SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2013 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 necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2014 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Principles of Consolidation and Organization: The Corporation considers that all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the statement of the financial position and results of operations in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for these periods have been made. Results for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

The consolidated financial statements of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) are prepared on the accrual basis and include the accounts of the Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peapack-Gladstone Bank (the “Bank”). The consolidated statements also include the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated from the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Securities: All 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.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium of discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. 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 such an evaluation. 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 must be 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. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.

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. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged in earnings.

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 are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.

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 Corporation 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 over the life of the loan as an adjustment, on a level-yield method, to the loan’s yield. The definition of recorded investment in loans includes accrued interest receivable, however, for the Corporation’s loan disclosures, accrued interest was excluded as the impact was not material.

Loans are considered past due when they are not paid 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 in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, or when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more and collateral, if any, is insufficient to cover principal and interest. All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is 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 months. Commercial loans are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collectability of the full principal balance is in doubt. Consumer loans are generally charged off after they become 120 days past due. 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 are returned to accrual status. Nonaccrual mortgage loans are generally charged off when the value of the underlying collateral does not cover the outstanding principal balance.

The majority of the Corporation’s loans are secured by real estate in the New Jersey and New York area.

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when Management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, 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 Corporation 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.

All loans are individually evaluated for impairment when loans are classified as substandard by Management. If a loan is considered impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral less estimated disposition costs if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans are collectively evaluated for impairment while they are performing assets. If and when a residential mortgage is placed on nonaccrual status and in the process of collection, such as through a foreclosure action, then they are evaluated for impairment on an individual basis and the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral less estimated disposition costs.

A troubled debt restructuring is a renegotiated loan with concessions made by the lender to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty. Troubled debt restructurings are impaired and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a troubled debt restructuring 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 troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, the Corporation determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.

The general component of the allowance covers non-impaired loans and is based primarily on the Bank’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 experienced by the Corporation 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. These economic factors include consideration of 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 staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations.

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. The following portfolio classes have been identified:

Primary Residential Mortgages. The Bank originates one to four family residential mortgage loans within or near its primary geographic market area. 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; 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 value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.

Home Equity Lines of Credit. The Bank provides revolving lines of credit against one to four family residences within or near its primary geographic market. 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; divorce or death. In addition, home equity lines of credit typically are made with variable or floating interest rates, such as the Prime Rate, which could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.

Junior Lien Loan on Residence. The Bank provides junior lien loans (“JLL”) against one to four family properties within or near its primary geographic market area. Junior lien loans 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 junior lien 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; divorce or death. Further, real estate value could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential exposure for the Bank.

Multifamily Loans. The Bank provides mortgage loans for multifamily properties (i.e. buildings which have five or more residential units) in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Multifamily loans are expected to be repaid from the cash flow of the underlying property so the collective amount of rents must be sufficient to cover all operating expense, maintenance, taxes and debt service. Increases in vacancy rates, interest rates or other changes in general economic conditions can all have an impact on the borrower and their ability to repay the loan. Certain markets, such as New York City, are rent regulated, and as such, feature rents that are considered to be below market rates. Generally, rent regulated properties are characterized by relatively stable occupancy levels and longer term tenants. As a loan asset class for many banks, multifamily loans have experienced much lower historical loss rates compared to other types of commercial lending.

Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Bank provides mortgage loans for commercial real estate that is either owner occupied or managed as an investment property (non-owner occupied). Principal types of investment commercial real estate properties include retail, office buildings, mixed use, medical facilities, industrial and other. The terms and conditions of all commercial mortgage loans are tailored to the specific attributes of the borrower and any guarantors as well as the nature of the property and loan purpose. 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 various industry or 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 and equipment. Commercial and industrial loans are typically repaid first by the cash flow 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 flow. Factors that may influence a business’s 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.

Commercial Construction. The Bank has substantially wound down its commercial construction lending activity given the current economic environment. New construction loans would be considered only to experienced and reputable local builders and developers that have the capital and liquidity to carry a project to completion and stabilization. Construction loans are considered riskier than commercial financing on improved and established commercial real estate. The risk of potential loss increases if the original cost estimates or time to complete are significantly underestimated.

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.

Stock-Based Compensation: The Corporation’s Stock Incentive Plans allow the granting of shares of the Corporation’s common stock as incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards and stock appreciation rights to directors, officers, employees and independent contractors of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries. The options granted under these plans are exercisable 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.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Corporation recorded total compensation cost for stock options of $52 thousand and $85 thousand respectively, with a recognized tax benefit of $5 thousand and $15 thousand for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There was approximately $527 thousand of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Corporation’s stock incentive plans at March 31, 2014. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.

For the Corporation’s stock option plans, changes in options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:

						Weighted
				Weighted		Average		Aggregate
				Average		Remaining		Intrinsic
	Number of			Exercise		Contractual		Value
	Options			Price		Term		(In thousands)
Balance, January 1, 2014		652,179			21.30
Granted during 2014		6,200			18.82
Exercised during 2014		(5,885	)		12.28
Expired during 2014		(258,648	)		27.56
Forfeited during 2014		(10,276	)		13.16
Balance, March 31, 2014		383,570			17.39		5.97		526
Vested and expected to vest (1)		347,483			17.81		5.97		696
Exercisable at March 31, 2014		262,137			19.11		5.01		71
(1)     Does not include shares which are not expected to vest as a result of anticipated forfeitures.

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Corporation’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the first quarter of 2014 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options). The Corporation’s closing stock price on March 31, 2014 was $22.00.

For the first quarter of 2014, the per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted was $7.49 compared to $5.19 for the same quarter of 2013 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	Three months Ended
	March 31,
	2014			2013
Dividend Yield		1.01	%		1.34	%
Expected volatility		40	%		39	%
Expected life		7 years			7 years
Risk-free interest rate		2.15	%		1.10	%

The Corporation also awards restricted stock to certain executives and certain key employees. In March 2014, the Corporation issued 137,612 restricted stock awards, at a fair value equal to the market price of the Corporation’s common stock at the date of grant. The awards may vest fully during a period of up to three years after the date of award. In addition, awards granted in 2013 and prior years, vest in varying terms between three and five years. In December 2013, the Corporation granted restricted stock awards to the CEO, CFO and COO, of which 50 percent vest in five years. The vesting of the other 50 percent is dependent on the Corporation meeting certain performance criteria. At December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, the Corporation believes that these targets would be met within a five-year period so 100 percent of these awards are being expensed over a five-year period. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Corporation recorded total compensation cost for restricted shares of $281thousand and $83 thousand, respectively. As of March 31, 2014, there was approximately $5.6million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards granted under the Corporation’s stock incentive plans, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.2 years.

Changes in non-vested, restricted common shares for 2014 were as follows:

				Weighted
				Average
	Number of			Grant Date
	Shares			Fair Value
Balance, January 1, 2014		253,540			15.95
Granted during 2014		137,612			19.47
Vested during 2014		(36,755	)		18.94
Balance, March 31, 2014		354,397			17.01

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

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
(In thousands, except per share data	2014		2013
Net income to common shareholders	$	3,031	$	2,893
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		11,606,933		8,870,559
Plus: common stock equivalents		104,007		46,621
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		11,710,940		8,917,180
Net income per common share
Basic	$	0.26	$	0.33
Diluted		0.26		0.32

Stock options and restricted stock totaling 232,104 and 488,313 shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share in the first quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively, because they were considered antidilutive.

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

The Corporation 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.

The Corporation 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 Corporation is no longer subject to examination by the U.S. Federal tax authorities for years prior to 2010 or by New Jersey tax authorities for years prior to 2009.

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

Reclassification: Certain reclassifications may have been made in the prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to the 2014 presentation.