UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024
OR
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 001-16197
PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey
22-3537895
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
500 Hills Drive, Suite 300
Bedminster, New Jersey 07921-0700
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(908) 234-0700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value
PGC
The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC
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 requirement for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☒
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13 (a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November 1, 2024: 17,585,306
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
3
Consolidated Statements of Condition at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9
Item 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
48
Item 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
67
Item 4
Controls and Procedures
70
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
71
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5
Other Information
Item 6
Exhibits
73
2
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
(audited)
September 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
$
8,129
5,887
Federal funds sold
—
Interest-earning deposits
484,529
181,784
Total cash and cash equivalents
492,658
187,671
Securities available for sale
682,713
550,617
Securities held to maturity (fair value $92,438 at September 30, 2024 and $94,415 at December 31, 2023)
103,158
107,755
CRA equity security, at fair value
13,445
13,166
FHLB and FRB stock, at cost (A)
12,459
31,044
Loans held for sale, at fair value
561
100
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value
4,189
6,695
Loans
5,315,417
5,429,325
Less: allowance for credit losses
71,283
65,888
Net loans
5,244,134
5,363,437
Premises and equipment
25,716
24,166
Accrued interest receivable
31,973
30,676
Bank owned life insurance
47,837
47,581
Goodwill
36,212
Other intangible assets
8,986
9,802
Finance lease right-of-use assets
1,020
2,087
Operating lease right-of-use assets
41,650
12,096
Deferred tax assets, net
8,756
505
Other assets
38,325
53,247
TOTAL ASSETS
6,793,792
6,476,857
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
1,079,877
957,687
Interest-bearing deposits:
Checking
3,316,217
2,882,193
Savings
103,979
111,573
Money market accounts
902,562
740,559
Certificates of deposit - retail
515,297
443,791
Certificates of deposit - listing service
7,454
7,804
Subtotal deposits
5,925,386
5,143,607
Interest-bearing demand - brokered
10,000
Certificates of deposit - brokered
120,507
Total deposits
5,935,386
5,274,114
Short-term borrowings
403,814
Finance lease liabilities
1,388
3,430
Operating lease liabilities
44,775
12,876
Subordinated debt, net
133,489
133,274
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
71,140
65,668
TOTAL LIABILITIES
6,186,178
5,893,176
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock (no par value; authorized 500,000 shares; liquidation preference of $1,000 per share)
Common stock (no par value; stated value $0.83 per share; authorized 42,000,000 shares; issued shares, 21,526,987 at September 30, 2024 and 21,388,917 at December 31, 2023; outstanding shares, 17,577,747 at September 30, 2024 and 17,739,677 at December 31, 2023)
17,946
17,831
Surplus
346,811
346,954
Treasury stock at cost (3,949,240 shares at September 30, 2024 and 3,649,240 shares at December 31, 2023)
(117,509
)
(110,320
Retained earnings
415,186
394,094
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax
(54,820
(64,878
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
607,614
583,681
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and fees on loans
73,111
71,846
217,287
204,808
Interest on investments:
Taxable
6,107
5,170
16,411
14,541
Tax-exempt
22
Interest on loans held for sale
15
Interest on interest-earning deposits
3,982
1,463
7,922
4,452
Total interest income
83,203
78,489
241,635
223,832
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest on savings and interest-bearing deposit accounts
38,042
28,851
106,453
76,351
Interest on certificates of deposit
5,540
3,459
15,762
7,650
Interest on borrowed funds
6,569
3,848
13,249
Interest on finance lease liability
46
75
149
Interest on subordinated debt
1,685
1,730
5,055
4,966
Subtotal - interest expense
45,282
40,655
131,193
102,365
Interest on interest-bearing demand - brokered
134
136
394
469
Interest on certificates of deposits - brokered
106
1,183
2,950
1,584
Total interest expense
45,522
41,974
134,537
104,418
NET INTEREST INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
37,681
36,515
107,098
119,414
Provision for credit losses
1,224
5,856
5,762
9,065
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
36,457
30,659
101,336
110,349
OTHER INCOME
Wealth management fee income
15,150
13,975
45,976
41,989
Service charges and fees
1,327
1,319
3,994
3,897
390
310
1,221
912
Gain on loans held for sale at fair value (mortgage banking)
37
105
Gain on loans held for sale at lower of cost or fair value
23
Gain on sale of SBA loans
365
491
1,214
2,194
Corporate advisory fee income
55
85
976
180
Other income
1,162
3,541
5,406
7,147
Fair value adjustment for CRA equity security
474
(404
279
Total other income
18,938
19,354
59,194
55,988
OPERATING EXPENSES
Compensation and employee benefits
31,050
25,264
89,410
76,204
5,633
5,214
16,490
14,317
FDIC insurance expense
870
741
2,685
2,181
Other operating expense
7,096
6,194
19,231
17,977
Total operating expenses
44,649
37,413
127,816
110,679
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
10,746
12,600
32,714
55,658
Income tax expense
3,159
3,845
8,966
15,403
NET INCOME
7,587
8,755
23,748
40,255
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic
0.43
0.49
1.34
2.25
Diluted
2.23
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
17,616,046
17,856,961
17,691,309
17,876,316
17,700,042
18,010,127
17,746,560
18,091,524
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available for sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains/(losses) arising during the period
23,974
(20,629
16,637
(18,882
Tax effect
(6,400
5,642
(4,442
8,820
Net of tax
17,574
(14,987
12,195
(10,062
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges:
(5,600
1,861
(2,953
3,904
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income
(84
3,820
1,548
(530
816
(1,200
(4,052
1,331
(2,137
2,620
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)
13,522
(13,656
10,058
(7,442
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
21,109
(4,901
33,806
32,813
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023
Accumulated
Other
Total
(In thousands, except share and
Preferred
Common
Treasury
Retained
Comprehensive
Shareholders'
per share data)
Stock
Earnings
Loss
Equity
Balance at July 1, 2024 17,666,490 common shares outstanding
17,936
345,164
(114,917
408,481
(68,342
588,322
Comprehensive income
Amortization of restricted stock units
1,395
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.05 per share)
(882
Share repurchase, (100,000) shares
(2,592
Issuance of shares for Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 11,257 shares
10
252
262
Balance at September 30, 2024 17,577,747 common shares outstanding
Balance at July 1, 2023 17,887,895 common shares outstanding
17,797
342,137
(105,393
378,525
(67,997
565,069
Comprehensive loss
Restricted stock units issued 1,495 shares
(1
(67
(68
Restricted stock units repurchased on vesting to pay taxes, (515) shares
1
53
54
2,269
(893
(2,815
Issuance of shares for Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 8,850 shares
233
241
Issuance of common stock for acquisition, 19,197 shares
16
(16
Balance at September 30, 2023 17,816,922 common shares outstanding
17,821
344,609
(108,208
386,387
(81,653
558,956
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023
Balance at January 1, 2024 17,739,677 common shares outstanding
Restricted stock units issued, 147,679 shares
123
(123
Restricted stock units repurchased on vesting to pay taxes, (36,625) shares
(31
(846
(877
4,533
Modification of restricted stock units distributed in cash
(4,336
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.15 per share)
(2,656
Share repurchase, (300,000) shares
(7,189
Issuance of shares for Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 27,016 shares
629
652
Balance at January 1, 2023 17,813,451 common shares outstanding
17,513
338,706
(97,826
348,798
(74,211
532,980
Restricted stock units issued, 429,909 shares
358
(358
Restricted stock units repurchased on vesting to pay taxes, (106,452) shares
(89
(3,115
(3,204
8,578
(2,666
Share repurchase, (367,014) shares
(10,382
Common stock options exercised, 1,400 net of 60 used to exercise and related taxes benefits, 1,340 shares
18
19
Issuance of shares for Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 26,491 shares
796
818
7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30,
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
2,692
2,720
Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on securities, net
226
458
Amortization of restricted stock
Amortization of intangible assets
1,048
Amortization of subordinated debt costs
215
216
Deferred tax benefit
(11,133
(10,717
Stock-based compensation and employee stock purchase plan expense
131
140
Fair value adjustment for equity security
(279
404
Loans originated for sale (A)
(20,856
(24,786
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale (A)
24,220
35,963
Gain on loans held for sale (A)
(1,319
(2,267
(23
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
76
Gain on death benefit
(236
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance, net
(174
(362
(Increase)/decrease in accrued interest receivable
(1,297
2,268
Decrease in other assets
(26,279
(1,019
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
43,822
6,794
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
44,645
68,764
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Principal repayments, maturities and calls of securities available for sale
496,781
476,363
Principal repayments, maturities and calls of securities held to maturity
4,531
3,638
Redemptions of FHLB and FRB stock
59,623
83,385
Purchase of securities held to maturity
(10,347
Purchase of securities available for sale
(612,400
(462,000
Purchase of FHLB and FRB stock
(41,038
(86,871
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale at lower of cost or fair value
Net decrease/(increase) in loans, net of participations sold
113,541
(202,777
Proceeds from sales of other real estate
116
Purchase of premises and equipment
(4,068
(2,297
Disposal of premises and equipment
143
(6
Proceeds from death benefit
154
NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
17,290
(200,796
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in deposits
661,272
54,195
Net (decrease)/increase in short-term borrowings
(403,814
91,046
Dividends paid on common stock
Exercise of stock options, net of stock swaps
Restricted stock repurchased on vesting to pay taxes
(3,273
Issuance of restricted stock
69
Issuance of shares for employee stock purchase plan
Shares repurchased
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
243,052
129,826
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
304,987
(2,206
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
190,075
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
187,869
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
124,717
97,583
Income tax, net
13,753
9,668
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
32,483
1,926
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (the “Corporation” or the “Company”). In the opinion of Management of the Corporation, the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting solely of normal and recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of September 30, 2024, and the results of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flow statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or for any future period.
Principles of Consolidation and Organization: The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared on the accrual basis and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peapack-Gladstone Bank (the “Bank”). The consolidated financial statements also include the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries:
While the following notes to the consolidated financial statements include the consolidated results of the Company, the Bank and their subsidiaries, these notes primarily reflect the Bank’s and its subsidiaries’ activities. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated from the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. In preparing the financial statements, Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the statement of condition and revenues and expenses for the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Segment Information: The Company’s business is conducted through two business segments: (1) its banking segment (“Banking”), which involves the delivery of loan and deposit products to customers, and (2) the Peapack Private Wealth Management Division ("Peapack Private"), which includes investment management services to individuals and institutions. Management uses certain methodologies to allocate income and expense to the business segments.
The Banking segment includes: commercial (including commercial and industrial (“C&I”) and equipment financing), commercial real estate, multifamily, commercial construction, residential and consumer lending activities; treasury management services; C&I advisory services; escrow management; deposit generation; operation of ATMs; telephone and internet banking services; merchant credit card services and customer support services.
Peapack Private includes: investment management services for individuals and institutions; personal trust services, including services as executor, trustee, administrator, custodian; and other financial planning and advisory services. This segment also includes the activity from the Delaware subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware. The majority of wealth management fees are collected on a monthly or quarterly basis and are calculated on either a fixed or tiered fee schedule, based upon the market value of assets under management and/or administration (“AUMs”). Other non AUM-based revenues such as personal or fiduciary tax return preparation fees, executor fees, trust termination fees and/or financial planning and advisory fees are charged as services are rendered.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: For purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods. Cash equivalents are of original maturities of 90 days or less. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions and short-term borrowings with original maturities of 90 days or less.
Interest-Earning Deposits in Other Financial Institutions: Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions mature within one year and are carried at cost.
Securities: Under Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, debt securities available-for-sale are measured at fair value and subject to impairment testing. When an available-for-sale debt security is considered impaired, the Company must determine if the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit-related loss or other factors and then, (1) recognize an allowance for credit losses ("ACL") by a charge to earnings for the credit-related component (if any) of the decline in fair value, and (2) recognize in other comprehensive income (loss) any non-credit related components of the fair value change. If the amount of the amortized cost basis expected to be recovered increases in a future period, the valuation reserve would be reduced, but not more than the amount of the current existing reserve for that security.
Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when Management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Under ASU 2016-13, held-to-maturity securities in a loss position are evaluated to determine if the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit-related loss or other factors, and then recognize a charge to earnings for the decline in fair value. The Company also has an investment in a Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) investment fund, which is classified as an equity security.
Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums and discounts. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated, and premiums on callable debt securities, which are amortized to the earliest call date. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") Stock: The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of FHLB stock, based on the level of borrowings and other factors. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
The Bank is also a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and required to own a certain amount of FRB stock. FRB stock is carried at cost and classified as a restricted security. Dividends are reported as income.
Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans originated with the intent to sell in the secondary market are carried at fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors.
Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights released; therefore, no servicing rights are recorded. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans, shown as gain on loans held for sale at fair value (mortgage loans) on the Statement of Income, are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.
SBA loans originated with the intent to sell in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. SBA loans are generally sold with the servicing rights retained. Gains and losses on the sale of SBA loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold. Total SBA loans serviced totaled $157.0 million and $162.9 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. SBA loans held for sale totaled $4.5 million and $7.2 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Loans originated with the intent to hold and subsequently transferred to loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. These are loans that the Company no longer has the intent to hold for the foreseeable future.
Loans: Loans that Management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity are stated at the principal amount outstanding. Interest on loans is recognized based upon the principal amount outstanding. Loans are stated at face value, less purchased premium and discounts and net deferred fees. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized on a level-yield method over the life of the loan as an adjustment to the loan’s yield. The definition of recorded investment in loans includes accrued interest receivable and deferred fees/costs, however, for the Company’s loan disclosures, accrued interest and deferred fees/costs were excluded as the impact was not material.
Loans are considered past due when they are not paid within 30 days in accordance with contractual terms. The accrual of income on loans, including individually evaluated loans, is discontinued if, in the opinion of Management, principal or interest is not likely to be paid in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, or when principal or interest is past due 90 days unless the asset is
both well secured and in the process of collection. All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual status are reversed against interest income. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are recorded as principal payments. A nonaccrual loan is returned to accrual status only when interest and principal payments are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured, generally when the Bank receives contractual payments for a minimum of six consecutive months. Commercial loans are generally charged off, in whole or in part, after an analysis is completed which indicates that collectability of the full principal balance is in doubt. Consumer closed-end loans are generally charged off after they become 120 days past due and open-end loans after 180 days. Subsequent payments are credited to income only if collection of principal is not in doubt. If principal and interest payments are brought contractually current and future collectability is reasonably assured, loans may be returned to accrual status. Nonaccrual mortgage loans are generally charged off to the extent that the value of the underlying collateral does not cover the outstanding principal balance. The majority of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Allowance for Credit Losses: Current expected credit losses ("CECL") requires the immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the estimated remaining life of the asset. The forward-looking concept of CECL requires loss estimates to consider historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts.
The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans held for investment is the combination of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for loan losses is reported as a reduction of the amortized cost basis of loans, while the reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included within "other liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The estimate of credit loss incorporates assumptions for both the likelihood and amount of funding over the estimated life of the commitments, including adjustments for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management periodically reviews and updates its assumptions for estimated funding rates. The amortized cost basis of loans does not include accrued interest receivable, which is included in "accrued interest receivable" on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The "Provision for credit losses" on the Consolidated Statements of Income is a combination of the provision for credit losses and the provision for unfunded loan commitments.
ACL in accordance with CECL methodology
With respect to pools of similar loans that are collectively evaluated, an appropriate level of general allowance is determined by portfolio segment using a non-linear discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model. The DCF model captures losses over the historical charge-off and prepayment cycle and applies those losses at a loan level over the remaining maturity of the loan. The model then calculates a historical loss rate using the average losses over the reporting period, which is then applied to each segment utilizing a standard reversion rate. This loss rate is then supplemented with adjustments for reasonable and supportable forecasts of relevant economic indicators, including but not limited to unemployment rates and national consumer price and confidence indices. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. Also included in the ACL are qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These qualitative factors include the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staffing and experience; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. It is also possible that these factors could include social, political, economic, and terrorist events or activities. All of these factors are susceptible to change, which may be significant. The ACL results in two forms of allocations, specific and general. These two components represent the total ACL deemed adequate to cover current expected credit losses in the loan portfolio.
When management identifies loans that do not share common risk characteristics (i.e., are not similar to other loans within a pool) they are evaluated on an individual basis. These loans are not included in the collective evaluation. For loans identified as having a likelihood of foreclosure or that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, a collateral dependent approach is used. These are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Under CECL, for collateral dependent loans, the Company has adopted the practical expedient method to measure the ACL based on the fair value of collateral. The ACL is calculated on an individual loan basis based on the shortfall between the fair value of the loan's collateral, which is adjusted for liquidation costs/discounts, and amortized cost. If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the amortized cost, no allowance is required.
The CECL methodology requires a significant amount of management judgment in determining the appropriate ACL. Several of the steps in the methodology are subjective including, among other things: segmenting the loan portfolio; determining the amount of loss history to consider; selecting predictive econometric regression models that use appropriate macroeconomic variables; determining the methodology to forecast prepayments; selecting the most appropriate economic forecast scenario; determining the length of the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods; estimating expected utilization rates on unfunded loan commitments; and assessing relevant and appropriate qualitative factors. In addition, the CECL methodology is dependent on economic forecasts, which are inherently imprecise and may change from period to period. Although the ACL is considered appropriate, there can be no assurance that it will be sufficient to absorb future losses.
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In determining an appropriate amount for the allowance, the Bank segments and aggregates the loan portfolio based on common characteristics. The following segments have been identified:
Primary Residential Mortgages. The Bank originates one to four family residential mortgage loans in the Tri-State area (which is comprised of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), Pennsylvania and Florida. Loans are secured by first liens on the primary residence or investment property. Primary risk characteristics associated with residential mortgage loans typically involve: major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. In addition, residential mortgage loans that have adjustable rates could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate values could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential loss exposure for the Bank.
Junior Lien Loan on Residence (which include home equity lines of credit). The Bank provides junior lien loans (“JLL”) and revolving home equity lines of credit against one to four family properties in the Tri-State area. These loans are subordinate to a first mortgage, which may be from another lending institution. Primary risk characteristics associated with JLLs and home equity lines of credit typically involve: major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. In addition, home equity lines of credit typically are made with variable or floating interest rates, which could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate values could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential loss exposure for the Bank.
Multifamily. The Bank provides mortgage loans for multifamily properties (i.e., buildings which have five or more residential units). Multifamily loans are expected to be repaid from the cash flows of the underlying property so the collective amount of rents must be sufficient to cover all operating expenses, property management and maintenance, taxes and debt service. Increases in vacancy rates, interest rates, other changes in general economic conditions or changes in rent regulation can have an impact on the borrower and its ability to repay the loan.
Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Bank provides mortgage loans for owner-occupied commercial real estate properties in the Tri-State area and Pennsylvania. Commercial real estate properties primarily include retail buildings/shopping centers, hotels, office/medical buildings and industrial/warehouse space. Some properties are mixed use as they are a combination of building types, such as a building with retail space on the ground floor and either residential apartments or office suites on the upper floors. Commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk as they may be dependent on the ongoing success and operating viability of a fewer number of tenants who are occupying the property and who may have a greater degree of exposure to economic conditions.
Investment Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Bank provides mortgage loans for properties managed as an investment property (non-owner-occupied) in the Tri-State area and Pennsylvania. Non-owner-occupied properties primarily include retail buildings/shopping centers, hotels, office/medical buildings and industrial/warehouse space. Some properties are considered mixed use. Commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk as they may be dependent on the ongoing success and operating viability of a fewer number of tenants who are occupying the property and who may have a greater degree of exposure to economic conditions.
Commercial and Industrial Loans. The Bank provides lines of credit and term loans to operating companies for business purposes. The loans are generally secured by business assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, business vehicles and equipment as well as the stock of a company, if privately held. Commercial and industrial loans are typically repaid first by the cash flows generated by the borrower’s business operations. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the underlying business and its ability to generate sustainable profitability and resulting positive cash flows. Factors that may influence a business’ profitability include, but are not limited to, demand for its products or services, quality and depth of management, degree of competition, regulatory changes, and general economic conditions. To mitigate the risk characteristics of commercial and industrial loans, these loans often include commercial real estate as collateral and the Bank will often require more frequent reporting requirements from the borrower in order to better monitor its business performance. However, the ability of the Bank to foreclose and realize sufficient value from the assets is often highly uncertain.
Leasing Finance. PCC offers a range of finance solutions nationally. PCC provides term loans and leases secured by assets financed for U.S. based mid-size and large companies. Facilities tend to be fully drawn under fixed-rate terms. PCC serves a broad range of industries including transportation, manufacturing, heavy construction and utilities.
12
Asset risk in PCC’s portfolio is generally recognized through changes to loan income, or through changes to lease-related income streams due to fluctuations in lease rates. Changes to lease income can occur when the existing lease contract expires, the asset comes off lease or the business seeks to enter a new lease agreement. Asset risk may also change through depreciation, resulting from changes in the residual value of the operating lease asset or through impairment of the asset carrying value, which can occur at any time during the life of the asset.
Credit risk in PCC’s portfolio generally results from the potential default of borrowers or lessees, which may be driven by customer specific or broader industry-related conditions. Credit losses can impact multiple parts of the income statement including loss of interest/lease/rental income and/or higher costs and expenses related to the repossession, refurbishment, re-marketing and or re-leasing of assets.
Construction. The Bank provides commercial construction loans for properties located in the Tri-state area. Risks common to commercial construction loans are cost overruns, inaccurate estimates of the period of construction, changes in market demand for property, inadequate long-term financing arrangements and declines in real estate values. Changes in market demand for property could lead to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs, declining values, and higher interest rates.
Consumer and Other. These are loans to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures as well as obligations of states and political subdivisions in the U.S. This also represents all other loans that cannot be categorized in any of the previous mentioned loan segments. Consumer loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms than residential loans but tend to have higher credit risk due to the type of collateral securing the loan or in some cases the absence of collateral.
Loan Modifications: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, which replaced the accounting and recognition of troubled debt restructurings. ASU 2022-02 eliminates the accounting guidance on troubled debt restructurings for creditors in ASC 310-40 and amends the guidance on “vintage disclosures” to require disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination. ASU 2022-02 also updates the requirements related to accounting for credit losses under ASC 326 and adds enhanced disclosures for creditors with respect to loan refinancings and restructurings for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.
Leases: At inception, contracts are evaluated to determine whether the contract constitutes a lease agreement. For contracts that are determined to be an operating lease, a corresponding right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and operating lease liability are recorded as separate line items on the statement of condition. An ROU asset represents the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and a lease liability represents the Company’s commitment to make contractually obligated lease payments. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease and are based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The measurement of the operating lease ROU asset includes any lease payments made.
If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the incremental collateralized borrowing rate is used to determine the present value of lease payments. This rate gives consideration to the applicable FHLB collateralized borrowing rates and is based on the information available at the commencement date. The Company has elected to apply the short-term lease measurement and recognition exemption to leases with an initial term of 12 months or less; therefore, these leases are not recorded on the Company’s statement of condition, but rather, lease expense is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. The Company’s lease agreements may include options to extend or terminate the lease. The Company’s decision to exercise renewal options is based on an assessment of its current business needs and market factors at the time of the renewal. The Company maintains certain property and equipment under direct financing and operating leases. Substantially all of the leases in which the Company is the lessee are comprised of real estate property for branches and office space and are classified as operating leases.
The ROU asset is measured at the amount of the lease liability adjusted for lease incentives received, any cumulative prepaid or accrued rent if the lease payments are uneven throughout the lease term, any unamortized initial direct costs, and any impairment of the ROU asset. Operating lease expense consists of a single lease cost allocated over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis, variable lease payments not included in the lease liability, and any impairment of the ROU asset.
There are no terms or conditions related to residual value guarantees and no restrictions or covenants that would impact the Company’s ability to pay dividends or to incur additional financial obligations.
Derivatives: At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. These three types are (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”); (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”); or (3) an instrument with no hedging designation. For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is
13
reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income. When hedge accounting is discontinued on a fair value hedge that no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative continues to be reported at fair value in the statement of condition, but the carrying amount of the hedged item is no longer adjusted for future changes in fair value. The adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item that existed at the date hedge accounting is discontinued is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item into earnings.
Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.
The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the statement of condition or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminated, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.
When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest income. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.
The Company also offers facility specific / loan level swaps to its customers and offsets its exposure from such contracts by entering into mirror image swaps with a financial institution / swap counterparty (loan level / back-to-back swap program). The customer accommodations and any offsetting swaps are treated as non-hedging derivative instruments which do not qualify for hedge accounting (“standalone derivatives”). The notional amount of the swaps 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 contracts. The fair value of the swaps is recorded as both an asset and a liability, in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in equal amounts for these transactions. The Company is exposed to losses if a customer counterparty fails to make its payments under a contract in which the Company is in a net receiving position. At this time, the Company anticipates that its counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under the agreements. All of the contracts to which the Company is a party settle monthly. Further, the Company has netting agreements with the dealers with which it does business.
Stock-Based Compensation: The Company’s 2021 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan allows the granting of shares of the Company’s common stock as incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights to directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. There are no shares remaining for issuance with respect to the stock incentive plans approved in 2006 and 2012.
Options granted under this plan are, in general, exercisable not earlier than one year after the date of grant, at a price equal to the fair value of common stock on the date of grant and expire not more than ten years after the date of grant. Stock options may vest during a period of up to five years after the date of grant. The Company has a policy of using authorized but unissued shares to satisfy option exercises.
Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” the Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures.
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Changes in options outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were as follows:
Weighted
Average
Aggregate
Remaining
Intrinsic
Number of
Exercise
Contractual
Value
Options
Price
Term
(In thousands)
Balance, January 1, 2024
1,400
19.15
Exercised during 2024
Expired during 2024
(1,400
Forfeited during 2024
Balance, September 30, 2024
Vested and expected to vest
Exercisable at September 30, 2024
There were no stock options granted during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2024.
As of September 30, 2024, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company's stock incentive plans.
The Company issued performance-based and service-based restricted stock units in 2023. Service-based units vest ratably over a three- or five-year period. There were no service-based restricted stock units granted under the 2021 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan during the first nine months of 2024.
The performance-based awards are dependent upon the Company meeting certain performance criteria and, to the extent the performance criteria are met, will cliff vest at the end of the performance period, which is generally three years. There were no performance-based restricted stock units granted under the 2021 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan in the first nine months of 2024.
Changes in non-vested shares dependent on performance criteria for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were as follows:
Grant Date
Shares
Fair Value
176,364
32.40
Granted during 2024
4,705
31.36
Vested during 2024 (1)
(45,592
135,477
32.71
(1) Settled in cash.
Changes in service-based restricted stock awards/units for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were as follows:
626,742
29.62
(248,028
27.83
Shares to be settled in cash
(120,046
22.13
(6,647
31.98
252,021
29.81
(1) Includes 100,349 shares that settled in cash.
As of September 30, 2024, there was $7.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to service-based and performance-based restricted stock units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.07 years. Stock compensation expense recorded for the third quarters of 2024 and 2023 totaled $3.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Stock compensation expense recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 totaled $9.3 million and $8.6 million, respectively.
Phantom Plan: During the first quarter of 2024, the Company adopted the Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2024 Phantom Stock Plan ("Phantom Plan"). The Phantom Plan allows the Company to issue performance-based and service-based awards which will be paid in cash. The award of a phantom unit entitles the participant to a cash payment equal to the value of the unit on the vesting date, which is the fair market value of a common share of the Company's stock on such vesting date.
The Company issued performance-based and service-based phantom units in 2024. Service-based phantom units vest ratably over a three-year period. There were 262,811 service-based phantom units granted under the Phantom Plan during the first nine months of 2024. Additionally, there are 120,046 restricted stock units that will settle in cash in 2025 and 2026.
The performance-based phantom units are dependent upon the Company meeting certain performance criteria and, to the extent the performance criteria are met, will cliff vest at the end of the performance period, which is three years. There were 110,047 performance-based units granted under the Phantom Plan in the first nine months of 2024.
Phantom units are recorded in salary and employee benefits expense based on the fair value of the units on the balance sheet date. The fair value of these awards is updated at each balance sheet date and changes in the fair value of the vested portions of the awards are recorded as increases or decreases to compensation expense within salary and employee benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income. All of the outstanding phantom units at September 30, 2024 met the criteria to be treated under liability classification in accordance with ASC 718, given that these awards will settle in cash on the vesting date.
Compensation expense for the phantom units is based on the fair value of the units as of the balance sheet date as further discussed above, and such costs are recognized ratably over the service period of the awards. As the fair value of liability awards is required to be re-measured each period end, stock compensation expense amounts recognized in future periods for these awards will vary. The estimated future cash payments of these awards are presented as liabilities within "Accrued expenses and other liabilities" in the Consolidated Statement of Condition. As of September 30, 2024, there was $8.6 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested phantom units.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”): The 2014 ESPP expired in April 2024 and was replaced by the 2024 ESPP, which was approved by shareholders on April 30, 2024 and allowed for the issuance of 150,000 shares.
The ESPP allows for the purchase of shares during four three-month Offering Periods of each calendar year. The Offering Periods end on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each calendar year.
Each participant in the Offering Period is granted an option to purchase a number of shares and may contribute between one percent and 15 percent of their compensation. At the end of each Offering Period, the number of shares to be purchased by the employee is determined by dividing the employee’s contributions accumulated during the Offering Period by the applicable purchase price. The purchase price is an amount equal to 85 percent of the closing market price of a share of common stock on the purchase date. Participation in the ESPP is voluntary and employees can cancel their purchases at any time during the period without penalty. The fair value of each share purchase right is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The Company recorded $56,000 and $34,000 in salaries and employee benefits expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to the ESPP. Total shares issued under the ESPP during the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were 11,257 and 8,850, respectively.
The Company recorded $131,000 and $140,000 in salaries and employee benefits expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to the ESPP. Total shares issued under the ESPP during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were 27,016 and 26,491, respectively.
Earnings per share – Basic and Diluted: The following is a reconciliation of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income available to shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share is computed similarly to that of basic net income per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding utilizing the
Treasury Stock Method if all shares underlying potentially dilutive stock options were issued and all shares of restricted stock, stock warrants or restricted stock units were to vest during the reporting period.
Net income available to common shareholders
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
Plus: common stock equivalents
83,996
153,166
55,251
215,208
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
Net income per share
For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, restricted stock units totaling 125,152 and 235,902, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, restricted stock units totaling 277,141 and 416,712, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive shares are common stock equivalents with weighted average exercise prices in excess of the average market value for the periods presented.
Income Taxes: The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return. Separate state income tax returns are filed for each subsidiary based on current laws and regulations.
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in its financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on the enacted tax rates. Such tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effect of a change in tax rates in the period of enactment.
The Company recognizes a tax position as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.
The Company is no longer subject to examination by the U.S. Federal tax authorities for years prior to 2020 or by New Jersey tax authorities for years prior to 2018.
The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are any such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.
Restrictions on Cash: Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements.
Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and the change during the period in the Company’s net unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedge, net of tax, less adjustments for realized gains and losses.
Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree (if any), over the fair value of any net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition in a purchase business combination. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed.
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Goodwill was primarily attributable to the Bank’s wealth management acquisitions. Management monitors the impact of changes in the financial markets and includes these assessments in our impairment process.
The Company has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill, which includes assembled workforce has an indefinite life on our statement of financial condition.
Other intangible assets, which primarily consist of customer relationship intangible assets arising from acquisitions, are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 5 to 15 years.
2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
A summary of amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities available for sale and held to maturity included in the Consolidated Statements of Condition as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 follows:
September 30, 2024
Gross
Allowance
Amortized
Unrealized
for
Fair
Cost
Gains
Losses
Credit Losses
Securities Available for Sale:
U.S government-sponsored agencies
244,808
(39,795
205,013
Mortgage-backed securities–residential
476,695
2,845
(37,458
442,082
SBA pool securities
24,291
(2,878
21,413
Corporate bond
15,500
29
(1,324
14,205
Total securities available for sale
761,294
2,874
(81,455
Securities Held to Maturity:
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
40,000
(2,302
37,698
63,158
(8,418
54,740
Total securities held to maturity
(10,720
92,438
December 31, 2023
244,794
(47,103
197,691
363,893
80
(43,177
320,796
27,148
(3,744
23,404
(1,274
8,726
645,835
(95,298
(3,369
36,631
67,755
(9,971
57,784
(13,340
94,415
The following tables present the Company’s available for sale and held to maturity securities with continuous unrealized losses and the approximate fair value of these investments as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Duration of Unrealized Loss
Less Than 12 Months
12 Months or Longer
Approximate
Mortgage-backed securities residential
8,162
(101
229,706
(37,357
237,868
21,088
8,676
464,483
(81,354
472,645
Total securities
556,921
(92,074
565,083
(92,175
36,634
(963
217,513
(42,214
254,147
655
22,749
(3,743
37,289
(964
446,679
(94,334
483,968
9,647
(135
48,137
(9,836
84,768
(13,205
46,936
(1,099
531,447
(107,539
578,383
(108,638
Available for sale and held to maturity securities are evaluated to determine if a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis has resulted from a credit loss or other factors. An impairment related to credit factors would be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. The allowance is limited to the amount by which the security’s amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value. An impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recorded through other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Investment securities will be written down to fair value through the Consolidated Statements of Income when management intends to sell, or may be required to sell, the securities before they recover in value. The issuers of securities currently in a continuous loss position continue to make timely principal and interest payments and none of these securities were past due or were placed in nonaccrual status at September 30, 2024. Substantially all of the investment securities are backed by loans guaranteed by either U.S. government agencies or U.S government-sponsored entities, and Management believes that default is highly unlikely given the lack of historical credit losses and governmental backing. Management believes that the unrealized losses on these securities are a function of changes in market interest rates and credit spreads, not changes in credit quality. Therefore, no allowance for credit losses was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 or 2023, respectively.
The Company has an investment in a CRA investment fund with a fair value of $13.4 million at September 30, 2024. This investment is classified as an equity security in our Consolidated Statements of Condition. This security had a gain of $474,000 and $279,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. This amount was included in the fair value adjustment for CRA equity security on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
3. LOANS AND LEASES
Loans outstanding, excluding those held for sale, by general ledger classification, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, consisted of the following:
% of
Totals
Residential mortgage
590,813
11.12
%
578,327
10.65
Multifamily mortgage
1,784,861
33.58
1,836,390
33.82
Commercial mortgage
578,559
10.88
637,625
11.74
Commercial loans (including equipment financing)
2,221,243
41.79
2,260,524
41.64
Commercial construction
22,421
0.42
17,721
0.33
Home equity lines of credit
38,971
0.73
36,464
0.67
Consumer loans, including fixed rate home equity loans
78,160
1.47
62,036
1.14
Other loans
389
0.01
238
Total loans
100.00
In determining an appropriate amount for the allowance, the Bank segments and aggregated the loan portfolio based on common characteristics. The following pool segments identified as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are based on the CECL methodology:
Primary residential mortgage
590,681
585,126
10.78
Junior lien loan on residence
42,159
0.79
40,203
0.74
Multifamily property
33.59
33.85
Owner-occupied commercial real estate
269,743
5.08
255,110
4.70
Investment commercial real estate
979,188
18.43
1,061,197
19.56
Commercial and industrial
1,306,170
24.58
1,314,781
24.23
Lease financing
231,284
4.35
251,423
4.63
Construction
28,578
0.54
17,987
Consumer and other
80,795
1.52
63,906
1.18
5,313,459
5,426,123
Net deferred costs
1,958
3,202
Total loans including net deferred costs
The following tables present the recorded investment in nonaccrual and loans past due 90 days or over still on accrual by class of loans as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Nonaccrual
Loans Past Due
With No
90 Days or Over
And Still
for Credit Loss
Accruing Interest
2,136
96
15,294
33,337
11,715
3,641
29,810
2,555
3,355
23,726
80,453
20
1,263
16,645
9,881
3,965
31,430
946
2,002
32,803
61,324
The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 by class of loans, excluding nonaccrual loans:
30-59
60-89
90 Days or
Days
Greater
Past Due
2,170
1,144
3,314
52
28,080
2,222
29,224
31,446
2,448
1,061
3,509
Junior lien on residence
84
11,814
7,297
11,498
18,795
387
22,030
12,559
34,589
There were several loan modifications made during the first nine months of 2024, which included one investment commercial real estate loan, one commercial loan and one equipment finance of $17.3 million, $11.7 million and $10.5 million, respectively, that were completed during the third quarter of 2024. Loans past due 30 through 89 days at September 30, 2024 included $19.7 million of multifamily loans to two sponsors. Subsequent to September 30, 2024 these loans have been placed on nonaccrual status and downgraded to substandard.
Credit Quality Indicators:
The Company places all commercial loans into various credit risk rating categories based on an assessment of the expected ability of the borrowers to properly service their debt. The assessment considers numerous factors including, but not limited to, current financial information on the borrower, historical payment experience, strength of any guarantor, nature of and value of any collateral, acceptability of the loan structure and documentation, relevant public information and current economic trends. This credit risk rating analysis is performed when the loan is initially underwritten and then annually based on set criteria in the loan policy.
In addition, the Bank has engaged an independent loan review firm to validate risk ratings and to ensure compliance with our policies and procedures. This review of the following types of loans is performed quarterly:
21
The review excludes borrowers with commitments of less than $500,000.
The Company uses the following regulatory definitions for criticized and classified risk ratings:
Special Mention: These loans have a potential weakness that deserves Management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loans or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.
Substandard: These loans are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful: These loans have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values.
Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above-described process are considered to be pass-rated loans.
With the adoption of CECL, loans that are in the process of or expected to be in foreclosure are deemed to be collateral dependent with respect to measuring potential loss and allowance adequacy and are individually evaluated by Management. Loans that do not share common risk characteristics are also evaluated on an individual basis. All other loans are evaluated using a non-linear discounted cash flow methodology for measuring potential loss and allowance adequacy.
The following is a summary of the credit risk profile of loans by internally assigned grade as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 based on originations for the periods indicated; the years represent the year of origination for non-revolving loans:
Grade as of September 30, 2024 for Loans Originated During
2019
Revolving-
2022
2021
2020
and Prior
Revolving
Primary residential mortgage:
Pass
41,801
90,809
110,932
76,105
53,790
208,748
5,680
587,865
Special mention
Substandard
1,087
97
450
1,182
2,816
Doubtful
Total primary residential mortgages
91,896
111,029
54,240
209,930
Current period gross charge-offs
43
Junior lien loan on residence:
819
1,188
103
1,080
32,410
6,463
42,063
95
Total junior lien loan on residence
32,505
6,464
Multifamily property:
17,512
51,742
455,228
598,057
118,001
438,991
4,939
3,524
1,687,994
3,405
28,343
20,962
52,710
13,366
30,791
44,157
Total multifamily property
471,999
626,400
490,744
2,088
3,291
5,379
Owner-occupied commercial real estate:
26,172
4,233
23,033
43,842
19,096
125,011
15,315
10,546
267,248
1,161
1,334
2,495
Total owner-occupied commercial real estate
45,003
126,345
Investment commercial real estate:
24,234
124,323
170,365
138,114
55,937
357,040
14,443
26,592
911,048
25,189
13,910
39,099
9,786
19,255
29,041
Total investment commercial real estate
180,151
401,484
40,502
Commercial and industrial:
165,508
140,258
168,705
129,582
14,002
24,813
549,628
26,371
1,218,867
210
10,983
1,350
6,193
615
19,351
1,894
30,266
2,049
3,563
27,419
2,709
67,952
Total commercial and industrial
142,362
198,971
140,617
16,051
29,726
583,240
29,695
Lease financing:
31,987
45,673
41,099
53,629
28,090
27,450
227,928
801
3,356
Total lease financing
46,474
30,005
24
Construction:
Total commercial construction loans
Consumer and other loans:
29,855
3,063
129
3,678
40,947
2,881
80,791
Total consumer and other loans
40,951
Total:
337,069
460,920
970,550
1,039,670
289,045
1,186,811
686,260
82,057
5,052,382
40,487
48,835
14,525
113,655
3,782
53,515
2,499
57,346
27,518
2,710
147,422
Total Loans
464,912
1,027,470
1,080,209
291,544
1,292,992
719,971
99,292
Total Current Period Gross Charge-offs
3,293
5,684
25
Grade as of December 31, 2023 for Loans Originated During
2018
94,688
114,532
80,175
56,191
35,418
196,251
5,535
582,790
473
935
928
2,336
56,664
36,353
197,179
872
1,394
135
530
808
29,620
6,680
40,039
163
164
29,783
6,681
52,072
476,972
645,093
119,934
209,299
295,226
8,451
1,807,047
1,650
1,572
7,491
10,370
8,260
27,693
478,544
652,584
219,669
305,136
2,223
4,333
23,590
39,563
19,457
11,788
126,430
17,559
10,731
253,451
1,197
462
1,659
40,760
18,021
125,568
173,660
150,026
57,811
144,447
314,411
30,124
13,379
1,009,426
21,936
3,834
14,172
39,942
1,948
11,829
183,541
168,331
318,245
27,551
1,199
226,699
216,864
191,389
39,003
26,570
16,845
516,844
23,687
1,257,901
758
190
14,232
194
16,535
1,212
22,297
1,467
1,865
953
2,524
7,571
2,456
40,345
227,911
239,161
193,614
40,868
28,684
19,559
538,647
26,337
50,706
42,447
61,547
39,710
24,113
19,287
237,810
9,631
511
1,375
94
11,611
1,056
26
51,762
52,078
62,058
26,434
19,381
4,800
794
5,594
3,934
301
158
4,141
51,788
3,581
63,903
51,791
139
558,872
1,049,459
1,168,229
332,264
452,165
973,399
672,373
63,593
5,270,354
2,466
24,472
5,768
14,694
14,366
71,397
33,750
8,958
2,338
15,152
11,712
7,737
2,457
84,372
561,140
1,092,840
1,179,653
334,602
491,789
990,879
694,804
80,416
5,999
9,155
At September 30, 2024, $80.0 million of substandard loans were individually evaluated, compared to $60.6 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in individually evaluated substandard loans was primarily due to six multifamily loans with a balance of $31.8 million that were graded as substandard during the nine months of 2024, offset by the sale of two multifamily individually evaluated loans totaling $15.1 million.
Loan Modifications:
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2022-02, which replaced the accounting and recognition of troubled debt restructurings. The Company will provide modifications, which may include other than insignificant delays in payment of amounts due, extension of the terms of the notes or reduction in the interest rates on the notes. In certain instances, the Company may grant more than one type of modification. All accruing modified loans were paying in accordance with their modified terms as of September 30, 2024. The Company has not committed to lend additional amounts as of September 30, 2024 to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as modified loans.
27
The following table provides information related to the modifications during the three months ended September 30, 2024 by pool segment and type of concession granted:
Significant Payment Delay
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
% of Total
Class of
Cost Basis
Financing
at Period End
Receivable
542
0.09
17,326
1.77
68
1.87
and Term Extension
10,521
0.81
The following tables provide information related to the modifications during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 by pool segment and type of concession granted:
Interest Rate Reduction and Term Extension
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
12,169
0.93
11,780
0.90
29,648
2.76
28
There were no modifications during the three months ended September 30, 2023.
The following tables provide information related to the modifications during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 by pool segment and type of concession granted:
Significant Pay Delay
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
248
0.02
Interest Rate Reduction
3,077
0.23
The following table depicts the payment status of the loans that were modified to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties on or after January 1, 2023, the date we adopted ASU 2022-02, through September 30, 2024:
Payment Status at September 30, 2024
30-89 Days
90+ Days
Current
118
34,470
2,799
52,338
2,917
The following table presents loans by class modified that failed to comply with the modified terms in the twelve months following modification and resulted in a payment default at September 30, 2024:
Amortized Cost Basis of Modified Loans
That Subsequently Defaulted
Significant
Pay Delay
Rate Reduction
The following table presents loans by class modified that failed to comply with the modified terms in the twelve months following modification and resulted in a payment default at September 30, 2023:
4. ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, which replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the CECL methodology. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information on Topic 326.
The Company does not estimate expected credit losses on accrued interest receivable (“AIR”) on loans, as AIR is reversed or written off when the full collection of the AIR related to a loan becomes doubtful. AIR on loans totaled $28.9 million at September 30, 2024 and $27.8 million at December 31, 2023.
The following tables present the loan balances by segment, and the corresponding balances in the allowance as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The allowance was based on the CECL methodology.
Ending ACL
Attributable
To
Individually
To Loans
Evaluated
Collectively
Ending
ACL
1,658
589,023
4,411
200
2,242
1,751,524
10,539
12,781
4,909
745
967,473
13,411
14,156
6,501
1,276,360
24,808
31,309
197
1,524
1,721
770
Consumer and other loans
1,026
Total ACL
79,972
9,685
5,233,487
61,598
584,474
3,931
40,103
177
1,819,745
8,782
4,840
1,051,316
4,518
1,283,351
29,707
249,421
1,643
1,663
516
869
60,710
4,538
5,365,413
61,350
Individually evaluated loans include nonaccrual loans of $80.0 million at September 30, 2024 and $60.6 million at December 31, 2023. Individually evaluated loans did not include any performing modified loans at September 30, 2024. An allowance of $229,000 was allocated to modified loans at September 30, 2024.
The allowance for credit losses was $71.3 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $65.9 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was primarily related to an increase in the ACL related to multifamily loans, which was driven by the increase in individually evaluated loans of $16.7 million to $33.3 million and certain qualitative adjustments made during the first nine months of 2024. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans was 1.34 percent at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.21 percent at December 31, 2023.
Under Topic 326, the Company's methodology for determining the ACL on loans is based upon key assumptions, including historic net charge-offs, economic forecasts, reversion periods, prepayments and qualitative adjustments. The allowance is measured on a collective, or pool, basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Loans that do not share common risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are excluded from the collective evaluation.
30
The following tables present collateral dependent loans individually evaluated by segment as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Unpaid
Principal
Recorded
Related
Balance
Investment (A)
With no related allowance recorded:
Primary residential mortgage (A)
1,754
1,539
Junior lien loan on residence (A)
99
Multifamily property (B)
15,320
15,295
17,526
Commercial and industrial (A)(C)(D)
3,902
2,733
3,798
Lease financing (E)
2,671
1,662
Total loans with no related allowance
23,746
22,337
24,628
With related allowance recorded:
18,138
18,042
10,090
Investment commercial real estate (D)
14,430
10,684
Commercial and industrial (A)(C)(D)(E)
29,513
27,077
22,184
841
889
Total loans with related allowance
62,922
57,635
43,847
Total loans individually evaluated
86,668
68,475
(A) Secured by residential real estate.
(B) Secured by multifamily residential properties.
(C) Secured by commercial real estate.
(D) Secured by all business assets.
(E) Secured by machinery and equipment.
Investment
712
428
18,868
5,964
Investment commercial real estate (C)
12,500
5,781
6,275
2,146
1,035
2,067
39,490
32,189
16,394
Commercial and industrial (C)(D)(E)
28,359
27,465
9,814
1,079
1,611
29,438
28,521
11,425
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment
68,928
27,819
Interest income recognized on individually evaluated loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was not material. The Company did not recognize any income on non-accruing loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
31
The activity in the allowance for credit losses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 is summarized below:
July 1,
Beginning
Provision
Charge-offs
Recoveries
(Credit) (A)
4,191
(43
263
187
12,601
4,712
14,452
(296
28,568
2,115
626
1,690
115
(4
102
67,984
(47
2,119
1,227
(A) Provision to roll forward the ACL excludes a credit of $3,000 for off-balance sheet commitments.
3,148
3,263
151
10,537
45
10,582
4,708
(46
4,662
13,548
13,525
27,433
4,701
32,134
2,063
904
2,967
421
552
695
(57
114
753
62,704
5,944
68,592
(A) Provision to roll forward the ACL excludes a provision of $88,000 for off-balance sheet commitments.
January 1,
523
(5,379
9,378
(1,247
(241
2,120
(277
3,214
(3,156
254
(21
176
(5,684
5,336
5,743
32
2,894
369
8,849
1,733
4,835
(173
15,480
(1,199
(756
25,530
6,604
2,314
653
236
316
537
(118
328
60,829
(1,317
9,074
Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Commitments
The following tables present the activity in the ACL for off-balance sheet commitments for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
(Credit)
Off balance sheet commitments
687
706
752
(9
743
5. DEPOSITS
Certificates of deposit that met or exceeded $250,000 totaled $140.7 million and $105.9 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. These totals exclude brokered certificates of deposit, which the Company had none at September 30, 2024 and $120.5 million at December 31, 2023.
The following table sets forth the details of total deposits as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
18.19
18.16
Interest-bearing checking (A)
55.87
54.65
1.75
2.12
Money market
15.21
14.04
8.68
8.41
0.13
0.15
99.83
97.53
Interest-bearing demand - Brokered
0.17
0.19
Certificates of deposit - Brokered
2.28
33
The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit, including brokered certificates of deposit, as of September 30, 2024, are as follows:
158,997
2025
337,013
2026
24,070
2027
1,240
2028
871
2029 and later
560
522,751
6. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES AND OTHER BORROWINGS
At September 30, 2024, the Company had no overnight borrowings with the FHLB compared to $403.8 million of overnight borrowings at the FHLB at a rate of 5.62 percent at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, the Company also had available unused short-term overnight borrowing capacity through the FHLB of $1.8 billion, $22.0 million from correspondent banks and $1.8 billion at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
7. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company assesses its results among two operating segments, Banking and Peapack Private. Management uses certain methodologies to allocate income and expense to the business segments. A funds transfer pricing methodology is used to assign interest income and interest expense. Certain indirect expenses are allocated to segments. These include support unit expenses such as technology and operations and other support functions. Taxes are allocated to each segment based on the effective rate for the period shown.
Banking
The Banking segment includes: commercial (includes C&I and equipment finance), commercial real estate, multifamily, commercial construction, residential and consumer lending activities; treasury management services; C&I advisory services; escrow management; deposit generation; operation of ATMs; telephone and internet banking services; merchant credit card services and customer support and sales.
Peapack Private
Peapack Private which includes the operations of PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware, consists of: investment management services provided for individuals and institutions; personal trust services, including services as executor, trustee, administrator, custodian and guardian; and other financial planning, tax preparation and advisory services.
34
The following tables present the statements of income and total assets for the Company’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Peapack
Private
Net interest income
37,077
604
Noninterest income
3,604
15,334
Total income
40,681
15,938
56,619
Compensation and benefits
23,988
7,062
Premises and equipment expense
4,794
839
FDIC expense
5,013
2,083
Total operating expense
35,889
9,984
45,873
Income before income tax expense
4,792
5,954
1,404
1,755
3,388
4,199
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
35,811
704
5,120
14,234
40,931
14,938
55,869
18,440
6,824
4,436
778
4,188
2,006
33,661
9,608
43,269
7,270
5,330
2,275
1,570
4,995
3,760
105,299
1,799
12,616
46,578
117,915
48,377
166,292
67,585
21,825
14,214
2,276
13,231
6,000
103,477
30,101
133,578
14,438
18,276
3,958
5,008
10,480
13,268
Total assets at period end
6,663,410
130,382
35
116,004
3,410
13,027
42,961
129,031
46,371
175,402
54,558
21,646
12,072
2,245
11,317
6,660
89,193
30,551
119,744
39,838
15,820
11,021
4,382
28,817
11,438
6,405,796
115,785
6,521,581
8. FAIR VALUE
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 values:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate the fair value:
Investment Securities: The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3).
Loans Held for Sale, at Fair Value: The fair value of loans held for sale is determined using quoted prices for similar assets, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan or other observable market data, such as outstanding commitments from third party investors (Level 2).
Derivatives: The fair values 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 rates, 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.
Individually Evaluated Loans: The fair value of collateral dependent loans with specific allocations of the allowance for credit losses is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Individually evaluated loans may, in some cases, also be measured by the discounted cash flow methodology where payments are anticipated. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.
Other Real Estate Owned: Nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as other real estate owned (“OREO") are measured at fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Fair values are based on recent real estate
36
appraisals. These appraisals may use a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.
Appraisals for both collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by Management. Once received, a third party conducts a review of the appraisal for compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and appropriate analysis methods for the type of property. Subsequently, a member of the Credit Department reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal, as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with independent data sources such as recent market data or industry-wide statistics. Appraisals on collateral dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned (consistent for all loan types) are obtained on an annual basis, unless a significant change in the market or other factors warrants a more frequent appraisal. On an annual basis, Management compares the actual selling price of any collateral that has been sold to the most recent appraised value to determine what additional adjustment should be made to the appraisal value to arrive at fair value for other properties. The most recent analysis performed indicated that a discount up to 15 percent should be applied to appraisals on properties. The discount is determined based on the nature of the underlying properties, aging of appraisals and other factors. For each collateral-dependent impaired loan, we consider other factors, such as certain indices or other market information, as well as property specific circumstances to determine if an adjustment to the appraised value is needed. In situations where there is evidence of change in value, the Bank will determine if there is a need for an adjustment to the specific reserve on the collateral dependent impaired loans. When the Bank applies an interim adjustment, it generally shows the adjustment as an incremental specific reserve against the loan until it has received the full updated appraisal. All collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned valuations were supported by an appraisal less than 12 months old or in the process of obtaining an appraisal as of September 30, 2024.
The following tables summarize, at the dates indicated, assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including financial assets for which the Company has elected the fair value option:
Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets For
Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Assets
Inputs
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Assets:
Available for sale:
Mortgage-backed securities-residential
CRA investment fund
Derivatives:
Cash flow hedges
3,970
Loan level swaps
14,297
714,425
700,980
Liabilities:
109
14,406
Securities available for sale:
6,814
23,826
594,423
581,257
The Company has elected the fair value option for certain loans held for sale. These loans are intended for sale and the Company believes that the fair value is the best indicator of the resolution of these loans. Interest income is recorded based on the contractual terms of the loan and in accordance with the Company’s policy on loans held for investment. None of these loans are 90 days or more past due or on nonaccrual as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
The following table presents residential loans held for sale, at fair value, at the dates indicated:
Residential loans contractual balance
554
98
Fair value adjustment
Total fair value of residential loans held for sale
The following tables summarize, at the dates indicated, assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:
Individually evaluated loans:
15,800
10,970
20,575
38
22,947
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2024 are as follows:
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2024 using
Carrying
Amount
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities held to maturity
FHLB and FRB stock
N/A
4,540
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses
5,075,349
3,112
28,861
Accrued interest receivable loan level swaps (A)
1,159
Financial liabilities
Deposits
5,412,635
521,577
5,934,212
Subordinated debt
120,402
Accrued interest payable
10,252
7,046
2,142
1,064
Accrued interest payable loan level swaps (B)
Loan level swap
39
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2023 are as follows:
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023 using
7,201
Loans, net of allowance for loan and lease losses
5,294,942
2,868
27,808
1,373
4,702,012
567,696
5,269,708
111,924
7,115
4,989
1,968
9. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
All of the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers within the scope of ASC 606 is recognized within noninterest income.
The following tables present the sources of noninterest income for the periods indicated:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Service charges on deposits
Overdraft fees
Interchange income
256
283
948
907
Wealth management fees (A)
Other (B)
2,406
3,975
Total noninterest other income
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
345
392
761
903
2,888
2,602
Loss on sale of property
8,252
9,922
40
The following table presents the sources of noninterest income by operating segment for the periods indicated:
Wealth
Revenue by Operating Segment
Management
184
3,716
259
Total noninterest income
Revenue by Operating
Segment
602
8,950
972
A description of the Company’s revenue streams accounted for under ASC 606 follows:
Service charges on deposit accounts: The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for certain transaction account maintenance, and overdraft fees. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as ATM use fees, stop payment charges, statement rendering, and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the Company fulfills the customer’s request. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of a month, representing the period over which the Company satisfies the performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs. Service charges on deposits are withdrawn from the customer’s account balance.
Interchange income: The Company earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions conducted through the Visa payment network. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder. Interchange income is presented gross of cardholder rewards. Cardholder rewards are included in other expenses in the statement of income. Cardholder rewards reduced interchange income for the third quarter of 2024 by $6,000 and $2,000 for the same quarter in 2023. Cardholder rewards reduced interchange income by $12,000 and $6,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Wealth management fees (gross): The Company earns wealth management fees from its contracts with wealth management clients to manage assets for investment, and/or to transact on their accounts. These fees are primarily earned over time as the Company charges its clients on a monthly or quarterly basis in accordance with its investment advisory agreements. Fees are generally assessed based on a tiered scale of the market value of AUM at month end. Fees that are transaction based, including trade execution services, are recognized at the point in time that the transaction is executed (i.e. trade date).
41
Investment brokerage fees (net): The Company earns fees from investment brokerage services provided to its customers by a third-party service provider. The Company receives commissions from the third-party service provider twice a month based upon customer activity for the month. The fees are recognized monthly, and a receivable is recorded until commissions are generally paid by the 15th of the following month. Because the Company (i) acts as an agent in arranging the relationship between the customer and the third-party service provider and (ii) does not control the services rendered to the customers, investment brokerage fees are presented net of related costs.
Gains/(losses) on sales of property: The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of property when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed. When the Company finances the sale of property to the buyer, the Company assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform its obligations under the contract and whether collectability of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the property asset is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon the transfer of control of the property to the buyer. In determining the gain or loss on the sale, the Company adjusts the transaction price and related gain/(loss) on sale if a significant financing component is present. The Company recorded a loss on sale of property of $4,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Corporate advisory fee income: The Company provides our clients with financial advisory and underwriting services. Investment banking revenues, which includes mergers and acquisition advisory fees and private placement fees, are recorded when the performance obligation for the transaction is satisfied under the terms of each engagement. Reimbursed expenses are reported in other revenue on the statement of operations. Expenses related to investment banking are recognized as non-compensation expenses on the statement of operations. Amounts received and unearned are included on the statement of financial condition. Expenses related to investment banking deals not completed are recognized in non-compensation expenses on the statement of operations.
The Company’s mergers and acquisition advisory fees generally consist of a nonrefundable up-front fee and success fee. The nonrefundable fee is recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt and recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied, or when the transaction is deemed by management to be terminated. Management’s judgment is required in determining when a transaction is considered to be terminated.
Other: All of the other income items are outside the scope of ASC 606.
10. OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
The following table presents the major components of other operating expenses for the periods indicated:
Professional and legal fees
2,014
1,619
5,069
4,143
Trust department expense
977
2,938
2,856
Telephone
407
1,138
Advertising
340
482
1,308
272
339
Branch/office restructure
175
Other operating expenses
3,016
2,370
7,918
7,033
Total other operating expenses
11. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
The following is a summary of the accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) balances, net of tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
42
Income/(Loss)
Three Months
Balance at
Ended
Before
Reclassifications
Net unrealized holding gain/(loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax
(75,188
(57,614
Gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges
6,846
2,794
Accumulated other comprehensive gain/(loss), net of tax
(76,047
(91,034
8,050
9,381
The following is a summary of the accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) balances, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Reclassified
From
Nine Months
(69,809
4,931
(80,972
6,761
2,680
(60
(7,382
The following represents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Affected Line Item in Income
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedge derivatives:
Interest Expense
Total reclassifications, net of tax
12. 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 swaps 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 Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $360.0 million and $310.0 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, were designated as cash flow hedges of certain interest-bearing deposits. On a quarterly basis, the Company performs a qualitative hedge effectiveness assessment. This assessment takes into consideration any adverse developments related to the counterparty’s risk of default and any negative events or circumstances that affect the factors that originally enabled the Company to assess that it could reasonably support, qualitatively, an expectation that the hedging relationship was and will continue to be highly effective. As of September 30, 2024, there were no events or market conditions that would result in hedge ineffectiveness. The aggregate fair value of the swaps is recorded in other assets/liabilities with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income 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 terms of the swaps.
The following table presents information about the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
September 30,2024
December 31,2023
Notional amount
360,000
310,000
Weighted average pay rate
2.29
2.22
Weighted average receive rate
4.20
4.14
Weighted average maturity
2.60 years
2.98 years
Unrealized gain/(loss), net
3,861
Number of contracts
44
Notional
Interest rate swaps related to interest-bearing deposits
Total included in other assets
335,000
Total included in other liabilities
25,000
(109
Cash Flow Hedges
The following table presents the net gains/(losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and the consolidated financial statements relating to the cash flow derivative instruments for the three month and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Interest rate contracts
Gain/(loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion)
Gain/(loss) recognized in other noninterest income
Net interest income recorded on these swap transactions totaled $1.5 million and $4.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. Net interest income recorded on these swap transactions totaled $1.5 million and $3.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. Net interest income/expense for these swap transactions is reported as a component of interest expense.
Derivatives Not Designated as Accounting Hedges
The Company offers facility specific/loan level swaps to its customers and offsets its exposure from such contracts by entering mirror image swaps with a financial institution/swap counterparty (loan level / back-to-back swap program). The customer accommodations and any offsetting swaps are treated as non-hedging derivative instruments which do not qualify for hedge accounting (“standalone derivatives”). The notional amount of the swaps 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 contracts. The fair value of the swaps is recorded as both an asset and a liability, in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in equal amounts for these transactions.
The accrued interest receivable and payable related to these swaps of $1.2 million and $1.4 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, is recorded in other assets and other liabilities.
Information about these swaps is as follows:
466,777
545,983
Fair value
(13,138
(22,452
Weighted average pay rates
3.91
3.95
Weighted average receive rates
6.90
7.09
3.64 years
3.93 years
60
13. SUBORDINATED DEBT
In December 2017, the Company issued $35.0 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating subordinated notes (the “2017 Notes”) to certain institutional investors. The 2017 Notes are non-callable for five years, have a stated maturity of December 15, 2027, and had a fixed interest rate of 4.75 percent until December 15, 2022. From December 16, 2022 to the maturity date or early redemption date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to a level equal to the then current three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate plus 254 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears (which was 8.14 percent at September 30, 2024). Debt issuance costs incurred totaled $875,000 and are being amortized to maturity.
In December 2020, the Company issued $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating subordinated notes (the “2020 Notes”) to certain institutional investors. The 2020 Notes are non-callable for five years, have a stated maturity of December 22, 2030, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.50 percent until December 22, 2025. From December 23, 2025 to the maturity date or early redemption date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to a level equal to the then current three-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 326 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears. Debt issuance costs incurred totaled $1.9 million and are being amortized to maturity.
Subordinated debt is presented net of issuance costs on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The subordinated debt issuances are included in the Company’s regulatory total capital amount and ratio.
14. LEASES
The Company maintains certain property and equipment under direct financing and operating leases. As of September 30, 2024, the Company's operating lease ROU asset and operating lease liability totaled $41.7 million and $44.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company's operating lease ROU asset and operating lease liability totaled $12.1 million and $12.9 million, respectively. The increase in the Company’s operating lease liability and ROU asset was primarily due to the modification of the existing lease on the main office which had an operating lease liability balance of $19.0 million and an ROU asset balance of $18.2 million as of September 30, 2024. Additionally, the Company executed a lease for our New York City location, which resulted in an operating lease liability of $15.0 million and an ROU asset of $13.4 million as of September 30, 2024. A weighted average discount rate of 4.39 percent and 2.72 percent was used in the measurement of the ROU asset and lease liability as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
The Company's leases have remaining lease terms between two months to 12 years, with a weighted average lease term of 9.46 years at September 30, 2024. The Company's leases had remaining lease terms between four months to 13 years, with a weighted average lease term of 6.75 years at December 31, 2023. The Company’s lease agreements may include options to extend or terminate the lease. The Company’s decision to exercise renewal options is based on an assessment of its current business needs and market factors at the time of the renewal.
Total operating lease costs were $1.7 million and $792,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The variable lease costs were $104,000 and $58,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Total operating lease costs were $4.0 million and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The variable lease costs were $262,000 and $200,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following is a schedule of the Company's operating lease liabilities by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2024:
1,282
6,162
6,173
5,839
5,659
Thereafter
30,195
Total lease payments
55,310
Less: imputed interest
10,535
Total present value of lease payments
The following table shows the supplemental cash flow information related to the Company’s direct finance and operating leases for the periods indicated:
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for lease obligation
Operating cash flows from operating leases
3,108
2,184
Operating cash flows from direct finance leases
74
Financing cash flows from direct finance leases
308
15. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments In Response to the SEC's Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements on a variety of topics and align the requirements in the FASB accounting standard codification with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") regulations. The amendments will be effective for the Company only if the SEC removes the related disclosure requirement from its existing regulations no later than June 30, 2027. If the SEC timely removes such a related requirement from its existing regulations, the corresponding amendments within the ASU will become effective for the Company on the same date with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the amendments in this update to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280), to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures about significant segment and interim periods with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Tax - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740), which requires reporting companies to break out their income tax expense and tax rate reconciliation in more detail. For public companies, the requirements will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-01, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Applications of Profits Interests and Similar Awards. ASU 2024-01 adds an example to Topic 718 which illustrates how to apply the scope guidance to determine whether profits interest and similar awards should be accounted for as share-based payment arrangements under Topic 718 or under other U.S. GAAP. ASU 2024-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, although early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption of ASU 2024-01, the Company does not expect this ASU to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
47
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about Management’s confidence and strategies and Management’s expectations about operations, growth, financial results, new and existing programs and products, investments, relationships, opportunities and market conditions. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “expect”, “look”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “may”, or similar statements or variations of such terms. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, those risk factors identified in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, in addition to/which include the following:
Except as may be required by applicable law or regulation, the Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements to conform the statement to actual results or change in the Company’s expectations. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance
with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Note 1 to the Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 contains a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.
The Company’s determination of the allowance for credit losses involves a higher degree of complexity and requires Management to make difficult and subjective judgments, which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. Changes in the methodology for determining the allowance for credit losses or in these judgments, assumptions or estimates could materially impact results of operations. This critical policy and its application are periodically reviewed with the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 (Topic 326), which replaced the incurred loss methodology with CECL for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and other commitments to extend credit. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation allowance for Management’s estimate of expected credit losses in the loan portfolio. The process to determine expected credit losses utilizes analytic tools and Management judgment and is reviewed on a quarterly basis. When Management is reasonably certain that a loan balance is not fully collectable, an analysis is completed whereby a specific reserve may be established or a full or partial charge off is recorded against the allowance. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance via a quantitative analysis which considers available information from internal and external sources related to past loan loss and prepayment experience and current economic conditions, as well as the incorporation of reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management evaluates a variety of factors including available published economic information in arriving at its forecast. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. Also included in the allowance for credit losses are qualitative reserves that are expected, but, in the Management’s assessment, may not be adequately represented in the quantitative analysis or the forecasts described above. Factors may include changes in lending policies and procedures, size and composition of the portfolio, experience and depth of Management and the effect of external factors such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements, among others. The allowance is available for any loan that, in Management’s judgment, should be charged off.
Although Management uses the best information available, the level of the allowance for credit 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 credit losses. Such agencies may require the Company to make additional provisions for credit losses based upon information available to them at the time of their examination. Furthermore, the majority of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate in New Jersey and, to a lesser extent, New York City. Accordingly, the collectability of a substantial portion of the carrying value of the Company’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in local market conditions and any adverse economic conditions. Future adjustments to the provision for credit losses and the allowance for credit losses may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond the Company’s control.
The Company accounts for its debt securities in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt Securities” and its equity security in accordance with ASC 321, “Investments – Equity Securities.” All securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax. Securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized cost. The Company’s investment in a CRA investment fund is classified as an equity security. In accordance with ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments” unrealized holding gains and losses for equity securities are marked to market through the income statement.
49
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The following table presents certain key aspects of our performance for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Change
2024 vs 2023
Results of Operations:
Interest income
4,714
Interest expense
3,548
1,166
1,175
3,788
(1,591
(416
Total revenue (net interest income + total other income)
750
Operating expense
7,236
Pretax income before provision for credit losses
11,970
18,456
(6,486
(4,632
Pretax income
(1,854
(686
(1,168
Diluted average shares outstanding
(310,085
Diluted earnings per share
(0.06
Return on average assets annualized ("ROAA")
0.46
(0.08
)%
Return on average equity annualized ("ROAE")
5.12
6.20
(1.08
The following table presents certain key aspects of our performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
17,803
30,119
(12,316
3,987
13,218
13,999
(781
3,206
(9,110
17,137
38,476
64,723
(26,247
Provision for loan and lease losses
(3,303
(22,944
(6,437
(16,507
(344,964
(0.89
Return on average assets annualized (ROAA)
0.84
(0.35
Return on average equity annualized (ROAE)
5.42
9.66
(4.24
50
Selected Balance Sheet Ratios:
Total capital (Tier I + II) to risk-weighted assets
15.19
14.95
0.24
Tier I leverage ratio
9.33
9.19
0.14
Loans to deposits
89.55
102.94
(13.39
Allowance for credit losses to total loans
1.21
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans
88.60
107.44
(18.84
Nonperforming loans to total loans
1.51
1.13
0.38
For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded total revenue of $56.6 million, pretax income of $10.7 million, net income of $7.6 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.43, compared to revenue of $55.9 million, pretax income of $12.6 million, net income of $8.8 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.49 for the same period last year.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded total revenue of $166.3 million, pretax income of $32.7 million, net income of $23.7 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.34, compared to revenue of $175.4 million, pretax income of $55.7 million, net income of $40.3 million and diluted earnings per share of $2.23 for the same period last year.
During 2024, the Company expanded into the metro New York market, leading with our "Single Point of Contact" private banking strategy, which continues to demonstrate progress and positive momentum. Increasing deposits through the growth of core deposit relationships has enabled us to repay all short-term borrowings, which enhances our liquidity position and improves net interest margin.
The decrease in net income for both the three and nine month 2024 periods when compared to the same 2023 periods was principally driven by increased operating expenses, which was principally attributable to the Company's expansion into New York City and expanding our unique private banking model that offers a single point of contact for all banking services. The decrease in net income for the nine month 2024 period when compared to the same 2023 period was also driven by the Company's decreased net interest income due to net interest margin contraction, as a result of higher deposit and borrowings rates. The Company has seen positive momentum in net interest margin during the second and third quarters of 2024, as a result of paying down overnight borrowings with core deposit growth at a lower cost. During 2024, deposits grew $661.3 million, which included $122.2 million in noninterest-bearing demand deposits. Other income and wealth management fee income continue to be a consistent and steady revenue stream for the Company.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS: For a discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements, see the information set forth in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations.”
EARNINGS ANALYSIS
NET INTEREST INCOME (“NII”) / NET INTEREST MARGIN (“NIM”) / AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET:
The primary source of the Company’s operating income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest and dividends earned on interest-earning assets and fees earned on loans, and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Earning assets include loans, investment securities, interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold. Interest-bearing liabilities include interest-bearing checking, savings and time deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, subordinated debt and other borrowings. Net interest income is determined by the difference between the average yields earned on earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities (“net interest spread”) and the relative amounts of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is net interest income as a percent of total interest-earning assets on an annualized basis. The Company’s net interest income, spread and margin are affected by regulatory, economic and competitive factors that influence interest rates, loan demand and deposit flows and general levels of nonperforming assets.
51
The following table summarizes the loans that the Company closed during the periods indicated:
For the Three Months Ended
Residential mortgage loans originated for portfolio
26,955
21,310
Residential mortgage loans originated for sale
1,853
2,503
Total residential mortgage loans
28,808
23,813
Commercial real estate loans
4,300
3,900
Multifamily
11,295
3,000
C&I loans (A) (B)
242,829
176,845
Small business administration
9,106
300
Wealth lines of credit (A)
11,675
6,875
Total commercial loans
279,205
190,920
Installment loans
8,137
6,999
Home equity lines of credit (A)
10,421
Total loans closed
326,571
228,007
For the Nine Months Ended
54,703
90,971
8,239
5,052
62,942
96,023
18,400
66,125
17,525
59,812
491,697
543,631
20,096
23,963
26,475
34,050
574,193
727,581
16,669
23,672
17,311
15,303
671,115
862,579
(A) Includes loans and lines of credit that closed in the period but were not necessarily funded.
(B) Includes equipment finance leases and loans.
At September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, the Bank had a concentration in commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans as defined by applicable regulatory guidance as follows:
Multifamily real estate loans as a percent of total regulatory capital of the Bank
243
Non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans as a percent of total regulatory capital of the Bank
124
137
Total CRE concentration
350
375
380
Total CRE concentration as a percentage of regulatory capital continues to steadily decline. Management believes it satisfactorily addresses the key elements in the risk management framework laid out by its regulators for the effective management of CRE concentration risks.
The following table reflects the components of the average balance sheet and of net interest income for the periods indicated:
Average Balance Sheet
Unaudited
September 30, 2023
Income/
Annualized
Expense
Yield
ASSETS:
Interest-earning assets:
Investments:
Taxable (A)
865,892
2.82
806,861
2.56
Tax-exempt (A) (B)
1,198
3.67
Loans (B) (C):
Residential mortgages
579,949
5,834
4.02
580,951
5,208
3.59
Commercial mortgages
2,381,771
27,362
4.60
2,502,351
27,746
4.44
Commercial
2,159,648
37,588
6.96
2,298,723
37,357
6.50
22,371
507
9.07
12,346
282
9.14
Installment
73,440
1,267
56,248
967
6.88
Home equity
38,768
814
8.40
34,250
680
7.94
239
10.04
234
11.97
5,256,186
73,378
5.58
5,485,103
72,247
5.27
326,707
4.88
136,315
4.29
Total interest-earning assets
6,448,785
83,467
5.18
6,429,477
78,891
4.91
Noninterest-earning assets:
7,521
6,954
Allowance for credit losses
(70,317
(63,625
23,880
139,042
85,582
Total noninterest-earning assets
101,776
52,791
Total assets
6,550,561
6,482,268
LIABILITIES:
3,214,186
31,506
3.92
2,813,080
24,318
3.46
Money markets
833,325
6,419
3.08
771,781
4,458
2.31
104,293
117
0.45
118,718
0.25
512,794
4.32
415,665
3.33
Subtotal interest-bearing deposits
4,664,598
43,582
3.74
4,119,244
32,310
3.14
5.36
5.44
7,913
102,777
Total interest-bearing deposits
4,682,511
4,232,021
33,629
3.18
FHLB advances and borrowings
470,616
1,401
4.28
3,863
4.76
133,449
5.05
133,163
5.20
Total interest-bearing liabilities
4,817,361
3.78
4,839,663
3.47
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits
1,016,014
990,854
124,399
86,598
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
1,140,413
1,077,452
Shareholders’ equity
592,787
565,153
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)
37,945
36,917
Net interest spread
1.40
1.44
Net interest margin (D)
2.34
Tax equivalent adjustment
(264
(402
820,594
2.67
801,535
2.42
1,637
3.99
578,187
16,836
3.88
556,220
14,433
2,420,772
81,783
4.50
2,495,175
80,503
4.30
2,196,921
112,214
6.81
2,247,803
106,182
6.30
20,981
1,425
9.06
7,903
536
9.04
68,605
6.85
49,214
2,416
6.55
37,255
2,298
8.22
33,914
1,903
7.48
218
11.62
260
11.28
5,322,939
218,099
5.46
5,390,489
205,995
5.10
225,070
4.69
147,071
4.04
6,368,603
242,432
6,340,732
225,037
4.73
8,384
8,388
Allowance for loan and lease losses
(68,337
(62,753
24,917
23,850
109,152
76,992
74,116
46,477
6,442,719
6,387,209
3,088,218
88,192
3.81
2,739,115
63,018
3.07
794,297
17,959
3.01
893,567
13,185
1.97
106,200
302
128,437
148
498,353
4.22
386,488
2.64
4,487,068
122,215
3.63
4,147,607
84,001
2.70
5.25
15,311
4.08
78,042
5.04
51,916
4.07
4,575,110
125,559
3.66
4,214,834
86,054
2.72
87,224
5.88
331,170
5.33
2,491
4.01
4,179
4.75
133,377
133,090
4.98
4,798,202
4,683,273
2.97
959,571
1,066,162
101,247
82,215
1,060,818
1,148,377
583,699
555,559
107,895
120,619
1.76
2.26
2.54
(797
(1,205
The effect of volume and rate changes on net interest income (on a tax-equivalent basis) for the three month period ended September 30, 2024 compared to September 30, 2023 are shown below:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Difference due to
Change In
Change In:
(In Thousands):
Volume
Rate
Investments
320
606
926
(2,919
4,050
1,131
2,293
2,519
(306
4,882
4,576
Interest-bearing checking
3,597
3,591
7,188
658
1,303
1,961
(10
919
2,081
(1,244
167
(1,077
Interest bearing demand brokered
(2
Borrowed funds
(6,569
Capital lease obligation
(26
(5
(49
(45
(2,671
6,219
2,365
(1,337
1,028
The effect of volume and rate changes on net interest income (on a tax-equivalent basis) for the nine month period ended September 30, 2024 compared to September 30, 2023 are shown below:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
1,821
(2,003
14,107
12,104
2,662
3,470
822
16,573
17,395
9,812
15,362
25,174
(829
5,603
4,774
(29
183
2,644
5,468
8,112
927
439
1,366
(187
112
(75
(10,518
1,117
(9,401
(53
(74
78
89
1,778
28,341
(956
(11,768
(12,724
Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, increased $1.0 million, or 3 percent, for the third quarter of 2024 to $37.9 million from $36.9 million for the same 2023 period. The net interest margin ("NIM") was 2.34 percent and 2.28 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of 6 basis points. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, of $107.9 million compared to $120.6 million for the same 2023 period. The NIM was 2.26 percent and 2.54 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, a decrease of 28 basis points. Net interest income, on a fully tax- equivalent basis, and NIM expanded during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, due to the Bank's focus on growing client deposit relationships, which were used to pay down higher cost overnight borrowings. The decrease in net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, and NIM for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same 2023 period, was predominately due to a rapid increase in interest expense mostly
driven by higher deposit rates, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of borrowed funds and an increase in loan yields. The Federal Reserve monetary policy intended to slow inflation has led to a significant increase in interest rates, particularly rates impacting short term investments and deposits. This has resulted in an inversion of the U.S. Treasury yield curve driving an increase in deposit and borrowing costs at a faster rate than the yields on interest-earning assets . The Federal Reserve decreased the target Federal Funds rate by 50 basis points at the September Federal Open Market Committee meeting though the impact of these rate cuts had minimal impact on results for the three month period ended September 30, 2024.
The average balance of interest-earning assets increased slightly to $6.45 billion during the third quarter of 2024 from $6.43 billion for the same 2023 period, reflecting an increase of $19.3 million. Average interest-earning assets were $6.37 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $6.34 billion in the same 2023 period, representing an increase of $27.9 million. The increase in average interest-earning assets included an increase in the average balance of interest-earning deposits of $190.4 million and $78.0 million, respectively, as well as an increase in average investments of $57.8 million and $17.4 million, respectively, for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same 2023 periods. These increases were partially offset by a decline in the average balance of loans for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 of $228.9 million and $67.6 million, respectively, when compared to the same 2023 periods.
The decline in the average balance of loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was primarily driven by a decline in commercial mortgages and commercial loans, offset slightly by growth in installment loans. The average balance of commercial loans declined by $139.1 million, or 6 percent, to $2.16 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 when compared to $2.30 billion for the same 2023 period. The average balance of commercial mortgages for the three months ended September 30, 2024 declined by $120.6 million, or 5 percent, to $2.38 billion when compared to the same 2023 period. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the average balance of installment loans of $17.2 million to $73.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 when compared to the same 2023 period. The average balance of loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased due to declines in commercial mortgages and commercial loans partially offset by growth in installment loans and residential mortgages. The average balance of commercial loans declined by $50.9 million to $2.20 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 when compared to the same 2023 period. The average balance of commercial mortgages for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 declined by $74.4 million to $2.42 billion when compared to the same 2023 period. Residential mortgages increased by $22.0 million to $578.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $556.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of installment loans increased by $19.4 million to $68.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $49.2 million for the same period in 2023. The decline in the average balance of loans for both the three- and nine-month periods were mostly a result of the Company tightening underwriting guidelines, pay downs of higher rate lines of credit and lower originations due to the higher interest rate environment.
For the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the average yields earned on interest-earning assets were 5.18 percent and 4.91 percent, respectively, an increase of 27 basis points. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the average yield on interest-earning assets were 5.08 percent and 4.73 percent, respectively, an increase of 35 basis points. The increase in yields on interest-earning assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, was primarily due to the increase in the target Federal Funds rate of 100 basis points during 2023 (525 basis points since the Federal Reserve commenced raising rates in March 2022). This resulted in increases for the three-month periods of 31 basis points on loans to 5.58 percent, of 59 basis points on interest-earning deposits to 4.88 percent and of 26 basis points on investments to 2.82 percent, when comparing the quarter ended September 30, 2024 to the same 2023 period. Increases in the average yields for the nine-month periods were 36 basis points on loans to 5.46 percent, 65 basis points on interest-earning deposits to 4.69 percent and 25 basis points on investments to 2.67 percent.
The average yield on total loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same 2023 periods was driven by an increase in the yield on commercial loans, commercial mortgages and residential mortgages. The yield on commercial loans for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased 46 basis points to 6.96 percent from 6.50 percent at September 30, 2023. The yield on commercial loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased 51 basis points to 6.81 percent from 6.30 percent for the same period in 2023. The average yield on commercial loans increased for both the three- and nine-month periods due to an increase in the target Federal Funds rate, which had a greater impact on these loans, that are typically floating rates with short repricing periods. The average yield on commercial mortgages increased 16 basis points to 4.60 percent and 20 basis points to 4.50 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same 2023 periods. The average yield on residential mortgages increased 43 basis points to 4.02 percent and 42 basis points to 3.88 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same 2023 periods. The increase for both commercial and residential mortgages for the three- and nine-month periods were driven by the origination of loans with higher yields in the current higher interest rate environment. As of September 30, 2024, 30 percent of our loans will reprice within one month, 35 percent within three months and 49 percent within one year.
56
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities totaled $4.82 billion representing a decrease of $22.3 million from $4.84 billion for the same 2023 period due a decrease in overnight borrowings of $470.6 million to no overnight borrowings at September 30, 2024. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in interest-bearing deposits of $450.5 million to $4.68 billion at September 30, 2024. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities totaled $4.80 billion representing an increase of $114.9 million from $4.68 billion for the same 2023 period due to an increase in interest-bearing deposits of $360.3 million to $4.58 billion partially offset by a decrease in overnight borrowings of $243.9 million to $87.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
The increase in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to the 2023 comparable period was primarily due to an increase in the average balances of interest-bearing checking deposits of $401.1 million, retail certificate of deposits ("CD") of $97.1 million and money market accounts of $61.5 million. The increase in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the 2023 comparable period was primarily due to increases in the average balances of interest-bearing checking deposits of $349.1 million, retail CDs of $111.9 million and short-term brokered CDs of $26.1 million, partially offset by declines in the average balance of money market and savings accounts of $121.5 million. The increase in interest-bearing checking deposits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was principally attributable to client demand for FDIC insured products. The Company added short-term brokered CDs to provide additional liquidity and replace brokered deposit run-off. The decrease for the savings and money market accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included clients shifting balances into higher-yielding short-term Treasuries and interest-bearing checking accounts. The expansion into New York City is starting to benefit deposit growth and has reduced the Company's reliance on overnight borrowings, brokered deposits and other high cost funding sources while shifting funding into lower cost, relationship deposits.
The Company is a participant in the Reich & Tang Demand Deposit Marketplace program and the Promontory Program. The Company uses these deposit sweep services to place customer funds into interest-bearing demand (checking) accounts issued by other participating banks. Customer funds are placed at one or more participating banks to increase the level of FDIC insurance available to deposit customers. As a participant, the Company receives reciprocal amounts of deposits from other participating banks. Average reciprocal deposit balances for the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, were $1.32 billion and $982.9 million, respectively. Average reciprocal deposit balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, were $1.20 billion and $809.4 million, respectively. The additional growth for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was directly related to clients' desire for the increased level of FDIC insurance offered by these programs.
At September 30, 2024, uninsured/unprotected deposits were approximately $1.4 billion, or 24 percent of total deposits. This amount was adjusted to exclude $354 million of public fund deposit balances, which are fully-collateralized and protected with securities and an FHLBNY letter of credit.
The Company did not have any short-term borrowings during the third quarter of 2024 compared to $470.6 million for the same 2023 period. The average balance of borrowings decreased $243.9 million to $87.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $331.2 million for the same 2023 period. The decrease in borrowings for both periods was driven by the growth in client deposits led by the Company’s expansion into New York City, which were used to pay down borrowings.
For the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.78 percent and 3.47 percent, respectively, reflecting an increase of 31 basis points. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.74 percent and 2.97 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increases for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were driven by an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits of 56 basis points to 3.74 percent for the third quarter of 2024 and 94 basis points to 3.66 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company benefitted from no short-term borrowing costs in the third quarter of 2024 compared to an average cost of 5.58 percent for the same 2023 period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the average cost of borrowings increased 55 basis points to 5.88 percent from 5.33 percent for the same 2023 period. The increase in deposit and borrowing rates was due to the Federal Reserve raising the target Federal Funds rate by 525 basis points since March 2022 and a change in the composition of the deposit portfolio, as clients continue to migrate into higher-yielding alternatives.
INVESTMENT SECURITIES: Investment securities available for sale are purchased, sold and/or maintained as a part of the Company’s overall balance sheet and interest rate risk management strategies, and in response to liquidity needs, prepayment speeds and/or other factors. These securities are carried at estimated fair value, and unrealized changes in fair value are recognized as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized in income at the time the securities are sold. Investment securities held to maturity are those securities that the Company has both the ability and intent to hold to maturity. These securities are carried at amortized cost. Equity securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in noninterest income.
57
At September 30, 2024, the Company had investment securities available for sale with a fair value of $682.7 million compared with $550.6 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in investment securities available for sale was due to the use of excess funds for security purchases as deposit growth outpaced loan growth during the first nine months of 2024. A net unrealized loss (net of income tax) of $57.6 million and of $69.2 million related to these securities were included in shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
At September 30, 2024, the Company had investment securities held to maturity with a carrying cost of $103.2 million and an estimated fair value of $92.4 million compared with a carrying cost of $107.8 million and an estimated fair value of $94.4 million at December 31, 2023.
The Company had one equity security (a CRA investment security) with a fair value of $13.4 million and $13.2 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, with changes in fair value recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recorded an unrealized gain of $474,000 and $279,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to an unrealized loss of $404,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The carrying value of investment securities available for sale and held to maturity as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are shown below:
Estimated
Investment securities available for sale:
Mortgage-backed securities-residential (principally U.S. government-sponsored entities)
Total investment securities available for sale
Investment securities held to maturity:
Total investment securities held to maturity
864,452
775,151
753,590
645,032
58
The following table presents the contractual maturities and yields of debt securities available for sale and held to maturity as of September 30, 2024. The weighted average yield is a computation of income within each maturity range based on the amortized cost of securities:
After 1
After 5
But
After
Within
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Years
40,579
113,299
51,135
1.24
1.56
Mortgage-backed securities-residential (A)
50,495
8,675
31,992
350,920
5.73
3.21
3.11
3.45
7,508
13,642
5.37
1.50
6.32
Total investments available for sale
49,517
167,004
415,697
1.58
2.24
3.15
2.98
1.53
2.17
Total investments held to maturity
1.92
89,517
478,855
785,871
3.02
2.84
OTHER INCOME: The following table presents other income, excluding income from wealth management services, which is summarized and discussed subsequently:
Gain on sale of loans (mortgage banking)
(22
(126
(30
(2,379
878
Total other income (excluding wealth management income)
309
(980
(1,741
683
The Company recorded total other income, excluding wealth management fee income, of $3.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $5.4 million for the same 2023 period, reflecting a decrease of $1.6 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded total other income, excluding wealth management fee income, of $13.2 million and
59
$14.0 million, respectively, reflecting a decrease of $781,000. The decreases were primarily due to income associated with equipment transfers upon the termination of leases, which declined $2.1 million to $225,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $2.3 million for the same 2023 period and declined $727,000 to $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $2.7 million for the same 2023 period.
The Company provides loans that are partially guaranteed by the SBA to provide working capital and/or finance the purchase of equipment, inventory or commercial real estate that could be used for start-up businesses. All SBA loans are underwritten and documented as prescribed by the SBA. The Company generally sells the guaranteed portion of the SBA loans in the secondary market, with the non-guaranteed portion of SBA loans held in the loan portfolio. The Company recorded a gain on the sale of SBA loans of $365,000 and $491,000 for the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of SBA loans of $1.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The Company continues to see pressure from market volatility and the higher interest rate environment resulting in lower sale premiums and origination volumes.
The Company recorded corporate advisory fee income for the third quarter of 2024 of $55,000 compared to $85,000 for the same period ended September 30, 2023. The nine months ended September 30, 2024 included $976,000 of corporate advisory fee income compared to $180,000 for the same 2023 period. The higher amount for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was related to a corporate advisory/investment banking acquisition transaction completed in the first quarter of 2024.
Income from the back-to-back swap, SBA programs, and corporate advisory fee income are dependent on volume, and thus are typically not consistent from quarter to quarter.
For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, income from the sale of newly originated residential mortgage loans was $15,000 compared to $37,000 for the same period in 2023. The Company recorded income from the sale of newly originated residential mortgage loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 of $105,000 and $73,000, respectively. The Company continues to be impacted by the industry wide slowdown in refinancing and home purchase activity in the higher interest rate environment.
Other income included $225,000 of income by the Equipment Finance Division related to equipment transfers to lessees upon the termination of leases for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $2.3 million for the same 2023 period. The nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 included $1.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of income related to equipment transfers to lessees upon the termination of leases. Additionally, the Company recorded $845,000 of unused commercial line fees for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to $794,000 for the same 2023 period. Unused line fees were $2.5 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 included $55,000 and $236,000, respectively, of additional income from life insurance proceeds.
The Company recorded a $474,000 of positive fair value adjustment and $404,000 negative fair value adjustment for CRA equity securities in the third quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2024 included a $279,000 positive fair value adjustment for CRA equity securities, compared to a $404,000 negative fair value adjustment for the same 2023 period. The increase in 2024 was predominantly due to the underlying assets being tied to medium-term investments and the Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates in September 2024.
OPERATING EXPENSES: The following table presents the components of operating expenses for the periods indicated:
5,786
419
FDIC assessment
Other Operating Expenses:
395
87
(17
(142
646
13,206
2,173
504
82
(276
(232
(175
885
Operating expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 totaled $44.6 million and $37.4 million, respectively, reflecting an increase of $7.2 million, or 19 percent. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $17.1 million, or 15 percent, to $127.8 million from $110.7 million for the same 2023 period. The increase in operating expenses for both 2024 periods, when compared to the same prior year periods, was principally attributable to the Company's expansion into New York City, which included the hiring of multiple teams and expenses related to the opening of office and retail space in our Park Avenue location in New York City. The 2024 periods included additional expense associated with annual merit increases and increased employee benefits, increased credit costs, as well as increased office space, computer and software equipment costs related to the New York City expansion. The nine months ended September 30, 2023 included $2.0 million of expense associated with retirements of certain employees and $175,000 of expenses associated with the closure of three retail branch locations.
PEAPACK PRIVATE: This division includes: investment management services provided for individuals and institutions; personal trust services, including services as executor, trustee, administrator, custodian and guardian; and other financial planning, tax preparation and advisory services. Officers from Peapack Private are available to provide wealth management, trust and investment services at the Bank’s headquarters in Bedminster, New Jersey, and at private banking locations in Morristown, Princeton, Red Bank, Summit and Teaneck, New Jersey and at the Bank’s subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware, in Greenville, Delaware.
The market value of the assets under management and/or administration (“AUM/AUA”) of Peapack Private was $12.1 billion at September 30, 2024, reflecting a 11 percent increase from $10.9 billion at December 31, 2023 and an increase of 16 percent from $10.4 billion at September 30, 2023. The equity market improved during the first nine months of 2024 and coupled with gross business inflows of $547 million, contributed to the increase in AUM/AUA.
In the September 2024 quarter, Peapack Private generated $15.2 million in fee income compared to $14.0 million for the September 2023 quarter, reflecting an 8 percent increase. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Peapack Private generated $46.0 million in fee income compared to $42.0 million in fee income for the same period in 2023, reflecting a 10 percent increase. The increase in fee income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was largely due to the improved equity and bond markets during the first nine months of 2024 and new business inflows.
Operating expenses relative to Peapack Private, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, increased slightly to $10.0 million as compared to $9.6 million for the third quarter of 2023. Operating expenses relative to Peapack Private, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, declined to $30.1 million as compared to $30.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Expenses are in line with the Company’s Strategic Plan, particularly the hiring of key management and revenue-producing personnel.
Peapack Private currently generates adequate revenue to support the salaries, benefits and other expenses of the wealth division and Management believes it will continue to do so as the Company grows organically and/or by acquisition. Management believes that the Bank generates adequate liquidity to support the expenses of Peapack Private should it be necessary.
NONPERFORMING ASSETS: OREO, loans past due in excess of 90 days and still accruing, and nonaccrual loans are considered nonperforming assets.
61
The following table sets forth asset quality data as of the dates indicated:
As of
June 30,
March 31,
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
Nonaccrual loans
82,075
69,811
70,809
Other real estate owned
Total nonperforming assets
69,846
Performing modifications (A)(B)
51,796
26,788
12,311
Loans past due 30 through 89 days and still accruing
34,714
73,699
9,780
Loans subject to special mention
140,791
59,450
53,328
Classified loans
128,311
117,869
94,866
Individually evaluated loans
81,802
69,530
70,184
Nonperforming loans as a % of total loans (C)
1.30
1.29
Nonperforming assets as a % of total assets (C)
1.26
1.09
0.95
Nonperforming assets as a % of total loans plus other real estate owned (C)
The Company had increases in nonperforming assets, performing modifications, loans subject to special mention, classified loans and individually evaluated loans at September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023. The persistent nature of the elevated interest rate environment combined with inflationary pressures have presented challenges for certain borrowers, which is reflected in the trend of asset quality data in recent quarters. The increase in nonperforming assets since the beginning of 2024 was primarily driven by six multifamily loan relationships that have been classified as nonperforming loans during the current year. The increase in special mention loans was primarily due to an increase in multifamily loans of $51.1 million. There were several loan modifications made during the first nine months of 2024, which included one investment commercial real estate loan, one commercial loan and one equipment finance of $17.3 million, $11.7 million and $10.5 million, respectively, that were completed during the third quarter of 2024. Loans past due 30 through 89 days at September 30, 2024 included $19.7 million of multifamily loans to two sponsors. Subsequent to September 30, 2024 these loans have been placed on nonaccrual status and downgraded to substandard. The increase in classified loans was primarily driven by an increase in multifamily loans of $16.5 million, investment commercial real estate of $17.2 million and commercial loans of $27.6 million when compared to December 31, 2023. The increase in the balance of individually evaluated substandard loans was primarily due to six multifamily relationships totaling $31.8 million that transferred to nonaccrual status during the first nine months of 2024 which was partially offset by the sale of two multifamily individually evaluated loans totaling $15.1 million.
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES: The provision for credit losses was $1.2 million and $5.9 million for the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the provision for loan losses was $5.8 million and $9.1 million, respectively. The decreased provision for credit losses for the three months ended September 30, 2024, when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023 was driven by overall slower loan growth and a recovery of approximately $2.1 million, partially offset by additional specific reserves related to certain isolated credits of $1.8 million. The higher provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2023 was due principally to a specific reserve of $4.5 million for a freight-related credit that was transferred to nonaccrual. The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was $71.3 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $65.9 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in the ACL was primarily related to an increase in the ACL related to multifamily loans, which was driven by the increase in individually evaluated loans of $16.7 million and certain qualitative adjustments in the CECL calculation made during the first nine months of 2024. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans was 1.34 percent at September 30, 2024 compared to 1.21 percent at December 31, 2023. The ACL recorded on individually evaluated loans was $9.7 million at September 30, 2024 compared to $4.5 million as of December 31, 2023. Total individually
62
evaluated loans were $80.0 million and $60.7 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The general component of the allowance increased from $61.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $61.6 million at September 30, 2024.
On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 (Topic 326), which replaced the incurred loss methodology with CECL for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and other commitments to extend credit. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation allowance of Management’s estimate of expected credit losses in the loan portfolio. The process to determine expected credit losses utilizes analytic tools and Management judgment and is reviewed on a quarterly basis. When Management is reasonably certain that a loan balance is not fully collectable, an analysis is completed whereby a specific reserve may be established or a full or partial charge off is recorded against the allowance. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance via a quantitative analysis which considers available information from internal and external sources related to past loan loss and prepayment experience and current economic conditions, as well as the incorporation of reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management evaluates a variety of factors including available published economic information in arriving at its forecast. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. Also included in the allowance for credit losses are qualitative reserves that are expected, but, in the Management’s assessment, may not be adequately represented in the quantitative analysis or the forecasts described above. Factors may include changes in lending policies and procedures, size and composition of the portfolio, experience and depth of management and the effect of external factors such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements, among others. The allowance is available for any loan that, in Management’s judgment, should be charged off.
A summary of the allowance for credit losses for the quarterly periods indicated follows:
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning of period
66,251
Provision for credit losses (A)
3,901
5,082
(Charge-offs)/recoveries, net
2,072
(2,168
(252
(7,786
(56
End of period
Allowance for credit losses as a % of total loans
1.25
Collectively evaluated allowance for credit losses as a % of total loans
1.16
1.15
1.10
Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans
82.83
94.85
96.87
The decrease in the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans was primarily due to the increase in nonperforming loans of $9.6 million to $80.5 million at September 30, 2024 from $70.8 million at September 30, 2023.
INCOME TAXES: Income tax expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $3.2 million as compared to $3.8 million for the same period in 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded income tax expense of $9.0 million compared to $15.4 million for the same period in 2023.
The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was 29.40 percent compared to 30.52 percent for the same quarter in 2023. The effective tax rate was 27.41 percent and 27.67 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The nine months ended September 30, 2024 periods included a benefit related to the Company's deferred tax asset associated with a surtax imposed by the State of New Jersey. This benefit was partially offset by adjustments related to the vesting of restricted stock at prices lower than original grant prices in 2024, while 2023 benefited from the vesting of restricted stock at prices higher than original grant prices.
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CAPITAL RESOURCES: A solid capital base provides the Company with financial strength and the ability to support future growth and is essential to executing the Company’s current Strategic Plan. The Company’s capital strategy is intended to provide stability to expand its business, even in stressed environments. Quarterly stress testing is integral to the Company’s capital management process.
The Company strives to maintain capital levels in excess of internal “triggers” and in excess of those considered to be well capitalized under regulatory guidelines applicable to banks and bank holding companies. Maintaining an adequate capital position supports the Company’s goal of providing shareholders an attractive and stable long-term return on investment.
Capital increased as a result of net income of $23.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Additionally, during the nine months of 2024, the Company recorded a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $10.1 million, net of tax. The total accumulated other comprehensive loss declined to $54.8 million as of September 30, 2024, ($57.6 million loss related to the available for sale securities portfolio partially offset by a $2.8 million gain on the cash flow hedges). This was partially offset by the repurchase of 300,000 shares, at an average price of $23.96 through the Company's stock repurchase program at a total cost of $7.2 million and payment of dividends of $2.7 million.
The Company employs quarterly capital stress testing by modeling adverse case and severely adverse case scenarios. In the most recent completed stress test based on June 30, 2024 financial information, under the severely adverse case, and no growth scenarios, the Bank remains well capitalized over a two-year stress period.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total, Common Equity Tier 1 and Tier 1 capital (each as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, all of the Bank’s capital ratios remain above the levels required to be considered “well capitalized” and the Company’s capital ratios remain above regulatory requirements. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, common equity Tier I and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table below.
As a result of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, the federal banking agencies were required to develop a “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” ("CBLR") (the ratio of a bank’s tangible equity capital to average total consolidated assets) for financial institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. A “qualifying community bank” that exceeds this ratio will be deemed to be in compliance with all other capital and leverage requirements, including the capital requirements to be considered “well capitalized” under Prompt Corrective Action statutes. The federal banking agencies set the minimum capital for the CBLR at 9 percent. The Bank did not opt into the CBLR and will continue to comply with the requirements under Basel III. The Bank’s leverage ratio was 10.99 percent at September 30, 2024.
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The Bank’s regulatory capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
To Be Well
For Capital
Capitalized Under
Adequacy Purposes
Prompt Corrective
Adequacy
Including Capital
Actual
Action Provisions
Purposes
Conservation Buffer (A)
Ratio
As of September 30, 2024:
Total capital(to risk-weighted assets)
789,954
15.00
526,726
10.00
421,381
8.00
553,062
10.50
Tier I capital(to risk-weighted assets)
724,038
13.75
316,035
6.00
447,717
8.50
Common equity tier I(to risk-weighted assets)
724,026
342,372
237,027
368,708
7.00
Tier I capital(to average assets)
10.99
329,528
5.00
263,622
4.00
As of December 31, 2023:
773,083
14.73
525,001
420,001
551,251
707,446
13.48
315,000
446,251
707,434
13.47
341,250
236,250
367,500
10.83
326,507
261,205
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The Company’s regulatory capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
800,961
421,829
553,651
615,486
11.67
316,372
448,194
615,474
237,279
369,101
263,863
785,413
420,377
551,745
600,444
11.43
315,283
446,651
600,432
236,462
367,830
261,358
The Dividend Reinvestment Plan of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation, or the “Reinvestment Plan,” allows shareholders of the Company to purchase additional shares of common stock using cash dividends without payment of any brokerage commissions or other charges. Shareholders may also make voluntary cash payments of up to $200,000 per quarter to purchase additional shares of common stock. Voluntary share purchases in the “Reinvestment Plan” can be filled from the Company’s authorized but unissued shares and/or in the open market, at the discretion of the Company. All shares purchased during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 were purchased in the open market.
On September 25, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.05 per share payable on November 22, 2024 to shareholders of record on November 7, 2024.
Management believes the Company’s capital position and capital ratios are adequate. Further, Management believes the Company has sufficient common equity to support its planned growth for the immediate future. The Company continually assesses other potential sources of capital to support future growth.
LIQUIDITY: Liquidity refers to an institution’s ability to meet short-term requirements including funding of loans, deposit withdrawals and maturing obligations, as well as long-term obligations, including potential capital expenditures. The Company’s liquidity risk management is intended to ensure the Company has adequate funding and liquidity to support its assets across a range of market environments and conditions, including stressed conditions. Principal sources of liquidity include cash, temporary
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investments, securities available for sale, customer deposit inflows, loan repayments and secured borrowings. Other liquidity sources include loan sales, loan participations and brokered CDs.
Management actively monitors and manages the Company’s liquidity position and believes it is sufficient to meet future needs. Cash and cash equivalents, including interest-earning deposits, totaled $492.7 million at September 30, 2024. The Company's elevated liquidity position was due to deposit growth of $661.3 million and loan contraction of $113.9 million during the first nine months of 2024. In addition, the Company had $682.7 million in securities designated as available for sale at September 30, 2024. These securities can be sold, or used as collateral for borrowings, in response to liquidity concerns. Available for sale and held to maturity securities with a carrying value of $590.8 million and $101.1 million as of September 30, 2024, respectively, were pledged to secure public funds and for other purposes required or permitted by law. In addition, the Company generates significant liquidity from scheduled and unscheduled principal repayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $3.0 billion of external borrowing capacity available on a same day basis (subject to any practical constraints affecting the FHLB or FRB), which when combined with balance sheet liquidity provided the Company with 293 percent coverage of our uninsured/unprotected deposits.
Brokered interest-bearing demand (“overnight”) deposits were $10.0 million at September 30, 2024. The interest rate paid on these deposits allows the Bank to fund operations at attractive rates and engage in interest rate swaps to hedge its asset-liability interest rate risk. The Company ensures ample available collateralized liquidity as a backup to these short-term brokered deposits. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had transacted pay fixed, receive floating interest rate swaps totaling $360.0 million in notional amount.
The Company allowed $120.5 million of brokered certificates of deposits to mature during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. These deposits were replaced by lower cost core relationship deposits as of September 30, 2024.
The Company has a Board-approved Contingency Funding Plan. This plan provides a framework for managing adverse liquidity stress and contingent sources of liquidity. The Company conducts liquidity stress testing on a regular basis to ensure sufficient liquidity in a stressed environment. The Company believes it has sufficient liquidity given the current environment.
Management believes the Company’s liquidity position and sources were adequate at September 30, 2024.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT: The Company’s management Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring asset/liability strategies and advising the Board of Directors on such strategies, as well as the related level of interest rate risk. In this regard, interest rate risk simulation models are prepared on a quarterly basis. These models demonstrate balance sheet gaps and predict changes to net interest income and the economic/market value of portfolio equity under various interest rate scenarios. In addition, these models, as well as ALCO processes and reporting, are subject to annual independent third-party review.
ALCO generally manages interest rate risk through the management of capital, cash flows and the duration of assets and liabilities, including sales and purchases of assets, as well as additions of wholesale borrowings and other sources of medium/longer-term funding. ALCO engages in interest rate swaps as a means of extending the duration of shorter-term liabilities.
The following strategies are among those used to manage interest rate risk:
The interest rate swap program is administered by ALCO and follows procedures and documentation in accordance with regulatory guidance and standards as set forth in ASC 815 for cash flow hedges. The program incorporates pre-purchase analysis, liability designation, sensitivity analysis, correlation analysis, daily mark-to-market analysis and collateral posting as required. The Board is advised of all swap activity. In these swaps, the Company is receiving floating and paying fixed interest rates with total notional value of $360.0 million as of September 30, 2024.
In addition, the Company initiated a loan level/back-to-back swap program in support of its commercial lending business. Pursuant to this program, the Company extends a floating rate loan and executed a floating to fixed swap with the borrower. At the same time, the Company executes a third-party swap, the terms of which fully offset the fixed exposure and, result in a final floating rate exposure for the Company. As of September 30, 2024, $466.8 million of notional value in swaps were executed and outstanding with borrowers under this program.
As noted above, ALCO uses simulation modeling to analyze the Company’s net interest income sensitivity, as well as the Company’s economic value of portfolio equity under various interest rate scenarios. The models are based on the actual maturity and repricing characteristics of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. The models incorporate certain prepayment and interest rate assumptions, which management believes to be reasonable as of September 30, 2024. The models assume changes in interest rates without any proactive change in the balance sheet by management. In the models, the forecasted shape of the yield curve remained static as of September 30, 2024.
In an immediate and sustained 100 basis point increase in market rates at September 30, 2024, net interest income would be flat in year 1 and increase by 2.2 percent in year 2, compared to a flat interest rate scenario. In an immediate and sustained 100 basis point decrease in market rates at September 30, 2024, net interest income would decrease approximately 1.2 percent for year 1 and decrease 4.1 percent for year 2, compared to a flat interest rate scenario.
In an immediate and sustained 200 basis point increase in market rates at September 30, 2024, net interest income would increase approximately 1.1 percent in year 1 and increase by 5.2 percent in year 2, compared to a flat interest rate scenario. In an immediate and sustained 200 basis point decrease in market rates at September 30, 2024, net interest income for year 1 would decrease approximately 3.2 percent, when compared to a flat interest rate scenario. In year 2, net interest income would decrease 9.2 percent, when compared to a flat interest rate scenario.
The Company's interest rate sensitivity models indicate the Company is asset sensitive as of September 30, 2024 and that net interest income would improve in a rising rate environment, but decline in a falling rate environment.
The table below shows the estimated changes in the Company’s economic value of portfolio equity (“EVPE”) that would result from an immediate parallel change in the market interest rates at September 30, 2024.
Estimated Increase/
EVPE as a Percentage of
Decrease in EVPE
Present Value of Assets (B)
Rates
EVPE
Increase/(Decrease)
(Basis Points)
EVPE (A)
Percent
Ratio (C)
(basis points)
+200
651,295
(26,667
(3.93
10.29
+100
665,595
(12,367
(1.82
10.32
Flat interest rates
677,962
10.30
-100
695,466
17,504
2.58
10.35
-200
670,831
(7,131
(1.05
9.83
(A) EVPE is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets and liabilities.
(B) Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.
(C) EVPE ratio represents EVPE divided by the present value of assets.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in determining interest rate risk. Simulation modeling requires making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the modeling assumes that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the information provides an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and will differ from actual results.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the forms and rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, provides reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. The design of a control system reflects resource constraints. Because there are inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been or will be detected. These inherent limitations include that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns occur because of simple error or mistake. Further, controls can be circumvented. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of its business, lawsuits and claims may be brought against the Company and its subsidiaries. There are no currently pending or threatened litigation or proceedings against the Company or its subsidiaries, which if adversely decided, we believe would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in risk factors applicable to the Company from those disclosed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
TotalNumber of SharesPurchasedAs Part ofPublicly AnnouncedPlans or Programs
TotalNumber of SharesWithheld (A)
Average Price PaidPer Share
Maximum Number ofShares That MayYet Be PurchasedUnder the PlansOr Programs (B)
July 1, 2024 -
July 31, 2024
277,673
August 1, 2024 -
August 31, 2024
100,000
25.92
177,673
September 1, 2024 -
(A) Represents shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the exercise of stock options and/or the vesting of restricted stock awards/units. Such shares are repurchased pursuant to the applicable plan and are not under the Company's share repurchase program.
(B) On January 26, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up to 890,000 shares, which was approximately 5 percent of the outstanding shares as of that date, through December 31, 2024. The timing and amount of shares repurchased will depend on certain factors, including but not limited to, market conditions and prices, the Company’s liquidity and capital requirements and alternative uses of capital.
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. Other Information
Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.”
2024 Phantom Stock Plan.
On February 22, 2024, the Company adopted the Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2024 Phantom Stock Plan (the “Phantom Stock Plan”), effective as of February 22, 2024, to promote the long-term financial success of the Company and its subsidiaries by providing a means to attract, retain and reward individuals who contribute to such success and to further align their interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. Any employee or director of the Company or a subsidiary selected by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”) is eligible to participate in the Plan.
Pursuant to the Phantom Stock Plan, the Company may grant phantom stock units and phantom stock appreciation units to eligible participants. A phantom stock unit represents the right to receive a cash payment on the determination date established by the Committee equal to the value of a share of the Company’s stock on the determination date. A phantom stock appreciation unit represents the right to receive a cash payment on the determination date established by the Committee equal to the positive difference between the strike price on the grant date and the tangible book value of a share of the Company’s stock on the determination date.
The awards granted may be subject to either time-based vesting or pre-established performance goals. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, the required period of service for full vesting will generally be three years for all awards, subject to acceleration of vesting in the event of the participant’s death, disability, involuntary termination without cause within two years following the occurrence of a change in control, and retirement. In the event of separation of service (as defined in the Plan) for any reason other than disability, death or termination without cause within two years following the occurrence of a change in control, or retirement, unvested awards will be forfeited. In the event of termination for cause, the awards granted to a participant will
expire and be forfeited. Upon separation of service due to disability or death, all awards granted to the participant will become fully vested and payment of the cash value of the awards will be made no later than 75 days after the participant’s separation of service. At the time of an involuntary termination without cause within two years following a change in control, the awards held by a participant will be deemed to have been fully earned and the cash value of outstanding awards will be paid no later than 75 days after the change in control. To the extent vesting of any performance awards is accelerated, vesting will be pro-rata, based target achievement (or actual achievement, if higher) of the performance goals and on the number of completed months in the performance period.
Amended and Restated Deferred Restricted Stock Unit Plan.
On October 2, 2024, the Company adopted the Amended and Restated Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Unit Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of October 2, 2024 (the “RSU Deferral Plan”). The RSU Deferral Plan is provided to directors and a select group of management and highly compensated employees, including the named executive officers listed in the Corporation’s proxy statement. Pursuant to the amended and restated plan, prior to the applicable plan year, participants may elect to defer all or a portion of their grants of restricted stock units, phantom stock units, or similar awards to a deferral account maintained on behalf of the participant. Participants are at all times 100% vested in their deferral accounts. Subject to certain limitations designated by the Board of Directors of the Company, a participant may direct the investment of the participant’s deferral account in certain investment funds options or in shares of Company common stock. The deferral account will generally be paid on the earliest to occur of separation from employment, a scheduled distribution date (if elected by the participant), death, disability, or in the event of a change in control (if elected by the participant). The deferral account will be distributed either in a lump sum or in annual installments (of up to 15 years) in accordance with the participant’s pre-established election. If the distribution is due to a scheduled distribution date or retirement (separation from service after age 62); if the distribution is for any other reason, the distribution shall be made in a lump sum payment.
The foregoing descriptions of the Phantom Stock Plan and the RSU Deferral Plan do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Phantom Stock Plan, form of time-based Phantom Stock Unit Award Agreement, form of performance-based Phantom Stock Unit Award Agreement, and the RSU Deferral Plan, copies of which are included as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4, respectively, to this report on Form 10-Q and incorporated by reference into this Item 5.
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ITEM 6. Exhibits
Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws:
A. Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009 (File No. 001-16197).
B. By-Laws of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2023 (File No. 001-16197).
10.1
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2024 Phantom Stock Plan.
10.2
Form of Time-Based Phantom Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2024 Phantom Stock Plan.
10.3
Form of Performance-Based Phantom Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2024 Phantom Stock Plan.
10.4
Amended and Restated Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Unit Deferred Compensation Plan.
31.1
Certification of Douglas L. Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
31.2
Certification of Frank A. Cavallaro, Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Douglas L. Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and Frank A. Cavallaro, Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because iXBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
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.
(Registrant)
DATE: November 7, 2024
By:
/s/ Douglas L. Kennedy
Douglas L. Kennedy
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Frank A. Cavallaro
Frank A. Cavallaro
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)