ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Jun 30, 2024

The purpose of this analysis is to provide the reader with information relevant to understanding and assessing the Company’s results of operations for the periods presented herein and financial condition as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. In order to fully understand this analysis, the reader is encouraged to review the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Sections 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of ConnectOne Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries, including statements preceded by, followed by, or that include words or phrases such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continue,” “remain,” “pattern” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may” or similar expressions. There are a number of important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from historical performance and these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) competitive pressures among depository institutions may increase significantly; (2) changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins; (3) prepayment speeds, loan origination and sale volumes, charge-offs and credit loss provisions may vary substantially from period to period; (4) general economic conditions may be less favorable than expected; (5) political developments, sovereign debt problems, wars or other hostilities such as the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia and instability in the Middle East, may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (6) legislative or regulatory changes or actions may adversely affect the businesses in which ConnectOne Bancorp is engaged; (7) changes and trends in the securities markets may adversely impact ConnectOne Bancorp; (8) a delayed or incomplete resolution of regulatory issues could adversely impact planning by ConnectOne Bancorp; (9) the impact on reputation risk created by the developments discussed above on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity could be significant; (10) the outcome of regulatory and legal investigations and proceedings may not be anticipated, and (11) the impact of health emergencies or natural disasters on our employees and operations, and those of our customers. Further information on other factors that could affect the financial results of ConnectOne Bancorp is included in Item 1a. of ConnectOne Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as amended and updated in ConnectOne Bancorp’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents are available free of charge at the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our accounting policies are integral to understanding the results reported. We consider accounting policies that require management to exercise significant judgment or discretion or to make significant assumptions that have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets or on income to be critical accounting policies. As of June 30, 2024, there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as compared to the critical accounting policies disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Reference is made to Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Operating Results Overview

Net income available to common stockholders for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $17.5 million compared to $19.9 million for the comparable three-month period ended June 30, 2023. The Company’s diluted earnings per share were $0.46 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 as compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.51 for the comparable three-month period ended June 30, 2023. The $2.3 million decrease in net income available to common stockholders and the $0.05 decrease in diluted earnings per share versus the second quarter of 2023 were due to a $2.4 million decrease in net interest income and a $2.1 million increase in noninterest expenses, partially offset by a $1.0 million increase in noninterest income, a $0.7 million decrease in income tax expense and a $0.5 million decrease in provision for credit losses.

Net income available to common stockholders for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $33.2 million compared to $43.3 million for the comparable six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The Company’s diluted earnings per share were $0.86 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.10 for the comparable six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The $10.1 million decrease in net income available to common stockholders and the $0.24 decrease in diluted earnings per share versus the comparable six-month period ended June 30, 2023 were due to a $9.2 million decrease in net interest income, a $4.3 million increase in noninterest expenses, and a $2.5 million increase in provision for credit losses, partially offset by a $3.9 million decrease in income tax expense and a $2.0 increase in noninterest income.

Net Interest Income and Margin

Net interest income is the difference between the interest earned on the portfolio of earning assets (principally loans and investments) and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings, which support these assets. Net interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis by adjusting tax-exempt income (including interest earned on tax-free loans and on obligations of state and local political subdivisions) by the amount of income tax which would have been paid had the assets been invested in taxable assets. Net interest margin is defined as net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis as a percentage of total average interest-earning assets.

Fully taxable equivalent net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased by $2.4 million, or 3.7%, from the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease primarily resulted from a nine basis-point decrease in the net interest margin to 2.72% from 2.81%, partially offset by a $63.5 million, or 0.8%, increase in average total loans. The contraction of the net interest margin was primarily attributable to a 73 basis-point increase in the average costs of deposits, partially offset by a 42 basis-point increase in the loan portfolio yield.

Fully taxable equivalent net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased by $9.1 million, or 6.9%, from the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease primarily resulted from a 21 basis-point decrease in the net interest margin to 2.68% from 2.89%, partially offset by a $132.6 million, or 1.6%, increase in average total loans. The contraction of the net interest margin was primarily attributable to a 94 basis-point increase in the average costs of deposits, partially offset by a 47 basis-point increase in the loan portfolio yield.

The following table, “Average Statements of Condition with Interest and Average Rates”, present for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s average assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity. The Company’s net interest income, net interest spread and net interest margin are also reflected.

Average Statements of Condition with Interest and Average Rates

(dollars in thousands)

(1) Average balances are based on amortized cost and include equity securities.

(2) Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a 21% assumed tax rate.

(3) Includes loan fee income and accretion of purchase accounting adjustments.

(4) Total loans include loans held-for-sale and nonaccrual loans.

(5) Represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities and is presented on a tax- equivalent basis.

(6) Represents net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis divided by average total interest-earning assets.

(7) Rates are annualized.

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(dollars in thousands)

(1) Average balances are based on amortized cost and include equity securities.

(2) Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a 21% assumed tax rate.

(3) Includes loan fee income and accretion of purchase accounting adjustments.

(4) Total loans include loans held-for-sale and nonaccrual loans.

(5) Represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities and is presented on a tax- equivalent basis.

(6) Represents net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis divided by average total interest-earning assets.

(7) Rates are annualized.

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Noninterest Income

Noninterest income totaled $4.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared with $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Included in noninterest income for both the three months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023 were net losses on equity securities of $0.2 million. Noninterest income increased $1.0 million when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in net gains on sale of loans held-for-sale of $0.7 million, an increase in deposit, loan, and other income of $0.1 million and an increase in bank owned life insurance ("BOLI") income of $0.1 million.

Noninterest income totaled $8.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared with $6.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Included in noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023 were net losses on equity securities of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Excluding these items, noninterest income increased $1.7 million when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in net gains on sale of loans held-for-sale of $1.2 million, an increase in deposit, loan, and other income of $0.3 million and an increase in bank owned life insurance ("BOLI") income of $0.2 million.

Noninterest Expenses

Noninterest expenses totaled $37.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared with $35.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Noninterest expenses increased by $2.1 million when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in salaries and employee benefits of $1.0 million, due to increases in incentive-based compensation accruals, information technology and communications of $0.6 million, due to additional investments in technology, equipment, and software, other expenses of $0.3 million, occupancy and equipment of $0.2 million, marketing and advertising $0.1 million and FDIC insurance of $0.1 million.

Noninterest expenses totaled $74.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared with $70.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Noninterest expenses increased by $4.3 million when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was caused by the items discussed above and primarily reflect increases in information technology and communications of $1.9 million, FDIC insurance of $0.9 million, salaries and employee benefits of $0.9 million, occupancy and equipment of $0.5 million, other expenses of $0.3 million and marketing and advertising of $0.2 million, partially offset by decreases of $0.3 million in professional and consulting and $0.1 million in amortization of core deposit intangibles.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $6.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $7.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in income tax expense was the result of lower income before income tax expense. The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023 was 26.0% and 25.8%, respectively.

Income tax expense was $12.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $16.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in income tax expense was the result of lower income before income tax expense. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023 was 25.7% and 26.3%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 is largely attributable to lower taxable income.

Financial Condition

Loan Portfolio

The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio, excluding loans held-for-sale and net deferred loan fees, by loan segment at the periods indicated.

(dollars in thousands)

As of June 30, 2024, gross loans totaled $8.2 billion, a decrease of $189.3 million or 2.3%, compared to December 31, 2023.

While the previous table reflects the classification of our loans by loan portfolio segment, the following tables present further disaggregation of our commercial real estate portfolio along with loan-to-value ("LTV") percentages.

(dollars in thousands)

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The tables above are further broken down in the following tables by geography:

(dollars in thousands)

(dollars in thousands)

(dollars in thousands)

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(dollars in thousands)

In addition, the following tables present further details with respect to our nonowner-occupied and owner-occupied borrower concentrations included in the commercial real estate segment.

(dollars in thousands)

(dollars in thousands)

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Allowance for Credit Losses and Related Provision

As of June 30, 2024, the Company’s allowance for credit losses for loans was $82.1 million, an increase of $0.1 million from $82.0 million as of December 31, 2023.

The provision for credit losses, which includes a provision for unfunded commitments, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was $2.5 million and $6.5 million, respectively, compared to $3.0 million and $4.0 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The decrease in the provision for credit losses during the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the comparable period in 2023 reflected decreases to the general reserve and specific reserves. The increase in the provision for credit losses during the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the comparable period in 2023 reflected an increase to specific reserves and a decrease to the general reserve.

There were $3.3 million and $6.4 million in net charge-offs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 compared with $1.0 million and $5.5 million in net charge-offs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 respectively. Net charge-offs during the six months ended June 30, 2024 consisted of charges related to a group of multifamily loans, while the net charge-offs during the six months ended June 30, 2023 were primarily the result of the resolution of certain nonaccrual taxi loans and one owner-occupied commercial real estate loan that was previously reserved for.

The level of the allowance for the respective periods of 2024 and 2023 reflects the credit quality within the loan portfolio, loan growth, the changing composition of the commercial and residential real estate loan portfolios and other related factors. In management’s view, the level of the ACL as of June 30, 2024 is adequate to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Management’s judgment regarding the adequacy of the allowance constitutes a “Forward-Looking Statement” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from management’s analysis, based principally upon the factors considered by management in establishing the allowance.

Changes in the ACL on loans are presented in the following table for the periods indicated.

(dollars in thousands)

(dollars in thousands)

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Asset Quality

The Company manages asset quality and credit risk by maintaining diversification in its loan portfolio and through review processes that include analysis of credit requests and ongoing examination of outstanding loans, delinquencies, and potential problem loans, with particular attention to portfolio dynamics and mix. The Company strives to identify loans experiencing difficulty early on, to record charge-offs promptly based on realistic assessments of current collateral values and cash flows, and to maintain an adequate allowance for credit losses at all times.

It is generally the Company’s policy to discontinue interest accruals once a loan is past due as to interest or principal payments for a period of ninety days. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest accruals cease and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are generally applied against principal. A loan may be restored to an accruing basis when all past due amounts have been collected. Loans past due 90 days or more which are both well-secured and in the process of collection may remain on an accrual basis.

Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned. Nonaccrual loans represent loans on which interest accruals have been suspended. In general, it is the policy of management to consider the charge-off of uncollectible amounts of loans at the point they become past due 90 days.

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, the amount of the Company’s nonperforming assets:

(dollars in thousands)

(1) Nonperforming assets are defined as nonaccrual loans and OREO.

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Investment Securities

As of June 30, 2024, the principal components of the securities portfolio were federal agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions, corporate bonds and notes, asset-backed securities and equity securities. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, average securities, on an amortized cost basis, increased by $13.3 million to approximately $739.6 million, or 8.0% of average total interest-earning assets, from approximately $726.3 million, or 7.9% of average interest-earning assets, for the three months ended June 30, 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, average securities, on an amortized cost basis increased by $0.3 million to approximately $729.9 million, or 7.9% of average total interest-earning assets, from approximately $729.6 million, or 7.9% of average interest-earning assets, for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

As of June 30, 2024, net unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale, which are carried as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in stockholders’ equity, net of tax, amounted to $70.0 million as compared with net unrealized losses of $57.8 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase in unrealized losses is predominately attributable to changes in market conditions and interest rates. Unrealized losses have not been recognized into income because the issuers are of high credit quality, we do not intend to sell, and it is likely that we will not be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery. The decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates and other market conditions. The issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments on the securities. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The Company did not record an allowance for credit losses for available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2024.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

The principal objective of our asset and liability management function is to evaluate the interest-rate risk included in certain balance sheet accounts; determine the level of risk appropriate given our business focus, operating environment, and capital and liquidity requirements; establish prudent asset concentration guidelines; and manage the risk consistent with Board approved guidelines. We seek to reduce the vulnerability of our operations to changes in interest rates, and actions in this regard are taken under the guidance of the Bank’s Asset Liability Committee (the “ALCO”). The ALCO generally reviews our liquidity, cash flow needs, maturities of investments, deposits and borrowings, and current market conditions and interest rates.

The Company utilizes a number of strategies to manage interest rate risk including, but not limited to: (i) balancing the types and structures of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities by diversifying mix, coupons, maturities and/or repricing characteristics, (ii) reducing the overall interest rate sensitivity of liabilities by emphasizing core and/or longer-term deposits; utilizing FHLB advances and wholesale deposits for our interest rate risk profile, (iii) managing the investment portfolio for liquidity and interest rate risk profile, and (iv) entering into interest rate swap and cap agreements.

We currently utilize net interest income simulation and economic value of equity (“EVE”) models to measure the potential impact to the Bank of future changes in interest rates. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the results of the models were within guidelines prescribed by our Board of Directors. If model results were to fall outside prescribed ranges, action, including additional monitoring and reporting to the Board, would be required by the ALCO and the Bank’s management.

The net interest income simulation model attempts to measure the change in net interest income over the next one-year period, and over the next three-year period on a cumulative basis, assuming certain changes in the general level of interest rates. The model also utilizes immediate and parallel shifts in market interest rates as of June 30, 2024.

Based on our model, which was run as of June 30, 2024, we estimated that over the next one-year period a 200 basis-point instantaneous and parallel increase in the general level of interest rates would decrease our net interest income by 6.65%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous and parallel decrease in interest rates would increase net interest income by 1.56%. As of December 31, 2023, we estimated that over the next one-year period a 200 basis-point instantaneous and parallel increase in the general level of interest rates would decrease our net interest income by 9.25%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous and parallel decrease in interest rates would increase net interest income by 5.34%.

Based on our model, which was run as of June 30, 2024, we estimated that over the next three years, on a cumulative basis, a 200 basis-point instantaneous and parallel increase in the general level of interest rates would decrease our net interest income by 2.86%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous and parallel decrease in interest rates would decrease net interest income by 0.25%. As of December 31, 2023, we estimated that over the next three years, on a cumulative basis, a 200 basis-point instantaneous and parallel increase in the general level of interest rates would decrease our net interest income by 5.68%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous and parallel decrease in interest rates would increase net interest income by 4.29%.

An economic value of equity ("EVE") analysis is also used to dynamically model the present value of asset and liability cash flows with instantaneous and parallel rate shocks of up 200 basis points and down 100 basis points. The EVE is likely to be different as interest rates change. Our EVE as of June 30, 2024, would decrease by 12.33% with an instantaneous and parallel rate shock of up 200 basis points, and increase by 2.44% with an instantaneous and parallel rate shock of down 100 basis points. Our EVE as of December 31, 2023, would decrease by 15.09% with an instantaneous and parallel rate shock of up 200 basis points, and increase by 5.75% with an instantaneous and parallel rate shock of down 100 basis-points.

The change in interest rate sensitivity was impacted by changes in overall market interest rates, updates to certain model assumptions, changes in short and intermediate-term fixed rate funding and by the deposit mix shift into certificates of deposit, from both noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing non-maturity deposits.

The following table illustrates the most recent results for EVE and one-year NII sensitivity as of June 30, 2024.

Certain model limitations are inherent in the methodology used in the EVE and net interest income measurements. The models require the making of certain assumptions which may tend to oversimplify the way actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. The models assume that the composition of the Company’s interest sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remain constant over the period being measured, thus they do not consider the Company’s strategic plans, or any other steps it may take to respond to changes in rates over the forecasted period of time. Additionally, the models assume immediate changes in interest rates, based on yield curves as of a point-in-time, which are reflected in a parallel, instantaneous and uniform manner across all yield curves, when in reality changes may rarely be of this nature. The models also utilize data derived from historical performance and as interest rates change the actual performance of loan prepayments, rate sensitivities, and average life assumptions may deviate from assumptions utilized in the models and can impact the results. Accordingly, although the above measurements provide an indication of the Company’s interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates. Given the nature and speed with which interest rates change, the projections noted above on the Company’s EVE and net interest income can be expected to differ from actual results.

Estimates of Fair Value

The estimation of fair value is significant to a number of the Company’s assets, including loans held-for-sale and securities available-for-sale. These are all recorded at either fair value or the lower of cost or fair value. Fair values are volatile and may be influenced by a number of factors. Circumstances that could cause estimates of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities to change include a change in prepayment speeds, discount rates, or market interest rates. Fair values for most available-for-sale securities are based on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic condition risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented elsewhere herein have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of operations; unlike most industrial companies, nearly all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are monetary. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

Liquidity

Management actively monitors and manages its liquidity position to determine any current or potential future liquidity needs. Liquidity is a measure of a bank’s ability to fund loans, withdrawals or maturities of deposits, and other cash outflows in a cost-effective manner. Our principal sources of funds are deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal, maturities of investment securities, and funds provided by operations. While scheduled loan payments and maturing investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flow and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

Liquidity and funding needs are managed through the Bank's Treasury functions and the Asset Liability Committee. An internal policy addresses liquidity and funds management and management monitors the adherence to policy limits to satisfy current and potential future cash flow needs. The policy includes internal limits, deposit concentrations, liquidity sources and availability, stress testing, collateral management, contingency funding plan and other qualitative and quantitative metrics.

As of June 30, 2024, the amount of liquid assets remained at a level management deemed adequate to ensure that, on a short and long-term basis, contractual liabilities, depositors’ withdrawal requirements, and other operational and client credit needs could be satisfied. As of June 30, 2024, liquid assets (cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks and unencumbered investment securities) were $731.2 million, which represented 7.5% of total assets and 8.8% of total deposits and borrowings, compared to $516.3 million as of December 31, 2023, which represented 5.2% of total assets and 6.1% of total deposits and borrowings. As of June 30, 2024, not included in the above liquid assets were securities with a market value of $107.2 million which were pledged to the Federal Home Loan Bank, which support aggregate unutilized borrowing capacity of $102.2 million as of June 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, not included in the above liquid assets were securities with a market value of $276.0 million which were pledged to either the Federal Reserve Bank’s Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), or the Federal Home Loan Bank, which support aggregate unutilized borrowing capacity of $300.5 million as of December 31, 2023.

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and, based on available qualified collateral as of June 30, 2024, had the ability to borrow $2.8 billion. The Bank also has a credit facility established with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for direct discount window borrowings based on pledged collateral and had the ability to borrow $1.4 billion as of June 30, 2024. In addition, as of June 30, 2024, the Bank had in place borrowing capacity of $305 million through correspondent banks and other unsecured borrowing lines. As of June 30, 2024, the Bank had aggregate available and unused credit of approximately $3.2 billion, which represents the aforementioned facilities totaling $4.5 billion net of $1.3 billion in outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. As of June 30, 2024, outstanding commitments for the Bank to extend credit were approximately $1.1 billion.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $293.5 million as of June 30, 2024, increasing by $50.8 million from $242.7 million as of December 31, 2023. Operating activities provided $42.8 million in net cash. Investing activities provided $169.2 million in net cash, primarily reflecting an increase in loans. Financing activities used $161.2 million in net cash, primarily reflecting $177.4 million in net repayments of FHLB borrowings and partially offset by an increase of $39.9 million in deposits.

Deposits

Deposits are our primary source of funds. Noninterest bearing demand deposit products include “Totally Free Checking” and “Simply Better Checking” for consumer clients and “Small Business Checking” and “Analysis Checking” for commercial clients. Interest-bearing checking accounts require minimum balances for both consumer and commercial clients and include “Consumer Interest Checking” and “Business Interest Checking”. Money market accounts consist of products that provide a market rate of interest to depositors. Our savings accounts offer paper and/or electronic statements. Time deposits ("TD") are for non-retirement and IRA accounts, generally with initial maturities ranging from 31 days to 60 months, and brokered TDs, which we use for asset liability management purposes and to supplement other sources of funding. Many of our deposit products can be accessed through both our branches and online to provide ease of access to our clients and communities. CDARS/ICS reciprocal deposits are offered based on the Bank’s participation in the IntraFi Network LLC ("the network"). Clients, who are Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance sensitive, are able to place large dollar deposits with the Company and the Company utilizes CDARS to place those funds into certificates of deposit issued by other banks in the Network. This occurs in increments of less than the FDIC insurance limits so that both the principal and interest are eligible for FDIC insurance coverage in amounts larger than the insured dollar amount. Unless certain conditions are satisfied, the FDIC considers these funds as brokered deposits. The Bank also utilizes internet listing services deposits which are obtained through the use of websites such as Rateline or QwickRate.

The following table sets forth the average balances and weighted average rates of our deposits for the periods indicated.

(dollars in thousands)

Average total deposits decreased by $82 million, or 1.1%, during the second quarter of 2024 when compared to the second quarter of 2023. The decrease in total average deposits was primarily attributed to decreases in noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $91 million, time deposits of $71.0 million and interest-bearing and NOW deposits of $40 million, partially offset by increases in savings deposits of $120 million.

The decrease in average time deposits of $71.0 million during the second quarter of 2024 was primarily attributed to decreases in CDARs of $124 million, nonreciprocal brokered time deposits of $94 million and internet listing services of $16 million, partially offset by an increase in retail time deposits of $163 million. The Bank continues its utilization of nonreciprocal brokered time deposits to enhance balance sheet liquidity as it remains a favorable alternative to other borrowings.

The decrease in average noninterest-bearing demand deposits was consistent with industry trends reflecting higher levels of interest rates which resulted in migration of noninterest-bearing deposits to interest-bearing transaction deposits.

Average demand deposits (including interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing) for the second quarter of 2024 included $1.2 billion in ICS reciprocal deposits, compared to $1.1 billion for the second quarter of 2023. Average time deposits for the second quarter of 2024 included $61 million in CDARS, compared to $184 million for the second quarter of 2023. The decrease in CDARS was attributed to maturities that did not renew.

The following table sets forth the average balances and weighted average rates of our deposits for the periods indicated.

(dollars in thousands)

Average total deposits increased by $30 million, or 0.4%, during the six months ended June 30, 2024 when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in total average deposits was primarily attributed to increases in savings deposits of $92 million, time deposits of $69 million, and interest-bearing and NOW deposits of $17 million, partially offset by decreases in noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $148 million.

The increase in average time deposits of $69 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily attributed to increases in retail time deposits of $101 million and internet listing services of $5 million, partially offset by decreases in CDARs of $35 million and nonreciprocal brokered time deposits of $2 million.

The decrease in average noninterest-bearing demand deposits was consistent with industry trends reflecting higher levels of interest rates which resulted in migration of noninterest-bearing deposits to interest-bearing transaction deposits.

Average demand deposits (including interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing) during the six months ended June 30, 2024 included $1.1 billion in ICS reciprocal deposits, compared to $0.7 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2023. Average time deposits during the six months ended June 30, 2024 included $76 million in CDARS, compared to $111 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in CDARS was attributed to maturities that did not renew.

The beta, which is the measurement of deposit rate sensitivity in response to market rate changes, on nonreciprocal brokered deposits tends to be higher than that of ICS and CDARS reciprocal deposits, as nonreciprocal brokered time deposits are more directly correlated to prevailing market rates of interest, while ICS and CDARs reciprocal deposits reflect the Bank’s relationship with reciprocal deposit clients and are more driven by a desire for FDIC insurance coverage than market leading rates.

The following table sets forth information related to the uninsured deposit balances of the Bank.

(dollars in thousands)

The following table sets forth the distribution of total actual deposit accounts, by account types for the periods indicated.

(dollars in thousands)

Total deposits increased by $40 million, or 0.5%, to $7.6 billion as of June 30, 2024 from $7.5 billion as of December 31, 2023. The increase in total deposits was primarily attributed to increases in savings deposits of $83 million, time deposits of $62 and noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $9 million, partially offset by decreases in demand, interest-bearing demand deposits & NOW deposits of $114 million.

Total demand, interest-bearing & NOW deposits as of June 30, 2024 include $1.2 billion in ICS reciprocal deposits, compared to $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2023. Total time deposits as of June 30, 2024 include $61 million in CDARS, compared to $96 million as of December 31, 2023.

Included in time deposits were nonreciprocal brokered deposits of $890 million as of June 30, 2024, which were relatively flat when compared to $917 million as of December 31, 2023.

As of June 30, 2024, we held $730 million of time deposits with balances in excess of $250,000. The following table provides information on the maturity distribution of the time deposits with balances in excess of $250,000 as of June 30, 2024:

(dollars in thousands)

Subordinated Debentures

During December 2003, Center Bancorp Statutory Trust II, a statutory business trust and wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent Corporation issued $5.0 million of MMCapS capital securities to investors due on January 23, 2034. The trust loaned the proceeds of this offering to the Company and received in exchange $5.2 million of the Parent Corporation’s subordinated debentures. The subordinated debentures are redeemable in whole or part prior to maturity. Upon the cessation of publication of LIBOR rates and pursuant to the Federal LIBOR Act and Federal Reserve regulations implementing the Act, the MMCapS capital securities converted as of June 30, 2023 to a new index based on CME Term SOFR, as defined in the LIBOR Act, plus a tenor spread adjustment, which is referred to as the Benchmark Replacement. Effective for quarterly interest rate resets after July 3, 2023 the subordinated debentures' floating rate will be three-month CME Term SOFR plus 2.85% plus a tenor spread adjustment of 0.26161%. The rate as of June 30, 2024 was 8.44%.

During June 2020, the Parent Corporation issued $75 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes (the “2020 Notes”). The 2020 Notes bear interest at 5.75% annually from, and including, the date of initial issuance up to, but excluding, September 15, 2025 or the date of earlier redemption, payable semi-annually in arrears on September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing December 15, 2020. From and including September 15, 2025 through maturity or earlier redemption, the interest rate shall reset quarterly to an interest rate per annum equal to a benchmark rate, which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR (as defined in the Second Supplemental Indenture), plus 560.5 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on September 15, 2025. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the benchmark rate is less than zero, then the benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero.

Stockholders’ Equity

The Company’s stockholders’ equity remained relatively flat at approximately $1.2 billion at both June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023. Retained earnings increased by $20 million and was offset by increases in treasury stock of $6 million and accumulated other comprehensive losses of $7 million. As of June 30, 2024, the Company’s tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share were 9.46% and $23.45, respectively, compared to 9.25% and $23.14, respectively, as of December 31, 2023. Total goodwill and other intangible assets were $213.6 million as of June 30, 2024, and $214.2 million as of December 31, 2023.

The following table shows the reconciliation of common equity to tangible common equity and the tangible common equity ratio.

(dollars in thousands, except for share and per share data)

(1) Tangible common equity ratio is a non-GAAP measure.

Regulatory Capital and Capital Adequacy

The maintenance of a solid capital foundation is a primary goal for the Company. Accordingly, capital plans, stock repurchases and dividend policies are monitored on an ongoing basis. The Company’s objective with respect to the capital planning process is to effectively balance the retention of capital to support future growth with the goal of providing stockholders with an attractive long-term return on their investment.

The Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory guidelines establishing minimum capital standards that involve quantitative measures of assets, and certain off-balance sheet items, as risk-adjusted assets under regulatory accounting practices.

The following is a summary of regulatory capital amounts and ratios as of June 30, 2024 for the Company and the Bank, compared with minimum capital adequacy requirements and the regulatory requirements for classification as a well-capitalized depository institution (for the Bank).

(dollars in thousands)

N/A - not applicable

(dollars in thousands)

As of June 30, 2024, both the Company and Bank satisfy the capital conservation buffer requirements applicable to them. The lowest ratio at the Company is the Total Risk Based Capital Ratio which was 3.60% above the minimum buffer ratio and, at the Bank, the lowest ratio was the Total Risk Based Capital Ratio which was 3.08% above the minimum buffer ratio.

Market Risk

Interest rate risk management is our primary market risk. See “Item 2- Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis” herein for a discussion of our management of our interest rate risk.

a) Disclosure controls and procedures. As of the end of the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and are operating in an effective manner and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

b) Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

There have been no material changes to the risks inherent in our business from those described under Item 1A – Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.