News Details

Northfield Bancorp, Inc. Announces Quarterly Results

February 15, 2008

AVENEL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Northfield Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Northfield Bank, reported net income of $482,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2007, compared to $3.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006. The Company also reported net income of $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Operating results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2007, included a charge of $12.0 million ($7.8 million, net of tax) due to the Company's contribution to the Northfield Bank Foundation, partially offset by net interest income of approximately $1.1 million ($625,000, net of tax) for the three months ended December 31, 2007 and $1.4 million ($795,000, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2007, related to short-term investment returns earned on subscription proceeds (net of interest paid during the stock offering), and the reversal of state and local tax liabilities of approximately $4.5 million, net of federal taxes. The Company concluded an audit by the State of New York with respect to the Company's combined state tax returns for years 2000 through 2006.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2007, also includes a pre-tax gain of $4.3 million ($2.4 million, net of tax) as a result of the sale of two branch locations, and associated deposit relationships, during the first quarter of 2007. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2006, reflects a pre-tax charge of $1.6 million ($860,000, net of tax) related to a supplemental retirement agreement entered into by the Company with its former president.

The Company completed its previously announced minority stock offering on November 7, 2007. Loss per share for the period from November 8, 2007 to December 31, 2007 was $0.03.

Commenting on the quarter and year-end results, John W. Alexander, the Company's Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer said, "We are pleased with our financial performance in a very challenging business environment and we remain focused on the communities and the markets we serve, prudently working to increase our loans and deposits, maintaining operating expense efficiencies, and evaluating profitable alternatives for the investment of our capital."

Results of Operations

Net interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2007, increased to $11.2 million, from $8.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006, and increased to $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $36.5 million for the prior year. Net interest income increased approximately $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2007, respectively, as a result of the earnings on cash proceeds received from stock subscriptions.

The net interest margin increased to 3.17% for the three months ended December 31, 2007, from 2.69% for the same prior-year period. The net interest margin increased to 2.87% for the year ended December 31, 2007 from 2.81% for the prior year. The margin for the three months and year ended December 31, 2007, included net interest income earned on stock subscription proceeds held in escrow at the Bank until the stock offering was completed.

Average interest-earning assets increased by $138.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the same prior-year period, due primarily to $124.9 million in average subscription proceeds received, partially offset by the sale of two branch locations and related deposit liabilities of $26.6 million in the first quarter of 2007. Average interest-earning assets decreased by $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the prior year due primarily to the sale of two branch locations and related deposit liabilities in the first quarter of 2007, and pay downs of mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by subscription proceeds received.

The yield on interest-earning assets decreased to 5.07% for the three months ended December 31, 2007, compared to 5.08% for the same prior year period. The decrease in the yield earned on interest-earning assets was primarily attributable to a decrease in rates earned on loans indexed to the Prime Rate, due to the decreases in this index during the fourth quarter of 2007. The decrease in yield also was caused by lower yields earned on deposits in other financial institutions, where a majority of the stock subscription proceeds was invested pending the completion of the offering. The yield on interest-earning assets increased to 5.11%, for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to 5.00%, for the prior year. The yield on interest-earning assets increased primarily due to the change in the mix of average earning assets. Average balances of loans as a percent of average interest-earning assets increased to 33.0% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 31.4% for the prior year. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 2.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2007, as compared to 2.89%, for the same prior-year period. This decrease was primarily attributable to the subscription proceeds having a cost of 0.60%. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased to 2.77% for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to 2.60%, for the same prior year period due primarily to pricing competition on time deposits throughout 2007.

Total non-interest income of $1.2 million remained substantially unchanged for the three months ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the same prior year period and increased to $9.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $4.6 million for the prior year. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2007, was primarily attributable to the sale of two branch locations and deposit relationships in the first quarter of 2007, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $4.3 million.

Total non-interest expense amounted to $18.6 million and $36.0 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2007, respectively, as compared to $5.3 million and $23.8 million, respectively, for the corresponding prior periods. This increase was primarily attributable to the recognition of a charge for the contribution of Company common stock and cash with a value of $12.0 million to the Northfield Bank Foundation, partially offset by a $1.6 million charge related to a supplemental retirement agreement entered into by the Company with its former president, during the third quarter of 2006.

The provision (credit) for loan losses was $705,000 and $1.4 million, respectively, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $(318,000) and $235,000, respectively, for the corresponding prior year periods. The increase in the provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to increases in loss reserves on impaired loans related to declines in estimated fair values of real estate securing these loans, as well as an increase in loan loss factors utilized in the calculation of loan loss reserves for commercial real estate, land, and construction loans.

In evaluating loan loss factors utilized in the calculation of the allowance for loan losses, management evaluated relevant environmental factors present in its marketplace and loan portfolio. Significant factors considered included the current deterioration in economic and business conditions, as well as in commercial and construction real estate collateral values.

The Company recorded a (benefit) provision for income taxes of $(7.4) million and $(1.6) million for the three months and the year ended December 31, 2007, respectively, as compared to provisions of $1.8 million and $6.2 million, respectively, in the corresponding prior year periods. The decline in income tax expense related to a decrease in pre-tax income, as well as the Company reversing $4.5 million in state and local income tax liabilities, net of federal taxes. The Company concluded an audit by the State of New York with respect to the Company's combined state tax returns for years 2000 through 2006.

Financial Condition

Total assets increased to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2007, from $1.3 billion at December 31, 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in securities available for sale of $89.3 million funded, in part, by proceeds received in the Company's initial public offering. The Company raised $192.7 million and utilized proceeds of approximately $3.0 million for direct offering expenses, $17.6 million for a loan to the employee stock ownership plan, and $3.0 million in cash for a contribution to the Northfield Bank Foundation. Of the $192.7 million raised in the stock offering, $82.4 million was funded with customer deposits held at Northfield Bank. The increase in total assets was also attributable to an increase in bank owned life insurance of $8.7 million, and an increase in net loans held for investment of $15.1 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in securities held to maturity, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, premises and equipment, and other assets.

Total liabilities decreased to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2007, from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2006. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in deposits of $112.6 million, a decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $4.0 million, and a decrease in accrued expenses of $5.0 million. The decrease in deposits was attributable primarily to the transfer of $82.4 million in deposits to stockholders' equity as part of the stock offering closing on November 7, 2007 and the sale of two branch locations and related deposit relationships of $26.6 million during the first quarter of 2007.

Total stockholders' equity increased to $367.4 million at December 31, 2007, from $164.0 million at December 31, 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to stock offering capital of $192.7 million, net income of $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, a $500,000 capital contribution from Northfield Bancorp, MHC, $8.9 million of Company stock issued to the Northfield Bank Foundation, and a decrease of $10.7 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss, primarily due to a decrease in unrealized losses on securities available for sale. These increases were partially offset by $3.0 million in direct IPO expenses and $17.6 million for a loan to the employee stock ownership plan.

Asset Quality

The Company's non-performing loans totaled $9.8 million at December 31, 2007, an increase from $7.1 million at December 31, 2006, and a decrease from $10.4 million at September 30, 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recognized net loan charge-offs of $836,000, which were primarily related to one loan whose remaining outstanding loan balance was fully charged-off. The increase in non-performing loans from December 31, 2006, was primarily attributable to one loan that was placed on non-accrual status as of June 30, 2007, in the amount of $3.4 million, which management believes to be adequately collateralized by a first mortgage on commercial real estate.

The Company does not have any lending programs commonly referred to as sub-prime lending. Sub-prime lending generally targets borrowers with weakened credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidence by low credit scores or high debt burden ratios.

At December 31, 2007, approximately $87,000 of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio (not guaranteed by the Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) was secured by sub-prime loans. The securities were rated AAA at December 31, 2007.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

The 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. has been set for 10:00 a.m., local time, on May 28, 2008. The 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 1100 South Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10314. The voting record date will be April 8, 2008.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain certain "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and may be identified by the use of such words as "may," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "plan," "estimate," "predict," "continue," and "potential" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this release and in any other public statements made by Northfield Bancorp, Inc. may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions Northfield Bancorp, Inc. might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Northfield Bancorp, Inc. does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release or to conform these statements to actual events.

                       NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.
            SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
           (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                             (unaudited)

                                          At                At
                                   December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
                                   ----------------- -----------------
Selected Financial Condition Data:
Total assets                             $1,386,918        $1,294,747
Cash and due from banks                      49,588            65,824
Securities available for sale, at
 estimated fair value                       802,817           713,498
Securities held to maturity                  19,686            26,169
Trading securities                            3,605             2,667
Loans held for sale                             270               125
Loans held for investment, net              424,329           409,189
Allowance for loan losses                    (5,636)           (5,030)
Net loans held for investment               418,693           404,159
Bank owned life insurance                    41,560            32,866
Non-performing loans(4)                       9,834             7,115
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
 stock, at cost                               6,702             7,186

Securities sold under agreements
 to repurchase                              102,000           106,000
Other borrowings                             22,420            22,534
Deposits                                    877,225           989,789
Total liabilities                         1,019,532         1,130,753
Total stockholders' equity                  367,386           163,994
                                   Three Months Ended    Year Ended
                                      December 31,      December 31,
                                   ------------------ ----------------
                                     2007      2006     2007    2006
                                   --------- -------- -------- -------
Selected Operating Data:
Interest income                     $17,919  $16,191  $65,702  $64,867
Interest expense                      6,717    7,629   28,836   28,406
                                   --------- -------- -------- -------
   Net interest income before
    provision for loan losses        11,202    8,562   36,866   36,461
Provision (credit) for loan losses      705     (318)   1,442      235
                                   --------- -------- -------- -------
   Net interest income after
    provision for loan losses        10,497    8,880   35,424   36,226
Non-interest income                   1,218    1,226    9,478    4,600
Non-interest expense                 18,600    5,292   35,950   23,818
                                   --------- -------- -------- -------
(Loss) income before income tax
 (benefit) expense                   (6,885)   4,814    8,952   17,008
Income tax (benefit) expense         (7,367)   1,754   (1,555)   6,166
                                   --------- -------- -------- -------
   Net income                       $   482  $ 3,060  $10,507  $10,842
                                   ========= ======== ======== =======

   Net loss per share (3)           $ (0.03) $   N/A  $ (0.03) $   N/A
                                   ========= ======== ======== =======
                                At or For the Three
                                   Months Ended     At or For the Year
                                   December 31,           Ended
                                   (annualized)        December 31,
                                ------------------- ------------------
                                   2007      2006      2007     2006
                                ----------- ------- ---------- -------
Selected Financial Ratios:
Performance Ratios(1):
   Return on assets (ratio of
    net income to average total
    assets)                           0.13%   0.92%      0.78%   0.80%
   Return on equity (ratio of
    net income to average
    equity)                           0.66%   7.45%      5.27%   7.01%
   Interest rate spread               2.55%   2.19%      2.34%   2.40%
   Net interest margin                3.17%   2.69%      2.87%   2.81%
   Efficiency ratio(2)              149.27%  54.07%     77.57%  58.01%
   Non-interest expense to
    average total assets              5.05%   1.59%      2.66%   1.77%
   Average interest-earning
    assets to average interest-
    bearing liabilities             132.82% 120.65%    123.33% 118.89%
   Average equity to average
    total assets                     19.70%  12.37%     14.73%  11.47%
Asset Quality Ratios:
   Non-performing loans to
    total assets                      0.71%   0.55%      0.71%   0.55%
   Non-performing loans to
    total loans                       2.32%   1.74%      2.32%   1.74%
   Allowance for loan losses to
    non-performing loans             57.31%  70.70%     57.31%  70.70%
   Allowance for loan losses to
    total loans                       1.33%   1.23%      1.33%   1.23%

(1) 2007 performance ratios include the after-tax effect of: a charge of $7.8 million due to the Company's contribution to the Northfield Bank Foundation; a gain of $2.4 million as a result of the sale of two branch locations, and associated deposit relationships; net interest income of approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2007, and $0.8 million, for the year ended December 31, 2007, as it relates to short-term investment returns earned on subscription proceeds (net of interest paid during the stock offering); and the reversal of state and local tax liabilities of approximately $4.5 million, net of federal taxes. 2006 performance ratios include the after tax effect of a $0.9 million charge related to a supplemental retirement agreement entered into by the Company with its former president.

(2) The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.

(3) Net loss per share is calculated for the period that the Company's shares of common stock were outstanding (November 8, 2007 through December 31, 2007). The net loss for this period was $1,501,000 and the weighted average common shares outstanding were 43,076,586.

(4) Non-performing loans are included in loans held for investment, net. Non-performing loans amounted to $9.8 million, $10.4 million, $11.7 million, $8.9 million, and $7.1 million, at December 31, 2007, September 30, 2007, June 30, 2007, March 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006, respectively.

                       NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.
                   ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME


                                          For the Three Months Ended
                                                  December 31,
                                         -----------------------------
                                                     2007
                                         -----------------------------
                                           Average            Average
                                         Outstanding          Yield/
                                           Balance   Interest Rate(1)
                                         ----------- -------- --------
                                            (Dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets:
   Loans                                  $  427,042  $ 7,069   6.57%
   Mortgage-backed securities                744,918    8,228   4.38
   Other securities                           57,775      648   4.45
   Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
    stock                                      6,166      132   8.49
   Interest-earning deposits in
    financial institutions                   167,279    1,842   4.37
                                         ----------- --------
   Total interest-earning assets           1,403,180   17,919   5.07
Non-interest-earning assets                   57,781
                                         -----------
Total assets                              $1,460,961
                                         ===========

Interest-bearing liabilities:
   NOW accounts                           $   53,981      350   2.57
   Savings accounts                          334,618      550   0.65
   Subscription proceeds                     124,973      189   0.60
   Certificates of deposit                   430,352    4,494   4.14
                                         ----------- --------
   Total interest-bearing deposits           943,924    5,583   2.35
   Repurchase agreements                      88,266      909   4.09
   Other borrowings                           24,239      225   3.68
                                         ----------- --------
   Total interest-bearing liabilities      1,056,429    6,717   2.52
Non-interest bearing deposit accounts        102,834
Accrued expenses and other liabilities        13,872
                                         -----------
Total liabilities                          1,173,135
Stockholders' equity                         287,826
                                         -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                                   $1,460,961
                                         ===========

Net interest income                                   $11,202
                                                     ========
Net interest rate spread (2)                                    2.55%
Net interest-earning assets (3)           $  346,751
                                         ===========
Net interest margin (4)                                         3.17%
Average interest-earning assets to
 interest-bearing liabilities                                 132.82%

                                         For the Three Months Ended
                                                 December 31,
                                        ------------------------------
                                                      2006
                                          ----------------------------
                                            Average            Average
                                          Outstanding          Yield/
                                            Balance   Interest Rate(1)
                                          ----------- -------- -------
                                            (Dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets:
   Loans                                   $  409,866  $ 7,048   6.82%
   Mortgage-backed securities                 734,645    7,534   4.07
   Other securities                            61,049      791   5.14
   Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
    stock                                       7,934      138   6.90
   Interest-earning deposits in
    financial institutions                     51,311      680   5.26
                                          ----------- --------
   Total interest-earning assets            1,264,805   16,191   5.08
Non-interest-earning assets                    53,119
                                          -----------
Total assets                               $1,317,924
                                          ===========

Interest-bearing liabilities:
   NOW accounts                            $   37,235      136   1.45
   Savings accounts                           366,650      650   0.70
   Subscription proceeds                            -        -      -
   Certificates of deposit                    499,321    5,489   4.36
                                          ----------- --------
   Total interest-bearing deposits            903,206    6,275   2.76
   Repurchase agreements                      122,630    1,138   3.68
   Other borrowings                            22,528      216   3.80
                                          ----------- --------
   Total interest-bearing liabilities       1,048,364    7,629   2.89
Non-interest bearing deposit accounts          94,565
Accrued expenses and other liabilities         11,945
                                          -----------
Total liabilities                           1,154,874
Stockholders' equity                          163,050
                                          -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                                    $1,317,924
                                          ===========

Net interest income                                    $ 8,562
                                                      ========
Net interest rate spread (2)                                     2.19%
Net interest-earning assets (3)            $  216,441
                                          ===========
Net interest margin (4)                                          2.69%
Average interest-earning assets to
 interest-bearing liabilities                                  120.65%

(1) Average yields and rates for the three months ended December 31, 2007, and 2006 are annualized.

(2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

(3) Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

(4) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

                       NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC.
                   ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME


                                       For the Year Ended December 31,
                                       -------------------------------
                                                    2007
                                       -------------------------------
                                          Average             Average
                                        Outstanding           Yield/
                                          Balance    Interest  Rate
                                       ------------- -------- --------
                                           (Dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets:
   Loans                                  $  423,947  $28,398   6.70%
   Mortgage-backed securities                718,279   30,576   4.26
   Other securities                           45,077    2,100   4.66
   Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
    stock                                      6,486      519   8.00
   Interest-earning deposits in
    financial institutions                    92,202    4,109   4.46
                                       ------------- --------
   Total interest-earning assets           1,285,991   65,702   5.11
Non-interest-earning assets                   66,614
                                       -------------
Total assets                              $1,352,605
                                       =============

Interest-bearing liabilities:
   NOW accounts                           $   49,209      951   1.93
   Savings accounts                          351,503    2,303   0.66
   Subscription proceeds                      49,500      297   0.60
   Certificates of deposit                   464,552   20,212   4.35
                                       ------------- --------
   Total interest-bearing deposits           914,764   23,763   2.60
   Repurchase agreements                     104,927    4,202   4.00
   Other borrowings                           22,999      871   3.79
                                       ------------- --------
   Total interest-bearing liabilities      1,042,690   28,836   2.77
Non-interest bearing deposit accounts         96,796
Accrued expenses and other liabilities        13,905
                                       -------------
Total liabilities                          1,153,391
Stockholders' equity                         199,214
                                       -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                                   $1,352,605
                                       =============

Net interest income                                   $36,866
                                                     ========
Net interest rate spread (1)                                    2.34%
Net interest-earning assets (2)           $  243,301
                                       =============
Net interest margin (3)                                         2.87%
Average interest-earning assets to
 interest-bearing liabilities                                 123.33%

                                       For the Year Ended December 31,
                                       -------------------------------
                                                      2006
                                          ----------------------------
                                            Average            Average
                                          Outstanding          Yield/
                                            Balance   Interest  Rate
                                          ----------- -------- -------
                                           (Dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets:
   Loans                                   $  407,068  $27,522   6.76%
   Mortgage-backed securities                 799,244   32,764   4.10
   Other securities                            51,883    2,397   4.62
   Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
    stock                                       9,582      592   6.18
   Interest-earning deposits in
    financial institutions                     30,435    1,592   5.23
                                          ----------- --------
   Total interest-earning assets            1,298,212   64,867   5.00
Non-interest-earning assets                    49,564
                                          -----------
Total assets                               $1,347,776
                                          ===========

Interest-bearing liabilities:
   NOW accounts                            $   37,454      349   0.93
   Savings accounts                           398,852    2,788   0.70
   Subscription proceeds                            -        -      -
   Certificates of deposit                    474,313   18,797   3.96
                                          ----------- --------
   Total interest-bearing deposits            910,619   21,934   2.41
   Repurchase agreements                      154,855    5,501   3.55
   Other borrowings                            26,441      971   3.67
                                          ----------- --------
   Total interest-bearing liabilities       1,091,915   28,406   2.60
Non-interest bearing deposit accounts          89,989
Accrued expenses and other liabilities         11,261
                                          -----------
Total liabilities                           1,193,165
Stockholders' equity                          154,611
                                          -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                                    $1,347,776
                                          ===========

Net interest income                                    $36,461
                                                      ========
Net interest rate spread (1)                                     2.40%
Net interest-earning assets (2)            $  206,297
                                          ===========
Net interest margin (3)                                          2.81%
Average interest-earning assets to
 interest-bearing liabilities                                  118.89%

(1) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

(2) Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

(3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

Source: Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

Contact: Northfield Bancorp, Inc. Steven M. Klein, 732-499-7200 ext. 510 Chief Financial Officer