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EX-32 - EX-32 - PEAPACK GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPex32.htm
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015 Commission File No. 000-16197

 

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New Jersey 22-2491488
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
500 Hills Drive, Suite 300  
Bedminster, NJ 07921
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number (908) 234-0700

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class Name of Exchange on which Registered
Common Stock, No par value NASDAQ Global Select Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

NONE

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes o  No x.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes o  No x.

 

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 x  No o.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 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 and post such files). Yes x  No o.

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment of this Form 10-K o.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x  
Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company  o  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No x

 

The aggregate market value of the shares held by unaffiliated stockholders was approximately $326 million on June 30, 2015.

 

As of March 7, 2016, 16,347,750 shares of no par value Common Stock were outstanding.

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2016 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III. The Company will file the 2016 Proxy Statement within 120 days of December 31, 2015.

 

 

FORM 10-K

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

Table of Contents

PART I    
     
Item 1. Business 4
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 13
     
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 21
     
Item 2. Properties 21
     
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 21
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure 21
     
PART II    
     
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 22
     
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 24
     
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 25
     
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 52
     
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 54
     
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 99
     
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 99
     
Item 9B. Other Information 100
     
PART III    
     
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 100
     
Item 11. Executive Compensation 101
     
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 102
     
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 102
     
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 102
     
PART IV    
     
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 103
     
  Signatures 106

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. BUSINESS

 

The disclosures set forth in this Form 10-K are qualified by Item 1A-Risk Factors and the section captioned “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” in Item 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this report and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this report. The terms “Peapack,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise.

 

The Corporation

 

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Holding Company Act”). The Company was organized under the laws of New Jersey in August 1997 by the Board of Directors of Peapack-Gladstone Bank (the “Bank”), its principal subsidiary, to become a holding company for the Bank. The Bank is a state chartered commercial bank founded in 1921 under the laws of the State of New Jersey. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System. The Bank provides innovative private banking services to businesses, non-profits and consumers through its private banking locations in Bedminster, Morristown, Princeton and Teaneck, New Jersey, its wealth management division and its branch network in Somerset, Morris, Hunterdon, Middlesex and Union counties.

 

Our wealth management clients include individuals, families, foundations, endowments, trusts and estates. Our commercial loan clients are business people, including business owners, professionals, retailers, contractors and real estate investors. Most forms of commercial lending are offered, including working capital lines of credit, term loans for fixed asset acquisitions, commercial mortgages, multifamily mortgages and other forms of asset-based financing.

 

In addition to commercial lending activities, we offer a wide range of consumer banking services, including: checking and savings accounts, money market and interest-bearing checking accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts held in certificates of deposit. We also offer residential and construction mortgages, home equity lines of credit and other second mortgage loans. Automated teller machines are available at 22 locations. Internet banking, including an online bill payment option and mobile phone banking, is available to clients.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company employed 316 full-time equivalent persons. Management considers relations with employees to be satisfactory.

 

Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division

 

The Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division, is one of the largest New Jersey-based trust and investment businesses with $3.32 billion of assets under administration as of December 31, 2015. It is headquartered in Bedminster, with additional private banking locations in Morristown, Princeton and Teaneck, NJ, as well as at the Bank’s subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware, in Greenville, DE. The Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division is known for its integrity, client service and broad range of fiduciary, investment management and tax services, designed specifically to meet the needs of high net-worth individuals, families, foundations and endowments.

 

We believe our wealth management business differentiates us from our competition and adds significant value. We intend to grow this business further both in and around our market areas through our Delaware Trust subsidiary; through our existing wealth, loan and depository client base; and through our innovative private banking service model, which utilizes private bankers working together to provide fully integrated client solutions. Throughout the wealth management division and all other business lines, we will continue to provide the unparalleled personalized, high-touch service our valued clients have come to expect.

 

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Our Markets

 

Our current market is defined as the NY-NJ-PA metropolitan statistical area. Our primary market areas are located in New Jersey and New York City, among the most attractive banking markets in the United States, each with a total population exceeding 8.4 million and a median household income of $72,062 for New Jersey and $52,737 for New York City as of 2010-2014, compared to the U.S. median household income of $53,482 as of 2010-2014, according to estimates from the United States Census Bureau. Somerset County, where we are headquartered, is among one of the wealthiest in New Jersey, with a 2010-2014 median household income of $100,903 according to estimates from the United States Census Bureau. We believe that these markets have economic and competitive dynamics that are consistent with our objectives and favorable to executing our growth strategy.

 

Our Business Strategy

 

We began our growth strategy – Expanding Our Reach – in 2013 to principally address three industry headwinds:

 

·that we believed the low interest rate and tight spread environment would likely continue;
·that we believed costs associated with compliance and risk management would increase significantly; and
·that we believed our clients would continue to shift from traditional branches in favor of electronic channels.

 

Through 2015 the key elements of our business strategy have included:

·enhanced risk management;
·expansion of our multifamily, and to a lesser extent our commercial real estate lending business;
·expansion of our commercial and industrial (C&I) lending business through Private Bankers and/or Private Banking teams, who lead with deposit gathering and wealth management; and

expansion of our wealth management business.  

 

In particular, we have focused on the following areas of our business:

 

·Wealth Management. We have been in the wealth management business since 1972. The business adds significant value to our Company and differentiates us from many of our competitors. Conversations with all clients and potential clients across all lines of business have included and will continue to include a wealth management discussion. The market value of the assets under administration of the wealth management division was $3.32 billion at December 31, 2015.

 

·Commercial Lending. We have been helping businesses emerge, expand and evolve for many years. Through 2015 we grew our multifamily and to a lesser extent other commercial real estate lending businesses. We introduced a more comprehensive C&I lending program designed to service individuals, professional service firms, foundations, and privately owned businesses. This C&I lending program, similar to our wealth management business, has been fully integrated into our private banking platform. Private bankers focus holistically on C&I lending, wealth advisory and deposit solutions to provide a high-touch, “white-glove” client service. Growth in 2016 and beyond will focus on C&I lending.

 

  ·  Retail Banking – Deposits. We see a lot of opportunity for growth in our core markets. We continued with the concept of high-touch relationship-style banking, which we introduced in 2013, to support the affluent segment of our branch network. Much like the private banking service model, this team has intimate knowledge of all Bank products and services and serves as the primary contact for clients seeking wealth, lending and deposit solutions. The structure of this team enables our existing branch network to maintain its primary objective of providing unique and unparalleled client service. Additionally, our private banking platform has and we believe it will continue to contribute significantly to our retail deposit growth, not only through stand-alone deposit relationships, but through comprehensive new relationships associated with C&I lending.

 

 

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Governmental Policies and Legislation

 

The banking industry is highly regulated. Statutory and regulatory controls increase a bank holding company’s cost of doing business and limit the options of its management to deploy assets and maximize income. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks, bank holding companies and other financial institutions are frequently made in Congress, in state legislatures and before various bank regulatory agencies. The likelihood of any major changes and the impact such changes might have on the Company or the Bank is impossible to predict. The following discussion is not intended to be a complete list of all the activities regulated by the banking laws or of the impact of such laws and regulations on the Bank. It is intended only to briefly summarize some material provisions.

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law on July 21, 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly changed the bank regulatory landscape and has impacted and will continue to impact the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies.

 

 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) took over responsibility over the principal federal consumer protection laws, such as the Truth in Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Truth in Saving Act, among others, on July 21, 2011. Institutions that have assets of $10 billion or less, such as the Bank, will continue to be supervised in this area by their primary federal regulators (in the case of the Bank, the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”)). The Dodd-Frank Act also gave the CFPB expanded data collecting powers for fair lending purposes for both small business and mortgage loans, as well as expanded authority to prevent unfair, deceptive and abusive practices.

 

In January 2013, the CFPB issued a series of final rules related to mortgage loan origination and mortgage loan servicing. In particular, the CFPB issued a final rule amending Regulation Z to implement certain amendments to the Truth in Lending Act. The rule implemented statutory changes that lengthen the time for which a mandatory escrow account established for a higher-priced mortgage loan must be maintained.  The rule also exempted certain transactions from the statute’s escrow requirement. The CFPB issued a final rule implementing amendments to the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.  The rule amended Regulation Z by expanding the types of mortgage loans that are subject to the protections of the Home Ownership and Equity Protections Act of 1994 (“HOEPA”), revised and expanded the tests for coverage under HOEPA, and imposed additional restrictions on mortgages that are covered by HOEPA, including a pre-loan counseling requirement.  The rule also amended Regulation Z and Regulation X by imposing other requirements related to homeownership counseling.

 

In addition, the CFPB amended Regulation B to implement changes to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The revisions to Regulation B require creditors to provide applicants with free copies of all appraisals and other written valuations developed in connection with an application for a loan to be secured by a first lien on a dwelling, and require creditors to notify applicants in writing that copies of appraisals will be provided to them promptly. The CFPB also amended Regulation Z to implement requirements and restrictions to the Truth in Lending Act concerning loan originator compensation, qualifications of, and registration or licensing of loan originators, compliance procedures for depository institutions, mandatory arbitration, and the financing of single-premium credit insurance.  These amendments revised or provided additional commentary on Regulation Z’s restrictions on loan originator compensation, including application of these restrictions to prohibitions on dual compensation and compensation based on a term of a transaction or a proxy for a term of a transaction, and to recordkeeping requirements.  This rule also established tests for when loan originators can be compensated through certain profits-based compensation arrangements. The amendments to § 1026.36(h) and (i) became effective on June 1, 2013, while the other provisions of the rule became effective on January 10, 2014.

 

The final rules also implemented the ability-to-repay and qualified mortgage (QM) provisions of the Truth in Lending Act, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act (the “QM Rule”). The ability-to-repay provision requires creditors to make reasonable, good faith determinations that borrowers are able to repay their mortgages before extending the credit based on a number of factors and consideration of financial information about the borrower from reasonably reliable third-party documents. Under the Dodd-Frank Act and the QM Rule, loans meeting the definition of “qualified mortgage” are entitled to a presumption that the lender satisfied the ability-to-repay requirements. The presumption is a conclusive presumption/safe harbor for prime loans meeting the QM requirements, and a rebuttable presumption for higher-priced/subprime loans meeting the QM requirements. The definition of a “qualified mortgage” incorporates the statutory requirements, such as not allowing negative amortization or terms longer than 30 years. The QM Rule also added an explicit maximum 43 percent debt-to-income ratio for borrowers if the loan is to meet the QM definition, though some mortgages that meet GSE, FHA

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and VA underwriting guidelines may, for a period not to exceed seven years, meet the QM definition without being subject to the 43 percent debt-to-income limits.

 

The CFPB may issue additional final rules regarding mortgages in the future. We cannot assure you that existing or future regulations will not have a material adverse impact on our residential mortgage loan business.

 

On December 10, 2013, the FRB, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) and the SEC issued final rules to implement the Volcker Rule contained in section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which generally became effective on July 21, 2015. The Volcker Rule prohibits an insured depository institution and its affiliates (referred to as “banking entities”) from: (i) engaging in “proprietary trading” and (ii) investing in or sponsoring certain types of funds (“covered funds”) subject to certain limited exceptions. The rule also effectively prohibits short-term trading strategies by any U.S. banking entity if those strategies involve instruments other than those specifically permitted for trading and prohibits the use of some hedging strategies.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act contains numerous other provisions affecting financial institutions of all types, many of which may have an impact on our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. Consequently, the Dodd-Frank Act is likely to continue to increase our cost of doing business, it may limit or expand our permissible activities, and it may affect the competitive balance within our industry and market areas. The nature and extent of future legislative and regulatory changes affecting financial institutions, including as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, remains very unpredictable at this time.

 

Capital Requirements

 

Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), each federal banking agency has promulgated regulations, specifying the levels at which a financial institution would be considered “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” or “critically undercapitalized,” and to take certain mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions based on the capital level of the institution. To qualify to engage in financial activities under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, all depository institutions must be “well capitalized.” The financial holding company of a national bank will be put under directives to raise its capital levels or divest its activities if the depository institution falls from that level.

 

In July 2013, the FRB published final rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations, referred to herein as the Basel Rules. The FDIC and the OCC have adopted substantially identical rules (in the case of the FDIC, as interim final rules). The Basel Rules implemented the Basel Committee’s December 2010 framework, commonly referred to as Basel III, for strengthening international capital standards as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, as discussed below. The Basel Rules substantially revised the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions, including the Company and the Bank, compared to the existing U.S. risk-based capital rules. The Basel Rules defined the components of capital and addressed other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios. The Basel Rules also addressed risk weights and other issues affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replaced the existing risk-weighting approach, which was derived from Basel I capital accords of the Basel Committee, with a more risk-sensitive approach based, in part, on the standardized approach in the Basel Committee’s 2004 Basel II capital accords. The Basel Rules also implemented the requirements of Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act to remove references to credit ratings from the federal banking agencies’ rules. The Basel Rules became effective for us on January 1, 2015 (subject to phase-in periods for certain components).

 

The Basel Rules, among other things, (i) introduced a new capital measure called “Common Equity Tier 1,” or CET1, (ii) specified that Tier 1 capital consist of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting specified requirements, (iii) applied most deductions/adjustments to regulatory capital measures to CET1 and not to the other components of capital, thus potentially requiring higher levels of CET1 in order to meet minimum ratios, and (iv) expanded the scope of the reductions/adjustments from capital as compared to existing regulations.

 

Under the Basel Rules, the minimum capital ratios for the Company and the Bank as of January 1, 2015 are as follows:

 

·4.5% CET1 to risk-weighted assets.
·6.0% Tier 1 capital (i.e., CET1 plus Additional Tier 1) to risk-weighted assets.
·8.0% Total capital (i.e., Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets.

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  · 4.0% Tier 1 capital to average consolidated assets as reported on consolidated financial statements (known as the "leverage ratio").

 

When fully phased in on January 1, 2019, the Basel Rules will also require the Company and the Bank to maintain a 2.5% “capital conservation buffer”, composed entirely of CET1, on top of the minimum risk-weighted asset ratios, effectively resulting in minimum ratios of (i) CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7.0%, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.5%, and (iii) total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.5%. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of (i) CET1 to risk-weighted assets, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets or (iii) total capital to risk-weighted assets above the respective minimum but below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers based on the amount of the shortfall. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and will increase by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019.

 

The Basel Rules provide for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets dependent upon future taxable income and significant investments in common equity issued by nonconsolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such categories in the aggregate exceed 15% of CET1.

 

Under current capital standards, the effects of accumulated other comprehensive income items included in capital are excluded for the purposes of determining regulatory capital ratios. Under the Basel Rules, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive items are not excluded; however, non-advanced approaches banking organizations, including the Company and the Bank, may make a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items effective as of January 1, 2015. This election was made by the Company. The deductions and other adjustments to CET1 are being phased in incrementally between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2018.

 

With respect to the Bank, the Basel Rules also revised the “prompt corrective action” regulations pursuant to Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, by (i) introducing a CET1 ratio requirement at each capital quality level (other than critically undercapitalized); (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category; and (iii) requiring a leverage ratio of 5% to be well-capitalized. An institution will be classified as “well capitalized” if it (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0 percent, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0 percent, (iii) has a CET1 ratio of at least 6.5 percent, (iv) has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5.0 percent, and (v) meets certain other requirements. An institution will be classified as “adequately capitalized” if it (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0 percent, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.0 percent, (iii) has a CET1 ratio of at least 4.5 percent, (iv) has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4.0 percent, and (v) does not meet the definition of “well capitalized.” An institution will be classified as “undercapitalized” if it (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0 percent, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0 percent, (iii) has a CETI ratio of less than 4.5 percent or (iv) has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of less than 4.0 percent. An institution will be classified as “significantly undercapitalized” if it (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0 percent, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0 percent, (iii) has a CET1 ratio of less than 3.0 percent or (iv) has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of less than 3.0 percent. An institution will be classified as “critically undercapitalized” if it has a tangible equity to total assets ratio that is equal to or less than 2.0 percent. An insured depository institution may be deemed to be in a lower capitalization category if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating. Similar categories apply to bank holding companies. When the capital conservation buffer is fully phased in, the capital ratios applicable to depository institutions under the Basel Rules will exceed the ratios to be considered well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations.

 

The Basel Rules prescribe a standardized approach for calculating risk-weighted assets that expand the risk-weighting categories from the current four Basel I-derived categories (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to a much larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories, depending on the nature of the assets, generally ranging from 0% for U.S. Government and agency securities, to 600% for certain equity exposures, and resulting in higher risk weights for a variety of asset categories. In addition, the Basel Rules also provide more advantageous risk weights for derivatives and repurchase-style transactions cleared through a qualifying central counterparty and increase the scope of eligible guarantors and eligible collateral for purposes of credit risk mitigation.

 

The Bank’s capital ratios were all above the minimum levels required for it to be considered a “well capitalized” financial institution at December 31, 2015 under the “prompt corrective action” regulations in effect as of such date.

 

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Insurance Funds Legislation

 

The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The Deposit Insurance Fund is the successor to the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund, which were merged in 2006. Under the FDIC’s risk-based system, insured institutions are assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors with less risky institutions paying lower assessments on their deposits.

 

In February 2011, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC approved a final rule that revised the assessment base to consist of average consolidated total assets during the assessment period minus the average tangible equity during the assessment period. In addition, the final revisions eliminated the adjustment for secured borrowings, including Federal Home Loan Bank advances, and made certain other changes to the impact of unsecured borrowings and brokered deposits on an institution’s deposit insurance assessment. The final rule also revised the assessment rate schedule to provide initial base assessment rates ranging from 5 to 35 basis points and total base assessment rates ranging from 2.5 to 45 basis points after adjustment.

 

As previously noted above, the Dodd-Frank Act makes permanent the $250 thousand limit for federal deposit insurance. The FDIC has authority to further increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance premiums may have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Bank. Management cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future.

 

Restrictions on the Payment of Dividends

 

The holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to receive dividends, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of funds legally available. The only statutory limitation is that such dividends may not be paid when the Company is insolvent. Since the principal source of income for the Company will be dividends on Bank common stock paid to the Company by the Bank, the Company’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders will depend on whether the Bank pays dividends to it. As a practical matter, restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends act as restrictions on the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends by the Company. As a New Jersey chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to the restrictions on the payment of dividends contained in the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended (the “Banking Act”). Under the Banking Act, the Bank may pay dividends only out of retained earnings, and out of surplus to the extent that surplus exceeds 50% of stated capital. Under the Financial Institutions Supervisory Act, the FDIC has the authority to prohibit a state-chartered bank from engaging in conduct that, in the FDIC’s opinion, constitutes an unsafe or unsound banking practice. Under certain circumstances, the FDIC could claim that the payment of a dividend or other distribution by the Bank to the Company constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice. The Company is also subject to FRB policies, which may, in certain circumstances, limit its ability to pay dividends. The FRB policies require, among other things, that a bank holding company maintain a minimum capital base and serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary bank. The FRB by supervisory letters has advised holding corporations that it is has supervisory concerns when the level of dividends is too high and would seek to prevent dividends if the dividends paid by the holding company exceeded its earnings. The FRB would most likely seek to prohibit any dividend payment that would reduce a holding company’s capital below these minimum amounts.

 

Incentive Compensation

 

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies and the SEC to establish joint regulations or guidelines prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities, such as the Company and the Bank, with at least $1 billion in total assets that encourage inappropriate risks by providing an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder with excessive compensation, fees, or benefits or that could lead to material financial loss to the entity. In addition, these regulators must establish regulations or guidelines requiring enhanced disclosure to regulators of incentive-based compensation arrangements. The agencies proposed such regulations in April 2011, but the regulations have not been finalized. If the regulations are adopted in the form initially proposed, they will impose limitations on the manner in which the Company may structure compensation for its executives.

 

In June 2010, the FRB, OCC and FDIC issued comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not

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encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors. These three principles are incorporated into the proposed joint compensation regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act, discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph.

 

The FRB will review, as part of its regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Company, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews will be tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

 

Consumer Protection Regulations

 

The Bank is subject to federal consumer protection statutes and regulations promulgated under those laws, including, but not limited to the following:

 

·Truth-In-Lending Act and Regulation Z, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
·Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and Regulation C, requiring financial institutions to provide certain information about home mortgage and refinanced loans;
·Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed, or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
·Fair Credit Reporting Act and Regulation V, governing the provision of consumer information to credit reporting agencies and the use of consumer information; and
·Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies.

 

The Bank’s deposit operations are also subject to the following federal statutes and regulations, among others:

 

·The Truth in Savings Act and Regulation DD, which requires disclosure of deposit terms to consumers;
·Regulation CC, which relates to the availability of deposit funds to consumers;
·The Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain the confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records; and
·Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, governing automatic deposits to, and withdrawals from, deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services.

 

Many of the foregoing laws and regulations are subject to change resulting from the provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act, which in many cases calls for revisions to implementing regulations, such as the amendments described above in the discussion on the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

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Holding Company Supervision

 

The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Holding Company Act. As a bank holding company, the Company is supervised by the FRB and is required to file reports with the FRB and provide such additional information as the FRB may require.

 

The Holding Company Act prohibits the Company, with certain exceptions, from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than five percent of the voting shares of any company which is not a bank and from engaging in any business other than that of banking, managing and controlling banks or furnishing services to subsidiary banks, except that it may, upon application, engage in, and may own shares of companies engaged in, certain businesses found by the FRB to be so closely related to banking “as to be a proper incident thereto.” The Holding Company Act requires prior approval by the FRB of the acquisition by the Company of more than five percent of the voting stock of any additional bank. Satisfactory capital ratios, Community Reinvestment Act ratings and anti-money laundering policies are generally prerequisites to obtaining federal regulatory approval to make acquisitions. The policy of the FRB provides that a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support the subsidiary bank in circumstances in which it might not do so absent that policy. Acquisitions through the Bank require the approval of the FRB and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (“NJDOBI”).

  

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) added new legal requirements for public companies affecting corporate governance, accounting and corporate reporting.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act provides for, among other things:

 

·a prohibition on personal loans made or arranged by the issuer to its directors and executive officers (except for loans made by a bank subject to Regulation O);
·independence requirements for audit committee members;
·independence requirements for company auditors;
·certification of financial statements within the Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer;
·the forfeiture by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by such officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement due to corporate misconduct;
·disclosure of off-balance sheet transactions;
·two-business day filing requirements for insiders filing on Form 4;
·disclosure of a code of ethics for financial officers and filing a Current Report on Form 8-K for a change in or waiver of such code;
·the reporting of securities violations “up the ladder” by both in-house and outside attorneys;
·restrictions on the use of non-GAAP financial measures in press releases and SEC filings;
·the formation of a public accounting oversight board;
·various increased criminal penalties for violations of securities laws;
·an assertion by management with respect to the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting; and
·a report by the company’s external auditor on management’s assertion and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

 

Each of the national stock exchanges, including the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) Global Select Market where the Company’s securities are listed, have implemented corporate governance listing standards, including rules strengthening director independence requirements for boards, and requiring the adoption of charters for the nominating and audit committees. As noted above, in 2012, the SEC adopted rules under the Dodd-Frank Act requiring the stock exchanges to adopt rules addressing the independence of Compensation Committee members and consideration of the independence of compensation advisers, and each of the exchanges, including the NASDAQ Global Select Market, have adopted such rules.

 

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USA PATRIOT Act

 

As part of the USA PATRIOT Act, Congress adopted the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “Anti Money Laundering Act”). The Anti Money Laundering Act authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the heads of other government agencies, to adopt special measures applicable to financial institutions such as banks, bank holding companies, broker-dealers and insurance companies. Among its other provisions, the Anti Money Laundering Act requires each financial institution: (i) to establish an anti-money laundering program; (ii) to establish due diligence policies, procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to detect and report instances of money laundering in United States private banking accounts and correspondent accounts maintained for non-United States persons or their representatives; and (iii) to avoid establishing, maintaining, administering, or managing correspondent accounts in the United States for, or on behalf of, a foreign shell bank that does not have a physical presence in any country. In addition, the Anti Money Laundering Act expands the circumstances under which funds in a bank account may be forfeited and requires covered financial institutions to respond under certain circumstances to requests for information from federal banking agencies within 120 hours.

 

Regulations implementing the due diligence requirements, require minimum standards to verify customer identity and maintain accurate records, encourage cooperation among financial institutions, federal banking agencies, and law enforcement authorities regarding possible money laundering or terrorist activities, prohibit the anonymous use of “concentration accounts,” and requires all covered financial institutions to have in place an anti-money laundering compliance program. Federal and state banking agencies have strictly enforced various anti-money laundering and suspicious activity reporting requirements using formal and informal enforcement tools to cause banks to comply with these provisions.

 

The Anti Money Laundering Act amended the Holding Company Act and the Bank Merger Act to require the federal banking agencies to consider the effectiveness of any financial institution involved in a proposed merger transaction in combating money laundering activities when reviewing an application under these acts.

 

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

 

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 (“Modernization Act”) became effective in early 2000. The Modernization Act:

 

·allows bank holding companies meeting management, capital and Community Reinvestment Act standards to engage in a substantially broader range of non-banking activities than was previously permissible, including insurance underwriting;
·allows insurers and other financial services companies to acquire banks;
·removes various restrictions that previously applied to bank holding company ownership of securities firms and mutual fund advisory companies; and
·establishes the overall regulatory structure applicable to bank holding companies that also engage in insurance and securities operations.

 

If a bank holding company elects to become a financial holding company, it files a certification, effective in 30 days, and thereafter may engage in certain financial activities without further approvals. The Company has not elected to become a financial holding company.

 

The Modernization Act modified other financial laws, including laws related to financial privacy and community reinvestment.

 

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

The material risks and uncertainties that Management believes affect the Company are described below. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones affecting the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that Management is not aware of or focused on or that Management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company’s business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. If any one or more of the following risks actually occur, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Common Stock

 

We may not be able to continue to grow our business, which may adversely impact our results of operations.  

 

Our business strategy calls for continued expansion. Our ability to continue to grow depends, in part, upon our ability to successfully attract deposits and identify favorable loan and investment opportunities. We expect to add personnel to assist in this growth. In the event that we do not continue to grow, or the new personnel do not produce sufficient new revenues, our results of operations could be adversely impacted.

 

We may not be able to manage our growth, which may adversely impact our financial results.  

 

As part of our expansion strategy, we plan to broaden and expand our commercial lending in both existing and new geographic markets. In addition, as part of our expansion strategy, we may add new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. We may invest significant time and resources to develop and market new lines of business and/or products and services. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting customer preferences may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Additionally, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our ability to implement our expansion strategy will depend upon a variety of factors, including our ability to attract and retain experienced personnel, the continued availability of desirable business opportunities and locations, the competitive responses from other financial institutions in the new market areas and our ability to manage growth. In order to implement our expansion strategy, we plan to hire new personnel in our existing and target markets. However, we may be unable to hire qualified management. In addition, the organizational and overhead costs may be greater than we anticipated. Moreover, we may not be able to obtain the regulatory approvals necessary. New business expansion efforts may take longer than expected to reach profitability, and we cannot assure that they will become profitable. The additional costs of adding new personnel may adversely impact our financial results.

 

Our ability to manage growth successfully will depend on whether we can continue to fund this growth while maintaining cost controls and asset quality, as well as on factors beyond our control, such as national and regional economic conditions and interest rate trends. If we are not able to control costs and maintain asset quality, such growth could adversely impact our earnings and financial condition.

 

The Company is required by Federal regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support its operations. The Company may at some point need to raise additional capital to support continued growth. The Company’s ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside the Company’s control, and on its financial performance. Accordingly, the Company cannot assure you of its ability to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to the Company. If the Company cannot raise additional capital when needed, the ability to further expand its operations could be materially impaired.

 

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The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act may adversely affect our business activities, financial position and profitability by increasing our regulatory compliance burden and associated costs, placing restrictions on certain products and services, and limiting our future capital raising strategies. 

 

On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act, which implements significant changes in the financial regulatory landscape and will impact all financial institutions, including the Company and the Bank.  The Dodd-Frank Act has and is likely to continue to increase our regulatory compliance burden.  

 

Among the Dodd-Frank Act’s significant regulatory changes, it created the CFPB that is empowered to promulgate new consumer protection regulations and revise existing regulations in many areas of consumer protection.   The CFPB has exclusive authority to issue regulations, orders and guidance to administer and implement the objectives of federal consumer protection laws.  Moreover, the Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt stricter consumer protection laws and state attorney generals may enforce consumer protection rules issued by the CFPB.  The Dodd-Frank Act also changes the scope of federal deposit insurance coverage, and increases the FDIC assessment payable by the Bank.  The CFPB and these other changes have increased, and will continue to increase, our regulatory compliance burden and costs and may restrict the financial products and services we offer to our clients.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act also imposed more stringent capital requirements on bank holding companies by, among other things, imposing leverage ratios on bank holding companies and prohibiting new trust preferred issuances from counting as Tier I capital.  These restrictions may limit our future capital strategies.  The Dodd-Frank Act also increases regulation of derivatives and hedging transactions, which could limit our ability to enter into, or increase the costs associated with, interest rate and other hedging transactions.

 

Although certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, such as required direct supervision by the CFPB, will not apply to banking organizations with less than $10 billion of assets, such as the Company and the Bank, the changes resulting from the legislation will impact our business.  New consumer protection rules issued by the CFPB will apply to us. These changes will require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes.

 

Negative developments in the financial services industry and U.S. and global credit markets may adversely impact our operations and results.

 

Our businesses and operations, which primarily consist of lending money to clients in the form of loans, borrowing money from clients in the form of deposits and investing in securities, are sensitive to general business and economic conditions in the United States. If the U.S. economy weakens, our growth and profitability from our lending, deposit and investment operations could be constrained. Uncertainty about the federal fiscal policymaking process, the medium and long-term fiscal outlook of the federal government and future tax rates is a concern for businesses, consumers and investors in the United States. In addition, economic conditions in foreign countries could affect the stability of global financial markets, which could hinder U.S. economic growth. Weak economic conditions are often characterized by deflation, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, a lack of liquidity and/or depressed prices in the secondary market for mortgage loans, increased delinquencies on mortgage, consumer and commercial loans, residential and commercial real estate price declines and lower home sales and commercial activity.

 

The current economic environment is also characterized by interest rates at historically low levels, which impacts our ability to attract deposits and to generate attractive earnings through our investment portfolio. All of these factors are detrimental to our business, and the interplay between these factors can be complex and unpredictable. Our business is also significantly affected by monetary and related policies of the U.S. federal government and its agencies. Changes in any of these policies are influenced by macroeconomic conditions and other factors that are beyond our control. Adverse economic conditions and government policy responses to such conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Uncertainty in the financial markets in general continued during 2015. Loan portfolio performances have deteriorated at many institutions resulting from, amongst other factors, a weak economy and a decline in the value of the collateral supporting their loans. The competition for our deposits has increased significantly due to liquidity concerns at many of these same institutions. Stock prices of bank holding companies, like ours, have been negatively affected by the current condition of the financial markets, as has our ability, if needed, to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets compared to recent years. As a result, there is potential for new federal or state laws and regulations regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and financial institution regulatory agencies are expected to be very aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of many formal enforcement actions. Negative developments in the financial services industry and the impact of new legislation in response to those

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developments could negatively impact our operations by restricting our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, and adversely impact our financial performance.

 

We are more sensitive than our more geographically diversified competitors to adverse changes in the local economy.

 

Much of our business is with clients located within Central and Northern New Jersey, as well as New York City. Our business loans are generally made to small to mid-sized businesses, most of whose success depends on the regional economy. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities. Adverse economic and business conditions in our market area could reduce our growth rate, affect our borrowers' ability to repay their loans and, consequently, adversely affect our financial condition and performance. Further, we place substantial reliance on real estate as collateral for our loan portfolio. A sharp downturn in real estate values in our market area could leave many of our loans under-secured, which could adversely affect our earnings.

 

If our allowance for loan losses were not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings would decrease.

 

We maintain an allowance for loan losses based on, among other things, the level of non-performing loans, loan growth, national and regional economic conditions, historical loss experience, delinquency trends among loan types and various qualitative factors. However, we cannot predict loan losses with certainty and we cannot assure you that charge-offs in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, review our allowance for loan losses and may require additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. Factors that require an increase in our allowance for loan losses could reduce our earnings.

 

Changes in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

 

Our net income depends primarily upon our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on loans, investments and other interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on deposits and borrowed funds.

 

Different types of assets and liabilities may react differently, and at different times, to changes in market interest rates. We expect that we will periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities. That means either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly than interest-earning assets, an increase in market rates of interest could reduce our net interest income. Likewise, when interest-earning assets mature or reprice more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could reduce our net interest income. We are unable to predict changes in market interest rates, which are affected by many factors beyond our control, including inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, domestic and international events and changes in the United States and other financial markets.

 

Our exposure to credit risk could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

 

There are certain risks inherent in making loans, including risks that the principal of or interest on the loan will not be repaid timely or at all or that the value of any collateral supporting the loan will be insufficient to cover our outstanding exposure. These risks may be affected by the strength of the borrower’s business sector and local, regional and national market and economic conditions. Our risk management practices, such as monitoring the concentration of our loans within specific industries and our credit approval practices, may not adequately reduce credit risk, and our credit administration personnel, policies and procedures may not adequately adapt to changes in economic or any other conditions affecting clients and the quality of the loan portfolio. Finally, many of our loans are made to small and medium-sized businesses that are less able to withstand competitive, economic and financial pressures than larger borrowers. A failure to effectively measure and limit the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Competition from other financial institutions in originating loans and attracting deposits may adversely affect our profitability.

 

We face substantial competition in originating loans. This competition comes principally from other banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking companies and other lenders. Many of our competitors enjoy advantages, including greater financial resources and higher lending limits, a wider geographic presence, and more accessible branch office locations.

 

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In attracting deposits, we face substantial competition from other insured depository institutions such as banks, savings institutions and credit unions, as well as institutions offering uninsured investment alternatives, including money market funds. Many of our competitors enjoy advantages, including greater financial resources, more aggressive marketing campaigns, better brand recognition and more branch locations. These competitors may offer higher interest rates than we do, which could decrease the deposits that we attract or require us to increase our rates to retain existing deposits or attract new deposits. Increased deposit competition could adversely affect our ability to generate the funds necessary for lending operations and increase our cost of funds.

 

We also compete with non-bank providers of financial services, such as brokerage firms, consumer finance companies, insurance companies and governmental organizations, which may offer more favorable terms. Some of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive regulations that govern our operations. As a result, such non-bank competitors may have advantages over us in providing certain products and services. This competition may reduce or limit our margins on banking services, reduce our market share and adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

 

Limits on our ability to use brokered deposits as part of our funding strategy may adversely affect our ability to grow.

 

A “brokered deposit” is any deposit that is obtained from or through the mediation or assistance of a deposit broker, which includes larger correspondent banks and securities brokerage firms. These deposit brokers attract deposits from individuals and companies throughout the country and internationally whose deposit decisions are based almost exclusively on obtaining the highest interest rates. At December 31, 2015, brokered deposits represented approximately 24.2% of our total deposits and equaled $710.7 million, comprised of the following: interest-bearing demand-brokered of $200.0 million, brokered certificates of deposits of $93.7 million and reciprocal deposits of $417.0 million. There are risks associated with using brokered deposits. In order to continue to maintain our level of brokered deposits, we may be forced to pay higher interest rates than contemplated by our asset-liability pricing strategy. In addition, banks that become less than “well capitalized” under applicable regulatory capital requirements may be restricted in their ability to accept or prohibited from accepting brokered deposits. If this funding source becomes more difficult to access, we will have to seek alternative funding sources in order to continue to fund our growth. This may include increasing our reliance on Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, attempting to attract non-brokered deposits, reducing our available for sale securities portfolio and selling loans. There can be no assurance that brokered deposits will be available, or if available, sufficient to support our continued growth.

 

Our commercial real estate loan portfolio exposes us to risks that may be greater than the risks related to our other mortgage loans.

 

Our loan portfolio includes non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans for individuals and businesses for various purposes, which are secured by commercial properties, as well as real estate construction and development loans. These loans typically involve repayment dependent upon income generated, or expected to be generated, by the property securing the loan in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service. This may be adversely affected by changes in the economy or local market conditions. These loans expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans typically cannot be liquidated as easily as residential real estate. If we foreclose on these loans, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than for a single or multifamily residential property because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Additionally, non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans generally involve relatively large balances to single borrowers or related groups of borrowers. Accordingly, charge-offs on non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. Unexpected deterioration in the credit quality of our commercial real estate loan portfolio would require us to increase our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with our lending activities.

 

In the course of our business, we may purchase real estate, or we may foreclose on and take title to real estate. As a result, we could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, if we are the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. Any significant environmental liabilities could cause a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

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Lack of seasoning of our loan portfolio could increase risk of credit defaults in the future.

 

A large portion of loans in our loan portfolio and of our lending relationships are of relatively recent origin. In general, loans do not begin to show signs of credit deterioration or default until they have been outstanding for some period of time, a process referred to as “seasoning.” As a result, a portfolio of older loans will usually behave more predictably than a newer portfolio. Because a large portion of our portfolio is relatively new, the current level of delinquencies and defaults may not represent the level that may prevail as the portfolio becomes more seasoned. If delinquencies and defaults increase, we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Deterioration in the fiscal position of the U.S. federal government could adversely affect us and our banking operations.

 

The fiscal position of the U.S. federal government may become uncertain. In addition to causing economic and financial market disruptions, any deterioration in the fiscal outlook of the U.S. federal government, could, among other things, materially adversely affect the market value of the U.S. and other government and governmental agency securities that we hold, the availability of those securities as collateral for borrowing, and our ability to access capital markets on favorable terms. In particular, it could increase interest rates and disrupt payment systems, money markets, and long-term or short-term fixed income markets, adversely affecting the cost and availability of funding, which could negatively affect our profitability. Any of these developments could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Government regulation significantly affects our business.

 

The banking industry is extensively regulated. Banking regulations are intended primarily to protect depositors, and the FDIC deposit insurance funds, not the shareholders of the Company. We are subject to regulation and supervision by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and the Federal Reserve Bank. Regulatory requirements affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth. The bank regulatory agencies possess broad authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law. We are subject to various regulatory capital requirements, which involve both quantitative measures of our assets and liabilities and qualitative judgments by regulators regarding risks and other factors. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements or comply with other regulations could result in actions by regulators that could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends or otherwise adversely impact operations. In addition, changes in laws, regulations and regulatory practices affecting the banking industry may limit the manner in which we conduct our business. Such changes may adversely affect us, including our ability to offer new products and services, obtain financing, attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory spreads and may impose additional costs on us.

 

The Bank is also subject to a number of Federal laws, which, among other things, require it to lend to various sectors of the economy and population, and establish and maintain comprehensive programs relating to anti-money laundering and customer identification. The Bank's compliance with these laws will be considered by the Federal banking regulators when reviewing bank merger and bank holding company acquisitions or commencing new activities or making new investments in reliance on the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. As a public company, we are also subject to the corporate governance standards set forth in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as any rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC or the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

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The short-term and long-term impact of the newly proposed regulatory capital rules is uncertain and we may experience difficulty in transitioning to new rules.

 

In July 2013, the FRB published final rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations, referred to herein as the “Basel Rules”. For a detailed description of the Basel Rules, please refer to Part I, Item 1, Business – “Governmental Policies and Legislation – Capital Requirements” of this Annual Report. The FDIC and the OCC have adopted substantially identical rules (in the case of the FDIC, as interim final rules). The Rules implement the Basel Committee’s December 2010 framework, commonly referred to as Basel III, for strengthening international capital standards as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Basel III creates a new regulatory capital standard based on Tier 1 common equity and increases the minimum leverage and risk-based capital ratios applicable to all banking organizations. Basel III also changes how a number of the regulatory capital components are calculated. A significant increase in our capital requirement could reduce our growth and profitability and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

In January 2016 we announced the amendment to our FR Y-9C and the Bank’s amendment of its call report FFIEC 041 to correct three of the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios. The reason for the amendment is to correct an error in the Company’s and the Bank’s calculation of risk-weighting of certain of the Bank’s multifamily loans. It was determined by Management that the Bank was not compliant with the clarified regulatory guidance relating to the risk-weighting of multifamily loans for call report purposes. As a result, certain of the Bank’s loans were risk-weighted at a 50% level when they should have been risk-weighted at the 100% level. While we believe that there are no other such errors, we can provide no assurances that we will not experience further difficulties in transitioning to new Basel III requirements and interpretations.

 

Inability to fulfill minimum capital requirements could limit our ability to conduct or expand our business, pay a dividend, or result in termination of our FDIC deposit insurance, and thus impact our financial condition, our results of operations, and the market value of our stock.

 

We are subject to the comprehensive, consolidated supervision and regulation set forth by the FRB. Such regulation includes, among other matters, the level of leverage and risk-based capital ratios we are required to maintain. Depending on general economic conditions, changes in our capital position could have a materially adverse impact on our financial condition and risk profile, and also could limit our ability to grow through acquisitions or otherwise. Compliance with regulatory capital requirements may limit our ability to engage in operations that require the intensive use of capital and therefore could adversely affect our ability to maintain our current level of business or expand.

 

Furthermore, it is possible that future regulatory changes could result in more stringent capital or liquidity requirements, including increases in the levels of regulatory capital we are required to maintain and changes in the way capital or liquidity is measured for regulatory purposes, either of which could adversely affect our business and our ability to expand. For example, federal banking regulations adopted under Basel III standards require bank holding companies and banks to undertake significant activities to demonstrate compliance with higher capital requirements. Any additional requirements to increase our capital ratios or liquidity could necessitate our liquidating certain assets, perhaps on terms that are unfavorable to us or that are contrary to our business plans. In addition, such requirements could also compel us to issue additional securities, thus diluting the value of our common stock.

 

In addition, failure to meet established capital requirements could result in the FRB placing limitations or conditions on our activities and further restricting the commencement of new activities. The failure to meet applicable capital guidelines could subject us to a variety of enforcement remedies available to the federal regulatory authorities, including limiting our ability to pay dividends; issuing a directive to increase our capital; and terminating our FDIC deposit insurance.   See “Capital Requirements” under Item 1, “Business” for a further discussion of the various capital requirements to which we are, and in the future may be, subject.

 

We are subject to liquidity risk.

 

Liquidity risk is the potential that we will be unable to meet our obligations as they become due, capitalize on growth opportunities as they arise, or pay regular dividends because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding in a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances.

 

Liquidity is required to fund various obligations, including credit commitments to borrowers, mortgage and other loan originations, withdrawals by depositors, repayment of borrowings, dividends to shareholders, operating expenses and capital expenditures.

 

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Liquidity is derived primarily from retail deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments; sale, maturity and prepayment of investment securities; net cash provided from operations and access to other funding sources.

 

Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole as banking organizations face turmoil and domestic and worldwide credit markets deteriorate. Our ability to borrow from alternative sources, such as brokered deposits could also be impaired should the Bank’s regulatory capital falls below well capitalized.

 

Our information systems may experience a security breach, computer virus, or disruption of service.

 

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business, and provide clients with various products and services, including the ability to bank online. Despite positioning our communications and information systems environment to be capable of controlling, monitoring and proactively preventing security breaches, our network could become vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes and other security problems. We may be required to spend significant capital and other resources to protect against the threat of security breaches and computer viruses, or to alleviate problems caused by security breaches or viruses. To the extent that our activities or the activities of our client involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches and viruses could expose us to claims, litigation and other possible liabilities. Any failure, interruption, or breach in security or operational integrity of our systems could also result in failures or disruptions in our general ledger, deposit, loan, and other systems, and could subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny. Any inability to prevent security breaches or computer viruses could also cause existing clients to lose confidence in our systems and could adversely affect our reputation.

 

The price of our common stock may fluctuate.

 

The price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market constantly changes and recently, given the uncertainty in the financial markets, has fluctuated widely. We expect that the market price of our common stock will continue to fluctuate. Holders of our common stock will be subject to the risk of volatility and changes in prices.

 

Our common stock price can fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

 

  quarterly fluctuations in our operating and financial results;
  operating results that vary from the expectations of Management, securities analysts and investors;
  changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;
  events negatively impacting the financial services industry which result in a general decline in the market valuation of our common stock;
  announcements of material developments affecting our operations or our dividend policy;
  future sales of our equity securities;
  new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business;
  changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; and
  general domestic economic and market conditions.

 

In addition, recently the stock market generally has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, and industry factors and general economic and political conditions and events, such as economic slowdowns or recessions, interest rate changes or credit loss trends, could also cause our stock price to decrease regardless of our operating results.

 

Our ability to pay dividends to our common shareholders is limited.

 

Since the principal source of income for the Company is dividends paid to the Company by the Bank, the Company’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders will depend on whether the Bank pays dividends to it. As a practical matter, restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends act as restrictions on the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends by the Company. As a New Jersey-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to the restrictions on the

19 

payment of dividends contained in the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended. Under the Banking Act, the Bank may pay dividends only out of retained earnings, and out of surplus to the extent that surplus exceeds 50% of stated capital. The Company is also subject to FRB policies, which may, in certain circumstances, limit its ability to pay dividends. The FRB policies require, among other things, that a bank holding company maintain a minimum capital base and the FRB in supervisory guidance has cautioned bank holding companies about paying out too much of their earnings in dividends and has stated that banks should not pay out more in dividends than they earn. The FRB would most likely seek to prohibit any dividend payment that would reduce a holding company's capital below these minimum amounts.

 

We may lose lower-cost funding sources.

 

Checking, savings, and money market deposit account balances and other forms of client deposits can decrease when clients perceive alternative investments, such as the stock market, as providing a better risk/return tradeoff. If clients move money out of bank deposits and into other investments, we could lose a relatively low cost source of funds, increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income.

 

There may be changes in accounting policies or accounting standards.

 

Our accounting policies are fundamental to understanding our financial results and condition. Some of these policies require use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and financial results. We identified our accounting policies regarding the allowance for loan losses, goodwill and other intangible assets, and income taxes to be critical because they require Management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Under each of these policies, it is possible that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions, using different assumptions, or as new information becomes available.

 

From time to time the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the form and content of our external financial statements. In addition, accounting standard setters and those who interpret the accounting standards (such as the FASB, SEC, banking regulators and our independent auditors) may change or even reverse their previous interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. Changes in financial accounting and reporting standards and changes in current interpretations may be beyond our control, can be hard to predict and could materially impact how we report our financial results and condition. In certain cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively or apply an existing standard differently (also retroactively) which may result in our restating prior period financial statements in material amounts.

 

We encounter continuous technological change.

 

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve clients and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our clients by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy client demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our clients. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations. 

 

20 

 

We are subject to operational risk.

 

We face the risk that the design of our controls and procedures, including those to mitigate the risk of fraud by employees or outsiders, may prove to be inadequate or are circumvented, thereby causing delays in detection of errors or inaccuracies in data and information. Management regularly reviews and updates our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We may also be subject to disruptions of our systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control (including, for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications outages), which may give rise to losses in service to clients and to financial loss or liability. We are further exposed to the risk that our external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations (or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees as we are) and to the risk that our (or our vendors’) business continuity and data security systems prove to be inadequate.

 

Our performance is largely dependent on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. There is intense competition in the financial services industry for qualified employees. In addition, we face increasing competition with businesses outside the financial services industry for the most highly skilled individuals. Our business operations could be adversely affected if we were unable to attract new employees and retain and motivate our existing employees.

 

There may be claims and litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibility.

 

From time to time as part of the Company’s normal course of business, clients make claims and take legal action against the Company based on its actions or inactions. If such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to the Company, they may result in financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of the Company and its products and services. This may also impact client demand for the Company’s products and services. Any financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

 

Item 2. PROPERTIES

 

The Company owns 9 branches and leases 11 branches. The Company leases an administrative and operations office building in Bedminster, New Jersey, two private banking offices in Princeton and Teaneck, New Jersey and a trust office in Greenville, Delaware.

 

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

In the normal course of its business, lawsuits and claims may be brought against the Company and its subsidiaries. There is no currently pending or threatened litigation or proceedings against the Company or its subsidiaries, which assert claims that if adversely decided, we believe would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

21 

 

PART II

 

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

The Common Stock of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of PGC. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low sale prices on known trades and cash dividends declared per share by the Company.

 

           Dividend 
2015  High   Low   Per Share 
1st QUARTER  $21.84   $17.50   $0.05 
2nd QUARTER   22.89    19.96    0.05 
3rd QUARTER   22.97    19.93    0.05 
4th QUARTER   23.82    19.05    0.05 

 

           Dividend 
2014  High   Low   Per Share 
1st QUARTER  $22.78   $18.28   $0.05 
2nd QUARTER   22.21    18.29    0.05 
3rd QUARTER   22.00    17.40    0.05 
4th QUARTER   19.25    17.16    0.05 

 

Future dividends payable by the Company will be determined by the Board of Directors after consideration of earnings and financial condition of the Company, need for capital and such other matters as the Board of Directors deems appropriate. The payment of dividends is subject to certain restrictions, see Part I, Item 1, “Business - Restrictions on the Payment of Dividends.”

 

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Performance

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total return on a hypothetical $100 investment made on December 31, 2010 in (a) the Company’s common stock; (b) the Russell 3000 Stock Index, and (c) the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods KBW 50 Index (top 50 U.S. banks). The graph is calculated assuming that all dividends are reinvested during the relevant periods. The graph shows how a $100 investment would increase or decrease in value over time, based on dividends (stock or cash) and increases or decreases in the market price of the stock.

 

 

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation

 

       Period Ending     
Index  12/31/10   12/31/11   12/31/12   12/31/13   12/31/14   12/31/15 
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation   100.00    83.76    111.26    152.78    150.02    168.25 
Russell 3000   100.00    101.03    117.61    157.07    176.79    177.64 
KBW NASDAQ Bank   100.00    76.82    102.19    140.78    153.96    154.73 

 

On December 31, 2015, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock was $20.62. Also, on March 7, 2016, there were approximately 791 registered shareholders of record.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

None.

 

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Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

None.

 

Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following is selected consolidated financial data for the Company and its subsidiaries for the years indicated. This information is derived from the historical consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes.

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
(In thousands, except per share data)  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
Summary earnings:                         
  Interest income  $99,142   $75,575   $57,053   $56,090   $56,051 
  Interest expense   14,690    7,681    4,277    4,687    7,136 
    Net interest income   84,452    67,894    52,776    51,403    48,915 
  Provision for loan losses   7,100    4,875    3,425    8,275    7,250 
    Net interest income after provision                         
     for loan losses   77,352    63,019    49,351    43,128    41,665 
  Wealth management income   17,039    15,242    13,838    12,282    10,686 
  Other income, exclusive of securities gains, net   6,148    5,305    5,917    5,211    4,993 
Securities gains, net   527    260    840    3,810    1,037 
Total expenses   68,926    59,540    55,183    48,330    44,399 
    Income before income tax expense   32,140    24,286    14,763    16,101    13,982 
  Income tax expense   12,168    9,396    5,502    6,405    1,814 
Net income   19,972    14,890    9,261    9,696    12,168 
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion               474    1,228 
Net income available to common shareholders  $19,972   $14,890   $9,261   $9,222   $10,940 
                          
Per share data:
  Earnings per share-basic  $1.31   $1.23   $1.02   $1.05   $1.25 
  Earnings per share-diluted   1.29    1.22    1.01    1.05    1.25 
  Cash dividends declared   0.20    0.20    0.20    0.20    0.20 
  Book value end-of-period   17.61    16.36    14.79    13.90    12.47 
                          
  Basic weighted average shares outstanding   15,187,637    12,065,615    9,094,111    8,780,973    8,741,209 
  Common stock equivalents (dilutive)   247,359    106,492    82,688    47,501    1,061 
  Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding   15,434,996    12,172,107    9,176,799    8,828,474    8,742,270 
                          
Balance sheet data (at period end):                         
  Total assets  $3,364,659   $2,702,397   $1,966,948   $1,667,836   $1,600,335 
  Investment securities held to maturity                   100,719 
  Securities available to sale   195,630    332,652    268,447    304,479    319,520 
  FHLB and FRB stock, at cost   13,984    11,593    10,032    4,639    4,569 
  Total loans   2,913,242    2,250,267    1,574,201    1,132,584    1,038,345 
  Allowance for loan losses   25,856    19,480    15,373    12,735    13,223 
  Total deposits   2,935,470    2,298,693    1,647,250    1,516,427    1,443,892 
  Total shareholders’ equity   275,676    242,267    170,657    122,057    122,971 
  Cash dividends:                         
    Common   3,100    2,414    1,802    1,774    1,765 
    Preferred               112    823 
  Assets under administration at Wealth                         
    Management Division (market value)   3,321,624    2,986,623    2,690,601    2,303,612    1,957,146 

 

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   Years Ended December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
Selected performance ratios:                         
  Return on average total assets   0.64%   0.63%   0.54%   0.61%   0.79%
  Return on average common shareholders’  equity   7.71    7.96    7.37    8.03    10.74 
  Dividend payout ratio   15.52    16.21    19.46    19.24    16.13 
  Average equity to average assets ratio   8.30    7.94    7.26    7.25    7.64 
                          
  Net interest margin   2.80    3.01    3.26    3.50    3.47 
  Non-interest expenses to average assets   2.21    2.53    3.19    3.04    2.90 
  Non-interest income to average assets   0.76    0.88    1.19    1.34    1.09 
                          

Asset quality ratios (at period end):

                         
  Nonperforming loans to total loans   0.23%   0.30%   0.42%   1.04%   1.85%
  Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.22    0.30    0.44    0.91    1.65 
  Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans   383.22    284.38    231.87    108.55    68.83 
  Allowance for loan losses to total loans   0.89    0.87    0.98    1.12    1.27 
  Net charge-offs to average loans                         
       Plus other real estate owned   0.03    0.04    0.06    0.80    0.86 
                          
Liquidity and capital ratios:                         
  Average loans to average deposits   98.26%   92.55%   83.05%   76.39%   70.15%
  Total shareholders’ equity to total assets   8.19    8.96    8.68    7.32    7.68 
                          
  Total capital to risk-weighted assets *   11.40    15.55    15.33    13.08    13.76 
  Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets   10.42    14.38    14.07    11.83    12.51 
  Common equity tier 1 capital ratio to risk-                         
  weighted assets   10.42    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
  Tier 1 leverage ratio   8.10    9.11    9.00    7.27    7.73 

 

* The Company discovered in late 2015 an error in its risk rating of multifamily loans, which was corrected for all periods in 2015. For periods prior to 2015, any adjustment due to the error in risk rating is not reflected and the capital ratios for those periods reflect the “as reported” ratios. See Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Capital Resources” for further explanation.

 

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

OVERVIEW: The following discussion and analysis is intended to provide information about the financial condition and results of operations of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes and supplemental financial information appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (the “Company”), formed in 1997, is the parent holding company for Peapack-Gladstone Bank (the “Bank”), formed in 1921, a commercial bank providing innovative private banking services to businesses, non-profits and consumers which help them to establish, maintain and expand their legacy. Through its private banking locations in Bedminster, Morristown, Princeton and Teaneck, its wealth management division, and its branch network in Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, Middlesex and Union counties, the Bank offers a strong commitment to client service.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded net income of $19.97 million, and diluted earnings per share of $1.29 compared to $14.89 million and $1.22, respectively, for the same twelve month period last year, reflecting increases of $5.08 million or 34 percent and $0.07 per share or 6 percent, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2015 the Company recorded $2.5 million of charges related to the closure of two branch offices, as previously announced. These charges reduced pretax income by $2.5 million, net income by $1.6 million, and earnings per share by approximately $0.10 per share. During 2015, the Company continued to focus on executing its Strategic Plan – known as “Expanding Our Reach” – which focuses on the client experience and organic growth across all lines of business. The Strategic Plan calls for expansion of existing lines of business, and establishment of a new commercial and industrial (“C&I”) lending platform, through the use of private bankers, who lead with deposit gathering and wealth management discussions.

 

25 

 

In addition to continuing to execute the Strategic Plan, the following are additional highlights for 2015:

 

·Total end of year loan balances for the Company were $2.9 billion. This level reflected an increase of $663 million, or 29 percent, from the balance at December 31, 2014.
·Total “customer” deposits (defined as deposits excluding brokered CDs and brokered “overnight” interest-bearing demand deposits) at the end of 2015 were $2.64 billion, reflecting an increase of $663 million, or 33 percent, from the balance at December 31, 2014.
·At December 31, 2015, the market value of assets under administration at the Private Wealth Management Division of the Bank was $3.32 billion, reflecting an increase of 11 percent from the balance at December 31, 2014 and included the acquisition of a wealth management company in the second quarter of 2015.
·Asset quality metrics continue to be strong. Nonperforming assets declined in both dollars and as a percentage of assets to 0.22 percent of total assets as of December 31, 2015, compared to 0.30 percent of total assets as of December 31, 2014.
·The book value per share at December 31, 2015 of $17.61 reflected improvement when compared to $16.36 at December 31, 2014.

 

The Company’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PGC.”

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Note 1 to the Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, contains a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

 

Management believes that the Company’s policy with respect to the methodology for the determination of the allowance for loan losses involves a higher degree of complexity and requires Management to make difficult and subjective judgments, which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. Changes in these judgments, assumption or estimates could materially impact results of operations. This critical policy and its application are periodically reviewed with the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.

 

The provision for loan losses is based upon Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance, including an assessment of known and inherent risks in the portfolio, giving consideration to the size and composition of the loan portfolio, actual loan loss experience, level of delinquencies, detailed analysis of individual loans for which full collectability may not be assured, the existence and estimated fair value of any underlying collateral and guarantees securing the loans, and current economic and market conditions. Although Management uses the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate, which is subject to significant judgment and short-term change. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to make additional provisions for loan losses based upon information available to them at the time of their examination. Furthermore, the majority of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate in the State of New Jersey and to a lesser extent New York City. Accordingly, the collectability of a substantial portion of the carrying value of the Company’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in local market conditions and may experience continuing adverse economic conditions. Future adjustments to the provision for loan losses and allowance for loan losses may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond the Company’s control.

 

The Company accounts for its securities in accordance with “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” which was codified into Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320. Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when Management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity due to changes in interest rates, prepayment risk, liquidity or other factors. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, all securities were classified as available for sale.

 

Securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis to determine whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary. To determine whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, Management considers the reasons underlying the decline, the near-term prospects of the issuer, the extent and duration of the decline and whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely

26 

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. “Other-than-temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospects for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the amount of the impairment is split into two components – other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss, which must be recognized through earnings. No impairment charges were recognized in 2015, 2014 or 2013. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.

 

EARNINGS SUMMARY:

 

The following table presents certain key aspects of our performance for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

   Years Ended December 31,   Change 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  2015   2014   2013   2015 v 2014   2014 v 2013 
Results of Operations:                    
Interest income  $99,142   $75,575   $57,053   $23,567   $18,522 
Interest expense   14,690    7,681    4,277    7,009    3,404 
   Net interest income   84,452    67,894    52,776    16,558    15,118 
Provision for loan losses   7,100    4,875    3,425    2,225    1,450 
Net interest income after provision                         
   for loan losses   77,352    63,019    49,351    14,333    13,668 
Wealth management fee income   17,039    15,242    13,838    1,797    1,404 
Other income   6,675    5,565    6,757    1,110    (1,192)
Total operating expense   68,926    59,540    55,183    9,386    4,357 
Income before income tax expense   32,140    24,286    14,763    7,854    9,523 
Income tax expense   12,168    9,396    5,502    2,772    3,894 
Net income  $19,972   $14,890   $9,261   $5,082   $5,629 
                          
Per Share Data:                         
Basic earnings per common share  $1.31   $1.23   $1.02   $0.08   $0.21 
Diluted earnings per common share   1.29    1.22    1.01    0.07    0.21 
                          
Average common shares outstanding   15,187,637    12,065,615    9,094,111    3,122,022    2,971,504 
Diluted average common shares                         
   outstanding   15,434,996    12,172,107    9,176,799    3,262,889    2,995,308 
                          
Average common equity to                         
   average assets   8.30%   7.94%   7.26%   0.36%   0.68%
Return on average assets   0.64    0.63    0.54    0.01    0.09 
Return on average common equity   7.71    7.96    7.37    (0.25)   0.59 
                          
Selected Balance Sheet Ratios:                         
Total capital to risk-weighted assets   11.40%   15.55%   15.33%   (4.15)%   0.22%
Leverage ratio   8.10    9.11    9.00    (1.01)   0.11 
Average loans to average deposits   98.26    92.55    83.05    5.75    9.50 
Allowance for loan losses to total                         
   loans   0.89    0.87    0.98    (0.01)   (0.11)
Allowance for loan losses to                         
   nonperforming loans   383.22    284.38    231.87    98.84    52.51 
Nonperforming loans to total loans   0.23    0.30    0.42    (0.08)   (0.12)
Noninterest bearing deposits to                         
   total deposits   14.30    15.94    21.62    (1.64)   (5.68)
Time deposits to total deposits   17.99    14.38    9.52    3.61    4.86 

 

27 

 

2015 compared to 2014

 

The Company recorded net income $19.97 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.29 for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to net income of $14.89 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.22 for the year ended December 31, 2014. These results produced a return on average assets of 0.64 percent and 0.63 percent in 2015 and 2014, respectively, and a return on average shareholders’ equity of 7.71 percent and 7.96 percent in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

The increase in net income for the 2015 year were due to higher net interest income and other income, offset by an increased provision for loan losses and other operating expenses when compared to 2014. Higher operating expenses were principally due to costs associated with the Strategic Plan and a branch restructuring charge, described in the “Overview” section above.

 

2014 compared to 2013

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded net income of $14.89 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.22 compared to net income of $9.26 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.01 for the year ended December 31, 2013. These results produced a return on average assets of 0.63 percent and 0.54 percent in 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a return on average shareholders’ equity of 7.96 percent and 7.37 percent in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Earnings for the 2014 year were benefitted by higher net interest income, offset by a higher provision for loan losses and by higher other operating expenses when compared to 2013. Higher operating expenses were principally due to costs associated with the Strategic Plan, described in the “Overview” section above.

 

NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN

 

The primary source of the Company’s operating income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest and dividends earned on earning assets and fees earned on loans, and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Earning assets include loans to individuals and businesses, investment securities, interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold. Interest-bearing liabilities include interest-bearing checking, money market, savings and time deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings. Net interest income is determined by the difference between the yields earned on earning assets and the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities (“Net Interest Spread”) and the relative amounts of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s net interest spread is affected by regulatory, economic and competitive factors that influence interest rates, loan demand and deposit flows and general levels of nonperforming assets.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s net interest income and related spread and margin for the periods indicated:

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Net interest income  $84,452   $67,894   $52,776 
Interest rate spread   2.69%   2.92%   3.18%
Net interest margin   2.80    3.01    3.26 

 

 

28 

The following table compares the average balance sheets, net interest spreads and net interest margins for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (on a fully tax-equivalent basis-“FTE”):

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

   Average   Income/Expense   Yield 
(In thousands except yield information)  Balance   (FTE )   (FTE) 
Assets:               
Interest-earnings assets:               
  Investments:               
     Taxable (1)  $231,152   $4,079    1.76%
     Tax-exempt (1)(2)   31,158    858    2.75 
  Loans held for sale   1,144    55    4.81 
  Loans (2)(3):               
      Mortgages   465,803    15,189    3.26 
      Commercial mortgages   1,718,097    61,286    3.57 
      Commercial   404,908    15,101    3.73 
      Commercial construction   3,679    156    4.24 
      Installment   32,774    1,096    3.34 
      Home Equity   51,227    1,657    3.23 
      Other   518    48    9.27 
      Total loans   2,677,006    94,533    3.53 
  Federal funds sold   101        0.10 
  Interest-earning deposits   95,287    204    0.21 
     Total interest-earning assets   3,035,848   $99,729    3.29%
Noninterest-earning assets:               
  Cash and due from banks   7,445           
  Allowance for loan losses   (22,550)          
  Premises and equipment   31,771           
  Other assets   67,915           
     Total noninterest-earning assets   84,581           
     Total assets  $3,120,429           
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:               
Interest-bearing deposits:               
  Checking  $741,199   $1,495    0.20%
  Money markets   746,329    2,047    0.27 
  Savings   116,289    64    0.06 
  Certificates of deposit - retail   354,626    4,411    1.24 
     Subtotal interest-bearing deposits   1,958,443    8,017    0.41 
  Interest-bearing demand - brokered   268,414    2,534    0.94 
  Certificates of deposit - brokered   102,937    2,034    1.98 
  Total interest-bearing deposits   2,329,794    12,585    0.54 
  Borrowed funds   113,027    1,602    1.42 
  Capital lease obligation   10,452    503    4.81 
     Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,453,273    14,690    0.60%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:               
  Demand deposits   394,567           
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities   13,530           
     Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   408,097           
Shareholders’ equity   259,059           
     Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $3,120,429           
        Net interest income       $85,039      
        Net interest spread             2.69%
        Net interest margin (4)             2.80%
1.Average balances for available for sale securities are based on amortized cost.
2.Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a 35 percent federal tax rate.
3.Loans are stated net of unearned income and include nonaccrual loans.
4.Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis as a percentage of total average interest-earning assets.

 

29 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

       Income/     
   Average   Expense   Yield 
(In thousands except yield information)  Balance   (FTE )   (FTE) 
Assets:               
Interest-earnings assets:               
  Investments:               
     Taxable (1)  $212,038   $4,156    1.96%
     Tax-exempt (1)(2)   52,015    1,160    2.23 
  Loans held for sale   1,029    48    4.66 
  Loans (2)(3):               
     Mortgages   489,941    16,524    3.37 
     Commercial mortgages   1,156,369    44,319    3.83 
     Commercial   171,701    6,818    3.97 
     Commercial construction   5,996    262    4.37 
     Installment   24,223    969    4.00 
     Home Equity   48,055    1,550    3.23 
     Other   571    53    9.28 
     Total loans   1,896,856    70,495    3.72 
  Federal funds sold   101        0.10 
  Interest-earning deposits   111,554    248    0.22 
     Total interest-earning assets   2,273,593   $76,107    3.35%
Noninterest-earning assets:               
  Cash and due from banks   6,475           
  Allowance for loan losses   (17,462)          
  Premises and equipment   31,220           
  Other assets   60,474           
     Total noninterest-earning assets   80,707           
     Total assets  $2,354,300           
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:               
Interest-bearing deposits:               
  Checking  $498,408   $782    0.16%
  Money markets   680,760    1,612    0.24 
  Savings   114,702    59    0.05 
  Certificates of deposit - retail   162,418    1,522    0.94 
     Subtotal interest-bearing deposits   1,456,288    3,975    0.27 
  Interest-bearing demand – brokered   128,855    306    0.24 
  Certificates of deposit – brokered   97,944    1,384    1.41 
  Total interest-bearing deposits   1,683,087    5,665    0.34 
  Borrowed funds   95,713    1,533    1.60 
  Capital lease obligation   10,085    483    4.79 
     Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,788,885    7,681    0.43%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:               
  Demand deposits   366,424           
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities   11,960           
     Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   378,384           
Shareholders’ equity   187,031           
     Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $2,354,300           
        Net interest income       $68,426      
        Net interest spread             2.92%
        Net interest margin (4)             3.01%

 

1.Average balances for available for sale securities are based on amortized cost.
2.Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a 35 percent federal tax rate.
3.Loans are stated net of unearned income and include nonaccrual loans.
4.Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis as a percentage of total average interest-earning assets.

30 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

       Income/     
   Average   Expense   Yield 
(In thousands except yield information)  Balance   (FTE )   (FTE) 
Assets:               
Interest-earnings assets:               
  Investments:               
     Taxable (1)  $230,158 $  4,606    2.00%
     Tax-exempt (1)(2)   53,038    1,307    2.46 
  Loans held for sale   5,498    285    5.18 
  Loans (2)(3):               
     Mortgages   526,643    18,616    3.53 
     Commercial mortgages   576,776    24,684    4.28 
     Commercial   109,331    5,082    4.65 
     Commercial construction   8,956    427    4.77 
     Installment   20,458    902    4.41 
     Home Equity   47,489    1,542    3.25 
     Other   594    58    9.76 
     Total loans   1,290,247    51,311    3.98 
  Federal funds sold   101        0.10 
  Interest-earning deposits   60,685    152    0.25 
     Total interest-earning assets   1,639,727 $  57,661    3.52%
Noninterest-earning assets:               
  Cash and due from banks   5,970           
  Allowance for loan losses   (13,653)          
  Premises and equipment   29,312           
  Other assets   69,197           
     Total noninterest-earning assets   90,826           
     Total assets  $1,730,553           
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:               
Interest-bearing deposits:               
  Checking  $358,316 $  308    0.09%
  Money markets   578,819    1,048    0.18 
  Savings   113,914    59    0.05 
  Certificates of deposit - retail   162,921    1,763    1.08 
     Subtotal interest-bearing deposits   1,213,970    3,178    0.26 
  Interest-bearing demand - brokered   8,387    15    0.18 
   Certificates of deposit – brokered   5,000    60    1.20 
  Total interest-bearing deposits   1,227,357    3,253    0.27 
  Borrowed funds   32,894    603    1.83 
  Capital lease obligation   8,855    421    4.75 
     Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,269,106    4,277    0.34%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:               
  Demand deposits   326,286           
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities   9,460           
     Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   335,746           
Shareholders’ equity   125,701           
     Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $1,730,553           
        Net interest income       $53,384      
        Net interest spread             3.18%
        Net interest margin (4)             3.26%

 

1.Average balances for available for sale securities are based on amortized cost.
2.Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a 35 percent federal tax rate.
3.Loans are stated net of unearned income and include nonaccrual loans.
4.Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis as a percentage of total average interest-earning assets.

 

31 

The effect of volume and rate changes on net interest income (on a tax-equivalent basis) for the periods indicated are shown below:

   Year Ended 2015 Compared with 2014   Year Ended 2014 Compared with 2013 
       Net       Net 
   Difference due to   Change In   Change In   Change In 
   Change In:   Income/   Income/   Income/ 
(In Thousands):  Volume   Rate   Expense   Volume   Rate   Expense 
ASSETS:                              
Investments  $(124)  $(255)  $(379)  $(325)  $(272)  $(597)
Loans   28,383    (4,345)   24,038    23,811    (4,627)   19,184 
Loans held for sale   5    2    7    (208)   (29)   (237)
Federal funds sold                        
Interest-earning deposits   (34)   (10)   (44)   116    (20)   96 
Total interest income  $28,230   $(4,608)  $23,622   $23,394   $(4,948)  $18,446 
LIABILITIES:                              
Checking  $655   $58   $713   $428   $46   $474 
Money market   303    132    435    315    249    564 
Savings   (6)   11    5             
Certificates of deposit - retail   2,276    613    2,889    (3)   (238)   (241)
Certificates of deposit - brokered   71    579    650    1,310    14    1,324 
Interest bearing demand brokered   1,326    902    2,228    286    5    291 
Borrowed funds   72    (3)   69    1,075    (145)   930 
Capital lease obligation   17    3    20    57    5    62 
Total interest expense  $4,714   $2,295   $7,009   $3,468   $(64)  $3,404 
Net interest income  $23,516   $(6,903)  $16,613   $19,926   $(4,884)  $15,042 

 

2015 compared to 2014

 

Net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, grew $16.6 million, or 24 percent, in 2015 to $85.0 million from net interest income of $68.4 million in 2014. The net interest margin was 2.80 percent and 3.01 percent for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, a decrease of 21 basis points year over year. Net interest income increased in 2015 due to an increase in loan volumes, especially multifamily mortgages and commercial loans, offset by declines in the average investment portfolios, as well as the effect of lower market rates on loans and investments. The net interest margin for 2015 was impacted by the effect of low market yields, competitive pressures in attracting new loans and deposits, and the maintenance of larger interest bearing deposit/cash balances. The Company expects continued loan growth, albeit at a much lower rate than in the past two years, in this lower market rate and competitive environment in future periods.

 

On a fully tax-equivalent basis, interest income on earning assets increased $23.6 million, or 31 percent, to $99.7 million in 2015 from $76.1 million in 2014. Average earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $3.04 billion compared to $2.27 billion for the same period of 2014, an increase of $762 million or 34 percent over 2014 average earning assets. The average rate earned on earning assets was 3.29 percent in 2015, compared to 3.35 percent in 2014, a decrease of 6 basis points.

 

Average interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2015, totaled $2.45 billion, an increase of $664 million, or 37 percent, over the average interest-bearing liabilities for 2014 of $1.79 billion. The average rate paid increased to 0.60 percent for 2015 from 0.43 percent for 2014. The increase in the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities was due to competitive pressures in attracting new deposits to support loan growth, as well as the growth of brokered certificates of deposits and the effect of interest rate swaps. The increase in the average rate paid on interest-bearing demand-brokered deposits is primarily due to interest paid on the $180.0 million notional principal in interest rate swaps that the Company is using to hedge against future rises in interest rates. These swaps resulted in an increase of approximately $1.6 million in interest expense, or an additional 0.59 percent in the average rate paid. Brokered certificates of deposit are generally medium/longer term and have been used in the Company’s interest rate risk management practices. The Company utilized a diverse funding mix to meet its funding needs to manage interest rate risk, as well as to retain a higher level of liquidity on its balance sheet.

 

32 

 

The average balance of borrowings was $113.0 million for 2015 compared to $95.7 million during 2014, an increase of $17.3 million. Average overnight borrowings increased $16.7 million during 2015 to $29.3 million. The average rates paid on total borrowings was 1.42 percent during 2015 compared to 1.60 percent during 2014, a decrease of 18 basis points. The average rates paid on the Company’s overnight borrowings during 2015 was 0.36 percent compared to 0.38 percent during 2014, while the average rates paid on Federal Home Loan Bank advances was 1.78 percent in 2015 and 2014. The decrease in the overall rate on borrowings is a result of higher utilization of overnight borrowings.

 

The average balance on capital lease obligations was $10.5 million and $10.1 million during 2015 and 2014, respectively, while the average rate paid on capital lease obligations was 4.81 percent and 4.79 percent in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

2014 compared to 2013

 

On a fully tax-equivalent basis, net interest income was $68.4 million in 2014, an increase of $15.0 million or 28 percent over net interest income of $53.4 million in 2013. For 2014 and 2013, the Company’s net interest margin was 3.01 percent and 3.26 percent, respectively, a decrease of 25 basis points year over year. Net interest income increased from 2013 to 2014 due to an increase in loan volumes, especially multifamily mortgages, offset by declines in the average investment portfolios, as well as the effect of lower market rates on loans and investments. The net interest margin for 2014 was impacted by the effect of low market yields, competitive pressures in attracting new loans and deposits, and the maintenance of larger interest bearing deposit/cash balances. The Company expects continued loan growth in this lower market rate and competitive environment.

 

Interest income on earning assets, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, increased $18.4 million or 32 percent to $76.1 million in 2014 from $57.7 million in 2013. Average earning assets for 2014 and 2013 totaled $2.27 billion and $1.64 billion, respectively, an increase of $634 million or 39 percent over 2013 average earning assets. The average rate earned on earning assets was 3.35 percent in 2014, compared to 3.52 percent in 2013, a decrease of 17 basis points.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, average interest-bearing liabilities totaled $1.79 billion, an increase of $520 million or 41 percent over the average interest-bearing liabilities for 2013 of $1.27 billion. The average rate paid increased to 0.43 percent for 2014 from 0.34 percent for 2013. The increase in the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities was due to competitive pressures in attracting new deposits to support loan growth, as well as the growth of brokered certificates of deposits. Brokered certificates of deposit are generally medium/longer term and have been used in the Company’s interest rate risk management practices. Brokered interest-bearing demand deposits have been utilized in the Company’s liquidity management. These brokered deposits are more cost effective than other alternatives and do not require any pledging of collateral. The Company utilized alternative sources to meet its funding needs to manage interest rate risk, as well as to retain a higher level of liquidity on its balance sheet.

 

The average balance of borrowings was $95.7 million for 2014 compared to $32.9 million during 2013, an increase of $62.8 million. Average Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased during 2014 to $83.7 million as the Company utilized medium term, fixed rate FHLB advances, from time to time, as an interest rate risk management tool. Average overnight borrowings increased $7.3 million during 2014 to $12.7 million. The average rates paid on total borrowings was 1.60 percent during 2014 compared to 1.83 percent during 2013, a decrease of 23 basis points. The average rates paid on the Company’s overnight borrowings during 2014 was 0.38 percent compared to 0.35 percent during 2013, while the average rates paid on Federal Home Loan Bank advances was 1.78 percent and 2.28 percent in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The average balance on capital lease obligations was $10.1 million and $8.9 million during 2014 and 2013, respectively, while the average rate paid on capital lease obligations was 4.79 percent and 4.75 percent in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Investment securities available for sale are purchased, sold and/or maintained as a part of the Company’s overall balance sheet management including liquidity and interest rate risk management strategies, and in response to changes in interest rates, liquidity needs, prepayment speeds and/or other factors. These securities are carried at estimated fair value, and unrealized changes in fair value are recognized as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized in income at the time the securities are sold.

 

At December 31, 2015, the Company had investment securities available for sale with a fair value of $195.6 million compared with $332.7 million at December 31, 2014. Net unrealized gains (net of income tax) of $408 thousand and $1.3 million were included in shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

33 

The carrying value of investment securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are shown below:

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
U.S. treasury and U.S. government-               
  sponsored entity bonds  $   $35,670   $14,770 
Mortgage-backed securities-residential               
  (principally U.S. government-sponsored               
  entities)   160,607    242,289    189,080 
SBA pool securities   7,520    7,944     
State and political subdivision   22,029    41,394    59,343 
Single-issuer trust preferred security   2,535    2,400    2,370 
CRA investment fund   2,939    2,955    2,884 
                
  Total  $195,630   $332,652   $268,447 

 

The following table presents the contractual maturities and yields of debt securities available for sale, stated at fair value, as of December 31, 2015:

 

       After 1   After 5         
       But   But   After     
   Within   Within   Within   10     
(Dollars in thousands)  1 Year   5 Years   10 Years   Years   Total 
U.S. treasury and U.S. government-  $   $   $   $   $ 
  sponsored entity bonds   %   %   %   %   %
Mortgage-backed securities-  $13   $15,028   $52,103   $93,463   $160,607 
  residential (1)   5.06%   2.84%   1.80%   1.65%   1.81%
SBA pool securities  $   $   $   $7,520    7,520 
    %   %   %   0.49%   0.49%
State and political subdivisions (2)  $7,167   $8,484   $5,220   $1,158   $22,029 
    1.87%   3.43%   4.77%   5.34%   3.32%
Single-issuer trust preferred security (1)  $   $   $   $2,535   $2,535 
    %   %   %   1.13%   1.13%
  Total  $7,180   $23,512   $57,323   $104,676   $192,691 
    1.88%   3.05%   2.07%   1.59%   1.91%

 

(1)Shown using stated final maturity
(2)Yields presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis.

 

Federal funds sold and interest-earning deposits are an additional part of the Company’s liquidity and interest rate risk management strategies. The combined average balance of these investments during 2015 was $95.4 million compared to $111.7 million in 2014.

 

LOANS: The loan portfolio represents the largest portion of the Company’s earning assets and is the primary source of interest and fee income. Loans are primarily originated in the State of New Jersey and, the boroughs of New York City area and, to a lesser extent, Pennsylvania. Forty nine percent of the total loan portfolio is concentrated in multifamily mortgages and fourteen percent of the total loan portfolio is concentrated in commercial mortgages. The discussion below excludes $82.2 million of performing multifamily loans held for sale, as of December 31, 2015, at lower of cost or fair value.

 

Total loans were $2.91 billion and $2.25 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, an increase of $663.0 million, or 29 percent, over the previous year. During 2015, commercial mortgages and multifamily mortgages increased $441.1 million, or 32 percent, due to a company-wide focus on this type of business in both the New Jersey and the boroughs of New York City markets as well as continued demand from borrowers looking to refinance multifamily and other commercial mortgages held by other institutions. Commercial loans totaled $512.9 million at December 31, 2015, increasing $204.1 million, or 66 percent, from 2014, as the Company introduced a comprehensive C&I lending program in 2013 and added seasoned bankers focused on C&I lending in both 2014 and 2015, as well as a seasoned head of C&I lending in early 2015. This resulted in robust growth during the current year. Residential mortgage loans totaled $470.9 million at December 31, 2015, an increase of $4.1 million, or 1 percent, from 2014. Throughout 2015 and continuing a trend that began in the middle of 2013 with an increase in mortgage rates, the Company experienced continued low levels of residential mortgage loans originations for which Management had expected and planned. Additionally, a shift in the

34 

Company’s strategy, emphasizing shorter duration mortgage loans for relationship purposes and de-emphasizing origination for sale, also contributed to lower levels of residential mortgages.

 

The following table presents an analysis of outstanding loans by loan type, net of unamortized discounts and deferred loan origination costs, as of December 31,

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
Residential mortgage  $ 470,869   $ 466,760   $ 532,911   $ 515,014   $ 498,482 
Multifamily mortgage   1,416,775    1,080,256    541,503    161,705    104,056 
Commercial mortgage   413,118    308,491    290,494    258,381    226,503 
Commercial loans   512,886    308,743    131,795    115,372    123,845 
Commercial-construction   1,401    5,998    5,893    9,328    13,713 
Home equity lines of credit   52,649    50,141    47,905    49,635    50,291 
Consumer and other loans   45,544    29,878    23,700    23,149    21,455 
  Total loans  $2,913,242   $2,250,267   $1,574,201   $1,132,584   $1,038,345 

 

The following table presents the contractual repayments of the loan portfolio, by loan type, at December 31, 2015:

 

   Within   After 1 But   After     
(In thousands)  One Year   Within 5 Years   5 Years   Total 
Residential mortgage  $146,562   $227,688   $96,619   $470,869 
Commercial mortgage   332,040    1,210,341    287,512    1,829,893 
Commercial loans   367,548    108,206    37,132    512,886 
Commercial-construction   1,401            1,401 
Home equity lines of credit   52,649            52,649 
Consumer and other loans   32,154    8,975    4,415    45,544 
  Total loans  $932,354   $1,555,210   $425,678   $2,913,242 

 

The following table presents the loans, by loan type, that have a predetermined interest rate and an adjustable interest rate due after one year at December 31, 2015:

 

   Predetermined   Adjustable 
(In thousands)  Interest Rate   Interest Rate 
Residential mortgage  $216,891   $165,364 
Commercial mortgage   154,676    1,601,880 
Commercial loans   46,852    80,627 
Commercial construction   1,249     
Consumer loans   17,182    13 
  Total loans  $436,850   $1,847,884 

 

The Company has not made nor invested in subprime loans or “Alt-A” type mortgages. At December 31, 2015, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans are classified as nonperforming.

 

Consistent with the Company’s balance sheet management strategy, the Company sold approximately $200 million of performing multifamily mortgages through loan participations in 2015. In addition, the Company had $82.2 million of performing multifamily loans classified as loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value as of December 31, 2015.

 

The geographic breakdown of the Multifamily portfolio, net of participated multifamily loans, at December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
New Jersey  $638,504    45%
New York   635,880    45 
Pennsylvania   142,391    10 
Total Multifamily  $1,416,775    100%

 

A further breakdown of the multifamily portfolio by County within each respective State is as follows:

 

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New Jersey  New York  Pennsylvania
Essex County   22%  Bronx County   58%  Philadelphia   55%
Hudson County   23   New York       Bucks County   21 
Passaic County   8   City   21   All other PA     
Bergen County   7   Kings County   14     Counties   24 
Monmouth County   7   All other NY             
All other NJ Counties   33     Counties   7         
Total   100%  Total   100%  Total   100%

 

Principal types of owner occupied commercial real estate properties, included in commercial loans on the balance sheet, at December 31, 2015 are:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
Office Buildings/Office Condominiums  $24,684    14%
Medical Offices   24,304    14 
Industrial (including Warehouse)   21,751   12 
Healthcare   20,227    12 
Retail Buildings/ Shopping Centers   15,876    9 
Auto Dealerships   14,777    8 
Recreational Facilities   11,878    7 
Schools   7,314    4 
Restaurants   7,025    4 
Other Owner Occupied CRE Properties   28,440    16 
Total Owner Occupied CRE Loans  $176,276    100%

 

Principal types of non-owner occupied commercial real estate properties at December 31, 2015 are:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
Retail Buildings/ Shopping Centers  $168,979    30%
Hotels and Hospitality   100,518    18 
Office Buildings/Office Condominiums   79,687    14 
Mixed Use (Retail / Office)   41,201    7 
Medical Offices   41,130    7 
Mixed Use (Commercial / Residential)   35,544    6 
Healthcare   33,971    6 
Senior Housing   24,177    4 
Industrial (including Warehouse)   21,871    4 
Other Non-Owner Occupied CRE Properties   21,771    4 
Total Non-Owner Occupied  CRE Loans  $568,849    100%

 

DEPOSITS: At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company reported total deposits of $2.94 billion and $2.30 billion, an increase of $636.8 million, or 27.7 percent, year over year. The Company’s strategy is to fund a majority of loan growth with core deposits, which is an important factor in the generation of net interest income. The Company’s average deposits for 2015 increased $674.9 million, or 32.9 percent, over 2014 average levels to $2.72 billion. On average, the Company saw the largest dollar growth in interest-bearing checking, retail certificate of deposits and money market balances. The Company has successfully focused on:

 

·Growth in deposits associated with its private banking activities, including lending activities;
·Business and personal core deposit generation, particularly checking; and
·Municipal relationships within its market territory.

 

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The Company continues to maintain brokered interest-bearing demand deposits as an additional source of liquidity. Such deposits are generally a more cost effective alternative to wholesale borrowings and do not require pledging of collateral, as the borrowings do. These deposits increased to $200 million at December 31, 2015 from $188 million at December 31, 2014. The Company ensures ample available collateralized liquidity as a backup to these short-term brokered deposits. There are $180 million of notional principal interest rate swaps matched to these deposits for interest rate risk management purposes.

 

Brokered certificates of deposit were also utilized throughout 2015 and 2014; however, balances decreased $37.9 million or 28.8 percent, from $131.7 million at December 31, 2014 to $93.7 million at December 31, 2015. The majority of these deposits are longer term and have been transacted as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management. These certificates of deposit are also a more cost effective alternative than other borrowings and also do not require the Company to pledge collateral.

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the composition of the Company’s average deposit base and average interest rates paid for the following years:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Noninterest-bearing demand  $394,567    %  $366,424    %  $326,286    %
Checking   741,199    0.20    498,408    0.16    358,316    0.09 
Savings   116,289    0.06    114,702    0.05    113,914    0.05 
Money markets   746,329    0.27    680,760    0.24    578,819    0.18 
Certificates of deposit - retail   354,626    1.24    162,418    0.94    162,921    1.08 
Interest-bearing                              
   Demand - brokered   268,414    0.94    128,855    0.24    8,387    0.18 
Certificates of deposit - brokered   102,937    1.98    97,944    1.41    5,000    1.20 
  Total deposits  $2,724,361    0.46%  $2,049,511    0.28%  $1,553,643    0.21%

 

The Company is a participant in the Reich & Tang Demand Deposit Marketplace (“DDM”) program. The Company uses these deposit sweep services to place customer funds into interest-bearing demand (checking) accounts issued by other participating banks. Customer funds are placed at one or more participating bank to ensure that each deposit customer is eligible for the full amount of FDIC insurance. As a program participant, the Company receives reciprocal amounts of deposits from other participating banks. The DDM program is considered to be a source of brokered deposits for bank regulatory purposes. However, the Company considers these reciprocal deposit balances to be in-market customer deposits as distinguished from traditional out-of-market brokered deposits. Reciprocal deposits of $417.0 million are included in the company’s interest bearing checking deposits as of December 31, 2015.

 

Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over are generally purchased by local municipal governments or individuals for periods of one year or less. The following table shows the remaining maturity for certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

Three months or less  $9,962 
Over three months through six months   16,680 
Over six months through twelve months   23,338 
Over twelve months   311,359 
  Total  $361,339 

 

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES AND OTHER BORROWINGS: At December 31, 2015 and 2014, Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances totaled $83.7 million with a weighted average interest rate of 1.78 percent for both periods. The Company considers FHLB advances an added source of funding, and accordingly, may execute transactions from time to time as an additional part of Company’s liquidity and interest rate risk management strategies. The FHLB advances outstanding at December 31, 2015 have varying maturities, call dates and interest rates, as well as prepayment penalties. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 overnight borrowings totaled $40.7 and 54.6 million, respectively with a weighted average rate of 0.52% and 0.32% respectively.

 

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ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES AND RELATED PROVISION: The allowance for loan losses was $25.9 million at December 31, 2015 compared to $19.5 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans outstanding was 0.89 percent compared to 0.87 percent at December 31, 2014. The provision for loan losses was $7.1 million for 2015, $4.9 million for 2014 and $3.4 million for 2013.

 

In determining an appropriate amount for the allowance, the Bank segments and evaluates the loan portfolio based on Federal call report codes, which are based on collateral. The following portfolio classes have been identified:

a)Primary Residential Mortgages. The Bank originates one to four family residential mortgage loans in the Tri-State area, Pennsylvania and Florida. On a case by case basis, the Bank will lend in additional states, pending compliance with that state’s laws governing residential lending. When reviewing residential mortgage loan applications, detailed verifiable information is gathered on income, assets and through a tri-merged credit report obtained from a credit repository that will determine total monthly debt obligations. Utilizing an independent appraisal from an approved Appraisal Management Company, the Bank makes residential mortgage loans up to 80 percent of the appraised value and up to 97 percent with private mortgage insurance. The Bank has developed a portfolio of mortgage products that are used exclusively to attract or maintain wealth, commercial or retail banking relationships. There is no differentiation by property type and LTVs are done uniformly. There are three loan levels: (1) loans up to $1 million, (2) loans greater than $1 million to $3 million, and (3) loans greater than $3 million to $5 million. Loans greater than $5 million will also be considered based on the strength of the overall credit profile of the borrower. Underwriting guidelines include (i) minimum credit report scores of 700 and (ii) a maximum debt to income ratio of 45 percent. The Bank may consider an exception to any guideline if there are strong compensating factors that address and mitigate any risk. Generally, the Bank retains in its portfolio residential mortgage loans with fixed rate maturities of no greater than 7 years, which then convert to annually adjusted floating rates. Community Development loans granted under the Affordable Housing Program are offered with 30 year maturities. Loans with longer maturities or lower credit scores are sold to secondary market investors. The Bank does not originate, purchase or carry any sub-prime mortgage loans.

 

Primary risk characteristics associated with primary residential mortgage loans typically involve major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. In addition, residential mortgage loans that have adjustable rates could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.

 

Bank Management believes that the underwriting guidelines previously described address the primary risk characteristics. Further, the Bank has dedicated staff and system resources to monitor and collect on any potentially problematic residential mortgage loans.

 

b)Home Equity Lines of Credit. The Bank provides revolving lines of credit against one to four family residences in the Tri-State area. These loans are primarily in a second lien position, but may be used as a first lien, in lieu of a primary residential first mortgage. When reviewing home equity line of credit applications, the Bank collects detailed verifiable information regarding income, assets and through a single merged credit report that will determine total monthly debt obligations. The Bank will use an automated valuation model on all lines up to $250,000 and will obtain an independent appraisal of the subject property on all applications exceeding $250,000. Loan-to-value (“LTVs”) and combined LTVs are capped at 80% or 65% on primary residences, depending on the combined debt amount, and are not allowed on investment properties. These loans are subordinate to a first mortgage which may be from another lending institution. The Bank will require that the mortgage securing the home equity line of credit be no lower than a second lien position. The combined first mortgage and home equity line, must be no more than 80 percent of the appraised value of the property when the combined debt is less than or equal to $800,000. For line amounts where the combined debt exceeds $800,000, the maximum loan-to-value ratio is 65 percent. All applications for home equity lines of credit adhere to the underwriting standards and guidelines that consumer lending is regulated and governed by. Exceptions can be made to these guidelines with compensating factors that address and mitigate the risk associated with the exception.

 

Primary risk characteristics associated with home equity lines of credit typically involve major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. In addition, home equity lines of credit typically are made with variable or floating interest rates, such as the Prime Rate, which could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate value could

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drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.

 

Bank Management believes that the underwriting guidelines previously described address the primary risk characteristics. Further, the Bank has dedicated staff and system resources to monitor and collect on any potentially problematic home equity lines of credit.

 

c)Junior Lien Loan on Residence. The Bank provides junior lien loans (“JLL”) against one to four family properties in the Tri-State area. Junior lien loans can be either in the form of an amortizing fixed rate home equity loan or a revolving home equity line of credit. These loans are subordinate to a first mortgage which may be from another lending institution. The Bank will require that the mortgage securing the JLL be no lower than a second lien position. When reviewing the JLL application, the Bank collects detailed verifiable information regarding income, assets and through a single merged credit report that will determine total monthly debt obligations. The Bank will use an automated valuation model on all JLLs up to $250,000 and will obtain an independent appraisal of the subject property on all applications exceeding $250,000. LTV and combined LTVs are capped at 80% or 65% on primary residences, depending on the combined debt amount, and are not allowed on investment properties. The combined first mortgage and JLL, must be no more than 80 percent of the appraised value of the property when the combined debt is less than or equal to $800,000. For JLL amounts where the combined debt exceeds $800,000, the maximum loan-to-value ratio is 65 percent. All applications for JLLs adhere to the underwriting standards and guidelines that consumer lending is regulated and governed by. Exceptions can be made to these guidelines with compensating factors that address and mitigate the risk associated with the exception. Primary risk characteristics associated with JLLs typically involve major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. Further, real estate value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.

 

Bank Management believes that the underwriting guidelines previously described address the primary risk characteristics. Further, the Bank has dedicated staff and system resources to monitor and collect on any potentially problematic junior lien loans.

 

d)Multifamily Loans. Multifamily loans are commercial mortgages on residential apartment buildings. Within the multifamily sector, the Bank’s primary focus is to lend against larger non-luxury apartment buildings and rent regulated properties with at least 30 units that are owned and managed by experienced sponsors. As of December 31, 2015, the average property size in the portfolio was 46 units.

 

Multifamily loans are expected to be repaid from the cash flow of the underlying property so the collective amount of rents must be sufficient to cover all operating expense, maintenance, taxes and debt service. The Bank includes debt service coverage covenants in these loans and the average ratio at original underwriting was about 1.57x. Increases in vacancy rates, interest rates or other changes in general economic conditions can all have an impact on the borrower and their ability to repay the loan. Certain markets, such as New York City, are rent regulated, and as such, feature rents that are considered to be below market rates. Generally, rent regulated properties are characterized by relatively stable occupancy levels and longer term tenants. As a loan asset class for many banks, multifamily loans have experienced much lower historical loss rates compared to other types of commercial lending.

 

The Bank’s loan policy allows loan to appraised value ratios of up to 75 percent and the overall portfolio average loan to value ratio was at 61.4% at year-end 2015. To obtain the optimum 50% risk rating under regulatory guidance, we have modified our underwriting of multifamily loans. The majority of all new originations have a ten year maturity with a five year reprice as contrasted with our former standard of a five year maturity with the borrower having an option to renew for five years at a reprice. For all new originations of refinances, we obtain prior pay history documentation, so that we can document an adequate twelve month pay history. These changes allow us to use a 50% risk rating for multifamily loans as long as other criteria are met.

 

Multifamily loan terms include prepayment penalties for early payoffs and generally require that the Bank escrow for real estate taxes. Multifamily loans will typically have a minimum debt service coverage ratio that provides for an adequate cushion for unexpected or uncertain events and changes in market conditions. In the loan underwriting process, the Bank requires an independent appraisal and review, appropriate environmental due diligence and an assessment of the property’s condition. A high majority of multifamily borrowers also maintain some form of deposit relationship with the Bank.

 

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e)Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Bank provides mortgage loans for commercial real estate that is either owner occupied or managed as an investment property (non-owner occupied).

 

The terms and conditions of all commercial mortgage loans are tailored to the specific attributes of the borrower and any guarantors as well as the nature of the property and loan purpose. In the case of investment commercial real estate properties, the Bank reviews, among other things, the composition and diversity of the underlying tenants, terms and conditions of the underlying tenant lease agreements, the resources and experience of the sponsor, and the condition and location of the subject property.

 

Commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk than multifamily loans as they may be dependent on the ongoing success and operating viability of a fewer number of tenants who are occupying the property and who may have a greater degree of exposure to various industry or economic conditions. To mitigate this risk, the Bank will generally require an assignment of leases, direct recourse to the owners, and a risk appropriate interest rate and loan structure. In underwriting an investment commercial real estate loan, the Bank evaluates the property’s historical operating income as well as its projected sustainable cash flow and generally requires a minimum debt service coverage ratio that provides for an adequate cushion for unexpected or uncertain events and changes in market conditions.

 

With an owner occupied property, a detailed credit assessment is made of the operating business since its ongoing success and profitability will be the primary source of repayment. While owner occupied properties include the real estate as collateral, the risk assessment of the operating business is more similar to the underwriting of commercial and industrial loans (described below). The Bank will evaluate factors such as, but not limited to, the expected sustainability of profits and cash flow, the depth and experience of management and ownership, the nature of competition, and the impact of forces like regulatory change and evolving technology.

 

The Bank’s policy allows loan to appraised value ratios of up to 75 percent. Commercial mortgage loans are generally made on a fixed rate basis with periodic rate resets every five or seven years over an underlying market index. Commercial mortgage loan terms include prepayment penalties for early payoffs and generally require that the Bank escrow for real estate taxes. The Bank requires an independent appraisal, an assessment of the property’s condition, and appropriate environmental due diligence. With all commercial real estate loans, the Bank’s standard practice is to require a depository relationship.

 

f)Commercial and Industrial Loans. The Bank provides lines of credit and term loans to operating companies for business purposes. The loans are generally secured by business assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, business vehicles and equipment. In addition, these loans often include commercial real estate as collateral to strengthen the Bank’s position and further mitigate risk. When underwriting business loans, among other things, the Bank evaluates the historical profitability and debt servicing capacity of the borrowing entity and the financial resources and character of the principal owners and guarantors.

 

Commercial and industrial loans are typically repaid first by the cash flow generated by the borrower’s business operation. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the underlying business and its ability to generate sustainable profitability and resulting positive cash flow. Factors that may influence a business’s profitability include, but are not limited to, demand for its products or services, quality and depth of management, degree of competition, regulatory changes, and general economic conditions. Commercial and industrial loans are generally secured by business assets; however, the ability of the Bank to foreclose and realize sufficient value from the assets is often highly uncertain. To mitigate the risk characteristics of commercial and industrial loans, the Bank will often require more frequent reporting requirements from the borrower in order to better monitor its business performance.

 

g)Agricultural Production. These are loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers. The Bank does not currently engage in this type of lending.

 

h)Commercial Construction. The Bank has discontinued its commercial construction activity, given the current economic environment, and is not likely to be increasing its exposure in this category.

 

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i)Consumer and Other. These are loans to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures as well as obligations of states and political subdivisions in the U.S. This also represents all other loans that cannot be categorized in any of the previous mentioned loan segments.

 

The provision was based upon Management’s review and evaluation of the size and composition of the loan portfolio, actual loan loss experience, level of delinquencies, general market and economic conditions, detailed analysis of individual loans for which full collectability may not be assured, and the existence and fair value of the collateral and guarantees securing the loans. Although Management used the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate, which is subject to significant judgment and short-term change. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to make additional provisions for loan losses based upon information available to them at the time of their examination. Furthermore, the majority of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate in the State of New Jersey and the New York City area. Accordingly, the collectability of a substantial portion of the carrying value of the Company’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions in these areas and may be adversely affected should real estate values decline further or if New Jersey or New York City experience continuing adverse economic conditions. Future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond the Company’s control.

 

The following table presents the loan loss experience, by loan type, during the periods ended December 31, of the years indicated:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
Allowance for loan losses at                         
  Beginning of year  $19,480   $15,373   $12,735   $13,223   $14,282 
Loans charged-off during the period:                         
  Residential mortgage   638    273    611    1,676    763 
  Commercial mortgage   16    669    56    6,987    6,767 
  Commercial and construction   73    123    16    305    879 
  Home equity lines of credit   210            91    89 
  Consumer and other   54    23    357    100    41 
  Total loans charged-off   991    1,088    1,040    9,159    8,539 
Recoveries during the period:                         
  Residential mortgage   17    1    48    3     
  Commercial mortgage   29    124    114    316    96 
  Commercial and construction   205    85    65    60    119 
  Home equity lines of credit   2                 
  Consumer and other   14    110    26    17    15 
  Total recoveries   267    320    253    396    230 
Net charge-offs   724    768    787    8,763    8,309 
Provision charge to expense   7,100    4,875    3,425    8,275    7,250 
Allowance for loan losses at end of year  $25,856   $19,480   $15,373   $12,735   $13,223 
                          
Ratios:                         
Allowance for loan losses/total loans   0.89%   0.87%   0.98%   1.12%   1.27%
Allowance for loan losses/                         
   Total nonperforming loans   383.22    284.38    231.87    108.55    68.83 

 

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The following table shows the allocation of the allowance for loan losses and the percentage of each loan category, by collateral type, to total loans as of December 31, of the years indicated:

 

       % of       % of       % of       % of       % of 
       Loan       Loan       Loan       Loan       Loan 
       Category       Category       Category       Category       Category 
       To Total       To Total       To Total       To Total       To Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  2015   Loans   2014   Loans   2013   Loans   2012   Loans   2011   Loans 
Residential  $2,450    9.5   $3,188    24.1   $2,698    38.7   $3,628    52.2   $2,682    55.0 
Commercial                                                  
  and other   23,293    90.1    16,196    74.7    12,597    60.3    9,015    46.4    9,955    43.8 
Consumer   113    0.4    96    1.2    78    1.0    92    1.4    78    1.2 
Unallocated       N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A    508    N/A 
  Total  $25,856    100.00   $19,480    100.0   $15,373    100.0   $12,735    100.0   $13,223    100.0 

 

The allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2015 totaled $25.9 million compared to $19.5 million at December 31, 2014. The allowance for loan loss as a percentage of loans increased to 0.89 percent at December 31, 2015 compared to 0.87 percent at December 31, 2014. The provision for loan losses made during 2015 totaled $7.1 million compared with $4.9 million for 2014. The provision for loan losses made was primarily influenced by net charge offs taken during the year of $724 thousand and the impact of loan growth experienced during 2015. The Company believes that the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2015 represents a reasonable estimate for probable incurred losses in the portfolio.

 

The portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated to loans collectively evaluated for impairment, commonly referred to as general reserves, was $25.4 million at December 31, 2015 and $18.5 million at December 31, 2014. General reserves at December 31, 2015 and 2014 represent 0.87 percent and 0.83 percent, respectively, of loans collectively evaluated for impairment. The Company experienced growth in the loan portfolio of approximately $745 million, including loans held for sale, of which $419 million was in the multifamily portfolio. As a result of the growth experienced, multifamily and residential loan classes make up 66 percent of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 compared to approximately 69 percent at December 31, 2014.

 

The specific reserve component of the allowance for loan losses decreased to $490 thousand at December 31, 2015 compared to $957 thousand as of December 31, 2014.

 

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans increased, as the level of nonperforming loans also decreased during the year. Nonperforming loans are specifically evaluated for impairment. Also, Management commonly records partial charge-offs of the excess of the principal balance over the fair value, less costs to sell, of collateral for collateral dependent impaired loans; as a result, the allowance for loan losses does not always change proportionately with changes in nonperforming loans. Management charged off $938 thousand on loans identified as collateral-dependent impaired loans during 2015 and charged off $935 thousand on loans identified as collateral-dependent impaired loans during 2014.

 

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ASSET QUALITY:

 

The following table presents various asset quality data for the years indicated. These tables do not include loans held for sale.

   Years Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
                     
Loans past due 30-89 days  $2,143   $1,755   $2,953   $3,786   $11,632 
                          
Troubled debt restructured loans  $18,663   $15,033   $13,966   $9,316   $11,104 
Loans past due 90 days or                         
  more and still accruing interest  $   $   $   $   $345 
Nonaccrual loans   6,747    6,850    6,630    11,732    18,865 
  Total nonperforming loans   6,747    6,850    6,630    11,732    19,210 
Other real estate owned   563    1,324    1,941    3,496    7,137 
  Total nonperforming assets  $7,310   $8,174   $8,571   $15,228   $26,347 
                          
Ratios:                         
Total nonperforming loans/total loans   0.23%   0.30%   0.42%   1.04%   1.85%
Total nonperforming loans/total assets   0.20    0.25    0.34    0.70    1.20 
Total nonperforming assets/total assets   0.22    0.30    0.44    0.91    1.65 

 

Due to the continued weakness in the housing markets and economic environment during 2015, some borrowers have found it difficult to make their loan payments under contractual terms. In certain of these cases, the Company has chosen to grant concessions and modify certain loan terms.

 

The following table presents the troubled debt restructured loans, by collateral, at December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

   December 31,   Number of   December 31,   Number of 
(Dollars in thousands)  2015   Relationships   2014   Relationships 
Primary residential mortgage  $6,642    27   $3,655    17 
Junior Lien Loan on Residence   59    1         
Owner-occupied commercial real estate   750    1         
Investment commercial real estate   11,074    3    11,229    3 
Commercial and industrial   138    1    149    1 
  Total  $18,663    33   $15,033    21 

 

At December 31, 2015 there were $2.4 million of troubled debt restructured loans included in nonaccrual loans above compared to $1.4 million at December 31, 2014. All troubled debt restructured loans are considered and included in impaired loans at December 31, 2015 and had specific reserves of $441 thousand. At December 31, 2014, all troubled debt restructured loans were considered and included in impaired loans and had specific reserves of $892 thousand.

 

Except as disclosed, the Company does not have any potential problem loans that causes Management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in disclosure of such loans.

 

Impaired loans totaled $23.1 million and $20.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Impaired loans include nonaccrual loans of $6.7 million and $6.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Impaired loans also include accruing troubled debt restructuring loans of $16.2 million at December 31, 2015 and $13.6 million at December 31, 2014.

 

43 

 

The following table presents impaired loans, by collateral type, at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

   December 31,   Number of   December 31,   Number of 
(Dollars in thousands)  2015   Relationships   2014   Relationships 
Primary residential mortgage  $9,752    45   $6,500    32 
Home equity lines of credit   254    5    210    3 
Junior lien loan on residence   176    3    164    3 
Owner-occupied commercial real estate   1,272    2    1,674    3 
Investment commercial real estate   11,482    4    11,653    4 
Commercial and industrial   171    2    248    2 
Consumer and other           2    1 
  Total  $23,107    61   $20,451    48 
Specific reserves, included in the                    
  allowance for loan losses  $490        $957      

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS: The following table shows the significant contractual obligations of the Company by expected payment period, as of December 31, 2015:

 

   Less Than           More Than     
(In thousands)  One Year   1-3 Years   3-5 Years   5 Years   Total 
Loan commitments  $282,135                282,135 
Long-term debt obligations   21,897    58,795    3,000        83,692 
Purchase obligations   3,562    6,794    4,900    2,050    17,306 
Capital lease obligations   1,007    2,208    2,341    7,819    13,375 
Operating lease obligations   1,893    2,743    1,789    1,266    7,691 
  Total contractual obligations  $310,494    70,540    12,030    11,135    404,199 

 

Long-term debt obligations include borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank with defined terms. The table reflects scheduled repayments of principal.

 

Leases represent obligations entered into by the Company for the use of land and premises. The leases generally have escalation terms based upon certain defined indexes. Common area maintenance charges may also apply and are adjusted annually based on the terms of the lease agreements.

 

Purchase obligations represent legally binding and enforceable agreements to purchase goods and services from third parties and consist of contractual obligations under data processing service agreements. The Company also enters into various routine rental and maintenance contracts for facilities and equipment. These contracts are generally for one year.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS: The following table shows the amounts and expected maturities of significant commitments, consisting primarily of letters of credit, as of December 31, 2015.

 

   Less Than           More Than     
(In thousands)  One Year   1-3 Years   3-5 Years   5 Years   Total 
Financial letters of credit  $2,778   $   $   $   $2,778 
Performance letters of credit   6,145                6,145 
Commercial letters of credit   1,510                1,510 
  Total letters of credit  $10,433   $   $   $   $10,433 

 

Commitments under standby letters of credit, both financial and performance, do not necessarily represent future cash requirements, in that these commitments often expire without being drawn upon.

 

44 

 

OTHER INCOME: The following table presents the major components of other income:

 

   Years Ended December 31,   Change 
(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013   2015 v 2014   2014 v 2013 
Service charges and fees  $3,323   $3,111   $2,798   $212   $313 
Bank owned life insurance   1,297    1,092    1,098    205    (6)
Loan fee income   567    280    74    287    206 
Gain on sale of loans (mortgage banking)   528    439    1,330    89    (891)
Securities gains   527    260    840    267    (580)
Swap fee income   372            372     
Gain on sale of loans held for sale at                         
   lower of cost or fair value       166    522    (166)   (356)
Gain/loss on ORE       139    85    (139)   54 
Other income   61    78    10    (17)   68 
Total other income  $6,675   $5,565   $6,757   $1,110   $(1,192)

 

2015 compared to 2014

 

The Company recorded total other income, excluding wealth management fee income of $6.7 million in 2015, reflecting an increase of $1.1 million or 20 percent compared to 2014 levels. The increase in 2015 was attributable to increases in net securities gains, service charges, bank owned life insurance and swap fee income, offset in part by a decrease in gain on ORE and gain on loans held at lower of cost or fair value.

 

Loan fee income, including late fees increased $287 thousand to $567 thousand for 2015 as compared to 2014. The increase in loan sale gains is due to increased levels of mortgage loans originated for sale. This increase in originations for sale was caused by market changes, as well as a shift in strategy, emphasizing the sale of mortgages.

 

Securities gains were $527 thousand for 2015 compared to $260 thousand for 2014. Sales of securities have been generally employed to benefit interest rate risk, prepayment risk, and/or liquidity risk. Given the short duration of the securities portfolio, sales have been employed much more often in 2015 compared to 2014.

 

Bank owned life insurance income was $1.3 million for 2015 compared to $1.1 million for 2014 an increase of $205 thousand related to a net life insurance death benefit under its BOLI policies.

 

Swap fee income was $372 thousand for 2015 related to the Company’s loan level/back-to-back swap program, which was implemented during 2015. The program utilizes mirror interest rate swaps, one directly with the commercial loan customer and one directly with a well-established counterparty. This enables a commercial loan customer to benefit from a fixed rate loans, while the Company records a floating rate loan. The program provides enhanced interest rate risk management, as well as the potential for fee income for the Company.

 

2014 compared to 2013

 

The Company recorded total other income, excluding wealth management fee income of $5.6 million in 2014, reflecting a decrease of $1.2 million or 18 percent compared to 2013 levels. The decrease in 2014 was attributable to decreases in net securities gains and gains on sale of loans, offset in part by an increase in service charges and fees.

 

Securities gains were $260 thousand for 2014 compared to $840 thousand for 2013. Sales of securities have been generally employed to benefit interest rate risk, prepayment risk, and/or liquidity risk. Given the short duration of the securities portfolio, sales have been employed much less often in 2014 compared to 2013.

 

The decrease in loan sale gains is due to decreased levels of mortgage loans originated for sale. This decline in originations for sale was caused by market changes, most notably a rise in rates in mid-2013, as well as a shift in strategy, emphasizing relationship mortgage loans which are not sold.

 

The Company sold $67 million of longer-duration, lower-coupon residential first mortgage loans during 2014 as part of its strategy to de-emphasize residential first mortgage lending, while benefitting its liquidity and interest rate risk positions. Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, included the gain on sale of mortgage loans of $166 thousand.

 

45 

OPERATING EXPENSES: The following table presents the major components of operating expenses:

 

   Years Ended December 31,   Change 
(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013   2015 v 2014   2014 v 2013 
Salaries and employee benefits  $40,278   $36,241   $32,249   $4,037   $3,992 
Premises and equipment   11,569    9,963    9,914    1,606    49 
Other operating expenses:                         
Professional and legal fees   2,747    1,873    2,085    874    (212)
FDIC assessment   2,154    1,381    1,121    773    260 
Wealth Division other expense   2,147    1,896    1,702    251    194 
Branch restructure   1,735            1,735     
Telephone   942    914    696    28    218 
Advertising   637    594    519    43    75 
Loan expense   426    532    676    (106)   (144)
Postage   376    391    409    (15)   (18)
Stationery and supplies   318    306    391    12    (85)
Provision for ORE losses   250    400    1,010    (150)   (610)
Other operating expenses   5,347    5,049    4,411    298    638 
Total operating expense  $68,926   $59,540   $55,183   $9,386   $4,357 

 

2015 compared to 2014

 

Operating expenses totaled $68.9 million in 2015, compared to $59.5 million in 2014, resulting in an increase of $9.4 million, or 16 percent. Salaries and benefits expense, which accounts for the largest portion of operating expenses, totaled $40.3 million in 2015, reflecting an increase of $4.0 million or 11 percent, when compared to 2014. This is largely due to the continuation of strategic hiring in line with the Strategic Plan. Strategic hiring that was considered in the Company’s Strategic Plan, the acquisition of a wealth management company, normal salary increases and increases in bonus and incentive accruals contributed to the increase in salaries and benefits expense when comparing the 2015 to the 2014 years.

 

In 2015, the Company recorded a total of $2.5 million of charges related to the closure of two branch offices. Branch restructure charges totaled $1.7 million, while depreciation expense related to the closures totaled $723 thousand of the $2.5 million. Management anticipates that the restructuring will create future benefit in the form of lower expenses.

 

Provision for ORE expense was $250 thousand and $400 thousand in 2015 and 2014, respectively. All ORE provision was related to one large ORE property. Loan expense decreased $106 thousand or 20 percent to $426 thousand in 2015, due to fewer problem loans in 2015 compared to 2014.

 

The Company recorded FDIC assessment expense of $2.2 million and $1.4 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, an increase of $773 thousand, or 56 percent year over year. This increase is largely due to the increased size of our balance sheet from 2014. In addition, we anticipate an approximate $950 thousand increase in our quarterly FDIC premium in 2016.

 

Due to our significant growth and high concentration in multifamily lending, Management has decided to accelerate costs associated with investment in infrastructure over the next three to 12 months to ensure we adhere to risk management strategies that are considered best practices. We believe these costs to be temporary and we cannot predict when the additional FDIC premium will be eliminated. While, the Company strives to operate in an efficient manner and control costs; higher operating costs are necessary to continue to grow our core businesses and we anticipate higher operating expenses in 2016 compared to prior periods. The Company anticipates that revenue and related profitability associated with these plans will begin to improve after lagging expenses by several quarters.

 

46 

 

2014 compared to 2013

 

Operating expenses totaled $59.5 million in 2014, compared to $55.2 million in 2013, resulting in an increase of $4.4 million, or 8 percent. Salaries and benefits expense, which accounts for the largest portion of operating expenses, totaled $36.2 million in 2014, reflecting an increase of $4.0 million or 12 percent, when compared to 2013. This is largely due to strategic hiring in line with the Strategic Plan. In 2014, in addition to the normal salary increases and the additional compensation associated with additions to staff, the Company saw increases in bonus and incentive accruals associated with the Company’s growth.

 

Wealth management division other expense totaled $1.9 million in 2014, increasing $194 thousand, or 11 percent, from 2013 due to increased system expenses related to increased volume. Professional and legal fees decreased $212 thousand, or 10 percent, from $2.1 million in 2013 to $1.9 million in 2014, due primarily to fees in 2013 associated with the search for a new head of Wealth Management.

 

Loan expense totaled $532 thousand in 2014, decreasing $144 thousand, or 21 percent, when compared to 2013 expense due to lower expenses associated with problem loans. Provision for ORE expense was $400 thousand and $1.0 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively, and both were as a result of an adjustment necessary relating to one large ORE property.

 

The Company strives to operate in an efficient manner and control costs; however, given its plans to grow its core businesses, it expects higher operating expenses in 2015 compared to prior periods. The Company anticipates that revenue and related profitability associated with these plans will begin to improve after lagging expenses by several quarters.

 

INCOME TAXES: Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $12.2 million compared to income tax expense of $9.4 million for the same period of 2014. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 37.86 percent compared to 38.69 percent for the year ended December 31, 2014. The lower effective tax rate was a result of higher tax-exempt income along with the Company implementing a state tax planning strategy. The Company believes the effective tax rate will continue to decrease in future years.

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES: A solid capital base provides the Company with the ability to support future growth and financial strength and is essential to executing the Company’s Strategic Plan – “Expanding Our Reach.” The Company’s capital strategy is intended to provide stability to expand its businesses, even in stressed environments. The Company strives to maintain capital levels in excess of those considered to be well capitalized under regulatory guidelines applicable to banks. Maintaining an adequate capital position supports the Company’s goal of providing shareholders an attractive and stable long-term return on investment.

 

At December 31, 2015, the Company’s equity to total assets ratio was 8.19 percent, down from 8.96 percent at December 31, 2014. Also at December 31, 2015, the Company’s Tier 1 and total capital ratios were 10.42 percent and 11.40 percent, respectively, and its capital leverage ratio was 8.10 percent at December 31, 2015.

 

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation, or the “Reinvestment Plan,” allows shareholders of the Company to purchase additional shares of common stock using cash dividends without payment of any brokerage commissions or other charges. Beginning with the August 19, 2015 dividend payment, shareholders may also make voluntary cash payments of up to $200 thousand per quarter to purchase additional shares of common stock. The Reinvestment Plan provided $13.7 million of capital to the Company in 2015.

 

In December 2014, the Company successfully completed the sale of 2,776,215 common shares under its “at-the-market” equity offering program announced on October 23, 2014. The common shares in the offering were sold at a weighted average price of $18.01 per share, representing gross proceeds to the Company of $50 million, $48.2 million after sales agent commissions and offering expenses. The Board of Directors authorized the Company to contribute $48.2 million of the proceeds received from the equity offering to the Bank as equity.

 

As noted under Capital Requirements of Part I, Item 1, Basel III rules became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015, subject to phase-in periods for certain components.

 

47 

 

On January 29, 2016, the Company and the Bank, the Company’s wholly owned banking subsidiary, filed an amended FR Y-9C for the period ended September 30, 2015 (the “Amended Financial Statements”) and amended call report FFIEC 041 for the period ended September 30, 2015 (the “Amended Call Report”) with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Amended Financial Statements and the Amended Call Report amended three of the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory risk based capital ratios for the period ended September 30, 2015.

 

The amendments were necessary to correct an error in the Company’s and the Bank’s calculation of risk-weighting of certain of the Bank’s multifamily loans. It was determined by Management of the Bank that the Bank was not compliant with the regulatory guidance clarified in 2015, relating to the risk-weighting of multifamily loans for call report purposes. As a result, certain of the Bank’s loans were risk-weighted at a 50% level when they should have been risk-weighted at the 100% level. The correction of this error affected certain of the Bank’s and the Company’s capital ratios. All of the Bank’s capital ratios remain above the levels required to be considered “well-capitalized” and the Company’s capital ratios remain above regulatory requirements.

 

Consistent with regulatory guidance, on March 14, 2016, the Company and the Bank filed additional amended call reports for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 to reflect the appropriate risk rating for its multifamily loans. As with the September 30, 2015 amendments, the Bank’s regulatory ratios on the amended call reports reflect that the Bank exceeded the well capitalized requirements. In connection with the amended call reports Management also calculated the adjusted capital regulatory ratios for the Company. The chart below reflects the regulatory capital ratios as originally filed and as filed in the amended call reports for the Bank at each of March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2015.

 

March 31, 2015
Financial Corporation  Ratio as Originally   Ratio as   Well Capitalized 
Consolidated  Reported   Amended   Threshold for Banks 
Tier 1 Leverage   8.80%   8.80%   N/A 
Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   13.57%   11.53%   N/A 
Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   13.57%   11.53%   N/A 
Total (Tier 1 and 2) to Risk Weighted Assets   14.71%   12.50%   N/A 
Bank               
Tier 1 Leverage   8.41%   8.41%   5.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   12.96%   11.02%   6.50%
Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   12.96%   11.02%   8.00%
Total (Tier 1 and 2) to Risk Weighted Assets   14.10%   11.99%   10.00%

 

June 30, 2015
Financial Corporation  Ratio as Originally   Ratio as   Well Capitalized 
Consolidated  Reported   Amended   Threshold for Banks 
Tier 1 Leverage   8.48%   8.48%   N/A 
Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   12.46%   10.78%   N/A 
Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   12.46%   10.78%   N/A 
Total (Tier 1 and 2) to Risk Weighted Assets   13.58%   11.75%   N/A 
Bank               
Tier 1 Leverage   8.08%   8.08%   5.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   11.87%   10.28%   6.50%
Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   11.87%   10.28%   8.00%
Total (Tier 1 and 2) to Risk Weighted Assets   13.00%   11.25%   10.00%

 

September 30, 2015
Financial Corporation  Ratio as Originally   Ratio as   Well Capitalized 
Consolidated  Reported   Amended   Threshold for Banks 
Tier 1 Leverage   8.10%   8.10%   N/A 
Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   12.44%   10.35%   N/A 
Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   12.44%   10.35%   N/A 
Total (Tier 1 and 2) to Risk Weighted Assets   13.59%   11.30%   N/A 
Bank               
Tier 1 Leverage   8.02%   8.02%   5.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   12.33%   10.26%   6.50%
Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Assets   12.33%   10.26%   8.00%
Total (Tier 1 and 2) to Risk Weighted Assets   13.48%   11.21%   10.00%

 

None of the other financial data in the original Consolidated Financial Statements for the Company and the original call reports for the periods ended March 31, 2015, June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015 has been amended. The amendments to the regulatory reports for the period ending September 30, 2015 were disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 29, 2016.

 

Management believes the Company’s capital position and capital ratios are adequate.

 

48 

LIQUIDITY : Liquidity refers to an institution’s ability to meet short-term requirements including loan fundings, deposit withdrawals and maturing obligations, as well as long-term obligations, including potential capital expenditures. The Company’s liquidity risk management is intended to ensure the Company has adequate funding and liquidity to support its assets across a range of market environments and conditions, including stressed conditions. Principal sources of liquidity include cash, temporary investments, securities available for sale, customer deposit inflows, brokered deposits, loan repayments and secured borrowings. Other liquidity sources include loan and securities sales and loan participations.

 

Management actively monitors and manages the Company’s liquidity position and believes it is sufficient to meet future needs. Cash and cash equivalents, including federal funds sold and interest-earning deposits, totaled $70.2 million at December 31, 2015. In addition, the Company had $195.6 million in securities designated as available for sale at December 31, 2015. These securities can be sold, or used as collateral for borrowings, in response to liquidity concerns. In addition, the Company generates significant liquidity from scheduled and unscheduled principal repayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities.

 

A further source of liquidity is borrowing capacity. At December 31, 2015, unused secured borrowing commitments totaled $885.0 million from the FHLB and $113.9 million from the Federal Reserve Bank. In addition, the Company had $22.0 million in unsecured lines from correspondent banks.

 

Asset growth for 2015 was funded by a diversified source of funding alternatives, including customer deposits, brokered and listing service CDs, short term brokered interest-bearing demand deposits, multifamily loan participations, residential 1-4 family first mortgage loan sales and capital growth. The short term brokered interest-bearing demand deposit balances also assist in the Company’s liquidity management. These deposits are more cost effective than other short term alternatives and do not require any pledging of collateral. These deposits have generally funded the Company’s larger average interest earning deposit/cash balances maintained in 2015, as the Company had decided to maintain greater liquidity on its balance sheet, in light of its growth. The Company maintains at all times ample available collateralized liquidity as a backup to these short term brokered deposits.

 

The Company has a Board-approved Contingency Funding Plan in place. This document provides a framework for managing adverse liquidity stress and contingent sources of liquidity. The Company conducts liquidity stress testing on a regular basis to ensure sufficient liquidity in a stressed environment.

 

Management believes the Company’s liquidity position and sources are adequate.

 

EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES: The financial statements and related financial data presented herein have been prepared in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than do general levels of inflation.

 

PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT DIVISION: This division has served in the roles of executor and trustee while providing investment management, custodial, tax, retirement and financial services to its growing client base. This division also provides lending, residential mortgages and deposit services to high net worth individuals. Officers from the Private Wealth Management Division are available to provide wealth management, trust and investment services at the Bank’s corporate headquarters in Bedminster, at private banking locations in Morristown, Princeton and Teaneck, New Jersey and at the Bank’s subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware in Greenville, Delaware.

 

49 

 

The following table presents certain key aspects of the Private Wealth Management Division’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

   Years Ended December 31,   Change 
(In thousands, except per share data)  2015   2014   2013   2015 v 2014   2014 v 2013 
                     
Total fee income  $17,280   $15,242   $13,838   $2,038   $1,404 
                          
Salaries and benefits   8,145    7,562    5,745    583    1,817 
                          
Other operating expense (included in                         
  Operating Expenses section above)   5,811    5,170    5,039    641    131 
                          
Assets under administration                         
  (market value)  $3,321,624   $2,986,623   $2,690,601   $335,001   $296,022 
                          

2015 compared to 2014

 

The market value of assets under administration at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $3.32 billion and $2.99 billion, respectively, an increase of $335 million or 10 percent over the prior year. This includes assets held at Peapack-Gladstone Bank at year end 2015 and 2014 of $172.4 million and $102.0 million, respectively. The increase was the result of the acquisition of a wealth management company based out of Morristown, New Jersey, partially offset by declining market activity in the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

Wealth management fees increased $2.0 million or 13 percent to $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $15.2 million in 2014. The increase reflects increased relationships, a greater mix of higher margin business and an improvement in the market value of assets under management.

 

The Company’s expenses including the Private Wealth Management Division, expenses for the division increased to $14.0 million compared to $12.7 million for the same period in 2014, an increase of $1.2 million, or 10 percent. Other operating expenses increased $641 thousand or 12 percent to $5.8 for the year ended 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014. Salaries and benefits expense totaled $8.1 million and $7.6 million for the years ended 2015 and 2014, respectively, increasing $583 thousand or 8 percent. Expenses increased due to strategic hiring in line with the Company’s Strategic Plan, as well as growth in the business.

 

The Private Wealth Management Division currently generates adequate revenue to support the salaries, benefits and other expenses of the Division; however, Management believes that the Bank generates adequate liquidity to support the expenses of the Division should it be necessary.

 

2014 compared to 2013

 

The market value of assets under administration at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2.99 billion and $2.69 billion, respectively, an increase of $296 million or 11 percent over the prior year as the result of improving values in the markets as well as new business activity.

 

The Company realized wealth management fees totaling $15.24 million in 2014, an increase of $1.4 million, or 10 percent, over the levels in 2013. The increase reflects increased relationships, a greater mix of higher margin business and an improvement in the market value of assets under management.

 

While the “Operating Expenses” section above offers an overall discussion of the Company’s expenses including the Private Wealth Management Division, expenses for the division totaled $12.7 million compared to $10.8 million for the same period in 2013, an increase of $1.9 million, or 18 percent. For the 2014 year, salaries and benefits expense increased $1.8 million, or 32 percent, to $7.6 million when compared to the same period in 2013. Other operating expenses totaled $5.2 million and $5.0 million for the years ended 2014 and 2013, respectively, increasing $131 thousand, or 3 percent, when compared to 2013. Expenses increased due to strategic hiring in line with the Company’s Strategic Plan, as well as growth in the business.

 

50 

The Private Wealth Management Division currently generates adequate revenue to support the salaries, benefits and other expenses of the Division; however, Management believes that the Bank generates adequate liquidity to support the expenses of the Division should it be necessary.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This Annual Report on Form 10-K, both in the foregoing discussion and elsewhere, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about Management’s confidence and strategies and Management’s expectations about new and existing programs and products, investments, relationships, opportunities and market conditions. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “expect,” “look,” “believe,” “anticipate,”, “may,” “will” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to

 

·inability to successfully grow our business and implement our strategic plan, including an inability to generate revenues to offset the increased personnel and other costs related to the strategic plan;
·the impact of anticipated higher operating expenses in 2016 and beyond;
·inability to manage our growth;
·inability to successfully integrate our expanded employee base;
·a continued or unexpected decline in the economy, in particular in our New Jersey and New York market areas;
·declines in our net interest margin caused by the low interest rate environment and highly competitive market;
·declines in value in our investment portfolio;
·higher than expected increases in our allowance for loan losses;
·higher than expected increases in loan losses or in the level of nonperforming loans;
·unexpected changes in interest rates;
·a continued or unexpected decline in real estate values within our market areas;
·legislative and regulatory actions (including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Basel III and related regulations) subject us to additional regulatory oversight which may result in increased compliance costs;
·successful cyberattacks against our IT infrastructure and that of our IT providers;
·higher than expected FDIC insurance premiums;
·adverse weather conditions;
·inability to successfully generate new business in new geographic markets;
·inability to execute upon new business initiatives;
·lack of liquidity to fund our various cash obligations;
·reduction in our lower-cost funding sources;
·our inability to adapt to technological changes;
·claims and litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibility, environmental laws and other matters; and
·other unexpected material adverse changes in our operations or earnings.

 

 

The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

 

51 

 

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring asset/liability management strategies and reports and advising the Board of Directors on such, as well as the related level of interest rate risk. In this regard, interest rate risk simulation models are prepared on a quarterly basis. These models have the ability to demonstrate balance sheet gaps, and predict changes to net interest income and economic/market value of portfolio equity under various interest rate scenarios. In addition, these models, as well as ALCO processes and reporting, are subject to annual independent third-party review.

 

ALCO is generally authorized to manage interest rate risk through management of capital and management of cash flows and duration of assets and liabilities, including sales and purchases of assets, as well as additions of wholesale borrowings, brokered deposits and other sources of medium/longer term funding. ALCO is authorized to engage in interest rate swaps as a means of extending duration of shorter term liabilities and the Company entered into eight such contracts during 2015.

 

The following strategies are among those used to manage interest rate risk:

 

·Actively market commercial and industrial loan originations, which tend to have adjustable rate features, and which generate customer relationships that can result in higher core deposit accounts;
·Actively market commercial mortgage loan originations, which tend to have shorter terms and higher interest rates than residential mortgage loans, and which generate customer relationships that can result in higher core deposit accounts;
·Manage growth in the residential mortgage portfolio to adjustable-rate and/or shorter-term and/or “relationship” loans that result in core deposit relationships;
·Actively market core deposit relationships, which are generally longer duration liabilities;
·Utilize medium to longer term wholesale borrowings and/or brokered deposits to extend liability duration;
·Closely monitor and actively manage the investment portfolio, including management of duration, prepayment and interest rate risk;
·Maintain adequate levels of capital; and
·Utilize loan sales and/or loan participations.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company initiated a program of using interest rate swaps as a tool in the management of interest rate risk. The swap program is administered by ALCO and follows procedures and documentation in accordance with regulatory guidance and standards as set forth in ASC 815 for cash flow hedges. The program incorporates pre-purchase analysis, liability designation, sensitivity analysis and correlation analysis, daily mark-to-market and collateral posting as required. The Board is advised of all swap activity. The Company has swaps outstanding, receiving floating and paying fixed, with a notional value of $180.0 million as of December 31, 2015.

 

As noted above, ALCO uses simulation modeling to analyze the Company’s net interest income sensitivity, as well as the Company’s economic value of portfolio equity under various interest rate scenarios. The model is based on the actual maturity and repricing characteristics of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. The model incorporates certain prepayment and interest rate assumptions, which Management believes to be reasonable as of December 31, 2015. The model assumes changes in interest rates without any proactive change in the balance sheet by

Management. In the model, the forecasted shape of the yield curve remains static as of December 31, 2015.

 

In an immediate and sustained 200 basis point increase in market rates at December 31, 2015, net interest income for 2016 would increase approximately 1.9 percent. This sensitivity improves in 2017 to a further increase of 7.0 percent, when compared to a flat interest rate scenario and remains positive for years beyond 2017.

 

In an immediate and sustained 100 basis point decrease in market rates at December 31, 2015, net interest income would decline approximately 3.8 percent for 2016 and 5.9 percent for 2017, compared to a flat interest rate scenario.

 

Growth in medium and longer term CDs, growth in customer money market balances, and transacting in additional pay fixed/receive floating interest rate swaps, has benefitted the Company’s interest rate risk position.

 

52 

 

The table below shows the estimated changes in the Company’s economic value of portfolio equity (“EVPE”) that would result from an immediate parallel change in the market interest rates at December 31, 2015.

 

   Estimated Increase/   EVPE as a Percentage of 
(Dollars in thousands)  Decrease in EVPE   Present Value of Assets (2) 
Change In                    
Interest                    
Rates  Estimated           EVPE   Increase/(Decrease) 
(Basis Points)  EVPE (1)   Amount   Percent   Ratio (3)   (basis points) 
+200  $353,361   $(20,715)   (5.54)%   11.19%   (1.0)
+100   369,814    (4,262)   (1.14)   11.38    18.0 
Flat interest rates   374,076            11.20     
-100   371,600    (2,476)   (0.66)   10.86    (34.0)

 

(1)EVPE is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets and liabilities.
(2)Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.
(3)EVPE ratio represents EVPE divided by the present value of assets.

 

The simulation results as of December 31, 2015, reflect a change in modeling assumption, which reports the Company is less sensitive to rising interest rates. Following two years of monitoring and analysis, the Company determined that the interest rate sensitivity of deposits in the reciprocal, insured deposit program are the same as that of similar deposit products outside the program. Accordingly, beta assumptions (i.e. the linkage of product re-pricing to market rates) were modified for those deposits from overnight to the rates used for money markets.

 

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in determining interest rate risk. Simulation modeling requires making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the modeling assumes that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assume that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the information provides an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and will differ from actual results.

 

Management believes the Company’s interest rate risk position is reasonable.

 

53 

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

Audit Committee

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation

Bedminster, New Jersey

 

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of condition of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation ( the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. We also have audited Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation’s Management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting located in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by Management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

 

  /s/ Crowe Horwath LLP

 

 

Livingston, New Jersey

March 15, 2016

54 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION

 

   December 31, 
(In thousands, except share data)  2015   2014 
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks  $11,550   $6,621 
Federal funds sold   101    101 
Interest-earning deposits   58,509    24,485 
  Total cash and cash equivalents   70,160    31,207 
Securities available for sale   195,630    332,652 
FHLB and FRB stock, at cost   13,984    11,593 
Loans held for sale, at fair value   1,558    839 
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value   82,200     
Loans   2,913,242    2,250,267 
  Less:  allowance for loan losses   25,856    19,480 
  Net loans   2,887,386    2,230,787 
Premises and equipment   30,246    32,258 
Other real estate owned   563    1,324 
Accrued interest receivable   6,820    5,371 
Bank owned life insurance   42,885    32,634 
Deferred tax assets, net   15,582    10,491 
Goodwill   1,573    563 
Intangibles   1,708     
Other assets   14,364    12,678 
  Total assets  $3,364,659   $2,702,397 
LIABILITIES          
Deposits:          
  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  $419,887   $366,371 
  Interest-bearing deposits:          
    Checking   861,697    600,889 
    Savings   115,007    112,878 
    Money market accounts   810,709    700,069 
    Certificates of deposit   434,450    198,819 
Subtotal deposits   2,641,750    1,979,026 
    Interest-bearing demand – Brokered   200,000    188,000 
    Certificates of deposit - Brokered   93,720    131,667 
Total deposits   2,935,470    2,298,693 
Overnight borrowings   40,700    54,600 
Federal home loan bank advances   83,692    83,692 
Capital lease obligation   10,222    10,712 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   18,899    12,433 
  Total liabilities   3,088,983    2,460,130 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Preferred stock (no par value; authorized 500,000 shares)        
Common stock (no par value; stated value $0.83 per share;          
  authorized 21,000,000 shares; issued shares, 16,476,297 at          
  December 31, 2015 and 15,563,895 at December 31, 2014;          
  outstanding shares, 16,068,119 at December 31, 2015 and          
  15,155,717 at December 31, 2014)   13,717    12,954 
Surplus   213,203    195,829 
Treasury stock at cost (408,178 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014)   (8,988)   (8,988)
Retained earnings   58,123    41,251 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income, net   (379)   1,221 
    Total shareholders’ equity   275,676    242,267 
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $3,364,659   $2,702,397 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

55 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
(In thousands, except per share data)  2015   2014   2013 
INTEREST INCOME               
Loans, including fees  $94,284   $70,420   $51,218 
Loans held for sale   55    48    284 
Securities available for sale:               
  Taxable   4,079    4,156    4,606 
  Tax-exempt   520    703    793 
Interest-earning deposits   204    248    152 
   Total interest income   99,142    75,575    57,053 
INTEREST EXPENSE               
Checking accounts   1,495    781    308 
Savings and money market accounts   2,111    1,671    1,107 
Certificates of deposit   4,411    1,521    1,763 
Overnight and short-term borrowings   107    48    19 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,495    1,485    584 
Capital lease obligation   503    483    421 
   Subtotal – interest expense   10,122    5,989    4,202 
Interest-bearing demand - brokered   2,534    307    15 
Interest on certificates of deposits – brokered   2,034    1,385    60 
  Total interest expense   14,690    7,681    4,277 
   Net interest income before provision for loan losses   84,452    67,894    52,776 
Provision for loan losses   7,100    4,875    3,425 
   Net interest income after provision for loan losses   77,352    63,019    49,351 
OTHER INCOME               
Wealth management fee income   17,039    15,242    13,838 
Service charges and fees   3,323    3,111    2,798 
Bank owned life insurance   1,297    1,092    1,098 
Gain on loans held for sale at fair value   528    439    1,330 
Gain on loans held for sale at lower of cost or fair value       166    522 
Other income   1,000    497    169 
Securities gains, net   527    260    840 
  Total other income   23,714    20,807    20,595 
OPERATING EXPENSES               
Salaries and employee benefits   40,278    36,241    32,249 
Premises and equipment   11,569    9,963    9,914 
Other operating expenses   17,079    13,336    13,020 
  Total operating expenses   68,926    59,540    55,183 
Income before income tax expense   32,140    24,286    14,763 
Income tax expense   12,168    9,396    5,502 
  Net income   19,972    14,890    9,261 
                
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE               
  Basic  $1.31   $1.23   $1.02 
  Diluted   1.29    1.22    1.01 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

56 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013 
(Dollars in thousands)            
Net income  $19,972   $14,890   $9,261 
Other comprehensive (loss)/income:               
   Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities:               
      Unrealized holding gains arising during the period   (959)   2,378    (6,390)
     Less:  Reclassification adjustment for net gains               
       included in net income   527    260    840 
    (1,486)   2,118    (7,230)
  Tax effect   573    (820)   2,954 
Net of tax   (913)   1,298    (4,276)
                
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge               
    Unrealized holding loss   (1,162)   (169)    
    Reclassification adjustment for losses               
       included in net income            
    (1,162)   (169)    
    Tax effect   475    69     
Net of tax   (687)   (100)    
                
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income   (1,600)   1,198    (4,276)
                
Total comprehensive income  $18,372   $16,088   $4,985 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

57 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

                       Accumulated     
                       Other     
   Preferred   Common       Treasury   Retained   Comprehensive     
(In thousands, except per share data)  Stock   Stock   Surplus   Stock   Earnings   Income   Total 
Balance at January 1, 2013                                   
 8,917,799 common shares outstanding  $   $7,755   $97,675   $(8,988)  $21,316   $4,299   $122,971 
Net income 2013                       9,261         9,261 
Net change in accumulated                                   
  other comprehensive income                            (4,276)   (4,276)
Issuance of restricted stock, 189,858 shares        158    (158)                   
Amortization of restricted stock             590                   590 
Cash dividends declared on common stock                                   
  ($0.20 per share)                       (1,802)        (1,802)
Common stock option expense             319                   319 
Common stock options exercised and                                   
   related tax benefits, 2,982 shares        3    27                   30 
Sales of shares, (dividend                                   
  reinvestment program), 200,265 shares        167    3,081                   3,248 
Issuance of shares for Profit Sharing Plan,                                   
   7,025 shares        6    124                   130 
Issuance of shares, rights offering,                                   
   2,470,588 shares        2,059    39,041                   41,100 
Balance at December 31, 2013                                   
11,788,517 common shares outstanding  $   $10,148   $140,699   $(8,988)  $28,775   $23   $170,657 
Net income 2014                       14,890         14,890 
Net change in accumulated                                   
  other comprehensive income                            1,198    1,198 
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures, 145,747 shares        121    (121)                   
Amortization of restricted stock             1,475                   1,475 
Cash dividends declared on common stock                                   
  ($0.20 per share)                       (2,414)        (2,414)
Common stock option expense             234                   234 
Common stock options exercised and                                   
   related tax benefits, 14,702 shares        14    160                   174 
Sales of shares (dividend reinvestment                                   
  program), 416,057 shares        347    7,082                   7,429 
Issuance of shares, Profit Sharing Plan,                                   
  3,781 shares        3    67                   70 
Issuance of shares for Employee Stock                                   
  Purchase Plan, 10,698 shares        8    188                   196 
Issuance of stock offering net of costs,        2,313    46,045                   48,358 
  2,776,215 shares                                   
Balance at December 31, 2014                                   
15,155,717 common shares outstanding  $   $12,954   $195,829   $(8,988)  $41,251   $1,221   $242,267 
Net Income 2015                       19,972         19,972 
Net change in accumulated                                   
  other comprehensive income                            (1,600)   (1,600)
Issuance of restricted stock, net of                                   
   forfeitures, 160,457 shares        134    (134)                   
Vesting of restricted stock taxes paid, 3,776 shares        (3)   (78)                  (81)
Amortization of restricted stock             1,621                   1,621 
Cash dividends declared on common stock                                   
  ($0.20 per share)                       (3,100)        (3,100)
Common stock option expense             219                   219 
Common stock options exercised, 18,891                                   
   net of 7,506 shares used to exercise and                                   
   related tax benefits, 11,385 shares        11    75                   86 
Sales of shares (dividend reinvestment                                   
  program), 665,654 shares        555    13,093                   13,648 
Issuance of shares for Employee Stock                                   
  Purchase Plan, 30,766 shares        26    618                   644 
Issuance of common stock for                                   
   For acquisition, 47,916 shares        40    960                   1,000 
Issuance of warrants             1,000                   1,000 
Balance at December 31, 2015                                   
16,068,119 common shares outstanding  $   $13,717   $213,203   $(8,988)  $58,123   $(379)  $275,676 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

58 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Operating activities:               
Net income  $19,972   $14,890   $9,261 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash               
  provided by operating activities:               
Depreciation   3,921    2,993    3,536 
Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on               
  securities, net   1,664    1,533    1,887 
Amortization of restricted stock   1,621    1,475    590 
Amortization of intangible assets   82         
Provision for loan losses   7,100    4,875    3,425 
Valuation allowance on other real estate owned   250    400    1,010 
Stock-based compensation and employee stock purchase plan expense   319    283    319 
Deferred tax (benefit)/expense   (4,043)   (1,480)   2,670 
Gains on sale of securities, available for sale, net   (527)   (260)   (840)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale at fair value   34,543    30,585    85,081 
Loans originated for sale   (34,734)   (28,985)   (79,291)
Gain on loans sold held for sale at fair value   (528)   (438)   (1,330)
Gain on loans sold held for sale from portfolio       (166)   (522)
Gain on OREO sold       (139)   (85)
Loss/(gain) on disposal of premises and equipment   15    (9)   49 
Gain on death benefit   (285)        
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   (643)   (752)   (794)
Increase in accrued interest receivable   (1,449)   (1,285)   (222)
(Increase)/decrease in other assets   (476)   2,590    5,643 
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities   3,504    1,153    2,315 
  Net cash provided by operating activities   30,306    27,263    32,702 
Investing activities:               
Maturities of securities available for sale   76,469    70,382    83,854 
Redemptions for FHLB & FRB stock   48,627    29,722    8,963 
Calls of securities available for sale   19,725    10,000    18,115 
Sales of securities available for sale   46,254    35,411    54,881 
Purchase of securities available for sale   (8,049)   (179,153)   (129,095)
Purchase of FHLB & FRB stock   (51,018)   (31,283)   (14,356)
Sales of loans held for sale at lower of cost or fair               
  value       68,022    14,271 
Net increase in loans, net of participations sold   (746,132)   (745,434)   (445,523)
Sales of other real estate   744    1,100    3,749 
Purchases of premises and equipment   (1,924)   (3,941)   (2,545)
Disposal of premises and equipment       15     
Purchase of wealth management company   (800)        
Proceeds from death benefit   677         
Purchase of life insurance   (10,000)        
  Net cash used in by investing activities   (625,427)   (745,159)   (407,686)

 

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   Years Ended December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013 
Financing activities:               
Net increase in deposits   636,777    651,443    130,823 
Net (decrease)/increase in overnight borrowings   (13,900)   (300)   54,900 
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances       9,000    62,692 
Repayments of FHLB advances           (218)
Dividends paid on common stock   (3,100)   (2,414)   (1,802)
Exercise of stock options, net stock swaps   86    174    30 
Restricted stock tax expense   (81)        
Net proceeds, rights offering       48,358    41,100 
Sale of common shares (Dividend Reinvestment Program)   13,648    7,429    3,248 
Purchase of shares of profit sharing plan       70    130 
Issuance of shares for employee stock purchase plan   644    196     
  Net cash provided by financing activities   634,074    713,956    290,903 
  Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   39,124    (3,940)   (84,081)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   31,207    35,147    119,228 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $70,160   $31,207   $35,147 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information               

 

Cash paid during the year for:

               
  Interest  $13,726   $7,042   $3,822 
  Income taxes   15,572    7,747    1,223 
Transfer of loans to loans held for sale   109,223    67,855     
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned   233    744    3,119 
Increase in capital lease       2,326     
Acquisition (Note 18)               
  Goodwill   1,010         
  Customer relationship & other intangibles   1,790         

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation and Organization: The consolidated financial statements of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (the “Company”) are prepared on the accrual basis and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peapack-Gladstone Bank (the “Bank”). The consolidated statements also include the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware and Peapack-Gladstone Mortgage Group, Inc. and Peapack-Gladstone Mortgage Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, PG Investment Company of Delaware, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peapack-Gladstone Realty, Inc., a New Jersey Real Estate Investment Company. While the following footnotes include the collective results of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and Peapack-Gladstone Bank, these footnotes primarily reflect the Bank’s and its subsidiaries’ activities. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated from the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Business: Peapack-Gladstone Bank, a subsidiary of the Company, is a commercial bank that provides innovative private banking services to businesses, non-profits and consumers which help them to establish, maintain and expand their legacy. Wealth management services are also provided through its subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware. The Bank is subject to competition from other financial institutions, is regulated by certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

 

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In preparing the financial statements, Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the statement of condition and revenues and expenses for that period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Segment Information: The Company’s business is conducted through its banking subsidiary and involves the delivery of loan and deposit products and wealth management services to customers. Management uses certain methodologies to allocate income and expense to the business segments.

 

The Banking segment includes commercial, commercial real estate, multifamily, residential and consumer lending activities; deposit generation; operation of ATMs; telephone and internet banking services; merchant credit card services and customer support sales.

 

Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division includes asset management services provided for individuals and institutions; personal trust services, including services as executor, trustee, administrator, custodian and guardian; corporate trust services including services as trustee for pension and profit sharing plans; and other financial planning and advisory services. This segment also includes the activity from the Delaware subsidiary. Income is recognized as earned.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents: For purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods. Cash equivalents are of original maturities of 90 days or less. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions and overnight borrowings.

 

Interest-Earning Deposits in Other Financial Institutions: Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions mature within one year and are carried at cost.

 

Securities: All securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax.

 

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums and discounts. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, Management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in

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an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) Stock: The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of FHLB stock, based on the level of borrowings and other factors. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Cash dividends are reported as income.

 

The Bank is also a member of the Federal Reserve Bank and required to own a certain amount of FRB stock. FRB stock is carried at cost and classified as a restricted security. Cash dividends are reported as income.

 

Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans originated with the intent to sell in the secondary market are carried at fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors.

 

Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights released; therefore, no servicing rights are recorded. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans, shown as gain on sale of loans on the Statement of Income, are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.

 

Loans originated with the intent to hold and subsequently transferred to loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. These are loans that the Company no longer has the intent to hold for the foreseeable future.

 

Loans: Loans that Management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity are stated at the principal amount outstanding. Interest on loans is recognized based upon the principal amount outstanding. Loans are stated at face value, less purchased premium and discounts and net deferred fees. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized over the life of the loan as an adjustment, on a level-yield method, to the loan’s yield. The definition of recorded investment in loans includes accrued interest receivable, however, for the Company’s loan disclosures, accrued interest was excluded as the impact was not material.

 

Loans are considered past due when they are not paid in accordance with contractual terms. The accrual of income on loans, including impaired loans, is discontinued if, in the opinion of Management, principal or interest is not likely to be paid in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, or when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more and collateral, if any, is insufficient to cover principal and interest. All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are recorded as principal payments. A nonaccrual loan is returned to accrual status only when interest and principal payments are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured, generally when the Bank receives contractual payments for a minimum of six months. Commercial loans are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collectability of the full principal balance is in doubt. Consumer loans are generally charged off after they become 120 days past due. Subsequent payments are credited to income only if collection of principal is not in doubt. If principal and interest payments are brought contractually current and future collectability is reasonably assured, loans are returned to accrual status. Nonaccrual mortgage loans are generally charged off when the value of the underlying collateral does not cover the outstanding principal balance. The majority of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate in the State of New Jersey and New York.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for expected credit losses that are deemed to be probable. When Management is reasonably certain that a loan balance is not fully collectable an analysis is completed and either a full or partial charge off is recorded against the allowance. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations, estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in Management’s judgment, should be charged off.

 

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component of the allowance relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired.

 

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A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by Management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

 

Loans are individually evaluated for impairment when they are classified as substandard by Management. If a loan is considered impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral less estimated disposition costs if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. If a residential mortgage is placed on nonaccrual status and is in the process of collection, such as through a foreclosure action, then it is evaluated for impairment on an individual basis and the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral less estimated disposition costs.

 

A troubled debt restructuring is a modified loan with concessions made by the lender to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty. Troubled debt restructurings are impaired and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a troubled debt restructuring is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral, less estimated disposition costs. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.

 

The general component of the allowance covers non-impaired loans and is based primarily on the Bank’s historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experience by the Company on a weighted average basis over the previous three years. This actual loss experience is adjusted by other qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These economic factors include consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. For loans that are graded as non-impaired, the Company allocates a higher general reserve percentage then pass-rated loans using a multiple that is calculated annually through a migration analysis. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the multiple was 5.0 times for non-impaired substandard loans and 2.5 times for non-impaired special mention loans.

 

In determining an appropriate amount for the allowance, the Bank segments and evaluates the loan portfolio based on Federal call report codes, which are based on collateral. The following portfolio classes have been identified:

 

Primary Residential Mortgages. The Bank originates one to four family residential mortgage loans in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), Pennsylvania and Florida. Loans are secured by first liens on the primary residence or investment property. Primary risk characteristics associated with residential mortgage loans typically involve major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. In addition, residential mortgage loans that have adjustable rates could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.

 

Home Equity Lines of Credit. The Bank provides revolving lines of credit against one to four family residences in the Tri-State area. Primary risk characteristics associated with home equity lines of credit typically involve major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. In addition, home equity lines of credit typically are made with variable or floating interest rates, such as the Prime Rate, which could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.

 

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Junior Lien Loan on Residence. The Bank provides junior lien loans (“JLL”) against one to four family properties in the Tri-State area. JLLs can be either in the form of an amortizing home equity loan or a revolving home equity line of credit. These loans are subordinate to a first mortgage which may be from another lending institution. Primary risk characteristics associated with JLLs typically involve major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. Further, real estate value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.

 

Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Bank provides mortgage loans for multifamily properties (i.e. buildings which have five or more residential units) and other commercial real estate that is either owner occupied or managed as an investment property (non-owner occupied) in the Tri-State area and Pennsylvania. Commercial real estate properties primarily include retail buildings/shopping centers, hotels, office/medical buildings and industrial/warehouse space. Some properties are considered “mixed use” as they are a combination of building types, such as a building with retail space on the ground floor and either residential apartments or office suites on the upper floors. Multifamily loans are expected to be repaid from the cash flow of the underlying property so the collective amount of rents must be sufficient to cover all operating expenses, property management and maintenance, taxes and debt service. Increases in vacancy rates, interest rates or other changes in general economic conditions can all have an impact on the borrower and their ability to repay the loan. Commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk than multifamily loans as they may be dependent on the ongoing success and operating viability of a fewer number of tenants who are occupying the property and who may have a greater degree of exposure to economic conditions.

 

Commercial and Industrial Loans. The Bank provides lines of credit and term loans to operating companies for business purposes. The loans are generally secured by business assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, business vehicles and equipment. In addition, these loans often include commercial real estate as collateral to strengthen the Bank’s position and further mitigate risk. Commercial and industrial loans are typically repaid first by the cash flow generated by the borrower’s business operation. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the underlying business and its ability to generate sustainable profitability and resulting positive cash flow. Factors that may influence a business’s profitability include, but are not limited to, demand for its products or services, quality and depth of management, degree of competition, regulatory changes, and general economic conditions. Commercial and industrial loans are generally secured by business assets; however, the ability of the Bank to foreclose and realize sufficient value from the assets is often highly uncertain. To mitigate the risk characteristics of commercial and industrial loans, the Bank will often require more frequent reporting requirements from the borrower in order to better monitor its business performance.

 

Agricultural Production. These are loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers. The Bank does not currently engage in this type of lending.

 

Commercial Construction. The Bank has discontinued its commercial construction activity. Dollar amounts within this segment are immaterial.

Consumer and Other. These are loans to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures as well as obligations of states and political subdivisions in the U.S. This also represents all other loans that cannot be categorized in any of the previous mentioned loan segments.

 

Premises and Equipment: Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are states at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation charges are computed using the straight-line method. Equipment and other fixed assets are depreciated over the estimated useful lives, which range from three to ten years. Premises are depreciated over the estimated useful life of 40 years, while leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost of major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Gains or losses realized on routine dispositions are recorded as other income or other expense.

 

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Other Real Estate Owned (OREO): OREO acquired through foreclosure on loans secured by real estate, is initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell. Physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan occurs when legal title is obtained upon completion of foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. The assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value, as established by a current appraisal, less estimated costs to sell. Any write-downs at the date of foreclosure are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Expenses incurred to maintain these properties, losses resulting from write-downs after the date of foreclosure, and realized gains and losses upon sale of the properties are included in other noninterest expense and other noninterest income, as appropriate.

 

Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI): The Bank has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

 

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.

 

Derivatives: At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. These three types are (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) an instrument with no hedging designation. For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For both types of hedges, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income.

 

Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.

 

The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.

 

When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest income. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

 

Income Taxes: The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return. Separate state income tax returns are filed for each subsidiary based on current laws and regulations.

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in its financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on the enacted tax rates. Such tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effect of a change in tax rates in the period of enactment.

 

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The Company recognizes a tax position as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.

 

The Company is no longer subject to examination by the U.S. Federal tax authorities for years prior to 2012 or by New Jersey tax authorities for years prior to 2011.

 

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

 

Benefit Plans: The Company has a 401(K) profit-sharing and investment plan, which covers substantially all salaried employees over the age of 21 with at least 12 months of service.

 

Stock-Based Compensation: Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees and non-employee directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation expense is recognized over the required service or performance period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The stock options granted under these plans are exercisable at a price equal to the fair value of common stock on the date of grant and expire not more than ten years after the date of grant.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”): On April 22, 2014, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The ESPP provides for the granting of purchase rights of up to 150,000 shares of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation common stock. Subject to certain eligibility requirements and restrictions, the ESPP allows employees to purchase shares during four three-month offering periods (“Offering Periods”). Each participant in the Offering Period is granted an option to purchase a number of shares and may contribute between one percent and 15 percent of their compensation. At the end of each Offering Period on the purchase date, the number of shares to be purchased by the employee is determined by dividing the employee’s contributions accumulated during the Offering Period by the applicable purchase price. The purchase price is an amount equal to 85 percent of the closing market price of a share of common stock on the purchase date. Participation in the ESPP is entirely voluntary and employees can cancel their purchases at any time during the period without penalty. The fair value of each share purchase right is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the Company recorded $100 thousand and $49 thousand of expense in salaries and employee benefits expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Total shares issued under the ESPP were 30,766 and 10,698 during 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”): In calculating earnings per share, there are no adjustments to net income available to common shareholders, which is the numerator of both the Basic and Diluted EPS. The weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the denominator for Diluted EPS is increased over the denominator used for Basic EPS by the effect of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents utilizing the treasury stock method. Common stock options outstanding are common stock equivalents, as are restricted stock until vested. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements.

 

The following table shows the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

(In thousands, except per share data)  2015   2014   2013 
Net income available to common shareholders  $19,972   $14,890   $9,261 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding   15,187,637    12,065,615    9,094,111 
Plus:  common stock equivalents   247,359    106,492    82,688 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   15,434,996    12,172,107    9,176,799 
Earnings per share:               
Basic  $1.31   $1.23   $1.02 
Diluted   1.29    1.22    1.01 

 

Stock options totaling 92,720, 478,389 and 546,950 shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, because they were considered antidilutive.

 

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Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonable estimated. Management does not believe there are any such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Restrictions on Cash: Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements.

 

Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and the change during the period in the Company’s net unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedge, net of tax, less adjustments for realized gains and losses, net amortization of the unrealized loss on securities transferred to held to maturity from available for sale and accretion of the non-credit component on certain held to maturity securities with other-than-temporary impairment charges in previous periods.

 

Equity: Stock dividends in excess of 20 percent are reported by transferring the par value of the stock issued from retained earnings to common stock. Stock dividends for 20 percent or less are reported by transferring the fair value, as of the ex-dividend date, of the stock issued from retained earnings to common stock and additional paid-in capital. Fractional share amounts are paid in cash with a reduction in retained earnings. Treasury stock is carried at cost.

 

Transfers of Financial Assets:  Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:  Goodwill is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquire (if any), over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.  Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exists that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. The Company has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test.  Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill and assembly workforce are the intangible asset with an indefinite life on our balance sheet.

 

Other intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationship intangible assets arising from acquisition are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range up to 15 years.

 

Reclassification: Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to the 2014 presentation and had no effect on the consolidated income statements or shareholders’ equity.

 

New Accounting Policies: Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” implements a common revenue standard that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (is) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In July 2015, FASB deferred the effective date of the ASU by one year which means ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, “Financial Instruments–Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (the ASU).  Under this ASU, the current GAAP model is changed in the areas of accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities.  The ASU will be effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently in process of evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial position, and result of operations and cash flows.

 

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2.   INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

 

A summary of amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities available for sale included in the consolidated statements of condition as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 follows:

 

   2015 
       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrecognized   Unrecognized   Fair 
(In thousands)  Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
Mortgage-backed securities-residential  $159,747   $1,293   $(433)  $160,607 
SBA pool securities   7,601        (81)   7,520 
State and political subdivisions   21,612    417        22,029 
Single-issuer trust preferred security   2,999        (464)   2,535 
CRA investment fund   3,000        (61)   2,939 
  Total  $194,959   $1,710   $(1,039)  $195,630 

 

   2014 
       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrecognized   Unrecognized   Fair 
(In thousands)  Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
U.S. government-sponsored entities  $35,664   $55   $(49)  $35,670 
Mortgage-backed securities-residential   239,975    2,725    (411)   242,289 
SBA pool securities   8,015        (71)   7,944 
State and political subdivisions   40,842    553    (1)   41,394 
Single-issuer trust preferred security   2,999        (599)   2,400 
CRA investment fund   3,000        (45)   2,955 
  Total  $330,495    3,333    (1,176)   332,652 

 

The amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity, such as mortgage-backed securities, marketable equity securities and the CRA Investment Fund, are shown separately.

 

Maturing in:        
(In thousands)  Amortized Cost   Fair Value 
One year or less  $7,150   $7,167 
After one year through five years   8,312    8,484 
After five years through ten years   5,066    5,220 
After ten years   4,083    3,693 
    24,611    24,564 
Mortgage-backed securities-residential   159,747    160,607 
SBA pool securities   7,601    7,520 
CRA investment fund   3,000    2,939 
  Total  $194,959   $195,630 

 

Securities available for sale with fair value of $136.0 million and $46.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, were pledged to secure public funds and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

The following is a summary of the gross gains, gross losses and net tax expense related to proceeds on sales of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Proceeds on sales  $46,254   $35,411   $54,881 
Gross gains   536    414    1,010 
Gross losses   (9)   (154)   (170)
Net tax expense   216    91    294 

 

68 

The following table presents the Company’s available for sale securities with continuous unrealized losses and the approximate fair value of these investments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

   2015 
   Duration of Unrecognized Loss 
   Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or Longer   Total 
   Approximate       Approximate       Approximate     
   Fair   Unrecognized   Fair   Unrecognized   Fair   Unrecognized 
(In thousands)  Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
Mortgage-backed                              
  securities-residential  $89,717   $(345)  $8,913   $(88)  $98,630   $(433)
SBA pool securities            7,520    (81)   7,520    (81)
Single-issuer trust                              
  preferred security           2,535    (464)   2,535    (464)
CRA investment fund           2,939    (61)   2,939    (61)
    Total  $89,717   $(345)  $21,907   $(694)  $111,624   $(1,039)

 

   2014 
   Duration of Unrecognized Loss 
   Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or Longer   Total 
   Approximate       Approximate       Approximate     
   Fair   Unrecognized   Fair   Unrecognized   Fair   Unrecognized 
(In thousands)  Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
U.S. government                              
  sponsored entities  $19,119   $(20)  $2,963   $(29)  $22,082   $(49)
Mortgage-backed                              
  securities-residential   65,368    (191)   20,428    (220)   85,796    (411)
SBA pool securities   7,944    (71)           7,944    (71)
State and political                              
  subdivisions   505    (1)           505    (1)
Single-issuer trust                              
  Preferred security           2,400    (599)   2,400    (599)
CRA investment fund           2,955    (45)   2,955    (45)
    Total  $92,936   $(283)  $28,746   $(893)  $121,682   $(1,176)

 

Management believes that the unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale are temporary and due to interest rate fluctuations and/or volatile market conditions rather than the credit worthiness of the issuers. The Company does not intend to sell these securities nor is it likely that it will be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery.

At December 31, 2015, the unrealized loss of $464 thousand is related to a single-issuer trust preferred security issued by a large bank holding company that has experienced declines in fair value on all its securities due to the turmoil in the financial markets and a merger. The investment continues to be rated below investment grade and was rated at Ba1 by Moody’s, the same rating since December 31, 2013. Additionally, Fitch upgraded this bond from BB+ to BBB- in May 2015. S&P also upgraded this bond to BB+ from BB. Management monitors the performance of the issuer on a quarterly basis to determine if there are any credit events that could result in deferral or default of the security. The fair value of this security at December 31, 2015, is higher than the fair value at December 31, 2014. Management believes the depressed valuation is a result of the nature of the bond, a trust preferred security, and the bond’s very low yield and not due to credit. At December 31, 2015, Management does not intend to sell the security nor is it likely that it will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery.

No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recognized in 2015, 2014 or 2013.

 

69 

 

3.   LOANS

 

The following table presents loans outstanding, by type of loan, as of December 31:

 

       % of Total       % of Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  2015   Loans   2014   Loans 
Residential mortgage  $470,869    16.16%  $466,760    20.74%
Multifamily mortgage   1,416,775    48.63    1,080,256    48.00 
Commercial mortgage   413,118    14.18    308,491    13.71 
Commercial loans   512,886    17.60    308,743    13.72 
Construction loans   1,401    0.05    5,998    0.27 
Home equity lines of credit   52,649    1.81    50,141    2.23 
Consumer loans, including                    
  fixed rate home equity loans   45,044    1.55    28,040    1.25 
Other loans   500    0.02    1,838    0.08 
    Total loans  $2,913,242    100.00%  $2,250,267    100.00%

 

In determining an appropriate amount for the allowance, the Bank segments and evaluates the loan portfolio based on Federal call report codes. The following portfolio classes have been identified as of December 31:

 

       % of Total       %  of Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  2015   Loans   2014   Loans 
Primary residential mortgage  $483,085    16.59%  $480,149    21.37%
Home equity lines of credit   52,804    1.81    50,302    2.24 
Junior lien loan on residence   11,503    0.39    11,808    0.52 
Multifamily property   1,416,775    48.66    1,080,256    48.07 
Owner-occupied commercial                    
  real estate   176,276    6.05    105,446    4.69 
Investment commercial real estate   568,849    19.54    405,771    18.06 
Commercial and industrial   154,295    5.30    81,362    3.62 
Farmland/Agricultural production   179    0.01    364    0.02 
Commercial construction   151    0.01    4,715    0.21 
Consumer and other   47,635    1.64    27,084    1.20 
   Total loans  $2,911,552    100.00%  $2,247,257    100.00%
Net deferred costs   1,690         3,010      
   Total loans including                    
      net deferred costs  $2,913,242        $2,250,267      

 

In June of 2014, the Company sold $67 million of longer-duration, lower-coupon residential first mortgage loans as part of its strategy to de-emphasize residential first mortgage lending, while benefitting its liquidity and interest rate risk positions. Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, included the gain on sale of $166 thousand.

 

Consistent with the Company’s balance sheet management strategy, $82.2 million of performing multifamily mortgages were reclassified to loans held for sale as of December 31, 2015. The Company no longer has the intent to hold these loans. These loans are carried at lower of cost or fair value.

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company, through the Bank, may extend credit to officers, directors or their associates. These loans are subject to the Company’s normal lending policy and Federal Reserve Bank Regulation O.

The following table shows the changes in loans to officers, directors or their associates:

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014 
Balance, beginning of year  $4,518   $2,216 
New loans   1,747    4,302 
Repayments   (1,985)   (1,129)
Loans with individuals no longer considered related parties       (871)
Balance, at end of year  $4,280   $4,518 

 

70 

 

The following tables present the loan balances by portfolio segment, based on impairment method, and the corresponding balances in the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

December 31, 2015
 
   Total   Ending ALLL   Total   Ending ALLL         
   Loans   Attributable   Loans   Attributable         
   Individually   to Loans   Collectively   to Loans         
   Evaluated   Individually   Evaluated   Collectively       Total 
   for   Evaluated for   for   Evaluated for   Total   Ending 
(In thousands)  Impairment   Impairment   Impairment   Impairment   Loans   ALLL 
Primary residential                              
   mortgage  $9,752   $291   $473,333   $2,006   $483,085   $2,297 
Home equity lines                              
   of credit   254        52,550    86    52,804    86 
Junior lien loan                              
   on residence   176        11,327    66    11,503    66 
Multifamily                              
   property           1,416,775    11,813    1,416,775    11,813 
Owner-occupied                              
   commercial                              
   real estate   1,272        175,004    1,679    176,276    1,679 
Investment                              
   commercial                              
   real estate   11,482    61    557,367    7,529    568,849    7,590 
Commercial and                              
   industrial   171    138    154,124    2,071    154,295    2,209 
Secured by                              
   farmland and                              
  agricultural                              
   production           179    2    179    2 
Commercial                              
   construction           151    2    151    2 
Consumer and                              
   other           47,635    112    47,635    112 
Total ALLL  $23,107   $490   $2,888,445   $25,366   $2,911,552   $25,856 

 

December 31, 2014

 

   Total   Ending ALLL   Total   Ending ALLL         
   Loans   Attributable   Loans   Attributable         
   Individually   to Loans   Collectively   to Loans         
   Evaluated   Individually   Evaluated   Collectively       Total 
   for   Evaluated for   for   Evaluated for   Total   Ending 
(In thousands)  Impairment   Impairment   Impairment   Impairment   Loans   ALLL 
Primary residential                        
  mortgage  $6,500   $317   $473,649   $2,606   $480,149   $2,923 
Home equity                              
   lines of credit   210        50,092    156    50,302    156 
Junior lien loan                              
   on residence   164        11,644    109    11,808    109 
Multifamily                              
   property           1,080,256    8,983    1,080,256    8,983 
Owner-occupied                              
   commercial                              
   real estate   1,674        103,772    1,547    105,446    1,547 
Investment                              
   commercial                              
   real estate   11,653    489    394,118    4,262    405,771    4,751 
Commercial and                              
   industrial   248    149    81,114    731    81,362    880 
Secured by                              
   farmland and                              
  agricultural                              
   production           364    4    364    4 
Commercial                              
   construction           4,715    31    4,715    31 
Consumer and                              
   other   2    2    27,082    94    27,084    96 
    Total ALLL  $20,451   $957   $2,226,806   $18,523   $2,247,257   $19,480 

 

71 

 

Impaired loans include nonaccrual loans of $6.7 million at December 31, 2015 and $6.9 million at December 31, 2014. Impaired loans also include performing troubled debt restructured loans of $16.2 million at December 31, 2015 and $13.6 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, the allowance allocated to troubled debt restructured loans totaled $441thousand of which $162 thousand was allocated to nonaccrual loans. At December 31, 2014, the allowance allocated to troubled debt restructured loans totaled $892 thousand of which $204 thousand was allocated to nonaccrual loans. All accruing troubled debt restructured loans were paying in accordance with restructured terms as of December 31, 2015. The Company has not committed to lend additional amounts as of December 31, 2015 to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as loan restructurings.

 

The following tables present loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

   December 31, 2015 
   Unpaid           Average 
   Principal   Recorded   Specific   Impaired 
(In thousands)  Balance   Investment   Reserves   Loans 
With no related allowance recorded:                    
  Primary residential mortgage  $8,998   $7,782   $   $5,683 
  Owner-occupied commercial real estate   1,460    1,272        1,379 
  Investment commercial real estate   11,099    10,233        10,330 
  Commercial and industrial   63    33        112 
  Home equity lines of credit   258    254        229 
  Junior lien loan on residence   219    176        166 
  Consumer and other               1 
    Total loans with no related allowance  $22,097   $19,750   $   $17,900 
With related allowance recorded:                    
  Primary residential mortgage  $2,090   $1,970   $291   $1,894 
  Investment commercial real estate   1,249    1,249    61    1,266 
  Commercial and industrial   179    138    138    144 
    Total loans with related allowance  $3,518   $3,357   $490   $3,304 
Total loans individually evaluated                    
  for impairment  $25,615   $23,107   $490   $21,204 

 

   December 31, 2014 
   Unpaid           Average 
   Principal   Recorded   Specific   Impaired 
(In thousands)  Balance   Investment   Reserves   Loans 
With no related allowance recorded:                    
  Primary residential mortgage  $5,264   $4,635   $   $3,543 
  Owner-occupied commercial real estate   1,809    1,674        2,626 
  Investment commercial real estate   5,423    5,423        5,512 
  Commercial and industrial   99    99        155 
  Home equity lines of credit   210    210        111 
  Junior lien loan on residence   293    164        224 
  Consumer and other               14 
    Total loans with no related allowance  $13,098   $12,205   $   $12,185 
With related allowance recorded:                    
  Primary residential mortgage  $2,138   $1,865   $317   $1,361 
  Owner-occupied commercial real estate                
  Investment commercial real estate   6,230    6,230    489    5,927 
  Commercial and industrial   179    149    149    249 
  Consumer and other   2    2    2     
    Total loans with related allowance  $8,549   $8,246   $957   $7,537 
Total loans individually evaluated                    
  for impairment  $21,647   $20,451   $957   $19,722 

 

Interest income recognized during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was not material. 

72 

 

The following tables present the recorded investment in nonaccrual and loans past due over 90 days still on accrual by class of loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

   December 31, 2015 
       Loans Past Due Over 
       90 Days and Still 
(In thousands)  Nonaccrual   Accruing Interest 
Primary residential mortgage  $4,549   $ 
Home equity lines of credit   229     
Junior lien loan on residence   118     
Owner-occupied commercial real estate   1,272     
Investment commercial real estate   408     
Commercial and industrial   171     
Consumer and other        
  Total  $6,747   $ 

 

   December 31, 2014 
       Loans Past Due Over 
       90 Days and Still 
(In thousands)  Nonaccrual   Accruing Interest 
Primary residential mortgage  $4,128   $ 
Home equity lines of credit   210     
Junior lien loan on residence   164     
Owner-occupied commercial real estate   1,674     
Investment commercial real estate   424     
Commercial and industrial   248     
Consumer and other   2     
  Total  $6,850   $ 

 

The following tables present the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 by class of loans, excluding nonaccrual loans:

 

   December 31, 2015 
   30-59   60-89   Greater Than     
   Days   Days   90 Days   Total 
(In thousands)  Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due 
Primary residential mortgage  $1,214   $157   $   $1,371 
Investment commercial real estate   772            772 
  Total  $1,986   $157   $   $2,143 

 

   December 31, 2014 
   30-59   60-89   Greater Than     
   Days   Days   90 Days   Total 
(In thousands)  Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due 
Primary residential mortgage  $1,102   $403   $   $1,505 
Home equity lines of credit   99            99 
Commercial construction   150            150 
Consumer and other   1            1 
  Total  $1,352   $403   $   $1,755 

 

Credit Quality Indicators:

 

The Company places all commercial loans into various credit risk rating categories based on an assessment of the expected ability of the borrowers to properly service their debt. The assessment considers numerous factors including, but not limited to, current financial information on the borrower, historical payment experience, strength of any guarantor, nature of and value of any collateral, acceptability of the loan structure and documentation, relevant public information and current economic trends. This credit risk rating analysis is performed when the loan is initially underwritten. The credit risk rating is re-evaluated annually, as follows:

 

73 

·By credit underwriters for all loans $1,000,000 and over;
·Through a limited review by Portfolio Managers with the Chief Credit Officer for loans in an amount of $500,000 up to $1,000,000;
·By an external independent loan review firm for all new loans over $500,000 and for existing loans of $3,500,000 and over;
·On a proportional basis by an external independent loan review firm for loans from $500,000 up to $3,499,999;
·By an external independent loan review firm for all loans with a risk rating of criticized;
·On a random sampling basis by an external independent loan review firm for loans under $500,000;
·Whenever Management otherwise identifies a positive or negative trend or issue relating to a borrower.

 

The Company uses the following definitions for criticized risk ratings:

 

Special Mention: Loans subject to special mention have a potential weakness that deserves Management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loans or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.

Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weakness inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass-rated loans.

 

The table below presents, based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans for December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

December 31, 2015

 

       Special         
(In thousands)  Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful 
Primary residential mortgage  $471,859   $1,332   $9,894   $ 
Home equity lines of credit   52,550        254     
Junior lien loan on residence   11,327        176     
Multifamily property   1,407,856    7,718    1,201     
Owner-occupied commercial real estate   170,420    928    4,928     
Investment commercial real estate   536,479    6,217    26,153     
Commercial and industrial   148,940    5,184    171     
Secured by farmland   179             
Agricultural production                
Commercial construction       151         
Consumer and other loans   47,635             
  Total  $2,847,245   $21,530   $42,777   $ 

 

74 

 

December 31, 2014

 

       Special         
(In thousands)  Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful 
Primary residential mortgage  $471,219   $1,366   $7,564   $ 
Home equity lines of credit   50,092        210     
Junior lien loan on residence   11,644        164     
Multifamily property   1,078,944    490    822     
Owner-occupied commercial real estate   99,432    473    5,541     
Investment commercial real estate   372,865    11,648    21,258     
Commercial and industrial   81,093    21    248     
Secured by farmland   189             
Agricultural production   175             
Commercial construction   4,565    150         
Consumer and other loans   27,082        2     
  Total  $2,197,300   $14,148   $35,809   $ 

 

At December 31, 2015, $21.8 million of substandard loans were also considered impaired as compared to December 31, 2014, when $20.5 million of the special mention and the substandard loans were also considered impaired.

 

The tables below present a rollforward of the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

   January 1,               December 31, 
   2015               2015 
   Beginning               Ending 
(In thousands)  ALLL   Charge-Offs   Recoveries   Provision   ALLL 
Primary residential mortgage  $2,923   $(638)  $80   $(68)  $2,297 
Home equity lines of credit   156    (210)   2    138    86 
Junior lien loan on residence   109    (13)   62    (92)   66 
Multifamily property   8,983            2,830    11,813 
Owner-occupied commercial                         
  real estate   1,547        11    121    1,679 
Investment commercial real estate   4,751    (16)   18    2,837    7,590 
Commercial and industrial   880    (73)   81    1,321    2,209 
Secured by farmland and agricultural   4            (2)   2 
Commercial construction   31            (29)   2 
Consumer and other   96    (41)   13    44    112 
    Total ALLL  $19,480   $(991)  $267   $7,100   $25,856 

 

   January 1,               December 31, 
   2014               2014 
   Beginning               Ending 
(In thousands)  ALLL   Charge-Offs   Recoveries   Provision   ALLL 
Primary residential mortgage  $2,361   $(273)  $1   $834   $2,923 
Home equity lines of credit   181            (25)   156 
Junior lien loan on residence   156    (1)   103    (149)   109 
Multifamily property   4,003            4,980    8,983 
Owner-occupied commercial                         
  real estate   2,563    (669)   106    (453)   1,547 
Investment commercial real estate   5,083        18    (350)   4,751 
Commercial and industrial   825    (123)   85    93    880 
Secured by farmland and agricultural   3            1    4 
Commercial construction   120            (89)   31 
Consumer and other   78    (22)   7    33    96 
    Total ALLL  $15,373    (1,088)   320    4,875    19,480 

 

75 

 

   January 1,               December 31, 
   2013               2013 
   Beginning               Ending 
(In thousands)  ALLL   Charge-Offs   Recoveries   Provision   ALLL 
Primary residential mortgage  $3,047   $(611)  $48   $(123)  $2,361 
Home equity lines of credit   267            (86)   181 
Junior lien loan on residence   314    (346)   17    171    156 
Multifamily property   1,305        11    2,687    4,003 
Owner-occupied commercial                         
  real estate   2,509        77    (23)   2,563 
Investment commercial real estate   4,155    (56)   26    958    5,083 
Commercial and industrial   803    (16)   64    (26)   825 
Secured by farmland   3                3 
Commercial construction   240        1    (121)   120 
Consumer and other   92    (11)   9    (12)   78 
    Total ALLL  $12,735   $(1,040)  $253   $3,425   $15,373 

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings: The Company has allocated $441 thousand and $892 thousand of specific reserves to customers whose loan terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. There were no unfunded commitments to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as troubled debt restructurings.

During the period ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the terms of certain loans were modified as troubled debt restructurings. The modification of the terms of such loans included one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; or an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk.

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

       Pre-Modification   Post-Modification 
       Outstanding   Outstanding 
   Number of   Recorded   Recorded 
(Dollars in thousands)  Contracts   Investment   Investment 
Primary residential mortgage   11   $3,296   $3,296 
Junior Lien loan on residence   1    58    58 
Investment commercial real estate   1    750    750 
  Total   13   $4,104   $4,104 

 

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014:

 

       Pre-Modification   Post-Modification 
       Outstanding   Outstanding 
   Number of   Recorded   Recorded 
(Dollars in thousands)  Contracts   Investment   Investment 
Primary residential mortgage   8   $2,138   $2,138 
Investment commercial real estate   1    1,281    1,281 
  Total   9   $3,419   $3,419 

 

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2013:

 

       Pre-Modification   Post-Modification 
       Outstanding   Outstanding 
   Number of   Recorded   Recorded 
(Dollars in thousands)  Contracts   Investment   Investment 
Primary residential mortgage   4   $760   $760 
Investment commercial real estate   1    5,000    5,000 
  Total   5   $5,760   $5,760 

 

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The identification of the troubled debt restructured loans did not have a significant impact on the allowance for loan losses. In addition, there were no charge-offs as a result of the classification of these loans as troubled debt restructuring during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

There were no payment defaults on loans modified as troubled debt restructurings within twelve months of modification during the year ending December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings during the year ended December 31, 2013 for which there was a payment default during the same period:

 

   Number of   Recorded 
(Dollars in thousands)  Contracts   Investment 
Primary residential mortgage   1   $59 
  Total   1   $59 

 

 

The defaults described above did not have a material impact on the allowance for loan losses during 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under the Company’s internal underwriting policy. At the time a loan is restructured, the Bank performs a full re-underwriting analysis, which includes, at a minimum, obtaining current financial statements and tax returns, copies of all leases, and an updated independent appraisal of the property. A loan will continue to accrue interest if it can be reasonably determined that the borrower should be able to perform under the modified terms, that the loan has not been chronically delinquent (both to debt service and real estate taxes) or in nonaccrual status since its inception, and that there have been no charge-offs on the loan. Restructured loans with previous charge-offs would not accrue interest at the time of the troubled debt restructuring. At a minimum, six months of contractual payments would need to be made on a restructured loan before returning a loan to accrual status. Once a loan is classified as a TDR, the loan is reported as a TDR until the loan is paid in full, sold or charged-off. In rare circumstances, a loan may be removed from TDR status, if it meets the requirements of ASC 310-40-50-2.

 

4.  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

The following table presents premises and equipment as of December 31,

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014 
Land and land improvements  $4,942   $4,932 
Buildings   11,970    11,984 
Furniture and equipment   16,857    16,621 
Leasehold improvements   10,423    10,017 
Projects in progress   919    1,405 
Capital lease asset   11,237    11,237 
    56,348    56,196 
Less:  accumulated depreciation   26,102    23,938 
  Total  $30,246   $32,258 

 

The Company has included leases in premises and equipment as follows:

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014 
Land and buildings  $11,237   $11,237 
Less:  accumulated depreciation   3,167    2,420 
  Total  $8,070   $8,817 

 

Projects in progress represents costs associated with renovations to the Company’s headquarters in addition to smaller renovation or equipment installation projects at other locations.

The Company recorded depreciation expense of $3.9 million, $3.0 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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The Company leases its corporate headquarters building under a capital lease and in 2014, leased additional space in the building. The lease arrangement requires monthly payments through 2025. Related depreciation expense and accumulated depreciation of $607 thousand, $531 thousand and $400 thousand is included in the results of 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company also leases its Gladstone branch after completing a sale-leaseback transaction involving the property in 2011. The lease arrangement requires monthly payments through 2031. The gain on the sale of $764 thousand was deferred and will be accreted to income over the life of the lease. Related depreciation expense and accumulated depreciation of $141 thousand is included in each of the 2015, 2014 and 2013 results.

The following is a schedule by year of future minimum lease payments under capitalized leases, together with the present value of net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2015:

(In thousands)    
2016  $1,007 
2017   1,081 
2018   1,127 
2019   1,146 
2020   1,195 
Thereafter   7,819 
  Total minimum lease payments   13,375 
  Less: amount representing interest   3,153 
    Present value of net minimum lease payments  $10,222 

 

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company closed two retail branch offices.  As a result of the closures, the Company recorded additional expense of $2.5 million, which includes accelerated depreciation of $723 thousand. The acceleration of depreciation expense is included with premises and equipment expense and lease related expenses are included with other operating expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

5.  OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had other real estate owned, net of valuation allowances, totaling $563 thousand and $1.3 million, respectively.

The following table shows the activity in other real estate owned, excluding the valuation allowance, for the years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014 
Balance, beginning of year  $3,744   $3,961 
OREO properties added   233    744 
Sales during year   (744)   (961)
Balance, end of year  $3,233   $3,744 

 

The following table shows the activity in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Balance, beginning of year  $2,420   $2,020   $1,010 
Additions charged to expense   250    400    1,010 
Direct writedowns            
Balance, end of year  $2,670   $2,420   $2,020 

 

The following table shows expenses related to other real estate owned for the years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Net (gain)/loss on sales  $   $(139)  $(85)
Provision for unrealized losses   250    400    1,010 
Operating expenses, net of rental income   51    179    179 
  Total  $301   $440   $1,104 

 

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6.  DEPOSITS

 

Time deposits over $250,000 totaled $115.6 million and $23.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth the details of total deposits as of December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2015   2014 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  $419,887    14.30%  $366,371    15.94%
Interest-bearing checking   861,697    29.36    600,889    26.14 
Savings   115,007    3.92    112,878    4.91 
Money market   810,709    27.62    700,069    30.46 
Certificates of deposit   434,450    14.80    198,819    8.65 
Interest-bearing demand - Brokered   200,000    6.81    188,000    8.18 
Certificates of deposit - Brokered   93,720    3.19    131,667    5.73 
  Total deposits  $2,935,470    100.00%  $2,298,693    100.00%

 

The scheduled maturities of time deposits as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)    
2016  $91,115 
2017   97,707 
2018   171,173 
2019   64,466 
2020   38,511 
Over 5 Years   65,198 
  Total  $528,170 

 

7. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES AND OTHER BORROWINGS

 

Advances from FHLB totaled $83.7 million at both December 31, 2015 and 2014, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.78 percent.

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014 advances totaling $71.7 million with a weighted average rate of 1.57 percent, have fixed maturity dates. At December 31, 2015 the fixed rate advances are secured by blanket pledges of certain 1-4 family residential mortgages totaling $428.2 million and multifamily mortgages totaling $1.1 billion, while at December 31, 2014 the fixed rate advances are secured by blanket pledges of certain 1-4 family residential mortgages totaling 388.5 million and multifamily totaling 815.6 million.

 

At both December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $12.0 million in variable rate advances, with a weighted average rate of 3.01 percent, that are noncallable for two or three years and then callable quarterly with final maturities of ten years from the original date of the advance. All of these advances are beyond their initial noncallable periods. These advances are secured by pledges of investment securities totaling $13.2 million at December 31, 2015 and $13.4 million at December 31, 2014.

 

The advances have prepayment penalties.

 

The scheduled principal repayments and maturities of advances as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)    
2016  $21,897 
2017   23,897 
2018   34,898 
2019   3,000 
2020    
Over 5 years    
  Total  $83,692 

 

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At December 31, 2015 there were overnight borrowings with the FHLB of $40.7 million with a weighted average rate of 0.52 percent and at December 31, 2014 there were overnight borrowings with the FHLB of $54.6 million with a weighted average rate of 0.32 percent. At December 31, 2015, unused short-term or overnight borrowing commitments totaled $885.0 million from the FHLB, $22.0 million from correspondent banks and $113.9 million at the Federal Reserve Bank.

 

8. FAIR VALUE

 

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
   
Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other that 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 as asset or liability.

 

The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate the fair value:

Investment Securities: The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3).

Loans Held for Sale, at Fair Value: The fair value of loans held for sale is determined using quoted prices for similar assets, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan or other observable market data, such as outstanding commitments from third party investors (Level 2).

Derivatives: The fair values of derivatives are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date (Level 2). Our derivatives are traded in an over-the-counter market where quoted market prices are not always available. Therefore, the fair values of derivatives are determined using quantitative models that utilize multiple market inputs. The inputs will vary based on the type of derivative, but could include interest rates, prices and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, prepayment rates, and volatility factors to value the position. The majority of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services.

Impaired Loans: The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Other Real Estate Owned: Nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as other real estate owned (OREO) are measured at fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may use a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Appraisals for both collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by Management. Once received, a member of the Credit Department reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal, as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with independent data sources such as recent market data or industry-wide statistics. Appraisals on collateral dependent impaired

80 

loans and other real estate owned (consistent for all loan types) are obtained on an annual basis, unless a significant change in the market or other factors warrants a more frequent appraisal. On an annual basis, Management compares the actual selling price of any collateral that has been sold to the most recent appraised value to determine what additional adjustment should be made to the appraisal value to arrive at fair value for other properties. The most recent analysis performed indicated that a discount up to 15 percent should be applied to appraisals on properties. The discount is determined based on the nature of the underlying properties, aging of appraisal and other factors. For each collateral-dependent impaired loan we consider other factors, such as certain indices or other market information, as well as property specific circumstances to determine if an adjustment to the appraised value is needed. In situations where there is evidence of change in value, the Bank will determine if there is need for an adjustment to the specific reserve on the collateral dependent impaired loans. When the Bank applies an interim adjustment, it generally shows the adjustment as an incremental specific reserve against the loan until it has received the full updated appraisal. As of December 31, 2015, all collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned valuations were supported by an appraisal less than 12 months old.

 

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including financial assets for which the Company has elected the fair value option:

       Fair Value Measurements Using 
       Quoted         
       Prices In         
       Active         
       Markets   Significant     
       For   Other   Significant 
       Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
       Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
(In thousands)  December 31, 2015   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Assets:                    
Securities available for sale:                    
  Mortgage-backed securities-residential  $160,607   $   $160,607   $ 
  SBA pool securities   7,520        7,520     
  State and political subdivisions   22,029        22,029     
  Single-issuer trust preferred security   2,535        2,535     
  CRA investment fund   2,939    2,939         
 Loans held for sale, at fair value   1,558        1,558     
Derivatives:                    
   Cash flow hedges   104        104     
   Loan level swaps   1,106        1,106     
    Total  $198,398   $2,939   $195,459   $ 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Derivatives:                    
   Cash flow hedges   (1,434)       (1,434)    
   Loan level swaps   (1,106)       (1,106)    
    Total  $(2,540)  $   $(2,540)  $ 
                     

81 

 

(In thousands)  December 31, 2014             
Assets:                    
Securities available for sale:                    
  U.S. government-sponsored entities  $35,670   $   $35,670   $ 
  Mortgage-backed securities-residential   242,289        242,289     
  SBA pool securities   7,944        7,944     
  State and political subdivisions   41,394        41,394     
  Single-issuer trust preferred security   2,400        2,400     
  CRA investment fund   2,955    2,955         
   Loans held for sale, at fair value   839        839     
    Total  $333,491   $2,955   $330,536   $ 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Derivatives:                    
  Cash flow hedges  $(169)  $   $(169)  $ 
    Total  $(169)  $   $(169)  $ 

 

 

The Company has elected the fair value option for loans held for sale. These loans are intended for sale and the Company believes that the fair value is the best indicator of the resolution of these loans. Interest income is recorded based on the contractual terms of the loan and in accordance with the Company’s policy on loans held for investment. None of these loans are 90 days or more past due or on nonaccrual as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

The following tables present residential loans held for sale, at fair value for the periods indicated:

 

   December 31, 2015   December 31, 2014 
Residential loans contractual balance  $1,536   $826 
Fair value adjustment   22    13 
   Total fair value of residential loans held for sale  $1,558   $839 

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2015.

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:

 

       Fair Value Measurements Using 
       Quoted         
       Prices In         
       Active         
       Markets   Significant     
       For   Other   Significant 
       Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
       Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
(In thousands)  December 31, 2015   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Assets:                    
Impaired loans:                    
  Primary residential mortgage  $251   $   $   $251 
OREO   330            330 
                     
(In thousands)  December 31, 2014                
Assets:                    
Impaired loans:                    
  Primary residential mortgage  $543   $   $   $543 
OREO   580            580 

 

Impaired loans that are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a recorded investment of $299 thousand, with a valuation allowance of $48 thousand at December 31, 2015. Impaired loans that are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a recorded investment of $648 thousand, with a valuation allowance of $105 thousand at December 31, 2014.

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At both December 31, 2015 and 2014, OREO at fair value represents one commercial property. The Company recorded a valuation allowance of $250 thousand and $400 thousand during 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using 
   Carrying                 
(In thousands)  Amount   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Financial assets                         
   Cash and cash equivalents  $70,160   $70,160   $   $   $70,160 
   Securities available for sale   195,630    2,939    192,691        195,630 
   FHLB and FRB stock   13,984                N/A 
   Loans held for sale, at fair value   1,558        1,558        1,558 
   Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value    82,200        82,200        82,200 
   Loans, net of allowance for loan losses   2,887,386            2,865,601    2,865,601 
   Accrued interest receivable   6,820        562    6,258    6,820 
   Cash flow hedges   104        104        104 
   Loan level swaps   1,106        1,106        1,106 
Financial liabilities                         
  Deposits  $2,935,470   $2,407,300   $526,226   $   $2,933,526 
  Overnight borrowings   40,700        40,700        40,700 
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances   83,692        84,409        84,409 
  Accrued interest payable   957    128    829        957 
  Cash flow hedges   1,434        1,434        1,434 
  Loan level swaps   1,106        1,106        1,106 

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using 
   Carrying                 
(In thousands)  Amount   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Financial assets                         
   Cash and cash equivalents  $31,207   $30,707   $500   $   $31,207 
   Securities available for sale   332,652    2,955    329,697        332,652 
   FHLB and FRB stock   11,593                N/A 
   Loans held for sale, at fair value   839        839        839 
   Loans, net of allowance for loan losses   2,230,787            2,213,604    2,213,604 
   Accrued interest receivable   5,371        924    4,447    5,371 
Financial liabilities                         
   Deposits  $2,298,693   $1,968,207   $329,579   $   $2,297,786 
   Overnight borrowings   54,600        54,600         54,600 
   Federal Home Loan Bank advances   83,692        84,677        84,677 
   Financial Liabilities Derivatives   169        169        169 
   Accrued interest payable   496    103    393        496 

 

The methods and assumptions, not previously presented, used to estimate fair values are described as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values and are classified as either Level 1 or Level 2. Cash and due from banks is classified as Level 1. Certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2.

FHLB and FRB stock: It is not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB or FRB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value: The fair value of loans held for sale is determined using quoted prices for similar assets adjusted for specific attributes of that loan or other observable market data, such as outstanding commitments from third party investors. Loans held for sale are classified as Level 2.

Loans: For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values resulting in a Level 3 classification. Fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality resulting in a Level 3 classification. Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost or fair value as described previously. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price.

Deposits: The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and noninterest checking, savings and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date, (i.e., the carrying amount) resulting in a Level 1 classification. The carrying amounts of variable-rate certificates of deposit approximate the fair values at the reporting date resulting in Level 2 classification. Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated

83 

using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.

Overnight borrowings: The carrying amounts of overnight borrowings approximate fair values and are classified as Level 2.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances: The fair values of the Company’s long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements resulting in a Level 2 classification.

Accrued interest receivable/payable: The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value resulting in a Level 2 or Level 3 classification. Accrued interest on deposits and securities are included in Level 2. Accrued interest on loans are included in Level 3.

Off-balance sheet instruments: Fair values for off-balance sheet, credit-related financial instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing. The fair value of commitments is not material.

 

9.  OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

 

The following table presents the major components of other operating expenses for the years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Professional and legal fees  $2,747   $1,873   $2,085 
FDIC insurance   2,154    1,381    1,121 
Wealth Division other expense   2,147    1,896    1,702 
Branch Restructure (Note 4)   1,735         
Telephone   942    914    696 
Advertising   637    594    519 
Loan expense   426    532    676 
Provision for ORE losses   250    400    1,010 
Intangible amortization   82         
Other operating expenses   5,959    5,746    5,211 
  Total other operating expenses  $17,079   $13,336   $13,020 

 

10.  INCOME TAXES

 

The income tax expense included in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, is allocated as follows:

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Federal:               
  Current expense/(benefit)  $13,035   $10,251   $2,811 
  Deferred (benefit)/expense   (3,210)   (2,626)   1,299 
State:               
  Current expense/(benefit)   3,176    625    21 
  Deferred expense   (833)   1,146    1,371 
    Total income tax expense  $12,168   $9,396   $5,502 

 

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Total income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate of 35 percent to income before taxes as a result of the following:

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Computed “expected” tax expense  $11,249   $8,500   $5,167 
(Decrease)/increase in taxes resulting from:               
  Tax-exempt income   (316)   (152)   (317)
  State income taxes   1,523    1,102    901 
  Bank owned life insurance income   (279)   (152)   (243)
  Interest disallowance   40    9    10 
  Meals and entertainment expense   69    69      
  Stock-based compensation   86    60    54 
  Rate adjustment   (70)       (100)
  Other   (134)   (40)   (30)
    Total income tax expense  $12,168   $9,396   $5,502 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)  2015   2014 
Deferred tax assets:          
  Allowance for loan losses  $10,437   $7,957 
  Valuation allowance for OREO losses   1,084    989 
  Federal and state net operating loss carryforward   6    9 
  Lease adjustment   122    149 
  Federal AMT credit carryforward       540 
  Post retirement benefits   445    427 
  Prepaid alternative minimum assessment   283    283 
  Contribution limitation   237    34 
  Charitable contribution carryforward   32    32 
  Organization costs   24    26 
  Cash flow hedge   544    69 
  Stock option expense   414    372 
  Nonaccrued interest   127    181 
  Accrued compensation   3,349    2,422 
  Capital leases   1,407    952 
    Total gross deferred tax assets  $18,511   $14,442 
Deferred tax liabilities:          
  Bank premises and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation  $767   $920 
  Unrealized gain on securities available for sale   262    835 
  Deferred loan origination costs and fees   1,114    1,555 
  Deferred income   721    603 
  Investment securities, principally due to the accretion of bond discount   29    19 
  Other   36    19 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities   2,929    3,951 
Net deferred tax asset  $15,582   $10,491 

 

Based upon taxes paid and projected future taxable income, Management believes that it is more likely than not that the gross deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months.

 

The Company is subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as New Jersey income tax. The Company is no longer subject to federal examination for tax years prior to 2012. The tax years of 2012, 2013 and 2014 remains open to federal examination. The Company is no longer subject to New Jersey examination for tax years prior to 2011. The tax years of 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 remain open for state examination.

 

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11. BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Company sponsors a profit sharing plan and a savings plan under Section 401(K) of the Internal Revenue Code, covering substantially all salaried employees over the age of 21 with at least 12 months of service. Under the savings plan, the Company contributes three percent of salary for each employee regardless of the employees’ contributions as well as partially matching employee contributions. The Company contributed to an enhanced benefit plan to employees who were previously in the defined benefit plan, which was discontinued in 2008. The enhanced benefit was discretionary and was eliminated in 2014. In 2013, the enhanced benefit was approximately $850 thousand. Expense for the savings plan totaled approximately $1.6 million, $1.4 million and $1.9 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Contributions to the profit sharing plan are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors and all funds are invested solely in Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation common stock. The Company did not contribute to the profit sharing plan in 2015 or 2014. The aggregate contribution to the profit sharing plan was $200 thousand in 2013, respectively.

 

12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company’s 2006 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and 2012 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan allow the granting of shares of the Company’s common stock as incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards and stock appreciation rights to directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The total number of shares initially available to grant in active plans was 1,120,000. There are no shares remaining for issuance with respect to stock option plans approved in 1995, 1998 and 2002; however, options granted under those plans are still included in the numbers below. At December 31, 2015, there were 394,166 additional shares available for grant under the unexpired plans.

 

Options granted under the long-term stock incentive plans are, in general, exercisable not earlier than one year after the date of grant, at a price equal to the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant, and expire not more than ten years after the date of grant. Stock options may vest during a period of up to five years after the date of grant. Some options granted to officers at or above the senior vice president level were immediately exercisable at the date of grant. The Company has a policy of using new shares to satisfy option exercises.

 

Changes in options outstanding during 2015 were as follows:

 

           Weighted    
       Weighted   Average  Aggregate 
       Average   Remaining  Intrinsic 
   Number of   Exercise   Contractual  Value 
   Options   Price   Term  (In Thousands) 
Balance, January 1, 2015   345,189   $17.38         
Granted during 2015                
Exercised during 2015   (18,891)   12.61         
Expired during 2015   (45,750)   18.54         
Forfeited during 2015   (13,259)   13.45         
Balance, December 31, 2015   267,289   $17.28   4.41 years  $893 
Vested and expected to vest (1)   256,140   $17.46   4.41 years  $809 
Exercisable at December 31, 2015   225,996   $17.90   4.01 years  $615 
                   
(1)The difference between the shares which are exercisable (fully vested) and those which are expected to vest is due to anticipated forfeitures.

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of 2015 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options). The Company’s closing stock price on December 31, 2015 was $20.62.

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $142 thousand in 2015, $109 thousand in 2014 and $20 thousand in 2013.

 

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There were no stock options granted during 2015. The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2014 and 2013 was $7.50 and $4.58, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

  2014 2013  
Dividend yield 1.02% 1.30%  
Expected volatility 40% 39%  
Expected life 7 Years 7 Years  
Risk-free interest rate 2.18% 1.14%  

 

As of December 31, 2015, there was approximately $284 thousand of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock incentive plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.60 years.

 

The Company issued stock awards in 2015, 2014 and 2013. The stock awards were either service based awards or performance based awards. The service based awards vest ratably over a three or five year period. The performance based awards are dependent upon the Company meeting certain performance criteria and cliff vest at the end of the performance period. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company concluded that the performance targets will no longer be met and therefore, reversed approximately $592 thousand of previously recorded expense for the performance awards. Total unrecognized compensation expense for performance based awards is $1.7 million as of December 31, 2015. The Company does not expect the performance based awards to vest. As of December 31, 2015, there was $4.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested shares, which is expected to vest over 4.3 years. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized for stock awards totaled $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $590 thousand in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, while total stock-based compensation expense recognized for stock options was $219 thousand, $234 thousand and $319 thousand for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Changes in nonvested shares dependent on performance criteria for 2015 were as follows:

 

       Weighted 
       Average 
   Number of   Grant Date 
   Shares   Fair Value 
Balance, January 1, 2015   92,767   $18.12 
Granted during 2015        
Vested during 2015        
Forfeited during 2015        
Balance, December 31, 2015   92,767   $18.12 

 

Changes in nonvested shares not dependent on performance criteria for 2015 were as follows:

 

       Weighted 
       Average 
   Number of   Grant Date 
   Shares   Fair Value 
Balance, January 1, 2015   252,328   $17.34 
Granted during 2015   166,165    21.00 
Vested during 2015   (91,364)   16.45 
Forfeited during 2015   (5,708)   19.72 
Balance, December 31, 2015   321,421   $19.44 

 

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company, in the ordinary course of business, is a party to litigation arising from the conduct of its business. Management does not consider that these actions depart from routine legal proceedings and believes that such actions will not affect its financial position or results of its operations in any material manner. There are various outstanding commitments and contingencies, such as guarantees and credit extensions, including mostly variable-rate loan commitments of $282.1 million and $223.0 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. These commitments include unused commercial and home equity lines of credit.

 

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The Company issues financial standby letters of credit that are irrevocable undertakings by the Company to guarantee payment of a specified financial obligation. Most of the Company’s financial standby letters of credit arise in connection with lending relations and have terms of one year or less. The maximum potential future payments the Company could be required to make equals the contract amount of the standby letters of credit and amounted to $10.4 million and $3.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s liability for financial standby letters of credit was insignificant at December 31, 2015.

 

For commitments to originate loans, the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Those commitments represent ultimate exposure to credit risk only to the extent that they are subsequently drawn upon by customers. The Company uses the same credit policies and underwriting standards in making loan commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. For loan commitments, the Company would generally be exposed to interest rate risk from the time a commitment is issued with a defined contractual interest rate.

 

At December 31, 2015, the Company was obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for certain premises. Rental expense aggregated $2.6 million, $2.5 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively, which is included in premises and equipment expense in the consolidated statements of income.

 

The minimum annual lease payments under the terms of the operating lease agreements, as of December 31, 2015, were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    
2016  $2,024 
2017   1,616 
2018   1,460 
2019   1,143 
2020   1,133 
Thereafter   2,946 
  Total  $10,322 

 

The Company is also obligated under legally binding and enforceable agreements to purchase goods and services from third parties, including data processing service agreements.

 

14. REGULATORY CAPITAL

 

Banks and bank holding companies are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators.  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 and the Bank’s financial statements and results of operations.  The final rules implementing Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. banks (Basel III rules) became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015 with full compliance with all of the requirements being phased in over a multi-year schedule, and fully phased in by January 1, 2019. The Company has chosen to exclude net unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities in computing regulatory capital. Capital amounts and ratios for December 31, 2014 are calculated using Basel I rules.  Management believes that as of December 31, 2015, the Company and Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

 

Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications:  well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. Adequately capitalized institutions must obtain prior regulatory approval to accept brokered deposits. The federal banking agencies are required to take certain supervisory actions (and may take additional discretionary actions) with respect to an undercapitalized institution or its holding company. If an institution is classified as undercapitalized, it is required to submit a capital restoration plan to its federal banking regulators and is prohibited from increasing its assets, engaging in a new line of business, acquiring any interest in any company or insured depository institution, or opening or acquiring a new branch office, except under certain circumstances, including the acceptance by the federal banking regulators of a capital restoration plan for the institution. Furthermore, if an institution is classified as undercapitalized, the federal banking regulators may take certain actions to correct the capital position of the institution. If an institution is classified as significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, the federal banking regulators

88 

would be required to take one or more prompt corrective actions. These actions would include, among other things, requiring sales of new securities to bolster capital, improvements in management, limits on interest rates paid, prohibitions on transactions with affiliates, termination of certain risky activities and restrictions on compensation paid to executive officers. If a bank is classified as critically undercapitalized, the bank must be placed into conservatorship or receivership within 90 days, unless the federal banking regulators determined that other action would better achieve the purposes of the prompt corrective action regime. Any of the foregoing regulatory actions could have a direct material effect on an institution’s or its holding company’s financial statements. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the most recent regulatory notifications categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  There are no conditions or events since that notification that Management believes have changed the Company’s category.

To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table.

 

The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:

 

       To Be Well     
       Capitalized Under   For Capital 
       Prompt Corrective   Adequacy 
   Actual   Action Provisions   Purposes 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
As of December 31, 2015:                        
  Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  $297,497    11.32%  $262,719    10.00%  $210,176    8.00%
                               
  Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)   271,641    10.34    210,176    8.00    157,632    6.00 
                               
   Common equity tier I (to risk-weighted assets)   271,641    10.34    170,768    6.50    118,224    4.50 
                               
  Tier I capital (to average assets)   271,641    8.04    169,027    5.00    135,221    4.00 
                               
As of December 31, 2014:                              
  Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  $250,112    14.96%  $167,160    10.00%  $133,728    8.00%
                               
  Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)   230,632    13.80    100,296    6.00    66,864    4.00 
                               
  Common equity tier I (to risk-weighted assets)   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
                               
  Tier I capital (to average assets)   230,632    8.74    131,895    5.00    105,516    4.00 

 

The Company’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:

 

       To Be Well     
       Capitalized Under   For Capital 
       Prompt Corrective   Adequacy 
   Actual   Action Provisions   Purposes 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
As of December 31, 2015:                        
  Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  $299,593    11.40%  $N/A    N/A%  $210,209    8.00%
                               
  Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)   273,738    10.42    N/A    N/A    157,657    6.00 
                               
   Common equity tier I (to risk-weighted assets)   273,738    10.42    N/A    N/A    118,242    4.50 
                               
  Tier I capital (to average assets)   273,738    8.10    N/A    N/A    135,237    4.00 
                               
As of December 31, 2014:                              
  Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  $259,918    15.55%  $N/A    N/A%  $133,745    8.00%
                               
  Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)   240,439    14.38    N/A    N/A    66,873    4.00 
                               
   Common equity tier I (to risk-weighted assets)   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
                               
  Tier I capital (to average assets)   240,439    9.11    N/A    N/A    105,544    4.00 

 

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15. DERIVATIVES

 

The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. The notional amount of the interest rate swaps does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate swap agreements.

 

Interest Rate Swap Designated as Cash Flow Hedge: The Company has entered into interest rate swaps having a notional amount of $180 million and $25 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These interest rate swaps were designated as a cash flow hedge of certain interest-bearing demand brokered deposits and were determined to be fully effective during 2015 and 2014. As such, no amount of ineffectiveness has been included in net income. Therefore, the aggregate fair value of these swaps is recorded in other assets/liabilities with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income would be reclassified to current earnings should the hedge no longer be considered effective. The Company expects the hedge to remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swaps.

 

Information about the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is presented in the following table:

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2015   2014 
Notional amount  $180,000   $25,000 
Weighted average pay rate   1.64%   1.81%
Weighted average receive rate   0.29%   0.21%
Weighted average maturity   4.25 years    5.00 years 
Unrealized loss  $(1,331)  $(169)

 

Net Interest expense recorded on these swap transactions totaled $1.6 million and $1 thousand for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is reported as a component of interest expense.

 

Cash Flow Hedge

 

The following table presents the net gains/(losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and the consolidated financial statements relating to the cash flow derivative instruments for the year ended December 31:

 

2015
           Amount of 
   Amount of   Amount of   Gain/(Loss) 
   Loss   Gain/(Loss)   Recognized in 
   Recognized   Reclassified   Other Non-Interest 
   In OCI   From OCI to   Expense 
(In thousands)  (Effective Portion)   Interest Expense   (Ineffective Portion) 
Interest rate contracts  $(1,162)  $   $ 

 

 

2014
           Amount of 
   Amount of   Amount of   Gain/(Loss) 
   Loss   Gain/(Loss)   Recognized in 
   Recognized   Reclassified   Other Non-Interest 
   In OCI   From OCI to   Expense 
(In thousands)  (Effective Portion)   Interest Expense   (Ineffective Portion) 
Interest rate contracts  $(169)  $   $ 

 

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The following tables reflect the cash flow hedges included in the financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

   December 31, 2015 
   Notional   Fair 
(In thousands)  Amount   Value 
  Interest rate swaps related to interest-bearing          
     demand brokered deposits  $180,000   $(1,330)
Total included in other assets  15,000   104 
Total included in other liabilities  $165,000   $(1,434)

 

   December 31, 2014 
   Notional   Fair 
(In thousands)  Amount   Value 
  Interest rate swaps related to interest-bearing          
     demand brokered deposits  $25,000   $(169)
Total included in other assets      
Total included in other liabilities  $25,000   $(169)

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Accounting Hedges: Beginning in 2015, the Company offered facility specific/loan level swaps to its customers and offset its exposure from such contracts by entering into mirror image swaps with a financial institution/swap counterparty (loan level / back to back swap program). The customer accommodations and any offsetting swaps are treated as non-hedging derivative instruments which do not qualify for hedge accounting. The notional amount of the swaps does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual contracts. The fair value of the swaps is recorded as both an asset and a liability, in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in equal amounts for these transactions.

 

Information about these swaps is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  December 31, 2015 
Notional amount  $27,259 
Fair value  $1,106 
Weighted average pay rates   3.06%
Weighted average receive rates   1.44%
Weighted average maturity   15.8 years 

 

16. SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

 

In December 2014, the Company successfully completed the sale of 2,776,215 common shares in its “at-the-market” equity offering program announced on October 23, 2014. The common shares in the offering were sold at a weighted average price of $18.01 per share, representing proceeds to the Company of $48.4 million, net of offering costs of $216 thousand. The Board of Directors authorized the Company to contribute $48.2 million of the proceeds received from the equity offering to the Bank as equity. The Company contributed the cash prior to year end 2014.

 

In December 2013, the Company successfully completed the sale of 2,470,588 common shares in its rights offering and sale to standby investors. The common shares in the offering were all sold at a price of $17.00 per share, representing proceeds to the Company of $41.1 million, net of offering costs of $900 thousand. On December 19, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to contribute $40.5 million of the proceeds received from the rights offering to the Bank as equity. At December 31, 2013, the Company entered into a note agreement with the Bank, which resulted in a capital contribution of $40.5 million to the Bank. The note matured on January 10, 2014 and the cash was transferred from the Company to the Bank on January 2, 2014 to satisfy the note agreement.

 

In addition, the Dividend Reinvestment Plan of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation, or the Plan, allows shareholders of the Company to purchase additional shares of common stock using cash dividends without payment of any brokerage commissions or other charges. In addition, shareholders may also make voluntary cash payments of up to $50,000 per quarter to purchase additional shares of common stock. The Plan provides that shares may be purchased directly from the Company out of its authorized but unissued or treasury shares, or in the open market. During 2015 and 2014 the shares purchased under the Plan were from authorized but unissued shares. The price of shares purchased under the Plan will be the average price paid for such shares by the Plan’s administrator, Computershare Investor Services. The price to the Plan administrator of shares purchased directly from Peapack-Gladstone with reinvested dividends or voluntary cash payments

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will be 97 percent of their “fair market value,” as that term is herein defined in the Plan. The three percent discount will continue until terminated or modified by action of the Board of Directors. Total shares issued through the Plan in 2015 totaled 665,654 and resulted in additional capital of $13.6 million, of which 661,857 shares were issued through the voluntary purchase portion of the Plan. Total shares issued through the Plan in 2014 totaled 416,057 and resulted in additional capital of $7.4 million, of which 411,772 shares were issued through the voluntary purchase portion of the Plan.

 

17. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

The Company assesses its results among two operating segments, Banking and Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division. Management uses certain methodologies to allocate income and expense to the business segments. A funds transfer pricing methodology is used to assign interest income and interest expense. Certain indirect expenses are allocated to segments. These include support unit expenses such as technology and operations and other support functions. Taxes are allocated to each segment based on the effective rate for the period shown.

 

Banking

 

The Banking segment includes commercial, commercial real estate, multifamily, residential and consumer lending activities; deposit generation; operation of ATMs; telephone and internet banking services; merchant credit card services and customer support and sales.

 

Private Wealth Management Division

 

Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s Private Wealth Management Division includes asset management services provided for individuals and institutions; personal trust services, including services as executor, trustee, administrator, custodian and guardian; corporate trust services including services as trustee for pension and profit sharing plans; and other financial planning and advisory services.

 

The following table presents the statements of income and total assets for the Company’s reportable segments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 
       Wealth     
(In thousands)  Banking   Management   Total 
Net interest income  $80,190   $4,262   $84,452 
Noninterest income   6,434    17,280    23,714 
  Total income   86,624    21,542    108,166 
Provision for loan losses   7,100        7,100 
Salaries and benefits   32,133    8,145    40,278 
Premises and equipment expense   10,634    935    11,569 
Other noninterest expense   12,203    4,876    17,079 
  Total noninterest expense   62,070    13,956    76,026 
Income before income tax expense   24,554    7,586    32,140 
Income tax expense   9,217    2,951    12,168 
  Net income  $15,337   $4,635   $19,972 
                
Total assets at period end  $3,328,937   $38,440   $3,364,659 

 

92 

 

   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 
       Wealth     
(In thousands)  Banking   Management   Total 
Net interest income  $64,148   $3,746   $67,894 
Noninterest income   5,336    15,471    20,807 
  Total income   69,484    19,217    88,701 
Provision for loan losses   4,875        4,875 
Salaries and benefits   28,679    7,562    36,241 
Premises and equipment expense   9,207    756    9,963 
Other noninterest expense   8,922    4,414    13,336 
  Total noninterest expense   51,683    12,732    64,415 
Income before income tax expense   17,801    6,485    24,286 
Income tax expense   6,873    2,523    9,396 
  Net income  $10,928   $3,962   $14,890 
                
Total assets at period end  $2,676,103   $26,294   $2,702,397 

 

   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013 
       Wealth     
(In thousands)  Banking   Management   Total 
Net interest income  $49,209   $3,567   $52,776 
Noninterest income   6,417    14,178    20,595 
  Total income   55,626    17,745    73,371 
Provision for loan losses   3,425        3,425 
Salaries and benefits   26,504    5,745    32,249 
Premises and equipment expense   9,331    583    9,914 
Other noninterest expense   8,564    4,456    13,020 
  Total noninterest expense   47,824    10,784    58,608 
Income before income tax expense   7,802    6,961    14,763 
Income tax expense   2,908    2,594    5,502 
  Net income  $4,894   $4,367   $9,261 
                
Total assets at period end  $1,964,514   $2,434   $1,966,948 

 

18. ACQUISITION

 

On May 1, 2015, the Company acquired a wealth management company. The acquisition is consistent with the Company’s strategy to grow its wealth management business with a focus on high net worth clients.  The purchase price was $2.8 million and included cash, common stock and common stock warrants. Acquisition related costs were not material. In accordance with FASB ASC 805-10 (Subtopic 25-15), the Company has up to one year from date of acquisition to complete this assessment.

 

The fair value of the common shares and warrants issued as part of the consideration was determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the acquisition date.

 

The acquisition resulted in goodwill of $1.0 million and customer relationship and other intangibles of $1.8 million. The following table summarizes the consideration paid and the amounts of the assets acquired. No liabilities were assumed at the acquisition date:

 

Consideration (in thousands)    
  Cash  $800 
  Equity Instruments   2,000 
Fair value of total consideration transferred  $2,800 
      
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired     
  Customer relationship intangible  $1,685 
  Other intangibles   105 
  Goodwill   1,010 
Total assets acquired  $2,800 

 

93 

Equity instruments paid as a part of consideration included common stock shares of 47,916 and common stock warrants of 139,860 worth $1 thousand. The per share weighted average fair value of the stock warrants on acquisition date was $7.15. The Company calculated the value using the Black-Scholes Option-Pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions.

 

Dividend yield   0.93%
Expected volatility   33.73%
Expected life   7  Years
Risk-free interest rate   1.84%

 

 

Goodwill totaled $1.6 million and $563 thousand as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in goodwill is a result of the acquisition described above. Of the $1.6 million of goodwill, $563 thousand relates to the Banking segment and $1.0 million relates to the Wealth Management segment. Outside of goodwill, the only other intangible with an indefinite life was the assembled workforce intangible asset totaling $49 thousand.

 

The Company conducted its annual impairment analysis and concluded that there is no impairment of goodwill.

 

Acquired intangible assets that have a definite life were as follows at December 31, 2015.

 

   Gross   Gross     
   Carrying   Accumulated     
(In thousands)  Amount   Amount   Net 
Amortized intangible assets:               
  Customer relationships  $1,685   $75   $1,610 
  Non-compete agreement   56    7    49 
Total  $1,741   $82   $1,659 

 

 

Aggregate amortization expense was $82 thousand for 2015.

 

Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is shown in the table below.

 

(In thousands)    
2016  $123 
2017   123 
2018   123 
2019   123 
2020   116 
Total  $608 

 

94 

 

19. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

The following is a summary of the accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) balances, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

           Amount   Other     
           Reclassified   Comprehensive     
       Other   From   Loss     
       Comprehensive   Accumulated   Twelve Months     
   Balance at   Loss   Other   Ended   Balance at 
   December 31,   Before   Comprehensive   December 31,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2014   Reclassifications   Loss   2015   2015 
                     
Net unrealized holding                         
  gain on securities                         
  available for sale,                         
  net of tax  $1,321   $(602)  $(311)  $(913)  $408 
                          
Losses on cash flow hedge  $(100)  $(687)  $   $(687)  $(787)
                          
Accumulated other                         
  comprehensive income/(loss),                         
      net of tax  $1,221   $(1,287)  $(311)  $(1,600)  $(379)
                          

 

           Amount   Other     
           Reclassified   Comprehensive     
       Other   from   (Loss)     
       Comprehensive   Accumulated   Twelve Months     
   Balance at   (Loss)   Other   Ended   Balance at 
   December 31,   Before   Comprehensive   December 31,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2013   Reclassifications   Income   2013   2014 
                     
Net unrealized holding                         
  gain/(loss) on securities                         
  available for sale,                         
  net of tax  $23   $1,467   $(169)  $1,298   $1,321 
                          
Losses on cash flow hedge      $(100)  $   $(100)  $(100)
                          
    Accumulated other                         
      comprehensive income/                         
      (loss), net of tax  $23   $1,367   $(169)  $1,198   $1,221 
                          

 

           Amount   Other     
           Reclassified   Comprehensive     
       Other   from   Income     
       Comprehensive   Accumulated   Twelve Months     
   Balance at   Income   Other   Ended   Balance at 
   December 31,   Before   Comprehensive   December 31,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2012   Reclassifications   Income   2013   2013 
                     
Net unrealized holding                         
  gain/(loss) on securities                         
  available for sale,                         
  net of tax  $4,299   $(3,730)  $(546)  $(4,276)  $23 
                          
Losses on cash flow hedge  $   $   $   $   $ 
                          
    Accumulated other                         
      comprehensive income/                         
      (loss), net of tax  $4,299   $(3,730)  $(546)  $(4,276)  $23 
                          

 

95 

The following represents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Twelve Months Ended    
   December 31,    
(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013   Affected Line Item in Statements of Income
Unrealized gains/(losses) on                  
  Realized gain on securities sales, AFS  $527   $260   $840   Securities gains, net
  Realized gain on securities sales, HTM              Securities gains, net
  Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges              Interest expense
  Income tax expense   (216)   (91)   (294)  Income tax expense
    Total reclassifications, net of tax  $311   $169   $546    
                   
                   

20. CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

 

STATEMENTS OF CONDITION

   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2015   2014 
Assets          
Cash  $1,489   $9,311 
Interest-earning deposits   515    516 
  Total cash and cash equivalents   2,004    9,827 
Securities available for sale        
Investment in subsidiary   273,580    232,461 
Other assets   414    220 
  Total assets  $275,998   $242,508 
Liabilities          
Other liabilities  $322   $241 
  Total liabilities   322    241 
Shareholders’ equity          
Common stock   13,717    12,954 
Surplus   213,203    195,829 
Treasury stock   (8,988)   (8,988)
Retained earnings   58,123    41,251 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income,          
  net of income tax benefit   (379)   1,221 
    Total shareholders’ equity   275,676    242,267 
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $275,998   $242,508 

 

96 

 

STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   Years Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Income               
Dividend from Bank  $   $   $1,350 
Other income   1    1    9 
Securities gains, net           2 
  Total income   1    1    1,361 
Expenses               
Other expenses   525    637    429 
  Total expenses   525    637    429 
(Loss)/income before income tax expense and               
  equity in undistributed earnings of Bank   (524)   (636)   932 
Income tax benefit   (180)   (216)   (50)
Net (loss)/income before equity in undistributed earnings of Bank   (344)   (420)   982 
Equity in               
  undistributed earnings of Bank/(dividends in excess of earnings)   20,316    15,310    8,279 
Net income   19,972    14,890    9,261 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income   (1,600)   1,198    (4,276)
  Comprehensive income  $18,372   $16,088   $4,985 
                

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   Years Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2015   2014   2013 
Cash flows from operating activities:               
Net income  $19,972   $14,890   $9,261 
Undistributed (earnings)/loss of Bank   (20,316)   (15,310)   (8,279)
Gain on securities available for sale           (2)
(Increase)/decrease in other assets   (194)   427    (37)
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities   81    (63)   179 
  Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities   (457)   (56)   1,122 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Capital contribution to subsidiary   (18,000)   (88,674)    
Proceeds from sales and calls of securities               
  available for sale           213 
  Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities   (18,000)   (88,674)   213 
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Cash dividends paid on common stock   (3,100)   (2,414)   (1,802)
Exercise of stock options, net of stock swaps   86    174    30 
Net proceeds, rights offering       48,358    41,100 
Issuance of common shares (DRIP program)   13,648    7,429    3,248 
Purchase of shares for Profit Sharing Plan       70    130 
  Net cash provided by financing activities   10,634    53,617    42,706 
                
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents   (7,823)   (35,113)   44,041 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   9,827    44,940    899 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $2,004   $9,827   $44,940 

 

97 

 

21. SUPPLEMENTAL DATA (unaudited)

 

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data for the periods indicated:

 

Selected 2015 Quarterly Data:
(In thousands, except per share data)  March 31   June 30   September 30   December 31 
Interest income  $22,361   $23,852   $25,806   $27,123 
Interest expense   2,778    3,508    4,100    4,304 
  Net interest income   19,583    20,344    21,706    22,819 
Provision for loan losses   1,350    2,200    1,600    1,950 
Trust fees   4,031    4,532    4,169    4,307 
Securities gains/(losses), net   268    176    83     
Other income   1,583    1,791    1,358    1,416 
Operating expenses   15,768    16,266    16,899    19,993 
  Income before income tax expense   8,347    8,377    8,817    6,599 
Income tax expense   3,339    3,139    3,434    2,256 
  Net income  $5,008   $5,238   $5,383   $4,343 
                     
Earnings per share-basic  $0.34   $0.34   $0.35   $0.28 
Earnings per share-diluted   0.33    0.34    0.35    0.28 
                     

 

Selected 2014 Quarterly Data:
(In thousands, except per share data)  March 31   June 30   September 30   December 31 
Interest income  $16,949   $18,630   $19,210   $20,786 
Interest expense   1,378    1,707    2,162    2,434 
  Net interest income   15,571    16,923    17,048    18,352 
Provision for loan losses   1,325    1,150    1,150    1,250 
Wealth management fee income   3,754    4,005    3,661    3,822 
Securities gains/(losses), net   98    79    39    44 
Other income   1,143    1,389    1,352    1,421 
Operating expenses   14,339    14,930    14,693    15,578 
  Income before income tax expense   4,902    6,316    6,257    6,811 
Income tax expense   1,871    2,533    2,393    2,599 
  Net income  $3,031   $3,783   $3,864   $4,212 
                     
Earnings per share-basic  $0.26   $0.32   $0.33   $0.32 
Earnings per share-diluted   0.26    0.32    0.32    0.32 

 

Selected 2013 Quarterly Data:
(In thousands, except per share data)  March 31   June 30   September 30   December 31 
Interest income  $13,432   $13,460   $14,423   $15,738 
Interest expense   1,005    1,012    1,050    1,210 
  Net interest income   12,427    12,448    13,373    14,528 
Provision for loan losses   850    500    750    1,325 
Wealth management fee income   3,368    3,628    3,295    3,547 
Securities gains/(losses), net   289    238    188    125 
Other income   1,947    1,370    1,299    1,301 
Operating expenses   12,293    14,079    14,165    14,646 
  Income before income tax expense   4,888    3,105    3,240    3,530 
Income tax expense   1,995    1,096    1,276    1,135 
  Net income  $2,893   $2,009   $1,964   $2,395 
                     
Earnings per share-basic  $0.33   $0.23   $0.22   $0.25 
Earnings per share-diluted   0.32    0.22    0.22    0.25 

 

98 

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” which, consistent with Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is defined to mean controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

The Company’s Management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The Company’s Management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, provides reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. The design of a control system reflects resource constraints; the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because there are inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been or will be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by Management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

The Company’s Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s Management and board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

99 

As of December 31, 2015 Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operating effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit and Risk Committee.

 

Based on this assessment, Management determined that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

 

Crowe Horwath LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s December 31, 2015 consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an audit report expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. The report is included in Item 8 under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

 

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The information set forth under the captions “Director Information,” “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Executive Officer Age Date Became an Executive Officer Current Position and Business Experience
Douglas L. Kennedy 59 October 9, 2012 Chief Executive Officer
Finn M.W. Caspersen, Jr. 46 January 1, 2008 Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel
Jeffrey J. Carfora 57 March 30, 2009 Chief Financial Officer
Vincent A. Spero 50 November 19, 2009 Head of Commercial Real Estate
Karen A. Rockoff 55 April 1, 2013 Chief Risk Officer
Anthony B. Bilotta, Jr. 55 September 16, 2013 Director of Retail Banking and Marketing
John P. Babcock 58 March 10, 2014 President of Private Wealth Management
Eric H. Waser 55 February 17, 2015 Head of Commercial Banking

 

Mr. Kennedy joined the Bank in October 2012 as Chief Executive Officer. He is a career banker with over 38 years of commercial banking experience. Previously, Mr. Kennedy served as Executive Vice President and Market President at Capital One Bank/North Fork and held key executive level positions with Summit Bank and Bank of American/Fleet Bank. Mr. Kennedy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a MBA from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

 

Mr. Caspersen has nearly 21 years of experience, including 12 years in the Banking industry. Mr. Caspersen joined the Bank as Chief Risk Officer in March 2004 and was promoted to General Counsel in May 2006. He was elected to the Board of Directors in April 2012. Mr. Caspersen was named Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel in 2013. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Caspersen worked in the fields of venture capital, investment banking and corporate law. Mr. Caspersen is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Harvard College.

 

Mr. Carfora joined the Bank in April 2009 as Chief Financial Officer having previously served as a Transitional Officer with New York Community Bank from April 2007 until January 2008 as a result of a merger with PennFed Financial Services Inc. and Penn Federal Savings Bank (collectively referred to as “PennFed”). Previous to the merger, Mr. Carfora served as Chief Operating Officer of PennFed from October 2001 until April 2007 and Chief Financial Officer from December 1993 to October 2001. Mr. Carfora has nearly 36 years of experience, including 33 years in the Banking industry. Mr. Carfora has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a MBA in Finance, both from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

100 

Mr. Spero joined the Bank in June 2008 as Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Lender and was named Head of Commercial Real Estate for the Bank in 2015. Mr. Spero has over 27 years of banking experience and previously served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Loan Team Leader at Lakeland Bank, a subsidiary of Lakeland Bancorp from May 2000 to May 2008. Mr. Spero is a graduate of Wagner College and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in their MBA program.

 

Ms. Rockoff joined the Bank in April 2013 as Chief Risk Officer and is head of the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management. Ms. Rockoff has 32 years of experience in financial services. Previously she worked for Morgan Stanley in Credit Risk Management for 16 years, covering the full spectrum of Morgan Stanley’s capital markets and loan products. Prior to her tenure at Morgan Stanley, Ms. Rockoff held positions at Nomura Securities International and Republic National Bank. Ms. Rockoff has Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and French from Penn State and a MBA from Columbia University.

 

Mr. Bilotta joined the Bank in September 2013 as director of retail banking and marketing. Mr. Bilotta has over 32 years of banking experience, most recently with Oritani Bank where he was responsible for the retail banking and marketing functions. Mr. Bilotta is a graduate of Thomas Edison State College and the Bank Administration Institute at the University of Wisconsin.

 

Mr. Babcock joined the Bank in March 2014 as Senior Executive Vice President and President of Private Wealth Management of Peapack-Gladstone Bank. Mr. Babcock has more than 35 years of experience in wealth management and private banking, most recently serving as managing director and the regional head of the Northeast Mid-Atlantic region for the HSBC Private Bank. Prior to HSBC, Mr. Babcock held senior level positions at U.S. Trust/Bank of America, The Bank of New York and Summit/Fleet Bank. He has a Bachelor’s degree from the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

 

Eric H. Waser joined the bank in February 2015 as Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking at Peapack-Gladstone Bank. Mr. Waser has more than 25 years of experience in financial services and private banking, most recently serving as managing director for Citibank’s East Business Banking Division.  Prior to Citibank, Mr. Waser held senior level positions at Mid Atlantic Corporate Banking, Sovereign Bank and Fleet Boston Financial/Nat West Bank.  Mr. Waser holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University, Kelly School of Business and has taught extensively on advanced credit, sales and leadership training topics and programs.

 

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information set forth under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

101 

 

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The following table shows information at December 31, 2015 for all equity compensation plans under which shares of our common stock may be issued:

      Number of Securities
      Remaining Available
      For Future Issuance
  Number of Securities   Under Equity
  To be Issued Upon Weighted-Average Compensation Plans
  Exercise of Exercise Price of (Excluding Securities
Plan Category Outstanding Options (a) Outstanding Options (b) Reflected in Column (a) (c)
       
Equity      
Compensation      
Plans Approved      
By Security      
Holders 267,289 $17.28 394,166
       
Equity      
Compensation      
Plans Not      
Approved By      
Security Holders N/A N/A N/A
     Total 267,289 $17.28 394,166

 

The information set forth under the captions “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information set forth under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons” and “Corporate Governance” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information set forth under the captions “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Audit Committee Pre-approval Procedures” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) Financial Statements and Schedules:
   
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation.
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  Consolidated Statements of Condition as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation as set forth in Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 are incorporated by reference herein.

 

All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are either inapplicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto contained in this 2015 Annual Report.

 

(b) Exhibits

 

(3)Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws:

 

A.Certificate of Incorporation as incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report filed on November 9, 2009 (SEC File No. 001-16197).

 

B.By-Laws of the Registrant as in effect on the date of this filing are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report filed on January 26, 2015.

 

(10)Material Contracts:

 

A.“Change in Control Agreement” dated as of December 20, 2007 by and among the Company, the Bank and Frank A. Kissel is incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10(A)1 of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-16197). +

 

B.“Split Dollar Plan for Senior Management” dated as of September 7, 2001 for Frank A. Kissel is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (I) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003 (SEC File No. 001-16197). +

 

C.“Directors’ Retirement Plan” dated as of March 31, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (J) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003 (SEC File No. 001-16197). +

 

D.“Directors’ Deferral Plan” dated as of March 31, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (K) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003 (SEC File No. 001-16197). +

 

E.Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 1998 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors and Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2002 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, each as amended and restated through December 8, 2005, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report filed on December 14, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-16197). +

 

103 

 

F.Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Option Plan and Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Option Plan are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report filed on January 13, 2006 (SEC File No. 001-16197). +

 

G.Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2006 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report filed on May 10, 2006 (SEC File No. 001-16197). +

 

H.(1) Form of Restricted Stock Agreement, (2) Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Outside Directors, (3) Form of Time-Based/Performance-Based Restricted Stock Agreement (4) Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement, (5) Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement and (6) Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement for Outside Directors under the Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2012 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10(H)(1), 10(H)(2), 10(H)(3), 10(H)(4), 10(H)(5) and 10(H)(6) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. +*

 

I.(1) Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement, (2) Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement, (3) Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement for Outside Directors under the Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2006 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(I)(2), 10(I)(3) and 10(I)(4) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. +

 

J.Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation 2012 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (filed herewith).

 

K.“Employment Agreement” dated as of December 4, 2013 by and among the Company, the Bank and Douglas L. Kennedy incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(L) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. +

 

L.“Employment Agreement” dated as of November 25, 2013 by and among the Company, the Bank and Frank A. Kissel incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(M) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. +

 

M.“Amended and Restated Employment Agreement” dated as of December 4, 2013 by and among the Company, the Bank and Finn M.W. Caspersen, Jr. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(N) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013 +

 

N.“Amended and Restated Employment Agreement” dated as of December 4, 2013 by and among the Company, the Bank and Jeffrey J. Carfora incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(O) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. +

 

O.“Amended and Restated Employment Agreement” dated as of December 4, 2013 by and among the Company, the Bank and Vincent A. Spero incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(P) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. +

 

P.“Change in Control Agreement” dated as of December 4, 2013, by and among the Company, the Bank and Douglas L. Kennedy incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(Q) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. +

 

Q.“Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement” dated as of December 4, 2013, by and among the Company, the Bank and Finn M. W. Caspersen, Jr. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(R) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013+

 

R.“Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement” dated as of December 4, 2013, by and among the Company, the Bank and Jeffrey J. Carfora incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(S) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. +

 

104 

S.“Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement” dated as of December 4, 2013, by and among the Company, the Bank and Vincent A. Spero incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(T) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.+

 

T.“Change in Control Agreement” dated as of December 4, 2013, by and among the Company, the Bank and Karen A. Rockoff incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(U) of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. +

 

21)List of Subsidiaries:

(a) Subsidiaries of the Company:

 

 

 

Name

 

Jurisdiction

of Incorporation

Percentage of Voting

Securities Owned by

the Parent

     
Peapack-Gladstone Bank New Jersey 100%

 

(b) Subsidiaries of the Bank:

 

 

Name

   
     
PGB Trust and Investments of Delaware Delaware 100%
Peapack-Gladstone Mortgage Group New Jersey 100%
BGP RRE Holdings, LLC New Jersey 100%
BGP CRE Painter Farm, LLC New Jersey 100%
BGP CRE Heritage, LLC New Jersey 100%
BGP CRE K&P Holdings, LLC New Jersey 100%
BGP CRE Office Property, LLC New Jersey 100%
PG Investment Company of Delaware Delaware 100%
Peapack-Gladstone Realty, Inc. New Jersey 100%
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Services, Inc. (Inactive)

 

New Jersey

 

100%

 

(23)Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm:

 

(23.1)Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP*

 

(24)Power of Attorney*

 

(31.1)Certification of Douglas L. Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of Peapack-Gladstone, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

(31.2)Certification of Jeffrey J. Carfora, Chief Financial Officer of Peapack-Gladstone, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

(32)Certification of Douglas L. Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of Peapack-Gladstone and Jeffrey J. Carfora, Chief Financial Officer of Peapack-Gladstone pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
(100)Interactive Data File*
+Management contract and compensatory plan or arrangement.

* Filed herewith

105 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

   

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation

 

     
  By: /s/ Douglas L. Kennedy
   

Douglas L. Kennedy

Chief Executive Officer

 

  By: /s/ Jeffrey J. Carfora
   

Jeffrey J. Carfora

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer

Dated:    March 15, 2016

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Douglas L. Kennedy   Chief Executive Officer and Director   March 15, 2016
Douglas L. Kennedy        
/s/ Jeffrey J. Carfora   Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   March 15, 2016
Jeffrey J. Carfora   (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)    
/s/ F. Duffield Meyercord   Chairman of the Board   March 15, 2016
F. Duffield Meyercord        
/s/ Finn M.W. Caspersen, Jr.   Director, Senior Executive Vice President,   March 15, 2016
Finn M. W. Caspersen, Jr.   General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer    
         
/s/ Susan A. Cole   Director   March 15, 2016
Susan A. Cole        
         
/s/ Anthony J. Consi II   Director   March 15, 2016
Anthony J. Consi II    
/s/ Richard Daingerfield   Director   March 15, 2016
Richard Daingerfield        
         
/s/ Edward A. Gramigna   Director   March 15, 2016
Edward A. Gramigna
         
/s/ John D. Kissel   Director   March 15, 2016
John D. Kissel        
/s/ James R. Lamb   Director   March 15, 2016
James R. Lamb        
/s/ Philip W. Smith III   Director   March 15, 2016
Philip W. Smith III
/s/ Beth Welsh   Director   March 15, 2016
Beth Welsh        

106