PEAPACK GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORP - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2021

OR

For the transition period from              to                 

Commission File No. 001-16197

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

500 Hills Drive, Suite 300

Bedminster, New Jersey 07921-0700

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(908) 234-0700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 requirement 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 Regulations 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 an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

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 13 (a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 30, 2021: 19,035,870

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

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Item 1. Financial Statements

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

4

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020

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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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PEAPACK-GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (the “Corporation” or the “Company”). In the opinion of the management of the Corporation, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting solely of normal and recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2021, and the results of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), shareholders’ equity for 2020 and cash flow statements for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or for any future period.

Principles of Consolidation and Organization: The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared on the accrual basis and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peapack-Gladstone Bank (the “Bank”). The consolidated financial statements also include the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries:

While the following footnotes include the consolidated results of the Company, the Bank and their subsidiaries, these footnotes primarily reflect the Bank’s and its subsidiaries’ activities. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated from the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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

Segment Information:  The Company’s business is conducted through two business segments: its banking segment, which involves the delivery of loan and deposit products to customers, and the Peapack Private Wealth Management Division (“Peapack Private”), which includes asset management services to individuals and institutions. Management uses certain methodologies to allocate income and expense to the business segments.

The Banking segment includes commercial (includes C&I and equipment financing), commercial real estate, multifamily, residential and consumer lending activities; treasury management services; C&I advisory services; escrow management; deposit generation; operation of ATMs; telephone and internet banking services; merchant credit card services and customer support services.

Peapack Private includes: investment management services for individuals and institutions; personal trust services, including services as executor, trustee, administrator and custodian; and other financial planning and advisory services. This segment also includes the activity from the Delaware subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware and Murphy Capital.  Wealth management fees are primarily earned over time as the Company provides the contracted monthly or quarterly services and are generally assessed based on a tiered scale of the market value of AUM at month-end.  Fees that are transaction based, including trade execution services, are recognized at the point in time that the transaction is executed (i.e. trade date).

Cash and Cash Equivalents:  For purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods.  Cash equivalents

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are of original maturities of 90 days or less. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions and short-term borrowings with original maturities of 90 days or less.

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

Securities: All debt securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax.  The Company also has an investment in a CRA investment fund, which is classified as an equity security.  

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

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant. For securities in an unrealized loss position, Management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss, which is recognized in the income statement and 2) other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis.

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

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

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

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

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans originated with the intent to sell in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. SBA loans are generally sold with the servicing rights retained. Gains and losses on the sale of SBA loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.  Total SBA loans serviced totaled $77.0 million and $65.5 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.  SBA loans held for sale totaled $1.8 million and $6.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company also has loans originated through the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that are held for sale.  As of March 31, 2021, the Company had $45.8 million of PPP loans that were designated held for sale.

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

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

Loans are considered past due when they are not paid within 30 days in accordance with contractual terms. The accrual of income on loans, including impaired loans, is discontinued if, in the opinion of Management, principal or interest is not likely to be paid

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in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, or when principal or interest is past due 90 days unless the asset is both well secured and in the process of collection. All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual are reversed against interest income. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are recorded as principal payments. A nonaccrual loan is returned to accrual status only when interest and principal payments are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured, generally when the Bank receives contractual payments for a minimum of six consecutive months. Commercial loans are generally charged off, in whole or in part, after an analysis is completed which indicates that collectability of the full principal balance is in doubt. Consumer closed-end loans are generally charged off after they become 120 days past due and open-end loans after 180 days. Subsequent payments are credited to income only if collection of principal is not in doubt. If principal and interest payments are brought contractually current and future collectability is reasonably assured, loans may be returned to accrual status. Nonaccrual mortgage loans are generally charged off to the extent that the value of the underlying collateral does not cover the outstanding principal balance. The majority of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses:  The allowance for loan and lease losses is a valuation allowance for credit losses that is Management’s estimate of probable losses in the loan portfolio.  The process to determine reserves utilizes analytic tools and Management judgment and is reviewed on a quarterly basis. When Management is reasonably certain that a loan balance is not fully collectable, an impairment analysis is completed whereby a specific reserve may be established or a full or partial charge off is recorded against the allowance.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the size and composition of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations, estimated collateral values, level of and trends in delinquent, classified and nonperforming loans, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans via a specific reserve, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in Management’s judgment, should be charged off.

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

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

Loans are individually evaluated for impairment when they are classified as substandard by Management. If a loan is considered impaired, a portion of the allowance may be allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or if repayment is expected solely from the underlying collateral, the loan principal balance is compared to the fair value of collateral less estimated disposition costs to determine the need, if any, for a charge off.

The general component of the allowance covers non-impaired loans and is based primarily on the Company’s historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experience by the Company on a weighted average basis over the previous three years. This actual loss experience is adjusted by other qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. As a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company increased certain qualitative factors related to elevated levels of unemployment, economic forecasts and approved loan deferral payment requests as businesses both locally and nationally were shut down and have only gradually and partially reopened.  The Company also considered qualitative factors related to the following:  levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staffing and experience; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations.  For loans that are graded as non-impaired, the Company allocates a higher general reserve percentage than pass-rated loans using a multiple that is calculated annually through a migration analysis.  At both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the multiple was 2.25 times for non-impaired special mention loans and 3.25 times for non-impaired substandard loans.

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

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On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES“) Act, which provides entities with optional temporary relief from certain accounting and financial reporting requirements under U.S. GAAP.

The CARES Act allows financial institutions to suspend application of certain current TDR accounting guidance under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 310-40 for loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of December 31, 2020 or 60 days after the end of the COVID-19 national emergency, provided certain criteria are met. This relief can be applied to loan modifications for borrowers that were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019 and to loan modifications that defer or delay the payment of principal or interest or change the interest rate on the loan. The revised CARES Act allows for loan modifications through January 1, 2022.  In April 2020, federal and state banking regulators issued the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus to provide further interpretation of when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, specifically indicating that if the modification is either short-term (e.g., six months) or mandated by a federal or state government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the borrower is not experiencing financial difficulty under ASC 310-40. The Company continues to prudently work with borrowers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while managing credit risks and recognizing an appropriate allowance for loan and lease losses on its loan portfolio.  The Company approved total loan modifications under the CARES Act of $946.7 million, of which $42.8 million remain outstanding as of March 31, 2021.  

Another key program under the CARES Act is the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) administered by the SBA which has provided much needed funding to qualifying businesses and organizations.  Under this program, the Company has provided fundings of approximately $650 million. In the third quarter of 2020, the Company sold approximately $355.0 million of such loans, servicing rights released to a third party.  The Company has approximately $232.7 million of PPP loans remaining in its portfolio as of March 31, 2021 and believes that the majority of these loans will be forgiven by the SBA.

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

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

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

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

Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Loans.  The Bank provides mortgage loans for multifamily properties (i.e. buildings which have five or more residential units) and other commercial real estate that is either owner occupied or managed as an investment property (non-owner occupied) in the Tri-State area and Pennsylvania. Commercial real estate properties primarily include retail buildings/shopping centers, hotels, office/medical buildings and industrial/warehouse space. Some properties are considered “mixed use” as they are a combination of building types, such as a building with retail space on the ground floor and either residential apartments or office suites on the upper floors. Multifamily loans are expected to be repaid from the cash flows of the underlying property so the collective amount of rents must be sufficient to cover all operating expenses, property management and

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maintenance, taxes and debt service. Increases in vacancy rates, interest rates or other changes in general economic conditions can have an impact on the borrower and its ability to repay the loan. Commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk than multifamily loans as they may be dependent on the ongoing success and operating viability of a fewer number of tenants who are occupying the property and who may have a greater degree of exposure to economic conditions.

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

Leasing and Equipment Finance.  PCC offers a range of finance solutions nationally. PCC provides term loans and leases secured by assets financed for U.S. based mid-size and large companies. Facilities tend to be fully drawn under fixed rate terms. PCC serves a broad range of industries including transportation, manufacturing, heavy construction and utilities.

Asset risk in PCC’s portfolio is generally recognized through changes to loan income, or through changes to lease related income streams due to fluctuations in lease rates.  Changes to lease income can occur when the existing lease contract expires, the asset comes off lease or the business seeks to enter a new lease agreement.  Asset risk may also change depreciation, resulting from changes in the residual value of the operating lease asset or through impairment of the asset carrying value, which can occur at any time during the life of the asset.

Credit risk in PCC’s portfolio generally results from the potential default of borrowers or lessees, which may be driven by customer specific or broader industry related conditions.  Credit losses can impact multiple parts of the income statement including loss of interest/lease/rental income and/or higher costs and expenses related to the repossession, refurbishment, re-marketing and or re-leasing of assets.

Consumer and Other.  These are loans to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures as well as obligations of states and political subdivisions in the U.S. This also represents all other loans that cannot be categorized in any of the previous mentioned loan segments.  Consumer loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms than residential loans but tend to have higher credit risk due to the type of collateral securing the loan or in some cases the absence of collateral.

Leases:  At inception, contracts are evaluated to determine whether the contract constitutes a lease agreement. For contracts that are determined to be an operating lease, a corresponding right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and operating lease liability are recorded in separate line items on the statement of condition. A ROU asset represents the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and a lease liability represents the Company’s commitment to make contractually obligated lease payments. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease and are based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The measurement of the operating lease ROU asset includes any lease payments made.

If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the incremental collateralized borrowing rate is used to determine the present value of lease payments. This rate gives consideration to the applicable FHLB collateralized borrowing rates and is based on the information available at the commencement date. The Company has elected to apply the short-term lease measurement and recognition exemption to leases with an initial term of 12 months or less; therefore, these leases are not recorded on the Company’s statement of condition, but rather, lease expense is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. The Company’s lease agreements may include options to extend or terminate the lease. The Company’s decision to exercise renewal options is based on an assessment of its current business needs and market factors at the time of the renewal.  The Company maintains certain property and equipment under direct financing and operating leases.  Substantially all of the leases in which the Company is the lessee are comprised of real estate property for branches and office space and are classified as operating leases.  

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The ROU asset is measured at the amount of the lease liability adjusted for lease incentives received, any cumulative prepaid or accrued rent if the lease payments are uneven throughout the lease term, any unamortized initial direct costs, and any impairment of the ROU asset. Operating lease expense consists of: a single lease cost allocated over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis, variable lease payments not included in the lease liability, and any impairment of the ROU asset.

There are no terms or conditions related to residual value guarantees and no restrictions or covenants that would impact the Company’s ability to pay dividends or to incur additional financial obligations.

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

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

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

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

The Company also offers facility specific / loan level swaps to its customers and offsets its exposure from such contracts by entering into mirror image swaps with a financial institution / swap counterparty (loan level / back to back swap program).  The customer accommodations and any offsetting swaps are treated as non-hedging derivative instruments which do not qualify for hedge accounting (“standalone derivatives”).  The notional amount of the swaps does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties.  The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual contracts.  The fair value of the swaps is recorded as both an asset and a liability, in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in equal amounts for these transactions. The Company is exposed to losses if a customer counterparty fails to make its payments under a contract in which the Company is in a net receiving position.  At this time, the Company anticipates that our counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under the agreements.  All of the contracts to which the Company is a party settle monthly.  Further, the Company has netting agreements with the dealers with which it does business.

Stock-Based Compensation: The Company’s 2006 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and 2012 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan allow the granting of shares of the Company’s common stock as incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights to directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. There are no shares remaining for issuance with respect to the stock option plan approved in 2002, however options granted under this plan are still included in the numbers below. Options granted under these plans are, in general, exercisable not earlier than one year after the date of grant, at a price equal to the fair value of common stock on the date of grant and expire not more than ten years after the date of grant. Stock options may vest during a period of up to five years after the date of grant.  Some options granted to officers at or above the senior vice president level were immediately exercisable at the date of grant.  The Company has a policy of using authorized but unissued shares to satisfy option exercises.

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Upon adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” the Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures.

For the Company’s stock option plans, changes in options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows:

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the first quarter of 2021 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options). The Company’s closing stock price on March 31, 2021 was $30.88.

There were no stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2021.  

The Company issued performance-based and service-based restricted stock units in 2021 and 2020. Service-based units vest ratably over a three- or five-year period.  There were 187,762 service-based restricted stock units granted during the first quarter of 2021.    

The performance-based awards are dependent upon the Company meeting certain performance criteria and, to the extent the performance criteria are met, will cliff vest at the end of the performance period which is generally three years.  There were 51,710 performance-based restricted stock units granted in the first quarter of 2021.   

Changes in non-vested shares dependent on performance criteria for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows:

Changes in service-based restricted stock awards/units for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows:

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As of March 31, 2021, there was $17.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to service-based and performance-based units.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.65 years. Stock compensation expense recorded for the first quarters of 2021 and 2020 totaled $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”): In July 2019, the Board appointed ESPP “committee” revised the ESPP. The ESPP provides for the granting of rights to purchase up to 150,000 shares of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation common stock. In May 2020, shareholders approved an increase of 200,000 shares of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation common stock to be issued under the ESPP.

Subject to certain eligibility requirements and restrictions, the ESPP provided for a single Offering Period of twelve months in duration, which commenced on May 16, 2019 and ended on May 15, 2020.

During the second quarter of 2020, the ESPP was revised to allow for the purchase of shares during four three-month Offering Periods. The first Offering Period under this revised plan commenced on May 16, 2020.  The next three future Offering Periods will commence on August 16, November 16 and February 16.

Each participant in the Offering Period is granted an option to purchase a number of shares and may contribute between one percent and 15 percent of their compensation. At the end of each Offering Period on the purchase date, the number of shares to be purchased by the employee is determined by dividing the employee’s contributions accumulated during the Offering Period by the applicable purchase price. The purchase price is an amount equal to 85 percent of the closing market price of a share of common stock on the purchase date. Participation in the ESPP is entirely voluntary and employees can cancel their purchases at any time during the period without penalty. The fair value of each share purchase right is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

The Company recorded $30,000 and $41,000 of expense in salaries and employee benefits expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively related to the ESPP.  Total shares issued under the ESPP during the first quarter of 2021 and 2020 were 8,425 and 0, respectively.

Earnings per share – Basic and Diluted:  The following is a reconciliation of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income available to shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share is computed similarly to that of basic net income per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding utilizing the Treasury Stock Method if all shares underlying potentially dilutive stock options were issued and all restricted stock, stock warrants or restricted stock units were to vest during the reporting period.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, restricted stock units totaling 239,472 and 570,102 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive shares are common stock equivalents with weighted average exercise prices in excess of the average market value for the periods presented.

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

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

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

The Company is no longer subject to examination by the U.S. Federal tax authorities for years prior to 2016 or by New Jersey tax authorities for years prior to 2015.  

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

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

Restrictions on Cash: A large portion of cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements. Prior to March 2020, reserves were in the form of cash and balances with the FRB and included in interest-earning deposits in our statement of condition. The FRB suspended cash reserve requirements effective March 26, 2020.

Comprehensive Income/(Loss): Comprehensive income/(loss) consists of net income and the change during the period in the Company’s net unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedge, net of tax, less adjustments for realized gains and losses.

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

Risks and Uncertainties: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on businesses both locally and nationally. As a result, Congress passed the CARES Act to provide fast and direct economic assistance to American workers, families and businesses. The CARES Act contains substantial tax and spending provisions including direct financial aid to American families, extensive emergency funding for hospitals and medical providers, and economic stimulus to significant impacted industry sectors.

The Company expects COVID-19 to have an impact on our operations but cannot determine or estimate the full impact at this time.  It is possible that estimates made in the Company’s consolidated financial statements could be materially and adversely impacted as a result of the conditions created by COVID-19, including estimates regarding expected provision for loan and lease losses and impairment of goodwill.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:  Goodwill is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree (if any), over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.  Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed.

The Company has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test.  Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill which includes assembled workforce has an indefinite life on our statement of financial condition. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill and assembled workforce are the intangible assets with an indefinite life on our balance sheet.

Other intangible assets, which primarily consist of customer relationship intangible assets arising from acquisitions, are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 5 to 15 years.

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2.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

A summary of amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities available for sale included in the Consolidated Statements of Condition as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 follows:

The following tables present the Company’s available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position and the approximate fair value of these investments as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.