QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2024
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number:000-11486
CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
New Jersey
52-1273725
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
301 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey07632
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
201-816-8900
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock
CNOB
NASDAQ
Depositary Shares (each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of 5.25% Series A Non-Cumulative, perpetual preferred stock)
CNOBP
NASDAQ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
Large accelerated filer ☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Preferred Stock, no par value; $1,000 per share liquidation preference; Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued 115,000 shares as of September 30, 2024 and as of December 31, 2023; outstanding 115,000 shares as of September 30, 2024 and as of December 31, 2023
110,927
110,927
Common stock, no par value: Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 42,253,765 shares as of September 30, 2024 and 42,122,948 shares as of December 31, 2023; outstanding 38,368,217 shares as of September 30, 2024 and 38,519,770 as of December 31, 2023
586,946
586,946
Additional paid-in capital
34,995
33,182
Retained earnings
619,497
590,970
Treasury stock, at cost 3,885,548 common shares as of September 30, 2024 and 3,603,178 as of December 31, 2023
(76,116
)
(70,296
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(36,753
)
(35,109
)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,239,496
1,216,620
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
9,639,603
$
9,855,603
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Note 1a. Nature of Operations, Principles of Consolidation and Risk and Uncertainties
Nature of Operations
ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. (the “Parent Corporation”) is incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey and is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). The Parent Corporation’s business currently consists of the operation of its wholly-owned subsidiary, ConnectOne Bank (the “Bank” and, collectively with the Parent Corporation and the Parent Corporation’s subsidiaries, the “Company”) and making certain limited investments. The Bank’s direct and indirect subsidiaries include Union Investment Co. (a New Jersey investment company), Twin Bridge Investment Co. (a Delaware investment company), ConnectOne Preferred Funding Corp. (a New Jersey real estate investment trust), Center Financial Group, LLC (a New Jersey financial services company), Center Advertising, Inc. (a New Jersey advertising company), Morris Property Company, LLC, (a New Jersey limited liability company), Volosin Holdings, LLC, (a New Jersey limited liability company), NJCB Spec-1, LLC (a New Jersey limited liability company), Port Jervis Holdings, LLC (a New Jersey limited liability company), BONJ Special Properties, LLC (a New Jersey limited liability company) and BoeFly, Inc. (a New Jersey financial technology company).
The Bank is a community-based, full-service New Jersey-chartered commercial bank that was founded in 2005. The Bank operates from its headquarters located at 301 Sylvan Avenue in the Borough of Englewood Cliffs, Bergen County, New Jersey and through its 23 other banking offices. Substantially all loans are secured with various types of collateral, including business assets, consumer assets and commercial/residential real estate. Each borrower’s ability to repay its loans is dependent on the conversion of assets, cash flows generated from the borrowers’ business, real estate rental and consumer wages.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements of the Parent Corporation are prepared on an accrual basis and include the accounts of the Parent Corporation and the Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Segments
FASB ASC 28, “Segment Reporting,” requires companies to report certain information about operating segments. The Company is managed as one segment: a community bank. All decisions including but not limited to loan growth, deposit funding, interest rate risk, credit risk and pricing are determined after assessing the effect on the totality of the organization. For example, loan growth is dependent on the ability of the organization to fund this growth through deposits or other borrowings. As a result, the Company is managed as one operating segment.
Use of Estimates
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the consolidated statements of condition and that affect the results of operations for the periods presented. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts reported in prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassifications had no material effect on net income or total stockholders' equity.
In June 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions” (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. We adopted ASU 2022-03 on January 1, 2024 and it did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Newly Issued, But Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. These amendments require that public business entities on an annual basis (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5% of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income (or loss) by the applicable statutory income tax rate). The amendments require that all entities disclose on an annual basis the following information about income taxes paid: 1) The amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal (national), state, and foreign taxes. 2) The amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid (net of refunds received) is equal to or greater than 5% of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). The amendments also require that all entities disclose the following information: 1) Income (or loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign and 2) Income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal (national), state, and foreign. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2025. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2023-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
On September 4, 2024, the Parent Corporation and The First of Long Island Corporation (Nasdaq: FLIC) (“First of Long Island”), parent company of The First National Bank of Long Island entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which First of Long Island will merge with and into the Parent Corporation, which will be the surviving entity in the transaction. The combined company will operate under the ConnectOne brand, and will have approximately $14 billion in total assets, $11 billion in total deposits, and $11 billion in total loans.
Under the terms of the agreement, First of Long Island shareholders will receive 0.5175 shares of Parent Corporation common stock for each share of First of Long Island common stock. The transaction is presently valued at approximately $284 million in aggregate based upon the closing common stock price of $23.97 for ConnectOne as of September 4, 2024.
Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) No.260-10-45 addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share (“EPS”). The restricted stock awards granted by the Company contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and therefore are considered participating securities. The two-class method for calculating basic EPS excludes dividends paid to participating securities and any undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities.
Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income available to common stockholders
$
15,652
$
19,898
$
48,895
$
63,203
Earnings allocated to participating securities
(44
)
(63
)
(133
)
(160
)
Income attributable to common stock
$
15,608
$
19,835
$
48,762
$
63,043
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities
38,427
38,817
38,377
39,020
Weighted average participating securities
(108
)
(123
)
(104
)
(99
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
38,319
38,694
38,273
38,921
Incremental shares from assumed conversions of options, performance units and restricted shares
206
135
185
135
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding
38,525
38,829
38,458
39,056
Earnings per common share:
Basic
$
0.41
$
0.51
$
1.27
$
1.62
Diluted
0.41
0.51
1.27
1.61
There were no antidilutive share equivalents during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023.
All of the Company’s investment securities are classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Investment securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses included in stockholders’ equity, net of tax. Accordingly, the carrying value of such securities reflects their fair value as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Fair value is based upon either quoted market prices, or in certain cases where there is limited activity in the market for a particular instrument, assumptions are made to determine their fair value. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
The following tables present information related to the Company’s portfolio of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Allowance
for
Gross
Gross
Investment
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
Credit
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
Losses
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Federal agency obligations
$
100,284
$
596
$
(10,070
)
$
90,810
$
-
Residential mortgage pass-through securities
441,794
937
(43,496
)
399,235
-
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities
25,053
-
(2,768
)
22,285
-
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
143,547
422
(15,662
)
128,307
-
Corporate bonds and notes
5,000
11
-
5,011
-
Asset-backed securities
917
-
(11
)
906
-
Other securities
159
-
-
159
-
Total investment securities available-for-sale
$
716,754
$
1,966
$
(72,007
)
$
646,713
$
-
December 31, 2023
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Federal agency obligations
$
55,898
$
189
$
(10,761
)
$
45,326
$
-
Residential mortgage pass-through securities
462,004
620
(51,433
)
411,191
-
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities
25,240
-
(3,676
)
21,564
-
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
Investment securities having a carrying value of approximately $201.8 million and $358.0 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, borrowings, repurchase agreements, access to unutilized Federal Reserve Discount Window, Bank Term Funding Program ("BTFP") borrowings, and access to unutilized Federal Home Loan Bank advances and for other purposes required or permitted by law. The BTFP was a temporary facility of the Federal Reserve and expired on March 11, 2024, contributing to the decrease in pledged securities as noted above. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders’ equity.
The following table presents information for investments in securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2024, based on scheduled maturities. Actual maturities can be expected to differ from scheduled maturities due to prepayment or early call options of the issuer. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.
September 30, 2024
Amortized
Fair
Cost
Value
(dollars in thousands)
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Due in one year or less
$
1,284
$
1,285
Due after one year through five years
8,048
8,092
Due after five years through ten years
10,446
9,522
Due after ten years
229,970
206,135
Residential mortgage pass-through securities
441,794
399,235
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities
25,053
22,285
Other securities
159
159
Total investment securities available-for-sale
$
716,754
$
646,713
There were no realized gains or losses on securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023.
Impairment Analysis of Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
The following tables indicate securities in an unrealized loss position for which an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) has not been recorded, aggregated by investment category and by the length of continuous time individual securities have been in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
September 30, 2024
Total
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or Longer
Fair
Unrealized
Fair
Unrealized
Fair
Unrealized
Value
Losses
Value
Losses
Value
Losses
(dollars in thousands)
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Federal agency obligations
$
37,857
$
(10,070
)
$
-
$
-
$
37,857
$
(10,070
)
Residential mortgage pass-through securities
369,309
(43,496
)
5,786
(110
)
363,523
(43,386
)
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities
22,285
(2,768
)
-
-
22,285
(2,768
)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
104,497
(15,662
)
7,682
(42
)
96,815
(15,620
)
Corporate bonds and notes
-
-
-
-
-
-
Asset-backed securities
906
(11
)
-
-
906
(11
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
534,854
$
(72,007
)
$
13,468
$
(152
)
$
521,386
$
(71,855
)
December 31, 2023
Total
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or Longer
Fair
Unrealized
Fair
Unrealized
Fair
Unrealized
Value
Losses
Value
Losses
Value
Losses
(dollars in thousands)
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Federal agency obligations
$
40,779
$
(10,761
)
$
1,689
$
(65
)
$
39,090
$
(10,696
)
Residential mortgage pass-through securities
382,042
(51,433
)
4,138
(51
)
377,904
(51,382
)
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities
21,565
(3,676
)
-
-
21,565
(3,676
)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost of its investment securities available-for-sale. Accrued interest receivable for investment securities available-for-sale totaled $2.2 million and $2.3 million, as of September 30,2024 and December 31, 2023 respectively.
The Company evaluates securities in an unrealized loss position for impairment related to credit losses on at least a quarterly basis. Securities in unrealized loss positions are first assessed as to whether we intend to sell, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If one of the criteria is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through current earnings. For securities that do not meet these criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value resulted from credit losses or other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis for the security, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited to the amount that the fair value of the security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses on asset backed securities and state and municipal securities have not been recognized into income because the issuers are of high credit quality and 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. No allowance for credit losses for available-for-sale securities was recorded as of September 30, 2024.
Federal agency obligations, residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities and commercial mortgage-backed pass-through securities are issued by U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises. Although a government guarantee exists on these investments, these entities are not legally backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government, and the current support they receive is subject to a cap as part of the agreement entered into in 2008. Nonetheless, at this time we do not foresee any set of circumstances in which the government would not fund its commitments on these investments as the issuers are an integral part of the U.S. housing market in providing liquidity and stability. Therefore, we concluded that a zero-allowance approach for these investment securities is appropriate.
Note 5. Derivatives
As part of our overall asset liability management strategy the Company uses derivative instruments, which can include interest rate swaps, collars, caps, and floors. The notional amount does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual agreements. Derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value and are not reported on a net basis.
Derivatives Designated as Hedges
Subsequent changes in fair value for a hedging instrument that has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship are accounted for in the following manner:
1) Cash flow hedges: changes in fair value are recognized as a component in other comprehensive income
2) Fair value hedges: changes in fair value are recognized concurrently in earnings
As long as a hedging instrument is designated and the results of the effectiveness testing support that the instrument qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, 100% of the periodic changes in fair value of the hedging instrument are accounted for as outlined above. This is the case whether or not economic mismatches exist in the hedging relationship. As a result, there is no periodic measurement or recognition of ineffectiveness. Rather, the full impact of hedge gains and losses is recognized in the period in which the hedged transactions impact earnings. The change in fair value of the hedging instrument that is included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is presented in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. As of September 30,2024, the Bank was not utilizing fair value hedges.
The Company during 2021,2022 and 2024 entered into twelve pay fixed-rate interest rate swaps, with a total notional amount of $550 million. These are designated as cash flow hedges of outstanding Federal Home Loan Bank advances. We are required to pay fixed rates of interest ranging from 0.63% to 3.72% and receive variable rates of interest that reset quarterly based on the daily compounding secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”). The twelve swaps carry expiration dates ranging from December 2025 to March 2028. The swaps are determined to be fully effective during the period presented and therefore no amount of ineffectiveness has been included in net income. Therefore, the aggregate fair value of the swap is recorded in other assets (liabilities) with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) would be reclassified to current earnings should the hedges no longer be considered effective. The Company expects the hedges to remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swaps.
The Company previously entered into two forward starting interest rate cap spread transactions, one with a total notional amount of $150 million, which became effective on October 1, 2022 and which matures in October of 2027 and one interest rate cap spread transaction, with a total notional amount of $75 million, which became effective in November 2022 and which matures in November of 2027. These are designated as cash flow hedges of brokered certificates of deposit, and the interest rate cap spread is indexed to a benchmark of fed funds with payment required on a monthly basis. The structure of these instruments is such that the Company entered into a total of $225 million in notional amount of sold interest rate cap agreements, in which we are required to pay the counterparty an incremental amount if the index rate exceeds a set cap rate. Simultaneously, the Company purchased a total of $225 million notional amount of interest rate cap agreements in which we receive an incremental amount if the index rate is above a set cap rate. No payments are required if the index rate is at, or below, the cap rate on the sold or purchased interest rate cap agreements.
Net interest income recorded on these swap and interest rate cap transactions totaled approximately $5.6 million and $16.9 million and $5.5 million and $14.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively, and is recorded as a component of either interest expense on FHLB Advances or on brokered certificates of deposit.
The following table presents the net gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income and the Consolidated Statements of Income relating to the cash flow hedge derivative instruments for the periods indicated:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)
Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from OCI to interest expense
Amount of gain recognized in other Noninterest income (Ineffective Portion)
(dollars in thousands)
Interest rate contracts
$
4,276
$
(16,936
)
$
-
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)
Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from OCI to interest expense
Amount of gain recognized in other Noninterest income (Ineffective Portion)
(dollars in thousands)
Interest rate contracts
$
19,832
$
(13,013
)
$
-
The following table reflects the cash flow hedges included in the consolidated statements of condition as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Loans Receivable– The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio segments, including net deferred loan fees, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
1,513,991
$
1,578,730
Commercial real estate
5,735,170
5,895,545
Commercial construction
616,087
620,496
Residential real estate
250,249
256,041
Consumer
835
1,029
Gross loans
8,116,332
8,351,841
Net deferred loan fees
(4,356
)
(6,696
)
Total loans receivable
$
8,111,976
$
8,345,145
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, loans totaling approximately $5.9 billion and $5.8 billion, respectively were pledged to secure borrowings from the FHLB of New York and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Loans held-for-sale - There were no loans-held-for-sale as of either September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
Loans Receivable on Nonaccrual Status - The following tables present the carrying value of nonaccrual loans with an ACL and the carrying value of nonaccrual loans without an ACL as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses – (continued)
December 31, 2023
Nonaccrual loans with ACL
Nonaccrual loans without ACL
Total nonaccrual loans
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
1,763
$
11,064
$
12,827
Commercial real estate
8,013
28,179
36,192
Residential real estate
1,033
2,472
3,505
Total
$
10,809
$
41,715
$
52,524
Nonaccrual loans include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated and loans that are individually evaluated.
Credit Quality Indicators - The Company continuously monitors the credit quality of its loans receivable. In addition to its internal monitoring, the Company utilizes the services of a third-party loan review firm to periodically validate the credit quality of its loans receivable on a sample basis. Credit quality is monitored by reviewing certain credit quality indicators. Assets classified “Pass” are deemed to possess average to superior credit quality, requiring no more than normal attention. Assets classified as “Special Mention” have generally acceptable credit quality yet possess higher risk characteristics/circumstances than satisfactory assets. Such conditions include strained liquidity, slow pay, stale financial statements, or other conditions that require more stringent attention from the lending staff. These conditions, if not corrected, may weaken the credit quality or inadequately protect the Company’s credit position at some future date. Assets are classified “Substandard” if the asset has a well-defined weakness that requires management’s attention to a greater degree than for loans classified special mention. Such weakness, if left uncorrected, could possibly result in the compromised ability of the loan to perform to contractual requirements. An asset is classified as “Doubtful” if it is inadequately protected by the net worth and/or paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral, if any, that secures the obligation. Assets classified as doubtful include assets for which there is a “distinct possibility” that a degree of loss will occur if the inadequacies are not corrected.
Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses – (continued)
We evaluate whether a modification, extension or renewal of a loan is a current period origination in accordance with GAAP. Generally, loans up for renewal are subject to a full credit evaluation before the renewal is granted and such loans are considered current period originations for purposes of the table below. The following table presents loans by origination, risk designation and gross charge-offs as of and during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
Term loans amortized cost basis by origination year
Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses – (continued)
The following table presents loans by origination, risk designation and gross charge-offs as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
Term loans amortized cost basis by origination year
Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses – (continued)
Collateral Dependent Loans: Loans which meet certain criteria are individually evaluated as part of the process of calculating the allowance for credit losses. The evaluation is determined on an individual basis using the fair value of the collateral as of the reporting date. The following table presents collateral dependent loans that were individually evaluated as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses – (continued)
AgingAnalysis - The following table provides an analysis of the aging of the loans by class, excluding the effect of net deferred fees, which are past due as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
September 30, 2024
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 Days or Greater Past Due and Still Accruing
Nonaccrual
Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
Current
Gross Loans
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
5,047
$
-
$
-
$
12,693
$
17,740
$
1,496,251
$
1,513,991
Commercial real estate
-
7,870
3,165
33,219
44,254
5,690,916
5,735,170
Commercial construction
-
-
-
2,204
2,204
613,883
616,087
Residential real estate
-
-
-
3,184
3,184
247,065
250,249
Consumer
72
-
-
-
72
763
835
Total
$
5,119
$
7,870
$
3,165
$
51,300
$
67,454
$
8,048,878
$
8,116,332
As of September 30, 2024, one loan for $3.2 million was past due more than 90 days and still accruing; the loan is well-secured at a loan-to-value of approximately 65% and is in the process of collection.
Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses – (continued)
The following tables detail, at the period-end presented, the amount of gross loans (excluding loans held-for-sale) that are evaluated individually, collectively, those acquired with deteriorated quality, and the related portion of the allowance for credit losses that are allocated to each loan portfolio segment:
Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses – (continued)
Loan Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty:
The following tables presents the amortized cost basis at the end of the reporting period of the loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and the percentage of the amortized cost basis of loans that were modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as compared to the gross loans of the relevant loan segment. The total percentage represents the total modified loans as compared to the total gross loans balance.
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Term Extension
Payment Deferral
Interest Rate Reduction
Total
% of Portfolio Loan Segment
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
6,491
$
-
$
-
$
6,491
0.43
%
Commercial real estate
-
-
63,804
63,804
1.11
%
Total
$
6,491
$
-
$
63,804
$
70,295
0.97
%
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Term Extension
Payment Deferral
Interest Rate Reduction
Total
% of Portfolio Loan Segment
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
17,641
$
126
$
-
$
17,767
1.17
%
Commercial real estate
-
-
63,804
63,804
1.11
%
Residential real estate
1,417
-
-
1,417
0.57
%
Total
$
19,058
$
126
$
63,804
$
82,988
1.11
%
The above table consists of three commercial loans, nine commercial real estate loans and one residential real estate loan that were modified during the nine months ended September 30,2024 where the borrowers were experiencing financial difficulty. Two commercial loans were term extensions that combined for a weighted average of six months. One commercial loan was a three-month payment deferral. Nine commercial real estate loans were interest rate reductions with a weighted average change of 0.15%. The one $1.4 million residential real estate loan involved the freezing of a loan commitment, combined with a 10-year term extension.
Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses – (continued)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Term Extension
Payment Deferral
Interest Rate Reduction
Total
% of Portfolio Loan Segment
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
0.00
%
Commercial real estate
211
211
0.00
%
Total
$
211
$
-
$
-
$
211
0.00
%
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Term Extension
Payment Deferral
Interest Rate Reduction
Total
% of Portfolio Loan Segment
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
44
$
-
$
-
$
44
0.00
%
Commercial real estate
211
-
-
211
0.00
%
Total
$
255
$
-
$
-
$
255
0.00
%
The above table consists of loans that added a weighted average of 13 years to the maturity of the modified loans, which did not have a material effect on the cash flows.
The Company closely monitors the performance of loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following tables present the payment status of loans that have been modified in the last twelve months.
September 30, 2024
Current
30-89 Days Past Due
90 Days or Greater Past Due and Still Accruing
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
28,084
$
-
$
-
Commercial real estate
71,285
-
-
Residential real estate
1,417
-
-
Total
$
100,786
$
-
$
-
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the Company had no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty for which the Company modified the terms of the loans in the form of principal forgiveness, an interest rate reduction, an other-than-insignificant payment delay, or a term extension during the current period.
There were no loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that had a payment default during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 and were modified in the twelve months prior to that default. Default is determined at 90 or more days past due, upon charge-off, or upon foreclosure. Modified loans in default are individually evaluated for the allowance for credit losses or if the modified loan is deemed uncollectible, the loan, or a portion of the loan, is written off and the allowance for credit losses is adjusted accordingly.
Note 6. Loans and the Allowance for Credit Losses – (continued)
Allowance for Credit Losses for Unfunded Commitments
The Company has recorded an ACL for unfunded credit commitments, which was recorded in other liabilities. The provision is recorded within the provision for credit losses on the Company’s income statement. The following table presents a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses for unfunded commitments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
2,775
$
2,819
Reversal of allowance for credit losses - unfunded commitments
(123
)
(4
)
Balance at end of period
$
2,652
$
2,815
Nine Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
2,811
$
3,036
Reversal of allowance for credit losses - unfunded commitments
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
Level 1:
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2:
Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3:
Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (for example, supported with little or no market activity).
An asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale and Equity Securities: Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 inputs include securities that have quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows. Examples of instruments which would generally be classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy include municipal bonds and certain agency collateralized mortgage obligations. In certain cases where there is limited activity in the market for a particular instrument, assumptions must be made to determine the fair value of the instruments and these are classified as Level 3. When measuring fair value, the valuation techniques available under the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach are used. The Company’s evaluations are based on market data and the Company employs combinations of these approaches for its valuation methods depending on the asset class.
Derivatives: The fair value of derivatives is based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date (level 2). Our derivatives are traded in an over-the-counter market where quoted market prices are not always available. Therefore, the fair values of derivatives are determined using quantitative models that utilize multiple market inputs. The inputs will vary based on the type of derivative, but could include interest rates, prices and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, prepayment rate, and volatility factors to value the position. The majority of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services.
For financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are as follows:
September 30, 2024
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Total Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(dollars in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements: Assets
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale:
Federal agency obligations
$
90,810
$
-
$
90,810
$
-
Residential mortgage pass-through securities
399,235
-
399,235
-
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities
22,285
-
22,285
-
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivision
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)
December 31, 2023
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Total Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(dollars in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements: Assets
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale:
Federal agency obligations
$
45,326
$
-
$
45,326
$
-
Residential mortgage pass- through securities
411,191
-
411,191
-
Commercial mortgage pass-through securities
21,564
-
21,564
-
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivision
132,705
-
125,583
7,122
Corporate bonds and notes
4,973
-
4,973
-
Asset-backed securities
1,238
-
1,238
-
Other securities
165
165
-
-
Total available-for-sale
$
617,162
$
165
$
609,875
$
7,122
Equity securities
18,564
9,867
8,697
-
Derivatives
43,805
-
43,805
-
Total assets
$
679,531
$
10,032
$
662,377
$
7,122
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company may be required periodically to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or impairment write-downs of individual assets. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Loans Held-for-Sale: Residential mortgage loans, originated and intended for sale in the secondary market, are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. For these loans originated and intended for sale, gains and losses on loan sales (sale proceeds minus carrying value) are recorded in other income and direct loan origination costs and fees are deferred at origination of the loan and are recognized in other income upon sale of the loan. Management obtains quotes or bids on all or parts of these loans directly from the purchasing financial institutions (Level 2).
Other loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value. Fair value of these loans is determined based on the terms of the loan, such as interest rate, maturity date, reset term, as well as sales of similar assets (Level 3).
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)
Collateral Dependent Loans: The Company may record adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements, generally as partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of these loans. These adjustments also include certain impairment amounts for collateral dependent loans calculated in accordance with GAAP. Impairment amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and, as a result, the carrying value of the loan less the calculated impairment amount applicable to that loan does not necessarily represent the fair value of the loan. Real estate collateral is valued using independent appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable by market participants. However, due to the substantial judgment applied and limited volume of activity as compared to other assets, fair value is based on Level 3 inputs. Estimates of fair value used for collateral supporting commercial loans generally are based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and are also based on Level 3 inputs.
For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value measurements as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are as follows:
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:
September 30, 2024
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Collateral dependent loans:
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
741
$
-
$
-
$
741
Commercial real estate
23,136
-
-
23,136
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:
December 31, 2023
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Collateral dependent loans:
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
657
$
-
$
-
$
657
Commercial real estate
7,005
-
-
7,005
Collateral dependent loans –Collateral dependent loans as of September 30, 2024 that required a valuation allowance were $25.5 million with a related valuation allowance of $1.6 million compared to $7.7 million with a related valuation allowance of $1.4 million as of December 31, 2023.
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)
Assets Measured with Significant Unobservable Level 3 Inputs
Recurring basis
The tables below present a reconciliation of all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2023:
Municipal Securities
(dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2024
$
7,122
Principal paydowns
(227
)
Change in unrealized gain
107
Ending balance, September 30, 2024
$
7,002
Municipal Securities
(dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2023
$
7,349
Principal paydowns
(272
)
Changes in unrealized gain
45
Ending balance, December 31, 2023
$
7,122
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The table below provides quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurements within Level 3 hierarchy.
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)
Nonrecurring basis: The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for the periods presented. The tables below provide quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurements within Level 3 hierarchy of collateral dependent loans.
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)
As of September 30, 2024 the fair value measurements presented are consistent with Topic 820,Fair Value Measurement, in which fair value represents exit price. The following presents the carrying amount, fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Fair Value Measurements
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments – (continued)
The fair value of commitments to originate loans is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair values of letters of credit and lines of credit are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date. The fair value of commitments to originate loans is immaterial and not included in the tables above.
Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on these estimated fair values.
The Company’s remaining assets and liabilities, which are not considered financial instruments, have not been valued differently than has been customary with historical cost accounting. No disclosure of the relationship value of the Company’s core deposit base is required by FASB ASC 825-10.
Fair value estimates are based on existing balance sheet financial instruments, without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. For example, there are certain significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities, such as deferred taxes, premises and equipment, and goodwill. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
Management believes that reasonable comparability between financial institutions may not be likely, due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates which must be made, given the absence of active secondary markets for many of the financial instruments. This lack of uniform valuation methodologies also introduces a greater degree of subjectivity to these estimated fair values.
Note 8. Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Total comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. The Company’s other comprehensive income is comprised of unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, obligations for defined benefit pension plan and an adjustment to reflect the curtailment of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan, each net of taxes.
The following table represents the reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Affected Line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Investment securities available-for-sale, net of tax
$
(51,111
)
$
(57,835
)
Cash flow hedge, net of tax
16,409
24,810
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans, net of tax
(2,051
)
(2,084
)
Total
$
(36,753
)
$
(35,109
)
Note 9.Stock-based Compensation
The Company’s stockholders approved the 2017 Equity Compensation Plan (“the Plan”) on May 23, 2017. The Plan eliminates all remaining issuable shares under previous plans and is the only outstanding plan as of September 30, 2024. On May 30, 2023, the Company's stockholders approved an amendment to the Plan that increased the maximum number of shares issuable to 1,200,000. Grants under the Plan can be in the form of stock options (qualified or non-qualified), restricted shares, deferred stock units or performance units. Shares available for grant and issuance under the Plan as of September 30, 2024 were approximately 336,584. The Company intends to issue all shares under the Plan in the form of newly issued shares.
As of both September 30, 2024 and December, 31, 2023, the Company did not have any outstanding stock options. Restricted stock and deferred stock units typically have a three-year vesting period starting one year after the date of grant with one-third vesting each year, with accelerated vesting upon a change in control. Restricted stock and deferred stock units granted to new employees and board members may be granted with shorter vesting periods. Grants of performance units typically have a cliff vesting after three years or upon a change of control. All issuances are subject to forfeiture if the recipient is no longer employed prior to the award's vesting. Any forfeitures would result in previously recognized expense being reversed. Restricted stock grants have the same dividend and voting rights as common stock, while options, performance units and deferred stock units do not.
All awards are issued at the fair value of the underlying shares on the grant date. The Company expenses the cost of the awards, which is determined to be the fair market value of the awards at the date of grant, ratably, over the vesting or measurement period. Forfeiture rates are not estimated but are recorded as incurred. Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $1.1 and $3.2 million respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $1.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
Activity in the Company’s restricted stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was as follows:
As of September 30, 2024, there was approximately $1.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock granted. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.
A summary of the status of unearned performance unit awards and the change during the period is presented in the table below:
Units (expected)
Units (maximum)
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unearned as of December 31, 2023
164,231
$
23.06
Awarded
91,691
19.01
Change in estimate
(10,774
)
11.93
Vested shares
(53,041
)
25.24
Forfeited/cancelled/expired
(10,260
)
23.10
Unearned as of September 30, 2024
181,847
302,196
$
21.04
As of September 30, 2024, the specific number of shares related to performance units that were expected to vest was 181,847, determined by actual performance in consideration of the established range of the performance targets, which is consistent with the level of expense currently being recognized over the vesting period. Should this expectation change, additional compensation expense could be recorded in future periods or previously recognized expense could be reversed. As of September 30, 2024, the maximum amount of performance units that ultimately could vest if performance targets were exceeded is 302,196. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, 53,041 shares vested. A total of 28,971 shares were netted from the vested shares to satisfy employee tax obligations. The net shares issued from vesting of performance units during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 24,070 shares. As of September 30, 2024, compensation cost of approximately $1.8 million related to non-vested performance units not yet recognized is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.
A summary of the status of unearned deferred stock units and the changes in deferred stock units during the period is presented in the table below:
Units (expected)
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unearned as of December 31, 2023
188,348
$
22.11
Awarded
81,736
19.01
Vested shares
(80,889
)
23.05
Forfeited/cancelled/expired
(7,360
)
21.53
Unearned as of September 30, 2024
181,835
$
20.32
Any forfeitures would result in previously recognized expense being reversed. A portion of the shares that vest will be netted out to satisfy the tax obligations of the recipient. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, 80,889 shares vested. A total of 43,347 shares were netted from the vested shares to satisfy employee tax obligations. The net shares issued from vesting of deferred stock units during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 37,542 shares. As of September 30, 2024, compensation cost of approximately $1.6 million related to non-vested deferred stock units, not yet recognized, is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.
The Company maintained a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for substantially all of its employees until June 30, 2007, at which time the Company froze the plan. The following table sets forth the net periodic pension cost of the Company’s pension plan for the periods indicated.
Three Months Ended
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
September 30,
Statements of Income
2024
2023
(dollars in thousands)
Service cost
$
-
$
-
Interest cost
106
110
Salaries and employee benefits
Expected return on plan assets
(214
)
(209
)
Salaries and employee benefits
Net amortization
43
74
Salaries and employee benefits
Total periodic pension income
$
(65
)
$
(25
)
Nine Months Ended
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
September 30,
Statements of Income
2024
2023
(dollars in thousands)
Service cost
$
-
$
-
Interest cost
318
330
Salaries and employee benefits
Expected return on plan assets
(642
)
(628
)
Salaries and employee benefits
Net amortization
129
222
Salaries and employee benefits
Total periodic pension income
$
(195
)
$
(76
)
Contributions
The Company did not contribute to the Pension Trust during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company does not plan on contributing amounts to the Pension Trust for the remainder of 2024. The trust is established to provide retirement and other benefits for eligible employees and their beneficiaries. No part of the trust assets may be applied to any purpose other than providing benefits under the plan and for defraying expenses of administering the plan and the trust.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company's total time deposits were $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. Included in time deposits were nonreciprocal brokered time deposits of $824.9 million and $915.5 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, the contractual maturities of these time deposits were as follows (dollars in thousands):
2024
$
946,786
2025
1,333,104
2026
280,371
2027
46,373
2028
7,541
thereafter
920
Time deposits (before net discount)
$
2,615,095
Fair value net discount
(908
)
Total time deposits (after net discount)
$
2,614,187
The amount of time deposits with balances greater than or equal to $250,000 were $832.4 million and $643.4 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
The Company’s FHLB borrowings and weighted average interest rates are summarized below:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Amount
Rate
Amount
Rate
(dollars in thousands)
By remaining period to maturity:
Less than 1 year
$
614,587
5.05
%
$
881,000
5.57
%
1 year through less than 2 years
52,050
4.30
25,000
1.00
2 years through less than 3 years
50,000
4.23
2,050
2.23
3 years through less than 4 years
25,268
4.17
293
2.85
4 years through 5 years
-
0.00
25,000
4.18
After 5 years
270
2.96
294
2.96
FHLB borrowings – gross
742,175
4.92
%
933,637
5.41
%
Fair value discount
(42
)
(58
)
Total FHLB borrowings
$
742,133
$
933,579
The FHLB borrowings are secured by pledges of certain collateral including, but not limited to, U.S. government and agency mortgage-backed securities and a blanket assignment of qualifying first lien mortgage loans, consisting of both residential mortgages and commercial real estate loans.
Advances are payable at stated maturity, with a prepayment penalty for fixed rate advances. All FHLB advances bear fixed rates. The advances as of September 30, 2024 were primarily collateralized by approximately $2.5 billion of commercial mortgage loans and securities, net of required over collateralization amounts, under a blanket lien arrangement. As of September 30, 2024 the Company had a remaining borrowing capacity of approximately $1.1 billion at FHLB.
During 2003, the Company formed a statutory business trust, which exists for the exclusive purpose of (i) issuing Trust Securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust; (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Trust securities in junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (subordinated debentures) of the Company; and (iii) engaging in only those activities necessary or incidental thereto. On December 19, 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 capital securities presently qualify as Tier I capital. 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 in 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 effective 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. Therefore, 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 September 30, 2024 was 8.37%. These subordinated debentures and the related income effects are not eliminated in the consolidated financial statements, as the statutory business trust is not consolidated in accordance with FASB ASC 810-10. Distributions on the subordinated debentures owned by the subsidiary trust have been classified as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The following table summarizes the mandatory redeemable trust preferred securities of the Company’s Statutory Trust II as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
On June 10, 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, June 15, 2025 or the date of earlier redemption, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing December 15, 2020. From and including June 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.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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 September 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.
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 September 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.
Net income available to common stockholders for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $15.7 million compared to $19.9 million for the comparable three-month period ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s diluted earnings per share were $0.41 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.51 for the comparable three-month period ended September 30, 2023. The $4.2 million decrease in net income available to common stockholders and the $0.10 decrease in diluted earnings per share were due to a $2.9 million increase in noninterest expenses, a $2.3 million increase in provision for credit losses and a $1.5 million decrease in net interest income, partially offset by a $1.2 million increase in noninterest income and a $1.2 million decrease in income tax expense. Included in noninterest expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were $0.7 million in merger expenses related to the previously announced, merger with The First of Long Island Corporation. There were no such charges for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Net income available to common stockholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $48.9 million compared to $63.2 million for the comparable nine-month period ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s diluted earnings per share were $1.27 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.61 for the comparable nine-month period ended September 30, 2023. The $14.3 million decrease in net income available to common stockholders and the $0.34 decrease in diluted earnings per share versus the comparable nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 were due to a $10.7 million decrease in net interest income, a $7.2 million increase in noninterest expenses and a $4.8 million increase in provision for credit losses, partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in noninterest income and a $5.2 million decrease in income tax expense. Included in noninterest expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were $0.7 million in merger expenses related to the previously announced, merger with The First of Long Island Corporation. There were no such charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
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 September 30, 2024 decreased by $1.5 million, or 2.4%, from the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease primarily resulted from a nine basis-point decrease in the net interest margin to 2.67% from 2.76%, partially offset by a $13.5 million, or 1.9%, increase in average investment securities. The contraction of the net interest margin was primarily attributable to a 40 basis-point increase in the average cost of deposits, including noninterest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a 24 basis-point increase in the loan portfolio yield.
Fully taxable equivalent net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased by $10.6 million, or 5.4%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease primarily resulted from an 18 basis-point decrease in the net interest margin to 2.67% from 2.85%, partially offset by a $72.6 million, or 0.9%, increase in average total loans. The contraction of the net interest margin was primarily attributable to a 69 basis-point increase in the average costs of deposits including noninterest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a 38 basis-point increase in the loan portfolio yield.
The following tables present for the three and nine months ended September 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
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Interest
Interest
Average
Income/
Average
Average
Income/
Average
Balance
Expense
Rate (7)
Balance
Expense
Rate(7)
(dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Investmentsecurities (1) (2)
$
736,946
$
6,157
3.32
%
$
723,408
$
5,566
3.05
%
Total loans (2) (3) (4)
8,123,416
119,805
5.87
8,169,310
115,954
5.63
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks
304,009
4,056
5.31
158,155
2,110
5.29
Restricted investment in bank stocks
41,667
1,048
10.01
38,558
907
9.33
Total interest-earning assets
9,206,038
131,066
5.66
9,089,431
124,537
5.44
Noninterest-earning assets
Allowance for credit losses
(83,355
)
(89,966
)
Other noninterest-earning assets
620,170
626,160
Total assets
$
9,742,853
$
9,625,625
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Time deposits
$
2,625,329
30,245
4.58
$
2,606,122
25,437
3.87
Other interest-bearing deposits
3,747,427
33,540
3.56
3,723,561
30,606
3.26
Total interest-bearing deposits
6,372,756
63,785
3.98
6,329,683
56,043
3.51
Borrowings
717,586
4,239
2.35
651,112
3,950
2.41
Subordinated debentures, net
79,735
1,312
6.55
79,230
1,312
6.57
Finance lease
1,349
20
5.90
1,603
24
5.94
Total interest-bearing liabilities
7,171,426
69,356
3.85
7,061,628
61,329
3.45
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
1,259,912
1,275,325
Other liabilities
76,791
86,025
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
1,336,703
1,361,350
Stockholders’ equity
1,234,724
1,202,647
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
9,742,853
$
9,625,625
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)
61,710
63,208
Net interest spread (5)
1.82
%
1.99
%
Net interest margin (6)
2.67
%
2.76
%
Tax-equivalent adjustment
(823
)
(851
)
Net interest income
$
60,887
$
62,357
(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.
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing with banks
245,226
9,802
5.34
242,262
9,141
5.04
Restricted investment in bank stocks
46,130
3,390
9.82
43,757
2,750
8.40
Total interest-earning assets
9,246,313
392,306
5.67
9,163,582
363,485
5.30
Noninterest-earning assets:
Allowance for credit losses
(84,012
)
(89,206
)
Other noninterest-earning assets
620,705
622,750
Total assets
$
9,783,006
$
9,697,126
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Time deposits
$
2,593,716
87,181
4.49
$
2,541,620
66,482
3.50
Other interest-bearing deposits
3,721,751
99,097
3.56
3,641,362
80,362
2.95
Total interest-bearing deposits
6,315,467
186,278
3.94
6,182,982
146,844
3.18
Borrowings
816,918
16,956
2.77
781,831
15,986
2.73
Subordinated debentures
79,609
3,934
6.60
87,234
4,921
7.54
Finance lease
1,416
62
5.85
1,658
73
5.89
Total interest-bearing liabilities
7,213,410
207,230
3.84
7,053,705
167,824
3.18
Demand deposits
1,256,799
1,360,120
Other liabilities
87,375
86,291
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
1,344,174
1,446,411
Stockholders’ equity
1,225,422
1,197,010
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
9,783,006
$
9,697,126
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)
185,076
195,661
Net interest spread (5)
1.83
%
2.12
%
Net interest margin (6)
2.67
%
2.85
%
Tax-equivalent adjustment
(2,450
)
(2,377
)
Net interest income
$
182,626
$
193,284
(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.
Noninterest income totaled $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared with $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The $1.2 million increase was due to a $0.7 million increase in net gains on equity securities, a $0.4 million increase in BOLI death benefits received, a $0.2 million increase in BOLI income, a $0.1 million increase in BoeFly income, and a $0.1 million increase in other deposit, loan and other income, partially offset by a decrease in net gains on sale of loans held-for-sale of $0.3 million.
Noninterest income totaled $13.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with $9.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The $3.2 million increase was due to a $1.0 million increase in net gains on equity securities, a $0.9 million increase in net gains on sale of loans held-for-sale, a $0.4 million increase in BOLI death benefits received, a $0.4 million increase in BOLI income, a $0.3 million increase in BoeFly income and a $0.3 million increase in other deposit, loan and other income.
Noninterest Expenses
Noninterest expenses totaled $38.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared with $35.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The $2.9 million increase was primarily attributable to an increase in information technology and communications of $1.0 million, due to additional investments in technology, equipment, and software, a $0.7 million increase in merger expenses related to the previously announced, merger with The First of Long Island Corporation, a $0.7 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, due to increases in incentive-based compensation accruals and other employee benefit expenses, a $0.3 million increase in professional and consulting expenses, a $0.2 million increase in occupancy and equipment expenses and a $0.1 million increase in marketing and advertising expenses, partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in other expenses.
Noninterest expenses totaled $113.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with $106.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The $7.2 million increase was primarily attributable to an increase in information technology and communications of $2.9 million, due to additional investments in technology, equipment, and software, a $1.6 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, due to increases in incentive-based compensation accruals and other employee benefit expenses, a $0.9 million increase in FDIC insurance expense, a $0.7 million increase in merger expenses related to the previously announced, merger with The First of Long Island Corporation, a $0.6 million increase in occupancy and equipment expenses, a $0.3 million increase in marketing and advertising expenses and a $0.3 million increase in other expenses, partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in amortization of core deposit intangibles.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $7.2 million for the three months ended September 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 September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was 26.0% and 25.2%, respectively.
Income tax expense was $18.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $23.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in income tax expense was the result of lower income before income tax expense. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was 25.8% and 26.0%, respectively.
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.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Amount Increase/
Amount
Percent of Total
Amount
Percent of Total
(Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
$
1,513,991
18.7
%
$
1,578,730
18.9
%
$
(64,739
)
Commercial real estate
5,735,170
70.7
5,895,545
70.6
(160,375
)
Commercial construction
616,087
7.6
620,496
7.4
(4,409
)
Residential real estate
250,249
3.0
256,041
3.1
(5,792
)
Consumer
835
-
1,029
-
(194
)
Gross loans
$
8,116,332
100.0
%
$
8,351,841
100.0
%
$
(235,509
)
As of September 30, 2024, gross loans totaled $8.1 billion, a decrease of $235.5 million or 2.8%, 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 applicable weighted average loan-to-value ratios, typically determined at loan origination.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Balance
Loan-to-Value
Balance
Loan-to-Value
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate loans
Multifamily
$
2,474,207
60
%
$
2,553,401
61
%
Nonowner-occupied
2,024,010
53
2,177,585
54
Owner-occupied
1,003,044
52
930,319
53
Land loans
233,529
47
234,563
45
Total commercial real estate loans (before discount)
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.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s allowance for credit losses for loans was $82.5 million, an increase of $0.5 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $3.8 million and $10.3 million, respectively, compared to $1.5 million and $5.5 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The increase in the provision for credit losses during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024, when compared to the comparable periods in 2023 reflects increases to the specific reserves, partially offset by a decrease in general reserves.
There were $3.5 million and $9.9 million in net charge-offs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared with $2.5 million and $8.0 million in net charge-offs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 respectively. Net charge-offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 consisted of charges related to five multifamily loans totaling $7.8 million, four commercial loans of $2.2 million and one owner-occupied commercial real estate loan of $0.3 million, while the net charge-offs during the nine months ended September 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 September 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.
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:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans
$
51,300
$
52,524
OREO
-
-
Total nonperforming assets (1)
$
51,300
$
52,524
(1)
Nonperforming assets are defined as nonaccrual loans and OREO.
As of September 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 September 30, 2024, average securities, on an amortized cost basis, increased by $13.5 million to approximately $736.9 million, or 8.0% of average total interest-earning assets, from approximately $723.4 million, or 8.0% of average interest-earning assets, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, average securities, on an amortized cost basis increased by $4.8 million to approximately $732.3 million, or 7.9% of average total interest-earning assets, from approximately $727.5 million, or 7.9% of average interest-earning assets, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
As of September 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 $51.1 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 September 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 September 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 September 30, 2024.
Based on our model, which was run as of September 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 3.95%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous and parallel decrease in interest rates would increase net interest income by 1.32%. 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 September 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 1.23%, while a 100 basis-point instantaneous and parallel decrease in interest rates would decrease net interest income by 0.07%. 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 September 30, 2024, would decrease by 9.81% with an instantaneous and parallel rate shock of up 200 basis points, and increase by 2.23% 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 September 30, 2024.
Interest Rates
Estimated
Estimated Change in EVE
Interest Rates
Estimated
Estimated Change in NII
(basis points)
EVE
Amount
%
(basis points)
NII
Amount
%
+300
$
901,295
(161,963
)
(15.23
)
300
$
241,472
$
(16,904
)
(6.54
)
+200
958,977
(104,281
)
(9.81
)
200
248,180
(10,196
)
(3.95
)
+100
1,016,187
(47,071
)
(4.43
)
100
254,797
(3,579
)
(1.39
)
0
1,063,258
-
-
0
258,376
-
-
-100
1,087,007
23,749
2.23
-100
261,791
3,415
1.32
-200
1,098,261
35,003
3.29
-200
264,101
5,725
2.22
-300
1,107,465
44,207
4.16
-300
268,546
10,170
3.94
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.
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 September 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 September 30, 2024, liquid assets (cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks and unencumbered investment securities) were $705.9 million, which represented 7.3% of total assets and 8.5% 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 September 30, 2024, not included in the above liquid assets were securities with a market value of $109.6 million which were pledged to the Federal Home Loan Bank, which support aggregate unutilized borrowing capacity of $102.2 million as of September 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 supported 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 September 30, 2024, had the ability to borrow $2.5 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 $1.6 billion as of September 30, 2024. In addition, as of September 30, 2024, the Bank had in place borrowing capacity of $305 million through correspondent banks and other unsecured borrowing lines. As of September 30, 2024, the Bank had aggregate available and unused credit of approximately $2.9 billion, which represents the aforementioned facilities totaling $4.4 billion net of $1.4 billion in outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. As of September 30, 2024, outstanding commitments for the Bank to extend credit were approximately $1.1 billion.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $247.2 million as of September 30, 2024, decreasing by $4.5 million from $242.7 million as of December 31, 2023. Operating activities provided $28.5 million in net cash. Investing activities provided $211.7 million in net cash, primarily reflecting a decrease in loans. Financing activities used $235.6 million in net cash, primarily reflecting $191.5 million in net repayments of FHLB borrowings and a $12.0 million decrease in 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 for certain reporting requirements. 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.
Quarter-to-Date Average September 30, 2024
Quarter-to-Date Average September 30, 2023
Balance
Rate
Balance
Rate
(dollars in thousands)
Demand, noninterest-bearing
$
1,259,912
-
$
1,275,325
-
Demand, interest-bearing & NOW
3,239,244
3.59
%
3,358,834
3.36
%
Savings
508,183
3.39
364,727
2.39
Time
2,625,329
4.58
2,606,122
3.87
Total average deposits
$
7,632,668
3.32
%
$
7,605,008
2.92
%
Average total deposits increased by $27.7 million, or 0.4%, during the third quarter of 2024 when compared to the third quarter of 2023. The increase in total average deposits was attributed to increases in savings deposits of $143.5 million and time deposits of $19.2 million, partially offset by decreases in interest-bearing demand deposits of $119.6 million and noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $15.4 million.
The increase in average time deposits of $19.2 million during the third quarter of 2024 was attributed to increases in retail time deposits of $162.7 million, partially offset by decreases in nonreciprocal brokered time deposits of $70.1 million, CDARs of $63.9 million and internet listing services of $9.5 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.
Quarter-to-date average demand deposits have remained relatively stable as an industry trend away from noninterest-bearing accounts and into interest-bearing accounts has largely subsided.
Average demand deposits (including interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing) for both the third quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2023 included $1.2 billion in ICS reciprocal deposits. Average time deposits for the third quarter of 2024 included $66.6 million in CDARS, compared to $130.5 million for the third 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.
Year-to-Date Average September 30, 2024
Year-to-Date Average September 30, 2023
Balance
Rate
Balance
Rate
(dollars in thousands)
Demand, noninterest-bearing
$
1,256,799
-
$
1,360,120
-
Demand, interest-bearing & NOW
3,244,714
3.60
%
3,273,780
3.03
%
Savings
477,037
3.25
367,582
2.20
Time
2,593,716
4.49
2,541,620
3.50
Total average deposits
$
7,572,266
3.29
%
$
7,543,102
2.60
%
Average total deposits increased by $29.2 million, or 0.4%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in total average deposits was primarily attributed to increases in savings deposits of $109.5 million and time deposits of $52.1 million, partially offset by decreases in noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $103.3 million and interest-bearing demand deposits of $29.1 million.
The increase in average time deposits of $52.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was attributed to increases in retail time deposits of $121.8 million and internet listing services of $0.3 million, partially offset by decreases in CDARs of $44.9 million and nonreciprocal brokered time deposits of $25.2 million.
The decrease in year-to-date 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024 included $1.2 billion in ICS reciprocal deposits, compared to $0.9 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Average time deposits during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included $73.0 million in CDARS, compared to $117.8 million during the nine months ended September 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.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Balance
Balance
(dollars in thousands)
As stated in FFIEC 041-Consolidated Report of Condition, schedule RC-O:
Total Bank unconsolidated deposits (including affiliate and subsidiary accounts)
$
11,534,113
$
11,243,254
Estimated uninsured deposits
6,495,041
6,152,454
The Company, on a consolidated basis:
Total deposits
$
7,524,105
$
7,356,202
Estimated uninsured deposits (excluding affiliate and subsidiary accounts)
2,448,793
2,388,545
The following table sets forth the distribution of total actual deposit accounts, by account types for the periods indicated.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Amount
Percent of total
Amount
Percent of total
(dollars in thousands)
Demand, noninterest-bearing
$
1,262,568
16.8
%
$
1,259,364
16.7
%
Demand, interest-bearing & NOW
3,118,844
41.5
3,326,989
44.1
Savings
528,506
7.0
418,478
5.6
Time
2,614,187
34.7
2,531,371
33.6
Total deposits
$
7,524,105
100.0
%
$
7,536,202
100.0
%
Total deposits decreased by $12.1 million, or 0.2%, to $7.52 billion as of September 30, 2024 from $7.54 billion as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in total deposits was primarily attributed to a decrease in interest-bearing demand deposits of $208.1 million, partially offset by increases in savings deposits of $110.0 million, time deposits of $82.9 million and noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $3.2 million.
Total interest-bearing demand deposits as of both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 include $1.1 billion in ICS reciprocal deposits. Total time deposits as of September 30, 2024 include $66.2 million in CDARS, compared to $96.0 million as of December 31, 2023.
Included in time deposits were nonreciprocal brokered deposits of $824.9 million as of September 30, 2024, which decreased from $915.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
As of September 30, 2024, we held $797.4 million of time deposits balances greater than $250,000. The following table provides information on the maturity distribution of the time deposits with balances greater than $250,000 as of September 30, 2024:
September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
3 months or less
$
256,595
Over 3 to 6 months
240,389
Over 6 to 12 months
259,258
Over 12 months
41,127
Total
$
797,369
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 Parent Corporation 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 September 30, 2024 was 8.37%.
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.
The Company’s stockholders’ equity remained relatively flat at approximately $1.2 billion at both September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023. Retained earnings increased by $29 million and was offset by increases in treasury stock of $6 million and accumulated other comprehensive losses of $2 million. As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share were 9.71% and $23.85, respectively, compared to 9.25% and $23.14, respectively, as of December 31, 2023. Total goodwill and other intangible assets were $213.3 million as of September 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.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands, except for share and per share data)
Stockholders equity
$
1,239,496
$
1,216,620
Less: preferred stock
(110,927
)
(110,927
)
Common equity
$
1,128,569
$
1,105,693
Less: intangible assets
(213,307
)
(214,246
)
Tangible common stockholders’ equity
$
915,262
$
891,447
Total assets
$
9,639,603
$
9,855,603
Less: intangible assets
(213,307
)
(214,246
)
Tangible assets
$
9,426,296
$
9,641,357
Common stock outstanding at period end
38,368,217
38,519,770
Tangible common equity ratio (1)
9.71
%
9.25
%
Book value per common share
$
29.41
$
28.70
Less: intangible assets
5.56
5.56
Tangible book value per common share
$
23.85
$
23.14
(1)
Tangible common equity ratio is tangible common equity divided by tangible assets and is a non-GAAP measure.
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 September 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).
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
The Company
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
As of September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Tier 1 leverage capital
$
1,066,909
11.10
%
$
384,576
4.00
%
NA
NA
CET I risk-based ratio
950,827
11.07
386,452
4.50
NA
NA
Tier 1 risk-based capital
1,066,909
12.42
515,269
6.00
NA
NA
Total risk-based capital
1,226,809
14.29
687,025
8.00
NA
NA
N/A - not applicable
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
The Bank
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
As of September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Tier 1 leverage capital
$
1,097,976
11.43
%
$
384,233
4.00
%
480,291
5.00
%
CET I risk-based ratio
1,097,976
12.79
386,444
4.50
558,197
6.50
Tier 1 risk-based capital
1,097,976
12.79
515,259
6.00
687,012
8.00
Total risk-based capital
1,182,876
13.77
687,012
8.00
858,765
10.00
As of September 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 3.79% above the minimum buffer ratio and, at the Bank, the lowest ratio was the Total Risk Based Capital Ratio which was 3.27% above the minimum buffer ratio.
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risks
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.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
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.
The Company is not subject to any legal proceedings, which could have a materially adverse impact on its results of operations and financial condition.
Item 1a. Risk Factors
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.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Share Repurchase Program
Historically, repurchases have been made from time to time as, in the opinion of management, market conditions warranted, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company did not repurchase any shares. As of September 30, 2024, shares remaining for repurchase under the program were 641,118.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
*Exhibits 2.1, 10.1 and 10.2 are incorporated by reference from Exhibits 2.1, 10.1 and 10.2, respectively to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 5, 2024.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf, by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ Frank Sorrentino III
By:
/s/ William S. Burns
Frank Sorrentino III
William S. Burns
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
