UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-41255
Ponce Financial Group, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Maryland
87-1893965
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. EmployerIdentification No.)
2244 Westchester Avenue
Bronx, NY
10462
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (718) 931-9000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
PDLB
The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of November 10, 2022, the registrant had 24,728,460 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.
Auditor Firm Id: 339
Auditor Name: Mazars USA LLP
Auditor Location: New York, New York, USA
Table of Contents
Page
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1
Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
2
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
3
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
6
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
48
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
78
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
79
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
80
Item 6.
Exhibits
81
Signatures
82
i
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements.
Ponce Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks (Note 3):
Cash
$
37,235
98,954
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
25,286
54,940
Total cash and cash equivalents
62,521
153,894
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (Note 4)
131,977
113,346
Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost (fair value 2022 $479,302; 2021 $914) (Note 4)
494,297
934
Placements with banks
2,490
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value
3,357
15,836
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses - 2022 $25,108; 2021 $16,352 (Note 5)
1,392,553
1,305,078
Accrued interest receivable
14,063
12,362
Premises and equipment, net (Note 6)
17,759
19,617
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) stock, at cost
14,272
6,001
Deferred tax assets (Note 9)
13,822
3,820
Other assets
11,170
20,132
Total assets
2,158,281
1,653,510
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits (Note 7)
1,351,189
1,204,716
Accrued interest payable
854
228
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
10,589
7,657
Advances from the FHLBNY and others (Note 8)
286,375
106,255
Warehouse lines of credit (Note 8)
—
15,090
Mutual holding company conversion subscription liabilities
122,000
Other liabilities
8,591
8,308
Total liabilities
1,657,598
1,464,254
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 225,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2022. None were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021.
225,000
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 24,728,460 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and 18,463,028 shares issued and 17,425,987 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021
247
185
Treasury stock, at cost; no shares as of September 30, 2022 and 1,037,041 shares as of December 31, 2021 (Note 10)
(13,687
)
Additional paid-in-capital
206,092
85,601
Retained earnings
102,169
122,956
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 15)
(18,420
(1,456
Unearned compensation ─ ESOP; 1,597,863 shares as of September 30, 2022 and 434,251 shares as of December 31, 2021 (Note 10)
(14,405
(4,343
Total stockholders' equity
500,683
189,256
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Interest and dividend income:
Interest on loans receivable
17,058
16,991
51,315
47,519
Interest on deposits due from banks
346
9
514
13
Interest and dividend on securities and FHLBNY stock
4,230
425
5,990
914
Total interest and dividend income
21,634
17,425
57,819
48,446
Interest expense:
Interest on certificates of deposit
687
1,010
2,167
3,337
Interest on other deposits
1,543
354
2,348
1,118
Interest on borrowings
1,793
621
2,867
1,927
Total interest expense
4,023
1,985
7,382
6,382
Net interest income
17,611
15,440
50,437
42,064
Provision for loan losses (Note 5)
9,330
572
11,405
1,844
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
8,281
14,868
39,032
40,220
Non-interest income:
Service charges and fees
464
494
1,349
1,189
Brokerage commissions
288
270
840
923
Late and prepayment charges
109
329
360
871
Income on sale of mortgage loans
116
1,175
734
3,971
Loan origination
522
625
1,843
2,135
(Loss) gain on sale of premises and equipment
(436
4,812
Other
341
1,292
1,567
Total non-interest income
1,577
3,234
5,982
15,468
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and benefits
7,377
6,427
21,413
16,303
Occupancy and equipment
3,611
2,849
10,040
8,321
Data processing expenses
994
917
2,665
2,244
Direct loan expenses
654
696
2,033
2,856
Insurance and surety bond premiums
297
147
600
436
Office supplies, telephone and postage
369
626
1,180
1,502
Professional fees
1,251
1,765
4,333
5,929
Contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation (Note 2)
4,995
Grain write-off and write-down (Note 5)
8,881
18,455
Marketing and promotional expenses
214
51
337
137
Directors' fees
89
67
256
205
Regulatory assessment
99
74
253
254
Other operating expenses
1,580
1,113
3,497
3,101
Total non-interest expense
25,416
14,732
70,057
41,288
(Loss) income before income taxes
(15,558
3,370
(25,043
14,400
(Benefit) provision for income taxes (Note 9)
(820
1,318
(4,256
3,964
Net (loss) income
(14,738
2,052
(20,787
10,436
(Loss) earnings per common share (Note 11):
Basic
(0.64
0.12
(0.92
0.62
Diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding (Note 11):
23,094,859
16,823,731
22,524,477
16,703,997
16,914,833
16,746,554
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Net change in unrealized losses on securities:
Unrealized losses
(4,194
(730
(21,493
(899
Income benefit (tax) effect
806
150
4,529
143
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(3,388
(580
(16,964
(756
Total comprehensive (loss) income
(18,126
1,472
(37,751
9,680
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
Accumulated
Unallocated
Treasury
Additional
Common
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Stock,
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
Stock
Shares
Amount
At Cost
Capital
Earnings
Loss
of ESOP
Total
Balance, December 31, 2021
17,425,987
Net loss
(6,820
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(5,579
Second-step conversion and reorganization:
Conversion and reorganization of PDL Community Bancorp
5,788,972
58
117,952
118,010
Retirement of treasury stock
(11
13,687
(13,676
Purchase of shares by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP')
1,097,353
11
10,963
(10,974
Issuance of shares to the Ponce De Leon Foundation
399,522
3,991
3,995
Release of restricted stock units
12,440
ESOP shares committed to be released (35,119 shares)
61
305
366
Share-based compensation
351
Balance, March 31, 2022
24,724,274
205,243
116,136
(7,035
(15,012
299,579
Net income
771
(7,997
Issuance of preferred shares
21
303
324
405
Balance, June 30, 2022
205,669
116,907
(15,032
(14,709
518,082
4,186
18
304
322
Balance, September 30, 2022
24,728,460
Income (Loss)
Balance, December 31, 2020
17,125,969
(18,114
85,105
97,541
135
(5,308
159,544
2,452
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
(107
Treasury stock
(107,717
(1,171
ESOP shares committed to be released (12,063 shares)
121
134
352
Balance, March 31, 2021
17,018,252
(19,285
85,470
99,993
28
(5,187
161,204
5,932
(69
309,690
4,216
91
4,307
43
164
Balance, June 30, 2021
17,327,942
(15,069
85,956
105,925
(41
(5,066
171,890
3,000
53
174
Balance, September 30, 2021
17,330,942
86,360
107,977
(621
(4,945
173,887
Nine Months Ended
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of premiums/discounts on securities, net
216
57
Gain on sale of loans
(7
(46
Gain on sale of real property
(4,812
Gain on derivatives
(229
(345
Grain write-off and write-down
Provision for loan losses
Depreciation and amortization
1,371
1,885
ESOP compensation
1,038
513
Share-based compensation expense
1,161
1,055
Deferred income taxes
(5,473
16
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in mortgage loans held for sale, fair value
12,479
20,444
Increase in accrued interest receivable
(1,701
(1,964
Increase in other assets
(7,064
(1,844
Increase in accrued interest payable
178
Increase in advance payments by borrowers
2,932
2,099
Decrease in mortgage loan funding payable
(347
Decrease in other liabilities
(192
(1,139
Net cash provided by operating activities
14,230
28,030
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Proceeds from redemption of FHLBNY stock
135,291
1,102
Purchases of FHLBNY Stock
(143,562
(677
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
(58,385
(94,186
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities
(501,942
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities
3,641
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal repayments on available-for-sale securities
26,798
3,156
249
Proceeds from sales of loans
3,699
12,991
Net increase in loans
(102,572
(157,354
Proceeds from sale of real property
8,152
Purchases of premises and equipment
(433
(7,262
Net cash used in investing activities
(641,106
(230,188
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net (decrease) increase in deposits
146,473
219,682
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
Repurchase of treasury stock
(1,607
Proceeds from the sale of treasury stock
4,743
Contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation
(1,000
Proceeds from advances from FHLBNY
3,135,875
11,500
Repayments of advances from FHLBNY
(2,955,755
(22,500
Net advances on warehouse lines of credit
(15,090
(18,700
Net cash provided by financing activities
535,503
193,118
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(91,373
(9,040
Cash and Cash Equivalents including restricted cash:
Beginning
72,078
Ending
63,038
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest on deposits and borrowings
6,756
6,204
Cash paid for income taxes
624
5,848
Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation:
Ponce Financial Group, Inc., as the successor by merger with PDL Community Bancorp pursuant to the completion of the conversion and reorganization of Ponce Bank Mutual Holding Company from the mutual holding company to the stock holding company form of organization that was effective on January 27, 2022 (hereafter referred to as “we,” “our,” “us,” “Ponce Financial Group, Inc.,” or the “Company”), is the holding company of Ponce Bank (“Ponce Bank” or the “Bank”), a federally chartered stock savings association. The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements presented herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary Ponce Bank (the “Bank”) and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Ponce De Leon Mortgage Corp., which is a mortgage banking entity. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Nature of Operations:
The Company is a savings and loan holding company. The Company is subject to the regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. The Company’s business is conducted through the administrative office and 13 full service banking and 5 mortgage loan offices. The banking offices are located in New York City – the Bronx (4 branches), Manhattan (2 branches), Queens (4 branches), Brooklyn (3 branches) and Union City (1 branch), New Jersey. The mortgage loan offices are located in Queens (3) and Brooklyn (1), New York and Bergenfield (1), New Jersey. The Company’s primary market area currently consists of the New York City metropolitan area.
The Bank is a federally chartered stock savings association headquartered in the Bronx, New York. It was originally chartered in 1960 as a federally chartered mutual savings and loan association under the name Ponce De Leon Federal Savings and Loan Association. In 1985, the Bank changed its name to “Ponce De Leon Federal Savings Bank.” In 1997, the Bank changed its name again to “Ponce De Leon Federal Bank.” Upon the completion of its reorganization into a mutual holding company structure in September of 2017, the assets and liabilities of Ponce De Leon Federal Bank were transferred to and assumed by the Bank. The Bank is a Minority Depository Institution (“MDI”), a Community Development Financial Institution (“CDFI”), and a certified Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lender. The Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”).
The Bank’s business primarily consists of taking deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, in mortgage loans, consisting of one-to-four family residential (both investor-owned and owner-occupied), multifamily residential, nonresidential properties and construction and land, and, to a lesser extent, in business and consumer loans. The Bank also invests in securities, which have historically consisted of U.S. government and federal agency securities and securities issued by government-sponsored or owned enterprises, mortgage-backed securities and Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (the “FHLBNY”) stock. The Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts, including demand, savings, money markets and certificates of deposit accounts.
On July 10, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of Mortgage World Bankers, Inc. (“Mortgage World”). During the year ended December 31, 2021, Mortgage World was a mortgage banking entity subject to the regulation and examination of the New York State Department of Financial Services. The primary business of Mortgage World was the taking of applications from the general public for residential mortgage loans, underwriting them to investors’ standards, closing and funding them and holding them until they were sold to investors. Although Mortgage World was permitted to do business in various states (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and Connecticut), it primarily operated in the New York City metropolitan area. On January 26, 2022, Mortgage World transferred its assets and liabilities to Ponce Bank and ceased operating as an independent mortgage banking entity. Mortgage World’s business is now conducted as a division of Ponce Bank.
Risks and Uncertainties:
On February 24, 2022, Russian forces launched significant military action against Ukraine, and sustained conflict and disruption in the region continues. The impact to Ukraine as well as actions taken by other countries, including new and stricter sanctions imposed by Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the U.S. and other countries and companies and organizations against officials, individuals, regions, and industries in Russia, and actions taken by Russia in response to such sanctions, and each country’s potential response to such sanctions, tensions, and military actions could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
The coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic continues to disrupt the global and U.S. economies and as well as the lives of individuals throughout the world. The New York City Metropolitan area continues to experience, although to a much lesser extent, cases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the lessening of government regulations related to COVID-19, it still impacts macroeconomic conditions.
The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to adversely impact several industries within our geographic footprint and impair the ability of the Company’s customers to fulfill their contractual obligations to the Company. This could cause the Company to experience adverse effects on its business operations, loan portfolio, financial condition, and results of operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the provision for loan losses amounted to $11.4 million primarily due to reserves related to loans originated by Grain Technologies, LLC ("Grain") (see Note 5 for additional information related to Grain reserves) as well as increases in the loan portfolio.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
Use of Estimates: In preparing the consolidated 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 consolidated statement of financial condition, and revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, the valuation of loans held for sale, the valuation of deferred tax assets and investment securities and the estimates relating to the valuation for share-based awards.
Interim Financial Statements: The interim consolidated financial statements at September 30, 2022, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 are unaudited and reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2022, or any other period.
Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk: Most of the Bank's activities are with customers located within New York City. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Bank's loan portfolio and the ability of Mortgage World, a division of the Bank, to sell originated loans in the secondary markets are susceptible to changes in the local market conditions. Note 4 discusses the types of securities in which the Bank invests. Notes 5 and 12 discuss the types of lending that the Bank engages in, and other concentrations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and amounts due from banks (including items in process of clearing). For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash flows from loans originated by the Company, interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions, and deposits are reported net. Included in cash and cash equivalents are restricted cash from escrows and good faith deposits. Escrows consist of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) upfront mortgage insurance premiums and escrows on unsold mortgages that are held on behalf of borrowers. Good faith deposits consist of deposits received from commercial loan customers for use in various disbursements relating to the closing of a commercial loan. Restricted cash are included in cash and cash equivalents for purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Securities: Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the date individual investment securities are acquired, and the appropriateness of such classification is reassessed at each statement of financial condition date.
Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, if any, are classified as "held-to-maturity" and recorded at amortized cost. Trading securities, if any, are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings. Securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading, are classified as "available-for-sale" and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities.
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) 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) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income.
The credit loss is defined as the difference between the discounted 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.
7
Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific-identification method. The sale of a held-to-maturity security within three months of its maturity date or after collection of at least 85% of the principal outstanding at the time the security was acquired is considered a maturity for purposes of classification and disclosure.
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock: The Bank is a member of the FHLBNY. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLBNY 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.
Loans Receivable: Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at current unpaid principal balances, net of the allowance for loan losses and including net deferred loan origination fees and costs.
Interest income is accrued based on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the interest method without anticipating prepayments.
A loan is moved to nonaccrual status in accordance with the Company’s policy typically after 90 days of non-payment. The accrual of interest on mortgage and commercial loans is generally discontinued at the time the loan becomes 90 days past due unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer loans are typically charged-off no later than 90 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. All nonaccrual loans are considered impaired loans.
All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual are reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash basis or recorded against principal balances, until qualifying for return to accrual. Cash basis interest recognition is only applied on nonaccrual loans with a sufficient collateral margin to ensure no doubt with respect to the collectability of principal. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and remain current for a period of time (typically six months) and future payments are reasonably assured. Accrued interest receivable is closely monitored for collectability and will be charged-off in a timely manner if deemed uncollectable.
Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (“ALLL”) is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. 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 and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off. The Company’s assessment of its loan portfolio with Grain and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and interest rates on borrowers indicates that it is likely that such conditions will be a detriment to their ability to repay in the short-term and that the likelihood of long-term detrimental effects depends significantly on the resumption of normalized economic activities, a factor not yet determinable.
The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired.
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.
8
Impaired loans are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral, present value of cash flows, or the observable market price of the note. Impairment measurement for all collateral dependent loans, excluding accruing troubled debt restructurings, is based on the fair value of collateral, less costs to sell, if necessary. A loan is considered collateral dependent if repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the sale or the operation of the underlying collateral.
When a loan is modified to troubled debt restructuring, management evaluates for any possible impairment using either the discounted cash flows method, where the value of the modified loan is based on the present value of expected cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or by using the fair value of the collateral less selling costs, if repayment under the modified terms becomes doubtful.
The general component covers non‑impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced over a rolling 12 quarter average period, except for loans originated by Grain where the Bank uses one quarter. This actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These economic factors include consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of 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.
When establishing the allowance for loan losses, management categorizes loans into risk categories reflecting individual borrower earnings, liquidity, leverage and cash flow, as well as the nature of underlying collateral. These risk categories and relevant risk characteristics are as follows:
Residential and Multifamily Mortgage Loans: Residential and multifamily mortgage loans are secured by first mortgages. These loans are typically underwritten with loan-to-value ratios ranging from 65% to 90%. The primary risks involved in residential mortgages are the borrower’s loss of employment, or other significant event, that negatively impacts the source of repayment. Additionally, a serious decline in home values could jeopardize repayment in the event that the underlying collateral needs to be liquidated to pay-off the loan.
Nonresidential Mortgage Loans: Nonresidential mortgage loans are primarily secured by commercial buildings, office and industrial buildings, warehouses, small retail shopping centers and various special purpose properties, including hotels, restaurants and nursing homes. These loans are typically underwritten at no more than 75% loan-to-value ratio. Although terms vary, commercial real estate loans generally have amortization periods of 15 to 30 years, as well as balloon payments of 10 to 15 years, and terms which provide that the interest rates are adjusted on a 5-year schedule.
Construction and Land Loans: Construction real estate loans consist of vacant land and property that is in the process of improvement. Repayment of these loans can be dependent on the sale of the property to third parties or the successful completion of the improvements by the builder for the end user. In the event a loan is made on property that is not yet improved for the planned development, there is the risk that government approvals will not be granted or will be delayed. Construction loans also run the risk that improvements will not be completed on time or in accordance with specifications and projected costs. Construction real estate loans generally have terms of six months to two years during the construction period with fixed rates or interest rates based on a designated index.
Business Loans: Business loans are loans for commercial, corporate and business purposes, including issuing letters of credit. These loans are secured by business assets or may be unsecured and repayment is directly dependent on the successful operation of the borrower’s business and the borrower’s ability to convert the assets to operating revenue. They possess greater risk than most other types of loans because the repayment capacity of the borrower may become inadequate. Business loans generally have terms of five to seven years or less and interest rates that float in accordance with a designated published index. Substantially all such loans are backed by the personal guarantees of the owners of the business.
Consumer Loans: Consumer loans generally have higher interest rates than mortgage loans. The risk involved in consumer loans is the type and nature of the collateral and, in certain cases, the absence of collateral. Consumer loans include passbook loans and other secured and unsecured loans that have been made for a variety of consumer purposes. Included in consumer loans are loans originated by Grain.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, at Fair Value: Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value, include residential mortgages that were originated in accordance with secondary market pricing and underwriting standards. These loans are loans originated by the Bank’s Mortgage World division and the Company intends to sell these loans on the secondary market. Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at fair value under the fair value option accounting guidance for financial assets and financial liabilities. The gains or losses for the changes in fair value of these loans are included in income on sale of mortgage loans on the consolidated statements of operations. Interest income on mortgage loans held for sale measured under the fair value option is calculated based on the principal amount of the loan and is included in interest loans receivable on the consolidated statements of operations.
Derivative Financial Instruments: The Company, through the Bank’s Mortgage World division, uses derivative financial instruments as a part of its price risk management activities. All such derivative financial instruments are designated as free-standing derivative instruments. In accordance with FASB ASC 815-25, Derivatives and Hedging, all derivative instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair value. Change in the fair value of these derivatives is reported in current period earnings.
Additionally, to facilitate the sale of mortgage loans, the Bank, through its Mortgage World division, may enter into forward sale positions on securities, and mandatory delivery positions. Exposure to losses or gains on these positions is limited to the net difference between the calculated amounts to be received and paid. As of September 30, 2022, the Company did not enter into any forward sale or mandatory delivery positions on their financial instruments.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers: The Company’s revenue from contracts with customers in the scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contract with Customers, is recognized within noninterest income. ASC 606 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Management determined the revenue streams impacted by ASC 606 included those related to service charges on deposit accounts, ATM and card fees and other services fees. The Company’s revenue recognition pattern for these revenue streams did not change from current practice. The Company's primary sources of revenue are interest income on financial assets and income from mortgage banking activities, which are explicitly excluded from the scope of ASC 606.
COVID-19 Pandemic and the CARES Act: On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law. Section 4013 of the CARES Act, “Temporary Relief from Troubled Debt Restructurings,” provides banks the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under GAAP related to troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) for a limited period of time to account for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, on April 7, 2020, the banking agencies, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, issued a statement, “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working With Customers Affected by the Coronavirus (Revised)” (“Interagency Statement”), to encourage banks to work prudently with borrowers and to describe the agencies’ interpretation of how accounting rules under ASC 310-40, “Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors,” apply to certain of the COVID-19 pandemic related modifications. Further, on August 3, 2020, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council issued a Joint Statement on Additional Loan Accommodations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide prudent risk management and consumer protection principles for financial institutions to consider while working with borrowers as loans near the end of initial loan accommodation periods.
Under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, modifications of loan terms do not automatically result in TDRs and the Company generally does not need to categorize the COVID-19 pandemic-related modifications as TDRs. The Company may elect not to categorize loan modifications as TDRs if they are (1) related to the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) executed on a loan that was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019; and (3) executed between March 1, 2020, and the earlier of (A) 60 days after the date of termination of the National Emergency or (B) December 31, 2020. This relief was extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act enacted on December 27, 2020 to the earlier of January 1, 2022 or 60 days after the termination of the national emergency. This relief was not extended beyond January 1, 2022 and the Bank has made appropriate adjustments which are not material. Federal banking agencies were required to defer to the determination of the banks making such election.
This includes short-term (e.g., six months) modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or other delays in payment that are insignificant. Borrowers considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program is implemented. Financial institutions accounting for eligible loans under Section 4013 are not required to apply ASC Subtopic 310-40 to the Section 4013 loans for the term of the loan modification. Financial institutions do not have to report Section 4013 loans as TDRs in regulatory reports, including this Form 10-Q for periods prior to the expiration date.
Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when all of the components meet the definition of a participating interest and when control over the assets has been surrendered. A participating interest generally represents (1) a proportionate (pro rata) ownership interest in an entire financial asset, (2) a relationship where from the date of transfer all cash flows received from the entire financial asset are divided proportionately among the participating interest holders in an amount equal to their share of ownership, (3) the priority of cash flows has certain characteristics, including no reduction in priority, subordination of interest, or recourse to the transferor other than standard representation or warranties, and (4) no party has the right to pledge or exchange the entire financial asset unless all participating interest holders agree to pledge or exchange the entire financial asset. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Bank, (2) 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 (3) the Bank does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through either (a) an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or (b) the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets, other than through a clean-up call.
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Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is computed and charged to operations using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:
Years
Buildings
39
Building improvements
15 - 39
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
3 - 10
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the improvements’ estimated economic lives or the related lease terms, including extensions expected to be exercised. Gains and losses on dispositions are recognized upon realization. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and improvements are capitalized. Leasehold improvements in process are not amortized until the assets are placed in operation.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets, including premises and leasehold improvements, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If impairment is indicated by that review, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value through a charge to noninterest expense.
Other Real Estate Owned: Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) represents properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure or other proceedings. OREO is initially recorded at fair value, less estimated disposal costs, at the date of foreclosure, which establishes a new cost basis. After foreclosure, the properties are held for sale and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs of disposal. Any write-down to fair value, at the time of transfer to OREO, is charged to the allowance for loan losses.
Properties are evaluated regularly to ensure that the recorded amounts are supported by current fair values and charges against earnings are recorded as necessary to reduce the carrying amount to fair value, less estimated costs to dispose. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized, subject to the limit of fair value of the OREO, while costs relating to holding the property are expensed. Gains or losses are included in operations upon disposal.
Income Taxes: The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income, in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the consolidated financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits, if any, would be classified as additional provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations.
Related Party Transactions: Directors and officers of the Company and their affiliates have been customers of and have had transactions with the Company, and it is expected that such persons will continue to have such transactions in the future. Management believes that all deposit accounts, loans, services and commitments comprising such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers who are not directors or officers. In the opinion of management, the transactions with related parties did not involve more than normal risk of collectability, nor favored treatment or terms, nor present other unfavorable features. Note 16 contains details regarding related party transactions.
Employee Benefit Plans: The Company maintains a KSOP, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan with 401(k) provisions incorporated, a Long-Term Incentive Plan that includes grants of restricted stock units and stock options, and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”).
KSOP, the Employee Stock Ownership Plan with 401(k) Provisions: Compensation expense is recorded as shares are committed to be released with a corresponding credit to unearned KSOP equity account at the average fair market value of the shares during the period and the shares become outstanding for earnings per share computations. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the service period based upon management’s estimate of the number of shares expected to be allocated by the KSOP. The difference between the average fair market value and the cost of the shares allocated by the KSOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in-capital. Unallocated common shares held by the Company’s KSOP are shown as a reduction in stockholders’ equity and are excluded from weighted-average common shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations until they are committed to be released. The 401(k) provisions provide for elective employee/participant deferrals of income. Discretionary matching, profit-sharing, and safe harbor contributions, not to exceed 4% of employee compensation and profit-sharing contributions may be provided.
Stock Options: The Company recognizes the value of shared-based payment transactions as compensation costs in the financial statements over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. The fair value of the share-based payments for stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur during the period.
Restricted Stock Units: The Company recognizes compensation cost related to restricted stock units based on the market price of the stock units at the grant date over the vesting period. The product of the number of units granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock determines the fair value of restricted stock units. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of the restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
Comprehensive (Loss) Income: Comprehensive (loss) income consists of net (loss) income and other comprehensive (loss) income, which are both recognized as separate components of stockholder’s equity. Other comprehensive (loss) income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale.
Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are any such matters that will have a material effect on the operations and financial position of the Company.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments: 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. Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 13. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.
Segment Reporting: The Company has two reportable segments: the Bank and, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, Mortgage World, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, Mortgage World as a division of the Bank. Income from the Bank consists primarily of interest and fees earned on loans and investment securities and service charges on deposit accounts. Income from Mortgage World consists primarily of taking of applications from the general public for residential mortgage loans, underwriting them to investors’ standards, closing and funding them and holding them until they are sold to investors.
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include off‑balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
Earnings (Loss) per Share (“EPS”): Basic EPS represents net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders divided by the basic weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the basic weighted average common shares outstanding, plus the effect of potential dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Basic weighted common shares outstanding is weighted average common shares outstanding less weighted average unallocated ESOP shares.
Treasury Stock: Shares repurchased under the Company’s share repurchase programs were purchased in open-market transactions and are held as treasury stock. The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders’ equity.
Reclassification of Prior Periods Presentation: Certain prior periods amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reporting results of operations and did not affect previously reported amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
As an emerging growth company (“EGC”) as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, the Company has elected to use the extended transition period to delay the adoption of new or reissued accounting pronouncements applicable to public business entities until such pronouncements are made applicable to nonpublic business entities. The Company will be exiting the EGC status as of December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2022, there is no significant difference in the comparability of the consolidated financial statements as a result of this extended transition period.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” This ASU requires all lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset, measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments, at the lease commencement date. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged under the new guidance. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, for public business entities. As the Company is taking advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards assuming it remains an EGC, it will adopt the amendments in this update for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022.
The Company has evaluated the amended guidance including the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements. To date, the Company has identified its leased office spaces as within the scope of the guidance. The Company currently leases its administrative office and 17 branches and mortgage offices and the new guidance will result in the establishment of a right to use asset and corresponding lease obligations. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the guidance, including determining whether other contracts exist that are deemed to be in scope and subsequent related accounting standard updates. The Company has established a project committee and has initiated training on ASU 2016-02. The Company is performing preliminary computations of its right to use asset and corresponding lease obligations for the operating leases of its administrative office and 17 leased branches and mortgage offices. The Company is utilizing a new lease accounting tool to assist in the computations of its right to use asset and corresponding lease obligations for the operating leases. The Company will adopt this standard at the end of December 2022 and anticipates recognizing approximately $35.0 million of a right of use asset and an operating lease liability.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This ASU significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard is to replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, is to apply to: (1) financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and (2) certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. This includes, but is not limited to, loans, leases, held-to-maturity securities, loan commitments and financial guarantees. The CECL model does not apply to available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities. For AFS debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to what they do today, except that the losses will be recognized as allowances rather than reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. As a result, entities will recognize improvements to estimated credit losses immediately in earnings rather than as interest income over time, as they do today. The ASU also reportedly simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt, securities and loans. ASU 2016-13 also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses. In addition, entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, for public business entities, that are not deemed to be smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC as of November 15, 2019. As the Company has taking advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards assuming it remains an EGC, it will adopt the amendments in this update for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities have to apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (i.e., modified retrospective approach).
The Company has evaluated the amended guidance including the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements. As a result of the required change in approach toward determining estimated credit losses from the current “incurred loss” model to one based on estimated cash flows over a loan’s contractual life, adjusted for prepayments (a “life of loan” model), the Company expects that the new guidance might result in an increase in the allowance for loan losses, particularly for longer duration loan portfolios. The Company also notes that the new guidance may result in an allowance for available-for-sale debt securities. The Company has selected the CECL model and assembled a project team. The project team meets on a regular basis to determine the approach for implementation. This includes assessing the adequacy of existing loan and loss data, assessing models for default and loss estimates, conducting limited trial runs and analytical review through December 31, 2022, and to complete independent model valuation and documentation of processes and controls in the first quarter of 2023.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848).” This ASU provides optional means and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or other reference rates expected to be discontinued because of the reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company believes this update will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Note 2. Preferred Stock Issuance; Plan of Conversion and Stock Offering
Preferred Stock Issuance
On June 7, 2022, the Company closed a private placement (the “Private Placement”) of 225,000 shares of the Company’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 (the “Preferred Stock”) for an aggregate purchase price equal to $225.0 million in cash, to the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) pursuant to the Emergency Capital Investment Program (“ECIP”). The holders of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to a dividend payable in cash quarterly at an annual rate dependent on certain factors as reported by the Company to Treasury in a quarterly supplemental report. The initial dividend rate is zero percent for the first two years after issuance, and thereafter the floor dividend rate is 0.50% and the ceiling dividend rate is 2.00%. After 10 years of issuance, the perpetual dividend rate in effect, will be determined based on said floor and ceiling. The actual dividend rate that will be paid by the Company on the Preferred Stock cannot be determined at this time.
The ECIP investment by the Treasury is part of a program to invest over $8.7 billion into Community Development Financial Institution (“CDFI”) or Minority Depository Institution (“MDI”), of which Ponce Bank is both. The ECIP is intended to incentivize CDFIs and MDIs to provide loans, grants, and forbearance to small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and consumers in low-income and underserved communities that may have been disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the Preferred Stock will be entitled to a liquidation preference, subject to certain limitations, in the amount of the sum of $1,000 per share plus declared and unpaid dividends (without accumulation of undeclared dividends) on each share.
Plan of Conversion and Common Stock Offering
On May 25, 2021, Ponce Bank Mutual Holding Company and PDL Community Bancorp, the then holding company for Ponce Bank and Mortgage World Bankers, Inc., announced that their Boards of Directors had unanimously adopted a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”) pursuant to which Ponce Bank Mutual Holding Company and PDL Community Bancorp reorganized into a new stock holding company and conducted a second-step stock offering of new shares of common stock.
On January 26, 2022, Mortgage World transferred its assets and liabilities to Ponce Bank and ceased operating as an independent mortgage banking entity. Mortgage World’s business is now conducted as a division of Ponce Bank.
On January 27, 2022, Ponce Financial Group, Inc. and PDL Community Bancorp announced that the conversion and reorganization of Ponce Bank Mutual Holding Company from the mutual to stock form of organization and related stock offering was consummated at the close of business. As a result of the closing of the conversion and reorganization and stock offering, Ponce Financial Group, Inc. is now the holding company for Ponce Bank. Ponce Bank’s former mutual holding companies, PDL Community Bancorp and Ponce Bank Mutual Holding Company, have ceased to exist.
PDL Community Bancorp’s stock ceased trading at the close of the market on January 27, 2022. Ponce Financial Group, Inc.’s common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the same trading symbol “PDLB” on January 28, 2022.
As a result of the conversion and reorganization, each issued and outstanding share of PDL Community Bancorp common stock was converted into the right to receive 1.3952 shares of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. common stock. Cash was paid in lieu of any fractional shares based on the sale price in the offering of $10.00 per share. Ponce Financial Group Inc.’s total issued and outstanding shares on January 28, 2022 was 24,711,834 shares. All shares of treasury stock of PDL Community Bancorp were eliminated on January 27, 2022.
At December 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents included $122.0 million received in connection with the conversion and reorganization and was reflected as a separate liability on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. As of January 27, 2022, these funds were reclassified as proceeds from the sale of the Company’s common stock.
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On January 27, 2022, the Company made a $5.0 million in contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation as part of the conversion and reorganization, which is included in the non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Note 3. Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks
The Bank was previously required to maintain reserve balances in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank, based on a percentage of deposits. Effective March 26, 2020, the Federal Reserve Board eliminated reserve requirement for depository institutions to support lending to households and businesses.
Note 4. Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:
September 30, 2022
Gross
Amortized
Unrealized
Cost
Gains
Losses
Fair Value
(in thousands)
Available-for-Sale Securities:
U.S. Government Bonds
2,984
(325
2,659
Corporate Bonds
25,833
(2,475
23,358
Mortgage-Backed Securities:
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (1)
45,727
(6,362
39,365
FHLMC Certificates
11,614
(1,821
9,793
FNMA Certificates
68,840
(12,166
56,674
GNMA Certificates
129
(1
128
Total available-for-sale securities
155,127
(23,150
Held-to-Maturity Securities:
U.S. Agency Bonds
25,000
(308
24,692
80,500
(3,242
77,258
227,257
(5,184
222,073
4,146
(272
3,874
135,178
(6,076
129,102
SBA Certificates
22,216
87
22,303
Total held-to-maturity securities
(15,082
479,302
15
December 31, 2021
2,981
(47
2,934
21,243
144
(203
21,184
18,845
(497
18,348
71,930
(1,231
70,699
175
181
115,174
(1,978
(20
The Company’s securities portfolio had 42 and 29 available-for-sale securities and 31 and one held-to-maturity securities at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. There were no available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. There were two available-for-sale securities in the amount of $3.6 million and no held-to-maturity securities sold during the year ended December 31, 2021. Two available-for-sale securities in the amount of $5.4 million matured and/or were called during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and one available-for-sale security in the amount of $2.7 million matured and/or was called during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company purchased $58.4 million in available-for-sale securities and $501.9 million in held-to-maturity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and $109.9 million in available-for-sale securities during the year ended December 31, 2021.
The following table presents the Company's gross unrealized losses and fair values of its securities, aggregated by the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Securities With Gross Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Fair
Value
17,035
(1,798
6,323
Mortgage-Backed
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
26,409
(3,164
12,956
(3,198
12,341
(1,590
44,333
(10,576
55,913
(6,553
76,064
(16,597
3,200
(111
674
(161
456,325
(14,921
456,999
15,297
16,034
(419
2,314
(78
104,964
(1,900
107,278
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had 42 and 23 available-for-sale securities, respectively, and 28 and one held-to-maturity securities at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 with gross unrealized loss positions. Management reviewed the financial condition of the entities underlying the securities at both September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The unrealized losses related to the Company debt securities were issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies. The Company does not believe that the debt securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2022 represents a credit loss impairment. The gross unrealized loss positions related to mortgage-backed securities and other obligations issued by the U.S government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government and have a long history of zero credit loss. Total gross unrealized losses were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates relative to when the investment securities were purchased and not due to the credit quality of the investment securities.
17
Management reviewed the collectability of the corporate bonds taking into consideration of such factors as the financial condition of the issuers, reported regulatory capital ratios of the issuers, credit ratings, including ratings in effect as of the reporting date. Management believes the unrealized losses on the corporate bonds are primarily attributable to changes in the interest rates and not changes in the credit quality of the issuers of the corporate bonds.
The following is a summary of maturities of securities at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Amounts are shown by contractual maturity. Because borrowers for mortgage-backed securities have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties, at any time, these securities are included as a total within the table.
U.S. Government Bonds:
Amounts maturing:
Three months or less
More than three months through one year
More than one year through five years
More than five years through ten years
Corporate Bonds:
4,000
3,684
21,833
19,674
Mortgage-Backed Securities
126,310
105,960
U.S. Agency Bonds:
75,000
72,119
5,500
5,139
388,797
377,352
4,445
4,381
16,798
16,803
90,950
89,228
At September 30, 2022, two held-to-maturity securities with an amortized costs totaling $85.0 million were pledged at the FHLBNY as collateral for borrowing activities. No securities were pledged at December 31, 2021.
19
Note 5. Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans receivable at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:
Mortgage loans:
1-4 Family residential
Investor-Owned
336,667
317,304
Owner-Occupied
112,749
96,947
Multifamily residential
421,917
348,300
Nonresidential properties
282,642
239,691
Construction and land
197,437
134,651
Total mortgage loans
1,351,412
1,136,893
Nonmortgage loans:
Business loans (1)
41,398
150,512
Consumer loans (2)
22,563
34,693
Total non-mortgage loans
63,961
185,205
Total loans, gross
1,415,373
1,322,098
Net deferred loan origination costs
2,288
(668
Allowance for loan losses
(25,108
(16,352
Loans receivable, net
The Company’s lending activities are conducted principally in metropolitan New York City. The Company primarily grants loans secured by real estate to individuals and businesses pursuant to an established credit policy applicable to each type of lending activity in which it engages. Although collateral provides assurance as a secondary source of repayment, the Company ordinarily requires the primary source of repayment to be based on the borrowers’ ability to generate continuing cash flows. The Company also evaluates the collateral and creditworthiness of each customer. The credit policy provides that depending on the borrowers’ creditworthiness and type of collateral, credit may be extended up to predetermined percentages of the market value of the collateral or on an unsecured basis. Real estate is the primary form of collateral. Other important forms of collateral are time deposits and marketable securities.
For disclosures related to the allowance for loan losses and credit quality, the Company does not have any disaggregated classes of loans below the segment level.
Credit-Quality Indicators: Internally assigned risk ratings are used as credit-quality indicators, which are reviewed by management on a quarterly basis.
The objectives of the Company’s risk-rating system are to provide the Board of Directors and senior management with an objective assessment of the overall quality of the loan portfolio, to promptly and accurately identify loans with well-defined credit weaknesses so that timely action can be taken to minimize credit loss, to identify relevant trends affecting the collectability of the loan portfolio, to isolate potential problem areas and to provide essential information for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.
Below are the definitions of the internally assigned risk ratings:
20
Loans within the top four categories above are considered pass rated, as commonly defined. Risk ratings are assigned as necessary to differentiate risk within the portfolio. Risk ratings are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised to reflect changes in the borrowers’ financial condition and outlook, debt service coverage capability, repayment performance, collateral value and coverage as well as other considerations.
The following tables present credit risk ratings by loan segment as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Mortgage Loans
Nonmortgage Loans
Construction
1-4 Family
Multifamily
Nonresidential
and Land
Business
Consumer
Loans
Risk Rating:
Pass
434,178
419,791
281,726
182,677
41,039
1,381,974
Special mention
5,092
1,445
6,537
Substandard
10,146
681
916
14,760
359
26,862
449,416
402,276
339,047
237,371
127,084
1,290,983
1,820
5,328
6,650
13,798
10,155
3,925
2,320
17,317
414,251
An aging analysis of loans, as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, is as follows:
30-59
60-89
90 Days
Days
or More
Nonaccrual
Current
Past Due
Accruing
330,481
689
2,447
3,050
6,123
110,844
40
1,865
3,186
421,735
182
278,371
4,271
873
186,777
3,093
7,567
10,660
36,971
1,415
2,653
19,606
1,637
1,320
1,384,785
8,194
9,553
12,841
21,201
312,918
321
2,969
1,096
3,583
91,568
2,961
471
1,947
3,480
346,409
1,704
187
1,200
237,589
1,168
2,262
145,919
4,036
544
30,359
2,570
1,759
1,299,413
12,526
7,098
3,061
11,442
The following schedules detail the composition of the allowance for loan losses and the related recorded investment in loans as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
1-4 Family Investor Owned
1-4 Family Owner Occupied
Construction and Land
For thePeriod
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, beginning of period
3,607
1,233
6,374
2,493
103
1,463
17,535
Provision charged to expense
114
159
374
(32
564
8,090
Losses charged-off
(1,799
Recoveries
42
Balance, end of period
3,721
1,431
6,748
2,461
2,826
165
7,756
25,108
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
NonmortgageLoans
Constructionand Land
3,540
1,178
5,684
2,165
2,024
306
1,455
16,352
25
1,064
296
802
(235
9,239
(3,000
156
94
62
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
69
37
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
3,652
1,332
2,424
24,903
Loans:
8,352
4,440
1,587
25,398
328,315
108,309
281,055
1,389,975
22
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
3,835
1,209
5,393
1,956
347
1,036
15,875
(66
(112
(29
104
(74
744
(510
71
3,769
1,214
5,281
2,070
2,060
275
1,339
16,008
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
3,850
1,260
5,214
2,194
278
14,870
(81
(124
240
1,774
(782
76
98
3,671
1,098
2,031
15,755
5,028
5,687
2,577
2,228
922
16,442
314,318
91,806
314,998
208,847
132,208
207,859
36,095
1,306,131
319,346
97,493
317,575
211,075
133,130
1,322,573
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Balance, beginning of year
(318
(127
508
204
2,511
2,717
(38
(1,342
(1,380
45
84
145
Balance, end of year
38
243
3,449
2,127
16,109
6,672
5,854
2,995
17,651
310,632
91,093
347,100
236,696
133,734
150,499
1,304,447
23
Loans are considered impaired when current information and events indicate all amounts due may not be collectable according to the contractual terms of the related loan agreements. Impaired loans, including troubled debt restructurings, are identified by applying normal loan review procedures in accordance with the allowance for loan losses methodology. Management periodically assesses loans to determine whether impairment exists. Any loan that is, or will potentially be, no longer performing in accordance with the terms of the original loan contract is evaluated to determine impairment.
The following information relates to impaired loans as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 and as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021:
UnpaidContractual
RecordedInvestment
Average
Interest Income
Principal
With No
With
Recorded
Related
Recognized
As of and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Balance
Allowance
Investment
on a Cash Basis
13,100
11,015
1,777
12,792
168
11,440
789
1,630
1,239
348
2,268
5,147
93
24
25,749
23,273
2,125
19,761
218
As of and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
11,107
8,701
2,014
10,715
12,166
189
2,555
939
2,716
1,866
362
4,404
154
17,300
14,066
2,376
17,687
227
As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2021
13,333
10,535
1,991
12,145
1,139
63
3,494
2,637
358
3,941
307
18,957
15,302
2,349
17,569
The loan portfolio also includes certain loans that have been modified to troubled debt restructurings. Under applicable standards, loans are modified to troubled debt restructurings when a creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to a debtor’s financial condition, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider, unless it results in a delay in payment that is insignificant. These concessions could include a reduction of interest rate on the loan, payment and maturity extensions, forbearance, or other actions intended to maximize collections. When a loan is modified to a troubled debt restructuring, management evaluates for any possible impairment using either the discounted cash flows method, where the value of the modified loan is based on the present value of expected cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or by using the fair value of the collateral less selling costs if repayment under the modified terms becomes doubtful. If management determines that the value of the modified loan in a troubled debt restructuring is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized through a specific allowance estimate or charge-off against the allowance for loan losses.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and for the year ended December 31, 2021, there were no loans restructured as a troubled debt restructuring.
At September 30, 2022, there were 23 troubled debt restructured loans totaling $6.7 million of which $4.2 million are on accrual status. At December 31, 2021, there were 30 troubled debt restructured loans totaling $8.7 million of which $6.2 million are on accrual status. There were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring. The financial impact from the concessions made represents specific impairment reserves on these loans, which aggregated to $205,000 and $243,000 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale at Fair Value
At September 30, 2022 and at December 31, 2021, 8 loans and 27 loans related to Mortgage World in the amount of $3.4 million and $15.5 million, respectively, were held for sale and accounted for under the fair value option accounting guidance for financial assets and financial liabilities.
Write-off and write-down of Microloans
In 2020, the Company entered into a business arrangement with the FinTech startup company Grain. Grain’s product is a mobile application geared to the underbanked, minorities and new generations entering the financial services market. In employing this mobile application, the Bank uses non-traditional underwriting methodologies to provide revolving credit to borrowers who otherwise may gravitate to using alternative non-bank lenders. Under the terms of its agreement with Grain, the Bank is the lender for Grain-originated microloans with credit lines currently up to $1,000 and, where applicable, the depository for related security deposits. Grain originates and services these microloans and is responsible for maintaining compliance with the Bank's origination and servicing standards, as well as applicable regulatory and legal requirements. If a microloan is found to be fraudulent, becomes 90 days delinquent upon 90 days of origination or defaults due to a failure of Grain to properly service the microloan, the Bank’s applicable standards for origination or servicing are deemed to have not been complied with and the microloan is put back to Grain, who then becomes responsible for the microloan and any related losses. The microloans put back to Grain are accounted for as an “other asset,” specifically referred to herein as the “Grain Receivable.” The Bank, pursuant to its agreement with Grain, at December 31, 2021, had 59,180 microloans outstanding, net of put backs, with credit extensions aggregating $33.9 million. Of these microloans, the Bank estimates that 80 percent have been made in low- and low-to-moderate income census tracts with an estimated 56 percent made to minority borrowers.
At September 30, 2022, the Bank had 47,470 Grain microloans outstanding, net of put backs, with an aggregate balance totaling $21.5 million and which were performing, in management’s opinion, comparably to similar portfolios, offset by an $8.2 million allowance for loan losses, resulting in $13.3 million in Grain microloans, net of allowance for loan losses. Since the beginning of the Bank’s agreement with Grain and through September 30, 2022, 45,322 microloans amounting to $25.5 million have been deemed to be fraudulent and put back to Grain. The Company has written-down a total of $17.5 million of the Grain Receivable for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and received $6.2 million in cash from Grain and through the application of security deposits connected to fraudulent loan accounts. The Bank also opted to use the $1.8 million grant it received from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Rapid Response Program to defray the Grain Receivable. The application of those amounts resulted in no net receivable. Additionally, the Company has written-off its equity investment in Grain of $1.0 million. As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s total exposure to Grain was $13.3 million of the remaining microloans, net of allowance for loan losses and a $15.3 million of unused commitments available to Grain borrowers. The $7.9 million and $17.5 million write-off and write-down for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, is included in non-interest expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Grain Technologies, Inc. ("Grain") Total Exposure as of September 30, 2022
Receivable from Grain
Microloans originated - put back to Grain (inception-to-September 30, 2022)
25,467
Write-downs (year to date as of September 30, 2022)
(17,455
Cash receipts from Grain (inception-to-September 30, 2022)
(6,186
Grant/reserve (inception-to-December 31, 2021)
(1,826
Net receivable as of September 30, 2022
Microloan receivables
Grain originated loans receivable as of September 30, 2022
21,507
Allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2022 *
(8,213
Microloans, net of allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2022
13,294
Investments
Investment in Grain as of June 30, 2022
1,000
Investment in Grain write-off in Q3 2022
Investment in Grain as of September 30, 2022
Total exposure to Grain as of September 30, 2022
*Includes $460,000 for allowance for unused commitments on the $15.3 million of unused commitments available to Grain borrowers reported in other liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Conditions
Note 6. Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:
Land
932
Buildings and improvements
4,327
Leasehold improvements
16,079
16,462
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
8,401
9,661
29,739
31,382
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
(11,980
(11,765
Total premises and equipment
Depreciation and amortization expense amounted to $432,000 and $646,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 and $1.4 million and $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are included in occupancy and equipment in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Compared to December 31, 2021, furniture, fixtures and equipment decreased by $1.3 million to $8.4 million primarily as a result of sale lease-back of $1.3 million in equipment and other $190,000 in obsolete software, offset by $302,000 in purchases. The Company recognized a one-time $436,000 loss on equipment sales as it moved to implement ATMs as a service. Leasehold improvements decreased by $383,000 to $16.1 million primarily as a result of $509,000 in assets disposed and $126,000 in asset additions.
26
Note 7. Deposits
Deposits at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:
Demand
288,654
274,956
Interest-bearing deposits:
NOW/IOLA accounts
28,799
35,280
Money market accounts
360,293
186,893
Reciprocal deposits
162,858
143,221
Savings accounts
140,055
134,887
Total NOW, money market, reciprocal and savings
692,005
500,281
Certificates of deposit of $250K or more
61,900
78,454
Brokered certificates of deposits (1)
98,760
79,320
Listing service deposits (1)
40,964
66,411
Certificates of deposit less than $250K
168,906
205,294
Total certificates of deposit
370,530
429,479
Total interest-bearing deposits
1,062,535
929,760
Total deposits
At September 30, 2022 scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit were as follows:
2023
189,713
2024
46,509
2025
43,779
2026
43,693
2027
46,836
Overdrawn deposit accounts that have been reclassified to loans amounted to $109,000 and $179,000 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Note 8. Borrowings
FHLBNY Advances: As a member of the FHLBNY, the Bank has the ability to borrow from the FHLBNY based on a certain percentage of the value of the Bank's qualified collateral, as defined in the FHLBNY Statement of Credit Policy, at the time of the borrowing. In accordance with an agreement with the FHLBNY, the qualified collateral must be free and clear of liens, pledges and encumbrances.
The Bank had $261.4 million and $106.3 million of outstanding term advances from the FHLBNY at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively and $25.0 million of overnight line of credit advance from the FHLBNY at September 30, 2022. The bank had no overnight line of credit advance from the FHLBNY at December 31, 2021. The Bank borrowed $3.14 billion in new advances from FHLBNY and repaid $2.96 billion in advances to FHLBNY during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Additionally, the Bank had an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $25.0 million with a correspondent bank at both September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, none of which was outstanding as of such dates. The Bank also had a guarantee from the FHLBNY through letters of credit of up to $21.5 million each at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
27
Borrowed funds at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 consist of the following and are summarized by maturity and call date below:
ScheduledMaturity
Redeemableat Call Date
WeightedAverageRate
(Dollars in thousands)
FHLBNY Overnight line of credit advance
3.29
%
FHLBNY Term advances ending:
77,880
1.73
28,375
2.82
Thereafter
233,000
3.27
3.23
2.02
Interest expense on FHLBNY term advances totaled $1.5 million and $549,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and $2.5 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. There were $290,000 in interest expense on FHLBNY overnight advances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. There was no interest expense on FHLBNY overnight advances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.
As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Bank had eligible collateral of approximately $426.0 million and $362.3 million, respectively, in residential 1-4 family and multifamily mortgage loans available to secure advances from the FHLBNY.
Warehouse Lines of Credit: Mortgage World maintained two warehouse lines of credit with financial institutions for the purpose of funding the originations and sale of residential mortgages. The lines of credit were repaid with proceeds from the sale of the mortgage loans. The lines were secured by the assets collateralizing underlying mortgages. The agreements with the warehouse lenders provided for certain restrictive covenants such as minimum net worth and liquidity ratios for Mortgage World. As of December 31, 2021, Mortgage World was in full compliance with all financial covenants.
Warehouse Line of Credit #1
The interest rate is based on the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 3.25%. The effective rate as of December 31, 2021 was 3.35%. The line of credit is an evergreen agreement that terminates upon request by either the financial institution or the borrower.
Warehouse Line of Credit #2
The interest rate is based on the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 3.00% for loans funded. The effective rate as of December 31, 2021 was 3.10%. This warehouse line of credit was terminated on March 31, 2022.
There was no interest expense on warehouse lines of credit for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Total interest expense on warehouse lines of credit totaled $72,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and $70,000 and $284,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Credit Line
Unused Line
Maximum
of Credit
15,000
8,636
6,364
6,274
8,726
Total long-term debt
30,000
14,910
Mortgage Loan Funding Payable: Mortgage loan funding payable consists of liabilities to borrowers in connection with the origination of residential loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market, that remain unfunded by the Company because there is typically a three day period from when the loans close to when they are funded by the warehouse line of credit. This liability is presented at cost and fully offsets the principal balance of the related loans included in mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value on the consolidated
statement of financial condition. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were no mortgage loan funding payable for both periods.
Note 9. Income Taxes
The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 consists of the following:
Federal:
2,265
370
3,378
Deferred
(2,750
455
(4,047
(478
(485
777
(3,677
2,900
State and local:
274
179
847
570
(2,963
(1,275
(5,487
(574
(2,689
(1,096
(4,640
(4
Valuation allowance
2,354
4,061
1,068
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
29
Total income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
Income tax, at federal rate
(3,267
708
(5,259
3,024
State and local tax, net of federal taxes
(2,125
(1,501
(3,666
(638
Valuation allowance, net of the federal benefit
2,218
474
608
510
Management maintains a valuation allowance against its net New York State and New York City deferred tax assets as it is unlikely these deferred tax assets will be utilized to reduce the Company's tax liability in future years. The valuation allowance increased by $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Management has determined that it is not required to establish a valuation allowance against any other deferred tax assets since it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be fully utilized in future periods. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers the scheduled reversal of the deferred tax liabilities, the level of historical taxable income, and the projected future taxable income over the periods that the temporary differences comprising the deferred tax assets will be deductible.
For federal income tax purposes, a financial institution may carry net operating losses (“NOLs”) to forward tax years indefinitely. The use of NOLs to offset income is limited to 80%. The CARES Act allows NOLs generated in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding tax years. The Company did not generate NOLs in 2018, 2019 or 2020 so no carryback is available. At September 30, 2022, the Bank had a federal NOLs carryforward of $9.9 million.
The state and city of New York allow for a three-year carryback period and carryforward period of twenty years on NOLs generated on or after tax year 2015. For tax years prior to 2015, no carryback period is allowed. Ponce De Leon Federal Bank, the predecessor of Ponce Bank, has pre-2015 carryforwards of $572,000 for New York State purposes and $528,000 for New York City purposes. Furthermore, there are post-2015 carryforwards available of $55.0 million for New York State purposes and $30.9 million for New York City purposes. Finally, for New Jersey purposes, losses may only be carried forward 20 years, with no allowable carryback period. At September 30, 2022, the Bank had a New Jersey NOLs carryforward of $354,000.
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits recorded. The Company does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase in the next twelve months.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax, New York State income tax, Connecticut income tax, New Jersey income tax, Florida income tax, Pennsylvania income tax and New York City income tax. The Company is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2018.
30
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are presented below:
Deferred tax assets:
8,219
5,254
Deferred loan fees
Interest on nonaccrual loans
102
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities
4,928
399
Amortization of intangible assets
50
Deferred rent payable
152
Net operating losses
7,837
3,280
Charitable contribution carryforward
1,748
1,135
456
1,063
264
Total gross deferred tax assets
25,372
10,537
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation of premises and equipment
1,323
1,301
749
64
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
2,136
1,364
9,414
5,353
Net deferred tax assets
Note 10. Compensation and Benefit Plans
Ponce Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan with 401(k) Provisions (the “KSOP”). Effective January 1, 2021, Ponce Bank amended and restated the terms of the Ponce Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) and merged the Ponce Bank 401(k) Plan into the ESOP to form the KSOP. There were no changes to the provisions of the ESOP as discussed below. The KSOP is for eligible employees of Ponce Bank and those of its affiliates. The named executive officers are eligible to participate in the KSOP just like other employees. An employee must attain the age of 21 and will be eligible to participate in the 401(k) features of the KSOP in the quarter following thirty days of service and the ESOP feature of the KSOP upon the first entry date commencing on or after the eligible employee’s completion of one year of service. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan at the beginning of each quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1).
401(k) Component:
Under the 401(k) features of the KSOP (“401(k) Component”), a participant may elect to defer, on a pre-tax basis, the maximum amount as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. For 2022, the salary deferral contribution limit was $20,500; provided, however, that a participant over age 50 may contribute an additional $6,500 to the 401(k) for a total of $27,000. In addition to salary deferral contributions, Ponce Bank may make discretionary matching contributions, discretionary profit sharing contributions or safe harbor contributions to the 401(k) Component. Discretionary matching contributions are allocated on the basis of salary deferral contributions. Discretionary profit sharing contributions are based on three classifications set forth in the 401(k) feature (i) Class A — Chairman, President, and Executive Vice Presidents; (ii) Class B — Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents and Assistant Vice Presidents; and (iii) Class C — all other eligible employees. The contribution for a class will be the same percentage of compensation for all participants in that class. If Ponce Bank decides to make a safe harbor contribution for a plan year, each participant will receive a contribution equal to 3% of his or her compensation for the plan year. The 401(k) expenses recorded in the consolidated statements of operations amounted to $64,000 and $96,000 for both the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 and $256,000 and $279,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.
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A participant is always 100% vested in his or her salary deferral contributions and safe harbor contributions. Discretionary matching and profit sharing contributions are 20% vested after two years of service, plus an additional 20% for each additional year of service; so all participants are fully vested in such contributions after six years of service. Participants also will become fully vested in his or her account balance in the 401(k) Component automatically upon normal retirement, death or disability, a change in control, or termination of the KSOP. Generally, participants will receive distributions from the KSOP upon separation from service in accordance with the terms of the governing document.
ESOP Component:
On September 29, 2017, in connection with the Bank’s reorganization into the mutual holding company form of organization, the ESOP trustee purchased, on behalf of the ESOP, 723,751 shares of PDL Community Bancorp common stock. The ESOP funded its stock purchase with a loan (“First ESOP loan”) from PDL Community Bancorp in the amount of $7.2 million, which was equal to the aggregate purchase price of the common stock. The First ESOP loan is being repaid principally through Ponce Bank’s contributions to the ESOP over the 15-year term of such loan. The interest rate for the First ESOP loan is 2.60%.
On January 27, 2022, concurrent with the completion of the conversion and reorganization of Ponce Bank Mutual Holding Company from a mutual form to a stock form of organization and the merger of PDL Community Bancorp with and into Ponce Financial Group, Inc., the shares of PDL Community Bancorp common stock held by the KSOP were converted into 977,880 shares of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. common stock.
On January 27, 2022, the KSOP trustee purchased, on behalf of the ESOP feature of the KSOP (“ESOP Component”), an additional 1,097,353 shares of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. common stock, or 4.44% of the total number of shares of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. common stock outstanding on January 27, 2022 (including shares issued to the Foundation). The KSOP funded this stock purchase with a loan (“Second ESOP loan”) from Ponce Financial Group, Inc. in the amount of $11.0 million, which was equal to the aggregate purchase price of the common stock. The Second ESOP loan is being repaid principally through Ponce Bank’s contributions to the ESOP Component over the 15-year term of such loan. The interest rate for the Second ESOP loan is 1.822%.
The trustee of the trust funding the KSOP holds the shares of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. common stock purchased by the KSOP in an unallocated suspense account, and shares will be released from the suspense account on a pro-rata basis as the loans are repaid. The trustee will allocate the shares released among participants on the basis of each participant’s proportional share of qualifying compensation relative to all participants participating in the ESOP Component. A participant will become 100% vested in his or her account balance in the ESOP Component after three years of service. In addition, participants will become fully vested in his or her account balance in the ESOP Component automatically upon normal retirement, death or disability, a change in control, or termination of the KSOP. Generally, participants will receive distributions from the KSOP upon separation from service in accordance with the terms of the plan document. The KSOP reallocates any unvested shares of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. common stock forfeited upon termination of employment among the remaining participants in the ESOP Component.
Contributions to the ESOP are to be sufficient to pay principal and interest currently due under the loan agreement. Under applicable accounting requirements, Ponce Bank will record a compensation expense for the ESOP at the average market price of the shares as they are committed to be released from the unallocated suspense account to participants’ accounts, which may be more or less than the original issue price. The compensation expense resulting from the release of the common stock from the suspense account and allocation to plan participants will result in a corresponding reduction in the earnings of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. The ESOP shares become outstanding for earnings per share computations (see Note 11). As of September 30, 2022, the combined outstanding balance of both the First ESOP loan and Second ESOP loan was $14.4 million.
A summary of the ESOP shares as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are as follows:
Shares committed-to-be released
105,357
96,500
Shares allocated to participants
363,261
170,145
Unallocated shares
1,597,863
434,251
2,066,481
700,896
Fair value of unallocated shares
14,636
6,297
The Company recognized ESOP related compensation expense, including ESOP equalization expense, of $330,000 and $182,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and $1.0 million and $513,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan:
The Bank maintains a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) for the benefit of two key executive officers. The SERP expense recognized was $15,000 for both the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 and was $45,000 for both the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.
2018 Incentive Plan
The Company’s stockholders approved the PDL Community Bancorp 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2018 Incentive Plan”) at the Special Meeting of Stockholders on October 30, 2018. The maximum number of shares of common stock which can be issued under the 2018 Incentive Plan is 1,248,469. Of the 1,248,469 shares, the maximum number of shares that may be awarded under the 2018 Incentive Plan pursuant to the exercise of stock options or stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) is 891,764 shares (all of which may be granted as incentive stock options), and the number of shares of common stock that may be issued as restricted stock awards or restricted stock units is 356,705 shares. However, the 2018 Incentive Plan contains a flex feature that provides that awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units in excess of the 356,705 share limitation may be granted but each share of stock covered by such excess award shall reduce the 891,764 share limitation for awards of stock options and SARs by 3.0 shares of common stock. The Company converted 462,522 awards of stock options into 154,174 restricted stock units in 2018, 45,000 awards of stock options into 15,000 restricted stock units in 2020 and 191,145 awards of stock options into 63,715 restricted stock units in 2022.
Under the 2018 Incentive Plan, the Company made grants equal to 674,645 shares on December 4, 2018 which include 119,176 incentive options to executive officers, 44,590 non-qualified options to outside directors, 322,254 restricted stock units to executive officers, 40,000 restricted stock units to non-executive officers and 148,625 restricted stock units to outside directors. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company awarded 40,000 incentive options and 15,000 restricted stock units to non-executive officers under the 2018 Incentive Plan. Awards to directors generally vest 20% annually beginning with the first anniversary of the date of grant. Awards to a director with fewer than five years of service at the time of grant vest over a longer period and will not become fully vested until the director has completed ten years of service. Awards to the executive officer who is not a director vest 20% annually beginning on December 4, 2020. On April 1, 2022, the Company awarded 23,718 incentive options to an executive officer, 30,659 incentive options to non-executive officers and 13,952 non-qualified options to an outside director. In addition, on April 1, 2022 the Company awarded 40,460 restricted stock units to executive officers and 23,255 restricted stock units to outside directors. As of December 31, 2021, the maximum number of stock options and SARs remaining to be awarded under the Incentive Plan was 189,476. As of September 30, 2022, the maximum number of stock options and SARs remaining to be awarded under the Incentive Plan was 4,883, after the conversion from PDL Community Bancorp common stock to Ponce Financial Group, Inc. common stock. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued as restricted stock or restricted stock units remaining to be awarded under the Incentive Plan was none, for both periods.
The product of the number of units granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock determine the fair value of restricted stock units under the Company’s 2018 Incentive Plan. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.
33
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit awards activity and related information for nine months ended September 30, 2022 and year ended December 31, 2021 are as follows:
Numberof Shares
Weighted-AverageGrant DateFair ValuePer Share
Non-vested, beginning of year
237,687
12.65
Conversion and reorganization
93,933
Granted
Vested
(12,440
9.27
Forfeited
Non-vested at March 31
319,180
9.06
63,715
10.44
Non-vested at June 30
382,895
9.29
(4,186
7.20
Non-vested at September 30
378,709
9.31
Non-vested, beginning of year (1)
335,919
12.66
(98,232
12.69
Non-vested at December 31
Compensation expense related to restricted stock units was $360,000 and $318,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 and was $1.0 million and $955,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. As of September 30, 2022, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units was $2.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over the next 21 quarters.
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A summary of the Company’s stock option awards activity and related information for nine months ended September 30, 2022 and year ended December 31, 2021 are as follows:
Options
Weighted-AverageExercisePricePer Share
Outstanding, beginning of year
203,766
12.02
80,526
Exercised
Outstanding at March 31
284,292
8.62
68,329
Outstanding at June 30
352,621
8.97
Outstanding at September 30 (1)
Exercisable at September 30 (1)
147,301
8.74
Outstanding at December 31 (1)
Exercisable at December 31 (1)
94,904
12.45
The weighted-average exercise price for the options as of September 30, 2022 was $8.97 per share and the weighted average remaining contractual life is 6.9 years. The weighted average period over which compensation expenses are expected to be recognized is 3.8 years. There were 147,301 shares and 94,904 shares exercisable as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Total compensation cost related to stock options recognized was $45,000 and $33,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively and $124,000 and $99,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of September 30, 2022, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was $493,000, which is expected to be recognized over the next 21 quarters.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Dividend yield
0.00
Expected life
6.5 years
Expected volatility
41.34
38.51
Risk-free interest rate
2.65
0.48
Weighted average grant date fair value
3.85
3.77
35
The expected volatility is based on the Company’s historical volatility. The expected life is an estimate based on management’s review of the various factors and calculated using the simplified method for plain vanilla options. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.
Treasury Stock:
As a result of the conversion and reorganization, all shares of treasury stock of PDL Community Bancorp were retired on January 27, 2022.
Note 11. Earnings Per Share
The following table presents a reconciliation of the number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
(Dollars in thousands except share data)
Common shares outstanding for basic EPS:
Weighted average common shares outstanding
24,727,459
17,330,225
24,072,543
17,222,464
Less: Weighted average unallocated Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) shares
1,632,600
506,494
1,548,066
518,467
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic (loss) earnings per common share
Potential dilutive common shares:
Add: Dilutive effect of restricted stock awards and stock options
91,102
42,557
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
Note 12. Commitments, Contingencies and Credit Risk
Financial Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risk: In the normal course of business, financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk may be used to meet the financing needs of customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The contractual amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement in particular classes of financial instruments.
The contractual amounts of commitments to extend credit represent the amounts of potential accounting loss should the contract be fully drawn upon, the customer default, and the value of any existing collateral become worthless. The same credit policies are used in making commitments and contractual obligations as for on-balance-sheet instruments. Financial instruments whose contractual amounts represent credit risk at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are as follows:
Commitments to grant mortgage loans
236,627
127,159
Commitments to sell loans at lock-in rates
13,560
13,321
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit
90,615
80,033
340,802
220,513
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Commitments to Grant Mortgage Loans: Commitments to grant mortgage loans are agreements to lend to a customer as long as all terms and conditions are met as established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses, and may require payment of a fee by the borrower. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer's creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, residential real estate and income-producing commercial properties. Material losses are not anticipated as a result of these transactions.
Commitments to Sell Loans at Lock-in Rates: In order to assure itself of a marketplace to sell its loans, Mortgage World has agreements with investors who will commit to purchase loans at locked-in rates. Mortgage World has off-balance sheet market risk to the extent that Mortgage World does not obtain matching commitments from these investors to purchase the loans. This will expose Mortgage World to the lower of cost or market valuation environment.
Repurchases, Indemnifications and Premium Recaptures: Loans sold by Mortgage World under investor programs are subject to repurchase or indemnification if they fail to meet the origination criteria of those programs. In addition, loans sold to investors are also subject to repurchase or indemnifications if the loan is two or three months delinquent during a set period which usually varies from six months to a year after the loan is sold. There are no open repurchase or indemnification requests for loans sold as a correspondent lender or where the Company acted as a broker in the transaction as of September 30, 2022.
Unfunded Commitments Under Lines of Credit: Unfunded commitments under commercial lines of credit, revolving credit lines and overdraft protection agreements are commitments for possible future extension of credit to existing customers. These lines of credit are uncollateralized and usually contain a specified maturity date and, ultimately, may not be drawn upon to the total extent to which the Company is committed.
Letters of Credit: Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Letters of credit are largely cash secured.
Concentration by Geographic Location: Loans, commitments to extend credit and letters of credit have been granted to customers who are located primarily in the New York City metropolitan area. Generally, such loans most often are secured by one-to-four family residential properties. The loans are expected to be repaid from the borrowers' cash flows.
Loan Concentrations: As of September 30, 2022, approximately 62.4% of Mortgage World’s, a division of the Bank, total originated loan volume was insured and approximately 95.2% of total originated loan volume was sold to three investors. The Bank’s Mortgage World division has closed approximately 99.4% of its loan volume in two states, New York and New Jersey.
Lease Commitments: At September 30, 2022, there are noncancelable operating leases for office space that expire on various dates through 2038. Certain of these leases contains escalation clauses providing for increased rental based on pre-scheduled annual increases or on increases in real estate taxes.
On February 11, 2021, the Company completed the sale of real property located at 3821 Bergenline Avenue, Union City, New Jersey for a sale price of $2.4 million. Concurrent with the sale, the Bank and the purchaser entered into a fifteen-year lease agreement whereby the Bank will lease back this real property at an initial annual base rent of approximately $145,000 subject to annual rent increases of 1.5%. Under the lease agreement, the Bank has four (4) consecutive options to extend the term of the lease by five (5) years for each such option. The sale lease-back resulted in a gain of approximately $623,000, net of expenses, which is included in non-interest income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
On June 4, 2021, the Company completed the sale of real property located at 5560 Broadway, Bronx, New York for a sale price of $5.7 million. Concurrent with the sale, the Bank and the purchaser entered into a fifteen-year lease agreement whereby the Bank will lease back this real property at an initial annual base rent of approximately $281,000 subject to annual rent increases of 1.75%. The sale lease-back resulted in a gain of approximately $4.2 million, net of expenses, which is included in non-interest income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Rental expenses under operating leases, included in occupancy expense, totaled $1.1 million and $495,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and $3.2 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The projected minimum rental payments under the terms of the leases at September 30, 2022 are as follows:
Remainder of 2022
901
3,657
3,615
3,441
3,308
28,921
47,450
Legal Matters: The Company is involved in various legal proceedings which have arisen in the normal course of business. Management believes that resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Note 13. Fair Value
The following fair value hierarchy is used based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:
Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Placements with Banks, Accrued Interest Receivable, Advance Payments by Borrowers for Taxes and Insurance, and Accrued Interest Payable: The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. These assets and liabilities are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Available-for-Sale Securities: These financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis. Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. If quoted prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models (e.g., matrix pricing) or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Examples of such instruments include government agency bonds and mortgage-backed securities. Level 3 securities are securities for which significant unobservable inputs are utilized. There were no changes in valuation techniques used to measure similar assets during the period.
FHLBNY Stock: The carrying value of FHLBNY stock approximates fair value since the Bank can redeem such stock with FHLBNY at cost. As a member of the FHLBNY, the Company is required to purchase this stock, which is carried at cost and classified as restricted equity securities.
Loans Receivable: For variable rate loans, which reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, carrying values are a reasonable estimate of fair values, adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolios. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using estimated market rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities, adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolios. Impaired loans are valued using a present value discounted cash flow method, or the fair value of the collateral. Loans are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value, consists of mortgage loans originated for sale by Mortgage World and accounted for under the fair value option. These assets are valued using stated investor pricing for substantially equivalent loans as Level 2. In determining fair value, such measurements are derived based on observable market data, including whole-loan transaction pricing and similar market transactions adjusted for portfolio composition, servicing value and market conditions. Loans held for sale by the Bank are carried at the lower of cost or fair value as determined by investor bid prices.
Under the fair value option, management has elected, on an instrument-by-instrument basis, fair value for substantially all forms of mortgage loans originated for sale on a recurring basis. The fair value carrying amount of mortgages held for sale measured under the fair value option was $3.4 million and the aggregate unpaid principal amounted to $3.4 million.
Interest Rate Lock Commitments: The Bank, through its Mortgage World division, enters into rate lock commitments to extend credit to borrowers for generally up to a 60 day period for origination and/or purchase of loans. To the extent that a loan is ultimately granted and the borrower ultimately accepts the terms of the loan, these loan commitments expose the Bank’s Mortgage World division to variability in its fair value due to changes in interest rates.
The FASB determined that loan commitments related to the origination or acquisition of mortgage loans that will be held for sale must be accounted for as derivative instruments. Such commitments, along with any related fees received from potential borrowers, are recorded at fair value in derivative assets or liabilities, with changes in fair value recorded in income on sale of mortgage loans. Fair value is based on active market pricing for substantially similar underlying mortgage loans commonly referred to as best execution pricing or investment commitment pricing, if the loan is committed to an investor through a best efforts contract. In valuing interest rate lock commitments, there are several unobservable inputs such as the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights, estimated remaining cost to originate the loans, and the pull through rate of the open pipeline. Accordingly, such derivative is classified as Level 3.
The approximate notional amounts of Mortgage World’s derivative instruments were $13.6 million and $13.3 million at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The fair value of derivatives related to interest rate lock commitments not subject to a forward loan sale commitment, amounted to $229,000 and $172,000 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
The table below presents the changes in derivatives from interest rate lock commitments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Balance as of December 31, 2021
172
Change in fair value of derivative instrument reported in earnings
Balance as of March 31, 2022
(17
Balance as of June 30, 2022
Balance as of September 30, 2022
229
Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned represents real estate acquired through foreclosure, and is recorded at fair value less estimated disposal costs on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management's estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the asset is classified as Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the asset is classified as Level 3.
Deposits: The fair values of demand deposits, savings, NOW and money market accounts equal their carrying amounts, which represent the amounts payable on demand at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-term, fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates on certificates of deposit to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on such deposits. Deposits are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
FHLBNY Advances: The fair value of the advances is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current market-based FHLBNY interest rates for advances of similar maturity to a schedule of maturities of such advances. These borrowings are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Warehouse Lines of Credit: The carrying amounts of warehouse lines of credit and mortgage loan funding payable approximate fair value and due to their short-term nature are classified as Level 2.
Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments: Fair values for off-balance-sheet instruments (lending commitments and standby letters of credit) 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. Off-balance-sheet instruments are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
The following tables detail the assets that are carried at fair value and measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, and indicate the level within the fair value hierarchy utilized to determine the fair value:
Description
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Available-for-Sale Securities, at fair value:
Corporate bonds
18,799
4,559
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, at fair value
Derivatives from interest rate lock commitments
135,563
130,775
4,788
16,255
4,929
129,354
124,253
5,101
Management’s assessment and classification of an investment within a level can change over time based upon maturity or liquidity of the investment and would be reflected at the beginning of the quarter in which the change occurred.
The following tables detail the assets carried at fair value and measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and indicate the fair value hierarchy utilized to determine the fair value:
Impaired loans
Losses on assets carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were de minimis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments were as follows:
Carrying
Fair Value Measurements
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value
127,418
Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost
1,341,864
FHLBNY stock
Financial liabilities:
Deposits:
Demand deposits
Interest-bearing deposits
Certificates of deposit
361,931
Advances from FHLBNY
273,259
41
108,417
1,306,253
431,339
106,680
Warehouse lines of credit
The following table reconciles, at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the beginning and ending balances for debt securities available-for-sale that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, using significant unobservable inputs.
Beginning balance
6,016
Total loss included in earnings
(370
(87
Securities sold
Ending balance
The Company recognizes transfers between levels of the valuation hierarchy at the end of the applicable reporting periods. There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 assets or liabilities in the fair value hierarchy at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Fair value for Level 3 securities was determined using a third-party pricing service with limited levels of activity and price transparency.
Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments: Loan commitments on which the committed interest rate is less than the current market rate are insignificant at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
The fair value information about financial instruments are disclosed, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company. The estimated fair value amounts for 2022 and 2021 have been measured as of their respective period-ends and have not been reevaluated or updated for purposes of these consolidated financial statements subsequent to those respective dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than amounts reported at each period.
The information presented should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the Company's assets and liabilities. Due to the wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company's disclosures and those of other banks may not be meaningful.
Note 14. Regulatory Capital Requirements
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s operations and financial statements. Under the regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company's assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation require the maintenance of minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total risk-based and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (as defined), common equity Tier 1 capital (as defined), and Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets (as defined) adjusted total assets (as defined). As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the applicable capital adequacy requirements specified below have been met.
The below minimum capital requirements exclude the capital conservation buffer required to avoid limitations on capital distributions including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The applicable capital buffer for the Bank was 25.39% at September 30, 2022 and 9.23% at December 31, 2021.
The most recent notification from the OCC categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company and the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, common equity risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. There were no conditions or events since then that have changed the Bank's category.
The Company's and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 as compared to regulatory requirements are as follows:
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
For Capital
Prompt Corrective
Actual
Adequacy Purposes
Action Provisions
Ratio
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
537,356
36.93
116,417
8.00%
145,521
10.00
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
519,071
35.67
87,313
6.00%
8.00
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio
65,485
4.50%
94,589
6.50
Tier 1 Capital to Total Assets
28.24
73,513
4.00%
91,891
5.00
Ponce Bank
483,120
33.39
115,758
144,698
464,936
32.13
86,819
65,114
94,054
22.91
81,190
101,487
PDL Community Bancorp
204,216
18.96
86,169
107,711
190,714
17.71
64,627
6.00
48,470
4.50
70,012
12.58
60,629
4.00
75,786
184,689
17.23
85,735
107,168
171,253
15.98
64,301
48,226
69,659
10.91
62,784
78,481
Ponce Bank, through its Mortgage World division, is subject to various net worth requirements in connection with lending agreements that Ponce Bank has entered with purchase facility lenders. Failure to maintain minimum capital requirements could result in the Bank’s Mortgage World division being unable to originate and service loans, and, therefore, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Prior to becoming a division of Ponce Bank, Mortgage World’s minimum net worth requirements as of September 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are reflected below:
Minimum
Requirement
HUD
New York Department of Financial Services
250
Other State Banking Departments
As of December 31, 2021, Mortgage World was in compliance with the applicable minimum capital requirements specified above.
Note 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:
December 31,2021
Change
September 30,2022
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
44
December 31,2020
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net
(1,591
Note 16. Transactions with Related Parties
Directors, executive officers and non-executive officers of the Company have been customers of and have had transactions with the Bank, and it is expected that such persons will continue to have such transactions in the future. Aggregate loan transactions with related parties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
(in thousand)
Beginning balance (1)
7,532
414
5,631
424
Originations (1)
1,223
5,418
Payments
(269
(53
(2,563
(73
8,486
361
The Company held deposits in the amount of $7.6 million and $6.2 million from directors, executive officers and non-executive officers at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Note 17. Segment Reporting
The Company has two reportable segments: Ponce Bank and Mortgage World. Income from Ponce Bank consists primarily of interest earned on loans and investment securities and service charges on deposit accounts. Income from Mortgage World consists primarily of taking of applications from the general public for residential mortgage loans, underwriting them to investors’ standards, closing and funding them and holding them until they are sold to investors.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of accounting policies. Segment profit and loss is measured by net income on an entity basis for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 but on an operations basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 in consolidation.
The following tables set forth condensed consolidated statements of operations and total assets for the operating segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively:
Mortgage World
Eliminations
Consolidated
Interest and dividend income
21,559
75
(62
Interest expense
4,073
17,486
8,156
Non-interest income
896
937
(256
Non-interest expense
21,866
1,841
1,835
(126
(12,814
(841
(1,773
(130
(2,351
1,531
Equity in undistributed earnings of Ponce Bank
(11,304
11,304
(10,463
(14,608
11,174
17,333
92
1,954
72
15,379
14,807
1,422
2,081
12,133
2,039
827
(267
Income (loss) before income taxes
4,096
(786
(2
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
867
(24
475
3,315
(3,315
Net income (loss)
3,229
86
2,054
(3,317
46
57,519
300
230
(230
7,519
50,000
207
38,595
3,238
3,252
(508
55,358
6,003
9,074
(378
(13,525
(2,544
(8,844
(2,432
(1,824
(13,637
13,637
(11,093
(20,657
13,507
Total assets at September 30, 2022
2,144,727
5,550
(492,679
Total assets at December 31, 2021
1,630,031
20,096
312,137
(308,754
48,122
122
(122
6,220
284
41,902
40,058
9,193
7,081
(806
32,742
6,840
2,512
16,509
281
(2,390
3,717
173
12,999
(12,999
47
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
General
Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, and results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”). The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and the notes thereto appearing in Part I, Item 1, of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
On January 26, 2022, the assets and liabilities of Mortgage World Bankers, Inc. (“Mortgage World”), a wholly owned subsidiary of PDL Community Bancorp, were transferred to the Bank. Except for the winding up of its operations, Mortgage World ceased to conduct business as a separate entity and is now operated as a division of the Bank.
On January 27, 2022, Ponce Financial Group, Inc. and PDL Community Bancorp announced that the conversion and reorganization of Ponce Bank Mutual Holding Company from the mutual to stock form of organization and related stock offering was consummated at the close of business. As a result of the closing of the conversion and reorganization and stock offering, Ponce Financial Group, Inc. is now the holding company for Ponce Bank (“Ponce Bank” or the “Bank”). Ponce Bank’s former mutual holding companies, PDL Community Bancorp and Ponce Bank Mutual Holding Company, have ceased to exist.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "project," "intend," "anticipate," "assume," "plan," "seek," "expect," "will," "may," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "target" and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:
Additional factors that may affect the Company’s results are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 under the heading “Risk Factors” filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 31, 2022, as updated in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. The Company is under no duty to and does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Employees and Human Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2022, the Company had 257 full time equivalent employees. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a labor union, and management considers its relationship with employees to be good. The Company believes its ability to attract and retain employees is key to its success. Accordingly, the Company strives to offer competitive salaries and employee benefits to all employees and monitor salaries and other compensation in its market area.
The Company encourages and supports the growth and development of its employees. Continual learning and career development is advanced through ongoing performance and development conversations with employees, internally developed training programs and educational reimbursement programs.
The Company is responsible for creating an equitable workplace ensuring diversity at all management levels. The Company prides itself on establishing a diverse workforce that serves our diverse customer base in the New York metro area. The Company’s inclusion and diversity program focuses on its workforce, workplace, and community. The Company believes that its business is strengthened by a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which it operates. The Company believes that all of its team members should be treated with respect and equality, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, or other characteristics. The Company has also broadened its focus on inclusion and diversity by including social and racial equity in its conversations and equipping and empowering its team leaders with appropriate tools and training.
While it appears the COVID-19 pandemic has entered into an endemic stage, related measures taken by governments, businesses and individuals as a result of the pandemic continue to cause uncertainty, volatility and disruption in the economy, including the economies of the markets that we serve. In response to the pandemic, we adjusted our business practices, including restricting employee travel, encouraging employees to work from home when possible, implementing social distancing guidelines within our offices, and continuing to hold regular meetings of our pandemic response team. Certain of these measures remain in place due to the continued prevalence of the virus, though, as of September 30, 2022, all of our customer locations are open and the majority of our employees have schedules that include work at the office.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following discussion contains certain non-GAAP financial measures in addition to results presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are intended to provide the reader with additional supplemental perspective on operating results, performance trends, and financial condition. Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for GAAP measures; they should be read and used in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information. The Company’s non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar non-GAAP information which may be presented by other companies. In all cases, it should be understood that non-GAAP operating measures do not depict amounts that accrue directly to the benefit of shareholders. An item that management excludes when computing non-GAAP adjusted earnings can be of substantial importance to the Company’s results and condition for any particular year. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures is provided below.
The SEC has exempted from the definition of non-GAAP financial measures certain commonly used financial measures that are not based on GAAP. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and facilitate comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. However, the information should be considered supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The table below includes references to the Company's net (loss) income and (loss) earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 before gain on sale of real property and the Company’s contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation. In management's view, that information, which is considered non-GAAP information, may be useful to investors as it will improve an understanding of core operations for the current and future periods. The non-GAAP net (loss) income amount and (loss) earnings per share reflect adjustments related to the non-recurring gain on sale of real property and the Company’s contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation, net of tax effect. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP information to GAAP net (loss) income and (loss) earnings per share is provided below.
Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Net (Loss) Income before Gain on Sale of Real Property and Contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation (Unaudited)
September 30, 2021
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net (loss) income - GAAP
Loss (gain) on sale of premises and equipment
Income tax (benefit) provision
(1,141
1,011
Net (loss) income - non-GAAP
(16,497
6,635
(Loss) earnings per common share (GAAP) (1)
(Loss) earnings per common share (non-GAAP) (1)
(0.73
0.40
COVID-19 Pandemic and the CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, Congress passed, and the President signed, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) to address the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CARES Act appropriated $349.0 billion for PPP loans and on April 24, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) received another $310.0 billion in PPP funding. On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid Act appropriated $284.0 billion for both first and second draw PPP loans, bringing the total appropriations for PPP loans to $943.0 billion. PPP ended on May 31, 2021. Loans under the PPP that meet SBA requirements may be forgiven in certain circumstances, and are 100% guaranteed by the SBA. The Company had received SBA approval and originated 5,340 PPP loans, of which 274 loans totaling $24.7 million were outstanding at September 30, 2022. PPP loans have a two-year or five-year term, provide for fees of up to 5% of the loan amount and earn interest at a rate of 1% per annum. It is our expectation that a significant portion of these remaining loans will ultimately be forgiven by the SBA in accordance with the terms of the program. As of September 30, 2022, the average authorized loan size was $90,000 and the median authorized loan size was $12,000. The Bank, which is designated as both a Community Development Financial Institution (“CDFI”) and a Minority Depository Institution (“MDI”), originated 5,340 PPP loans in the amount of $261.4 million, which, based upon information provided by the SBA, significantly exceeded the reported average performance of banks in our peer group.
As a result of the initial COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the Company continues to alter the way it has historically provided services to its deposit customers while seeking to maintain normal day-to-day back-office operations and lending functions. To that end, as of September 30, 2022, all back-office and lending personnel have been formed into teams which alternate between a remote and in office work environment while the branch network continues to provide traditional banking services to its communities and has for the most part returned to normal operating hours while continuing to shift service delivery to electronic and web-based products. The Company continues its extensive and intensive communications program geared to informing customers of the alternative resources provided by the Company for retaining access to financial services, closing loans and conducting banking transactions, such as ATM networks, online banking, mobile applications, remote deposits and the Company’s Contact Center. The Company proactively manages its day-to-day operations by using video and telephonic conferencing. The Company remains vigilant of the potential for other COVID-19 variant outbreaks and remains prepared to restore the necessary protocols to minimize any disruptions to its current operations and services.
Federal Economic Relief Funds To Aid Lending
On August 10, 2021, the Company through its subsidiary, the Bank, received from the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) a grant in the amount of $1.8 million in federal Economic Relief Funds for Small Businesses under the Treasury’s Rapid Response Program for CDFIs. The Rapid Response Program grants may be used to support eligible activities of CDFIs such as financial products, financial services, development services, and certain operational activities, and to enable recipient CDFIs to build capital reserves and loan-loss reserves.
On June 7, 2022, Ponce Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”), the holding company for Ponce Bank, closed a private placement (the “Private Placement”) of 225,000 shares of the Company’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 (the “Preferred Stock”) for an aggregate purchase price equal to $225,000,000 in cash, to the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) pursuant to the Emergency Capital Investment Program (“ECIP”). The holders of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to a dividend payable in cash quarterly at an annual rate dependent on certain factors as reported by the Company to Treasury in a quarterly supplemental report. The initial dividend rate is zero percent for the first two years after issuance, and thereafter the floor dividend rate is 0.50% and the ceiling dividend rate is 2.00%. After 10 years of issuance, the perpetual dividend rate in effect, will be determined based on said floor and ceiling. The actual dividend rate that will be paid by the Company on the Preferred Stock cannot be determined at this time.
The ECIP investment by the Treasury is part of a program to invest over $8.7 billion into Community Development Financial Institution (“CDFI”) or Minority Depository Institution (“MDI”), of which Ponce Bank is both. The ECIP is intended to incentivize CDFIs and MDIs to provide loans, grants, and forbearance to small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and consumers in low-income and underserved communities that may have been disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critical Accounting Policies
Accounting estimates are necessary in the application of certain accounting policies and procedures and are particularly susceptible to significant change. Critical accounting policies are defined as those involving significant judgments and assumptions by management and that could have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets, liabilities or on income under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes that the most critical accounting policy relates to the allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses is established as probable incurred losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in conformity with GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of income and expenses. The estimates and assumptions used are based on historical experience and various other factors and are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, resulting in a change that could have a material impact on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations.
See Note 1, “Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the accompanying Financial Statements for a discussion of significant accounting policies.
Factors Affecting the Comparability of Results
Sale of Real Property.
Ponce De Leon Foundation.
On January 27, 2022, the Company made a $5.0 million contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation as part of the conversion and reorganization, which is included in non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Write-off and Write-Down.
At September 30, 2022, the Bank had 47,470 Grain microloans outstanding, net of put backs, with an aggregate balance totaling $21.5 million and which were performing, in management’s opinion, comparably to similar portfolios, offset by an $8.2 million allowance for loan losses, resulting in $13.3 million in Grain microloans, net of allowance for loan losses. Since the beginning of the Bank’s agreement with Grain and through September 30, 2022, 45,322 microloans amounting to $25.5 million have been deemed to be fraudulent and put back to Grain. The Company has written-down a total of $17.5 million of the Grain Receivable for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and received $6.2 million in cash from Grain and through the application of security deposits connected to fraudulent loan accounts. The Bank also opted to use the $1.8 million grant it received from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Rapid Response Program to defray the Grain Receivable. The application of those amounts resulted in no net receivable. Additionally, the Company has also written-off its equity investment in Grain of $1.0 million. As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s total exposure to Grain was $13.3 million of the remaining microloans, net of allowance for loan losses and a $15.3 million of unused commitments available to Grain borrowers. The $7.9 million and $17.5 million write-off and write-down for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, is included in non-interest expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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Grain has been victimized by cyber fraud using synthetic and other forms of fraudulent identifications, a phenomenon that has become prevalent with Fintechs. Grain remains a pre-profit startup highly dependent on earnings from its relationship with the Bank, a new relationship with another financial institution, and further capital raises which may not materialize.
The Company continues to closely monitor its portfolio of consumer loans originated by Grain as well as Grain’s refinement of solutions for detecting and preventing cyber fraud in the application for microloans. The Company has requested, and Grain has agreed, that no new microloans be originated until further notice and that further extensions of credit to an existing microloan borrower only be made upon confirmation that such borrower is not fraudulent. Further, like other start-up companies, there is a higher level of risk that Grain may not be able to execute its business plan and may fail. In the event Grain were to cease operations, and although it has considered contingency plans, the Bank may have greater difficulty in servicing and collecting the microloan portfolio. In such a case, the level the Bank has provided for in its allowance for loan losses for its microloan portfolio may be inadequate and it may need to increase its provision for loan losses, which could materially decrease the Company’s net income. As a consequence of such events, the Bank may determine it appropriate to terminate its relationship with Grain. Additionally, the Company has written-off its $1.0 million equity investment in Grain.
The $7.9 million and $17.5 million write-off and write-down is included in non-interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Vision 2025 Evolves
The Company is now in the later stages of its multi-pronged effort to upgrade its infrastructure, adopt electronic banking services and restructure its retail business model. Dubbed internally “Vision 2020,” the effort has resulted in significant beneficial results, continues to involve significant investments and has served to ameliorate the otherwise detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of Vision 2020, the Company partnered with Salesforce to deploy applications throughout the organization, including retail services, lending processes, back-office operations, digital banking and loan underwriting. Although the full implementation of the applications, dubbed internally as “GPS, a Guided Path to Success,” was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was fully implemented by the end 2021.
The infrastructure upgrade has focused primarily on implementing technology, cybersecurity and network progression while establishing a Virtual Private Network (“VPN”). To date the infrastructure upgrade has resulted in relocating and migrating network and in-house servers, replacing outdated PCs, enhancing internet capabilities, purchasing and deploying VPN-enabled laptops to a significant majority of the Bank’s personnel and the redeployment of disaster recovery capabilities. The Company has achieved certain manpower-related cost savings and enabled the uninterrupted continuity of operations by its staff working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic using its newly deployed disaster recovery capabilities. The infrastructure upgrade has added resiliency, capacity and redundancies to the Company’s technology structures and enhances the capability of the Company to increase its flexibility with alternate locations of personnel.
The Company has adopted and deployed over 48 new electronic banking services, products and applications since late 2018. These services range from on-line banking, mobile banking, bill pay, positive pay, remote deposit capture, cash management services,
e-statements, data storage and management, ACH services, electronic document storage, a paperless environment, dual-language telephone banking service and VoIP telecommunications with an automation-based, dual-language Customer Contact Center. These services have not only enabled the Company to continue serving its customers as they, and the Company, converted to a remote work environment; the services have served to increase the product penetration and deepening relationships with customers.
The Company has also added to its social media capabilities and has begun to use them in coordination with new targeted marketing campaigns now enabled by GPS and its Marketing Cloud platform. The combination of social media and targeted marketing campaigns was particularly effective with PPP loan originations using many partnerships established with non-profit groups and community-based organizations. Such efforts enabled the Company to more than triple the number of second round PPP loan applications compared to the first round, and has resulted in significant growth in retail deposits and new relationships.
The Company has deployed a Fintech-based small business automated lending technology in partnership with LendingFront Technologies, Inc. The technology is a mobile application that digitizes the lending workflow from pre-approval to servicing and enables the Company to originate, close and fund small business loans within very short spans of time, without requiring a physical presence within banking offices and with automated underwriting using both traditional and non-traditional methods. The application has full loan origination and servicing capabilities and is integrated with Salesforce. All Commercial Relationship Officers and Business Development Managers will utilize these capabilities upon the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic and completion of a pilot test. The Company is seeking to establish loan origination partnerships with non-profit and community-based organizations to ensure penetration in underserved and underbanked markets.
The Company also established a relationship with SaveBetter, LLC, a fintech startup focusing on brokered deposits. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had $224.1 million in such deposits. The recent regulatory easing of brokered deposit rules may enable the Company to classify such deposits as core deposits.
The Company’s on-going adoption of a new retail business model has been all-encompassing. It has involved the redesign of its retail branches, the shift of branch operations to a centralized back office, the deployment of smart ITM-enabled ATMs and Teller Cash Recyclers, the automation of manual processes and, importantly, the adoption of universal bankers and retail sales. In 2019, the Company earned national recognition as Branch Innovators of the Year for its retail banking model at the 2019 Future Branches Retail Banking Summit in Austin, Texas.
The Company continues to renovate its branches at costs significantly less than previous efforts largely as a result of economies of scale, design modifications and adoption of buildout techniques used by non-bank retail organizations. During the third quarter of 2022, the Company completed the drawing and engineering phases of Southern Boulevard and Smith Street branches and have completed engineering surveys of the Jackson Heights and Union City branches. The Company is now on track to begin renovation during the first quarter of 2023 at Southern Boulevard and Smith Street branches and for Jackson Heights, Westchester and Union City branches during second quarter of 2023. Surveys are completed for Forest Hills and Stuyvesant Town branches, but commencement of design and construction has not yet been scheduled at these locations. The Company continues to incorporate loan origination personnel into its retail branches including a branded Ponce Mortgage Center celebrating the comprehensive offerings made possible by our affiliate the Ponce De Leon Mortgage Corporation as well as the Bank’s new division, Mortgage World. The Company still anticipates creating a full-service branch at its mortgage office located in Flushing, Queens, New York and a banking satellite at its office in Bergenfield, New Jersey. These projects are temporarily on hold pending completion of other renovations. The Company’s mortgage office in Flushing, Queens, will expand the Company’s reach into one of the most underserved areas of Queens according to recently reported PPP loan penetration data.
Vision 2020 already has had a transformational effect on the Company. The Company had approximately $1.06 billion in assets, $918.5 million in loans and $809.8 million in deposits, at December 31, 2018. The Company has since grown to $2.16 billion in assets, $1.39 billion in loans receivables, net of allowance for loan losses of $25.1 million, and $1.35 billion in deposits at September 30, 2022, all while investing in infrastructure, implementing digital banking, acquiring Mortgage World, adopting GPS, diversifying its product offering, meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with Fintech companies and assisting its communities with 5,340 PPP loans totaling $261.4 million. The Company raised over $132.0 million in additional capital through our conversion and reorganization and realized approximately $20.0 million in net gain while freeing up approximately $40.0 million in investable funds through our sale-and-leaseback initiative. Now, the Company believes that it is poised to enhance its presence, locally and in similar communities outside New York, as a leading CDFI and MDI financial institution holding company.
On June 7, 2022, the Company issued 225,000 shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 for an aggregate purchase price equal to $225,000,000 in cash to the Treasury, pursuant to the Treasury’s ECIP. Under the ECIP, Treasury provided investment capital directly to depository institutions that are CDFIs or MDIs or their holding companies, to provide loans, grants, and forbearance for small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and consumers, in low-income and underserved communities. Treasury has indicated that the investment will qualify as Tier 1 capital. No dividends will accrue or be due for the first two years after issuance. For years three through ten, depending upon the level of qualified and/or deep impact lending made in targeted communities, as defined in the ECIP guidelines, dividends will be at an annual rate of either 2.0%, 1.25% or 0.5% and, thereafter, will be fixed at one of the foregoing rates. Holders of Preferred Stock generally do not have any voting rights, with the exception of voting rights on certain matters as outlined in the Certificate of Designations. The Company has the option to redeem the shares of Preferred Stock (i) in whole or in part on any
54
dividend payment date on or after June 15, 2027, or (ii) in whole but not in part at any time within ninety days following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event, as defined in the Purchase Agreement, in each case at a cash redemption price equal to the liquidation amount, with an amount equal to any dividends that have been declared but not paid prior to the redemption date. The Company may not redeem shares of Preferred Stock without having received the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency for the Company, as defined in Section 3(q) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, to the extent required under applicable capital rules. Such redemptions are subject to certain conditions and limitations, as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the Preferred Stock will be entitled to a liquidation preference, subject to certain limitations, in the amount of the sum of $1,000 per share plus declared and unpaid dividends (without accumulation of undeclared dividends) on each share.
The Company is cementing Vision 2025, its roadmap to acquiring the resources needed to lead efforts to remediate the disparate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising costs due to inflation and the wealth and financial gaps present in its communities and similar communities outside the New York City metropolitan area. The Company traces its roots to its organization in 1960 as Ponce De Leon Federal Savings and Loan Association by Latino leaders concerned that the financial needs of the Bronx and its Latino population were not being recognized and addressed. True to its roots, the Company remains committed to ensuring that the disparate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising costs due to inflation and the wealth and financial gaps present in minority communities are addressed in earnest.
The following table presents the Company’s PPP loans outstanding as of September 30, 2022:
Aggregate
Median
Number
State
Counties
of Loans
New York
Albany
Bronx
2,344
Dutchess
Kings
15,950
469
Nassau
2,414
Orange
Queens
65
1,483
Richmond
Suffolk
111
Westchester
Total New York
242
22,639
New Jersey
Bergen
378
Camden
Essex
Hudson
1,003
Mercer
Monmouth
507
Ocean
Passaic
Union
Total New Jersey
2,083
Pennsylvania
Berks
24,738
90
Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021
Total Assets. Total consolidated assets increased $504.8 million, or 30.5%, to $2.16 billion at September 30, 2022 from $1.65 billion at December 31, 2021. The increase in total assets is largely attributable to an increase of $493.4 million resulting from the purchases in held-to-maturity securities utilizing the $225.0 million received from the issuance of preferred stock to the U.S. Treasury pursuant to its Emergency Capital Investment Program. The increase in total assets is further impacted by an increase of $87.5 million in net loans receivable (inclusive of a $112.0 million net decrease in PPP loans), partially offset by a decrease of $91.4 million in cash and equivalents.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $91.4 million, or 59.4%, to $62.5 million at September 30, 2022, compared to $153.9 million at December 31, 2021. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily the result of purchases of securities, mostly held to maturity securities, net purchases of FHLBNY stock, an increase in net loans and a contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was offset from proceeds for the issuance of Preferred Stock to the Treasury, proceeds from advances from the FHLBNY, an increase in net deposits, proceeds from maturities/calls of securities, a decrease in advances of warehouse lines of credit and the sale of loans.
55
Securities. The composition of securities at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and the amounts maturing of each classification are summarized as follows:
More one year through five years
Total Available-for-Sale Securities
Total Held-to-Maturity Securities
The Company securities portfolio increased $493.4 million in held-to-maturity and $18.6 million in available-for-sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was mainly attributable to $501.9 million in held-to-maturity securities and $58.4 million in available-for-sale securities that were purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was offset primarily by $21.4 million in principal payments, $21.3 million in unrealized loss and two available-for-sale securities in the amount of $5.4 million that matured and/or were called during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. There were no available-for-sale securities sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. There were no held-to-maturity securities sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company invested primarily in held-to-maturity securities utilizing the $225.0 million the Company received from the issuance of preferred stock to the U.S. Treasury pursuant to its Emergency Capital Investment Program and from cash received from deposits made by its customers.
56
Gross Loans Receivable. The composition of gross loans receivable at September 30, 2022 and at December 31, 2021 and the percentage of each classification to total loans are summarized as follows:
Increase (Decrease)
Percent
Dollars
23.8
24.1
19,363
6.1
8.0
7.3
15,802
16.3
29.8
26.3
73,617
21.1
20.0
18.1
42,951
17.9
13.9
10.2
62,786
46.6
95.5
86.0
214,519
18.9
2.9
11.4
(109,114
(72.5
%)
1.6
2.6
(12,130
(35.0
4.5
14.0
(121,244
(65.5
100.0
93,275
7.1
The $93.3 million increase in the gross loan portfolio was primarily the result of an increase of $205.3 million in non-PPP loans, offset by a $112.0 million decrease in PPP loans at September 30, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021. Based on current internal loan reviews, the Company believes that the quality of our underwriting, our weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 57.9% and our customer selection processes have served us well and provided us with a reliable base with which to maintain a well-protected loan portfolio.
Commercial real estate loans, as defined by applicable banking regulations, include multifamily residential, nonresidential properties, and construction and land mortgage loans. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately 7.0% and 7.9%, respectively, of the outstanding principal balance of the Bank’s commercial real estate mortgage loans were secured by owner-occupied commercial real estate. Owner-occupied commercial real estate is similar in many ways to commercial and industrial lending in that these loans are generally made to businesses predominantly on the basis of the cash flows of the business rather than on valuation of the real estate.
Banking regulations have established guidelines relating to the amount of construction and land mortgage loans and investor- owned commercial real estate mortgage loans of 100% and 300% of total risk-based capital, respectively. Should a bank’s ratios be in excess of these guidelines, banking regulations generally require an increased level of monitoring in these lending areas by bank management. The Bank’s policy is to operate within the 100% guideline for construction and land mortgage loans and up to 400% for investor owned commercial real estate mortgage loans. Both ratios are calculated by dividing certain types of loan balances for each of the two categories by the Bank’s total risk-based capital. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Bank’s construction and land mortgage loans as a percentage of total risk-based capital was 40.4% and 79.6%, respectively. Investor owned commercial real estate mortgage loans as a percentage of total risk-based capital was 173.6% and 396.2% as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. At September 30, 2022, the Bank was within the 100% guideline for construction and land mortgage loans and the 300% guideline for investor owned commercial real estate mortgage loans established by banking regulators. Management believes that it has established the appropriate level of controls to monitor the Bank’s lending in these areas.
Mortgage Loans Held For Sale. Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value, at September 30, 2022 decreased $12.5 million, or 78.8%, to $3.4 million from $15.8 million at December 31, 2021.
Deposits. The composition of deposits at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and changes in dollars and percentages are summarized as follows:
of Total
21.4
22.8
13,698
5.0
2.1
(6,481
(18.4
26.7
15.5
173,400
92.8
12.1
11.9
19,637
13.7
10.3
11.2
5,168
3.8
51.2
41.5
191,724
38.3
4.6
6.5
(16,554
(21.1
Brokered certificates of deposit (1)
6.6
19,440
24.5
3.0
5.5
(25,447
(38.3
12.5
17.0
(36,388
(17.7
27.4
35.6
(58,949
(13.7
78.6
77.1
132,775
14.3
12.2
When wholesale funding is necessary to complement the Company's core deposit base, management determines which source is best suited to address both liquidity risk and interest rate risk in line with management objectives. The Company’s Interest Rate Risk Policy imposes limitations on overall wholesale funding and noncore funding reliance. The overall reliance on wholesale funding and noncore funding were within those policy limitations as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The Management Asset/Liability Committee generally meets on a bi-weekly basis to review funding needs, if any, and to ensure the Company operates within the approved limitations.
Advances from FHLBNY. The Bank had outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 of $261.4 million and $106.3 million in term advances from the FHLBNY, respectively and $25.0 million of overnight line of credit advance from the FHLBNY at September 30, 2022. The Bank had no overnight line of credit advance from the FHLBNY at December 31, 2021.
Warehouse Lines of Credit. At December 31, 2021, Mortgage World had maintained two warehouse lines of credit with financial institutions for the purpose of funding the origination and sale of residential mortgages. At December 31, 2021, Mortgage World utilized $15.1 million for funding of mortgage loans held for sale and had unused lines of credit of $14.9 million. At September 30, 2022, there was no remaining balance on such lines of credit. During the first quarter of 2022, Mortgage World became a division of the Bank and the Bank began funding these loans.
Stockholders’ Equity. The Company’s consolidated stockholders’ equity increased $311.4 million, or 164.6%, to $500.7 million at September 30, 2022 from $189.3 million at December 31, 2021. This increase in stockholders’ equity was largely attributable to the $225.0 million issuance of preferred stock to the U.S. Department of the Treasury pursuant to its Emergency Capital Investment Program and the $118.0 million received as a result of the sale of common stock in the conversion of the mutual holding company to a stock company.
Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
The discussion of the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 are presented below. The results of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of future results.
Ponce Financial Group, Inc., as the successor by merger with PDL Community Bancorp Consolidated
Overview. Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was ($14.7) million compared to net income of $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Earnings per basic and diluted share was ($0.64) for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to earnings per basic and diluted share of $0.12 for three months ended September 30, 2021. The $16.8 million decrease of net income for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 was due to increases of $10.7 million in non-interest expenses and $8.8 million in provision for loan losses and a decrease of $1.7 million of non-interest income. The decrease in net income was offset by an increase of $2.2 million in net interest income and a $2.1 million decrease in provision for income taxes.
Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income increased $4.2 million, or 24.2%, to $21.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $17.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Interest income on loans receivable, which is the Company’s primary source of income, increased $67,000, or 0.4%, to $17.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $17.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Interest and dividend income on securities and FHLBNY stock and deposits due from banks increased $4.1 million, or 954.4%, to $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $434,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $2.0 million, or 102.7%, to $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, primarily due to an increase average cost of funds.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $2.2 million, or 14.1%, to $17.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $15.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to three months ended September 30, 2021 was attributable to an increase of $4.2 million in interest and dividend income primarily due to increases of $3.8 million in interest and dividend on securities and FHLBNY stock, $337,000 in interest on deposits due from banks and $67,000 in interest on loans receivable, offset by an increase of $2.0 million in interest expense due primarily to a higher average cost of funds on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest rate spread decreased by 80 basis points to 3.12% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from 3.92% for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in the net interest rate spread for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in the average yields on interest-earning assets of 21 basis points to 4.45% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from 4.66% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and an increase in the average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities of 59 basis points to 1.33% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from 0.74% for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
Net interest margin decreased 51 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2022, to 3.62% from 4.13% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, reflecting the increased cost of interest-bearing liabilities offset by income on securities and our organic loan growth.
The historically low benchmark federal funds interest rate of the last several years implemented in response the turmoil resulting from COVID-19 pandemic is ending. The Federal Reserve raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 75 basis points to 3.75%-4.00% during its November 2022 meeting, the fifth consecutive rate hike, and pushing borrowing costs to the highest level since 2017. The Federal Reserve has signaled that there will likely be additional federal funds interest rate increases at its next meeting in December 2022. The recent increase and the anticipated increases are in response to inflation rising at a rate not seen in over 40 years. Because of this rising rate environment, the speed with which it is anticipated to be implemented, the significant competitive pressures in our markets and the potential negative impact of these factors on our deposit and loan pricing, our net interest margin may be negatively impacted. Our net interest income may also be negatively impacted if the demand for loans decreases due to the rate increases, alone or in tandem with the concurrent inflationary pressures. We may be negatively impacted if we are unable to appropriately time adjustments to our funding costs and the rates we earn on our loans. The Bank believes it is well positioned to withstand this rising interest rate environment in the near term as it is asset sensitive.
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $1.7 million, or 51.2%, to $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 was due to a decrease of $1.1 million in income on sale of mortgage loans, a loss of $436,000 from the sales of equipment, decreases of $220,000 in late and prepayment charges and $103,000 in loan origination fee. The decrease in non-interest income was offset by an increase of $173,000 in other non-interest income.
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $10.7 million, or 72.5%, to $25.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $14.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The increase in non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 was attributable to an increase of $7.9 million in write-off in the third quarter of 2022 related to the receivable due from Grain for microloans originated by Grain and put back to Grain due to fraud and write-off $1.0 million of the Company investment in Grain. The increase in non-interest expense was also impacted by increases of $950,000 in compensation and benefits, $762,000 in occupancy and equipment and $467,000 in other operating expenses, offset by decreases of $514,000 in professional fees and $257,000 in office supplies, telephone and postage. The increase of $950,000 in compensation and benefits mostly related to new hires.
Income Tax (Benefit) Provision. The Company had a benefit for income taxes of $820,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to a provision for income taxes of $1.3 million for three months ended September 30, 2021.
Segments. The Company has two reportable segments; the Bank and, for the three months ended September 30, 2021, Mortgage World, and, for the three months ended September 30, 2022, Mortgage World as a division of the Bank. Income from the Bank consists primarily of interest and fees earned on loans and investment securities and service charges on deposit accounts. Income from Mortgage World consists primarily of taking of applications from the general public for residential mortgage loans, underwriting them to investors’ standards, closing and funding them and holding them until they are sold to investors.
59
The table below shows the results of operations for the Company’s segments, the Bank and Mortgage World, for the periods indicated.
4,226
24.4
(18.5
2,119
108.4
(60
(83.3
2,107
215.0
8,758
1,531.1
(6,651
(44.9
(526
(37.0
(1,144
(55.0
9,733
80.2
(198
(9.7
(16,910
(412.8
(903
(1,456.5
(3,218
(371.2
(100.0
(13,692
(424.0
(927
(1,077.9
60
Average Balance Sheets
The following table sets forth average outstanding balances, average yields and rates, and certain other information for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments have been made, as the effects would be immaterial. Average balances are derived from average daily balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts, and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or interest expense.
Outstanding
Interest
Yield/Rate (1)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (2)
1,379,029
4.91
1,356,130
4.97
Securities (3)
492,337
4,153
3.35
72,960
355
1.93
Other (4)
57,646
423
2.91
53,182
0.59
Total interest-earning assets
1,929,012
4.45
1,482,272
4.66
Non-interest-earning assets
124,738
90,110
2,053,750
1,572,382
Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW/IOLA
29,939
0.17
30,221
0.30
Money market
409,947
1,471
1.42
323,840
294
0.36
Savings
141,200
0.16
137,078
0.10
353,822
0.77
448,191
0.89
934,908
0.95
939,330
1,363
0.58
Advance payments by borrowers
10,918
0.07
10,061
0.04
Borrowings
250,112
2.84
117,824
2.09
Total interest-bearing liabilities
1,195,938
1.33
1,067,215
0.74
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing demand
321,556
317,727
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
16,377
10,154
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities
337,933
327,881
1,533,871
1,395,096
Total equity
519,879
177,286
Total liabilities and total equity
Net interest rate spread (5)
3.12
3.92
Net interest-earning assets (6)
733,074
415,057
Net interest margin (7)
3.62
4.13
Average interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
161.30
138.89
Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on the Company’s net interest income for the periods indicated. The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The total column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
2022 vs. 2021
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Total Increase
Volume
Rate
(Decrease)
Loans (1)
287
(220
Securities (2)
2,041
1,757
3,798
344
2,335
1,874
4,209
(10
1,099
1,177
(213
(110
(323
(134
999
865
697
1,172
563
1,474
2,037
Change in net interest income
1,772
400
2,172
Ponce Bank Segment
Total Assets. The Bank’s, excluding Mortgage World, total assets increased $514.7 million, or 31.6%, to $2.14 billion at September 30, 2022 from $1.6 billion at December 31, 2021. The increase in the Bank’s total assets was primarily due to increases of $493.4 million in held-to-maturity securities, $87.5 million in net loans receivable (inclusive of a $112.0 million net decrease in PPP loans), $18.6 million in available-for-sale securities, $8.3 million in FHLBNY stock, $8.1 million in deferred tax assets and $1.6 million in accrued interest receivable. The increase in total assets was offset by decreases of $90.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, $10.5 million in other assets and $1.8 million in premises and equipment.
Net Income (Loss). The Bank’s net loss was ($10.5) million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to net income of $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 primarily due to increases of $9.7 million in non-interest expenses and $8.8 million in provision in loan losses, a decrease of $526,000 in non-interest income, offset by increases of $3.2 million in benefit for income taxes and $2.1 million in net interest income.
Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income increased $4.2 million, or 24.4%, to $21.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $17.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. This increase is attributable to increases of $3.8 million in interest on securities, $337,000 interest on deposits due from banks and $6,000 in dividend on FHLBNY stock. Interest income on loans receivable increased $84,000, or 0.5% to $17.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $16.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
The following table presents interest income on loans receivable for the periods indicated:
4,949
(79
(1.6
4,472
3,566
906
25.4
3,142
2,524
618
3,011
2,117
894
42.2
Business loans
539
2,996
(2,457
(82.0
Consumer loans
870
668
202
30.2
Total interest income on loans receivable
16,983
16,899
0.5
The following table presents interest and dividend income on securities and FHLBNY stock and deposits due from banks for the periods indicated:
3,744.4
Interest on securities
4,154
3,799
1,070.1
Dividend on FHLBNY stock
70
8.6
4,576
434
4,142
954.4
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $2.1 million, or 108.4%, to $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
The following table presents interest expense for the periods indicated:
(32.0
301
1,171
389.0
60.0
(9
(40.9
585
1,258
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $2.1 million, or 13.7%, to $17.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $15.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, primarily as a result of investment in securities and organic loan growth, offset by a higher average cost of funds on interest bearing liabilities.
Provision for loan losses. The provision for loan losses represents a charge to earnings necessary to establish the ALLL that, in management’s opinion, should be adequate to provide coverage for the inherent losses on outstanding loans.
In evaluating the level of the ALLL, management analyzes several qualitative loan portfolio risk factors including, but not limited to, management’s ongoing review and grading of loans, facts and issues related to specific loans, historical loan loss and delinquency experience, trends in past due and non-accrual loans, existing risk characteristics of specific loans or loan pools, the fair value of underlying collateral, current economic conditions and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect potential credit losses. See Note 1, “Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies —Allowance for Loan Losses” of the Notes to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
After an evaluation of these factors, the Bank established a provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2022 of $9.3 million compared to $572,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The provision for loan losses during the three months ended September 30, 2022 was impacted by the change in qualitative factors during the period related to the microloans originated by Grain. The provision for loan losses during the three months ended September 30, 2022 primarily reflects the Bank’s assessment of the economic impact of inflation and to a lesser extent the COVID-19 pandemic on borrowers and their ability to repay in the short-term.
Non-interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $526,000, or 37.0%, to $896,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, mainly attributable to a one-time $436,000 loss on sale of equipment in addition to a decrease of $220,000 in late and prepayment charges.
The following table presents non-interest income for the periods indicated:
(30
(6.1
85
107.6
(66.9
Loss on sale of premises and equipment
595
520
14.4
Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $9.7 million, or 80.2%, to $21.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The increase was primarily due to an additional write-offs of $7.9 million related to the Grain Receivable due from Grain for microloans originated by Grain and put back to Grain and a $1.0 million investment in Grain. Other increases to non-interest expenses were compensation and benefits and occupancy and equipment, offset by decreases in other operating expenses and professional fees.
The following table presents non-interest expense for the periods indicated:
5,729
4,825
904
18.7
3,419
2,805
614
21.9
976
6.4
547
368
48.6
259
112
76.2
431
(24.8
952
1,355
(403
(29.7
325.0
Directors fees
32.8
33.8
387
(709
(64.7
Mortgage World Segment
Total Assets. Mortgage World’s total assets decreased $14.5 million, or 72.4%, to $5.6 million at September 30, 2022 from $20.1 million at December 31, 2021. The decrease in Mortgage World’s total assets was primarily due to decreases of $12.5 million in mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value and $2.3 million in cash and cash equivalents.
Net Income (Loss). Mortgage World’s net loss was ($841,000) for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to net income of $86,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
Non-interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $1.1 million, or 55.0%, to $937,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
124
191
(67
(35.1
(1,059
(90.1
(103
(16.5
94.4
Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense decreased $198,000, or 9.7%, to $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
1,243
(8
(0.6
177
148
510.3
Data processing
Direct loan expense
107
327
(67.3
195
(150
(76.9
(70.2
233.3
140
25.0
Comparison of Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
The discussion of the Company’s results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 are presented below. The results of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of future results.
Overview. Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was ($20.8) million compared to net income of $10.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Loss per basic and diluted share was ($0.92) for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to earnings per basic and diluted share of $0.62 for nine months ended September 30, 2021. The net loss from net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was due to an increase of $28.8 million in non-interest expense (of which $17.5 million was attributable to the write-off and write-down related to the Grain Receivable and $1.0 million of the Company investments in Grain and $5.0 million was the contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation). The net loss was also impacted by an increase of $9.6 million in provision for loan losses and a decrease of $9.5 million in non-interest income, offset by increases of $8.4 million in net interest income and an $8.2 million benefit for income taxes.
Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income increased $9.4 million, or 19.4%, to $57.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $48.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Interest income on loans receivable, which is the Company’s primary source of income, increased $3.8 million, or 8.0%, to $51.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $47.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily due to an increase in loans receivable in all categories except for a decrease of $112.0 million in PPP lending. Average loans receivable increased $31.4 million, or 2.4% to $1.34 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to $1.31 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Interest and dividend income on securities and FHLBNY stock and deposits due from banks increased $5.6 million, or 601.6%, to $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $927,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $1.0 million, or 15.7%, to $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $6.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, primarily due to a higher average cost of funds.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $8.4 million, or 19.9%, to $50.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $42.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The $8.4 million increase in net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2021 was attributable to an increase of $9.4 million in interest and dividend income primarily due to increases in average loans receivable and interest and dividend on securities and FHLBNY stock and deposits due from banks, offset by an increase of $1.0 million in interest expense due primarily to a higher average cost of funds on interest bearing liabilities.
Net interest rate spread decreased by 1 basis point to 3.76% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from 3.77% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in the net interest rate spread for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to an increase in the average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities of 9 basis points to 0.92% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from 0.83% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and an increase in the average yields on interest-earning assets of 8 basis points to 4.68% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from 4.60% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Net interest margin increased 10 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, to 4.09% from 3.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, reflecting both our organic loan growth and the amortization of fee income from our PPP lending.
66
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $9.5 million, or 61.3%, to $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $15.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was due to a one-time $4.8 million gain, net of expenses, from the sale of real properties recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, decreases of $3.2 million in income on sale of mortgage loans and $511,000 in late and prepayment charges, a one-time loss of $436,000 on the sale of equipment, decreases of $292,000 in loan origination fees and $275,000 in other non-interest income. The decrease in non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was offset by an increase of $160,000 in service charges and fees.
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $28.8 million, or 69.7%, to $70.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $41.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The $28.8 million increase in non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was attributable to an aggregate $17.5 million write-off and write down related to the receivable due from Grain for microloans originated by Grain and put back to Grain due to fraud and a $1.0 million write-off of the Company's investment in Grain. Other increases in non-interest expense included $5.1 million in compensation and benefits, a $5.0 million contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation in connection with the conversion from a mutual holding company to a stock company during the first quarter of 2022, $1.7 million in occupancy and equipment reflecting rental expenses on facilities that were sold and leased back by the Company, increases of $421,000 in data processing expenses, $396,000 in other operating expenses and $200,000 in marketing and promotional expenses. The increase in non-interest expense was offset by decreases of $1.6 million in professional fees, $823,000 in direct loan expenses and $322,000 in offices supplies, telephone and postage.
Income Tax (Benefit) Provision. The Company had a benefit for income taxes of ($4.3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to a provision for income taxes of $4.0 million for nine months ended September 30, 2021, resulting in effective tax rates of 17.0% and 27.5%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is attributable to an increase of $4.1 million in the valuation allowance related to the unused non-deductible portion of the remaining charitable contribution deduction.
Segments. The Company has two reportable segments; the Bank and, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Mortgage World, and, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, Mortgage World as a division of the Bank. Income from the Bank consists primarily of interest and fees earned on loans and investment securities and service charges on deposit accounts. Income from Mortgage World consists primarily of taking of applications from the general public for residential mortgage loans, underwriting them to investors’ standards, closing and funding them and holding them until they are sold to investors.
9,397
19.5
(7.4
1,299
20.9
(191
8,098
19.3
167
417.5
9,561
518.5
(1,463
(3.7
(5,955
(64.8
(3,829
(54.1
22,616
69.1
(837
(12.2
(30,034
(181.9
(2,825
(1,005.3
(6,149
(165.4
(23,885
(186.7
(2,751
(1,329.0
1,341,151
5.12
1,309,765
4.85
263,421
5,778
2.93
45,749
701
2.05
45,940
726
2.11
53,425
226
0.57
1,650,512
4.68
1,408,939
4.60
187,333
73,493
1,837,845
1,482,432
31,769
0.18
31,215
356,576
2,180
0.82
300,594
909
137,808
120
131,849
113
0.11
386,446
0.75
428,653
1.04
912,599
4,510
0.66
892,311
4,452
0.67
11,033
0.06
10,020
152,084
2.52
122,203
1,075,716
0.92
1,024,534
0.83
350,871
275,865
43,606
12,182
394,477
288,047
1,470,193
1,312,581
367,652
169,851
3.76
574,796
384,405
4.09
3.99
153.43
137.52
68
2,657
3,796
3,335
1,742
5,077
532
500
4,442
4,931
9,373
(52
(50
169
1,271
(329
(1,170
(153
211
940
318
680
998
4,124
4,251
8,375
Net Income (Loss). The Bank’s net loss was ($11.1) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to net income of $12.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily due to an increase in non-interest expense as a result of an aggregate $17.5 million write-off and write down related to the Grain receivable and a $1.0 million write-off of investment by the Company related to Grain.
Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income increased $9.4 million, or 19.5%, to $57.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $48.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Interest income on loans receivable, which is the Bank’s primary source of income, increased $3.8 million, or 8.1% to $51.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $47.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Interest and dividend income on securities, FHLBNY stock and deposits due from banks increased $5.6 million, or 601.6%, to $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $927,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
14,876
15,395
(519
(3.4
12,445
10,664
1,781
16.7
9,089
7,315
24.3
7,428
6,067
1,361
22.4
4,250
5,361
(1,111
(20.7
2,927
2,393
534
22.3
51,015
47,195
8.1
3,846.2
5,779
5,078
724.4
212
213
(0.5
6,504
927
5,577
601.6
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $1.3 million, or 20.9%, to $7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
2,183
924
1,259
136.3
(49
(53.3
3,001
1,751
1,250
71.4
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $8.1 million, or 19.3%, to $50.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $41.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, primarily as a result of organic loan growth and a lower average cost of funds on interest bearing liabilities.
After an evaluation of these factors, the Bank established a provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 of $11.4 million compared to $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The provision for loan losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was impacted by the change in qualitative factors during the period related to the microloans originated by Grain. The provision for loan losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily reflects the Bank’s assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on borrowers and their ability to repay in the short-term.
Non-interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $6.0 million, or 64.8%, to $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
160
13.5
461
217
244
(511
(58.7
Loss on sale of real property
(5,248
(109.1
1,504
2,104
(600
(28.5
Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $22.6 million, or 69.1%, to $55.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $32.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The increase was primarily due to an aggregate $17.5 million write-off and write-down related to the Grain Receivable due from Grain for microloans originated by Grain and put back to Grain due to fraud, $1.0 write-off of the Company's investment in Grain, and an increase of $4.8 million in compensation and benefits related to nonrecurring expense amortization related to PPP loans and new hires.
16,012
11,252
4,760
42.3
9,508
7,931
19.9
2,615
2,226
389
17.5
1,659
1,495
11.0
562
435
127
29.2
1,033
1,186
(12.9
2,782
4,670
(1,888
(40.4
308
154.5
24.9
(0.4
1,915
2,967
(1,052
(35.5
Net Income (Loss). Mortgage World’s net loss was ($2.5) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to net income of $207,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Non-interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $3.8 million, or 54.1%, to $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $7.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in non-interest income was primarily attributable to a decrease of $3.2 million in income on sale of mortgage loans.
379
706
(327
(46.3
(3,237
(81.5
(292
269
10.0
Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense decreased $837,000, or 12.2%, to $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $6.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
4,239
3,997
487
40.3
177.8
1,360
(986
3,700.0
316
(169
(53.5
285
(174
(61.1
81.3
528
5.6
Management of Market Risk
General. The most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk because, as a financial institution, the majority of the Bank’s assets and liabilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Therefore, a principal part of our operations is to manage interest rate risk and limit the exposure of its financial condition and results of operations to changes in market interest rates. The Bank’s Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in the Bank’s assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate, given the business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with policies and guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. The Bank currently utilizes a third-party modeling solution that is prepared on a quarterly basis, to evaluate its sensitivity to changing interest rates, given the Bank’s business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors.
The Bank does not engage in hedging activities, such as engaging in futures, options or swap transactions, or investing in high-risk mortgage derivatives, such as collateralized mortgage obligation residual interests, real estate mortgage investment conduit residual interests or stripped mortgage backed securities. Mortgage World did not engage in hedging activities to cover the risks of interest rate movements while it held mortgages for sale. The then low mortgage interest rates and their limited volatility had effectively mitigated such risks.
Net Interest Income Simulation Models. Management utilizes a respected, sophisticated third party designed asset liability modeling software that measures the Bank’s earnings through simulation modeling. Earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities and off-balance sheet financial instruments are combined with forecasts of interest rates for the next 12 months and are combined with other factors in order to produce various earnings simulations over that same 12-month period. To limit interest rate risk, the Bank has policy guidelines for earnings risk which seek to limit the variance of net interest income in both gradual and instantaneous changes to interest rates. As of September 30, 2022, in the event of an instantaneous upward and downward change in rates from management's interest rate forecast over the next twelve months, assuming a static balance sheet, the following estimated changes are calculated:
Net Interest Income
Year 1 Change
Rate Shift (1)
Year 1 Forecast
from Level
+400
82,254
2.02%
+300
81,879
1.55%
+200
81,490
1.07%
+100
81,103
0.59%
Level
80,626
— %
-100
79,923
(0.87%)
73
Although an instantaneous and severe shift in interest rates was used in this analysis to provide an estimate of exposure under these scenarios, management believes that a gradual shift in interest rates would have a more modest impact. Further, the earnings simulation model does not take into account factors such as future balance sheet growth, changes in product mix, changes in yield curve relationships, and changing product spreads that could alter any potential adverse impact of changes in interest rates.
The behavior of the deposit portfolio in the baseline forecast and in alternate interest rate scenarios set out in the table above is a key assumption in the projected estimates of net interest income. The projected impact on net interest income in the table above assumes no change in deposit portfolio size or mix from the baseline forecast in alternative rate environments. In higher rate scenarios, any customer activity resulting in the replacement of low-cost or noninterest-bearing deposits with higher-yielding deposits or market-based funding would reduce the benefit in those scenarios.
At September 30, 2022, the earnings simulation model indicated that the Bank was in compliance with the Board of Directors approved Interest Rate Risk Policy.
Economic Value of Equity Model. While earnings simulation modeling attempts to determine the impact of a changing rate environment to net interest income, the Economic Value of Equity Model (“EVE”) measures estimated changes to the economic values of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items as a result of interest rate changes. Economic values are determined by discounting expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items, which establishes a base case EVE. Rates are then shocked as prescribed by the Interest Rate Risk Policy to measure the sensitivity in EVE values for each of those shocked rate scenarios versus the base case. The Interest Rate Risk Policy sets limits for those sensitivities. At September 30, 2022, the EVE modeling calculated the following estimated changes in EVE due to instantaneous upward and downward changes in rates:
EVE as a Percentage of Present
Value of Assets (3)
Estimated Increase (Decrease) in
Increase
Change in Interest
Estimated
EVE
Rates (basis points) (1)
EVE (2)
Ratio (4)
(basis points)
444,619
(100,777
(18.48
23.16
(1,848
469,641
(75,755
(13.89
23.83
(1,389
494,109
(51,287
(9.40
24.42
(940
521,014
(24,382
(4.47
25.08
(447
545,396
25.60
569,935
24,539
26.07
450
Although an instantaneous and severe shift in interest rates was used in this analysis to provide an estimate of exposure under these scenarios, management believes that a gradual shift in interest rates would have a more modest impact. Since EVE measures the discounted present value of cash flows over the estimated lives of instruments, the change in EVE does not directly correlate to the degree that earnings would be impacted over a shorter time horizon (i.e., the current year). Further, EVE does not take into account factors such as future balance sheet growth, changes in product mix, changes in yield curve relationships, and changing product spreads that could alter the adverse impact of changes in interest rates.
At September 30, 2022, the EVE model indicated that the Bank was in compliance with the Board of Directors’ approved Interest Rate Risk Policy.
Most Likely Earnings Simulation Models. Management also analyzes a most-likely earnings simulation scenario that projects the expected change in rates based on a forward yield curve adopted by management using expected balance sheet volumes forecasted by management. Separate growth assumptions are developed for loans, investments, deposits, etc. Other interest rate scenarios analyzed by management may include delayed rate shocks, yield curve steepening or flattening, or other variations in rate movements to further analyze or stress the balance sheet under various interest rate scenarios. Each scenario is evaluated by management and weighted to determine the most likely result. These processes assist management to better anticipate financial results and, as a result, management may determine the need to review other operating strategies and tactics which might enhance results or better position the balance sheet to reduce interest rate risk going forward.
Each of the above analyses may not, on its own, be an accurate indicator of how net interest income will be affected by changes in interest rates. Income associated with interest-earning assets and costs associated with interest-bearing liabilities may not be affected uniformly by changes in interest rates. In addition, the magnitude and duration of changes in interest rates may have a significant impact on net interest income. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities fluctuate in advance of changes in general market rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in general market rates. In addition, certain assets, such as adjustable rate mortgage loans, have features (generally referred to as interest rate caps and floors) which limit changes in interest rates. Prepayment and early withdrawal levels also could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the maturity of certain instruments. The ability of many borrowers to service their debts also may decrease during periods of rising interest rates. The Asset/Liability Committee reviews each of the above interest rate sensitivity analyses along with several different interest rate scenarios as part of its responsibility to provide a satisfactory, consistent level of profitability within the framework of established liquidity, loan, investment, borrowing and capital policies.
Management's model governance, model implementation and model validation processes and controls are subject to review in the Bank’s regulatory examinations to ensure they are in compliance with the most recent regulatory guidelines and industry and regulatory practices. Management utilizes a respected, sophisticated third party designed asset liability modeling software to help ensure implementation of management's assumptions into the model are processed as intended in a robust manner. That said, there are numerous assumptions regarding financial instrument behaviors that are integrated into the model. The assumptions are formulated by combining observations gleaned from the Bank’s historical studies of financial instruments and the best estimations of how, if at all, these instruments may behave in the future given changes in economic conditions, technology, etc. These assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Additionally, given the large number of assumptions built into Bank’s asset liability modeling software, it is difficult, at best, to compare its results to other banks.
The Asset/Liability Management Committee may determine that the Company should over time become more or less asset or liability sensitive depending on the underlying balance sheet circumstances and its conclusions regarding interest rate fluctuations in future periods. The historically low benchmark federal funds interest rate of the last several years implemented in response the turmoil resulting from COVID-19 pandemic is ending. The Federal Reserve raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 75 basis points to 3.75%-4.00% during its November 2022 meeting, the fifth consecutive rate hike, and pushing borrowing costs to the highest level since 2017. The Federal Reserve has signaled that there will likely be additional federal funds interest rate increases at its next meeting in December 31, 2022. The recent increase and the anticipated increases are in response to inflation rising at a rate not seen in over 40 years. Because of this rising rate environment, the speed with which it is anticipated to be implemented, the significant competitive pressures in our markets and the potential negative impact of these factors on our deposit and loan pricing, our net interest margin may be negatively impacted. Our net interest income may also be negatively impacted if the demand for loans decreases due to the rate increases, alone or in tandem with the concurrent inflationary pressures. We may be negatively impacted if we are unable to appropriately time adjustments to our funding costs and the rates we earn on our loans. The Bank believes it is well positioned to withstand this rising interest rate environment in the near term as it is asset sensitive.
GAP Analysis. In addition, management analyzes interest rate sensitivity by monitoring the Bank’s interest rate sensitivity "gap." The interest rate sensitivity gap is the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within a specific time period and the amount of interest bearing-liabilities maturing or repricing within that same time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets maturing or repricing during a period exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities maturing or repricing during the same period, and a gap is considered negative when the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities maturing or repricing during a period exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive assets maturing or repricing during the same period.
The following table sets forth the Company’s interest-earning assets and its interest-bearing liabilities at September 30, 2022, which are anticipated to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown based upon certain assumptions. The amounts of assets and liabilities shown which reprice or mature during a particular period were determined in accordance with the earlier of term to repricing or the contractual maturity of the asset or liability. The table sets forth an approximation of the projected repricing of assets and liabilities at September 30, 2022, on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated prepayments and scheduled rate adjustments.
The loan amounts in the table reflect principal balances expected to be redeployed and/or repriced as a result of contractual amortization and as a result of contractual rate adjustments on adjustable-rate loans.
Time to Repricing
Zero to 90 Days
Zero to180 Days
Zero Daysto OneYear
Zero Daysto TwoYears
Zero Daysto FiveYears
Five YearsPlus
TotalEarningAssets &CostingLiabilities
NonEarningAssets &NonCostingLiabilities
Assets:
Securities (1)
14,788
48,591
100,930
175,351
406,267
626,274
Net loans (includes LHFS)
186,947
267,157
408,320
593,090
1,319,468
1,421,018
1,395,910
14,276
56,814
243,787
357,800
551,302
810,493
1,767,787
2,089,344
68,941
Non-maturity deposits
35,733
71,466
142,932
285,865
633,475
708,768
271,891
980,659
73,226
120,523
190,091
236,222
28,600
53,375
220,946
20,034
306,409
133,959
220,589
386,398
575,462
1,224,951
1,365,673
291,925
Total liabilities and capital
792,608
Asset/liability gap
109,828
137,211
164,904
235,031
542,836
723,671
Gap/assets ratio
181.99
162.20
142.68
140.84
144.31
152.99
The following table sets forth the Company’s interest-earning assets and its interest-bearing liabilities at December 31, 2021, which are anticipated to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown based upon certain assumptions. The amounts of assets and liabilities shown which reprice or mature during a particular period were determined in accordance with the earlier of term to repricing or the contractual maturity of the asset or liability. The table sets forth an approximation of the projected repricing of assets and liabilities at December 31, 2021, on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated prepayments and scheduled rate adjustments. The loan amounts in the table reflect principal balances expected to be redeployed and/or repriced as a result of contractual amortization and as a result of contractual rate adjustments on adjustable-rate loans.
Zero to90 Days
FiveYearsPlus
4,993
8,939
16,365
33,316
79,592
116,270
(1,990
114,280
Placement with banks
166,991
276,112
446,737
670,281
1,249,032
1,309,504
11,410
1,320,914
6,005
55,931
334,373
447,440
625,491
865,986
1,491,013
1,588,163
65,347
17,858
35,716
71,433
142,867
310,403
381,627
393,610
775,237
73,838
143,956
255,074
303,917
425,479
12,880
47,880
153,283
259,538
104,576
192,552
374,387
553,039
842,137
917,361
546,893
736,149
229,797
254,888
251,104
312,947
648,876
670,802
319.74
232.37
167.07
156.59
177.05
173.12
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes require 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 net interest income and EVE tables presented assume that the composition of the 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 net interest income and EVE tables provide an indication of the 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 net interest income and EVE and will differ from actual results. Furthermore, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates both on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset.
In the event of changes in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the gap table.
Interest rate risk calculations also may not reflect the fair values of financial instruments. For example, decreases in market interest rates can increase the fair values of loans, deposits and borrowings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity describes the ability to meet the financial obligations that arise in the ordinary course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of the Company’s customers and to fund current and future planned expenditures. The primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and available-for-sale securities and proceeds from the sale of loans. The Bank also has access to borrow from the FHLBNY. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Bank had $286.4 million and $106.3 million, respectively, of term and overnight outstanding advances from the FHLBNY, and also had a guarantee from the FHLBNY through letters of credit of up to $21.5 million, both as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there was eligible collateral of approximately $426.0 million and $362.3 million, respectively, in mortgage loans available to secure advances from the FHLBNY. The Bank also has an unsecured line of credit of $25.0 million with a correspondent bank, of which there was none outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The Bank did not have any outstanding securities sold under repurchase agreements with brokers as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, Mortgage World maintained two warehouse lines of credit with financial institutions for the purpose of funding the origination and sale of residential mortgage loans, with maximum credit lines of $30.0 million, of which $15.1 million was utilized, with $14.9 million remaining unused. As of September 30, 2022, Mortgage World was a division of the Bank and the Bank was funding these loans.
Although maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. The most liquid assets are cash and interest-bearing deposits in banks. The levels of these assets are dependent on operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $14.2 million and $28.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities, which consists primarily of disbursements for loan originations, purchases of new securities, and purchase of equipment offset by principal collections on loans, proceeds from maturing securities and pay downs on mortgage-backed securities, and proceeds from the sale of real estate was ($641.1) million and ($230.2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Net cash provided by financing activities, consisting of issuance of preferred stock, activities in deposit accounts, advances, contribution to the Ponce De Leon Foundation and repurchase and sale of shares as treasury stock, was $535.5 million and $193.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Based on the Company’s current assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and current global and regional market conditions on its borrowers, management has determined that these may be a detriment to borrowers’ ability to repay in the short-term and that the likelihood of long-term detrimental effects will depend significantly on the resolution of these factors and the resumption of normalized economic activities, a factor not yet determinable. The Bank’s management also took steps to enhance the Company’s liquidity position by increasing its on balance sheet cash and cash equivalents position in order to meet unforeseen liquidity events and to fund upcoming funding needs.
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, all regulatory capital requirements were met, resulting in the Company and the Bank being categorized as well capitalized at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Management is not aware of any conditions or events that would change this categorization.
Material Cash Requirements
Commitments. As a financial services provider, the Company routinely is a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. Although these contractual obligations represent the Company’s future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans originated. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had outstanding commitments to originate loans and extend credit of $340.8 million and $220.5 million, respectively.
It is anticipated that the Company will have sufficient funds available to meet its current lending commitments. Certificates of deposit that are scheduled to mature in less than one year from September 30, 2022 totaled $189.7 million. Management expects that a substantial portion of the maturing time deposits will be renewed. However, if a substantial portion of these deposits are not retained, the Company may utilize FHLBNY advances, unsecured credit lines with correspondent banks, or raise interest rates on deposits to attract new accounts, which may result in higher levels of interest expense.
77
Contractual Obligations. In the ordinary course of its operations, the Company enters into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include data processing services, operating leases for premises and equipment, agreements with respect to borrowed funds and deposit liabilities. There have been no material changes in the Company’s material cash requirements under its contractual obligations as discussed in its most recent annual report on Form 10-K.
Other Material Cash Requirements. In addition to contractual obligations, the Company’s material cash requirements also includes compensation and benefits expenses for its employees, which were $21.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The Company also has material cash requirements for occupancy and equipment expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization of $1.4 million, related to rental expenses, general maintenance and cleaning supplies, guard services, software licenses and other miscellaneous expenses, which were $8.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The information required by this item is included in Part I, Item 2 of this report under “Management of Market Risk”.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2022. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
During the three months ended September 30, 2022, there were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
The Company is not involved in any pending legal proceedings as a plaintiff or a defendant other than routine legal proceeding occurring in the ordinary course of business. At September 30, 2022, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings the outcome of which management believes would be material to its financial condition or results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in our 2021 Form 10-K and the risk factors and other cautionary statements contained in our other SEC filings, which could materially affect our businesses, financial condition or future results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes in our Risk Factors from those disclosed in Item 1A of our 2021 Form 10-K or our other SEC filings.
The Company’s net income and earnings per share for the first quarter of 2022 have been adversely affected by a significant write-off and write-down related to its relationship with Grain Technologies, Inc. The Company’s results may be further adversely affected as a result of its lending relationship with Grain.
As discussed under Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Factors Affecting the Comparability of Results, Write-off and Write-Down of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company has taken a significant write-off and write-down related to microloans originated by FinTech startup company Grain as a result of cyber fraud in the application for microloans originated by Grain. Under the terms of its agreement with Grain, if a microloan originated by Grain is found to be fraudulent, becomes 90 days delinquent upon 90 days of origination or defaults due to a failure of Grain to properly service the microloan, the Bank’s applicable standards for origination or servicing are deemed to have not been complied with and the microloan is put back to Grain, who then becomes responsible for the microloan and any related losses. The microloans put back to Grain were accounted for as an “other asset,” specifically referred to herein as the “Grain Receivable.” During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company has assessed the collectability of the remaining Grain Receivable and has determined that it is appropriate to write-off the receivable in its entirety for a total write-off of $17.5 million - $8.1 million during the first quarter, $1.5 million during the second quarter and $7.9 million during the third quarter. Additionally, the Company has written-off its equity investment in Grain of $1.0 million.
The Company continues to closely monitor its portfolio of consumer loans originated by Grain as well as Grain’s refinement of solutions for detecting and preventing cyber fraud in the application for microloans. The Company has requested, and Grain has agreed, that no new microloans be originated until further notice and that further extensions of credit to an existing microloan borrower only be made upon confirmation that such borrower is not fraudulent. Further, like other start-up companies, there is a higher level of risk that Grain may not be able to execute its business plan and may fail. In the event Grain were to cease operations, and although it has considered contingency plans, the Bank may have greater difficulty in servicing and collecting the microloan portfolio. In such a case, the level the Bank has provided for in its allowance for loan losses for its microloan portfolio may be inadequate and it may need to increase its provision for loan losses, which could materially decrease the Company’s net income. As a consequence of such events the Bank may determine it appropriate to terminate its relationship with Grain.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Item 5. Other Information.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. (attached as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-258394) filed with the Commission on August 3, 2021).
3.2
Bylaws of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. (attached as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-258394) filed with the Commission on August 3, 2021).
3.3
Articles Supplementary to the Charter of Ponce Financial Group, Inc. (attached as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-41255) filed with the Commission on June 9, 2022).
31.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
* Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant)
Date: November 14, 2022
By:
/s/ Carlos P. Naudon
Carlos P. Naudon
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Sergio J. Vaccaro
Sergio J. Vaccaro
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer