at December 31, 2014.2015. Tangible book value (i.e., total stockholders’ equity less preferred stock, goodwill and other intangible assets) per common share was $10.26$10.78 at September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, compared to $9.57$10.51 at December 31, 2014.

2015.

Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure and represents tangible stockholders’ equity (or tangible book value) calculated on a per common share basis. The Company believes that a disclosure of tangible book value per share may be helpful for those investors who seek to evaluate the Company’s book value per share without giving effect to goodwill and other intangible assets. The following table presents a reconciliation of total book value per share to tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014.2015.

March 31,December 31,
     2016     2015
(in thousands, except for share data)
Stockholders’ equity$474,727$477,344
Less: Preferred stock  - 11,250
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets149,600 149,817
       Tangible common stockholders’ equity$325,127$316,277
  
Common stock outstanding at period end30,163,07830,085,663
  
Book value per common share$15.74$15.49
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets4.964.98
       Tangible book value per common share$10.78$10.51

  September 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
 
  (in thousands, except for share data) 
Stockholders’ equity $471,146  $446,219 
Less: Preferred stock  11,250   11,250 
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets  150,034   150,734 
Tangible common stockholders’ equity $309,862  $284,235 
         
Common stock outstanding at period end 30,197,619  29,694,636 
         
Book value per common share $15.23  $14.65 
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets  4.97   5.08 
Tangible book value per common share $10.26  $9.57 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company had no purchases of common stock associated with its stock buyback programs. At September 30, 2015, there were 652,868 shares available for repurchase under the Company’s stock buyback programs.

Regulatory Capital and Capital Adequacy

The maintenance of a solid capital foundation is a primary goal for the Company. Accordingly, capital plans and dividend policies are monitored on an ongoing basis. The Company’s objective with respect to the capital planning process is to effectively balance the retention of capital to support future growth with the goal of providing stockholders with an attractive long-term return on their investment.

The Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory guidelines establishing minimum capital standards that involve quantitative measures of assets, and certain off-balance sheet items, as risk-adjusted assets under regulatory accounting practices.

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The following is a summary of regulatory capital amounts and ratios as of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 for the Company and the Bank, compared with minimum capital adequacy requirements and the regulatory requirements for classification as a well-capitalized depository institution.institution (dollars in thousands).

To Be Well-Capitalized Under
For Capital AdequacyPrompt Corrective Action
ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.PurposesProvisions
At March 31, 2016    Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio
(dollars in thousands)
Tier 1 leverage capital$336,5888.66%$155,4504.00%N/AN/A
CET I risk-based ratio331,4339.06164,6194.50N/AN/A
Tier 1 risk-based capital336,5889.20219,4936.00N/AN/A
Total risk-based capital      415,66211.36      292,657      8.00N/AN/A
   
To Be Well-Capitalized Under
For Capital AdequacyPrompt Corrective Action
ConnectOne BankPurposesProvisions
At March 31, 2016AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio  
(dollars in thousands)
Tier 1 leverage capital$382,0639.83%$155,3984.00%$194,247  5.00%
CET I risk-based ratio382,06310.45164,5564.50237,9646.50
Tier 1 risk-based capital382,06310.45219,4086.00292,8798.00
Total risk-based capital411,13711.24292,5448.00366,099                 10.00

  ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.  For Capital Adequacy
Purposes
  To Be Well-Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective Action
Provisions
 
At September 30, 2015 Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
  (dollars in thousands) 
                        
Tier 1 leverage capital $331,649   9.26% $143,263   4.00%  N/A  N/A 
CET I risk-based ratio  315,244   9.33   151,990   4.50   N/A  N/A 
Tier 1 risk-based capital  331,649   9.82   202,653   6.00   N/A  N/A 
Total risk-based capital  403,182   11.94   270,204   8.00   N/A  N/A 
                        
  ConnectOne Bank  For Capital Adequacy
Purposes
  To Be Well-Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective Action
Provisions
 
At September 30, 2015 Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
  (dollars in thousands) 
                         
Tier 1 leverage capital $365,768   10.22% $143,215   4.00% $179,019   5.00%
CET I risk-based ratio  365,768   10.83   151,945   4.50   219,476   6.50%
Tier 1 risk-based capital  365,768   10.83   202,594   6.00   270,125   8.00%
Total risk-based capital  387,301   11.47   270,125   8.00   337,656   10.00%

N/A - not applicable

As of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, management believes that each of the Bank and the Company meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

The new Basel III

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”) provides rules require a forum“capital conservation buffer,” for regular cooperation on banking supervisory matters. Its objective is to enhance understanding of key supervisory issues and improveboth the quality of banking supervision worldwide. It seeks to do so by exchanging information on national supervisory issues, approaches and techniques, with a view to promoting common understanding. At times, the Basel Committee uses this common understanding to develop guidelines and supervisory standards in areas where they are considered desirable. In this regard, the Basel Committee is best known for its international standards on capital adequacy; the Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision;Company and the Concordat on cross-border banking supervision.

The Basel Committee released a comprehensive list of proposals for changes to capital, leverage, and liquidity requirements for banksBank. When fully phased in December 2009 (commonly referred to as “Basel III”).  In July 2010, the Basel Committee announced the design for its capital and liquidity reform proposals and in September 2010, the oversight body of the Basel Committee announced minimum capital ratios and transition periods.

In December 2010 and January 2011, the Basel Committee published the final texts of reforms on capital and liquidity generally referred to as “Basel III.” Although Basel III is intended to be implemented by participating countries for large, internationally active banks, its provisions have also been considered by United States banking regulators in developing new regulations applicable to other banks in the United States, including the Bank.

On July 9, 2013, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, along with the other U.S. bank regulatory agencies, approved a final rule revising regulatory capital rules applicable to banks, implementing Basel III. This rule redefines Tier 1 capital as two components (Common Equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1), creates a new capital ratio (Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio) and implements a capital conservation buffer. It also revises the prompt corrective action thresholds and makes changes to risk weighs for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures. Banks were required to transition into the new rule beginning on January 1, 2015. The new rules also include a one-time opportunity to opt-out2019, each of the changes to the treatment of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) components. By making the election to opt-out, an institution may continue to treat AOCI items in a manner consistent with risk-based capital rules in effect prior to January 1, 2015. The election, which cannot be reversed, must be made in the institution’s regulatory financial report for the period ending September 30, 2015. As of that time, the Company and the Bank electedwill be required to opt-outmaintain a 2.5% capital conservation buffer, above and beyond the capital levels otherwise required under applicable regulation. The implementation of this capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at a level of 0.625%, and will increase by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1 until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019. Under this guidance banking institutions with a CET1, Tier 1 Capital Ratio and Total Risk Based Capital Ratio above the minimum regulatory adequate capital ratios but below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on their ability to pay dividends, repurchase equity and pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers, based on the amount of the treatmentshortfall.

As of AOCI within Basel III.

March 31, 2016 both the Company and Bank satisfy the capital conservation buffer requirements applicable to them. The lowest ratio at the Company is the CET 1 Capital Ratio which was 2.565% above the minimum buffer ratio and, at the Bank, the lowest ratio was the Total Risk Based Capital Ratio which was 2.605% above the minimum buffer ratio.

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Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risks

Market Risk

Interest rate risk management is our primary market risk. See “Item"Item 2- Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation- Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis”Analysis" herein for a discussion of our management of our interest rate risk.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

a)Disclosure controls and procedures. As of the end of the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are not effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and are operating in an effective manner and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In the course of business, and from time to time, the Company modifies loans at the request of borrowers. Modifications that involve borrowers experiencing financial difficulties and that result in concessions regarding loan terms including reduced interest rates, deferral of principal and extension of maturities can be deemed troubled debt restructurings. We recently identified material weaknesses in our controls over the identification and measurement of troubled debt restructurings in our taxi medallion portfolio, which, due to loan size and structure, is underwritten using market and industry data, and did not contain individual loan information required to accurately assess whether or not a modification should be deemed a TDR.TDR and the measurement of impairment for such TDRs. Upon completion of the review, it was determined that $75.4 million carrying value of taxi medallion loans, which were originally deemed to not be TDRs, should have been deemed TDRs when they were modified in April 2015. None of the remaining $27.9 million taxi medallion loan portfolio have been modified.

b)Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. ThereWhen the material weaknesses were identified, we enhanced our internal controls concerning identification of all TDRs by (i) strengthening our policies and procedures, including requirements that we obtain and analyze current information on each individual borrower and (ii) enhancing oversight, monitoring and approval authorities, before agreeing to any modification of a borrower’s loan. We also enhanced our internal controls concerning measurement of TDR impairment with regard to taxi medallion loans by employing the services of a third-party firm specializing in the industry and implementing a control to evaluate the results of the third party. Despite these control enhancements, we cannot assert as of March 31, 2016 that our material weaknesses have been fully remediated, due to insufficient time to fully test these controls.

Other than as discussed above, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management is currently in the process of improving its controls with respect to identifying and measuring impairment of TDRs when loans are modified by reviewing and enhancing the financial documentation on an individual loan basis, calculating impairment based on objectively verifiable evidence and by strengthening management oversight.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is not subject to any legal proceedings, which could have a materially adverse impact on its results of operations and financial condition.

Item 1a. Risk Factors

In additionThere have been no changes to the risks inherent in our business from those described under Item 1A –Risk– Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, investors in our securities should consider the following additional information:10-K.

 

Due to the restatement of our Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, we have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures may not be effective.

 

As disclosed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, we recently identified material weaknesses in our controls over the identification and measurement of troubled debt restructurings in our taxi medallion portfolio, which, due to loan size and structure, is underwritten using market and industry data, and did not contain individual loan information required to accurately assess whether or not a modification should be deemed a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). Upon completion of the review, it was determined that $75.4 million in carrying value of taxi medallion loans, which were originally deemed to not be TDRs, should have been deemed TDRs when they were modified in April 2015. All of the modified loans are fully performing in accordance with their modified terms, and there have been no missed payments regarding any of the modified loans.

When such errors occur, we evaluate the impact on our disclosure controls and procedures, including our internal controls over financial reporting. Because our controls did not timely identify the modified loans as TDRs, we have concluded our disclosure controls and procedures, with regard to the identification of TDRs in our taxi medallion portfolio, are not effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Management is currently in the process of improving its controls with respect to identifying and measuring impairment of TDRs when loans are modified by reviewing and enhancing the financial documentation on an individual loan basis, calculating impairment based on objectively verifiable evidence and by strengthening management oversight. However, we can give you no assurances that we may not discover additional issues which make us conclude that our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective in the future, or that the failure of our disclosure controls and procedures may not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Changes in the value of New York City taxi medallions could have a material impact on our future reported results of operations, and could cause significant volatility in our reported results of operations in future periods.

A significant portion ($75.4 million) of our portfolio of loans secured by New York City taxi medallions has been classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) and the level of specific allocations we may need to recognize with regard to these loans in future periods will be largely dependent upon the valuation we assign to these medallions. Because reported sales prices of these medallions recently have been very volatile, as the industry is under competitive stress, and do not necessarily represent orderly sales, we may also need to take into consideration factors beyond the market price of the medallions in determining our valuation, such as cash flow and industry prospects. In any case, our valuation may be volatile from period to period, and could result in our recognizing significant additional provisions if our valuation declines, while an increase in our valuation could result in a recapture, or reversal, of any such additional provisions. As a result, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected by declines in our valuation of New York City taxi medallions, even if our loans continue to perform as agreed, and we could experience significant volatility in our reported earnings if the reported prices for these medallions continue to be unsettled.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 55. Other Information

Not applicable

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No.     Description
 
31.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Parent Corporation Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Parent Corporation Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Parent Corporation Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Parent Corporation Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFDefinition Taxonomy Extension Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document





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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

CONNECTONEBANCORP,INC.
(Registrant)

By:/s/ Frank Sorrentino III     By:/s/ William S. Burns
Frank Sorrentino IIIWilliam S. Burns
Chairman and Chief Executive OfficerExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Date: November 9, 2015May 6, 2016Date: November 9, 2015May 6, 2016





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