EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1141807
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1141807_10-K_2021_0001141807-21-000005.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business.
1ST Constitution Bancorp
1ST Constitution Bancorp is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. 1ST Constitution Bancorp was organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey in February 1999 for the purpose of acquiring all of the issued and outstanding stock of 1ST Constitution Bank (the "Bank") and thereby enabling the Bank to operate within a bank holding company structure. The Company became an active bank holding company on July 1, 1999. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has four employees, all of whom are full-time. The Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Other than its investment in the Bank, the Company currently conducts no other significant business activities.
The main office of the Company and the Bank is located at 2650 Route 130 Cranbury, New Jersey 08512, and the telephone number is (609) 655-4500.
1ST Constitution Bank
The Bank is a commercial bank formed under the laws of the State of New Jersey and engages in the business of commercial and retail banking. As a community bank, the Bank offers a wide range of services (including demand, savings and time deposits and commercial and consumer/installment loans) to individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations principally in the Fort Lee area of Bergen County and in Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset Counties of New Jersey. The Bank conducts its operations through its main office located in Cranbury, New Jersey, and operates 24 additional branch offices in Asbury Park, Cranbury, Fair Haven, Fort Lee, Freehold, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hillsborough, Hopewell, Jackson, Jamesburg, Lawrenceville, Little Silver, Long Branch, Manahawkin, Neptune City, Perth Amboy, Plainsboro, Princeton, Rumson, Shrewsbury, Skillman and Toms River (2), New Jersey. The Bank also operates a residential mortgage loan production office in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable legal limits by the FDIC.
Management efforts focus primarily on positioning the Bank to meet the financial needs of the communities in the Fort Lee area of Bergen County and in Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset Counties and to provide financial services to individuals, families, institutions and small businesses. To achieve this goal, the Bank is focusing its efforts on:
•expansion of the Bank;
•personal service; and
•technological advances and e-commerce.
Expansion of the Bank
On November 8, 2019, the Company completed the merger of Shore Community Bank ("Shore"), a New Jersey chartered bank, with and into the Bank, with the Bank being the surviving entity (the "Shore Merger"). At the time of the Shore Merger, Shore had approximately $284.2 million in assets, approximately $209.6 million in loans, and approximately $249.8 million in deposits. Shore operated five branch offices located in Ocean County, New Jersey which became branches of the Bank as a result of the Shore Merger.
On April 11, 2018, the Company completed the merger of New Jersey Community Bank ("NJCB"), a New Jersey-chartered bank, with and into the Bank, with the Bank being the surviving entity (the "NJCB Merger"). At the time of the NJCB Merger, NJCB had approximately $95 million in assets, approximately $75 million in loans, and approximately $87 million in deposits. NJCB operated two branch offices in Monmouth County, New Jersey which became branches of the Bank as a result of the NJCB Merger.
The Bank continually evaluates opportunities to expand its products and services to existing and new customers and expand into new markets through the acquisition of other banks and bank branch offices within and contiguous to its existing markets and/or by opening new branch offices.
Human Capital Resources
At December 31, 2020, the Bank employed 211 full-time equivalent employees. The Bank strives to recruit and retain an outstanding and diverse team. We believe that the highest-performing teams are diverse and the most productive workplaces are inclusive. An engaged employee base is critical to our success, as is diversity and inclusion, which is why it is one of
Bank’s corporate values and an integral part of our talent and leadership development strategy. We also know that to most effectively compete in our primary market areas and to best serve our customers and communities, our employee base must reflect our increasingly diverse customer base. As a local based and managed main street bank, the Bank is committed to meeting the needs of all of our constituencies-customers, employees, communities and shareholders-as the success of one is intricately linked to the others.
We provide competitive compensation, attractive benefits and assist our employees to prepare for retirement. The Bank continues to invest in our employees’ ongoing career development, including the continuation of education by providing career skills training, mentoring and opportunities to interact with senior management. We have a comprehensive continuing education program with courses that are relevant to the banking industry and job function, as well as courses that touch on changing demographics trends that impact both our customers and employees.
We are committed and focused on the health, safety and well-being of our employees and customers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented safety protocols in all our offices and branch locations beginning in March 2020, which we continually review and adjust based on applicable guidance and regulations. Our pandemic response included modifying our banking center hours, lobby usage and allowing employees to work remotely where possible during the pandemic. In the fourth quarter of 2020, we made a one-time special bonus to all of our staff to reward them for their resiliency and contributions during this pandemic. In addition, beginning in the first quarter of 2021, the Bank offered paid time off to employees to obtain the COVID-19 vaccinations.
1ST Constitution Bank employees continue to support numerous civic and charitable causes by donating time, resources and financial support. At 1st Constitution, we are a concerned corporate citizen, with long lasting ties to the communities that we serve. Our long term goal is to make these communities a better place in which to work and live.
Personal Service
The Bank provides a wide range of commercial and consumer banking services to individuals, families, institutions and small businesses in central and coastal New Jersey and the Fort Lee area of Bergen County. We prioritize understanding and anticipating the needs of our customers and the communities we serve and tailoring our products, services and advice to meet those needs. The Bank seeks to provide a high level of personalized banking services, emphasizing quick and flexible responses to customer demands.
Technological Advances and e-Commerce
The Bank recognizes that retail and business customers want to receive service via their most convenient delivery channel, be it the traditional branch office, by mobile device, ATM, or the Internet. For this reason, the Bank continues to enhance its e-commerce capabilities. At www.1stconstitution.com, customers have easy access to online banking, including account access, and to the Bank’s bill payment system. Consumers and businesses may also access their accounts and make deposits through their mobile devices. The Bank introduced several features to enhance customers’ mobile and online banking experience, including real time account alerts and fraud monitoring on debit cards. Consumers can take advantage of Momentum Mortgage, our digital mortgage platform introduced in 2018, to apply online for loans and interact with management through the online portal. Business customers have access to cash management information and transaction capability through the Bank’s online Cash Manager product which permits business customers to make deposits, originate ACH payments, initiate wire transfers, retrieve account information and place “stop payment” orders. During 2020, the Bank replaced many of its automated teller machines with the state of the art equipment to keep pace with the ever changing technology. Our increased service offerings in electronic banking provide our customers with the means to access the Bank’s services easily and at their own convenience.
Competition
The Bank experiences substantial competition in attracting and retaining deposits and in making loans. In attracting deposits and borrowers, the Bank competes with commercial banks, savings banks, and savings and loan associations, as well as regional and national insurance companies and non-bank financial institutions, mutual funds, regulated small loan companies and local credit unions, regional and national sponsors of money market funds and corporate and government borrowers. Within the direct market area of the Bank, there are a significant number of offices of competing financial institutions. In New Jersey generally, and in the Bank’s local market specifically, the Bank’s most direct competitors are large
commercial banks, including Bank of America, PNC Bank, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Santander Bank, as well as savings banks and savings and loan associations, including Provident Bank and Investors Bank.
The Bank is at a competitive disadvantage compared with these larger national and regional commercial and savings banks. By virtue of their larger capital, asset size and reserves, many of such institutions have substantially greater lending limits (ceilings on the amount of credit a bank may provide to a single customer that are linked to the institution’s capital) and other resources than the Bank. Many such institutions are empowered to offer a wider range of services, including trust services, than the Bank and, in some cases, have lower funding costs (the price a bank must pay for deposits and other borrowed monies used to make loans to customers) than the Bank. In addition to having established deposit bases and loan portfolios, these institutions, particularly large national and regional commercial and savings banks, have the financial ability to finance extensive advertising campaigns and to allocate considerable resources to locations and products perceived as profitable.
In addition, non-bank financial institutions offer services that compete for customers’ investable funds and deposits with the Bank. For example, brokerage firms and insurance companies offer such instruments as short-term money market funds, corporate and government securities funds, mutual funds and annuities. It is expected that competition in these areas will continue to increase. Some of these competitors are not subject to the same degree of regulation and supervision as the Company and the Bank and therefore may be able to offer customers more attractive products than the Bank.
However, management of the Bank believes that loans to small and mid-sized businesses and professionals, which represent the main commercial loan business of the Bank, are not always of primary importance to the larger banking institutions. The Bank competes for this segment of the market by providing responsive personalized services, making timely local decisions, and acquiring in depth knowledge of its customers and their businesses.
Lending Activities
The Bank’s lending activities include both commercial and consumer loans. Loan originations are derived from a number of sources, including real estate broker referrals, mortgage loan companies, direct solicitation by the Bank’s loan officers, existing depositors and borrowers, builders, attorneys, walk-in customers and, in some instances, other lenders. The Bank has established disciplined and systematic procedures for approving and monitoring loans that vary depending on the size and nature of the loans.
Commercial Business
The Bank offers a variety of commercial loan services, including term loans, lines of credit, and loans secured by equipment and receivables. A broad range of short-to-medium term commercial loans, both secured and unsecured, are made available to businesses for working capital (including inventory and receivables), business expansion (including acquisition and development of real estate and improvements), and the purchase of equipment and machinery. Commercial loans are granted based on the borrower’s ability to generate cash flow to support its debt obligations and other cash related expenses. A borrower’s ability to repay commercial loans is substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and on the quality of its management. As a general practice, the Bank takes, as collateral, a security interest in any available real estate, equipment, inventory, receivables or other personal property of its borrowers, although the Bank occasionally makes commercial loans on an unsecured basis. Generally, the Bank requires personal guarantees of its commercial loans to reduce the risks associated with such loans. The Bank also offers loans of which a portion, generally 75% to 85%, are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration ("SBA"), which is a United States government agency. The Bank generally sells the guaranteed portion of these loans into the secondary market.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate loans are made to businesses to expand their facilities and operations and to real estate operators to finance the acquisition of income producing properties. The Company's loan policy requires that borrowers have sufficient cash flow to meet the debt service requirements and the value of the property meets the loan-to-value criteria set forth in the loan policy. The Company monitors loan concentrations by borrower, by type of property and by location and other criteria. The Company's commercial real estate portfolio is largely secured by real estate collateral located in the State of New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area.
Commercial Construction Financing
Construction financing is provided to businesses to expand their facilities and operations and to real estate developers for the acquisition, development and construction of residential and commercial properties. First mortgage construction loans are made to developers and builders primarily for single family homes, multi-family buildings or other commercial income producing properties that are presold, or are to be sold or leased on a speculative basis. The Bank lends to builders and developers with established relationships, successful operating histories and sound financial resources.
Residential Lending
A portion of the Bank’s lending activities consists of the origination of fixed and adjustable rate residential first mortgage loans secured by owner-occupied property located primarily in the Bank’s market areas. Home mortgage lending is unique in that a broad geographic territory may be serviced by originators working from strategically placed offices either within the Bank’s traditional banking facilities or from office locations in commercial buildings. Customers may also access and apply for residential mortgage loan through our dedicated website www.momentummortgage.com. The Bank also offers construction loans, reverse mortgages, second mortgage home improvement loans and home equity lines of credit.
The Bank finances the construction of individual, owner-occupied single-family houses on the basis of written underwriting and construction loan management guidelines. These loans are made to qualified individual borrowers and are generally supported by a take-out commitment from a permanent lender. The construction phase of these loans has certain risks, including the viability of the contractor, the contractor’s ability to complete the project within the budget and changes in interest rates.
The Bank will generally sell its originated residential mortgage loans in the secondary market. The decision to sell is made prior to origination. The sale into the secondary market allows the Bank to mitigate its interest rate risks related to such lending operations. This allows the Bank to accommodate its clients’ demands while eliminating the interest rate risk for the 15 to 30-year period generally associated with such loans.
For commercial and residential mortgage loans, the Bank, in most cases, requires borrowers to obtain and maintain title, fire, and extended casualty insurance, and, where required by applicable regulations, flood insurance. The Bank maintains its own errors and omissions insurance policy to protect against loss in the event of failure of a mortgagor to pay premiums on fire and other hazard insurance policies. Mortgage loans originated by the Bank customarily include a "due on sale" clause, which gives the Bank the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in certain circumstances, including, without limitation, upon the sale or other disposition by the borrower of the real property subject to a mortgage. In general, the Bank enforces "due on sale" clauses.
Non-Residential Consumer Lending
Non-residential consumer loans made by the Bank include loans for automobiles, recreation vehicles, and boats, as well as personal loans (secured and unsecured) and deposit account secured loans. Non-residential consumer loans are attractive to the Bank because they typically have a shorter term and carry higher interest rates than are charged on other types of loans. However, non-residential consumer loans pose an additional risk of collectability when compared to traditional loans, such as residential mortgage loans.
Consumer loans are granted based on employment and financial information solicited from prospective borrowers, as well as credit records collected from various reporting agencies. The stability of the borrower, willingness to pay and credit history are the primary factors to be considered. The availability of collateral is also a factor considered in making such a loan. The Bank seeks collateral that can be assigned and has good marketability with a clearly adequate margin of value. The geographic area of the borrower is another consideration, with preference given to borrowers in the Bank’s primary market areas.
Supervision and Regulation
Banking is a complex, highly-regulated industry. The primary goals of the bank regulatory scheme are to maintain a safe and sound banking system and to facilitate the conduct of monetary policy. In furtherance of those goals, Congress has created several largely autonomous regulatory agencies and enacted a myriad of legislation that governs banks, bank holding companies and the banking industry. This regulatory framework is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and not for the protection of the Company’s shareholders or creditors. Descriptions of, and references to, the statutes and regulations below are brief summaries thereof, and do not purport to be complete. The descriptions are qualified in their entirety by
reference to the specific statutes and regulations discussed.
Regulation of the Bank Holding Company
The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA"). As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to inspection, examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board") and is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board an annual report and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require pursuant to the BHCA. The Federal Reserve Board may also make examinations of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company is subject to capital standards similar to, but separate from, those applicable to the Bank.
Under the BHCA, bank holding companies that are not financial holding companies generally may not acquire the ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares, or substantially all of the assets, of any company, including a bank or another bank holding company, without the Federal Reserve Board’s prior approval. The Company has not applied to become a financial holding company but did obtain such approval to acquire the shares of the Bank. A bank holding company that does not qualify as a financial holding company is generally limited in the types of activities in which it may engage to those that the Federal Reserve Board had recognized as permissible for bank holding companies prior to the date of enactment of the Gramm-Leach- Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999. For example, a holding company and its banking subsidiary are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of credit or lease or sale of any property or the furnishing of services. At present, the Company does not engage in any significant activity other than owning the Bank.
In addition to federal bank holding company regulation, the Company is registered as a bank holding company with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (the "NJ Banking Department"). The Company is required to file with the NJ Banking Department copies of the reports it files with the federal banking and securities regulators.
Regulation of the Bank Subsidiary
As a New Jersey-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to supervision and examination by the NJ Banking Department. The Bank is also subject to regulation and examination by the FDIC, which is its principal federal bank regulator.
The Bank must comply with various requirements and restrictions under federal and state law, including the maintenance of reserves against deposits, restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that may be granted and the interest that may be charged thereon, limitations on the types of investments that may be made and the services that may be offered, and restrictions on dividends as described in the below section titled "Restrictions on Dividends and Redemption of Stock for the Company and the Bank." The Bank must also comply with the capital regulations promulgated by the FDIC as described in the section below titled "Capital Adequacy of the Company and the Bank." Consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of the Bank. In addition to the impact of regulation, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve Board which influence the money supply and credit availability in the national economy.
For additional information on laws and regulations affecting the Bank, please refer to the below section titled "Banking Legislation and Regulations."
Capital Adequacy of the Company and the Bank
The Company is required to comply with minimum capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve Board. There are two basic measures of capital adequacy for bank holding companies and the depository institutions that they own: a risk based measure and a leverage measure. All applicable capital standards must be satisfied for a bank holding company to be considered in compliance.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA") requires each federal banking agency to revise its risk-based capital standards to ensure that those standards take adequate account of interest rate risk, concentration of credit risk and the risks of non-traditional activities. In addition, pursuant to FDICIA, each federal banking agency has promulgated regulations specifying the levels at which a bank would be considered "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized," or "critically undercapitalized" and requiring that certain mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions be taken based on the capital level of the institution.
In December 2010, the Group of Governors and Heads of Supervisors of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision,
the oversight body of the Basel Committee, published its “calibrated” capital standards for major banking institutions, referred to as Basel III. Subsequently, in July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC approved revisions to their capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action rules that implemented and addressed the revised standards of Basel III and addressed relevant provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Federal Reserve Board’s and the FDIC’s rules apply to all depository institutions, top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more (which was subsequently increased to $1 billion or more in May 2015), and top-tier savings and loan holding companies (collectively referred to herein as, "banking organizations"). Among other things, the rules established a new Common Equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets) and increased the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4% to 6% of risk-weighted assets). Banking organizations are also required to have a total capital ratio of at least 8% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4%. The rules also limit a banking organization’s ability to pay dividends, engage in share repurchases or pay discretionary bonuses if the banking organization does not hold a "capital conservation buffer" consisting of 2.5% of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The rules became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to phase-in periods for certain components). As of January 1, 2019, the capital conservation buffer requirement is fully phased in.
With respect to the Bank, the FDIC’s regulations implementing these provisions of FDICIA provide that 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 Common Equity Tier 1, or 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 CET1 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 Tier 1 leverage 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. Because the capital conservation buffer is now fully phased in, the capital ratios applicable to depository institutions will exceed the ratios to be considered well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations.
Under these capital rules, the Bank’s CET1 risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, total risk-based capital and leverage capital ratios were 11.11%, 11.11% ,12.15%, and 9.40%, respectively, at December 31, 2020. The Bank is classified as a non-advanced approaches bank for regulatory purposes and has permanently opted out of including the amount of accumulated other comprehensive income in the computation of regulatory capital.
On September 17, 2019, the federal banking agencies issued a final rule providing simplified capital requirements for certain community banking organizations (banks and holding companies) with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, implementing provisions of The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. Under the proposal, a qualifying community banking organization would be eligible to elect the community bank leverage ratio (“CBLR”) framework, or continue to measure capital under the existing Basel III requirements. The new rule took effect on January 1, 2020, and qualifying community banking organizations may elect to opt into the new CBLR in their call report for the first quarter of 2020. We did not elect to use the CBLR framework.
Restrictions on Dividends and Redemption of Stock for the Company and the Bank
The primary source of cash to pay dividends, if any, to the Company’s shareholders and to meet the Company’s obligations are dividends paid to the Company by the Bank. Dividend payments by the Bank to the Company are subject to the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948 (the "Banking Act") and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the "FDIA"). Under the Banking Act, the Bank may not pay dividends unless, following the dividend payment, the capital stock of the Bank will be unimpaired and (i) the Bank will have a surplus of not less than 50% of its capital stock or, if not, (ii) the payment of such dividend will not reduce the surplus of the Bank. Under the FDIA, the Bank may not pay any dividends if, after paying the dividend, it would be undercapitalized under applicable capital requirements. In addition to these explicit limitations, the federal regulatory agencies are authorized to prohibit a banking subsidiary or bank holding company from engaging in an unsafe or unsound banking practice. Depending upon the circumstances, the agencies could take the position that paying a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice. The Bank is also limited in paying dividends if it does not maintain the
necessary “capital conservation buffer” as discussed below and above under the section titled “Capital Adequacy of the Company and the Bank.”
Dividend payments by the Company to its shareholders are subject to a the policy of the Federal Reserve Board which provides that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends on common stock only out of income available over the immediately preceding year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. The policy provides further that bank holding companies should not maintain a level of cash dividends that undermines the bank holding company’s ability to serve as a source of strength to its banking subsidiary. A bank holding company may not pay dividends when it is insolvent.
The Federal Reserve Board has issued a supervisory letter to bank holding companies that contains guidance on when the board of directors of a bank holding company should eliminate or defer or severely limit dividends, including, for example, when net income available for shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends. The letter also contains guidance on the redemption of stock by bank holding companies which urges bank holding companies to advise the Federal Reserve Board of any such redemption or repurchase of common stock for cash or other value that results in the net reduction of a bank holding company’s capital at the beginning of the quarter below the capital outstanding at the end of the quarter. The Company’s payment of cash dividends to date were within the guidelines set forth in the Federal Reserve Board’s supervisory letter.
Subsequent to the issuance of the supervisory letter, the Federal Reserve Board adopted regulations requiring bank holding companies to give prior written notice to the Federal Reserve Board before purchasing or redeeming its stock if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when aggregated with the net consideration (i.e., gross consideration paid for purchases and redemptions minus gross consideration received for all stock sold) paid for all purchases or redemptions of stock during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the bank holding company’s consolidated net worth. However, if a bank holding company (i) will be well-capitalized before and immediately after the purchase or redemption, (ii) is well-managed and (iii) is not the subject of any unresolved supervisory issues, then the bank holding company will not be required to give any prior written notice to the Federal Reserve Board. At this time, the Company fits within the above exception and is not required to give prior written notice to the Federal Reserve Board before purchasing or redeeming its stock.
The Federal Reserve Board’s capital adequacy rules also limit a banking organization’s ability to pay dividends or to engage in share repurchases if the banking organization does not hold a "capital conservation buffer" consisting of 2.5% of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. For further discussion of regulatory capital rules, please refer to the discussion under the above section titled "Capital Adequacy of the Company and the Bank."
The timing and the amount of the payment of future dividends, if any, on the Company's common shares will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will be determined after consideration of various factors, including the level of earnings, cash requirements, regulatory capital and financial condition.
Priority on Liquidation
The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The rights of the Company as the sole shareholder of the Bank, and therefore the rights of the Company’s creditors and shareholders, to participate in the distributions and earnings of the Bank when the Bank is not in receivership under Federal banking laws, are subject to various state and federal law restrictions as discussed above under the heading "Restrictions on Dividends and Redemption of Stock for the Company and the Bank." In the event of a liquidation or other resolution of an insured depository institution such as the Bank, the claims of depositors and other general or subordinated creditors are entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of holders of an obligation of the institution to its shareholders (the Company) or any shareholder or creditor of the Company. The claims on the Bank by creditors include obligations in respect of federal funds purchased and certain other borrowings, as well as deposit liabilities.
Financial Institution Legislation
Dodd-Frank Act
The Dodd-Frank Act has had a broad impact on the financial services industry, including significant regulatory and compliance requirements, including, among other things, (i) enhanced resolution authority of troubled and failing banks and
their holding companies; (ii) increased capital and liquidity requirements; (iii) increased regulatory examination fees; (iv) changes to assessments to be paid to the FDIC for federal deposit insurance; and (v) numerous other provisions designed to improve supervision and oversight of, and strengthen safety and soundness for, the financial services sector. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act established a framework for systemic risk oversight within the financial system to be distributed among federal regulatory agencies, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council, the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the FDIC.
Effective July 2011, the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated federal prohibitions on paying interest on demand deposits, thus allowing businesses to have interest bearing checking accounts. As of the date of this Form 10-K, the Bank does not pay interest on demand deposits. This significant change to existing law has not had an adverse impact on our net interest margin for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
The Dodd-Frank Act also changed the base for FDIC deposit insurance assessments. Assessments are based on average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution, rather than on deposits. The Dodd-Frank Act also increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per account owner. However, if an Interest on Lawyer Trust Account ("IOLTA") qualifies for pass-through coverage as a fiduciary account, then each separate client for whom a law firm holds funds in such IOLTA may be insured up to $250,000 for his or her funds. The legislation also increased the required minimum reserve ratio for the Deposit Insurance Fund, from 1.15% to 1.35% of insured deposits, and directed the FDIC to offset the effects of increased assessments on depository institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, including the Bank.
The Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded companies to give their shareholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation ("say on pay") and so-called "golden parachute" payments. It also provides that the listing standards of the national securities exchanges shall require listed companies to implement and disclose "clawback" policies mandating the recovery of incentive compensation paid to executive officers in connection with accounting restatements. Such listing standards have yet to be implemented. For further discussion of incentive compensation rules, please refer to the discussion under the below section titled "Incentive Compensation."
The Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit "unfair, deceptive or abusive" acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets, which authority does not extend to the Bank at this time since we do not meet the asset threshold.
The Dodd-Frank Act also weakens the federal preemption rules that have been applicable to national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce federal consumer protection laws. The Dodd-Frank Act requires minimum leverage (Tier 1) and risk based capital requirements for bank and savings and loan holding companies, which exclude certain instruments that previously have been eligible for inclusion by bank holding companies as Tier 1 capital, such as trust preferred securities; however, bank holding companies with assets of less than $15 billion as of December 31, 2009 are permitted to include trust preferred securities that were issued before May 19, 2010 as Tier 1 capital.
The Dodd-Frank Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Act have impacted the Bank, as well as all community banks, by increasing our operating and compliance costs. To the extent the Dodd-Frank Act remains in place, it is likely to further increase our operating and compliance costs as certain yet to be written implementing rules and regulations are enacted.
Volcker Rule
On December 10, 2013, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the SEC issued final rules to implement the Volcker Rule contained in Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which became effective on July 21, 2015, for investments in covered funds made after December 31, 2013. The Volcker Rule prohibits an insured depository institution and its affiliates from: (i) engaging in "proprietary trading" and (ii) investing in or sponsoring certain types of funds (defined as "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. In July 2019, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the SEC adopted a final rule to exempt certain community banks, including the Bank, from the Volcker Rule, consistent with The
Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. Under the final rule, community banks with $10 billion or less in total consolidated assets and total trading assets and liabilities of 5.0% or less of total consolidated assets are excluded from the restrictions of the Volcker Rule.
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 with at least $1 billion in total assets, such as the Company and the Bank, 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 agencies must establish regulations or guidelines requiring enhanced disclosure to regulators of incentive-based compensation arrangements. The agencies proposed such regulations in April 2011 and subsequently proposed revised regulations in May 2016, but the revised regulations have not been finalized. If the revised regulations are adopted in the form proposed, they will impose limitations on the manner in which the Company may structure compensation for its executives and employees.
In 2010, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the 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 on the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not 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.
The Federal Reserve 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.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (the "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, including insurance underwriting and making merchant banking investments in commercial and financial companies; 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;
•allows banks to establish subsidiaries to engage in certain activities that a financial holding company could engage in, provided that the bank meets certain management, capital and Community Reinvestment Act standards; and
•allows insurers and other financial services companies to acquire banks and removes various restrictions applicable to bank holding company ownership of securities firms and mutual fund advisory companies; and establishes the overall regulatory structure applicable to financial holding companies that also engage in insurance and securities operations.
The Modernization Act also amended the BHCA and the Bank Merger Act to require the federal banking agencies to consider the effectiveness of a financial institution’s anti-money laundering activities when reviewing an application under these acts. The Modernization Act modified other laws, including laws related to financial privacy and community reinvestment.
Additional proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the banking and financial services industry are
frequently introduced in Congress, in state legislatures and before the various bank regulatory agencies. The likelihood and timing of any such changes and the impact such changes might have on the Company cannot be determined at this time.
Public Company Legislation
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), which became law on July 30, 2002, added legal requirements affecting corporate governance, accounting and corporate reporting for companies with publicly traded securities.
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 of the Federal Reserve Board);
•independence requirements for audit committee members;
•disclosure of whether at least one member of the audit committee is a "financial expert" (as such term is defined by the SEC and if not, why not;
•independence requirements for outside auditors;
•a prohibition on a company’s registered public accounting firm from performing statutorily mandated audit services for the company if the company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer, comptroller, chief accounting officer or any person serving in equivalent positions had been employed by such firm and participated in the audit of such company during the one-year period preceding the audit initiation date;
•certification of financial statements and annual and quarterly reports by the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer;
•the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by directors and senior 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 Forms 4;
•disclosure of a code of ethics for financial officers and filing a Form 8-K for a change or waiver of such code;
•"real time" filing of periodic reports;
•posting of certain SEC filings and other information on the company’s website;
•the reporting of securities violations "up the ladder" by both in-house and outside attorneys;
•restrictions on the use of non-GAAP financial measures;
•the formation of a public accounting oversight board; and
•various increased criminal penalties for violations of securities laws.
Additionally, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that a public company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), include in its annual report (i) a management’s report on internal control over financial reporting assessing the company’s internal controls, and (ii) if the company is an "accelerated filer" or a "large accelerated filer", an auditor’s attestation report, completed by the registered public accounting firm that prepares or issues an accountant’s report which is included in the company’s annual report, attesting to the effectiveness of management’s internal control assessment.
Under applicable rules, the Company is a smaller reporting company and no longer qualifies as an accelerated filer. As a result, the Company is not required to include an attestation report of its independent registered public accounting firm regarding the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in this Form 10-K.
Each of the national stock exchanges, including the Nasdaq Global Market where the Company’s common stock is listed, have in place corporate governance rules, including rules requiring director independence, and the adoption of charters for the nominating, corporate governance, and audit committees. These rules are intended to, among other things, make the board of directors independent of management and allow shareholders to more easily and efficiently monitor the performance of companies and directors. These burdens increase the Company’s legal and accounting fees and the amount of time that the Board of Directors and management must devote to corporate governance issues.
Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer to certify that the Company’s Quarterly and Annual Reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Among other things, these officers must certify that: they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; they have made certain disclosures to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors about the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and they have included information in the Company’s Quarterly and Annual Reports about their evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures and whether there have been significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Banking Legislation and Regulations
Anti-Money Laundering
As part of the USA PATRIOT Act, signed into law on October 26, 2001, Congress adopted the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 (the "FATA"). The FATA 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 FATA 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 FATA 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.
The Department of Treasury has issued regulations implementing the due diligence requirements. These regulations 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 require all covered financial institutions to have in place an anti-money laundering compliance program.
Community Reinvestment Act
Under the Community Reinvestment Act (the "CRA"), as implemented by FDIC regulations, a bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions, nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with CRA. The CRA requires the FDIC to assess an institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by the applicable institution. The CRA requires public disclosure of an institution’s CRA rating and requires that the FDIC provide a written evaluation of an institution’s CRA performance utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system. An institution’s CRA rating is considered in determining whether to grant charters, branches and other deposit facilities, relocations, mergers, consolidations and acquisitions. Performance less than satisfactory may be the basis for denying an application. At its last CRA examination, the Bank was rated "satisfactory" under the CRA.
Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989
Under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 ("FIRREA"), a depository institution insured by the FDIC can be held liable for any loss incurred by, or reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (i) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (ii) any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution in danger of default. These provisions have commonly been referred to as FIRREA’s "cross guarantee" provisions. Further, under FIRREA, the failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank to a variety of enforcement remedies available to federal regulatory authorities.
FIRREA also imposes certain independent appraisal requirements upon a bank’s real estate lending activities and further imposes certain loan-to-value restrictions on a bank’s real estate lending activities. Banking regulators have promulgated
regulations in these areas.
Insurance of Deposits
The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. This limit is $250,000 per account owner. FDICIA is applicable to depository institutions and deposit insurance. The FDIC established a risk-based assessment system for all insured depository institutions and established an insurance premium assessment system based upon: (i) the probability that the insurance fund will incur a loss with respect to the institution, (ii) the likely amount of the loss, and (iii) the revenue needs of the insurance fund. The resulting matrix sets the assessment premium for a particular institution in accordance with its capital level and overall rating by the primary regulator.
As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC modified its assessment rules so that an institution’s deposit insurance assessment base changed from total deposits to total assets less tangible equity. These assessment base rates range from 2.5 to 9 basis points for Risk Category I banks and up to 45 basis points for Risk Category IV banks. Risk Category II and III banks have assessment base rates ranging from 9 to 33 basis points, respectively. If the risk category of the Bank changes adversely, our FDIC insurance premiums could increase.
Lending Limits
In January 2013, the NJ Banking Department issued an order requiring a New Jersey-chartered bank’s calculation of lending limits to any person or entity to include credit exposure to such person or entity arising from a derivative transaction, repurchase agreement, reverse repurchase agreement, securities lending transaction or securities borrowing transaction. Previously, such credit exposure was not included in a New Jersey-chartered bank’s calculation of lending limits. New Jersey-chartered banks must comply with the operative provisions of the order, which include compliance with all of the rules set forth in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s rules on lending limits (codified at 12 C.F.R pts. 32, 159 and 160). This change in the calculation of lending limits did not have a significant impact on the Bank’s operations.
Information about our Executive Officers
Robert F. Mangano, 75, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and of the Bank, in which roles he has served since 1996. Prior to joining the Bank in 1996, Mr. Mangano was President and Chief Executive Officer of Urban National Bank, a community bank in northern New Jersey, for a period of three years and a Senior Vice President of another bank for one year. Prior to such time, Mr. Mangano held a senior position with Midlantic Corporation for 21 years. Mr. Mangano is Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Englewood Hospital Medical Center and serves on the Board of Trustees of Englewood Hospital Medical Center and its parent board.
Stephen J. Gilhooly, 68, has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank and as the Treasurer of the Company since April 1, 2014. Prior to April 1, 2014, Mr. Gilhooly served as the Bank’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Gilhooly most recently served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Florida Community Bank, Weston, Florida, from May 2011 to June 2013. Prior to joining Florida Community Bank, Mr. Gilhooly served as Executive Vice President and Treasurer of the banking subsidiaries of Capital Bank Financial Corporation (formerly North American Financial Holdings) (“CBF”) beginning in September 2010. Mr. Gilhooly served as Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of TIB Financial Corp. (“TIB”), Naples, Florida, from 2006 to 2010, prior to its acquisition by CBF. Before joining TIB, Mr. Gilhooly worked for 15 years with Advest, Inc. in New York as Director in its Financial Institutions Group. Mr. Gilhooly earned a B.S. degree in Economics and a M.S. degree in Accounting from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.
John T. Andreacio, 58, has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Lending and Credit Officer of the Company since January 2018 and of the Bank since September 2014. Mr. Andreacio joined the Company in March 2012 and has used his extensive management and credit knowledge to enhance the Company’s credit and lending function. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Andreacio was President and Chief Executive Officer of Northern State Bank, a community bank in northern New Jersey, for a period of three years. Prior to that time, Mr. Andreacio held senior positions with National Penn Bank/KNBT and First Union Bank.
Naqi A. Naqvi, 64, has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company and the Bank since May 7, 2018. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Naqvi served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NJCB from March 3, 2012 to April 11, 2018, when NJCB was merged with and into the Bank. Prior to joining NJCB in early
2010, Mr. Naqvi held a number of senior management roles at financial institutions, including Greater Community Bancorp and Village Bank of South Orange. Mr. Naqvi started his career at First Virginia Bank before joining Village Bank of South Orange in 1983. He then joined Greater Community Bancorp in 1986 as Treasurer and was subsequently elevated to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer during his 22 years of service with Greater Community Bancorp. Mr. Naqvi is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in accounting and finance.
There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers named above and there is no arrangement or understanding between any of such officers and any other person pursuant to which he was selected as an executive officer. Each of the executive officers named above was elected by the Board of Directors to hold office until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal.
Available Information
The Internet website address of the Company is www.1stconstitution.com. The content on any website referred to in this Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K unless expressly noted. The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and amendments to those reports, and statements filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are made available free of charge, on or through our Internet website, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
We also make available, free of charge, through the investors page on our website, charters of the committees of our Board of Directors, as well as other information and materials, including information about how to contact our Board of Directors, its committees and their members.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The following are certain factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those referred to or implied in any forward-looking statement. These are in addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K and the Company’s other filings with the SEC.
Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented in response intended to prevent its spread have adversely affected, and are likely to continue to adversely affect, our customers, employees, and third-parties with which we conduct business, which has consequently affected our business, results of operations and financial condition, the ultimate impact of which will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and are difficult to predict at this time, but could be significant.
The outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China and its rapid spread has caused global disruption in the financial markets and our primary market is increasingly threatened by the continued spread of this virus. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 is uncertain at this time, but the known effects of, and risks posed by, the pandemic on our business, results of operations and financial condition are discussed below.
In response to public health concerns resulting from the pandemic, governments around the world have implemented a variety of precautionary measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including travel restrictions and bans, instructions to residents to practice social distancing, quarantine advisories, shelter-in-place orders and required closures of non-essential businesses. These government mandates have forced many of our customers and vendors, which are primarily located in northern and central New Jersey, communities along the New Jersey shore and the New York City metropolitan area, to seek government support in order to continue operating, to curtail drastically their service offerings or to cease operations entirely.
In addition, these measures have negatively affected, and may further affect, consumer sentiment and discretionary spending patterns, economies and financial markets, and our workforce, operations and customers. Among other measures, we have implemented a work-from-home policy for our employees whose jobs can be performed remotely, provided employees who are not working remotely with appropriate protective equipment and supplies, adjusted branch hours and temporarily closed all of our branch lobbies, except on an appointment only basis. However, in mid-June we re-opened the interior access to all of our branch offices to customers. These changes in our operations in response to COVID-19 have impacted the way that we operate and conduct business, and have resulted in inefficiencies or delays, including additional costs related to business
continuity initiatives, employees working remotely or teleconferencing technologies. The pandemic and widespread responses thereto have also caused significant volatility in financial markets, including the market price of our common stock.
The known consequences of and responses to the pandemic, including the public health problems resulting from COVID-19 and precautionary measures instituted by governments and businesses to mitigate its spread, particularly in our primary market areas, have raised the prospect of an extended global recession, which would adversely impact the businesses of our customers, clients, counterparties and service providers, as well as other market participants, and could further disrupt our operations. Other known impacts and anticipated risks of the COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to, the following:
a.We primarily operate in northern and central New Jersey, communities along the New Jersey shore and the New York City metropolitan area, which are among some of the most affected areas in the U.S. and, accordingly, are the most likely geographies to remain subject to governmental restrictions aimed at curtailing household and non-essential business activity to contain COVID-19 for a prolonged period. The longer that our clients, customers, communities and business partners remain subject to such restrictions, the greater the likelihood that economic and demand uncertainty will increase, which could negatively impact, among other things, demand for and profitability of the Bank’s products and services and our liquidity, regulatory capital and growth strategy.
b.Concern about the spread of COVID-19 and the measures enacted to mitigate its spread have already caused and are likely to continue to cause business shutdowns and interruptions, increased unemployment, labor shortages and commercial property vacancies, and supply chain disruptions, all of which contribute to economic and financial market instability and which, in turn, could impact the ability of our customers to make scheduled loan payments. If the pandemic results in widespread and sustained repayment shortfalls on loans in our portfolio, we could incur significant delinquencies, foreclosures and credit losses, particularly if the available collateral is insufficient to cover our exposure.
c.Our financial performance, the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans, and the value of the collateral securing such loans is highly dependent upon the business environment in the U.S. generally and in northern and central New Jersey, communities along the New Jersey shore and the New York City metropolitan area in particular. Further economic downturn resulting from the pandemic, particularly in our primary market areas, could negatively impact the collateral values associated with our existing loans, the ability to liquidate the real estate collateral securing our residential and commercial real estate loans, our ability to maintain loan origination volume and to obtain additional financing, and the financial condition and credit risk of our customers, among other credit risks.
d.Future legislative responses and regulatory policy changes to protect borrowers, such as forbearance, waiver of late payment and other fees, and the suspension of foreclosures, may have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. We may need to further increase the allowance for loan losses if borrowers experience financial difficulties beyond forbearance periods, which would adversely affect our net income.
e.Our ability to meet customer servicing expectations may be limited due to certain operational risks as a result of our reduced hours, branch lobby closures and work-from-home policy, as described above, including reduced productivity in our workforce, less reliable and more limited access to the networks, information systems, applications and other tools available to employees, as well as increased cybersecurity and information security risk.
f.In addition, our reliance on third-party service providers and vendors exposes us to certain operational risks to the extent that such service providers and vendors continue to have limited capacities for a prolonged period or if additional limitations or potential disruptions in these services materialize. By way of example, our business depends on vendors that supply essential services such as loan servicers, providers of financial information, systems and analytical tools and providers of electronic payment and settlement systems, among others. Without these services, we have experienced and will continue to experience delays in originating and closing loans.
g.During this challenging economic environment, our communities are increasingly relying on us to access necessary capital and our customers are more dependent on our credit commitments. Increased borrowings under these commitments could adversely impact our liquidity. Moreover, our management has been focused on meeting clients’ needs and mitigating the impact of the pandemic on our business, which has required and will continue to require a substantial investment of time and resources across our enterprise. This has resulted and can be expected to continue to result in a diversion of management attention.
h.Historically low interest rates caused by uncertainties stemming from COVID-19 could negatively impact our net interest income, lending activities, deposits and profitability.
The duration, extent and impact of the pandemic, including resurgences in our primary market areas, sporadic resurgences following a period of containment and restrictions, the severity of newly identified strains of the virus and the timing, availability and efficacy of the various COVID-19 vaccines, continue to be nearly impossible to estimate at this time. However, each of these risks and uncertainties can be expected to persist at least until the pandemic is demonstrably and sustainably
contained, authorities cease curbing household and business activity, and consumer and business confidence recover. The COVID-19 pandemic and the volatile economic conditions stemming from it could also precipitate, enhance or contribute to the other risk factors identified in this Form 10-K, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations, prospects, and stock price, and may also affect our business in a manner that is not presently known or that we currently do not consider to present significant risks to our business, financial position, results of operations or prospects.
As a participating lender in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), we are exposed to additional litigation risk and credit risks.
To support our customers, businesses and communities, we are participating in the PPP established under the CARES Act, notwithstanding that our participation in this federal relief program exposes the Company and the Bank to additional litigation risk. Several national banking associations have already been subject to litigation regarding their respective procedures for processing PPP applications. The Company and the Bank may be exposed to the risk of litigation, from both clients and non-clients that approached the Bank regarding PPP loans, regarding the manner in which we processed PPP applications. Any such litigation regardless of the outcome, may result in significant financial liability or adversely affect the Company’s reputation.
Our participation in the PPP and any other relief programs established under the CARES Act further exposes us to certain credit risks. Among other regulatory requirements, PPP loans are subject to forbearance of loan payments for a six-month period to the extent that loans are not eligible for forgiveness. If PPP borrowers fail to qualify for loan forgiveness, we have a greater risk of holding these loans at unfavorable interest rates as compared to the loans to customers that we would have otherwise extended credit. Additionally, there is risk that the SBA could conclude there is a deficiency in the manner in which the Bank originated, funded, or serviced PPP loans, which may or may not be related to the ambiguity in the CARES Act or the rules and guidance promulgated by the SBA and the U.S. Department of the Treasury thereunder regarding the operation of the PPP.
Risks Related to Changes in Interest Rates and Market Volatility
Changes in interest rates and historically low interest rates could adversely affect our net interest income and profitability.
The Company’s earnings are largely dependent upon its net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowed funds. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest the Company receives on loans and securities and the amount of interest it pays on deposits and borrowings, but could also affect (i) the Company’s ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, and (iii) the average duration of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities portfolio. If the spread between the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings and the interest rates received on loans and other investments narrows, the Company’s net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. This also includes the risk that interest-earning assets may be more responsive to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing liabilities, or vice versa (repricing risk), the risk that the individual interest rates or rate indices underlying various interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities may not change in the same degree over a given time period (basis risk), and the risk of changing interest rate relationships across the spectrum of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability maturities (yield curve risk).
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the Company’s control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board acted to decrease the targeted fed funds interest rates to 0%-0.25% in March 2020, and it is anticipated that interest rates could remain near zero through 2023. This may cause our net interest margin to decline, which may have an adverse effect on our profitability. Although management believes it has implemented effective asset and liability management strategies to reduce the potential effects of changes in interest rates on the Company’s results of operations, any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The price of our common stock has fluctuated widely and may continue to fluctuate as a result of recent market uncertainty and volatility.
The price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market constantly changes and recently, given the uncertainty in the financial markets, has fluctuated widely. From the beginning of fiscal year 2019 through the end of fiscal year 2020, our closing stock price fluctuated between a high of $22.46 per share and a low of $9.88 per share. We expect that the market closing price of our common stock will continue to fluctuate. Consequently, the current market price of our common stock may
not be indicative of future market prices, and we may be unable to sustain or increase the value of an investment in our common stock regardless of our operating results. Our common stock price can fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control and 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;
•interest rate changes or credit loss trends; and
•general domestic economic and market conditions.
Risks Related to the Company’s Lending Activities
A downturn in economic conditions in general, or the economic conditions and/or real estate market in our primary market areas in particular, would adversely affect our loan portfolio, which is secured primarily by real estate in a concentrated geographic area, and our growth potential.
Substantially all of the loans the Company originates are secured by properties located in, or are made to businesses that operate in, northern and central New Jersey, communities along the New Jersey shore and the New York City metropolitan area. As a result of this geographic concentration, a significant broad-based deterioration in economic conditions in our primary market areas could have a material adverse impact on the quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, results of operations and future growth potential. A prolonged decline in economic conditions in our primary market areas could result in increased unemployment, downward pressure on the value of residential or commercial real estate, or other conditions that limit or restrict borrowers’ ability to pay outstanding principal and interest on loans when due, and consequently, adversely affect the cash flows and results of operations of the Company’s business and our earnings.
In addition, conditions in the real estate markets in which the collateral for the Company’s loans are located strongly influence the level of the Company’s non-performing loans and results of operations. A downturn in the real estate markets in the Company’s primary market areas could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on loans and a reduction in the value of the collateral securing loans, which in turn could have an adverse effect on the Company’s profitability and asset quality. Further, if the Company is required to liquidate collateral securing a loan to satisfy the related debt during a period of reduced real estate values, the Company may experience higher loan losses than expected and its earnings and shareholders’ equity could be adversely affected. Any declines in real estate prices in the Company’s primary markets may also result in increases in delinquencies and losses in its loan portfolios. Unanticipated decreases in real estate prices coupled with a prolonged economic downturn and elevated levels of unemployment could drive loan losses beyond the level provided for in the Company’s allowance for loan losses. If this occurs, the Company’s earnings could be adversely affected.
For a discussion of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our loan portfolio and lending activities, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-COVID-19 Impact and Response.”
Our construction loan, commercial business and commercial real estate loan portfolio exposes us to increased lending risks.
At December 31, 2020, $129.2 million, or 9.0%, of our loan portfolio consisted of construction loans, and $807.7 million, or 56.3%, of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial business and commercial real estate loans. Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied residential real estate. These risks include the borrower’s inability to complete the construction process on time and within budget, the sale of the project within projected absorption periods, the economic risks associated with real estate collateral, and the potential of a rising interest rate environment. Because the sale and leasing of developed properties is integral to the success of developer’s business, loan repayments may be especially subject to changes in economic conditions, the volatility of real estate market values and the marketability of a construction project. Management has established underwriting and monitoring criteria to minimize the inherent risks of speculative commercial real estate construction lending and concentrates lending efforts with developers demonstrating successful performance on marketable projects within the Bank’s lending areas. However, this concentration of constructions loans exposes us to additional risk in the event of an adverse development with respect to one
credit relationship. Further, there can be no assurance that any actions taken or policies implemented by management with respect to construction loans will successfully mitigate these risks.
As with our construction loans, the inherent primary risks of our commercial business and commercial real estate loans are deteriorating credit quality, a decline in the economy, and a decline in real estate market values in our primary market areas. Any one, or a combination, of these events may adversely affect the loan portfolio and may result in increased delinquencies, loan losses and increased future provision levels.
At December 31, 2020, one construction loan totaling $7.5 million and eleven commercial business and commercial real estate loans totaling $7.8 million were considered non-performing and on nonaccrual status. For more information about the quality of our construction loan and commercial business and real estate loan portfolio, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Financial Condition-Non-Performing Assets.”
Our emphasis on mortgage warehouse lines of credit is generally subject to unique risks than other lending activities.
At December 31, 2020, $388.4 million, or 27.1%, of our loan portfolio consisted of mortgage warehouse lines of credit. Our emphasis on mortgage warehouse lines of credit exposes us to additional risks that include, without limitation, (i) credit risks relating to the mortgage bankers that borrow from us, (ii) the risk of intentional misrepresentation or fraud by any of such mortgage bankers, (iii) changes in the market value of mortgage loans originated by the mortgage banker, the sale of which is the expected source of repayment of the borrowings under a warehouse line of credit, due to changes in interest rates during the time in warehouse, and (iv) unsalable or impaired mortgage loans so originated, which could lead to decreased collateral value and the failure of a purchaser of the mortgage loan to purchase the loan from the mortgage banker.
The impact of interest rates on our mortgage warehouse business can be significant. Changes in interest rates can impact the number of residential mortgages originated and initially funded under mortgage warehouse lines of credit and thus our mortgage warehouse related revenues. A decline in mortgage rates generally increases the demand for mortgage loans. Conversely, in a constant or increasing rate environment, we would expect fewer loans may be originated. Although we use models to assess the impact of interest rates on mortgage related revenues, the estimates of net income produced by these models are dependent on estimates and assumptions of future loan demand, prepayment speeds and other factors which may overstate or understate actual subsequent experience. Further, the concentration of our loan portfolio on loans originated through our mortgage warehouse business increases the risk associated with our loan portfolio generally because of the concentration of loans in a single line of business, namely one-to-four family residential mortgage lending, and in a particular segment of that business, namely mortgage warehouse lending.
If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could materially decrease.
We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans and our loan and delinquency experience, and we evaluate economic conditions. If our assumptions are incorrect, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our allowance. In addition, bank regulators periodically review our loan portfolio and our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs or reclassify loans. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs or loan reclassifications could materially decrease our net income and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic and social disruption, we significantly increased our allowance for loan losses, which has resulted in a $6.4 million increase in the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019. For more information about our allowance for loan losses, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Results of Operations-Provision for Loan Losses.”
Risks Related to Strategic Activities and the Company’s Operations
The expected benefits from acquiring another entity may not be realized if we do not successfully integrate acquired banks and the combined bank does not achieve certain cost savings and other benefits.
While focusing on organic growth, our strategy also includes, in part, growth through acquisitions. The Company may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, or complete acquisitions. Further, the success of any acquisition depends on the ability to effectively integrate the acquired business, including integrating operations and achieving synergies and cost efficiencies. We may experience difficulties in accomplishing this integration or in effectively managing the combined bank
after any future acquisition. The integration of any acquired entity will also divert the attention of our management. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in integrating any future acquisitions into our own business.
Our belief that cost savings and revenue enhancements are achievable in any future acquisition is a forward-looking statement that is inherently uncertain. The combined bank’s actual cost savings and revenue enhancements, if any, for any future acquisition cannot be quantified at the time of acquisition. Any actual cost savings or revenue enhancements will depend on future expense levels and operating results, the timing of certain events and general industry, regulatory and business conditions. Many of these events will be beyond the control of the combined bank.
As a community bank, we face significant competition from both other banks and non-bank financial institutions for customers and the Bank's products and services, which compete against the rapidly changing technologies offered in the financial services industry.
The Company faces significant competition from many other banks, savings institutions and other financial institutions that have branch offices or otherwise operate in the Company’s market area. Non-bank financial institutions, such as securities brokerage firms, insurance companies and money market funds, engage in activities which compete directly with traditional bank business, which has also led to greater competition. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial resources than the Company, including larger capital bases that allow them to attract customers seeking larger loans than the Company is able to accommodate, to aggressively advertise their products and to allocate considerable resources to locations and products perceived as profitable.
These competitors also have more resources and to invest in technological improvements. 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 customers and may reduce costs. The Company’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in the Company’s operations. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or to successfully market these products and services to its customers. Failure to keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry, or otherwise successfully compete with these entities in the future, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and, in turn, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, due to loss of market share and income generated from loans, deposits and other financial products.
The Company is subject to operational risk due to our reliance on third party vendors and service providers.
We rely on certain external vendors to provide products and services necessary to maintain our day-to-day operations. These third parties provide key components of our business operations such as data processing, recording and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and services, internet connections and network access. While we have selected these third party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. Any complications caused by these third parties, including those resulting from disruptions in communication or electrical services provided by a vendor, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher volumes, cyber-attacks and security breaches at a vendor, failure of a vendor to provide services for any reason or poor performance of services, could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and otherwise conduct our business. Financial or operational difficulties of a third party vendor could also hurt our operations if those difficulties interfere with the vendor’s ability to provide services. Furthermore, our vendors could also be sources of operational and information security risk, including from breakdowns or failures of their own systems or capacity constraints. Replacing these third party vendors could also create significant delay and expense. Problems caused by external vendors could be disruptive to our operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Protecting against evolving cybersecurity and electronic fraud risks demands significant resources, and the loss of, or failure to adequately safeguard, confidential or proprietary information may adversely affect the Company’s business, financial operations or reputation.
Information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. Although cybersecurity incidents in the financial services industry are on the rise, we have not experienced any losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches. However, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such losses in the future. A failure in or breach of the Company’s operational or information security systems, or those of the Company’s third-party service providers, as a result of cyber-attacks or information security breaches or due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions could adversely affect its business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage its reputation, increase its
costs and/or cause losses. Mishandling, misuse or loss of confidential or proprietary information could also result in significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage, civil litigation and financial loss. In addition, the Company may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify its protective measures, to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures or to make required notifications or disclosure.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain of the Company’s employees have been working remotely, which arrangements contribute to heightened cybersecurity, information security and operational risks. The Company has not experienced any material impact to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting due to the fact that most of the Company’s employees responsible for financial reporting are working mostly in the office during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Company is continually monitoring and assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to minimize any impact on the design and operating effectiveness.
As a result of such risks, the Company has significantly increased the resources dedicated to this effort and believes that further increases may be required in the future, in anticipation of increases in the sophistication and persistency of such attacks. The Company has and is likely to continue to incur additional costs in preparing its infrastructure and maintaining it to resist any such attacks. For example, the Company has introduced and continues to introduce systems and software to prevent cyber incidents and continues to review and strengthen its defenses to cybersecurity threats through the use of various services, programs and outside vendors. In addition to personnel dedicated to overseeing the infrastructure and systems to defend against cybersecurity incidents, senior management is regularly briefed on issues, preparedness and any incidents requiring response. At its regularly scheduled meetings, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors are periodically briefed and brought up to date on cybersecurity matters. The Company also continually reviews its internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, corporate governance policies and procedures and cyber security policy to ensure that its systems and procedures remain up to date. However, any system of controls, regardless of how 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 the Company's controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
Notwithstanding the precautions we take to safeguard confidential and proprietary information, these measures do not provide absolute assurance that mishandling, misuse, loss and theft of the information will not occur, or that if mishandling, misuse loss of theft of the information did occur, those events would be promptly detected and addressed. Nor is there any guarantee that the Company's cybersecurity efforts will be successful in discovering or preventing a security breach, and any failure or failures to safeguard against such security breaches may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial results, or reputation. In the event that the Company experiences a material cybersecurity incident or identifies a material cybersecurity threat, the Company will make all reasonable efforts to properly disclose it in a timely fashion. However, it is impossible for the Company to know when or if such incidents may arise or the business impact of any such incident.
Risks Related to Legal, Regulatory and Policy Matters
The Company and the Bank operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely impacted by changes in law, regulations, and accounting policies.
The operations of the Company and the Bank are subject to examination, supervision and comprehensive regulation and will be affected by present and future legislation and by the policies established from time to time by various federal and state regulatory authorities. Any change in the laws or regulations, failure by the Company to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or a change in regulators’ supervisory policies or examination procedures, whether by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, other state or federal regulators, the U.S. Congress, or the New Jersey State Legislature could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Changes in accounting policies, practices and standards, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and other accounting standard setters, could also impact the Company’s financial results. It is not possible to predict what changes, if any, will be made to the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board or to existing federal and state legislation or the effect that such changes may have on the future business and earnings prospects of the Company. Compliance with the rules and regulations of these agencies may be costly and may limit growth and restrict certain activities, including payment of dividends, investments, loans and interest rate charges, interest rates paid on deposits, and locations of offices.
The capital requirements applicable to the Bank, and changes thereto, may inhibit our future growth and operating results.
For the Bank to be considered well-capitalized for prompt corrective action purposes under federal regulatory requirements regarding the capital framework for U.S. banking organizations, the Bank is required to maintain the following ratios: (1) a
Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio of at least 6.5% of risk-weighted assets; (2) a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8.0% of risk-weighted assets; (3) a total capital ratio of a least 10.0% of risk-weighted assets; and (4) a leverage ratio of at least 5.0%. The Bank’s CET1 risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, total risk-based capital and leverage capital ratios were 11.11%, 11.11%, 12.15%, and 9.40%, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. In addition, there is a requirement to maintain a capital conservation buffer, comprised of CET1capital, in an amount greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets over the minimum capital required by each of the minimum risk-based capital ratios in order to avoid limitations on the organization’s ability to pay dividends, repurchase shares or pay discretionary bonuses. The capital conservation buffer requirement has been fully implemented and the Company's capital conservation buffer was at a level above 2.5% at December 31, 2020.
On September 17, 2019, the federal banking agencies adopted a final rule, effective January 1, 2020, creating a CBLR framework for institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion and that meet other qualifying criteria. The CBLR framework provides for a simpler measure of capital adequacy for qualifying institutions. Qualifying institutions that elect to use the CBLR framework and that maintain a leverage ratio of greater than 9% will be considered to have satisfied the generally applicable risk-based and leverage capital requirements in the federal banking agencies’ capital rules and to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements. The Company and the Bank did not elect to use the framework.
Changes to these capital requirements could increase the Company’s required capital levels and the cost of capital, among other things. Any permanent significant increase in the Company’s cost of capital could have significant adverse impacts on the profitability of many of our products, the types of products we could offer profitably, our overall profitability, and our overall growth opportunities, among other things. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk-based capital calculations or items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital and/or additional capital conservation buffers could also result in management modifying the Company’s business strategy and limiting the Company’s ability to repurchase our common stock.
In addition, to the extent our future operating results erode capital or we elect to expand through loan growth or acquisition, we may be required to raise additional capital. Our ability to raise capital will depend on conditions in the capital markets, which are outside of our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot be assured of our ability to raise capital when needed or on favorable terms. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, we will be subject to increased regulatory supervision and the imposition of restrictions on our growth and business. These actions could negatively impact our ability to operate or further expand our operations and may result in increases in operating expenses and reductions in revenues that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, if we are able to raise capital through the capital markets, our common shareholders would be diluted from any stock issuances.
Higher FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could adversely affect our financial condition.
The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured financial institutions, including the Bank. The FDIC charges insured financial institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund at a specific level. The Bank's FDIC insurance premiums are based on the risk category assigned to the Bank. If the risk category of the Bank or the FDIC’s assessment rates change adversely, our FDIC insurance premiums could increase, which could have an adverse effect on the Bank's earnings. The FDIC may further increase or decrease the assessment rate schedule in order to manage the Deposit Insurance Fund to prescribed statutory target levels. The FDIC may terminate deposit insurance for an institution if it determines that such institution has engaged in or is engaging in unsafe or unsound banking practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition, or has violated applicable laws, regulations or orders. In addition, insured depository institution failures, as well as deterioration in banking and economic conditions, could significantly increase the loss provisions of the FDIC, resulting in a decline in the designated reserve ratio of the Deposit Insurance Fund, currently at 2.00%, to historical lows.
Changes to and replacement of the LIBOR Benchmark Interest Rate may have an impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), a regulator of financial services firms in the United Kingdom, announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. The FCA and submitting LIBOR banks have indicated they will support the LIBOR indices through 2021 to allow for an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate. Subsequently, on November 30, 2020, the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (commonly referred to as “ICE”) announced its plan to extend the date that most U.S. dollar LIBOR values would cease being computed and announced a change from December 31, 2021 to June 30, 2023. On the same date, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the OCC issued a Joint Statement on LIBOR transition, which instructs banks to cease entering into new contracts that use U.S. dollar LIBOR as a reference rate by no later than December 31, 2021, and if practicable, as far in advance of that deadline as possible, notwithstanding its publication until June 30, 2023. In the United States, efforts to identify a set of alternative U.S. dollar reference interest rates include proposals by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee of the Federal Reserve Board. Other financial services regulators and industry groups are evaluating the phase-out of LIBOR and the development of alternate
reference rate indices or reference rates. Some of our assets and liabilities are indexed to LIBOR. We are evaluating the potential impact of the possible replacement of the LIBOR benchmark interest rate, but are not able to predict whether the alternative rates the Federal Reserve Board proposes to publish will become market benchmarks in place of LIBOR, or what the impact of such a transition will have on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Reform of, or the replacement or phasing out of LIBOR and proposed regulation of LIBOR and other “benchmarks” may materially adversely affect the amount of interest paid on any LIBOR-based loans, investment securities and borrowings of the Company and the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. On March 5, 2021, the FCA announced that overnight 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month LIBOR settings will end on June 30, 2023. Reform of, or the replacement or phasing out of, LIBOR and proposed regulation of LIBOR and other “benchmarks” may materially adversely affect the amount of interest paid on any LIBOR-based loans, investment securities and borrowings of the Company and the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to detect money laundering and other illegal or improper activities fully or on a timely basis, which could expose us to additional liability and could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are required to comply with anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism and other laws and regulations in the United States. These laws and regulations require us, among other things, to adopt and enforce “know-your-customer” policies and procedures and to report suspicious and large transactions to applicable regulatory authorities. These laws and regulations have become increasingly complex and detailed, require improved systems, sophisticated monitoring and compliance personnel and have become the subject of enhanced government supervision.
While we have adopted policies and procedures aimed at detecting and preventing the use of our banking network for money laundering and related activities, those policies and procedures may not completely eliminate instances in which we may be used by customers to engage in money laundering and other illegal or improper activities. To the extent we fail to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations, the FDIC and/or with other banking agencies have the authority to impose fines and other penalties on us. In addition, our business and reputation could suffer if customers use our banking network for money laundering or illegal or improper purposes. At its regularly scheduled meetings, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors are periodically briefed and brought up to date on money laundering and related matters.
Claims and litigation could result in losses and damage to the Company’s reputation and other financial liability.
From time to time as part of the Company’s normal course of business, current and former customers, bankruptcy trustees, contractual counterparties, third parties and current and former employees make claims and take legal actions against the Company based on actions or inactions of the Company. 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 customer 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.
Risks Related to Liquidity
The Bank is subject to liquidity risk.
Liquidity risk is the potential that the Bank will be unable to meet its 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. Liquidity is derived primarily from retail deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments on investment securities; 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. If we become unable to obtain funds when needed, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and in turn, our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
The Company is subject to liquidity risk.
Our recurring cash requirements, at the holding company level, primarily consist of interest expense on junior subordinated debentures issued to a capital trust. Holding company cash needs are routinely satisfied by dividends collected from the Bank. While we expect that the holding company will continue to receive dividends from the Bank sufficient to satisfy holding company cash needs, in the event that the Bank has insufficient resources or is subject to legal or regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends, the Bank may be unable to provide dividends or a sufficient level of dividends to the holding company; in that event, the holding company may have insufficient funds to satisfy its obligations as they become due.
Risks Related to Financial and Accounting Matters
The Company's accounting policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the value of the Company's assets and liabilities and results of operations, and if actual events differ from the Company's estimates and assumptions, or if new accounting standards are adopted, the Company's results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
The Company’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding its financial results and condition. Some of these policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of the Company’s assets or liabilities and financial results. The Company identified its accounting policies regarding the allowance for loan losses, security impairment, 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 the Company’s external financial statements. FASB recently adopted new accounting standards related to fair value accounting, measurement of credit losses on financial instruments and accounting for leases that could materially change the Company’s financial statements in the future. In addition, accounting standard setters and those who interpret the accounting standards (such as the FASB, SEC, banking regulators and the Company’s 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 the Company’s control, can be hard to predict and could materially impact how the Company reports its financial results and condition. In certain cases, the Company could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively or apply an existing standard differently (also retroactively), which may result in the Company restating prior period financial statements in material amounts.
For example, in 2016, the FASB released a new standard for determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses. The new standard will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2023. The new credit loss model will be a significant change from the standard in place today, as it requires the allowance for credit losses to be calculated based on current expected credit losses (commonly referred to as the “CECL model”) rather than losses inherent in the portfolio as of a point in time. Because the new CECL model focuses on the life of the loan concept, more data will be required to support allowance estimates, including that loan portfolios will need to be broken down by origination year. As a result, audit and disclosure requirements will increase. The extent of the increase is under evaluation, but will depend upon the nature and characteristics of the Company’s loan portfolio at the adoption date, and the macroeconomic conditions and forecasts at that date. As a result, the potential financial impact is currently unknown.
Failure to maintain effective systems of internal controls over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition disclosures.
We must have effective internal controls over financial reporting in order to provide reliable financial reports, to effectively prevent fraud, and to operate successfully as a public company. If we were unable to provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. As part of our ongoing monitoring of our internal controls over financial reporting, we may discover material weaknesses or significant deficiencies requiring remediation. A "material weakness" is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal controls over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
We continually work to improve our internal controls; however, we cannot be certain that these measures will ensure appropriate and adequate controls over our future financial processes and reporting. Any failure to maintain effective controls
or to timely implement any necessary improvement of our internal controls could, among other things, result in losses from fraud or error, harm our reputation, or cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and the market value of our common stock.
The fair value of our investment securities can fluctuate due to market conditions out of our control.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 79% of our investment securities portfolio was comprised of U.S. government agency and sponsored enterprises obligations, U.S. government agency and sponsored enterprises' mortgage backed securities and municipal securities. As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of our investment portfolio was approximately $220.8 million. Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, ratings agency downgrades of the securities, defaults by the issuer or with respect to the underlying securities, changes in market interest rates and instability in the credit markets. Any of these mentioned factors, among others, could cause other-than-temporary impairments in future periods and result in a realized loss, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. The process for determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary usually requires complex, subjective judgements about the future financial performance of the issuer and any collateral underlying the security in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security.
Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting issuers and the performance of underlying collateral, we may recognize realized and/or unrealized losses in future periods, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The Bank’s fee-based services may lose appeal with customers during an economic downturn, resulting in increased funding costs and a reduction of the Company’s net interest income and net income.
Economic downturns could affect the volume of income earned from and demand for the Bank’s fee-based services. Checking, savings, and money market deposit account balances and other forms of customer deposits can decrease when customers perceive alternative investments, such as the stock market, as providing a better risk/return tradeoff. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments, the Company could lose a relatively low-cost source of funds, increasing its funding costs and reducing the Company’s net interest income and net income.
Risks Related to Environmental and Social Matters and Human Capital Management
Our financial and operating performance could be adversely impacted by disruptions to business conducted, or declines in property values, in northern, central and coastal New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area, caused by severe weather, changes in climate and other natural disasters, acts of terrorism, public health crises and other external events.
A significant portion of our primary market includes counties in New Jersey with extensive coastal regions. These areas may be vulnerable to flooding, wind or other damage resulting from severe weather, such as hurricanes and other natural disasters, or changes in climate. As a result of a major natural disaster or changes in climate, our borrowers may suffer uninsured property damage, experience interruption of their businesses or lose their jobs, which may negatively impact the ability of these borrowers to make deposits with us or repay their loans or impair the values of collateral securing our loans, any of which could result in losses and increased provisions for credit losses. Our operations may also be disrupted by the occurrence of natural disasters through interference with communications, including the interruption or loss of our computer systems, which could interfere with our ability to gather deposits and originate loans, as well as through the destruction of facilities and our operational, financial and management information systems.
In addition, our primary market includes areas that are central targets of potential acts of terrorism and the concentration of our retail and commercial banking activities makes our business susceptible to disruptions resulting from public health crises and other external events, including trade disruptions caused by increased tariffs. These and other catastrophic events could affect the stability of our deposit base and impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans as a result of quarantines, business closures, shortages in labor or raw materials and overall economic instability, which could result in the loss of revenue. Although the Company has established disaster recovery policies and procedures, the occurrence of any such event in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on our executive officers and key personnel to implement our strategy and to maintain the trust and confidence of customers and other market participants and our reputation, which could be harmed by the loss of their services.
Our success depends in large part on the skills and performance of our executive management team and our ability to motivate and retain these and other key personnel. Accordingly, the loss of service of one or more of our executive officers or key personnel could reduce our ability to successfully implement our business strategy and materially and adversely affect us. Leadership changes will occur from time to time, and if significant resignations occur, we may not be able to recruit additional qualified personnel. We believe our executive management team possesses valuable knowledge about the banking industry and that their knowledge and relationships would be very difficult to replicate. Although each of our Chief Executive Officer and President, our Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer and Chief Credit Officer and our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has entered into an employment agreement with us, it is possible that they may not complete the terms of their respective employment agreements or may choose not to exercise options to renew such terms.
As a community bank, our customers also rely on us to deliver personalized financial services. Our success depends on the experience of our branch managers and lending officers and on their relationships with the customers and communities they serve. The loss of the service of these individuals could undermine the confidence of our customers in our ability to provide such personalized services. We need to continue to attract and retain these individuals and to recruit other qualified individuals to ensure continued growth. In addition, competitors may recruit these individuals in light of the value of the individuals’ relationships with their customers and communities and we may not be able to retain such relationships absent the individuals. If we are unable to attract and retain our branch managers and lending officers, and recruit individuals with appropriate skills and knowledge to support our business, our business strategy, business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Investment in Our Securities
Our directors and executive officers own a meaningful percentage of our stock, which may enable them to influence matters subject to shareholder approval.
As of December 31, 2020, our directors and executive officers, together with their affiliates and related persons, beneficially owned, in the aggregate, approximately 12.9% of our outstanding shares of common stock. These shareholders, if acting together, may have the ability to determine the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors and any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, these persons, acting together, may have the ability to control the management and affairs of our Company. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership may harm the market price of our common stock by:
•delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control;
•entrenching our management and/or the board of directors;
•impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other business combination involving us; or
•discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.
Future offerings of debt or other securities may adversely affect the market price of our stock.
In the future, the Company may attempt to increase its capital resources or, if the Company’s or the Bank’s capital ratios fall below the required minimums, the Company or the Bank could be forced to raise additional capital by making additional offerings of debt or preferred equity securities, including medium-term notes, trust preferred securities, senior or subordinated notes and preferred stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive distributions of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock.
The Company may issue additional shares of common stock which may dilute the ownership and voting power of our shareholders and the book value of our common stock.
The Company is currently authorized to issue up to 30,000,000 shares of common stock, of which 10,241,100 shares were outstanding on February 26, 2021. We may decide to issue additional shares of common stock for any corporate purposes. Our Board of Directors has the authority, without action or vote of our shareholders, to issue all or part of the authorized but unissued shares of common stock in public offerings or up to 20% of our outstanding common stock in non-public offerings. Any issuance of shares of our common stock will dilute the percentage ownership interest of our common shareholders and may reduce the market price of our common stock or dilute the book value of our common stock, or both. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties.
We currently operate 25 bank branch offices in New Jersey, including the Bank’s main office in Cranbury, New Jersey. In addition, there is an Operations Center which is leased in Cranbury, New Jersey. The following table provides certain information with respect to our bank branch offices as of February 26, 2021:
Location Leased or
Owned Original Year Leased or Acquired Year of Lease
Expiration
Main Office
2650 Route 130
Cranbury, New Jersey Leased 1989 2027
Village Office
74 North Main Street
Cranbury, New Jersey Owned 2005 -
Plainsboro Office
Plainsboro Village Center
11 Shalks Crossing Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey Leased 1998 2021(1)
Hamilton Square Office
3659 Nottingham Way
Hamilton, New Jersey Leased 1999 2024
Princeton Office
The Windrows at Princeton Forrestal
2000 Windrow Drive
Princeton, New Jersey Leased 2001 2021
Perth Amboy Office
145 Fayette Street
Perth Amboy, New Jersey Leased 2003 2026
Jamesburg Office
1 Harrison Street
Jamesburg, New Jersey Owned 2002 -
Fort Lee Office
180 Main Street
Fort Lee, New Jersey Leased 2006 2024
Hightstown Office
140 Mercer Street
Hightstown, New Jersey Leased 2007 2024
Lawrenceville Property
150 Lawrenceville-Pennington Road
Lawrenceville, New Jersey Owned 2009 -
South River Operations Center
1246 South River Road, Bldg. 2
Cranbury, New Jersey Leased 2010 2025
Rocky Hill Office
995 Route 518
Skillman, New Jersey Owned 2011 -
Hopewell Office
86 East Broad Street
Hopewell, New Jersey Owned 2011 -
Hillsborough Office
32 New Amwell Road
Hillsborough, New Jersey Owned 2011 -
Rumson Office
20 Bingham Avenue
Rumson, New Jersey Leased 2014 2026
Location Leased or
Owned Original Year Leased or Acquired Year of Lease
Expiration
Fair Haven Office
636 River Road
Fair Haven, New Jersey Leased 2014 2022
Asbury Park Office
511 Cookman Avenue
Asbury Park, New Jersey Owned 2014 -
Shrewsbury Office
500 Broad Street
Shrewsbury, New Jersey Leased 2014 2031
Little Silver Office
517 Prospect Avenue
Little Silver, New Jersey Leased 2015 2024
Freehold Office
3441 US Highway 9
Freehold, New Jersey Leased 2018 2022
Neptune City Office
118 3rd Avenue
Neptune City, New Jersey Leased 2018 2022
Long Branch
444 Ocean Boulevard North
Long Branch, New Jersey Leased 2019 2024
Route 37
1216 Route 37 East
Toms River, New Jersey Leased 2019 2024
Hooper Avenue
1012 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, New Jersey Owned 2019 -
Jackson
1130 East Veterans Highway
Jackson, New Jersey Leased 2019 2026
Manahawkin
280 Route 72 East
Manahawkin, New Jersey Leased 2019 2023
Management believes the foregoing facilities are suitable for the Company’s and the Bank’s present and projected operations.
(1) The current lease period expires on April 30, 2021 and the lease involves two lease extensions for a period of five years each. The Company is expected to exercise the lease extension option.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
The Company may, in the ordinary course of business, become a party to litigation involving collection matters, contract claims and other legal proceedings relating to the conduct of its business. Management is not aware of any material pending legal proceedings against the Company which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The common stock of the Company trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol, “FCCY.” On February 26, 2021, there were approximately 346 shareholders of record.
Performance
The following graph compares the cumulative total return on a hypothetical $100 investment made on December 31, 2015 in (a) the Company's common stock; (b) the SNL US Bank & Thrift Index; (c) the SNL US NASDAQ Banks Index; and (d) the SNL US Bank $1B-$5B Index. 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. The performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or incorporated by reference into any filings of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Period Ending
Index 12/31/2015 12/31/2016 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2020
1st Constitution Bancorp 100.00 153.55 151.62 167.17 188.68 138.57
SNL US Bank & Thrift 100.00 126.25 148.45 123.32 166.67 144.61
SNL US NASDAQ Banks 100.00 138.65 145.97 123.04 154.47 132.56
SNL US Bank $1B-$5B 100.00 143.87 153.37 134.37 163.35 138.81
On December 31, 2020, the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock was $15.87.
The timing and the amount of the payment of future cash dividends, if any, on the Company's common shares will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will be determined after consideration of various factors, including the level of earnings, cash requirements, regulatory capital and financial condition.
Dividend Policy
The Company began declaring and paying cash dividends on its common stock in September 2016 and has declared and paid a cash dividend each quarter since then. Although the Company intends to continue to pay comparable cash dividends, the timing and the amount of the payment of future cash dividends, if any, on the Company's common stock will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will be determined after consideration of various factors, including the level of earnings, cash requirements, regulatory capital and financial condition.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On January 21, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a new common stock repurchase program. Under the new common stock repurchase program, the Company may repurchase in open market or privately negotiated transactions up to five (5%) percent of its common stock outstanding on the date of approval of the stock repurchase program, which limitations will be adjusted for any future stock dividends. The Company's common stock repurchase program covers a maximum of 396,141 shares of common stock of the Company, representing 5% of the outstanding common stock of the Company on January 21, 2016, as adjusted for subsequent common stock dividends. There were no repurchases under the plan during 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company withheld 14,411 shares of common stock in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards to satisfy applicable tax withholding obligations.
Period Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased Average
Price Paid
Per Share Total Number
of Shares
Purchased As Part of
Publicly Announced
Program Maximum
Number of
Shares That
May Yet be
Purchased Under the Program
Beginning Ending
October 1, 2020 October 31, 2020 - $ - - 394,141
November 1, 2020 November 30, 2020 - - - 394,141
December 1, 2020 December 31, 2020 - - - 394,141
Total - $ - - 394,141
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
As of and for the years ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Summary earnings:
Interest income $ 69,146 $ 60,090 $ 51,473 $ 41,663 $ 39,135
Interest expense 10,643 12,754 8,041 5,498 5,158
Net interest income 58,503 47,336 43,432 36,165 33,977
Provision (credit) for loan losses 6,698 1,350 900 600 (300)
Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses 51,805 45,986 42,532 35,565 34,277
Non-interest income 14,643 8,237 7,918 8,240 6,922
Non-interest expense 41,755 35,549 34,085 31,006 27,291
Income before income tax expense 24,693 18,674 16,365 12,799 13,908
Income tax expense 6,607 5,040 4,317 5,871 4,623
Net income $ 18,086 $ 13,634 12,048 $ 6,928 $ 9,285
Per share data:
Earnings per share - basic $ 1.77 $ 1.54 $ 1.45 $ 0.86 $ 1.17
Earnings per share - diluted 1.76 1.53 1.4 0.83 1.14
Cash dividends declared 0.36 0.30 0.26 0.16 0.10
Book value end-of-period (1)
18.32 16.74 14.77 13.81 13.11
Basic weighted average shares outstanding 10,220,319 8,875,237 8,320,718 8,049,981 7,962,121
Common stock equivalents (dilutive) 40,646 58,234 272,791 262,803 215,318
Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding
10,260,965 8,933,471 8,593,509 8,312,784 8,177,439
Balance sheet data (at period end):
Total assets $ 1,806,909 $ 1,586,262 $ 1,177,833 $ 1,079,274 $ 1,038,213
Securities, available for sale 125,197 155,782 132,222 105,458 103,794
Securities, held to maturity 92,552 76,620 79,572 110,267 126,810
Total loans 1,433,706 1,216,028 883,164 789,906 724,808
Allowance for loan losses (15,641) (9,271) (8,402) (8,013) (7,494)
Total deposits 1,562,839 1,277,362 950,672 922,006 834,516
Shareholders' equity 187,657 170,578 127,085 111,653 104,801
Common cash dividends 3,676 2,593 2,120 1,289 800
Selected performance ratios:
Return on average total assets 1.05 % 1.06 % 1.06 % 0.67 % 0.93 %
Return on average shareholders' equity 10.20 % 9.87 % 10.11 % 6.36 % 9.21 %
Dividend payout ratio (2)
20.33 % 19.02 % 17.60 % 18.61 % 0.0862
Net interest margin 3.71 % 4.00 % 4.09 % 3.81 % 3.70 %
Non-interest income to average assets 0.85 % 0.64 % 0.70 % 0.80 % 0.69 %
Non-interest expenses to average assets 2.43 % 2.77 % 3.00 % 3.01 % 2.72 %
Non-performing loans to total loans 1.20 % 0.37 % 0.75 % 0.90 % 0.72 %
Non-performing assets to total assets 0.96 % 0.32 % 0.77 % 0.66 % 0.52 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans 90.77 % 206.16 % 127.69 % 112.64 % 144.17 %
Allowance for loan losses to total loans 1.09 % 0.76 % 0.95 % 1.01 % 1.03 %
Net recoveries (charge-offs) to average loans (0.02) % (0.05) % (0.06) % (0.01) % 0.03 %
As of and for the years ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Liquidity and capital ratios:
Average loans to average deposits 92.30 % 90.64 % 87.28 % 81.8 % 84.58 %
Total shareholders' equity to total assets 10.39 % 10.75 % 10.79 % 10.35 % 10.09 %
Total capital to risk-weighted assets 12.16 % 11.69 % 13.17 % 12.84 % 13.24 %
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 11.12 % 11.01 % 12.39 % 12.02 % 12.41 %
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio to risk-weighted assets 9.92 % 9.70 % 10.72 % 10.19 % 10.4 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio 9.41 % 10.56 % 11.73 % 11.23 % 10.93 %
(1) Book value at end-of-period calculated by dividing shareholders' equity by number of outstanding common shares at end of period.
(2) Dividend payout ratio calculated by dividing dividends declared during the year by net income.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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 the Company 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.
The Company, which was incorporated in 1999, is the parent holding company for 1ST Constitution Bank, a commercial bank formed in 1989 that provides a wide range of financial services to consumers, businesses and government entities. The Bank's branch network primarily serves central and coastal New Jersey and offers consumer and business banking products delivered through a network of well-trained staff dedicated to a positive client experience and enhancing shareholder value. Much of the Company's lending activity is in northern, central and coastal New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. For purposes of the discussion below, 1ST Constitution Capital Trust II (Trust II), a subsidiary of the Company, is not included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as it is a variable interest entity and the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
On November 8, 2019, the Company completed the merger of Shore with and into the Bank. The Shore Merger contributed approximately $284.2 million in assets, approximately $209.6 million in loans, and approximately $249.8 million in deposits.
On April 11, 2018, the Company completed the merger of NJCB with and into the Bank. The NJCB Merger contributed approximately $95 million in assets, approximately $75 million in loans, and approximately $87 million in deposits.
COVID-19 Impact and Response
The sudden emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic in the first quarter of 2020 created widespread uncertainty, social and economic disruption, highly volatile financial markets and unprecedented increases in unemployment levels in a short period of time. Mandated business and school closures, restrictions on travel and social distancing have resulted in almost all businesses and employees being adversely impacted, including those located in the Bank’s primary market areas of northern and central New Jersey, communities along the New Jersey shore, and the New York City metropolitan area. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic disruption and uncertainty, it is not possible to determine the overall impact of the pandemic on the Company’s business. To the extent that customers are not able to fulfill their contractual obligations, the Company’s business operations, asset valuations, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations could be materially adversely impacted. Material adverse impacts may include all or a combination of valuation impairments on our intangible assets, investments, loans, deferred tax assets, or other real estate owned ("OREO").
The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the businesses and the people in the communities that the Bank serves and on the Company’s operations and financial performance will depend on future developments related to the duration, extent and severity of the pandemic; the length of time that restrictions on travel and gatherings, capacity and other operational limitations or closures imposed on or by businesses and schools, and social distancing measures remain in place; the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and the timing and the widespread distribution of such vaccines; and the enactment of further legislation or the adoption of policies designed to deliver monetary aid and other relief to borrowers, including but not limited to federal stimulus, forbearance or Federal Reserve monetary policy. In addition, the Company’s operations rely on third-party vendors to process, record and monitor transactions. If any of these vendors are unable to provide these services, our ability to serve customers could be disrupted. The pandemic could further negatively impact customers’ ability to conduct banking and other financial transactions. The Company’s operations could be adversely impacted if key personnel or a significant number of employees were unable to work due to illness or restrictions.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law. Among other things, the CARES ACT provides relief to borrowers, including the option to defer loan payments while not affecting their credit and access to additional credit through the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Pay Check Protection Program (“PPP”).
The CARES Act includes a provision for the Company to opt out of applying the “troubled-debt restructuring” accounting guidance in ASC 310-40 for certain loan modifications. Loan modifications made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of (i) December 30, 2020 or (ii) 60 days after the President declares a termination of the COVID-19 national emergency are eligible for this relief if the related loans were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. The Bank adopted this provision as of March 31, 2020.
The Economic Aid to Hard Hit Small Business, Not for Profits and Venues Act (“Economic Aid Act”) was enacted in December 2020 in further response to the coronavirus pandemic. Among other things, the Economic Aid Act expanded the scope of the PPP and extended the relief from ASC 310-40 to loan modifications made between January 1, 2021 and the earlier of (i) December 30, 2021 or (ii) 60 days after the President declares a termination of the COVID-19 national emergency that were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. The Bank adopted this provision as of December 31, 2020.
Since the first quarter of 2020, the Company took several actions in response to the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The health, safety and well-being of our employees and customers continued to be the primary concern and protective measures described below were implemented. In addition, the Company worked with customers impacted by the economic disruption.
To protect our employees and customers we:
•Initially adjusted branch hours and temporarily closed our branch lobbies to customers, except on an appointment only basis, and permitted staff to work remotely where feasible. However, in mid-June we re-opened the interior access to all of our branch offices to customers.
•Continued to service our customers through drive-up facilities, ATMs and our robust technology capabilities that allow customers to execute transactions and apply for residential mortgage loans through our website www.momentummortgage.com utilizing their mobile devices and computers.
•Provided our employees with personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.
•Installed social distancing markers and protective shields and partitions in branch offices, and required customers entering our locations to wear face coverings.
•Beginning in the first quarter of 2021, offered paid time off to employees to obtain COVID-19 vaccinations.
To support our loan and deposit customers and the communities we serve, we have taken the following actions:
•We continue to provide access to additional credit and forbearance on loan interest and or principal payments for up to 90 days where management has determined that it is warranted. During 2020, $149.3 million of loans ($140.9 million of commercial loans and $8.4 million of consumer loans) were modified to provide deferral of interest and or principal by borrowers for up to 90 days. As of December 31, 2020, all loans that had previously received deferrals were no longer deferred, except that one commercial real estate loan with a balance of $6.0 million received an additional deferral of principal payments up to 90 days and two commercial real estate loans totaling $4.6 million were placed on nonaccrual status in the third quarter of 2020.
•As a long-standing SBA preferred lender, we are actively participating in the SBA’s PPP lending program established under the CARES Act. As of December 31, 2020, we funded 467 SBA PPP loans totaling $75.6 million, $15.8 million of which PPP loans were forgiven by the SBA.
•Among other things, the Economic Aid Act provides relief to borrowers to access additional credit through the SBA's PPP program. We are actively participating in the program and have accepted 255 applications for PPP loans totaling $33.4 million since December 31, 2020, 238 which applications, representing $30.5 million of PPP loans have been approved by the SBA. Of the total approved applications, we have funded $29.8 million of PPP loans as of March 12, 2021.
•We are participating in the Federal Reserve's PPP loan funding program and may pledge the PPP loans to collateralize a like amount of borrowings from the Federal Reserve at a favorable interest rate of 0.35% up to a two-year term.
The Company’s results of operations and net income will continue to be impacted for the foreseeable future due to the economic disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
•During the year ended December 31, 2020, management significantly increased the provision for loan losses in response to the higher estimated incurred losses in the loan portfolio due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Management may further adjust the provision and allowance for loan losses in response to changes in economic conditions and the performance of the loan portfolio in future periods. For additional discussion, see below under “Provision for Loan Losses.”
•Due to the asset sensitive nature of the Company’s balance sheet, the Federal Reserve’s reduction in the targeted fed funds rate to zero to 0.25% and the concomitant decline in the prime rate to 3.25% in March 2020 caused a reduction in the average yield of loans tied to the prime rate and the overall lower market interest rate environment negatively impacted the net interest margin. The net interest margin was also impacted by the funding of the SBA PPP loans with a 1% interest yield, which will be increased by the recognition of the loan fees earned on these loans. The timing and impact to the net interest margin will be contingent on how quickly and the extent to which the SBA PPP loans become grants that are repaid by the SBA over the next two years. The net interest margin and net interest income may decline in future periods if the Company cannot reduce the cost of interest-bearing liabilities at the same time and to the same extent as the decline in the average yield of assets.
•Residential real estate sales, and therefore the origination and sale of residential mortgages may decline as a result of the restrictions implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19, such as business closures and social distancing measures. This decline in turn, would result in lower gain on sales of loans and a decrease in non-interest income.
•A significant increase in non-performing loans could result in increased non-interest expense due to higher expenses for loan collection and recovery costs.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, management significantly increased the provision for loan losses in response to the higher estimated incurred losses in the loan portfolio due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Management may further adjust the provision and allowance for loan losses in response to changes in economic conditions and the performance of the loan portfolio in future periods. For additional discussion, see below under “Provision for Loan Losses.”
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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The Company considers its determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of foreclosed real estate, the valuation of its investment portfolio, the valuation of deferred tax assets and goodwill impairment to be critical accounting policies. Note 1 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 contains a summary of the Company’s critical accounting policies.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Management believes that the Company’s policies with respect to the methodologies for the determination of the allowance for loan losses and for determining other-than-temporary security impairment involve a higher degree of complexity and requires management to make difficult and subjective judgments, which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. Changes in these judgments, assumptions or estimates could materially impact results of operations. These critical policies and their 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, after 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 net realizable 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. 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 be adversely affected in the event that real estate values decline or the Company’s primary market area of northern, central and coastal New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area experiences adverse economic conditions. Future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond the Company’s control, including the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of national and local government responsive measures and monetary and fiscal response.
Valuation of Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)
Real estate acquired through foreclosure, or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, is recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of acquisition or transfer and, subsequently, fair value less estimated selling costs. Adjustments to the carrying value at the date of acquisition or transfer are charged to the allowance for loan losses. The carrying value of the individual properties is subsequently adjusted to estimated fair value less estimated selling costs, at which time a provision for losses on such real estate is charged to operations if it is lower. Appraisals are critical in determining the fair value of the other real estate owned ("OREO") amount. Assumptions for appraisals are instrumental in determining the value of properties. Overly optimistic assumptions or negative changes to assumptions could significantly affect the valuation of a property. The assumptions supporting such appraisals are carefully reviewed by management to determine that the resulting values reasonably reflect amounts realizable.
Valuation of the Investment Portfolio
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.
Management utilizes various inputs to determine the fair value of its investment portfolio. To the extent they exist, unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical investments (level 1) or quoted prices on similar assets (level 2) are utilized to determine the fair value of each investment in the portfolio. In the absence of quoted prices, valuation techniques would be used to determine fair value of any investments that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (level 3). Valuation techniques are based on various assumptions, including, but not limited to, cash flows, discount rates, rate of return, adjustments for nonperformance and liquidity and liquidation values. A significant degree of judgment is involved in valuing investments using level 3 inputs. The use of different assumptions could have a positive or negative effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis to determine whether a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. To determine whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, management considers the reasons underlying the decline, including, but not limited to, the length of time an investment’s book value is greater than fair value, the extent and duration of the decline and the near-term prospects of the issuer as well as any credit deterioration of the investment. If the decline in value of an investment is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings.
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets
The Company records income taxes using the asset and liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns; are attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases; and are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years when those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period of enactment.
Deferred tax assets are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at net realizable value. The Company periodically performs an assessment to evaluate the amount of deferred tax assets that it is more likely than not to realize. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the amount of taxable income expected in future periods as tax benefits require taxable income to be realized. If a valuation allowance is required, the deferred tax asset on the consolidated balance sheet is reduced via a corresponding income tax expense in the consolidated statement of income.
Goodwill Impairment
The Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if there is a triggering event which indicates that there is an impairment. In completing its impairment testing the Company identified a single reporting unit and the $34.7 million of goodwill at December 31, 2020 was assigned to the single reporting unit.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and a broad decline in the market values of all banking company stocks, the market price of the Company's common stock and the resulting aggregate market capitalization of the Company declined. During each of the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, the Company concluded that a triggering event occurred due to the decline in the Company's stock price and market capitalization as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In each quarterly period, management concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value and that goodwill was not impaired. At September 30, 2020, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test of goodwill utilizing a discounted cash flow valuation methodology based upon an updated five year projection of the Company’s financial performance. A discount rate was estimated utilizing the build up method with a risk free rate, an equity risk premium and a size premium. This discount rate was applied to the projected cash flows over the five year period, which included a terminal value in year five based on a multiple of the projected cash flow in year five. The year five terminal multiple was based upon the observed average market price to earnings multiple for the trailing last twelve months of earnings for companies included in the SNL US Bank Index at September 30, 2020. This multiple does not include a control premium. This estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value of shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2020 by 10.3%.
On the basis of the evaluation of goodwill, management concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit. Accordingly, goodwill was not impaired and no impairment charges were recorded as a result of Company's interim and annual testing of goodwill for impairment. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting unit using the income approach.
If the Company’s common stock price is below the Company’s book value per common share in future periods, the Company will continue to evaluate goodwill for impairment on a quarterly basis. Changes in economic conditions, actual loan losses at levels higher than projected, changes in market interest rates and changes in discount rates and valuation multiples may affect the Company’s financial projections and valuation. The Company may determine that goodwill becomes impaired in a future period and a portion or all of the goodwill may be written off. Any impairment loss related to goodwill and other intangible assets is reflected as other non-interest expense in the statement of income in the period in which the impairment was determined. No assurance can be given that future impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings. See Note 9 - "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" - for additional information.
Earnings Summary
2020 compared to 2019
The Company reported net income of $18.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to net income of $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Diluted earnings per share were $1.76 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to diluted earnings per share of $1.53 for the year ended December 31, 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net income increased $4.5 million, or 32.7%, and net income per diluted share increased $0.23, or 15.0%.
Adjusted net income, which excludes the after-tax effect of merger-related expenses, for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $18.1 million, or $1.77 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $15.0 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Adjusted net income for 2020 increased $3.2 million or 21.1% compared to adjusted net income for 2019. The increase was due primarily to an increase of $11.2 million in net interest income and an increase of $6.4 million in non-interest income, which was partially offset by an increase of $5.3 million in the provision for loan losses and an increase of $7.9 million in non-interest expense, excluding merger-related expenses.
Return on average total assets (“ROAA”) and return on average shareholders' equity (“ROAE”) were 1.05% and 10.20%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 1.06% and 9.87%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Adjusted ROAA and adjusted ROAE, each of which excludes the expenses related to the Shore Merger in 2019, were 1.06% and 10.23%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 1.17% and 10.84%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Adjusted net income, adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted ROAA and adjusted ROAE are non-GAAP financial measures. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures is the same as the corresponding GAAP measure, except that it excludes the after-tax effect of merger-related expenses from the Shore Merger in 2020 and 2019 and the NJCB Merger in 2018. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the Company’s GAAP financial results. Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures of the Company may be helpful to readers in understanding the Company’s financial performance when comparing the Company’s financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 because these non-GAAP financial measures present the Company’s financial performance excluding the financial impact of the merger-related expenses related to the Shore Merger in 2019 and the NJCB Merger in 2018.
The table below shows the major components of net income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to reported net income discussed above.
Change in
(Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 $ %
Net interest income $ 58,503 $ 47,336 $ 11,167 23.6 %
Provision for loan losses 6,698 1,350 5,348 396.1 %
Non-interest income 14,643 8,237 6,406 77.8 %
Non-interest expense 41,755 35,549 6,206 17.5 %
Net income before income taxes 24,693 18,674 6,019 32.2 %
Income taxes 6,607 5,040 1,567 31.1 %
Net income 18,086 13,634 4,452 32.7 %
Adjustments:
Merger-related expenses 64 1,730 (1,666) (96.3) %
Income tax effect of adjustments (19) (394) 375 (95.2) %
Total adjustments 45 45000 1,336 (1,291) (96.63) %
Adjusted net income $ 18,131 $ 14,970 $ 3,161 21.1 %
Earnings per common share:
Basic, as reported $ 1.77 $ 1.54 $ 0.23 14.9 %
Adjustments - 0.15 (0.15) (100.0) %
Basic, as adjusted $ 1.77 $ 1.69 $ 0.08 4.7 %
Diluted, as reported $ 1.76 $ 1.53 $ 0.23 15.0 %
Adjustments 0.01 0.15 (0.14) (93.3) %
Diluted, as adjusted $ 1.77 $ 1.68 $ 0.09 5.4 %
Return on average total assets:
As reported 1.05 % 1.06 %
Adjusted net income $ 18,131 $ 14,970
Average assets 1,716,202 1,283,302
As adjusted 1.06 % 1.17 %
Return on average shareholders' equity:
As reported 10.20 % 9.87 %
Adjusted net income $ 18,131 $ 14,970
Average shareholders' equity 177,318 138,101
As adjusted 10.23 % 10.84 %
2019 compared to 2018
The Company reported net income of $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to net income of $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Diluted earnings per share were $1.53 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to diluted earnings per share of $1.40 for the year ended December 31, 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2019, net income increased $1.6 million, or 13.2%, and net income per diluted share increased $0.13 or 9.3%.
On November 8, 2019, the Company completed the Shore Merger. As a result of the Shore Merger, merger-related expenses of $1.7 million were incurred and the after-tax effect of the merger-related expenses reduced net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 by $1.3 million. The acquisition method of accounting for the business combination resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $22.8 million. A core deposit intangible of $1.5 million and a fair value credit risk discount of $3.6 million applicable to loans were also recorded.
Adjusted net income, which excludes the after-tax effect of merger-related expenses and the gain from bargain purchase, for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $15.0 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $13.4 million, or $1.56 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2018. Adjusted net income for 2019 increased $1.6 million or 12.0% compared to adjusted net income for 2018. The increase was due primarily to an increase of $3.9 million in net interest income and an increase of $319,000 in non-interest income, which was partially offset by an increase of $450,000 in the provision for loan losses and an increase of $1.9 million in non-interest expense. The Shore Merger, excluding merger-related expenses, contributed $682,000 to the net income and adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Return on average total assets (“ROAA”) and return on average shareholders' equity (“ROAE”) were 1.06% and 9.87%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to 1.06% and 10.11%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2018. Excluding the merger-related expenses, ROAA and ROAE were 1.17% and 10.84%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to 1.17% and 11.21%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The table below shows the major components of net income for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to reported net income discussed above.
Change in
(Dollars in thousands) 2019 2018 $ %
Net interest income $ 47,336 $ 43,432 $ 3,904 9.0 %
Provision for loan losses 1,350 900 450 50.0 %
Non-interest income 8,237 7,918 319 4.0 %
Non-interest expense 35,549 34,085 1,464 4.3 %
Net income before income taxes 18,674 16,365 2,309 14.1 %
Income taxes 5,040 4,317 723 16.7 %
Net income 13,634 12,048 1,586 13.2 %
Adjustments:
Revaluation of deferred tax assets - (28) 28 N.M.
Merger-related expenses 1,730 2,141 (411) (19.2) %
Gain from bargain purchase - (230) 230 N.M.
Income tax effect of adjustments (394) (568) 174 (30.6) %
Total adjustments 1,336 1,315 21 1.6 %
Adjusted net income $ 14,970 $ 13,363 $ 1,607 12.0 %
Earnings per common share:
Basic, as reported $ 1.54 $ 1.45 $ 0.09 6.2 %
Adjustments 0.15 0.16 (0.01) (6.3) %
Basic, as adjusted $ 1.69 $ 1.61 $ 0.08 5.0 %
Diluted, as reported $ 1.53 $ 1.40 $ 0.13 9.3 %
Adjustments 0.15 0.16 (0.01) (6.3) %
Diluted, as adjusted $ 1.68 $ 1.56 $ 0.12 7.7 %
Return on average total assets:
As reported 1.06 % 1.06 %
Adjusted net income $ 14,970 $ 13,363
Average assets 1,283,302 1,137,768
As adjusted 1.17 % 1.17 %
Return on average shareholders' equity:
As reported 9.87 % 10.11 %
Adjusted net income $ 14,970 $ 13,363
Average shareholders' equity 138,101 119,212
As adjusted 10.84 % 11.21 %
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Net interest income, the Company’s largest and most significant component of operating income, is the difference between interest and fees earned on loans, investment securities and other earning assets and interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds. This component represented 80%, 85% and 85% of the Company’s net revenues (net interest income plus non-interest income) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 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 average earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. The Company's net interest spread is affected by the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board, and regulatory, economic and competitive factors that influence interest rates, loan demand and deposit flows as well as general levels of non-performing 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) 2020 2019 2018
Net interest income $ 58,503 $ 47,336 $ 43,432
Interest rate spread 3.44 % 3.65 % 3.81 %
Net interest margin 3.71 % 4.00 % 4.09 %
The following tables compare the Company’s consolidated average balance sheets, interest income and expense, net interest spreads and net interest margins for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (on a fully tax-equivalent basis). The average rates are derived by dividing interest income and expense by the average balance of assets and liabilities, respectively.
December 31, 2020
Average Average
(In thousands except yield/cost information) Balance Interest Yield/Cost
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Federal funds sold/short term investments $ 23,478 $ 107 0.46 %
Investment securities:
Taxable 156,464 3,289 2.10
Tax-exempt (1)
79,581 2,459 3.09
Total investment securities 236,045 5,748 2.43
Loans: (2)
Commercial real estate 596,978 31,184 5.14
Mortgage warehouse lines 273,286 11,269 4.12
Construction 137,190 7,686 5.60
Commercial business 139,913 6,164 4.41
SBA PPP loans 50,042 1,542 3.08
Residential real estate 89,509 4,130 4.54
Loans to individuals 28,052 1,289 4.52
Loans held for sale 18,216 507 2.78
All other loans 801 37 4.54
Deferred (fees) costs, net (657) - N/A
Total loans 1,333,330 63,808 4.79
Total interest-earning assets 1,592,853 69,663 4.37 %
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan losses (11,680)
Cash and due from banks 12,158
Other assets 122,871
Total non-interesting-earning assets 123,349
Total assets $ 1,716,202
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Money market and NOW accounts $ 425,446 $ 2,420 0.57 %
Savings accounts 286,149 2,049 0.72
Certificates of deposit 362,633 5,512 1.52
Federal Reserve Bank PPPLF borrowings 15,344 54 0.35
Short-term borrowings 30,567 174 0.57
Redeemable subordinated debentures 18,557 434 2.30
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,138,696 10,643 0.93 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits 370,323
Other liabilities 29,865
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities 400,188
Shareholders' equity 177,318
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,716,202
Net interest spread (3)
3.44 %
Net interest income and margin (4)
$ 59,020 3.71 %
(1)Tax-equivalent basis, using 21% federal tax rate in 2020.
(2)Loan origination fees and costs are considered an adjustment to interest income. For the purpose of calculating loan yields, average loan balances include nonaccrual loans with no related interest income and the average balance of loans held for sale.
(3)The net interest spread is the difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
(4)The net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
December 31, 2019
Average Average
(In thousands except yield/cost information) Balance Interest Yield/Cost
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Federal funds sold/short term investments $ 8,142 $ 176 2.16 %
Investment securities:
Taxable 163,415 4,710 2.88
Tax-exempt (1)
57,005 2,110 3.70
Total investment securities 220,420 6,820 3.09
Loans: (2)
Commercial real estate 426,929 22,129 5.11
Mortgage warehouse lines 174,151 9,543 5.48
Construction 156,467 10,576 6.76
Commercial business 121,985 7,295 5.98
Residential real estate 56,745 2,591 4.50
Loans to individuals 23,312 1,195 5.06
Loans held for sale 4,280 170 3.97
All other loans 782 38 3.57
Deferred (fees) costs, net 269 - N/A
Total loans 964,920 53,537 5.55
Total interest-earning assets 1,193,482 60,533 5.07 %
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan losses (8,796)
Cash and due from banks 11,729
Other assets 86,887
Total non-interesting-earning assets 89,820
Total assets $ 1,283,302
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Money market and NOW accounts $ 349,663 $ 2,750 0.79 %
Savings accounts 201,738 1,952 0.97
Certificates of deposit 286,419 6,392 2.23
Short-term borrowings 38,594 912 2.36
Redeemable subordinated debentures 18,557 748 4.03
Total interest-bearing liabilities 894,971 12,754 1.43 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits 226,701
Other liabilities 23,529
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities 250,230
Shareholders' equity 138,101
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,283,302
Net interest spread (3)
3.65 %
Net interest income and margin (4)
$ 47,779 4.00 %
(1)Tax-equivalent basis, using 21% federal tax rate in 2019.
(2)Loan origination fees and costs are considered an adjustment to interest income. For the purpose of calculating loan yields, average loan balances include nonaccrual loans with no related interest income and the average balance of loans held for sale.
(3)The net interest spread is the difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
(4)The net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
December 31, 2018
Average Average
(In thousands except yield/cost information) Balance Interest Yield/Cost
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Federal funds sold/short term investments $ 20,157 $ 258 1.28 %
Investment securities:
Taxable 146,631 4,024 2.74
Tax-exempt (1)
74,477 2,518 3.38
Total investment securities 221,108 6,542 2.96
Loans: (2)
Commercial real estate 356,581 18,318 5.07
Mortgage warehouse lines 153,868 8,403 5.46
Construction 137,976 9,090 6.59
Commercial business 111,150 6,059 5.45
Residential real estate 46,301 2,085 4.44
Loans to individuals 23,155 1,083 4.61
Loans held for sale 2,738 123 4.49
All other loans 832 41 4.86
Deferred (fees) costs, net 365 - N/A
Total loans 832,966 45,202 5.38
Total interest-earning assets 1,074,231 52,002 4.81 %
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan losses (8,314)
Cash and due from banks 5,595
Other assets 66,256
Total non-interesting-earning assets 63,537
Total assets $ 1,137,768
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Money market and NOW accounts $ 356,906 $ 1,978 0.55 %
Savings accounts 203,940 1,467 0.72
Certificates of deposit 189,521 3,066 1.62
Short-term borrowings 36,612 836 2.28
Redeemable subordinated debentures 18,557 694 3.74
Total interest-bearing liabilities 805,536 8,041 1.00 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits 204,002
Other liabilities 9,018
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities 213,020
Shareholders' equity 119,212
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,137,768
Net interest spread (3)
3.81 %
Net interest income and margin (4)
$ 43,961 4.09 %
(1)Tax-equivalent basis, using 21% federal tax rate in 2018.
(2)Loan origination fees and costs are considered an adjustment to interest income. For the purpose of calculating loan yields, average loan balances include nonaccrual loans with no related interest income and the average balance of loans held for sale.
(3)The net interest spread is the difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
(4)The net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
Changes in net interest income and net interest margin result from the interaction between the volume and composition of interest earning assets, interest bearing liabilities, related yields and funding costs. 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 2020 compared with 2019 Year ended 2019 compared with 2018
Due to Change in: Due to Change in:
(Dollars in thousands) Volume Rate Total Volume Rate Total
Assets
Federal funds sold/short term investments $ 331 $ (400) $ (69) $ (154) $ 72 $ (82)
Investment securities:
Taxable (200) (1,221) (1,421) 461 225 686
Tax-exempt(1)
835 (486) 349 (591) 183 (408)
Total investment securities 635 (1,707) (1,072) (130) 408 278
Loans:
Commercial real estate 8,690 365 9,055 3,564 247 3,811
Mortgage warehouse lines 5,433 (3,707) 1,726 1,108 32 1,140
Construction (1,303) (1,587) (2,890) 1,218 268 1,486
Commercial business 1,072 (2,203) (1,131) 591 645 1,236
SBA PPP loans 1,542 - 1,542 - - -
Residential real estate 1,474 65 1,539 464 42 506
Loans to individuals 240 (146) 94 7 105 112
Loans held for sale 553 (216) 337 69 (22) 47
All other loans 1 (2) (1) (5) 2 (3)
Total loans 17,702 (7,431) 10,271 7,016 1,319 8,335
Total interest income $ 18,668 $ (9,538) $ 9,130 $ 6,732 $ 1,799 $ 8,531
Liabilities
Money market and NOW accounts 599 (929) (330) (40) 812 772
Savings accounts 819 (722) 97 (16) 501 485
Certificates of deposit 1,700 (2,580) (880) 1,568 1,758 3,326
Federal Reserve Bank PPPLF borrowings 54 - 54 - - -
Short-term borrowings (189) (549) (738) 45 31 76
Redeemable subordinated debentures - (314) (314) - 54 54
Total interest expense 2,983 (5,094) (2,111) 1,557 3,156 4,713
Net interest income $ 15,685 $ (4,444) $ 11,241 $ 5,175 $ (1,357) $ 3,818
(1)Tax-equivalent basis, using 21% federal tax rate in 2020 and 2019.
2020 compared to 2019
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company's net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, increased by $11.2 million, or 23.5%, to $59.0 million compared to $47.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This increase was due primarily to an increase in average interest-earning assets and a decrease in interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities.
Average interest-earning assets were $1.6 billion with a yield of 4.37% for 2020 compared to average interest-earning assets of $1.2 billion with a yield of 5.07% for 2019. The tax-equivalent yield on average interest-earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2020 declined 70 basis points to 4.37%, due primarily to the decline in market interest rates beginning in the third quarter of 2019 and continuing throughout 2020. The Federal Reserve reduced the targeted federal funds rate 50 basis points in the third quarter of 2019, 25 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2019 and, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, further reduced the targeted federal funds rate by 150 basis points in March 2020. The prime rate was 5.00% at September 30, 2019. As a result of the reductions in the targeted federal funds rate in 2019, the prime rate declined to 4.75% in October 2019 and declined further to 3.25% in March 2020.The generally lower interest rate environment during 2020 compared to 2019 had a negative effect on the yields of mortgage warehouse lines, construction, commercial business and home equity loans. The
Bank had approximately $570.5 million of loans with an interest rate tied to the prime rate and approximately $47.5 million of loans with an interest rate tied to 1- or 3-month LIBOR.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, interest income on interest earning assets increased by $9.1 million on a tax-equivalent basis and interest income on average loans increased by $10.3 million as the average total loans increased $368.4 million year over year, reflecting growth in all segments of the loan portfolio except construction loans and included $50.0 million in average SBA PPP loans. Interest income on average investment securities declined $1.1 million year over year despite an increase of $15.6 million in average investment securities as a result of a 66 basis points reduction in tax-equivalent yield on average investment securities.
Interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities was $10.6 million, or 0.93%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $12.8 million, or 1.43%, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Despite an increase of $243.7 million in average interest-bearing liabilities year over year, interest expense declined $2.1 million due primarily to the decline in interest rates paid on deposits, borrowings and the redeemable subordinated debentures beginning in the third quarter of 2019 and continuing through 2020.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $243.7 million to $1.1 billion, reflecting growth in all segments of the average interest-bearing liabilities except short-term borrowings and redeemable subordinated debentures, and included $15.3 million in borrowings through the Federal Reserve Bank's Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (" PPPLF").
The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.71% for 2020 compared to 4.00% for 2019 representing a decline of 29 basis points due primarily to the sharp reduction in market interest rates and a significantly lower interest rate environment beginning in the third quarter of 2019 and continuing throughout 2020. The yield of interest earning assets declined 70 basis points and the interest cost of interest-bearing liabilities declined 50 basis points, which caused the net interest margin to decline. In general, due to the Bank’s asset sensitive interest rate risk position, in a declining interest rate environment the yield of interest-earning assets will decline more than the interest cost interest of interest-bearing liabilities over the near term. Management took actions beginning in the second half of 2019 and continuing throughout 2020 to reduce the asset sensitivity of the Bank’s interest rate risk position by originating short-term certificates of deposit and utilizing overnight FHLB borrowings and will continue to monitor and adjust the interest rate risk position of the Bank and adjust the interest rates paid on deposits to reflect the then current interest rate environment and competitive factors.
2019 compared to 2018
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company's net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, increased by $3.8 million, or 8.7%, to $47.8 million compared to $44.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was due primarily to an increase in average earning assets, as well as an increase in the average yield on earning assets, which were partially offset by an increase in interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities.
Average earning assets were $1.2 billion with a yield of 5.07% for 2019 compared to average earning assets of $1.1 billion with a yield of 4.81% for 2018. The generally higher interest rate environment during the first half of 2019 compared to 2018 had a positive effect on the yields of construction, commercial business and home equity loans despite a decline of 75 basis points in the Federal Reserve Board’s targeted federal funds rate and the corresponding decrease in the prime rate in the third and fourth quarters of 2019.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, interest income on interest earning assets increased by $8.5 million and interest income on average loans increased by $8.3 million as the average total loans increased $132.0 million year over year, reflecting growth in all segments of the loan portfolio. The Shore Merger contributed approximately $33.5 million to the increase in average loans for 2019, which consisted primarily of commercial real estate loans.
Interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities was $12.8 million, or 1.43%, for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $8.0 million, or 1.00%, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase of $4.7 million in interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities primarily reflected higher deposit interest rates and higher borrowing interest rates in 2019 compared to 2018.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $89.4 million to $895.0 million. The change in the mix of deposits, with the average balance of money market, NOW and savings accounts lower than, and certificates of deposits higher than, in 2018 also increased the cost of total deposits because certificates of deposit generally
have a higher interest cost than non-maturity deposits. The Shore Merger contributed approximately $26.1 million to the increase in average interest-bearing liabilities for 2019.
Provision for Loan Losses
Management considers a complete review of the following specific factors in determining the provisions for loan losses: historical losses by loan category, nonaccrual loans and problem loans as identified through internal classifications, collateral values and the growth, size and risk elements of the loan portfolio. In addition to these factors, management takes into consideration current economic conditions and local real estate market conditions.
As a result of the economic and social disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, during 2020, management reviewed construction, commercial business and commercial real estate loans that had been modified to defer interest and or principal for up to 90 days with special emphasis on the hotel and restaurant-food service industries as most likely to be adversely impacted by the economic disruption caused by the pandemic. Prior to March 2020, when the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic began to be realized, the general economic environment in New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area had been positive with stable and expanding economic activity, and the Company had generally experienced stable loan credit quality over the past five years.
2020 compared to 2019
The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to a provision of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The significant increase of $5.3 million in the provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2020 was to reserve for the estimated increase in incurred loan losses due primarily to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The principal components of the increase were: a provision of approximately $2.0 million to increase specific reserves; a provision of approximately $765,000, which reflected an increase in the qualitative factors for national and local economic conditions due to the weaker economic operating environment; a provision of $725,000 for an increase in the qualitative factors attributed to the modification of loans and deferral of principal and or interest on $149.3 million of loans; and an $850,000 provision related to the down-grade of the credit ratings on certain loans. The higher provision also reflects, to a lesser extent, the growth and change in mix of the loan portfolio. For 2020, net charge-offs were $328,000 compared to net charge-offs of $481,000 for 2019. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $15.6 million and $9.3 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2020, non-performing loans totaled $17.2 million compared to $4.5 million at December 31, 2019, representing an increase of $12.7 million and the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 1.20% at December 31, 2020 from 0.37% at December 31, 2019.
2019 compared to 2018
The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to a provision of $900,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018. For 2019, net charge-offs were $481,000 compared to net charge-offs of $511,000 for 2018. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $9.3 million and $8.4 million, respectively. The increase in the provision for loan losses for 2019 was primarily attributable to the growth in commercial real estate and mortgage warehouse loans.
.
At December 31, 2019, non-performing loans totaled $4.5 million compared to $6.6 million at December 31, 2018, representing a decrease of $2.1 million, or 31.7%, and the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans decreased to 0.37% at December 31, 2019 from 0.75% at December 31, 2018.
Non-Interest Income
2020 compared to 2019
Total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased $6.4 million to $14.6 million from $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This revenue component represented 20% and 15% of the Company’s net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in non-interest income was due primarily to an increase in gain on sales of loans.
Service charges on deposit accounts decreased to $601,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $663,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, due primarily to lower overdraft fees.
Gain on sales of loans held for sale increased $5.3 million to $10.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company sells both residential mortgage loans and portions of commercial business loans guaranteed by the SBA in the secondary market.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, residential mortgage banking operations originated approximately $351.2 million of residential mortgages, sold $321.7 million of residential mortgages and recorded $9.5 million of gain on sales of loans compared to $148.3 million of residential mortgages originated, $132.2 million of residential mortgage loans sold and $3.9 million of gain on sales of loans recorded for the year ended December 31, 2019. The residential mortgage loan pipeline was $42.5 million at December 31, 2020. Management believes that the increase in residential mortgage loans originated and sold in 2020 was due primarily to increased residential mortgage refinancing activity as a result of significantly lower mortgage interest rates in 2020 compared to 2019.
In 2020, SBA loan sales, excluding SBA PPP loans, were $8.5 million and gain on sales of loans of $747,000 was recorded compared to $11.7 million of SBA loans sold and gain on sales of loans of $930,000 recorded in 2019. SBA guaranteed commercial lending activity and loan sales vary from period to period based on customer demand.
Non-interest income also includes income from Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), which totaled $818,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $623,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was due primarily to an increase in BOLI resulting from the Shore Merger in 2019.
Other income increased $857,000 to $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, which included a $101,000 loss on sale of OREO. Excluding the loss on sale of OREO, other income increased $756,000 due primarily to a $200,000 increase in debit card interchange fees, interest rate swap fees of $201,000, $54,000 of fees and reimbursed expenses related to the resolution of nonperforming loans, an expired loan commitment fee of $59,000, a recovery of $44,000 of principal on a previously impaired investment security, gain on the sale of OREO of $75,000 and general increases in other income components.
2019 compared to 2018
Total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased $319,000 to $8.2 million from $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This revenue component represented 15% of the Company’s net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Service charges on deposit accounts increased $25,000 to $663,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $638,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018 due in part to the increase in deposit accounts as a result of the Shore Merger.
Gain on sales of loans held for sale increased $410,000 to $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company sells both residential mortgage loans and portions of commercial business loans guaranteed by the SBA in the secondary market.
Gain on the sale of residential mortgage loans were $3.9 million in 2019 compared to $2.6 million in 2018. In 2019, $132.2 million of residential mortgage loans were sold compared to $89.1 million in 2018. The increase in residential mortgage loans sold was due primarily to higher residential mortgage lending activity during 2019 compared to 2018 due in part to a higher level of refinancing activity.
In 2019, $11.7 million of SBA loans were sold and generated net gains of $930,000 compared to SBA loans sold and net gains of $23.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, in 2018. SBA guaranteed commercial lending activity and loan sales vary from period to period based on customer demand.
Non-interest income also includes income from BOLI, which totaled $623,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $575,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was due primarily to a $7.2 million increase in BOLI resulting from the Shore Merger.
The Company also generates non-interest income from a variety of fee-based services. These include safe deposit box rentals, wire transfer service fees, loan servicing fees and ATM fees for non-Bank customers. The other income component of non-interest income was $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Non-Interest Expenses
The following table presents the major components of non-interest expense:
Year ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2018
Salaries and employee benefits $ 26,681 $ 21,304 $ 19,853
Occupancy expense 4,776 4,100 3,623
Data processing expenses 1,871 1,507 1,332
Equipment expense 1,640 1,286 1,175
Marketing 124 302 280
Telephone 506 400 391
Regulatory, professional and consulting fees 2,025 1,806 1,713
Insurance 441 391 375
Merger-related expenses 64 1,730 2,141
FDIC insurance expense 816 154 486
Other real estate owned expenses 72 171 158
Amortization of intangible assets 390 140 318
Supplies 339 275 294
Other expenses 2,010 1,983 1,946
Total $ 41,755 $ 35,549 $ 34,085
2020 compared to 2019
Non-interest expenses were $41.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $35.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, which included merger-related expenses of $1.7 million. Excluding the merger-related expenses, non-interest expenses increased $7.9 million, due primarily to $2.9 million in higher commissions related to the origination of residential mortgages for sale and $4.1 million of expenses related to the inclusion of the former Shore operations and general increases year-over-year due to the growth of the Company.
Salaries and employee benefits, which represent the largest portion of non-interest expenses, increased by $5.4 million, or 25.2%, to $26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 due primarily to a $2.9 million increase in commissions paid as a result of the higher level of residential mortgage lending activity, salaries for former Shore employees of $1.8 million who joined the Company following the Shore Merger in November 2019, $150,000 in temporary staffing costs, $107,000 in special bonus compensation paid to all employees, merit increases and increases in employee benefit expenses. At December 31, 2020, there were 211 full-time equivalent employees compared to 218 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2019.
Occupancy expense totaled $4.8 million in 2020 compared to $4.1 million in 2019, representing an increase of $676,000, or 16.5%, due primarily to the addition of the five former Shore branch offices, one of which was closed in December 2020 after termination of the lease.
The cost of data processing services increased $364,000 to $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, due primarily to the addition of the former Shore operations and increases in loans, deposits and other customer services.
Equipment expense increased $354,000, or 27.5%, to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, due primarily to additional equipment and maintenance agreements related to the inclusion of the former Shore operations..
Marketing costs decreased $178,000 to $124,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $302,000 in 2019, due primarily to reduced marketing campaigns during 2020.
Telephone expenses totaled $506,000 in 2020 compared to $400,000 in 2019, representing an increase of $106,000 that was due primarily to the addition of the former Shore operations.
Regulatory, professional and consulting fees increased by $219,000 to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, due primarily to general increases in legal and consulting fees related to loan collection efforts and workouts.
The Company recorded FDIC insurance expense of $816,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $154,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase of $662,000, due primarily to the acquisition of Shore, the growth in assets, an increase in the FDIC assessment rate in 2020 and a credit of $193,000 that was received and applied in 2019.
Shore Merger-related expenses of $64,000 were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $1.7 million incurred for the year ended December 31, 2019. The 2019 merger-related expenses include legal and financial advisory fees incurred in connection with the Shore Merger.
Amortization of intangible assets increased $250,000 to $390,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $140,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019 due primarily to the amortization of the core deposit intangible related to the Shore Merger.
2019 compared to 2018
For the year ended December 31, 2019, non-interest expenses totaled $35.5 million, an increase of $1.5 million, or 4.3%, when compared to $34.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in non-interest expenses included increases in salaries and employee benefit expenses, occupancy expense, data processing expenses and other expenses related to the addition of the former Shore operations, offset by a decrease in merger-related expenses and FDIC insurance expense.
Salaries and employee benefits, which represent the largest portion of non-interest expenses, increased by $1.5 million, or 7.3%, to $21.3 million compared to $19.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 due primarily to a $585,000 increase in commissions paid as a result of the higher level of residential mortgage lending activity, salaries for former Shore employees ($298,000) who joined the Company following the Shore Merger in November 2019, salaries for former NJCB employees ($169,000) who joined the Company following the NJCB Merger in April of 2018, merit increases and increases in employee benefits expenses. Cash incentive compensation and employee health benefits increased $241,000 and $162,000, respectively, during 2019. At December 31, 2019, there were 218 full-time equivalent employees compared to 189 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2018.
Occupancy expense totaled $4.1 million in 2019 compared to $3.6 million in 2018, reflecting an increase of $477,000, or 13.2%, due primarily to the addition of the five former Shore branch offices ($129,000) in the fourth quarter of 2019 and the addition of two former NJCB branch offices ($123,000) in the second quarter of 2018.
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, equipment expense was $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, reflecting an increase of $112,000, or 9.5%.
The cost of data processing services increased $175,000 to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to the addition of the Shore operations ($63,000) following the closing of the Shore Merger and increases in loans, deposits and other customer services.
Regulatory, professional and consulting fees increased by $93,000 to $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to increases in legal and consulting fees.
Shore Merger-related expenses of $1.7 million were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to NJCB Merger-related expenses of $2.1 million incurred for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Company recorded FDIC insurance expense of $154,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $486,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018, representing a decrease of $332,000, due primarily to the receipt from FDIC of the small bank assessment credit for the second and the third quarters of 2019 and the reduction in the FDIC assessment rate.
Amortization of intangible assets decreased $178,000 to $140,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $318,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018 due primarily to the full amortization of the core deposit intangible in 2018 related to the acquisition of three branch offices and their deposits in 2011.
Other expenses totaled $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase of $36,000 over the same period in the prior year, due primarily to general increases in various other operating expense categories.
Income Taxes
2020 compared to 2019
Income tax expense was $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 26.8%, compared to income tax expense of $5.0 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 27.0% for the year ended December 31, 2019. The higher effective tax rate for 2019 was due primarily to the effect of non-deductible merger expenses in the 2019 period.
2019 compared to 2018
The Company recorded income tax expense of $5.0 million in 2019, resulting in an effective tax rate of 27.0%, compared to income tax expense of $4.3 million in 2018, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 26.4%. The higher effective tax rate in
2019 was primarily the result of the higher amount of pre-tax income in 2019 taxed at the combined marginal federal and state statutory tax rate of 30.08% and the non-taxable gain from the bargain purchase from the NJCB Merger in 2018, which reduced the effective tax rate in 2018.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Cash and Cash Equivalents
At December 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents totaled $22.0 million compared to $14.8 million at December 31, 2019.
Investment Securities
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and the fair value by security type for the available for sale portfolio at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
(In thousands) Cost Gains Losses Value
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government-sponsored corporations ("GSE") $ 3,437 $ 7 $ (5) $ 3,439
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations - GSE 36,282 503 (6) 36,779
Residential mortgage-backed securities - GSE 13,031 572 (6) 13,597
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 26,445 1,007 - 27,452
Corporate debt securities 20,997 465 (95) 21,367
Other debt securities 22,389 254 (80) 22,563
Total $ 122,581 $ 2,808 $ (192) $ 125,197
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
(In thousands) Cost Gains Losses Value
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government-sponsored corporations ("GSE") $ 774 $ - $ (10) $ 764
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations-GSE 53,223 194 (242) 53,175
Residential mortgage backed securities - GSE 18,100 292 (5) 18,387
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 33,177 342 - 33,519
Corporate debt securities 24,716 139 (134) 24,721
Other debt securities 25,378 80 (242) 25,216
Total $ 155,368 $ 1,047 $ (633) $ 155,782
Amortized cost, carrying value, gross unrealized gains and losses and the fair value by security type for the held to maturity portfolio at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost Other-Than-
Temporary
Impairment
Recognized In
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss Carrying
Value Gross
Unrealized
Gains Gross
Unrealized
Losses Fair
Value
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations - GSE $ 4,640 $ - $ 4,640 $ 166 $ - $ 4,806
Residential mortgage backed securities - GSE 24,517 - 24,517 1,208 - 25,725
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 61,249 - 61,249 1,248 (2) 62,495
Trust preferred debt securities - pooled 648 (472) 176 405 - 581
Other debt securities 1,970 - 1,970 63 - 2,033
Total $ 93,024 $ (472) $ 92,552 $ 3,090 $ (2) $ 95,640
(Dollars in thousands) Amortized
Cost Other-Than-
Temporary
Impairment
Recognized In
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss Carrying
Value Gross
Unrealized
Gains Gross
Unrealized
Losses Fair
Value
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations - GSE $ 5,117 $ - $ 5,117 $ 76 $ (35) $ 5,158
Residential mortgage backed securities - GSE 36,528 - 36,528 481 (54) 36,955
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 32,533 - 32,533 690 (25) 33,198
Trust preferred debt securities - pooled 657 (492) 165 479 - 644
Other debt securities 2,277 - 2,277 - (9) 2,268
Total $ 77,112 $ (492) $ 76,620 $ 1,726 $ (123) $ 78,223
The investment securities portfolio totaled $217.7 million, or 12.1% of total assets, at December 31, 2020 compared to $232.4 million, or 14.7% of total assets, at December 31, 2019. Proceeds from sales, maturities and prepayments for the year ended December 31, 2020 totaled $89.0 million while purchases of investment securities totaled $73.2 million during this period. On an average balance basis, the investment securities portfolio represented 14.8% and 18.5% of average interest-earning assets for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Securities available for sale are investments that may be sold in response to changing market and interest rate conditions or for other business purposes. Activity in this portfolio is undertaken primarily to manage liquidity and interest rate risk and to take advantage of market conditions that create more economically attractive returns. At December 31, 2020, available-for-sale securities amounted to $125.2 million, which was a decrease of $30.6 million from $155.8 million at December 31, 2019.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the amortized cost, carrying value, fair value, weighted average yields and contractual maturities of the Company’s investment portfolio as of December 31, 2020. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
(Dollars in thousands) Amortized
cost
Fair Value Yield
Available for sale
Due in one year or less $ 1,024 $ 1,027 2.99 %
Due after one year through five years 31,563 32,613 2.42
Due after five years through ten years 30,944 31,527 1.82
Due after ten years 59,050 60,030 2.00
Total $ 122,581 $ 125,197 2.07 %
(Dollars in thousands) Carrying Value
Fair Value Yield
Held to maturity
Due in one year or less $ 19,602 $ 19,655 2.01 %
Due after one year through five years 6,266 6,461 3.87
Due after five years through ten years 15,484 16,199 2.85
Due after ten years 51,200 53,325 2.75
Total $ 92,552 $ 95,640 2.69 %
Proceeds from sales, maturities and prepayments of securities available for sale amounted to $59.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $39.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2020, the portfolio had net unrealized gains of $2.6 million compared to net unrealized gains of $414,000 at December 31, 2019. These unrealized gains are reflected net of tax in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
Securities held to maturity, which are carried at amortized historical cost, are investments for which there is the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. At December 31, 2020, securities held to maturity were $92.6 million, reflecting an increase of $15.9 million from $76.6 million at December 31, 2019. The fair value of the held-to-maturity portfolio at December 31, 2020 was $95.6 million.
The Company regularly reviews the composition of the investment securities portfolio, taking into account market risks, the current and expected interest rate environment, liquidity needs and its overall interest rate risk profile and strategic goals.
On a quarterly basis, management evaluates each security in the portfolio with an individual unrealized loss to determine if that loss represents other-than-temporary impairment. During the fourth quarter of 2009, management determined that it was necessary, following other-than-temporary impairment requirements, to write down the cost basis of the Company’s only pooled trust preferred security. This trust preferred debt security was issued by a two issuer pool (Preferred Term Securities XXV, Ltd. co-issued by Keefe, Bruyette and Woods, Inc. and First Tennessee (“PreTSL XXV”)) consisting primarily of financial institution holding companies. During 2009, the Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $865,000 with respect to this security. No other-than-temporary impairment losses were recorded during 2020 and 2019. See Note 3-"Investment Securities" to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale at December 31, 2020 totaled $29.8 million compared to $5.9 million at December 31, 2019. The total loans originated for sale was $354.1 million and $146.8 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2020, loans held for sale consisted only of residential mortgage loans, whereas loans held for sale at December 31, 2019 consisted of residential mortgage loans and SBA loans held for sale. The amount of loans held for sale varies from period to period due to changes in the amount and timing of sales of residential mortgage loans and SBA loans.
Loans
The loan portfolio, which represents the Company’s largest asset, is a significant source of both interest and fee income. Elements of the loan portfolio are subject to differing levels of credit and interest rate risk. The Company’s primary lending focus continues to be mortgage warehouse lines, construction loans, commercial business loans, owner-occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans and income producing commercial real estate loans. Total loans averaged $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing an increase of $368.4 million, or 38.2%, compared to an average of $964.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2020, total loans were $1.4 billion, representing an increase of $217.7 million, or 17.9%, compared to $1.2 million at December 31, 2019. The increase in total loans for 2020 includes $58.8 million of SBA PPP loans.
The average yield earned on the loan portfolio was 4.79% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 5.55% for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was a decrease of 76 basis points and reflected the lower interest rate environment in 2020 compared to 2019.
The following table represents the components of the loan portfolio as of the dates indicated.
December 31,
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
(Dollars in thousands) Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %
Commercial real estate $ 618,978 43 % $ 567,655 47 % $ 388,431 44 % $ 308,924 39 % $ 242,393 34 %
Mortgage warehouse lines
388,366 27 236,672 20 154,183 17 189,412 24 216,259 30
Construction 129,245 9 148,939 12 149,387 17 136,412 17 96,035 13
Commercial business 188,728 13 139,271 11 120,590 14 92,906 12 99,650 14
Residential real estate 88,261 6 90,259 7 47,263 5 40,494 5 44,791 6
Loans to individuals 21,269 2 32,604 3 22,962 3 21,025 3 23,736 3
Other 113 - 137 - 181 - 183 - 207 -
Deferred loan (fees) costs,
net (1,254) - 491 - 167 - 550 - 1,737 -
Total $ 1,433,706 100 % $ 1,216,028 100 % $ 883,164 100 % $ 789,906 100 % $ 724,808 100 %
Commercial real estate loans averaged $597.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing an increase of $170.0 million, or 39.8%, compared to the average of $426.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Commercial real estate loans consist primarily of loans to businesses that are collateralized by real estate assets employed in the operation of the business (owner-occupied properties) and loans to real estate investors to finance the acquisition and/or improvement of income producing commercial properties. The average yield on commercial real estate loans was 5.14% for 2020 and 5.11% in 2019.
The Company’s Mortgage Warehouse Funding Group offers revolving lines of credit that are available to licensed mortgage banking companies (the “warehouse line of credit”). The warehouse line of credit is used by the mortgage banker to originate one-to-four family residential mortgage loans that are pre-sold to the secondary mortgage market, which includes state and national banks, national mortgage banking firms, insurance companies and government-sponsored enterprises, including the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and others. On average, an advance under the warehouse line of credit remains outstanding for a period of less than 30 days, with repayment coming directly from the sale of the loan into the secondary mortgage market. Interest and a transaction fee are collected by the Company at the time of repayment. The Company had outstanding mortgage warehouse lines of $388.4 million at December 31, 2020 compared to $236.7 million at December 31, 2019. During 2020 and 2019, mortgage warehouse lines averaged $273.3 million and $174.2 million, respectively, and yielded 4.12% and 5.48%, respectively. During 2020, $5.4 billion of mortgage loans were financed through our Mortgage Warehouse Funding Group compared to $3.5 billion of
mortgage loans financed in 2019. The higher level of funding activity was due primarily to the lower interest rate environment in 2020 than in 2019, which resulted in an increase in refinance activity in 2020 compared to 2019.. The number of active mortgage banking customers were 37 and 38 in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Construction loans averaged $137.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing a decrease of $19.3 million, or 12.3%, compared to the average of $156.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Generally, these loans represent the financing of the construction of residential single family homes and residential condominiums for sale, multi-family properties and other income producing investment properties and usually represent a broader commercial relationship between the Company and the borrower. Construction loans are structured to provide for advances only after work is completed and inspected by qualified professionals. The average yield on the construction loan portfolio was 5.60% for 2020 compared to 6.76% for 2019.
Commercial business loans averaged $139.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing an increase of $17.9 million, or 14.7%, compared to $122.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Commercial business loans consist primarily of loans to small and middle market businesses and are typically working capital loans used to finance inventory, receivables or equipment needs. These loans are generally secured by business assets of the commercial borrower. The average yield on the commercial business loans was 4.41% in 2020 compared to 5.98% in 2019.
Commercial business loans include SBA PPP loans, which averaged $50.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 with an average yield of 3.08%, which includes 1.00% related to the contractual yield on the SBA PPP loans, 1.50% related to the normal accretion of the net deferred fees and 0.58% related to the accelerated accretion of net deferred fees as a result of the loans being forgiven or paid off. The Bank is participating in the SBA PPP loan program established under the CARES Act and expanded under the Economic Aid Act. Total origination of SBA PPP loans was $75.6 million in 2020, $15.8 million of which were forgiven or repaid in 2020.
Average residential real estate loans increased $32.8 million to $89.5 million at December 31, 2020 compared to $56.7 million at December 31, 2019. The average yield on residential real estate loans was 4.54% in 2020 compared to 4.50% in 2019. Loans to individuals, which are comprised primarily of home equity loans, averaged $28.1 million during 2020 compared to $23.3 million during 2019. The average yield on loans to individuals was 4.52% in 2020 compared to 5.06% in 2019.
The following table provides information concerning the maturities and interest rate sensitivity of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2020.
Maturity Range
(Dollars in thousands) Within
One
Year After One But
Within
Five Years After
Five
Years Total
Commercial real estate $ 68,868 $ 460,192 $ 89,918 $ 618,978
Mortgage warehouse lines 388,366 - - 388,366
Construction 124,599 - 4,646 129,245
Commercial business 52,496 129,221 7,011 188,728
Residential real estate 24,637 32,287 31,337 88,261
Loans to individuals and other loans 19,854 474 1,054 21,382
Total $ 678,820 $ 622,174 $ 133,966 $ 1,434,960
Fixed rate loans $ 38,291 $ 195,821 $ 101,098 $ 335,210
Floating rate loans 640,529 426,353 32,868 1,099,750
Total $ 678,820 $ 622,174 $ 133,966 $ 1,434,960
Non-Performing Assets
Non-performing assets consist of non-performing loans and other real estate owned. Non-performing loans are composed of (1) loans on nonaccrual basis and (2) loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments but which have not been classified as nonaccrual. Included in nonaccrual loans are loans, the terms of which have been restructured to provide a reduction or deferral of interest and/or principal because of deterioration in the financial position
of the borrower and have not performed in accordance with the restructured terms. Loan payments on loans that are deferred due to COVID-19, and not deemed to be impaired, continue to accrue interest and are not presented as past due in the table below.
The Company’s policy with regard to nonaccrual loans is that, generally, loans are placed on a nonaccrual status when they are 90 days past due, unless these loans are well secured and in the process of collection or, regardless of the past due status of the loan, when management determines that the complete recovery of principal or interest is in doubt. Consumer loans are generally charged off after they become 120 days past due. Subsequent payments on loans in nonaccrual status are credited to income only if collection of principal is not in doubt.
Nonaccrual loans were $16.4 million at December 31, 2020 compared to $4.5 million at December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $14.5 million of loans were placed on nonaccrual status and consisted of a participation in a construction loan with a balance of $7.5 million, $6.8 million of commercial real estate loans, a $156,000 residential loan and an $84,000 commercial business loan. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $2.7 million of non-performing loans and $1.8 million of purchased credit impaired loans were repaid.
At December 31, 2020, non-performing loans were comprised of eight commercial real estate loans totaling $7.6 million, one construction loan totaling $7.5 million, three residential mortgage loans totaling $797,000, three commercial business loans totaling $224,000 and three home equity loans totaling $274,000.
The table below sets forth non-performing assets and risk elements in the Bank's loan portfolio for the years indicated.
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Non-Performing loans:
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing $ 871 $ - $ 55 $ - $ 24
Nonaccrual loans 16,361 4,497 6,525 7,114 5,174
Total non-performing loans 17,232 4,497 6,580 7,114 5,198
Other real estate owned 92 571 2,515 - 166
Other repossessed assets - - - - -
Total non-performing assets 17,324 5,068 9,095 7,114 5,364
Performing troubled debt restructurings 5,768 6,132 4,003 3,728 864
Performing troubled debt restructurings and total non-performing assets $ 23,092 $ 11,200 $ 13,098 $ 10,842 $ 6,228
Non-performing loans to total loans 1.20 % 0.37 % 0.75 % 0.90 % 0.72 %
Non-performing loans to total loans excluding warehouse lines 1.65 0.46 0.90 1.18 1.02
Non-performing assets to total assets 0.96 0.32 0.77 0.66 0.52
Non-performing assets to total assets excluding mortgage warehouse lines 1.22 0.38 0.89 0.80 0.65
Total non-performing assets and performing troubled debt restructurings to total assets
1.28 0.71 1.11 1.00 0.60
Non-performing loans to total loans increased to 1.20% at December 31, 2020 from 0.37% at December 31, 2019. Additional interest income before taxes amounting to $552,000, $318,000 and $155,000 would have been recognized in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, if interest on all loans had been recorded based upon their original contract terms.
Non-performing assets increased $12.3 million to $17.3 million at December 31, 2020 from $5.1 million at December 31, 2019 and represented 0.96% of total assets at December 31, 2020 compared to 0.32% at December 31, 2019. Non-performing loans increased $12.7 million to $17.2 million at December 31, 2020 from $4.5 million at December 31, 2019. OREO decreased by $479,000 to $92,000 at December 31, 2020 compared to $571,000 at December 31, 2019. OREO at December 31, 2020 consisted of one parcel of land that was acquired in the Shore Merger.
In 2020, the Company sold six OREO properties with a carrying value of $479,000 and recognized a net gain on sale of OREO of $75,000. In 2019, the Company sold two OREO properties with a carrying value of $2.4 million and recognized a net loss on sale of OREO of $101,000.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had 10 loans totaling $5.9 million that were troubled debt restructurings. Two of these loans totaling $141,000 are included in the above table as nonaccrual loans and the remaining eight loans totaling $5.8 million are considered performing.
At December 31, 2019, the Company had 13 loans totaling $6.4 million that were troubled debt restructurings. Three of these loans totaling $345,000 are included in the above table as nonaccrual loans and the remaining nine loans totaling $6.1 million are considered performing.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the initial investment in the purchase of a credit impaired loan is recognized as interest income over the life of the loan. At December 31, 2020, there were five loans acquired with evidence of deteriorated credit quality totaling $2.4 million that were not classified as non-performing loans. At December 31, 2019, there were 11 loans acquired with evidence of deteriorated credit quality totaling $4.6 million that were not classified as non-performing loans.
Management takes a proactive approach in addressing delinquent loans. The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer meets weekly with all loan officers to review the status of credits past-due ten days or more. An action plan is discussed for delinquent loans to determine the steps necessary to induce the borrower to cure the delinquency and restore the loan to a current status. In addition, delinquency notices are system generated when loans are five days past-due and again at 15 days past-due.
In most cases, the Company’s loan collateral is real estate and when the collateral is foreclosed upon, the real estate is carried at fair market value less the estimated selling costs. The amount, if any, by which the recorded amount of the loan exceeds the fair market value of the collateral less estimated selling costs is a loss that is charged to the allowance for loan losses at the time of foreclosure or repossession. Resolution of a past-due loan can be delayed if the borrower files a bankruptcy petition because a collection action cannot be continued unless the Company first obtains relief from the automatic stay provided by the bankruptcy code.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Related Provision
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level sufficient to absorb estimated credit losses in the loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation reserve available for losses incurred or inherent in the loan portfolio. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting policy of the Company.
The Company’s primary lending emphasis is the origination of commercial business, commercial real estate and construction loans and mortgage warehouse lines of credit. Based on the composition of the loan portfolio, the inherent primary risks are deteriorating credit quality, a decline in the economy and a decline in New Jersey and metropolitan New York City real estate market values. Any one, or a combination, of these events may adversely affect the loan portfolio and may result in increased delinquencies, loan losses and increased future provision levels.
Due to the economic disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the allowance for loan losses may increase in future periods as borrowers continue to be affected by the severe contraction of economic activity and the dramatic increase in unemployment. This may result in increases in loan delinquencies, downgrades of loan credit ratings and charge-offs in future periods. The allowance for loan losses may increase significantly to reflect the decline in the performance of the loan portfolio and the higher level of incurred losses.
All, or part, of the principal balance of commercial business, commercial real estate and construction loans are charged off against the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely. Consumer loans are generally charged off no later than 120 days past due on a contractual basis, earlier in the event of bankruptcy, or if there is an amount deemed uncollectible. Because all identified losses are charged off, no portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan or groups of loans and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.
Management reviews the adequacy of the allowance on at least a quarterly basis to ensure that the provision for loan losses has been charged against earnings in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level that is adequate based on management’s assessment of probable estimated losses. The Company’s methodology for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses consists of several key elements and is consistent with U.S. GAAP and interagency supervisory guidance. The allowance for loan losses methodology consists of two major components. The first component is an estimation of losses associated with individually identified impaired loans, which follows ASC Topic 310. The second major component
is an estimation of losses under ASC Topic 450, which provides guidance for estimating losses on groups of loans with similar risk characteristics. The Company’s methodology results in an allowance for loan losses that includes a specific reserve for impaired loans, an allocated reserve and an unallocated portion.
When analyzing groups of loans, the Company follows the Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses. The methodology considers the Company’s historical loss experience, adjusted for changes in trends, conditions and other relevant factors that affect repayment of the loans as of the evaluation date. These adjustment factors, known as qualitative factors, include:
•Delinquencies and nonaccruals;
•Portfolio quality;
•Concentration of credit;
•Trends in volume of loans;
•Quality of collateral;
•Policy and procedures;
•Experience, ability and depth of management;
•Economic trends - national and local; and
•External factors - competition, legal and regulatory.
The methodology includes the segregation of the loan portfolio into loan types with a further segregation into risk rating categories, such as special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. This allows for an allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan type; however, the allowance is available to absorb any loan loss without restriction. Larger-balance, non-homogeneous loans representing significant individual credit exposures are evaluated individually through the internal loan review process. This process produces the watch list. The borrower’s overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated. Based on this evaluation, an estimate of probable losses for the individual larger-balance loans is determined, whenever possible, and used to establish specific loan loss reserves. In general, for non-homogeneous loans not individually assessed and for homogeneous groups of loans, such as residential mortgages and consumer credits, the loans are collectively evaluated based on delinquency status, loan type and historical losses. These loan groups are then internally risk rated.
The watch list includes loans that are assigned a rating of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. Loans classified as special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Loans classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified as substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans rated as doubtful are placed in nonaccrual status. Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses.
The specific allowance for impaired loans is established for specific loans that have been identified by management as being impaired. These loans are considered to be impaired primarily because the loans have not performed according to payment terms and there is reason to believe that repayment of the loan principal in whole, or in part, is unlikely. The specific portion of the allowance is the total amount of potential unconfirmed losses for these individual impaired loans. To assist in determining the fair value of loan collateral, the Company often utilizes independent third-party qualified appraisal firms, which employ their own criteria and assumptions that may include occupancy rates, rental rates and property expenses, among others.
The second category of reserves consists of the allocated portion of the allowance. The allocated portion of the allowance is determined by taking pools of outstanding loans that have similar characteristics and applying historical loss experience for each pool. This estimate represents the potential unconfirmed losses within the portfolio. Individual loan pools are created for
commercial business loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, warehouse lines of credit and various types of loans to individuals. The historical estimation for each loan pool is then adjusted to account for current conditions, current loan portfolio performance, loan policy or management changes or any other qualitative factor that management believes may cause future losses to deviate from historical levels.
The Company also maintains an unallocated allowance. The unallocated allowance is used to cover any factors or conditions that may cause a potential loan loss but are not specifically identifiable. It is prudent to maintain an unallocated portion of the allowance because no matter how detailed an analysis of potential loan losses is performed, these estimates, by
definition, lack precision. Management must make estimates using assumptions and information that is often subjective and changing rapidly. The following discusses the risk characteristics of each of our loan portfolios.
Commercial Business
The Company offers a variety of commercial loan services, including term loans, lines of credit and loans secured by equipment and receivables. A broad range of short-to-medium term commercial loans, both secured and unsecured, are made available to businesses for working capital (including inventory and receivables), business expansion (including acquisition and development of real estate and improvements) and the purchase of equipment and machinery. Commercial business loans are granted based on the borrower's ability to generate cash flow to support its debt obligations and other cash related expenses. A borrower's ability to repay commercial business loans is substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and on the quality of its management. As a general practice, the Company takes, as collateral, a security interest in any available real estate, equipment, inventory, receivables or other personal property of its borrowers, although the Company occasionally makes commercial business loans on an unsecured basis. Generally, the Company requires personal guarantees of its commercial business loans to reduce the risks associated with such loans. Included in the commercial business loans are SBA PPP loans, which are fully guaranteed by the SBA and are therefore excluded from the allowance for loan losses.
Much of the Company's lending is in northern and central New Jersey, communities along the New Jersey shore, and the New York City metropolitan area. As a result of this geographic concentration, a significant broad-based deterioration in economic conditions in New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area could have a material adverse impact on the Company's loan portfolio. A prolonged decline in economic conditions in our market area could restrict borrowers' ability to pay outstanding principal and interest on loans when due. The value of assets pledged as collateral may decline and the proceeds from the sale or liquidation of these assets may not be sufficient to repay the loan.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate loans are made to businesses to expand their facilities and operations and to real estate operators to finance the acquisition of income producing properties. The Company's loan policy requires that borrowers have sufficient cash flow to meet the debt service requirements and the value of the property meets the loan-to-value criteria set in the loan policy. The Company monitors loan concentrations by borrower, by type of property and by location and other criteria.
The Company's commercial real estate portfolio is largely secured by real estate collateral located in the State of New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area. Conditions in the real estate markets in which the collateral for the Company's loans are located strongly influence the level of the Company's non-performing loans. A decline in the New Jersey and New York City metropolitan area real estate markets could adversely affect the Company's loan portfolio. Decreases in local real estate values would adversely affect the value of property used as collateral for the Company's loans. Adverse changes in the economy also may have a negative effect on the ability of our borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans.
Construction Financing
Construction financing is provided to businesses to expand their facilities and operations and to real estate developers for the acquisition, development and construction of residential and commercial properties. First mortgage construction loans are made to developers and builders primarily for single family homes and multi-family buildings that are presold or are to be sold or leased on a speculative basis.
The Company lends to builders and developers with established relationships, successful operating histories and sound financial resources. Management has established underwriting and monitoring criteria to minimize the inherent risks of real estate construction lending. The risks associated with speculative construction lending include the borrower's inability to complete the construction process on time and within budget, the sale or rental of the project within projected absorption periods and the economic risks associated with real estate collateral. Such loans may include financing the development and/or construction of residential subdivisions. This activity may involve financing land purchases and infrastructure development (i.e., roads, utilities, etc.) as well as construction of residences or multi-family dwellings for subsequent sale by the developer/builder. Because the sale or rental of developed properties is integral to the success of developer business, loan repayment may be especially subject to the volatility of real estate market values.
Mortgage Warehouse Lines of Credit
The Company’s Mortgage Warehouse Funding Group provides revolving lines of credit that are available to licensed mortgage banking companies. The warehouse line of credit is used by the mortgage banker to originate one-to-four family residential mortgage loans that are pre-sold to the secondary mortgage market, which includes state and national banks, national mortgage banking firms, insurance companies and government-sponsored enterprises, including the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and others. On average, an advance under the warehouse line of credit remains outstanding for a period of less than 30 days, with repayment coming directly from the sale of the loan into the secondary mortgage market. Interest and a transaction fee are collected by the Bank at the time of repayment.
As a separate class of the total loan portfolio, the warehouse loan portfolio is individually analyzed as a whole for allowance for loan losses purposes. Warehouse lines of credit are subject to the same inherent risks as other commercial lending, but the overall degree of risk differs. While the Company’s loss experience with this type of lending has been non-existent since the product was introduced in 2008, there are other risks unique to this lending that still must be considered in assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. These unique risks may include, but are not limited to, (i) credit risks relating to the mortgage bankers that borrow from us, (ii) the risk of intentional misrepresentation or fraud by any of such mortgage bankers, (iii) changes in the market value of mortgage loans originated by the mortgage banker, the sale of which is the expected source of repayment of the borrowings under a warehouse line of credit, due to changes in interest rates during the time in warehouse or (iv) unsalable or impaired mortgage loans so originated, which could lead to decreased collateral value and the failure of a purchaser of the mortgage loan to purchase the loan from the mortgage banker.
Consumer
The Company’s consumer loan portfolio segment is comprised of residential real estate loans, home equity loans and other loans to individuals. Individual loan pools are created for the various types of loans to individuals. The principal risk is the borrower becomes unemployed or has a significant reduction in income.
In general, for homogeneous groups such as residential mortgages and consumer credits, the loans are collectively evaluated based on delinquency status, loan type and historical losses. These loan groups are then internally risk rated.
The Company considers the following credit quality indicators in assessing the risk in the loan portfolio:
•Consumer credit scores;
•Internal credit risk grades;
•Loan-to-value ratios;
•Collateral; and
•Collection experience.
The following table presents, for the years indicated, an analysis of the allowance for loan losses and other related data:
(Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Balance, beginning of year $ 9,271 $ 8,402 $ 8,013 $ 7,494 $ 7,560
Provision (credit) charged to operating expenses 6,698 1,350 900 600 (300)
Loans charged off:
Residential real estate loans - - - (101) -
Commercial business and commercial real estate
loans (364) (463) (553) (61) (157)
Loans to individuals (3) (7) (16) - -
All other loans - (43) (17) - (1)
(367) (513) (586) (162) (158)
Recoveries:
Commercial business and commercial real estate
loans 39 26 74 64 386
Loans to individuals - 6 1 4 6
All other loans - - - 13 -
39 32 75 81 392
Net (charge offs) recoveries (328) (481) (511) (81) 234
Balance, end of year $ 15,641 $ 9,271 $ 8,402 $ 8,013 $ 7,494
Loans:
At year end $ 1,433,706 $ 1,216,028 $ 883,164 $ 789,906 $ 724,808
Average during the year 1,333,330 964,920 832,966 717,010 698,436
Net(charge-offs) recoveries to average loans outstanding (0.02) % (0.05) % (0.06) % (0.01) % 0.03 %
Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans, excluding mortgage warehouse loans (0.03) % (0.06) % (0.07) % (0.01) % 0.05 %
Allowance for loan losses to:
Total loans at year end 1.09 % 0.76 % 0.95 % 1.01 % 1.03 %
Total loans at year end excluding mortgage warehouse lines and related allowance
1.33 % 0.84 % 1.05 % 1.19 % 1.28 %
Non-performing loans 90.77 % 206.16 % 127.69 % 112.64 % 144.17 %
At December 31, 2020, the allowance for loan losses was $15.6 million compared to $9.3 million at December 31, 2019, representing an increase of $6.4 million. The allowance for loan losses is comprised of $2.1 million allocated to loans that are individually evaluated for impairment and $13.5 million allocated to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 1.09% and 0.76%, respectively. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans was 90.72% at December 31, 2020 compared to 206.16% at December 31, 2019.
The allowance for loan losses increased in 2020 due primarily to a provision of $6.7 million, which reflected net charge-offs of $328,000, compared to a provision for loan losses in the amount of $1.4 million in 2019, which reflected net charge-offs of $481,000.
The higher provision for loan losses recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020, was due primarily to (i) a reserve for the estimated increase in incurred loan losses resulting from the economic and social disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; (ii) the increase in the qualitative factors attributed to the modification of loans, including the deferral of principal and or interest payments and downgrades of the credit ratings on certain loans, (iii) additional provision to increase specific reserves and, (iv) to a lesser extent, the growth and change in the mix of the loan portfolio.
Management reviewed the loan portfolio at December 31, 2020 in connection with the evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. As part of this review, management reviewed over 90% of the $140.9 million of commercial business and commercial real estate loans that had been modified to defer interest and or principal for up to 90 days. Loans excluded from the review had balances less than $250,000.
At December 31, 2020, the allowance for loan losses included $618,000 for loans that were rated Pass-Watch and had received a deferral. This reflects management’s previously reported determination that “Pass-Watch” credit rated loans with modifications or deferrals suggest a weaker financial strength of the borrower than “Pass” credit rated loans, thereby warranting additional reserves for loan losses than would ordinarily be reserved for “Pass-Watch” credit rated loans.
Management previously identified the hotel and restaurant-food service industries as most likely to be adversely impacted in the near-term by the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At December 31, 2020 loans to hotel and restaurant-food service industries were $67.8 million and $64.0 million, respectively. Management reviewed over 99% of the hotel loans and over 96% of the restaurant-food service loans. Loans excluded from the review had balances less than $250,000.
All construction loans are closely monitored on a quarterly basis and are reviewed to assess the progress of construction relative to the plan and budget and lease-up or sales of units.
Management also reviewed loans to schools that are private educational institutions that are generally sponsored or affiliated with religious organizations. The loans totaled $26.4 million at December 31, 2020, and 97% of these loans were reviewed.
The expanded review also included $6.0 million, or over 31%, of commercial loans made under the SBA 7(a) loan program, totaling $19.3 million at December 31, 2020.
As a result of this review at December 31, 2020, loans totaling $3.9 million and $500,000 were down-graded to “Special Mention” and “Substandard,” respectively.
Management believes that the quality of the loan portfolio remains sound, considering the economic climate and economy in the State of New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area, and that the allowance for loan losses is adequate in relation to credit risk exposure levels.
The following tables present the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among loan classes and certain other information as of the dates indicated. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any segment of loans.
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 2018
Amount ALL
as a %
of Loans Loans as a % of Total
Loans Amount ALL
as a %
of Loans Loans as a % of Total
Loans Amount ALL
as a %
of Loans Loans as a % of Total
Loans
Commercial real estate $ 6,422 1.04 % 43 % $ 4,524 0.80 % 47 % $ 3,439 0.89 % 44 %
Commercial business 2,727 1.44 13 1,409 1.01 11 1,829 1.52 14
Construction loans 3,741 2.89 9 1,389 0.93 12 1,732 1.16 17
Residential real estate 619 0.70 6 412 0.46 7 431 0.91 5
Loans to individuals and other 125 0.59 2 185 0.57 3 148 0.64 3
Subtotal 13,634 1.30 73 7,919 0.81 80 7,579 1.09 83
Mortgage warehouse lines 1,807 0.47 27 1,083 0.46 20 731 0.47 17
Unallocated reserves 200 - - 269 - - 92 - -
Total $ 15,641 1.09 % 100 % $ 9,271 0.76 % 100 % $ 8,402 0.95 % 100 %
December 31,
2017 2016
Amount ALL
as a %
of Loans % of
Loans Amount ALL
as a %
of Loans % of
Loans
Commercial real estate $ 2,949 0.95 % 39 % $ 2,574 1.06 % 34 %
Commercial business 1,720 1.85 12 1,732 1.74 14
Construction loans 1,703 1.25 17 1,204 1.25 13
Residential real estate 392 0.97 5 367 0.82 6
Loans to individuals and other 114 0.54 3 112 0.47 3
Subtotal 6,878 1.15 76 5,989 1.18 70
Mortgage warehouse lines 852 0.45 24 973 0.45 30
Unallocated reserves 283 - - 532 - -
Total $ 8,013 1.01 % 100 % $ 7,494 1.03 % 100 %
Deposits
The following table sets forth the balances and contractual rates payable to our customers, by account type, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
(Dollars in thousands) Amount Percent
Of Total Weighted
Average
Contractual
Rate Amount Percent
Of Total Weighted
Average
Contractual
Rate
Non-interest bearing demand $ 425,210 27 % - % $ 287,555 23 % - %
Interest bearing demand 441,772 29 % 0.43 % 393,392 31 % 0.78 %
Savings 334,226 21 % 0.54 % 259,033 20 % 0.93 %
Total core deposits $ 1,201,208 77 % 0.31 % $ 939,980 74 % 0.58 %
Certificates of deposit $ 361,631 23 % 0.88 % $ 337,382 26 % 2.20 %
Total $ 1,562,839 100 % 0.44 % $ 1,277,362 100 % 1.01 %
The following table indicates the amount of certificates of deposit by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 2020.
(In thousands) 3 Months
or Less Over 3 to
6 Months Over 6 to
12 Months Over 12
Months Total
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more $ 106,445 $ 105,170 $ 37,322 $ 32,752 $ 281,689
Certificates of deposit less than $100,000 16,809 16,453 22,500 24,180 79,942
Total $ 123,254 $ 121,623 $ 59,822 $ 56,932 $ 361,631
Certificates of deposit with balances over $250,000 were $45.1 million and $51.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following table illustrates the components of average total deposits for the years indicated:
2020 2019 2018
(Dollars in thousands) Average
Balance Percentage
of Total Average
Balance Percentage
of Total Average
Balance Percentage
of Total
Non-interest bearing demand $ 370,323 26 % $ 226,701 21 % $ 204,002 21 %
Interest bearing demand 425,446 29 % 349,663 33 % 356,906 38 %
Savings 286,149 20 % 201,738 19 % 203,940 21 %
Certificates of deposit 362,633 25 % 286,419 27 % 189,521 20 %
Total $ 1,444,551 100 % $ 1,064,521 100 % $ 954,369 100 %
Deposits, which include demand deposits (interest bearing and non-interest bearing), savings deposits and certificates of deposit, are a fundamental and cost-effective source of funding. The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in market interest rates and competition. The Company offers a variety of products designed to attract and retain customers, with the Company’s primary focus on the building and expanding of long-term relationships. Deposits for the year ended December 31, 2020 averaged $1.4 billion, representing an increase of $380.0 million, or 35.7%, compared to $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019.
At December 31, 2020, total deposits were $1.6 billion, representing an increase of $285.5 million, or 22.3%, from $1.3 billion at December 31, 2019. The increase in total deposits in 2020 was due principally to an increase of $137.7 million in non-interest bearing demand deposits, an increase of $48.4 million in interest-bearing demand deposits, an increase of $75.2 million in savings accounts and an increase of $24.2 million in certificates of deposit. The average cost of the Company’s interest-bearing deposit accounts for 2020 was 0.93%, representing a decrease from the average cost of 1.32% for 2019.
Average non-interest bearing demand deposits increased by $143.6 million, or 63.4%, to $370.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $226.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2020, non-interest bearing demand deposits totaled $425.2 million, representing an increase of $137.7 million, or 47.9%, compared to $287.6 million at December 31, 2019. Non-interest bearing demand deposits made up 27.2% of total deposits at December 31, 2020 compared to 22.5% at December 31, 2019 and represent a stable, interest-free source of funds.
Interest-bearing demand deposits, which include interest-bearing checking accounts, money market and NOW accounts and the Company’s premier money market product, 1ST Choice account, increased by $75.8 million, or 21.7%, to an average of $425.4 million for 2020 from an average of $349.7 million for 2019. At December 31, 2020, interest-bearing demand deposits were $441.8 million compared to $393.4 million at December 31, 2019. The average cost of interest-bearing demand deposits was 0.57% for 2020 compared to 0.79% in 2019.
In 2020, the average balance of savings accounts increased by $84.4 million to $286.1 million compared to an average balance of $201.7 million in 2019. Savings accounts increased by $75.2 million, or 29.0%, to $334.2 million at December 31, 2020 from $259.0 million at December 31, 2019. The average cost of savings deposits was 0.72% for 2020 compared to 0.97% in 2019.
Average certificates of deposit at December 31, 2020 were $362.6 million, representing an increase of $76.2 million, or 26.6% from $286.4 million at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2020, certificates of deposit totaled $361.6 million, representing an increase of $24.2 million, or 7.2%, compared to $337.4 million at December 31, 2019. The average cost of certificates of deposits decreased to 1.52% in 2020 from 2.23% in 2019.
Consistent with observed trends in the banking industry, the Company experienced a significant increase in deposits during the year ended December 31, 2020. The primary source of the growth of deposits was the increase in deposits from existing customers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has not but could impact the Bank’s ability to increase and or retain customers’ deposits in future periods. As the pandemic continues, businesses may experience a loss of revenue and consumers may experience a reduction of income, which may in turn cause them to withdraw their funds to pay expenses or reduce their ability to increase their deposits.
Borrowings
Borrowings are comprised of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings and overnight funds purchased and are primarily used to fund asset growth not supported by deposit generation. In April 2020, the Bank began participating in the
Federal Reserve's PPPLF, which is a liquidity and borrowing program to allow participating banks to borrow 100% of the SBA PPP loans funded through the SBA at an interest rate of 0.35% for up to two years. The average balance of short-term borrowings decreased by $8.0 million to $30.6 million for 2020 from an average balance of $38.6 million for 2019 due to a decrease in overnight borrowings in 2020. The average balance of Federal Reserve PPPLF borrowings was $15.3 million at December 31, 2020 with an average cost of 0.35%. The average cost of short-term borrowings decreased 179 basis points to 0.57% for 2020 compared to 2.36% for 2019 because of the lower short-term market interest rate environment.
Shareholders’ Equity and Dividends
Shareholders’ equity increased by $17.1 million, or 10.0%, to $187.7 million at December 31, 2020 from $170.6 million at December 31, 2019. Book value per common share was $18.32 at December 31, 2020 compared to $16.74 at December 31, 2019. The ratio of average shareholders’ equity to total average assets was 10.33% and 10.76% for 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in shareholders’ equity from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020 was due primarily to an increase of $14.4 million in retained earnings and a $1.7 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive income.
In lieu of cash dividends, the Company (and its predecessor, the Bank) declared a stock dividend every year for the years 1992 through 2012 and paid such dividends every year for the years 1993 through 2013. The Company declared two stock dividends in 2015 and did not declare a stock dividend in 2014 or 2013. The Company began declaring and paying cash dividends in September 2016 and has declared and paid a cash dividend each quarter since then. Most recently, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.09 per share of common stock on February 26, 2021. Although the Company intends to continue to pay comparable cash dividends, the timing and the amount of the payment of future cash dividends, if any, on the Company's common shares will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will be determined after consideration of various factors, including the level of earnings, cash requirements, regulatory capital and financial condition.
Federal banking regulations on the payment of dividends and the Company’s compliance with said regulations are discussed in Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the section titled “Restrictions on Dividends and Redemption of Stock for the Company and the Bank.”
The Company’s common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “FCCY.”
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC. For information on regulatory capital, see “Capital Adequacy of the Company and the Bank” in the “Supervision and Regulation” section under Item 1. “Business” and Note 19 - "Regulatory Capital Requirements" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company believes that its shareholders’ equity and regulatory capital position are adequate to support the Company's and Bank's current strategic and operating plans for the next 12 months.
Capital Resources
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal and state banking agencies. 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. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and the Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Common Equity Tier 1, Total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and Tier I capital to average assets (Leverage ratio, as defined). As of December 31, 2020, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
To be categorized as adequately capitalized, the Company and the Bank must maintain minimum Common Equity Tier 1, Total capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and Tier I leverage capital ratios as set forth in the below table. As of December 31, 2020, the Bank's capital ratios exceeded the regulatory standards for well-capitalized institutions. Certain bank regulatory limitations exist on the availability of the Bank’s assets for the payment of dividends by the Bank without prior approval of bank regulatory authorities.
Federal regulatory capital adequacy requirements are discussed in Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the section titled “Capital Adequacy of the Company and the Bank.”
The Company and Bank are also limited in paying dividends if they do not maintain the necessary “capital conservation buffer” as discussed in Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the sections titled “Capital Adequacy of the Company and the Bank” and “Restrictions on Dividends and Redemption of Stock for the Company and the Bank.” As of December 31, 2020, the Company and the Bank maintained the required capital conservation buffer of 2.5%.
Management believes that the Company’s and the Bank’s capital resources are adequate to support the Company’s and the Bank’s current strategic and operating plans. However, if the financial position of the Company and the Bank are materially adversely impacted by the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company and or the Bank may be required to increase its regulatory capital position.
The Company's and the Bank's regulatory capital ratios, excluding the impact of the capital conservation buffer, as of December 31, 2020 were as follows:
To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
For Capital Corrective
Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions
(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
Company
Common Equity Tier 1 $ 149,292 9.92 % $ 67,701 4.50 % N/A N/A
Total capital to risk-weighted assets 182,933 12.16 % 120,357 8.00 % N/A N/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 167,292 11.12 % 90,268 6.00 % N/A N/A
Tier 1 leverage capital 167,292 9.41 % 71,105 4.00 % N/A N/A
Bank
Common Equity Tier 1 $ 167,067 11.11 % $ 67,676 4.50 % $ 97,754 6.50 %
Total capital to risk-weighted assets 182,708 12.15 % 120,313 8.00 % 150,391 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 167,067 11.11 % 90,235 6.00 % 120,313 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage capital 167,067 9.40 % 71,083 4.00 % 88,854 5.00 %
At December 31, 2020, the Company and the Bank met all the regulatory capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject and were classified as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. Management believes that no conditions or events have occurred since December 31, 2020 that would materially adversely change the Company’s or the Bank’s capital classifications. Management believes that the Company’s and the Bank’s capital resources are adequate to support the Company’s and the Bank’s current strategic and operating plans. The Company and the Bank do not expect any material changes in the mix and relative cost of their capital resources in 2021.
On September 17, 2019, the federal banking agencies adopted a final rule, effective January 1, 2020, creating a CBLR framework for institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion and that meet other qualifying criteria. The CBLR framework provides for a simpler measure of capital adequacy for qualifying institutions. Qualifying institutions that elect to use the CBLR framework and that maintain a leverage ratio of greater than 9% will be considered to have satisfied the generally applicable risk-based and leverage capital requirements in the federal banking agencies’ capital rules and to have met the “well capitalized” ratio requirements. The Company and the Bank did not elect to use the framework. A further discussion of the CBLR framework is provided in Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the section titled “Capital Adequacy of the Company and the Bank.”
The Company and the Bank do not have material commitments for capital expenditures at December 31, 2020. Any non-material commitments for capital expenditures are in the ordinary course of business and will be funded through cash flow from operations in 2021.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
In the normal course of business the Company enters into various transactions that, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not included on the balance sheet. The Company issues off-balance sheet financial instruments in connection with its lending activities and to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to fund loans, lines of credit and commercial and standby letters of credit. These instruments carry various degrees of credit risk and market risk, which are essentially the same risks involved in extending loans. The Company generally follows the same credit and collateral policies in making these commitments and conditional obligations as it does for instruments recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Many of these commitments and conditional obligations are expected to expire without being drawn, and the contractual amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. These off-balance sheet arrangements have not had and are not reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial position, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
The financial instrument commitments at December 31, 2020 were as follows:
(In thousands) Less than One Year One to
Three Years Three to
Five Years Over Five
Years Total
Commercial and standby letters of credit $ 686 $ - $ - $ - $ 686
Commitments to fund loans 66,833 141 27 6 67,007
Commitments to extend credit 255,592 28,171 7,666 50,429 341,858
Total $ 323,111 $ 28,312 $ 7,693 $ 50,435 $ 409,551
Commitments to sell residential loans $ 72,221 $ - $ - $ - $ 72,221
Commercial and standby letters of credit
Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a specified financial obligation of a customer to a third party. In the event that the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, the Company would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential future payments that the Company could be required to make was $686,000 at December 31, 2020.
Commitments to fund loans
Commitments to fund loans are legally binding loan commitments with set expiration dates and specified interest rates as well as for specific purposes. These loan commitments are intended to be disbursed, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, upon the request of the borrower.
Commitments to extend credit
The Company issues lines of credit to commercial businesses, to owners of commercial real estate, for the construction or acquisition of real estate properties and to consumers for home equity and personal expenditures. Many of these commitments may not be drawn but are available to the borrower under the terms of the loan agreement.
Commitments to sell residential loans
The Company enters into best efforts forward sales commitments to sell residential mortgage loans that it has closed (loans held for sale), or it expects to close (commitments to originate loans to be sold). These commitments are utilized to reduce the Company’s market price risk from the date of commitment to the date of sale. The forward sales commitments were approximately $72.2 million at December 31, 2020.
The following table presents additional information regarding the Company’s outstanding contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020:
Payments Due by Period
(In thousands) Less than One Year One to
Three Years Three to
Five Years More than Five
Years Total
Operating leases $ 1,928 $ 3,124 $ 1,838 $ 1,164 $ 8,054
Borrowed funds and subordinated debentures 9,825 - - 18,557 28,382
Certificates of deposit 304,466 49,473 7,681 11 361,631
Retirement benefit obligation projected 4,785 - - - 4,785
Total contractual obligations: $ 321,004 $ 52,597 $ 9,519 $ 19,732 $ 402,852
As of December 31, 2020, the Bank is expected to pay approximately $2.5 million in interest over the remaining contractual term of the certificates of deposit.
Liquidity
Liquidity management refers to the Company’s ability to support asset growth while satisfying the borrowing needs and deposit withdrawal requirements of its customers. In addition to maintaining liquid assets, factors such as capital position, profitability, asset quality and availability of funding affect a bank’s ability to meet its liquidity needs. On the asset side, liquid funds are maintained in the form of cash and cash equivalents, federal funds sold, deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank, investment securities held to maturity maturing within one year, securities available for sale and loans held for sale. Additional asset-based liquidity is derived from scheduled loan repayments as well as investment repayments of principal and interest from mortgage-backed securities. On the liability side, the primary source of liquidity is the ability to generate deposits. Short-term and long-term borrowings provide an additional funding source when growth in the deposit base does not keep pace with that of earnings assets.
The Company has established a borrowing relationship with the FHLB, which further supports and enhances liquidity. During 2010, the FHLB replaced its Overnight Line of Credit and One-Month Overnight Repricing Line of Credit facilities available to member banks with a fully secured line of up to 50 percent of a bank’s quarter-end total assets. Under the terms of this facility, the Bank’s total credit exposure to the FHLB cannot exceed 50 percent, or $903.5 million, of its total assets at December 31, 2020. In addition, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Bank’s advances, letters of credit, the dollar amount of the FHLB’s minimum collateral requirement for off balance sheet financial contracts and advance commitments cannot exceed 30 percent of the Bank’s total assets, unless the Bank obtains approval from the FHLB’s Board of Directors or its Executive Committee. These limits are further restricted by a member bank’s ability to provide eligible collateral to support its obligations to the FHLB, as well as a member bank’s ability to meet the FHLB’s stock requirement. At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Bank pledged approximately $480.1 million and $308.5 million of loans, respectively, to support the FHLB borrowing capacity. At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Bank had available borrowing capacity of $301.8 million and $160.7 million, respectively, at the FHLB of New York. The Bank also maintains unsecured federal funds lines of $46.0 million with two correspondent banks, all of which was available at December 31, 2020.
The Bank has access to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Discount Window facility and PPP liquidity facility. At this time the Bank has not pledged investment securities or loans, which would be required, to support borrowings through the Discount Window facility or PPP liquidity facility.
The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows present the changes in cash from operating, investing and financing activities. At December 31, 2020, the balance of cash and cash equivalents was $22.0 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The primary source of funds was net income from operations, adjusted for activity related to loans originated for sale, the provision for loan losses, depreciation expense and net amortization of premiums on securities. Cash was used in operations primarily for originating loans held for sale. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was due primarily to net cash used in the origination and sale of loans totaling $23.9 million in 2020 compared to $2.9 million of cash used by the origination and sale of loans in 2019. Partially offsetting the higher amount of cash used in the origination and sale of loans in 2020 was the $5.3 million higher provision for loan losses in 2020, the $3.1 million decrease in other assets and the $2.4 million increase in accrued expenses.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $198.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $109.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The cash used in lending activities was $217.6 million in 2020 compared to $127.1 million in 2019. The cash provided by investment activities was $15.7 million in 2020 compared to $7.8 million in 2019.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $199.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $94.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The net cash provided by financing activities in 2020 was due primarily to the net increase in deposits of $285.5 million, which was used in funding the lending activity and in repaying $82.2 million of overnight borrowings. The Company paid cash dividends totaling $3.7 million in 2020 compared to $2.6 million in 2019.
The investment securities portfolios are also a source of liquidity, providing cash flows from maturities and periodic repayments of principal. For the year ended December 31, 2020, sales, repayments and maturities of investment securities totaled $89.0 million compared to $58.0 million in 2019. Another source of liquidity is the loan portfolio, which provides a flow of principal payments.
Management believes that the Company's liquidity position is adequate to service the needs of its borrowers and depositors and provide for its planned operations.
Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
The largest component of the Company’s total income is net interest income and the majority of the Company’s financial instruments are composed of interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities with various terms and maturities. The primary objective of management is to maximize net interest income while minimizing interest rate risk. The Company’s assets consist primarily of floating rate construction loans, mortgage warehouse lines, commercial lines of credit and fixed rate commercial real estate loans and its liabilities consist primarily of deposits. Interest rate risk is derived from timing differences in the cash flows of assets and liabilities and the magnitude of relative changes in the repricing of assets and liabilities, loan prepayments, deposit withdrawals and differences in lending and funding rates. Management actively seeks to monitor and control the mix of interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities.
The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company’s financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, categorized by expected maturity or repricing of such instruments, at December 31, 2020.
Interest Sensitivity Period
(In thousands) 30 Days 31 to 90 Days 91 to 180 Days 181 to 365 Days Total Within
One Year One Year to Five Years Over
Five Years Non-interest
Sensitive Total
Assets :
Cash and due from banks $ 18,394 $ - $ 25 $ - $ 18,419 $ - $ - $ 3,576 $ 21,995
Investment securities 47,293 24,510 10,407 19,807 102,017 75,879 39,853 - 217,749
Loans held for sale 29,782 - - - 29,782 - - - 29,782
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses 699,024 51,194 52,964 102,852 906,034 470,049 37,313 4,669 1,418,065
Other assets - - - - - - - 119,318 119,318
$ 794,493 $ 75,704 $ 63,396 $ 122,659 $ 1,056,252 $ 545,928 $ 77,166 $ 127,563 $ 1,806,909
Liabilities and Equity:
Demand deposits - non-interest bearing $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 425,210 $ 425,210
Demand deposits - interest bearing 216,372 - - - 216,372 179,515 45,885 - 441,772
Savings deposits 181,247 - - 47 181,294 86,117 66,815 - 334,226
Certificates of deposits 29,621 92,602 122,251 59,992 304,466 57,154 11 - 361,631
Borrowings 9,825 - - - 9,825 - - - 9,825
Redeemable subordinated debentures - 18,000 - - 18,000 - - 557 18,557
Non-interest-bearing sources - - - - - - - 215,688 215,688
$ 437,065 $ 110,602 $ 122,251 $ 60,039 $ 729,957 $ 322,786 $ 112,711 $ 641,455 $ 1,806,909
Asset (Liability) Sensitivity Gap :
Period Gap $ 357,428 $ (34,898) $ (58,855) $ 62,620 $ 326,295 $ 223,142 $ (35,545) $ (513,892) -
Cumulative Gap $ 357,428 $ 322,530 $ 263,675 $ 326,295 $ 326,295 $ 549,437 $ 513,892 - -
Cumulative Gap to Total Assets 19.8 % 17.8 % 14.6 % 18.1 % 18.1 % 30.4 % 28.4 % - -
Under the Company’s interest rate risk policy established by its Board of Directors, quantitative guidelines have been established with respect to the Company’s interest rate risk and how interest rate shocks are projected to affect the Company’s net interest income and economic value of equity (“EVE”). The Company engages the services of an outside consultant to assist with the measurement and analysis of interest rate risk. The Company uses a combination of analyses to monitor its exposure to changes in interest rates. The EVE analysis is a financial model that estimates the change in EVE over a range of instantaneously shocked interest rate scenarios. EVE is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts. In calculating changes in EVE, assumptions estimating loan prepayment rates, reinvestment rates and deposit decay rates that seem most likely based on historical experience during prior interest rate changes are employed. The net interest income simulation uses data derived from an asset and liability analysis and applies several elements, including actual interest rate indices and margins, contractual limitations and the U.S. Treasury yield curve as of the balance sheet date. The financial model uses immediate parallel yield curve shocks (in both directions) to determine possible changes in net interest income as if the theoretical rate shocks occurred. The EVE analysis and net interest income simulation model results are presented quarterly to the Asset/Liability Committee of the Board of Directors. Summarized below are the projected effects of a parallel shift of increases of 100, 200 and 300 basis points, respectively, in market rates on the Company’s net interest income and EVE. Due to the historically low interest rate environment at December 31, 2020 a parallel shift down of 100 basis points was presented.
Next 12 Months
Change in Interest Rates Economic Value of Equity (2)
Net Interest Income
Basis Point (bp) (1)
Dollar Dollar Percentage Dollar Dollar Percentage
(Dollars in thousands) Amount Change Change Amount Change Change
+300 bp $ 227,451 $ 7,411 3.37 % $ 67,688 $ 4,551 7.21 %
+200 bp 225,384 5,344 2.43 % 65,755 2,618 4.15 %
+100 bp 222,891 2,851 1.30 % 63,735 598 0.95 %
0 bp 220,040 - - 63,137 - - %
-100 bp 206,689 (13,351) (6.07) % 64,245 1,108 1.75 %
(1)Assumes an instantaneous and parallel shift in interest rates at all maturities.
(2)EVE is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.
The above table indicates that, as of December 31, 2020, in the event of a 200 basis point increase in interest rates, the Company would be expected to experience a 2.43% increase in EVE and a $2.6 million, or 4.15%, increase in net interest income over the next twelve months. This data does not reflect any future actions that management may take in response to changes in interest rates, such as changing the mix of assets and liabilities, which could change the results of the EVE and net interest income calculations.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in any methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes in EVE and net interest income require 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 estimated EVE and net interest income presented above assumes that the composition of the Company’s interest-rate sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and, accordingly, the data does not reflect any actions that the Company may take in response to changes in interest rates. The estimates also assume a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration to maturity or the repricing characteristics of specific assets and liabilities. Although the estimated EVE and net interest income provide an indication of the Company’s sensitivity to interest rate changes at a particular point in time, such measurement is not intended to and does not provide a precise forecast of the effects of changes in market interest rates on the Company’s EVE and net interest income and will differ from actual results.
On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), a regulator of financial services firms in the United Kingdom, announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. The FCA and submitting LIBOR banks have indicated they will support the LIBOR indices through 2021 to allow for an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate. In the United States, efforts to identify a set of alternative U.S. dollar reference interest rates include proposals by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee of the Federal Reserve Board. Other financial services regulators and industry groups are evaluating the possible phase-out of LIBOR and the development of alternate reference rate indices or reference rates. Some of our assets and liabilities are indexed to LIBOR. We are evaluating the potential impact of the possible replacement of the LIBOR benchmark interest rate, whether the alternative rates the Federal Reserve Board proposes to publish will become market benchmarks in place of LIBOR, or what the impact of such a transition will have on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. On March 5, 2021, the FCA announced that overnight 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month LIBOR settings will end on June 30, 2023. Reform of, or the replacement or phasing out of, LIBOR and proposed regulation of LIBOR and other “benchmarks” may materially adversely affect the amount of interest paid on any LIBOR-based loans, investment securities and borrowings of the Company and the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The Company's Asset Liability Committee ("ALCO") is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring asset liability management strategies and advising the Board on such strategies, as well as the related level of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk simulation models are prepared on a quarterly basis. These models demonstrate balance sheet gaps and predict changes to net interest income and the economic market value of portfolio equity under various interest rate scenarios.
ALCO is generally authorized to manage interest rate risk through the management of capital, cash flows and duration of assets and liabilities, including sales and purchases of assets, as well as additions of borrowings and other sources of medium or longer term funding.
The following strategies are among those used to manage interest rate risk:
•Actively market commercial business 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;
•Actively market core deposit relationships, which are generally longer duration liabilities;
•Utilize short term and long term certificates of deposit and/or wholesale borrowings to manage 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.
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 estimated 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, 2020. The model assumes changes in interest rates without any proactive change in the balance sheet by management. In the model, the forecasted shape of the yield curve remained static as of December 31, 2020.
In an immediate and sustained 100 basis point increase in market interest rates at December 31, 2020, net interest income for year one would increase approximately 0.95%, when compared to a flat interest rate scenario. In year two, this sensitivity improves to an increase of 2.00%, when compared to a flat interest rate scenario. In an immediate and sustained 100 basis points decrease in market interest rates, net interest income for year one would increase approximately 1.75% and would increase approximately 3.60% in year two.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in determining interest rate risk. Simulation modeling requires making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the modeling assumes that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the information provides an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to, and do not, provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and will differ from actual results.
Model simulation results indicate the Company is asset sensitive, which indicates the Company's net interest income should increase in a rising rate environment and decrease in a falling rate environment. Management believes the Company's interest rate risk position is balanced and reasonable.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Reference is made to Items 15(a)(1) and (2) on page 75 for a list of financial statements and supplementary data required to be filed pursuant to this Item 8. The information required by this Item 8 is provided beginning on page 75 hereof.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and
reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, with the assistance of other members of the Company’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based upon such evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal 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.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
•provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that the receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of its management and directors; and
•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 its financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting 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 policies or procedures may deteriorate.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a control deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness; yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of the Company’s financial reporting.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). Based on their assessment using those criteria, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Management is also responsible for compliance with laws and regulations relating to safety and soundness which are designated by the FDIC and the appropriate federal banking agency. Management assessed its compliance with these designated laws and regulations relating to safety and soundness and concluded that the Company complied, in all significant respects, with such laws and regulations during the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
In accordance with Item 308(b) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act, this annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting because the Company is a smaller reporting company that is not an accelerated filer.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement under the captions "Directors," "Corporate Governance" and "Stock Ownership of Management and Principal Shareholders," except for disclosure of our executive officers, which is included in Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the section titled “Information about our Executive Officers.”

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation.”

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table shows information at December 31, 2020 for all equity compensation plans under which shares of our common stock may be issued.
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
Plan Category (a) (b) (c)
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders
134,122 $ 11.61 375,266
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders
- - -
Total 134,122 $ 11.61 375,266
The remaining information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement under the captions "Equity Plans" and "Stock Ownership of Management and Principal Shareholders."

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement under the captions "Certain Transactions with Management" and "Corporate Governance."

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement under the caption "Principal Accounting Fees and Services."
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:
1. Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Financial Statements of 1st Constitution Bancorp.
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Consolidated Statements of Income - For the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - For the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity - For the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
These statements are incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2020.
2. Financial Schedules
All schedules are omitted because they are either inapplicable or not required, or because the information required therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
3. Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 6, 2017, by and among the Company, the Bank and NJCB (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on November 7, 2017)
2.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 23, 2019, by and among the Company, the Bank and Shore Community Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on June 25, 2019)
3(i)
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (conformed copy) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i)(A) to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 27, 2009)
3(ii)
By-laws of the Company, as amended February 21, 2019 (conformed copy) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 15, 2019)
4.1
Specimen Share of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-KSB (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 22, 2002)
4.2
Warrant, dated November 23, 2011, to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 22, 2013)
4.3
Warrant, dated November 23, 2011, to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 22, 2013)
4.4
Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-3289) filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020)
10.1
# 1st Constitution Bancorp Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated as of October 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-QSB (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on November 13, 2002)
10.2
# Amended and Restated 1st Constitution Bancorp Directors’ Insurance Plan, effective as of June 16, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 24, 2006)
10.3
# 1st Constitution Bancorp Form of Executive Life Insurance Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-QSB (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on November 13, 2002)
10.4
# Amendment No. 1 to 1st Constitution Bancorp Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on August 11, 2004)
10.5
# The 1st Constitution Bancorp 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Company's proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its annual meeting of shareholders held on May 19, 2005 (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on April 15, 2005)
10.6
# Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on August 8, 2005)
10.7
# Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on August 8, 2005)
10.8
# Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on August 8, 2005)
10.9
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of 1st Constitution Capital Trust II, dated as of June 15, 2006, among 1st Constitution Bancorp, as sponsor, the Delaware and institutional trustee named therein, and the administrators named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on June 16, 2006)
10.10
Indenture, dated as of June 15, 2006, between 1st Constitution Bancorp, as issuer, and the trustee named therein, relating to the Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due 2036 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on June 16, 2006)
10.11
Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2006, between 1st Constitution Bancorp and the guarantee trustee named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on June 16, 2006)
10.12
# Amendment No. 2 to 1st Constitution Bancorp Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of December 31, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on April 15, 2008)
10.13
# 1st Constitution Bancorp 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on December 28, 2006)
10.14
# Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert F. Mangano dated as of July 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on July 14, 2010)
10.15
# 1st Constitution Bancorp 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company's proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its annual meeting of shareholders held on May 23, 2013 (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on April 11, 2013)
10.16
# Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 22, 2016)
10.17
# Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 22, 2016)
10.18
# Employment Agreement, dated February 9, 2021, by and among, 1st Constitution Bancorp, 1st Constitution Bank and Stephen J. Gilhooly (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on February 11, 2021)
10.19
# Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of April 4, 2014, between 1st Constitution Bancorp and Robert F. Mangano (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-3281) filed with the SEC on April 8, 2014)
10.20
# 1st Constitution Bancorp 2015 Directors Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its annual meeting of shareholders held on May 21, 2015 (SEC File No. 000-32891) that was filed with the SEC on April 14, 2015)
10.21
# Second Amendment, effective as of April 12, 2016, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2010, by and between 1st Constitution Bancorp and Robert F. Mangano (the “Employment Agreement”), as amended by the Amendment to the Employment Agreement, effective as of April 4, 2014 (the “First Amendment”), by and between 1st Constitution Bancorp and Robert F. Mangano (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on April 12, 2016)
10.22
# Amended and Restated Indemnification Agreement, dated as of April 24, 2013, by and between Rumson-Fair Haven Bank and Trust Company and James G. Aaron (which was assumed by 1st Constitution Bank following the merger of Rumson-Fair Haven Bank and Trust Company with and into 1st Constitution Bank) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on August 10, 2016)
10.23
# Third Amendment, effective as of April 7, 2017, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2010, by and between the Company and Robert F. Mangano, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on April 12, 2017)
10.24
# Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2015 Directors Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on August 10, 2017)
10.25
# Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2015, by and among the Company, the Bank and John T. Andreacio (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company's Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 19, 2018)
10.26
* # Change in Control Agreement, dated February 5, 2021, by and among 1ST Constitution Bancorp and 1ST Constitution Bank, and Naqi A. Naqvi, (filed with the SEC on March 15, 2021)
10.27
# 1st Constitution Bancorp 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on April 19, 2019, as supplemented on May 3, 2019)
10.28
# Form of 1st Constitution Bancorp Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020)
10.29
# Form of 1st Constitution Bancorp Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2019 Equity Incentive Plan(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020)
10.30
# Form of 1st Constitution Bancorp Restricted Stock Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020)
10.31
# Form of 1st Constitution Bancorp Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020)
10.32
# Form of 1st Constitution Bancorp Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020)
10.33
1st Constitution Bancorp 2020 Directors Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (SEC File No. 333-239455) filed with the SEC on June 26, 2020)
10.34
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under the 1st Constitution Bancorp 2020 Directors Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-32891) filed with the SEC on August 7, 2020)
* Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1
* Consent of BDO USA, LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1
* Certification of the principal executive officer of the Company, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2
* Certification of the principal financial officer of the Company, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
* Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of the Company
101.INS * Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
___________________________
* Filed herewith.
# Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(b) Exhibits.
The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are included in the Exhibit Index above under a(3) of this Item 15.
(c) Financial Statement Schedules
See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.