Hicksville, N.Y., July 28, 2021 – New York Community Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: NYCB) (the “Company”) today reported net income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 of $152 million, up 45% compared to the $105 million we reported for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Net income available to common shareholders for the second quarter of 2021 totaled $144 million, up 48% versus the $97 million we reported for the second quarter of 2020.
Excluding merger-related expenses and other non-recurring items, net income available to common shareholders on a non-GAAP basis was $156 million for the second quarter of 2021, up 61% compared to the second quarter of 2020.
On a per share basis, diluted earnings per share were $0.30, up 43% compared to the $0.21 during the second quarter of 2020. Excluding merger-related expenses and other non-recurring items, diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis were $0.33 during the second quarter of 2021, up 57% compared to the $0.21 we reported during the second quarter of 2020.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net income totaled $297 million compared to $205 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, up 45%. Net income available for common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2021 totaled $281 million compared to $189 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, up 49%.
On a non-GAAP basis, excluding merger-related expenses and other non-recurring items, net income available for common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2021 totaled $293 million, up 55% compared to the $189 million we reported for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
On a per share basis, diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $0.60, up 50% compared to $0.40 for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Excluding merger-related expenses and other non-recurring items, diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis were $0.62 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, up 55% compared to $0.40 for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Commenting on the Company’s performance, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas R. Cangemi stated: “I am very pleased to report another strong quarterly performance highlighted by continued net interest margin expansion, lower operating expenses, good loan growth, solid credit quality trends, and most importantly, a significant year-over-year increase in earnings per share. In fact, this is the Company’s best quarterly operating performance in over 15 years.
“Our diluted non-GAAP EPS were $0.33, up 57% compared to the year-ago quarter. The substantial improvement was the result of a number of metrics. Our net interest margin continued to expand during the second quarter. Excluding the impact from prepayments and excess liquidity, the net interest margin increased to 2.38%, up five basis points compared to the previous quarter and ahead of expectations.
“Operating expenses, excluding $10 million in merger-related expenses, were $129 million, down compared to the previous quarter and our efficiency ratio declined to 37%.
“During the quarter, we continued our deposit relationship with our technology partner to bring in additional low cost deposits related to the federal stimulus programs. These deposits increased to over $3 billion during the quarter before declining to $1.1 billion, where we expect them to stabilize. In addition, our efforts to bring in deposits from our borrowers is beginning to bear fruit. Loan-related deposits increased $388 million or 22% on an annualized basis to $3.9 billion compared to December 31, 2020.
“On the lending side, total loans held for investment increased 4% annualized compared to March 31, 2021, led by growth in all the portfolios, except for commercial real estate.
“Our asset quality metrics remained stable as non-performing assets declined 2% and the majority of deferred loans paying interest-only and escrow returned to full-payment status. In fact, total deferrals, full-payment and interest-only, have declined 86% to $1 billion from $7.4 billion last June.
Regarding our pending strategic merger with Flagstar, “As we move closer toward finalizing the transaction, both sides continue to work diligently on the integration planning process. Significant progress has been made to date and a number of key decisions have been made which will benefit the combined organization, including selection of the technology platform and systems we will use and the products and services we will offer our combined customer base. In addition, subject to the completion of the planned merger, we have named our Senior Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to me and who will support our strategic priorities going forward.”
DIVIDEND DECLARATION
The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share on the Company’s common stock. Based on a closing price of $11.00 as of July 27, 2021, this represents an annualized dividend yield of 6.2%. The dividend is payable on August 17, 2021 to common shareholders of record as of August 7, 2021.
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