Dime reported first-quarter net income available to common stockholders of $32.8 million, up from $30.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $19.6 million in the first quarter of 2025. Diluted earnings per share rose to $0.75 from $0.68 in the prior quarter and $0.45 a year earlier, a 10% sequential increase and a 67% year-over-year jump.
Net interest income was flat sequentially at $112.3 million, but up from $94.2 million a year earlier. Net interest margin widened to 3.21% from 3.11% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 2.95% in the first quarter of 2025.
Total deposits ended the quarter at $12.60 billion, down from $12.84 billion at Dec. 31, 2025, but up from $11.61 billion a year earlier. Core deposits, excluding brokered and time deposits, increased $999.3 million year over year. Brokered deposits were $215.0 million, up from $200.0 million in the prior quarter but down from $285.6 million a year earlier. Federal Home Loan Bank advances fell to $435.0 million from $508.0 million in both the prior quarter and the year-ago quarter.
Business loans ended at $3.36 billion, up from $3.24 billion in the fourth quarter and $2.79 billion a year earlier. That was a quarterly increase of $123.8 million and a year-over-year increase of $575.6 million. Total loans held for investment were $10.61 billion, down from $10.76 billion at year-end and $10.87 billion a year earlier.
Loan originations excluding new lines of credit were $220.4 million, down from $225.3 million in the fourth quarter but well above $77.9 million a year earlier. Including new lines of credit, originations were $500.1 million, up from $467.2 million in the prior quarter and $126.4 million a year earlier.
Non-interest income was $11.3 million, compared with $11.5 million in the fourth quarter and $9.6 million in the first quarter of 2025. Non-interest expense declined to $62.8 million from $65.1 million in the prior quarter and $65.5 million a year earlier. The efficiency ratio improved to 50.8% from 52.6% in the fourth quarter and 63.1% a year earlier.
The company recorded a credit loss provision of $12.3 million, up from $10.9 million in the prior quarter and $9.6 million a year earlier. Non-performing loans held for investment were $57.1 million, versus $52.3 million at Dec. 31, 2025 and $58.0 million at March 31, 2025.
Stockholders’ equity rose to $1.50 billion from $1.48 billion at year-end. Book value per common share increased to $31.33 from $30.99, while tangible common book value per share rose to $27.73 from $27.37. The tier 1 common equity ratio increased to 11.87% at quarter-end. Today the company's shares have moved -0.36% to a price of $33.20. For the full picture, make sure to review Dime Community Bancshares's 8-K report.
