SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation and Organization

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:

•Peapack Capital Corporation (“PCC”)

•Peapack-Gladstone Mortgage Group, Inc., which owns 99 percent of Peapack Ventures, LLC and 79 percent of Peapack-Gladstone Realty, Inc., a New Jersey real estate investment company

•PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware, which owns one percent of Peapack Ventures, LLC

•Peapack Ventures, LLC, which owns the remaining 21 percent of Peapack-Gladstone Realty, Inc.

•Peapack-Gladstone Realty, Inc.

•PGB Securities, Inc.

While the following footnotes include the collective 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.

Business: The Bank is a commercial bank that provides innovative private banking services to businesses, non-profits and consumers. Wealth management services are also provided through its subsidiary, PGB Trust & Investments of Delaware. The Bank is subject to competition from other financial institutions, is regulated by certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

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 revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the statement of condition. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Accounting Standards: On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) ("ASU 2016-13"), which replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan and lease receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments). In addition, Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 326 made changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities. One such change is to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available-for-sale debt securities Management does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not they will be required to sell.

The Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet commitments. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2022 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss model previously applicable under GAAP. The Company recorded a net increase to retained earnings of $3.9 million as of January 1, 2022 for the cumulative effect of adopting ASC 326. The transition adjustment includes a $5.5 million reduction to our allowance for credit losses. The lower allowance was in part attributed to historically low charge-offs combined with the shorter duration of the loan portfolio employed in our CECL analysis. Further, the incurred loss method required significant qualitative factors, including factors related to COVID-19, and the use of a multiplier for potential losses on criticized and classified loans, neither of which are included within the CECL methodology. The CECL methodology places significantly less reliance on qualitative factors as it uses economic factors and historical losses over a full economic cycle and calculates losses based on discounted cash flows on an individual loan basis. Accordingly, the CECL model quantitatively accounts for some of the qualitative factors utilized in the incurred loss methodology.

The following table illustrates the impact to our financial statements as of January 1, 2022 upon adoption of ASC 326:

	January 1, 2022
(In thousands)	Impact to Consolidated Statement of Condition from ASC-326 Adoption			Tax Effect			Impact to Retained Earnings from ASC-326 Adoption
Allowance for credit losses on loans	$	5,536		$	(1,490	)	$	4,046
Allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet commitments		(188	)		51			(137	)
Total impact from ASC 326 adoption	$	5,348		$	(1,439	)	$	3,909

Accounting Pronouncements: In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842), Common Control Arrangements. The amendments in this updated clarify the accounting for leasehold improvements associated with common control leases. This update has been issued in order to address current diversity in practice associated with the accounting for leasehold improvements associated with a lease between entities under common control. The amendments in this update apply to all lessees that are a party to a lease between entities under common control in which there are leasehold improvements. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this update but does not anticipate the adoption will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. This standard allows entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. This election allows the entity to record a writedown of investment to federal income tax expense where income tax credits are recorded. This also aligns the treatment of other tax equity investments with that allowed for low income housing tax credit investments. The standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within these fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments In Response to the SEC's Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements on a variety of topics and align the requirements in the FASB accounting standard codification with the Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. The amendments will be effective for the Company only if the SEC removes the related disclosure requirement from its existing regulations no later than June 30, 2027. If the SEC timely removes such a related requirement from its existing regulations, the corresponding amendments within the ASU will become effective for the Company on the same date with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the amendments in this update to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280), to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures about significant segment and interim periods with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Tax - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740), which requires reporting companies to break out their income tax expense and tax rate reconciliation in more detail. For public companies, the requirements will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Segment Information

Segment Information: The Company’s business is conducted through two business segments: (1) its banking segment (“Banking”), which involves the delivery of loan and deposit products to customers, and (2) Peapack Private, which includes asset management services provided for 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 sales.

Peapack Private includes: investment management services for individuals and institutions; personal trust services, including services as executor, trustee, administrator, custodian; and other financial planning and advisory services. This segment also includes the activity from the Delaware subsidiary, PGB Trust and Investments of Delaware. The majority of wealth management fees are collected on a monthly or quarterly basis and are calculated on either a fixed or tiered fee schedule, based upon the market value of assets under management and/or5 administration ("AUMs"). Other non AUM-based revenues such as personal or fiduciary tax return preparation fees, executor fees, trust termination fees and/or financial planning and advisory fees are charged as services are rendered.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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 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: Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions mature within one year and are carried at cost.

Securities

Securities: Prior to January 1, 2022, Management evaluated securities for other-than-temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warranted. For securities in an unrealized loss position, Management considered the extent and duration of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assessed whether it intended to sell, or it is more likely than not that it was 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 did not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment was split into two components as follows: (1) other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss, which would be recognized through the income statement and (2) other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors, which would be recognized in other comprehensive income.

Effective January 1, 2022, upon the adoption of ASU 2016-13, debt securities available-for-sale are measured at fair value and subject to impairment testing. When an available-for-sale debt securities is considered impaired, the Company must determine if the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit-related loss or other factors and then, (1) recognize an allowance for credit losses ("ACL") by a charge to earnings for the credit-related component (if any) of the decline in fair value, and (2) recognize in other comprehensive income (loss) any non-credit related components of the fair value change. If the amount of the amortized cost basis expected to be recovered increases in a future period, the valuation reserve would be reduced, but not more than the amount of the current existing reserve for that security.

Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when Management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Under ASU 2016-13, held-to-maturity securities in a loss position are evaluated to determine if the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit-related loss or other factors and then, recognize an ACL through a charge to earnings for the decline in fair value. The Company also has an investment in a Community Reinvestment Act ("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.

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) Stock

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. 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

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.

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 $162.9 million and $152.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. SBA loans held for sale totaled $7.2 million and $17.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The servicing asset recorded was not material.

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: 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/costs was 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 in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, or when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more. 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, but do not diminish the borrower’s obligation. A nonaccrual loan is returned to accrual status only when interest and principal payments are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured, generally after 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 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 Company’s loans are secured by real estate in New Jersey, metropolitan New York and, to a lesser extent, Pennsylvania.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance for Credit Losses: On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Topic 326, which replaced the incurred loss methodology with CECL for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and other commitments to extend credit. CECL requires the immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the estimated remaining life of the asset. The forward-looking concept of CECL requires loss estimates to consider historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts.

The allowance for credit losses ("ACL") on loans held for investment is the combination of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for loan losses is reported as a reduction of the amortized cost basis of loans, while the reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included within "other liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The estimate of credit loss incorporates assumptions for both the likelihood and amount of funding over the estimated life of the commitments, including adjustments for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management periodically reviews and updates its assumptions for estimated funding rates. The amortized cost basis of loans does not include accrued interest receivable, which is included in "accrued interest receivable" on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The "Provision for credit losses" on the Consolidated Statements of Income is a combination of the provision for credit losses and the provision for unfunded loan commitments.

ACL in accordance with CECL methodology

With respect to pools of similar loans that are collectively evaluated, an appropriate level of allowance is determined by portfolio segment using a discounted cash flow ("DCF") model. The DCF model captures losses over the historical charge-off and prepayment cycle and applies those losses at a loan level over the remaining maturity of the loan. The model then calculates a historical loss rate using the average losses over the reporting period, which is then applied to each segment utilizing a standard reversion rate. This loss rate is then supplemented with adjustments for reasonable and supportable forecasts of relevant economic indicators, including but not limited to unemployment rates, national gross domestic product and other indices. Forecast data is sourced from Moody's Analytics, a firm widely recognized for its research, analysis, and economic forecasts. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. Also included in the ACL are qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These qualitative factors include 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; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. It is also possible that these factors could include social, political, economic, and terrorist events or activities. All of these factors are susceptible to change, which may be significant. As a result of this detailed process, the ACL results in two forms of allocations, quantitative and qualitative. These two components represent the total ACL deemed adequate to cover current expected credit losses in the loan portfolio.

When management identifies loans that do not share common risk characteristics (i.e., are not similar to other loans within a pool) they are evaluated on an individual basis. These loans are not included in the collective evaluation. For loans identified as having a likelihood of foreclosure or that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, a collateral dependent approach is used. These are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Under CECL, for collateral dependent loans, the Company has adopted the practical expedient method to measure the allowance for credit losses based on the fair value of collateral. The allowance for credit losses is calculated on an individual loan basis based on the shortfall between the fair value of the loan's collateral, which is adjusted for liquidation costs/discounts, and amortized cost. If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the amortized cost, no allowance is required.

The CECL methodology requires a significant amount of management judgment in determining the appropriate allowance for credit losses. Several of the steps in the methodology involve judgment and are subjective in nature including, among other things: segmenting the loan portfolio; determining the amount of loss history to consider; selecting predictive econometric regression models that use appropriate macroeconomic variables; determining the methodology to forecast prepayments; selecting the most appropriate economic forecast scenario; determining the length of the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods; estimating expected utilization rates on unfunded loan commitments; and assessing relevant and appropriate qualitative factors. In addition, the CECL methodology is dependent on economic forecasts, which are inherently imprecise and will change from period to period. Although the allowance for credit losses is considered appropriate, there can be no assurance that it will be sufficient to absorb future losses.

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.

Junior Lien Loan on Residence (which include home equity lines of credit). The Bank provides junior lien loans (“JLL”) and revolving home equity lines of credit against one to four family properties in the Tri-State area. These loans are subordinate to a first mortgage, which may be from another lending institution. Primary risk characteristics associated with JLLs and 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.

Multifamily. The Bank provides mortgage loans for multifamily properties (i.e., buildings which have five or more residential units). 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 maintenance, taxes and debt service. Increases in vacancy rates, interest rates of other changes in general economic conditions can have an impact on the borrower and its ability to repay the loan.

Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Bank provides mortgage loans for owner-occupied commercial real estate properties 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 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 of office suites on the upper floors. Commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk 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.

Investment Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Bank provides mortgage loans for properties managed as an investment property (non-owner-occupied) in the Tri-State area and Pennsylvania. Non-owner-occupied properties primarily include retail buildings/shopping centers, hotels, office/medical buildings and industrial/warehouse space. Some properties are considered "mixed use". Commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk 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 the 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. To mitigate the risk characteristics of commercial and industrial loans, these loans often include commercial real estate as collateral and the Bank will often require more frequent reporting requirements from the borrower in order to better monitor its business performance. However, the ability of the Bank to foreclose and realize sufficient value from the assets is often highly uncertain.

Leasing 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 through 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.

Construction. The Bank provides commercial construction loans for properties located in the Tri-state area. Risks common to commercial construction loans are cost overruns, inaccurate estimates of the period of construction, changes in market demand for property, inadequate long-term financing arrangements and declines in real estate values. Changes in market demand for property could lead to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs, declining values, and higher interest rates.

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.

Prior to January 1, 2023, a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) was a modified loan with concessions made by the lender to a borrower who was experiencing financial difficulty. TDRs were impaired and generally measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR was considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan was reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral, less estimated disposition costs. For TDRs that subsequently defaulted, the Company determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for credit losses.

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2022-02, which replaced the accounting and recognition of TDRs. ASU 2022-02 eliminated the accounting guidance on troubled debt restructurings for creditors in ASC 310-40 and amends the guidance on "vintage disclosures" to require disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination. ASU 2022-02 also updates the requirements related to accounting for credit losses under ASC 326 and adds enhanced disclosures for creditors with respect to loan refinancings and restructurings for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

Leases

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 as separate line items on the statement of condition. An 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 over-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.

The ROU asset is measured at the amount of the lease liability adjusted for lease incentives received, and 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.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment: Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation charges are computed using the straight-line method. Equipment and other fixed assets are depreciated over the estimated useful lives, which range from three to ten years. Premises are depreciated over the estimated useful life of 40 years, while leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost of major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Gains or losses realized on routine dispositions are recorded as other income or other expense.

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)

Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO"): OREO acquired through foreclosure on loans secured by real estate is initially recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan occurs when legal title is obtained upon completion of foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. The assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value, as established by a current appraisal, less estimated costs to sell. Any write-downs at the date of foreclosure are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Expenses incurred to maintain these properties, losses resulting from write-downs after the date of foreclosure, and realized gains and losses upon sale of the properties are included in other non-interest expense and other non-interest income, as appropriate.

Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI)

Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI"): The Bank has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the statement of condition, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Derivatives

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 statement of condition 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 terminates, 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 its 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.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes: The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return. State income tax returns are filed either on a combined or separate company basis based on the current laws and regulations of the state.

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.

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 2020 or by state and local tax authorities for years prior to 2018.

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

Employee's Savings and Investment Plan

Employee’s Savings and Investment Plan: The Company has a 401(k) profit-sharing and investment plan, which covers substantially all salaried employees over the age of 21 with at least 12 months of service.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation: Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards/units issued to employees and non-employee directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards/units. Compensation expense is recognized over the required service or performance period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with time-based vesting, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The stock 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.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“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.

The ESPP allows for the purchase of shares during four three-month Offering Periods of each calendar year. The Offering Periods end on February 16, May 16, August 16 and November 16 of each calendar year.

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, 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 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 $178,000, $145,000 and $126,000 of expense in salaries and employee benefits expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to the ESPP. Total shares issued under the ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were 33,748, 25,023 and 26,693, respectively.

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”): In calculating earnings per share, there are no adjustments to net income available to common shareholders, which is the numerator of both the Basic and Diluted EPS. The weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the denominator for Diluted EPS is increased over the denominator used for Basic EPS by the effect of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents utilizing the treasury stock method. Common stock options outstanding are common stock equivalents, as are restricted stock units until vested.

The following table shows the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:

(In thousands, except share and per share data)	2023		2022		2021
Net income available to common shareholders	$	48,854	$	74,246	$	56,622
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		17,849,558		18,161,605		18,788,679
Plus: common stock equivalents		199,494		406,493		503,923
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		18,049,052		18,568,098		19,292,602
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	2.74	$	4.09	$	3.01
Diluted		2.71		4.00		2.93

Restricted stock units totaling 387,768, 291,462 and 264,317 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Anti-dilutive shares are common stock equivalents with weighted average grant date values in excess of the average market value for the periods presented.

Loss Contingencies

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

Restrictions on Cash: Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements.

Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

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.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders’ Equity: Treasury stock is carried at cost.

Transfers of Financial Assets

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.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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 performs its annual goodwill impairment test in the third quarter of every year. Goodwill was primarily attributable to the Bank's wealth acquisitions. Management monitors the impact of changes in the financial markets and includes these assessments in our impairment process.

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

Reclassification

Reclassification: Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to the current year's presentation and had no effect on the consolidated income statements or the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity.