UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWASHINGTON, D.C. 20549FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2017
OR
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 001-16197
PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
500 Hills Drive, Suite 300Bedminster, New Jersey 07921-0700(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(908)234-0700(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirement for the past 90 days.
Yesx No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 or 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 and post such files).Yes x No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes oNo x
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 28, 2017:
17,584,184
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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
PART 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(Unaudited)
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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)
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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)
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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
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 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 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016 for Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (the “Corporation” or the “Company”). In the opinion of the Management of the Corporation, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2017, the results of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and shareholders’ equity and cash flow statements for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
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 statements also include the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware and Peapack-Gladstone Mortgage Group, Inc. and Peapack-Gladstone Mortgage Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, PG Investment Company of Delaware, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peapack-Gladstone Realty, Inc., a New Jersey Real Estate Investment Company. While the following footnotes include the collective results of the Company and the Bank, these footnotes 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 that period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Segment Information: The Company’s business is conducted through its banking subsidiary and involves the delivery of loan and deposit products and wealth management services to customers. Management uses certain methodologies to allocate income and expense to the business segments.
The Banking segment includes commercial, commercial real estate, multifamily, residential and consumer lending activities; deposit generation; operation of ATMs; telephone and internet banking services; merchant credit card services and customer support services.
Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division includes asset management services provided for individuals and institutions; personal trust services, including services as executor, trustee, administrator, custodian and guardian; corporate trust services including services as trustee for pension and profit sharing plans; and other financial planning and advisory services. This segment also includes the activity from the Delaware subsidiary, PGB Trust and Investments of Delaware. Income is recognized as earned.
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 overnight borrowings.
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Interest-Earning Deposits in Other Financial Institutions: Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions mature within one year and are carried at cost.
Securities: All securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax.
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. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, Management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.
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 and required to own a certain amount of FRB stock. FRB stock is carried at cost and classified as a restricted security. Both cash and stock 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 sale of loans on the Statements 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 $7.3 million and $5.8 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. SBA loans held for sale totaled $128 thousand and $388 thousand as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
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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 over the life of the loan as an adjustment, on a level-yield method, to the loan’s yield. The definition of recorded investment in loans includes accrued interest receivable and deferred fees/cost, however, for the Company’s loan disclosures, accrued interest and deferred fees/cost was excluded as the impact was not material.
Loans are considered past due when they are not paid in accordance with contractual terms. The accrual of income on loans, including impaired 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 or more and collateral, if any, is insufficient to cover principal and interest. All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual 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 months. Commercial loans are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collectability of the full principal balance is in doubt. Consumer loans are generally charged off after they become 120 days past due. 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 are returned to accrual status. Nonaccrual mortgage loans are generally charged off when 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 the States of New Jersey and New York.
Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for credit losses that are management’s estimate of incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The process to determine reserves utilizes analytic tools and management judgement and is reviewed on a quarterly basis. When Management is reasonably certain that a loan balance is not fully collectable, an impairment 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 required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations, estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans via a specific reserve, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in Management’s judgment, should be charged off.
The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component of the allowance relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired.
A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by Management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
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Loans are individually evaluated for impairment when they are classified as substandard by Management. If a loan is considered impaired, a portion of the allowance may be allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or if repayment is expected solely from the underlying collateral, the loan principal balance is compared to the fair value of collateral less estimated disposition costs to determine the need, if any, for a charge off.
A troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) is a modified loan with concessions made by the lender to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty. TDRs are impaired and are generally measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral, less estimated disposition costs. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.
The general component of the allowance covers non-impaired loans and is based primarily on the Bank’s historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experience by the Company on a weighted average basis over the previous three years. This actual loss experience is adjusted by other qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These qualitative factors include consideration of 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 staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. For loans that are graded as non-impaired, the Company allocates a higher general reserve percentage than pass-rated loans using a multiple that is calculated annually through a migration analysis. At March 31, 2017 and at December 31, 2016 the multiple was 4.0 times for non-impaired substandard loans and 2.0 times for non-impaired special mention loans.
In determining an appropriate amount for the allowance, the Bank segments and evaluates the loan portfolio based on Federal call report codes, which are based on collateral. The following portfolio classes have been identified:
Primary Residential Mortgages. The Bank originates one to four family residential mortgage loans in the Tri-State area (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 value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.
Home Equity Lines of Credit. The Bank provides revolving lines of credit against one to four family residences in the Tri-State area. Primary risk characteristics associated with 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, such as the Prime Rate, which could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.
Junior Lien Loan on Residence. The Bank provides junior lien loans (“JLL”) against one to four family properties in the Tri-State area. JLLs can be either in the form of an amortizing home equity loan or a revolving home equity line of credit. These loans are subordinate to a first mortgage which may be from another lending institution. Primary risk characteristics associated with JLLs 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. Further, real estate value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.
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Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Bank provides mortgage loans for multifamily properties (i.e. buildings which have five or more residential units) and other commercial real estate that is either owner occupied or managed as an investment property (non-owner occupied) 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 considered “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. Multifamily loans are expected to be repaid from the cash flow 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 or other changes in general economic conditions can all have an impact on the borrower and its ability to repay the loan. Commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk than multifamily loans 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. In addition, these loans often include commercial real estate as collateral to strengthen the Bank’s position and further mitigate risk. Commercial and industrial loans are typically repaid first by the cash flow generated by the borrower’s business operation. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the underlying business and its ability to generate sustainable profitability and resulting positive cash flow. Factors that may influence a business’s 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. Commercial and industrial loans are generally secured by business assets; however, the ability of the Bank to foreclose and realize sufficient value from the assets is often highly uncertain. To mitigate the risk characteristics of commercial and industrial loans, the Bank will often require more frequent reporting requirements from the borrower in order to better monitor its business performance.
Agricultural Production. These are loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers. The Bank does not currently engage in this type of lending.
Commercial Construction. The Bank has discontinued its commercial construction activity. Dollar amounts within this segment are immaterial.
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.
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 reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For both types of 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.
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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 balance sheet 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.
Stock-Based Compensation: The Company’s 2006 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and 2012 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan allow 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. The options granted under these plans 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. Some options granted to officers at or above the senior vice president level were immediately exercisable at the date of grant. The Company has a policy of using new shares to satisfy option exercises.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded total compensation cost for stock options of $5 thousand and $20 thousand, respectively. There was no recognized tax benefit for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. There was a recognized tax benefit of $2 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. There was approximately $1 thousand of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock incentive plans at March 31, 2017. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.23 years.
Upon adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“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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For the Company’s stock option plans, changes in options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the first quarter of 2017 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options). The Company’s closing stock price on March 31, 2017 was $29.59.
There were no stock options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2017.
The Company has previously granted performance based and service based restricted stock awards/units. Service based awards/units vest ratably over a one, three or five year period. There were 129,628 restricted stock units granted in the first quarter of 2017.
The performance based awards that were granted in previous periods, are dependent upon the Company meeting certain performance criteria and cliff vest at the end of the performance period. Total unrecognized compensation expense for performance based awards is $1.7 million as of March 31, 2017.
Changes in nonvested shares dependent on performance criteria for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:
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Changes in service based restricted stock awards/units for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:
As of March 31, 2017, there was $1.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to service based awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.79 years. As of March 31, 2017, there was $5.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to service based units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.49 years. Stock compensation expense recorded for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 totaled $835 thousand and $589 thousand, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan: On April 22, 2014, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The ESPP provides for the granting of purchase rights of up to 150,000 shares of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation common stock. Subject to certain eligibility requirements and restrictions, the ESPP allows employees to purchase shares during four three-month offering periods (“Offering Periods”). Each participant in the Offering Period is granted an option to purchase a number of shares and may contribute between 1% and 15% of their compensation. At the end of each Offering Period on the purchase date, 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% of the closing market price of a share of Company common stock on the purchase date. Participation in the ESPP is entirely voluntary and employees can cancel their purchases at any time during the Offering Period without penalty. The fair value of each share purchase right is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The Company recorded $30 thousand and $35 thousand of expense in compensation and employee benefits expense related to the ESPP for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Total shares issued under the ESPP during the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 were 5,334 and 9,544, respectively.
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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 if all shares underlying potentially dilutive stock options were issued and all restricted stock, stock warrants or restricted stock units were to vest during the reporting period utilizing the Treasury stock method.
As of March 31, 2017 all stock options and warrants were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were all dilutive. Stock options and warrants totaling 225,278 shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of 2016 because they were considered antidilutive.
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 2013 or by New Jersey tax authorities for years prior to 2012.
The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
The Company’s effective rate was positively affected by the adoption of ASU 2016-09 which simplified certain aspects of accounting for share-based compensation.
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 reasonable 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 was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements.
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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 acquired company (if any), over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. 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. 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 and assembly workforce are the intangible assets with an indefinite life on our balance sheet.
Other intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationship intangible assets arising from acquisition are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range up to 15 years.
2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
A summary of amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities available for sale included in the consolidated statements of condition as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 follows:
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The following tables present the Corporation’s available for sale securities with continuous unrealized losses and the approximate fair value of these investments as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
Management believes that the unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale are temporary and are due to interest rate fluctuations and/or volatile market conditions rather than the creditworthiness of the issuers. As of March 31, 2017, the Company does not intend to sell these securities nor is it likely that it will be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery; therefore, none of the securities in an unrealized loss position were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
At March 31, 2017, the unrealized loss on the single-issuer trust preferred security of $284 thousand was related to a debt security issued by a large bank holding company. The security was downgraded to below investment grade by Moody’s and is currently rated Ba1. Management monitors the performance of the issuer on a quarterly basis to determine if there are any credit events that could result in deferral or default of the security. Management believes the depressed valuation is a result of the nature of the security, a trust preferred bond, and the bond’s very low yield. As Management does not intend to sell this security nor is it likely that it will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the security is not considered other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2017.
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3. LOANS
Loans outstanding, excluding those held for sale, by general ledger classification, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, consisted of the following:
In determining an appropriate amount for the allowance, the Bank segments and evaluates the loan portfolio based on federal call report codes. The following portfolio classes have been identified as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
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The following tables present the loan balances by portfolio class, based on impairment method, and the corresponding balances in the allowance for loan losses (ALLL) as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
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Impaired loans include nonaccrual loans of $11.5 million at March 31, 2017 and $11.3 million at December 31, 2016. Impaired loans also include performing TDR loans of $15.0 million at March 31, 2017 and $17.8 million at December 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, the allowance allocated to TDR loans totaled $431 thousand, of which $203 thousand was allocated to nonaccrual loans. At December 31, 2016, the allowance allocated to TDR loans totaled $550 thousand of which $314 thousand was allocated to nonaccrual loans. All accruing TDR loans were paying in accordance with restructured terms as of March 31, 2017. The Company has not committed to lend additional amounts as of March 31, 2017 to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as loan restructurings.
The following tables present loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (The average impaired loans on the following tables represent year to date impaired loans.):
Interest income recognized on impaired loans for the quarters ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was not material. The Company did not recognize any income on nonaccruing impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
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The following tables present the recorded investment in nonaccrual and loans past due over 90 days still on accrual by class of loans as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
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The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by class of loans, excluding nonaccrual loans:
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, debt service capacity, 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 is performed quarterly. The sample methodology is shown below:
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.
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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.
Loans that are considered to be impaired are individually evaluated for potential loss and allowance adequacy. Loans not deemed impaired are collectively evaluated for potential loss and allowance adequacy. As of March 31, 2017, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:
As of December 31, 2016, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:
At March 31, 2017, $25.3 million of substandard loans were also considered impaired compared to December 31, 2016, when $27.9 million of substandard loans were also impaired.
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The activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is summarized below:
The activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is summarized below:
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
The Company has allocated $431 thousand and $550 thousand of specific reserves on TDRs to customers whose loan terms have been modified in TDRs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. There were no unfunded commitments to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as TDRs.
During the three month period ended March 31, 2017, the terms of certain loans were modified as TDRs. The modification of the terms of such loans included one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; a deferral of scheduled payments with an extension of the maturity date; or some other modification or extension which would not be readily available in the market.
The following table presents loans by class modified as TDRs during the three month period ended March 31, 2017:
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The identification of the TDRs did not have a significant impact on the allowance for loan losses.
The following table presents loans by class modified as TDRs during the three month period ended March 31, 2016:
There were no loans that were modified as TDRs for which there was a payment default, within twelve months of modification, during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under the Company’s internal underwriting policy. The modification of the terms of such loans may include one or more of the following: (1) a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan to a rate that is lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; (2) an extension of an interest only period for a predetermined period of time; (3) an extension of the maturity date; or (4) an extension of the amortization period over which future payments will be computed. At the time a loan is restructured, the Bank performs a full re-underwriting analysis, which includes, at a minimum, obtaining current financial statements and tax returns, copies of all leases, and an updated independent appraisal of the property. A loan will continue to accrue interest if it can be reasonably determined that the borrower should be able to perform under the modified terms, that the loan has not been chronically delinquent (both to debt service and real estate taxes) or in nonaccrual status since its inception, and that there have been no charge-offs on the loan. Restructured loans with previous charge-offs would not accrue interest at the time of the TDR. At a minimum, six months of contractual payments would need to be made on a restructured loan before returning it to accrual status. Once a loan is classified as a TDR, the loan is reported as a TDR until the loan is paid in full, sold or charged-off. In rare circumstances, a loan may be removed from TDR status if it meets the requirements of ASC 310-40-50-2.
4. DEPOSITS
Certificates of deposit, excluding brokered certificates of deposit over $250,000 totaled $117.6 million and $118.7 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
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The following table sets forth the details of total deposits as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit, including brokered certificates of deposit, as of March 31, 2017 are as follows:
5. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES AND OTHER BORROWINGS
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”) totaled $58.8 million with a weighted average interest rate of 2.07 percent and $61.8 million with a weighted average interest rate of 2.02 percent at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
At March 31, 2017, advances totaling $46.8 million with a weighted average interest rate of 1.82 percent had fixed maturity dates. The fixed maturity date advances at December 31, 2016 totaled $49.8 million with a weighted average interest rate of 1.78 percent. The fixed rate advances are secured by blanket pledges of certain 1-4 family residential mortgages totaling $451.7 million and multifamily mortgages totaling $930.3 million at March 31, 2017, while at December 31, 2016 the fixed rate advances are secured by blanket pledges of certain 1-4 family residential mortgages totaling $468.3 million and multifamily mortgages totaling $1.2 billion.
At both March 31, 2017 and at December 31, 2016, the Company had $12.0 million in variable rate advances, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.01 percent, that are noncallable for two or three years and then callable quarterly with final maturities of ten years from the original date of the advance. All of these advances are beyond their initial noncallable periods. These advances are secured by pledges of investment securities totaling $13.6 million at March 31, 2017.
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The final maturity dates of the FHLB advances are scheduled as follows:
There were overnight borrowings of $34.6 million as of March 31, 2017 with a weighted average rate of 1.0 percent at the FHLB. There were no overnight borrowings as of December 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, unused short-term overnight borrowing commitments totaled $1.1 billion from FHLB, $22.0 million from correspondent banks and $614.2 million at the Federal Reserve Bank.
6. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Corporation assesses its results among two operating segments, Banking and Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division. 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, commercial real estate, multifamily, residential and consumer lending activities; deposit generation; operation of ATMs; telephone and internet banking services; merchant credit card services and customer support and sales.
Private Wealth Management Division
Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division includes asset management services provided for individuals and institutions; personal trust services, including services as executor, trustee, administrator, custodian and guardian; corporate trust services including services as trustee for pension and profit sharing plans; and other financial planning and advisory services.
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The following tables present the statements of income and total assets for the Corporation’s reportable segments for the three months ended March 30, 2017 and 2016.
7. 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:
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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.
Impaired Loans: The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan 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. 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 costs to sell. Fair values are based on recent real estate 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 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. As of March 31, 2017, all collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned valuations were supported by an appraisal less than 12 months old.
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The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including financial assets for which the Corporation has elected the fair value option:
Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis
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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 nor on nonaccrual as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
The following tables present residential loans held for sale, at fair value for the periods indicated:
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
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The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis (Quantitative disclosures for non-recurring Level 3 assets have been omitted due to immateriality):
Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis
Impaired loans that are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans had a recorded investment of $2.87 million, with a valuation allowance of $420 thousand at March 31, 2017 and $408 thousand, with a valuation allowance of $163 thousand, at December 31, 2016.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at March 31, 2017 are as follows:
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The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2016 are as follows:
The methods and assumptions, not previously presented, used to estimate fair values are described as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values and are classified as either Level 1 or Level 2. Cash and due from banks is classified as Level 1. Certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2.
FHLB and FRB stock: The fair value of FHLB or FRB stock is their cost basis due to restrictions placed on its transferability.
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or 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. Loans held for sale are classified as Level 2.
Loans: For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values resulting in a Level 3 classification. Fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality resulting in a Level 3 classification. Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost or fair value as described previously. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price.
Deposits: The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and noninterest checking, savings and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date, (i.e., the carrying amount) resulting in a Level 1 classification. The carrying amounts of certificates of deposit approximate the fair values at the reporting date resulting in Level 2 classification. Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.
Overnight borrowings: The carrying amounts of overnight borrowings approximate fair values and are classified as Level 2.
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Federal Home Loan Bank advances: The fair values of the Corporation’s long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements resulting in a Level 2 classification.
Subordinated debentures: The fair values of the Corporation’s subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements resulting in a Level 3 classification.
Accrued interest receivable/payable:The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value resulting in a Level 2 or Level 3 classification. Accrued interest on deposits and securities are included in Level 2. Accrued interest on loans is included in Level 3.
Off-balance sheet instruments: Fair values for off-balance sheet, credit-related financial instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing. The fair value of commitments is not material.
8. OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
The following table presents the major components of other operating expenses for the periods indicated:
9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME
The following is a summary of the accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income balances, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
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The following represents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
10. 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 $180 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were designated as cash flow hedges of certain interest-bearing demand brokered deposits and were determined to be fully effective during the three months ended March 31, 2017. As such, no amount of ineffectiveness has been included in net income during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Therefore, 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.
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The following information about the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is presented in the following table:
Net interest expense recorded on these swap transactions totaled $361 thousand and $504 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is reported as a component of interest expense.
Cash Flow Hedges
The following table presents the net gains recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income and the consolidated financial statements relating to the cash flow derivative instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (after tax):
The following table presents the net losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income and the consolidated financial statements relating to the cash flow derivative instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2016:
The following tables reflect the cash flow hedges included in the financial statements as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
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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 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.
Information about these swaps is as follows:
11. SUBORDINATED DEBT
During June 2016, the Company issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating subordinated notes (the “Notes”) to certain institutional investors. The Notes are non-callable for five years, have a stated maturity of June 30, 2026, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.0% per year until June 30, 2021. From June 30, 2021 to the maturity date or early redemption date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to a level equal to the then current three-month LIBOR rate plus 485 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears. Debt issuance costs incurred totaled $1.3 million and are being amortized to maturity. Subordinated debt is presented net of issuance cost on the Consolidated Statements of Condition.
The subordinated debt issuance benefited the Company’s regulatory total capital amount and ratio. Approximately $40.0 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes were used by the Company to contribute capital to the Bank in the second quarter of 2016. The remaining funds (approximately $10 million) were retained by the Company and are intended to cover future subordinated debt interest payments.
In connection with the issuance of the Notes, the Company obtained ratings from Kroll Bond Rating Agency (“KBRA”). KBRA assigned investment grade rating of BBB- for the Company’s subordinated debt.
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12. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” implements a common revenue standard that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (is) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In July 2015, FASB deferred the effective date of the ASU by one year which means ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-08 which amended illustrative examples to clarify how to apply the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The Company does not expect the guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments”. This guidance amends existing guidance to improve accounting standards for financial instruments including clarification and simplification of accounting and disclosure requirements and the requirement for public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. These amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact of these amendments on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The standard requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with lease terms greater than 12 months. For lessees, virtually all leases will be required to be recognized on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and lease liability. Subsequent accounting for leases varies depending on whether the lease is an operating lease or a finance lease. The ASU requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures with the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company continues to evaluate the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial position, results of operations, and its financial statement disclosures, the adoption of ASU 2016-02 is expected to result in leased assets and related lease liabilities to be included on its balance sheet, along with the related leasehold amortization and interest expense included in its statement of income.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. Under the ASU, an entity recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. This change eliminates the notion of the additional paid in capital (“APIC”) pool and reduces the complexity and cost of accounting for excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies. Excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are considered discrete items in the reporting period they occur and are not included in the estimate of an entity’s annual effective tax rate. Additionally, this update permits an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures as they occur. This accounting guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of this standard during the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Upon adoption, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized in the provision for income taxes on the consolidated statement of operations and are presented within operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.
On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. This ASU replaces the incurred loss model with an expected loss model, referred to as “current expected credit loss” (CECL) model. It will significantly change estimates for credit losses related to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans receivable, held-to-maturity (HTM) debt securities and certain other contracts. The largest impact will be on lenders and the allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL). This ASU will be effective for public business entities (PBEs) in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the CECL model will have on our accounting, but we expect to recognize a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment to our allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, consistent with regulatory expectations set forth in interagency guidance issued at the end of 2016. The Company cannot yet determine the magnitude of any such one-time cumulative adjustment or of the overall impact of the new standard on our financial condition or results of operations.
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On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments)”. This ASU addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (COLIs) (including bank-owned life insurance policies (BOLIs)); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This amendment is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. There is no material impact on our statement of cash flows as a result of this ASU.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04: “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”. This accounting standard updated simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill, by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead, under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity should apply the amendments in this update on a prospective basis. A public business entity that is a SEC filer should adopt the amendments in this update for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not anticipate a material impact to the consolidated financial statements at this time.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08: “Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities”. This Accounting Standards update amends guidance on the amortization period of premiums on certain purchased callable debt securities. Specifically, the amendments shorten the amortization period of premiums on certain purchased callable debt securities to the earliest call date. The amendments affect all entities that hold investments in callable debt securities that have an amortized cost basis in excess of the amount that is repayable by the issuer at the earliest call date. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not currently hold any callable debt securities with a premium. As a result, the Company does not anticipate an impact to the consolidated financial statements.
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Also in March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07: “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost”. This ASU requires an entity to present net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost as a net amount that may be capitalized as part of an asset where appropriate. Generally the service cost component is analyzed differently from the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. To improve consistency, transparency, and usefulness of financial information, the amendments in this update require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. The Company’s current accounting treatment and presentation of net periodic postretirement benefit cost is consistent with the provisions in ASU-2017. As a result, the Company does not anticipate an impact to the consolidated financial statements.
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Item 2
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL: This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, both in the following discussion and analysis and elsewhere contains 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 view of future interest income and net loans, Management’s confidence and strategies and Management’s expectations about new and existing programs and products, relationships, opportunities and market conditions. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “expect”, “look”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “may”, “will”, or similar statements or variations of such terms. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual 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, 2016, in addition to/which include the following:
The Company assumes no responsibility to update such forward-looking statements in the future even if experience shows that the indicated results or events will not be realized. 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.
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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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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, 2016, contains a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.
Management believes that the Company’s policy with respect to the methodology for the determination of the allowance for loan 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 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.
The provision for loan losses is based upon Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance, including an assessment of known and inherent risks in the portfolio, giving consideration to the size and composition of the loan portfolio, actual loan loss experience, level of delinquencies, detailed analysis of individual loans for which full collectability may not be assured, the existence and estimated fair value of any underlying collateral and guarantees securing the loans, and current economic and market conditions. Although Management uses the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate, which is subject to significant judgment and short-term change. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to make additional provisions for loan 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 the State of 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 loan losses and allowance for loan losses may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond the Company’s control.
The Company accounts for its securities in accordance with “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” which was codified into Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320. All securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax.
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, Management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. No impairment charges were recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The following table presents certain key aspects of our performance for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
For the first quarter of 2017, the Company recorded net income of $8.0 million compared to $5.5 million for the same quarter of 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, diluted earnings per share were $0.46 and $0.34, respectively. Annualized return on average assets was 0.82 percent and annualized return on average equity was 9.62 percent for the first quarter of 2017, compared to 0.64 percent and 7.83 percent, respectively, for the same quarter of 2016.
The first quarter of 2017 included a $662 thousand benefit to income tax expense related to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation, improvements to employee share-based payment accounting. This increased net income by $662 thousand, earnings per share by $0.04, ROAA by 0.07%, and ROAE by 0.80%.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS: For a discussion of our contractual obligations, see the information set forth in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Contractual Obligations” which is incorporated herein by reference.
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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, 2016 under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” which is incorporated herein by reference.
EARNINGS ANALYSIS
NET INTEREST INCOME/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 earning assets and fees earned on loans, and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Earning assets include loans to individuals and businesses, 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 yields earned on earning assets and the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities (“Net Interest Spread”) and the relative amounts of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s Net Interest Spread is affected by regulatory, economic and competitive factors that influence interest rates, loan demand and deposit flows and general levels of nonperforming assets.
The following table summarizes the Company’s net interest income and related spread and margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, for the periods indicated:
Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, grew $2.2 million, or 9 percent, from the three months ended March 31, 2016. Net interest income increased during the first quarter of 2017 due to an increase in average loans, especially commercial (C&I) loans, partially offset by an increase of cost of funds, principally due to the issuance of subordinated debt in June 2016. Net interest spread and margin for the three months ending March 31, 2017 declined when compared to the same 2016 period due to the effect of the subordinated debt issuance, as well as the maintenance of higher liquidity in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter of 2016.
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The following table summarizes the Company’s loans closed for the periods indicated:
As the Company previously explained, it anticipated multifamily loan originations (and growth) would be less in 2016 and 2017 than had been seen throughout prior periods, as the Company continued to manage its balance sheet such that multifamily loans decline as a percentage of the overall loan portfolio and C&I loans become a larger percentage of the overall loan portfolio. The Company anticipated that this balance sheet management, however, may not be linear each quarter, and would rather be apparent over periods of time.
To supplement its C&I lending programs, the Company announced that during April 2017 it had hired a team of experienced bankers to focus on equipment financing. The Company generally expects that revenue and profitability related to this new group will lag expenses by several quarters.
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The following table reflects the components of the average balance sheet and of net interest income for the periods indicated:
Average Balance SheetUnauditedThree Months Ended
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The effect of volume and rate changes on net interest income (on a tax-equivalent basis) for the periods indicated are shown below:
Interest income on earning assets, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, totaled $31.6 million for the first quarter of 2017 compared to $28.1 million for the same quarter of 2016, reflecting an increase of $3.5 million or 13 percent,. Average earning assets totaled $3.82 billion for the first quarter of 2017, an increase of $465.1 million or 14 percent, from the same period of 2016. The average commercial loan portfolio increased $122.4 million or 23 percent, from the first quarter of 2016, averaging $648.3 million for the first quarter of 2017. The increase in this portfolios was attributed to the addition of seasoned banking professionals over the course of 2016; a continued concerted focus on the client service and value added aspects of the lending process; and a continued focus on markets outside of the immediate branch service area, including markets around the Teaneck and Princeton private banking offices, as well as the New York City market. Additionally, the average commercial mortgage portfolio (which includes multifamily mortgage loans) increased $75.2 million or 4 percent to $2.04 billion for the first quarter of 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016. While the Company has managed its multifamily portfolio to basically no growth, it has been focused on the origination of strong commercial real estate credits. In addition, the Company has continued its focus on relationship based residential mortgage lending, and that portfolio has grown from an average of $466.5 million in the March 2016 quarter to $544.9 million average in the March 2017 quarter. Investments totaled $316.4 million for the first quarter of 2017 compared to $223.6 million for the same 2016 quarter reflecting an increase of $92.8 million or 41 percent. This increase coincides with the Company’s desire to increase liquid portfolios.
For the quarters ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the average rates earned on earning assets was 3.31 percent and 3.35 percent, respectively, a decrease of 4 basis points. The decrease in the overall yield was principally due to the maintenance of higher liquidity (investment securities and interest earning deposits) in the 2017 period when compared to 2016, partially offset by the benefit from increased market rates on adjustable rate assets in the 2017 period.
For the first quarter of 2017, total interest-bearing deposits averaged $2.94 billion, an increase of $385.7 million or 15 percent from the average balance for the same period of 2016. The growth in customer deposits (excluding brokered CDs and brokered interest-bearing demand, but including reciprocal funds discussed below) has come from the addition of seasoned banking professionals over the course of 2016 and into 2017; an intense focus on providing high-touch client service; and a full array of treasury management products that support core deposit growth.
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Average rates paid on total interest-bearing deposits were 62 basis points and 61 basis points for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively, an increase of 1 basis point. The increase in the average rate paid on deposits was principally due to growth in interest-bearing money market and checking accounts at slightly higher rates to ensure generation of new deposits in volumes sufficient to appropriately fund asset growth.
For the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, average borrowings totaled $60.1 million and $155.3 million, respectively, a decrease of $95.2 million during the first quarter of 2017 when compared to the same period of 2016. The decrease was principally due to scheduled maturities of FHLB advances along with reduced average overnight borrowings from the FHLB.
The Company is a participant in the Reich & Tang Demand Deposit Marketplace (“DDM”) 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 ensure that each deposit customer is eligible for the full amount of FDIC insurance. As a program participant, the Company receives reciprocal amounts of deposits from other participating banks. The DDM program is considered to be a source of brokered deposits for bank regulatory purposes. However, the Company considers these reciprocal deposit balances to be in-market customer deposits as distinguished from traditional out-of-market brokered deposits. Such reciprocal deposit balances are included in the Company’s interest-bearing checking balances. Reciprocal balances averaged $397.4 million for the March 31, 2017 quarter and $441.3 million for the March 31, 2016 quarter.
For the first quarter of 2017 total interest-bearing demand – brokered deposits decreased by $20.0 million when compared to the same quarter of 2016. This decrease is due to the management of the balance sheet to reduce such brokered deposits to the minimum level required to support the Company’s existing $180 million of interest rate swaps, transacted previously as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management program.
In June 2016, the Company issued $50.0 million of subordinated debt ($48.7 million net of issuance costs) bearing interest at an annual rate of 6 percent for the first five years, and thereafter at an adjustable rate and until maturity in June 2026 or earlier redemption. For the first quarter of 2017, the subordinated debt balance averaged $48.8 million.
INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE:Investment securities available for sale are purchased, sold and/or maintained as a part of the Company’s overall balance sheet management including liquidity and interest rate risk management strategies, and in response to changes in interest rates, 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.
At March 31, 2017, the Company had investment securities available for sale with a fair value of $300.2 million compared with $305.4 million at December 31, 2016. Net unrealized losses (net of income tax) of $693 thousand and $1.1 million were included in shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
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The carrying value of investment securities available for sale as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are shown below:
The following table presents the contractual maturities and yields of debt securities available for sale, stated at fair value, as of March 31, 2017:
OTHER INCOME: The following table presents the major components of other income, excluding income from wealth management, which is summarized and discussed subsequently:
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For the three months ended March 31, 2017, income from the sale of newly originated residential mortgage loans was $47 thousand compared to $121 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease was a result of lower volume of residential mortgage loans originated for sale in the three months ended March 31, 2017 periods compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, due to reduced refinance activity due principally to the higher market rate environment.
There were no securities gains in the March 2017 quarter compared to $101 thousand for the March 2016 quarter. Sales of securities have been generally employed to benefit interest rate risk, prepayment risk, and/or liquidity risk. Given the shorter duration of our investment portfolio and the interest rate environment, such sales will continue to be a very small component of the Company’s operations.
Gains on the sale of multifamily loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value was $124 thousand for the quarter ending March 31, 2016. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company began selling whole multifamily loans in addition to multifamily loan participations. The Company manages its balance sheet such that multifamily loans decline as a percentage of the overall loan portfolio while commercial loans become a larger percentage of the overall loan portfolio. The Company anticipates that this balance sheet management, however, will likely not be linear each quarter, but will rather be apparent over periods of time. There were no multifamily loan sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, as, without sales, the Company’s portfolio level remained at a targeted level. And, additionally, market demand for such product has declined somewhat due to the regulatory environment surrounding commercial real estate lending.
The first quarter of 2017 included $155 thousand of income related to the Company’s SBA lending and sale program compared to $47 thousand in the same quarter in 2016. The SBA program was fully implemented in the March 2016 quarter and activity has grown since that period. This program is part of the Company’s normal ongoing operations.
The first quarter of 2017 included $456 thousand of loan level, back-to-back swap income up from $94 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, due to several factors, including increased customer awareness of the possibility of rising market interest rates, as well as increased loan opportunities for the Company. The program utilizes mirror interest rate swaps, one directly with the customer and one directly with a well-established counterparty. This enables a customer to benefit from a fixed rate loan, while the Company records a floating rate loan. The program provides enhanced interest rate risk management, as well as the potential for fee income for the Company.
Other income was $450 thousand for the March 2017 quarter compared to $332 thousand for the same quarter in 2016. The March 2017 quarter included an increase in letter of credit fees and increase in unused line of credit fees associated with the commercial lending business, when compared to the March 2016 quarter.
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OPERATING EXPENSES: The following table presents the components of operating expenses for the periods indicated:
The Company’s total operating expenses were $19.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 compared to $19.2 million in the same 2016 quarter, reflecting a net increase of $98 thousand or less than 1 percent.
Compensation and benefits expenses increased to $11.9 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $10.9 million in the same period in 2016, an increase of $1.0 million or 9 percent. Strategic hiring that was in line with the Company’s Plan, including staff associated with credit and risk management, normal salary increases and increased bonus/incentive accruals associated with the Company’s growth, all contributed to the increase from the March 2016 quarter to the March 2017 quarter.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, FDIC insurance expense was $686 thousand compared to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $873 thousand. Beginning July 1, 2016 the FDIC assessment system was revised. Revisions for “small institutions” (under $10 billion in assets) resulted in, among other things, the elimination of risk categories and utilization of a financial ratios method to determine assessment rates. The changes reduced the Company’s assessment rate by over 50%, when compared to the first quarter 2016 assessment rate.
Professional and loan fees decreased $124 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Given the Company’s significant growth and high concentration in multifamily lending, the Company had several one-time expenses in the 2016 quarter to ensure it adhered to best in class risk management practices.
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PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT DIVISION:This division has served in the roles of executor and trustee while providing investment management, custodial, tax, retirement and financial services to its growing client base. Officers from the Private Wealth Management Division are available to provide trust and investment services at the Bank’s corporate headquarters in Bedminster, at private banking locations in Bedminster, Morristown, Princeton and Teaneck, New Jersey and at the Bank’s subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware, in Greenville, Delaware.
The following table presents certain key aspects of the Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division performance for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
The market value of the assets under administration (“AUA”) of the wealth management division was $3.8 billion at March 31, 2017, reflecting an increase of 15 percent from $3.3 billion at March 31, 2016.
In the March 2017 quarter, the wealth management division generated $4.8 million in fee income compared to $4.3 million for the March 2016 quarter, reflecting a 12 percent increase. The growth in fee income was due to several factors, including net flows from solid new business results from existing and new clients, partially offset by normal levels of disbursements and outflows.
The Company continues to incorporate wealth management into conversations it has with the Company’s clients, across business lines. The Company has expanded its wealth management team and will continue to grow its team and expand its products, services, and advice delivered to clients.
While the “Operating Expenses” section above offers an overall discussion of the Corporation’s expenses, including the Private Wealth Management Division, operating expenses relative to the Private Wealth Management Division reflected increases due to overall growth in the business, several new hires, and select third party expenditures incurred in the 2017 period. Generally revenue and profitability related to the new personnel will lag expenses by several quarters.
The Private Wealth Management Division currently generates adequate revenue to support the salaries, benefits and other expenses of the Division; however, Management believes that the Bank generates adequate liquidity to support the expenses of the Private Wealth Management Division should it be necessary.
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NONPERFORMING ASSETS: OREO, loans past due in excess of 90 days and still accruing, and nonaccrual loans are considered nonperforming assets.
The following table sets forth asset quality data on the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
The Company does not hold and has not made or invested in subprime loans or “Alt-A” type mortgages.
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES: The provision for loan losses was $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2017 and $1.7 million for the same quarter of 2016. The amount of the loan loss provision and the level of the allowance for loan losses are based upon a number of factors including Management’s evaluation of probable losses inherent in the portfolio, after consideration of appraised collateral values, financial condition and past credit history of the borrowers, as well as prevailing economic conditions. Commercial credits generally carry a higher risk profile compared to some of the other credits, which is reflected in Management’s determination of the proper level of the allowance for loan losses.
The provision for loan losses of $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 was reflective of loan growth experienced by the Company, as well as greater qualitative factor allocations of the allowance to commercial loans and owner occupied commercial real estate loans which experienced a higher rate of growth in balances over the first quarter of 2017. Originations of commercial loans and commercial real estate loans have increased, and these loans have historically carried a higher general reserve allocation than multifamily loans. In the first quarter of 2017, management reevaluated the qualitative factors for multifamily loan types and as a result of the evaluation, changed certain allocations as appropriate.
The overall allowance for loan losses was $33.6 million as of March 31, 2017 compared to $32.2 million at December 31, 2016. As a percentage of loans, the allowance for loan losses was 0.98 percent as of March 31, 2017 and 0.97 percent as of December 31, 2016. The specific reserves on impaired loans have decreased to $754 thousand at March 31, 2017 compared to $824 thousand as of December 31, 2016. Total impaired loans were $26.5 million and $29.1 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The general component of the allowance increased from $31.4 million at December 31, 2016 to $32.9 million at March 31, 2017, due principally to the loan growth and the greater qualitative factor allocations referenced previously.
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A summary of the allowance for loan losses for the quarterly periods indicated follows:
INCOME TAXES: For the first quarter of 2017 and 2016 income tax expense as a percentage of pre-tax income was 31.8 percent and 37.4 percent, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-9, “Compensation – Stock Compensation, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. As a result of this adoption, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $662 thousand. The reduction in our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-9.
CAPITAL RESOURCES: A solid capital base provides the Company with the ability to support future growth and financial strength and is essential to executing the Company’s Strategic Plan – “Expanding Our Reach.” The Company’s capital strategy is intended to provide stability to expand its businesses, 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. Maintaining an adequate capital position supports the Company’s goal of providing shareholders an attractive and stable long-term return on investment.
Capital for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 was benefitted by net income of $8.0 million and by $8.8 million of voluntary share purchases by our shareholders under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require 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 I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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.
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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.
The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
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The Company’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
When fully phased in on January 1, 2019, the Basel Rules will require the Company and the Bank to maintain a 2.5% “capital conservation buffer” on top of the minimum risk-weighted asset ratios. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of (i) CET1 to risk-weighted assets, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets or (iii) total capital to risk-weighted assets above the respective minimum but below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers based on the amount of the shortfall. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and will increase by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019.
The Company’s regulatory total risk based capital ratio beginning June 30, 2016 was benefitted by the $49 million (net) subordinated debt issuance that closed in June 2016. The Company down-streamed approximately $40 million of those proceeds to the Bank as capital, benefitting all the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios at that time.
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 thousand per quarter to purchase additional shares of common stock. The Reinvestment Plan provided $8.8 million of capital to the Company in the first quarter of 2017 and we anticipate this program will provide a continuing source of capital.
The Company filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC in December 2016 that allows the Company to periodically offer and sell in one or more offerings, individually or in any combination, common stock, preferred stock and other non-equity securities not to exceed $100.0 million. The shelf registration provides the Company with flexibility in issuing capital instruments and more readily accessing the capital markets as needed to pursue future growth opportunities and ensure continued compliance with regulatory capital requirements.
As previously announced, on April 20, 2017, the Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.05 per share payable on May 19, 2017 to shareholders of record on May 5, 2017.
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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 and expansion 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 investments, securities available for sale, customer deposit inflows, loan repayments and secured borrowings. Other liquidity sources include loan sales and loan participations.
Management actively monitors and manages the Company’s liquidity position and believes it is sufficient to meet future needs. Cash and cash equivalents, including federal funds sold and interest-earning deposits, totaled $119.0 million at March 31, 2017. In addition, the Company had $300.2 million in securities designated as available for sale at March 31, 2017. These securities can be sold, or used as collateral for borrowings, in response to liquidity concerns. In addition, the Company generates significant liquidity from scheduled and unscheduled principal repayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities.
A further source of liquidity is borrowing capacity. At March 31, 2017, unused borrowing commitments totaled $1.1 billion from the FHLB, $614.2 million from the Federal Reserve Bank and $22.0 million from correspondent banks.
During the March 2017 quarter, the increase in loans of $127.5 million was primarily funded by customer deposit growth of $18.8 million, net (principally noninterest-bearing checking), increased capital of $16.7 million, decreased cash/cash equivalents of $43.7 million, and net increased other borrowings of $31.6 million.
Brokered interest-bearing demand (“overnight”) deposits stayed flat at $180.0 million at March 31, 2017. The interest rate paid on these deposits allows the Bank to fund 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.
From a liquidity/funding perspective, such brokered deposits, are generally a more cost effective alternative than other borrowings and do not require use of pledged collateral, as secured wholesale borrowings do. From a balance sheet management perspective, the rate paid on these short term brokered deposits is used as the basis to transact longer term interest rate swaps, basically extending repricing generally to five years for asset matching / interest rate risk management purposes. As of March 31, 2017, the Company has transacted pay fixed, receive floating interest rate swaps totaling $180.0 million notional amount.
The Company has a Board-approved Contingency Funding Plan in place. 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.
Management believes the Company’s liquidity position and sources are adequate.
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ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT: The Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring asset/liability management 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 have the ability to demonstrate balance sheet gaps and predict changes to net interest income and 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 is generally authorized to manage interest rate risk through the management of capital, cash flows and 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 is authorized to engage 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 all of these swaps, the Company is receiving floating and paying fixed interest rates with total notional value of $180.0 million as of March 31, 2017.
In addition, during the second quarter of 2015, 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 executes 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 March 31, 2017, $155.9 million of notional value in swaps were executed and outstanding with borrowers under this program.
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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 model is based on the actual maturity and repricing characteristics of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. The model incorporates certain prepayment and interest rate assumptions, which management believes to be reasonable as of March 31, 2017. The model assumes changes in interest rates without any proactive change in the balance sheet by management. In the model, the forecasted shape of the yield curve remained static as of March 31, 2017.
In an immediate and sustained 200 basis point increase in market rates at March 31, 2017, net interest income for year 1 would increase approximately 6.3 percent, when compared to a flat interest rate scenario. In year 2 this sensitivity improves to an increase of 9.0 percent, when compared to a flat interest rate scenario.
In an immediate and sustained 100 basis point decrease in market rates at March 31, 2017, net interest income would decline approximately 6.2 percent for year 1 and 7.2 percent for year 2, compared to a flat interest rate scenario.
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 March 31, 2017.
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.
Model simulation results indicate the Company is slightly asset sensitive, which indicates the Company’s net interest income should improve slightly in a rising rate environment. Management believes the Company’s interest rate risk position is reasonable.
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ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
There have been no material changes to information regarding quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk from the end of the preceding fiscal year to the date of the most recent interim financial statements (March 31, 2017).
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
The Corporation’s Management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, the Corporation’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 Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have also concluded that there have not been any changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Corporation’s Management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures of our internal controls will prevent all errors 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; the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. 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 Corporation have been or will be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by Management override of the controls. 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, control 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.
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 is no currently pending or threatened litigation or proceedings against the Company or its subsidiaries, which asset claims that if adversely decided, we believe would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
There were no material changes in the Corporation’s risk factors during the three months ended March 31, 2017 from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
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ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
There were no repurchases or unregistered sales of the Corporation’s stock during the quarter.
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. Other Information
ITEM 6. Exhibits
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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