Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation Reports Second Quarter Results, Quarterly Cash Dividend, and Stock Repurchase Program

BEDMINSTER, N.J., July 26, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: PGC) (the “Company”) announces its second quarter 2019 results, a quarterly dividend, and a stock repurchase program. 

The Company recorded total revenue of $84.03 million, pretax income of $30.89 million, net income of $22.98 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.18 for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $79.59 million, $29.76 million, $22.72 million and $1.20, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018, reflecting increases of 6% in revenue and 4% in pretax income, but only 1% in net income, due to the increase in the effective tax rate in 2019. The Company’s 2019 six-month period included increases in net interest income and non-interest income of $4.44 million, partially offset by increased operating expenses of $3.61 million. The effective tax rate was 25.63% for 2019 compared to 23.68% for 2018; the increase was caused by changes in NJ State tax law.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded revenue of $42.29 million, pretax income of $14.97 million, net income of $11.55 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.59, compared to $40.98 million, $15.74 million, $11.91 million and $0.62 for the same three-month period last year. The 2019 quarter included increased non-interest income, which was offset by an increased provision for loan losses (due to loan growth late in the 2019 quarter) and increased operating expenses.  

On July 25, 2019, the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 960,000 shares, or approximately 5% of its outstanding shares, over a time-period through and including June 30, 2020. Purchases will be conducted in accordance with the limitations set forth in the SEC’s Rule 10b-18.  

Douglas L. Kennedy, President and CEO, said, “We believe our existing capital is strong and believe that purchasing our Company’s stock is an opportunity for us to effectively manage our excess capital.”

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The following tables summarize specified financial measures for the periods shown.

Year over Year Comparison

1. The six months ended June 30, 2019 included a full six months of wealth management fee income and expense related to Lassus Wherley, which was acquired effective September 1, 2018.

June 2019 Quarter Compared to Prior Year Quarter            

1. The June 2019 quarter included a full quarter of wealth management fee income and expense related to Lassus Wherley, which was acquired effective September 1, 2018.

June 2019 Quarter Compared to Linked Quarter

Mr. Kennedy said, “Our results were impacted by the shape of the yield curve, competitive pressures in our markets, and the fact that our loan growth came near the end of the quarter. The current shape of the yield curve has caused market yields on assets to fall while the cost of deposits has not yet followed course. In light of this, our team has taken a number of steps to address current conditions, as noted throughout this release.”

Other highlights for the quarter included:

• Wealth Management remains integral to our strategy and provides a diversified, predictable, and stable source of revenue over time:
  • On July 3, 2019, the Company announced its agreement to acquire Point View Wealth Management, Inc. (“Point View”), a registered investment advisor headquartered in Summit, NJ, which is expected to add approximately $300 million of assets under management and/or administration (“AUM/AUA”).
  • At June 30, 2019, the market value of AUM/AUA at the Peapack Private Wealth Management Division of Peapack-Gladstone Bank (the “Bank”) was $6.6 billion reflecting an increase of $228 million from $6.3 billion at March 31, 2019, and $874 million from $5.7 billion at June 30, 2018, reflecting growth of 15%.
  • Wealth management fee income totaled $9.57 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, reflecting an increase of $394,000, or 4%, from the March 2019 quarter, and an increase of $1.4 million, or 18%, from the June 2018 quarter. 
  • Wealth management fee income, which comprised approximately 23% of the Company’s total revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, continues to contribute significantly to the Company’s diversified revenue sources.
• The loan portfolio continues to shift from lower yielding multifamily to higher yielding commercial and industrial (C&I) lending (including equipment finance):
  • Total C&I loans (including equipment finance leases and loans of $504 million) at June 30, 2019 were $1.52 billion.  This reflected net growth of $449 million (42%) when compared to $1.07 billion at June 30, 2018 and reflected net growth of $108 million when compared to the March 31, 2019 balance (8% growth linked quarter; 31% annualized). 
  • As of June 30, 2019, total C&I loans comprised 38% of the total loan portfolio, as compared to 36% at March 31, 2019 and 29% at June 30, 2018. As of June 30, 2019, total multifamily loans comprised 28% of the total loan portfolio relatively flat when compared to March 31, 2019 and lower as compared to 35% a year earlier at June 30, 2018.
  • The Bank’s concentration in commercial real estate loans declined to 375% of risk-based capital at June 30, 2019 from 379% at March 31, 2019 and 425% at June 30, 2018.
• Deposits, funding, and interest rate risk continue to be actively managed:
  • Deposits totaled $4.10 billion at June 30, 2019. This reflected net growth of $573 million (16%) when compared to $3.52 billion at June 30, 2018 and reflected net growth of $176 million when compared to the March 31, 2019 balance (5% growth linked quarter; 18% annualized). 
  • The Company’s loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 98.5% at June 30, 2019, from 99.5% at March 31, 2019, and 105.8% at June 30, 2018.   
  • The Company continues to have access to $1.4 billion of available secured funding at the Federal Home Loan Bank.
  • At June 30, 2019, the Company’s interest rate sensitivity models indicate the Company is slightly asset sensitive, and that net interest income would improve slightly in a rising rate environment but decline slightly in a falling rate environment. The Company is managing its balance sheet to be less asset sensitive and closer to interest rate neutral.
• Capital and asset quality continue to be strong.
  • The Company’s and Bank’s capital ratios at June 30, 2019 remain strong. The Company believes its existing capital and capital generation from earnings will be more than adequate to support planned balance sheet growth and wealth acquisitions.
  • The Company authorized a 5% stock repurchase program on July 25, 2019.  
  • Despite a new nonaccrual relationship totaling $6.6 million in the quarter, asset quality metrics continued to be strong as of June 30, 2019. Nonperforming assets at June 30, 2019 were $31.2 million, or 0.64% of total assets. Total loans past due 30 through 89 days and still accruing were $432,000, or 0.01% of total loans, at June 30, 2019.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUARTERLY DETAILS:

Wealth Management Business

In the June 2019 quarter, the Bank’s wealth management business generated $9.57 million in fee income, an increase of $394,000 compared to $9.17 million for the March 2019 quarter, and an increase of $1.44 million compared to $8.13 million for the June 2018 quarter. 

When compared to the June 2018 quarter, the June 2019 quarter included three months of fee income related to Lassus Wherley ($1.1 million), which was acquired effective September 1, 2018, as well as increased fees from net organic growth in assets under management.

John P. Babcock, President of the newly-branded, “Peapack Private Wealth Management Division”, said, “I am pleased with our results; we had $485 million of new business inflows in the first half of 2019 and have a strong pipeline as we look ahead over the next two quarters. We are making significant forward progress on integrating the systems, processes and people from our 2017 and 2018 acquisitions and continue to selectively look for additional acquisitions that can add talent and expertise to our wealth management organization.”

Loans / Commercial Banking

Net loans increased by $131 million from $3.86 billion at March 31, 2019 to $3.99 billion at June 30, 2019 (3% growth linked quarter, 13% annualized). Loan/line origination levels continued to be strong ($284 million for the June 30, 2019 quarter) but were partially offset by paydown activity. Mr. Kennedy noted, “Despite our robust loan originations, our average loan balances for the quarter actually declined relative to the first quarter’s average balance, as the majority of our loan volume closed near the end of the second quarter. We will see the benefit of our second quarter loan production in the third quarter. Additionally, we have entered the third quarter with very strong loan pipelines.” Net new loan growth during the second quarter was funded by net new deposit growth.

Total commercial and industrial loans (including equipment finance leases and loans) grew $108 million (8% growth linked quarter, 31% annualized) to $1.52 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2019, compared to $1.41 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2019.

Mr. Kennedy said, “The loan market continues to be extremely competitive from a structure/credit and a pricing perspective. As I have noted before, we will continue to be disciplined and not compromise our credit standards, but we will compete on price, as long as returns remain reasonable as measured by our proprietary loan pricing model.”

Mr. Kennedy also said, “Our newly expanded Corporate Advisory and Structured Finance businesses give us the capability to engage in high level strategic debt, capital and valuation analysis coupled with succession, estate and wealth planning strategies, enabling us to provide a unique boutique level of service, giving us a competitive advantage over much of our peers.”

Kennedy went on to say, “As previously announced, Greg Smith joined us from Capital One on April 1^st as EVP, Head of Commercial Banking. Greg is an accomplished commercial banking professional, whom I have known for many years.”

Funding / Liquidity / Interest Rate Risk Management

As noted in prior quarters, the Company has actively managed its deposit base to reduce reliance on wholesale sourced deposits and/or reduce volatility or operational risk.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, the Company utilized its increased capital and deposit growth to fund its loan growth and increase its on balance sheet liquidity (interest-earning deposits and investment securities). 

In addition to approximately $688 million of cash, cash equivalents and investment securities on its balance sheet, the Company also had approximately $1.4 billion of secured funding available from the Federal Home Loan Bank, of which only $105 million was drawn as of June 30, 2019.
             
Mr. Kennedy noted, “We have discontinued our promotional CD programs, and we may utilize lower cost fixed rate wholesale borrowings and/or interest rate swaps, as opposed to retail deposits, to fund fixed rate loan production.”

Mr. Kennedy also noted, “As previously announced, Rick DeBel joined us from Wells Fargo on May 6^th as EVP, Deposit Solutions, a newly created position. Rick’s first task was to work with our Senior Leadership Team to construct a comprehensive deposit rate reduction program, with an eye toward relationship profitability. Rate reduction targets have been established and will be phased in over time. We have actively managed our loan to deposit ratio down to approximately 98%, and our cash and cash equivalents to exceed $300 million. This provides flexibility to manage deposit rates down in the coming months.”

Kennedy went on to note, “The northeast market continues to be extremely competitive for deposits. The Company is focused on providing high touch client service, a key element in growing its personal and commercial core deposit base. The Company is focused on multiple retail channels, as well as commercial channels, including its enhanced Treasury Management and Escrow offerings. Further, all of our Private Bankers remain keenly focused on deposit gathering, including our new Professional Services Group, led by a seasoned commercial banker who joined us recently.”

Net Interest Income (NII)/Net Interest Margin (NIM)

 Net interest income and net interest margin comparisons are shown above.

Mr. Kennedy noted, “Last quarter we said that our forecasting models indicated a net interest margin in the 2.95% to 3.00% range by the end of 2020. We also said, while we still believe our margin will improve over that same time frame, the target may be difficult to attain if the shape of the current yield curve remains for an extended period. Given the current market, we now believe the 2.95% to 3.00% target will not be achieved until the end of 2021.”    

Other Noninterest Income (other than Wealth Management fee income)

The second quarter of 2019 included $573,000 of income related to the Company’s SBA lending and sale program, compared to $419,000 generated in the March 2019 quarter, and $814,000 in the June 2018 quarter.

The second quarter of 2019 included $721,000 of loan level, back-to-back swap income compared to $270,000 in the March 2019 quarter and $900,000 in the June 2018 quarter. This program provides a borrower with a degree of interest rate protection on a variable rate loan, while still providing an adjustable rate to the Company, thus helping to manage the Company’s interest rate risk, while contributing to income.

Income from both of these programs are not linear each quarter, as some quarters will be higher than others.

Other income totaled $740,000 for the second quarter of 2019, compared to $606,000 for the first quarter of 2019, and $639,000 for the second quarter of 2018. The increase in the June 2019 quarter was due to increased commercial banking fees, particularly unused line of credit fees and letter of credit fees.

Operating Expenses

The Company’s total operating expenses were $26.17 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, compared to $25.72 million for the March 2019 quarter and $24.94 million for the June 2018 quarter. The June 2019 and the March 2019 quarters each included three months of expense related to Lassus Wherley (which closed in September 2018). Strategic hiring and normal salary increases also contributed to the increase for the June 2019 quarter. FDIC insurance expense for the June 2019 quarter decreased when compared to prior year (June 2018) quarter. Mr. Kennedy said, “The Company has launched a company-wide expense review, with a goal of slowing expense growth, while continuing our investment in digital and in client acquisition initiatives.”

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the June 2019 quarter was 22.9%, compared to 28.2% for the March 2019 quarter, and 24.3% for the June 2018 quarter. The March 2019 quarter included higher NJ State Income Tax due to the change in NJ Tax law. A portion of the additional NJ State tax accrued in the first quarter was reversed in the second quarter, when the State published certain clarifications during the second quarter. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was 25.6% compared to 23.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2018.   

Asset Quality / Provision for Loan and Lease Losses

Nonperforming assets at June 30, 2019 (which does not include troubled debt restructured loans that are performing in accordance with their terms) were $31.2 million, or 0.64% of total assets, compared to $24.9 million, or 0.53% of total assets, at March 31, 2019 and $13.6 million, or 0.32% of total assets, at June 30, 2018. Total loans past due 30 through 89 days and still accruing were $432,000 at June 30, 2019, compared to $2.5 million at March 31, 2019 and $3.5 million at June 30, 2018. The increase in the June 2019 quarter was due to one $6.6 million casual dining commercial banking relationship, which also continues to pay as agreed. A specific allowance for loan losses of $1.0 million was recorded on this loan in the June 2019 quarter. 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, the Company’s provision for loan and lease losses was $1.2 million compared to $100,000 for the March 2019 quarter and $300,000 for the June 2018 quarter. The Company’s provision for loan and lease losses (and its allowance for loan and lease losses) reflect, among other things, the Company’s asset quality metrics, net loan growth, net charge-offs, and the composition of the loan portfolio. The increased provision for the June 2019 quarter resulted from an increase in the loan portfolio, as well as the specific reserve noted above.

At June 30, 2019, the allowance for loan and lease losses of $39.79 million (128% of nonperforming loans and 0.99% of total loans), compared to $38.65 million at March 31, 2019 (155% of nonperforming loans and 0.99% of total loans), and $38.07 million (317% of nonperforming loans and 1.02% of total loans) at June 30, 2018. 

Capital / Dividend / Stock Repurchase Program

The Company’s capital position in the June 2019 quarter was benefitted by net income of $11.55 million. The Company’s and Bank’s capital ratios at June 30, 2019 all remain strong.  Such ratios remain well above regulatory well capitalized standards.

On July 25, 2019, the Company authorized a 5% stock repurchase program (up to 960,000 shares) and declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per share payable on August 22, 2019 to shareholders of record on August 8, 2019.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation is a New Jersey bank holding company with total assets of $4.87 billion and wealth management assets under management and/or administration (AUM/AUA) of $6.6 billion as of June 30, 2019. Founded in 1921, Peapack-Gladstone Bank is a commercial bank that provides innovative private banking services to businesses, non-profits and consumers, which help them to establish, maintain and expand their legacy. Through its private banking locations in Bedminster, Morristown, Princeton and Teaneck, its Private Wealth Management Division, and its branch network and online platforms, Peapack-Gladstone Bank offers an unparalleled commitment to client service.

The foregoing may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about management’s confidence and strategies and management’s expectations about new and existing programs and products, investments, relationships, opportunities and market conditions. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “expect,” “look,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

• our inability to successfully grow our business and implement our strategic plan, including an inability to generate revenues to offset the increased personnel and other costs related to the strategic plan;
• the impact of anticipated higher operating expenses in 2019 and beyond;
• our inability to successfully integrate wealth management firm acquisitions;
• our inability to manage our growth;
• our inability to successfully integrate our expanded employee base;
• an unexpected decline in the economy, in particular in our New Jersey and New York market areas;
• declines in our net interest margin caused by the interest rate environment and/or our highly competitive market;
• declines in value in our investment portfolio;
• higher than expected increases in our allowance for loan and lease losses;
• higher than expected increases in loan and lease losses or in the level of nonperforming loans;
• changes in interest rates;
• decline in real estate values within our market areas;
• legislative and regulatory actions (including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Basel III and related regulations) that may result in increased compliance costs;
• successful cyberattacks against our IT infrastructure and that of our IT and third party providers;
• higher than expected FDIC insurance premiums;
• adverse weather conditions;
• our inability to successfully generate new business in new geographic markets;
• our inability to execute upon new business initiatives;
• our lack of liquidity to fund our various cash obligations;
• reduction in our lower-cost funding sources;
• our inability to adapt to technological changes;
• claims and litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibility, environmental laws and other matters;
• our ability to retain key employees;
• demands for loans and deposits in our market areas;
• adverse changes in securities markets;
• changes in accounting policies and practices;
• effects related to a prolonged shutdown of the federal government which could impact SBA and other government lending programs; and
• other unexpected material adverse changes in our operations or earnings.

A discussion of these and other factors that could affect our results is included in our SEC filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Contact:

Jeffrey J. Carfora, SEVP and CFO

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation

T: 908-719-4308

(Tables to follow)
PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in Thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

(A)  The December 31, 2018 quarter includes death benefit from life insurance policy of $3.0 million related to the December 31, 2018 passing of the founder and managing principal of MCM.
(B)  Total revenue includes net interest income plus total other income.
(C)  Calculated as total operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue. For Non-GAAP efficiency ratio, see Non-GAAP financial measures reconciliation included in these tables.

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in Thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

(A)  Total revenue includes net interest income plus total other income.
(B)  Calculated as total operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue. For Non-GAAP efficiency ratio, see Non-GAAP financial measures reconciliation included in these tables.

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

(A)  Includes goodwill and intangibles from the Murphy Capital Management, Quadrant Capital Management and Lassus Wherley and Associates acquisitions completed in August 2017, November 2017 and September 2018, respectively.
(B)  Resulted from the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”.

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

(A) Amount includes one commercial real estate loan with a loan balance of $14.6 million at June 30, 2019, $14.8 million at March 31, 2019 and $15.2 million at December 31, 2018 which continues to pay as agreed, and which the Company believes to be well secured. In addition, one hospitality relationship with a balance of $6.6 million went on nonaccrual at June 30, 2019.
(B)  Amounts reflect TDRs that are paying according to restructured terms.
(C)  Amount does not include $19.8 million at June 30, 2019, $20.0 million at March 31, 2019, $20.5 million at December 31, 2018, $5.5 million at September 30, 2018, and $6.9 million at June 30, 2018 of TDRs included in nonaccrual loans.
(D) Total ALLL less specific reserves equals general ALLL.

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

(A)  Equity to total assets is calculated as total shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets at period end.
(B)  Tangible equity and tangible assets are calculated by excluding the balance of intangible assets from shareholders’ equity and total assets, respectively. Tangible equity as a percentage of tangible assets at period end is calculated by dividing tangible equity by tangible assets at period end.  See Non-GAAP financial measures reconciliation included in these tables.
(C)  Book value per common share is calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity by period end common shares outstanding.
(D)  Tangible book value per share is different than book value per share because it excludes intangible assets. Tangible book value per share is calculated by dividing tangible equity by period end common shares outstanding. See Non-GAAP financial measures reconciliation tables.

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
LOANS CLOSED
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

(A)  Includes loans and lines of credit that closed in the period, but not necessarily funded.
(B)  Includes equipment finance.

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET
UNAUDITED
THREE MONTHS ENDED
(Tax-Equivalent Basis, Dollars in Thousands)

(A)  Average balances for available for sale securities are based on amortized cost.
(B)  Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a 21% federal tax rate.
(C)  Loans are stated net of unearned income and include nonaccrual loans.
(D)  Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis as a percentage of total average interest-earning assets.

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET
UNAUDITED
THREE MONTHS ENDED
(Tax-Equivalent Basis, Dollars in Thousands)