EX-99.1 2 v172996_ex99-1.htm

Center Bancorp, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2009 Earnings

Union, NJ — (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 01/29/2010 — Center Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNBC), parent company of Union Center National Bank (UCNB or the Bank), today reported operating results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009. Net income amounted to $1.0 million, or $0.06 per fully diluted common share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, as compared with earnings of $1.7 million, or $0.13 per fully diluted common share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, net income amounted to $4.6 million, or $0.30 per fully diluted common share, as compared to $5.8 million, or $0.45 per fully diluted common share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.

Anthony C. Weagley, President & CEO commented: “Our performance for the quarter and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was characterized by strong core earnings growth, solid levels of non-interest income and a continued control of operating expense.  On a linked quarter basis, our net interest margin increased nicely to 3.05 percent from 2.79 percent at September 30, 2009.  While we continue to see an improvement in balance sheet strength and core earnings performance, we are still concerned with the credit stability of the broader markets. The stability of the economy and credit markets remain uncertain, accordingly, we continue to make provisions to the allowance for loan losses as we continue to seek to stabilize credit quality issues.  We also incurred other than temporary impairment charges during the fourth quarter related to investment securities.  Weakened economic conditions will continue to present challenges; however, we believe we are positioning the company to effectively deal with those related issues.”

At December 31, 2009, non-performing assets totaled $8.1 million, or 0.68% of total assets, as compared with $13.9 million, or 1.03%, at September 30, 2009 and $4.7 million, or 0.46%, at December 31, 2008.  “We remain cautiously optimistic on market trends and resulting challenges in the months ahead. The decrease in non-performing assets in the fourth quarter was attributable to our taking steps to terminate a participation agreement with another New Jersey bank, as the participation ended on December 31, 2009. Center has filed suit for the return of the outstanding principal and has reclassified the outstanding loan into other assets on our balance sheet,” added Mr. Weagley.

Key items for the quarter include:

 
§
Net income of $1,038,000 for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with net income of $1,535,000 for the third quarter of 2009 and $1,699,000 for the fourth quarter of 2008.

 
§
Earnings per share of $0.06 per fully diluted common share compared with $0.11 per fully diluted common share for the third quarter of 2009 and $0.13 per fully diluted common share for the comparable fourth quarter period of 2008. Dividends and accretion relating to the preferred stock and warrants issued to the U.S. Treasury reduced earnings by approximately $0.01 per fully diluted common share during the fourth quarter of 2009 (as well as by $.04 per fully diluted share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009).

 
§
FDIC insurance expense increased $281,000 over the same quarter last year due to higher FDIC assessments resulting from changes in the premium rates and deposit growth.

 
§
Overall credit quality in the Bank’s portfolio remains strong, even though the economic weakness has impacted several potential problem loans. Non-performing assets amounted to 0.68% of total assets at December 31, 2009 compared to 1.03% at September 30, 2009 and 0.46% at December 31, 2008.

 
§
Tier 1 capital leverage ratio of 7.80% at December 31, 2009, 6.74% at September 30, 2009, and 7.71% at December 31, 2008.

 
§
An expansion in annualized net interest margin by 26 basis points to 3.05% compared to 2.79% for the third quarter of 2009 and an increase of 4 basis points as compared to the comparable quarter of 2008, primarily the result of lower deposit rates paid.

 
§
Deposits decreased to $813.7 million at December 31, 2009 from $961.2 million at September 30, 2009 but an increase from $659.5 million at December 31, 2008, reflecting inflows in core savings deposits and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) Reciprocal deposits, as customers’ desire for safety and liquidity became paramount in light of the financial crisis. The decline from September 30, 2009 was the result of our concerted effort to reduce non-core deposit balances.



 
§
Book value per common share amounting to $6.38 at December 31, 2009 compared to $6.36 at September 30, 2009 and $6.29 at December 31, 2008. Tangible book value per common share was $5.21 at December 31, 2009 compared to $5.04 at September 30, 2009 and $4.97 at December 31, 2008.

Selected financial ratios (annualized
where applicable)
                                   
                                     
As of or for the quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Return on average assets
    0.32 %     0.46 %     0.40 %     0.30 %     0.66 %     0.60 %
Return on average equity
    4.00 %     6.77 %     5.35 %     3.52 %     8.38 %     7.55 %
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)
    3.05 %     2.79 %     2.73 %     2.81 %     3.01 %     3.09 %
Loan/Deposit ratio
    87.93 %     74.50 %     72.68 %     88.24 %     102.53 %     97.64 %
Stockholders' equity/total assets
    8.57 %     6.83 %     6.67 %     7.98 %     7.99 %     7.73 %
Efficiency ratio
    57.6 %     62.0 %     96.3 %     72.5 %     59.7 %     55.4 %
Book value per common share
  $ 6.38     $ 6.36     $ 6.14     $ 6.15     $ 6.29     $ 6.21  
Return on average tangible stockholders' equity
    4.78 %     8.33 %     6.61 %     4.33 %     10.62 %     9.60 %
Tangible common stockholders' equity/tangible assets
    6.43 %     4.92 %     4.74 %     5.69 %     6.42 %     6.19 %
Tangible book value per common share
  $ 5.21     $ 5.04     $ 4.83     $ 4.83     $ 4.97     $ 4.89  
 
Capital and Liquidity

Center increased its capital base in the fourth quarter of 2009. Total stockholders' equity amounted to $102.6 million, or 8.57% of total assets, at December 31, 2009. Tangible common stockholders' equity was $75.9 million, or 6.43% of tangible assets. Book value per common share was $6.38 at December 31, 2009, compared to $6.29 at December 31, 2008. Tangible book value per common share was $5.21 at December 31, 2009 compared to $4.97 at December 31, 2008.

At December 31, 2009, the Corporation’s Tier 1 Capital Leverage ratio was 7.80%, the Corporation’s total Tier 1 Risk Based Capital ratio was 11.51% and the Corporation’s Total Risk Based Capital ratio was 12.46%. Total Tier 1 capital increased to approximately $99.3 million at December 31, 2009 from $78.2 million at December 31, 2008, reflecting the Corporation’s participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program as well as the proceeds from the rights offering and private placement with its standby purchaser.

Asset Quality

At December 31, 2009, non-performing assets totaled $8.1 million, or 0.68% of total assets, as compared with $13.9 million, or 1.03%, at September 30, 2009 and $4.7 million, or 0.46%, at December 31, 2008.

While overall credit quality in the Bank’s portfolio remains high, continued economic weakness has impacted several problem loans in the portfolio, as previously disclosed. Non-accrual loans decreased from $11.4 million at September 30, 2009 to $7.1 million at December 31, 2009; this decrease was due primarily to our efforts to terminate a $5.1 million expired participation loan.  Troubled debt restructurings remained relatively unchanged at $966,000 from September 30, 2009 to December 31, 2009. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing decreased from $1.5 million at September 30, 2009 to $39,000 at December 31, 2009.

At December 31, 2009, the total allowance for loan losses amounted to approximately $8.3 million, or 1.16% of total loans. The allowance for loan losses as a percent of total non-performing loans amounted to 102.2% at December 31, 2009 as compared to 51.4% at September 30, 2009 and 809.1% at December 31, 2008.



Selected credit quality amounts and ratios (unaudited)
                                   
                                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
As of or for the quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Non-accrual loans
  $ 7,092     $ 11,448     $ 5,058     $ 4,566     $ 541     $ 541  
Troubled debt restructuring
    966       970       975       91       93       95  
Past due loans 90 days or more and still accruing interest
    39       1,477       1,260       -       139       18  
Total non performing loans
    8,097       13,895       7,293       4,657       773       654  
Other real estate owned (“OREO”)
    -       -       3,500       4,426       3,949       -  
Total non performing assets
  $ 8,097     $ 13,895     $ 10,793     $ 9,083     $ 4,722     $ 654  
Non performing assets as a percentage of total assets
    0.68 %     1.03 %     0.80 %     0.81 %     0.46 %     0.06 %
Non performing loans as a percentage of total loans
    1.13 %     1.94 %     1.05 %     0.69 %     0.11 %     0.10 %
Net charge-offs
  $ 271     $ 55     $ 8     $ 906     $ 251     $ 45  
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the period (annualized)
    0.15 %     0.03 %     0.00 %     0.53 %     0.15 %     0.03 %
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period end loans
    1.16 %     1.00 %     1.00 %     1.00 %     0.92 %     0.92 %
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans
    102.2 %     51.4 %     94.8 %     145.4 %     809.1 %     929.7 %
                                                 
Total Assets
  $ 1,196,824     $ 1,349,516     $ 1,341,603     $ 1,121,013     $ 1,023,293     $ 1,042,778  
Total Loans
    715,453       716,100       694,214       678,017       676,203       661,157  
Average loans for the quarter
    709,612       693,670       686,675       679,953       670,212       651,766  
Allowance for loan losses
    8,275       7,142       6,917       6,769       6,254       6,080  

Net Interest Income and Margin

On a linked sequential quarter basis from the third quarter of 2009 to the fourth quarter of 2009, the net interest spread and margin increased by 14 basis points and by 26 basis points, respectively. The Corporation’s net interest margin was positively impacted by lower rates paid on deposits offset in part by the high level of uninvested excess cash, which accumulated due to deposit growth and retention experienced during most of 2009. During the fourth quarter, the Corporation made a concerted effort to reduce non-core deposit balances and accordingly, its uninvested cash position was reduced by an average of $35 million.

The Corporation recorded net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis of $8.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $7.1 million for the comparable quarter in 2008. Interest income increased by $0.2 million and interest expense decreased by $0.8 million from the same period last year. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2008, average interest earning assets increased by $124.4 million while the net interest spread and net interest margin improved by 32 basis points and by 4 basis points, respectively.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis amounted to $29.0 million as compared to $27.1 million for the same period in 2008. Interest income increased by $0.4 million while interest expense decreased by $1.5 million from the prior year. Compared to 2008, average interest earning assets increased $102.4 million while net interest spread and margin increased by 21 basis points and decreased by 11 basis points, respectively. The Corporation’s net interest margin was impacted by the high level of uninvested excess cash, which accumulated due to strong deposit growth experienced during the year.



Quarterly Condensed Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited)
                   
                                     
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                               
For the quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Net interest income
  $ 8,018     $ 7,441     $ 6,627     $ 6,379     $ 6,823     $ 6,860  
Provision for loan losses
    1,404       280       156       1,421       425       465  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    6,614       7,161       6,471       4,958       6,398       6,395  
Other income (charges)
    (340 )     311       2,551       1,384       615       47  
Other expense
    (5,238 )     (5,186 )     (7,314 )     (5,319 )     (4,754 )     (4,578 )
Income before income tax
    1,036       2,286       1,708       1,023       2,259       1,864  
Income tax expense
    (2 )     751       507       224       560       346  
Net income
    1,038       1,535       1,201       799       1,699       1,518  
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 896     $ 1,387     $ 1,053     $ 670     $ 1,699     $ 1,518  
Earnings per common share:
                                               
Basic
  $ 0.06     $ 0.11     $ 0.08     $ 0.05     $ 0.13     $ 0.12  
Diluted
  $ 0.06     $ 0.11     $ 0.08     $ 0.05     $ 0.13     $ 0.12  
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                                               
Basic
    14,531,387       13,000,601       12,994,429       12,991,312       12,989,304       12,990,441  
Diluted
    14,534,255       13,005,101       12,996,544       12,993,185       12,995,134       13,003,954  
 
Other Income
Total other income decreased $955,000 for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with the comparable quarter of 2008, primarily as a result of higher net investment securities losses.  On a sequential linked basis in 2009, total other income decreased $651,000 principally due to higher net investment securities losses. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Corporation recorded net investment securities losses of $1.3 million as compared to $256,000 for the same period last year. Investment securities losses in the fourth quarter of 2009 reflected $1.4 million of net gains on the sale of securities, offset by $2.3 million of net other-than-temporary impairment charges on investment securities. These charges included a $2.0 million credit charge relating to two pooled trust preferred securities, an $188,000 credit charge relating to three variable rate collateralized mortgage obligations and an $113,000 writedown on an equity security. Additionally, the Corporation recorded a $364,000 charge related to a court order for the liquidation of the Reserve Funds Primary Fund. It is expected that 99 percent of Fund assets will be returned to the Corporation. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Corporation recorded impairment charges of $370,000 in its securities portfolio. Excluding net securities losses, the Corporation recorded other income of $968,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 compared to $822,000 on a sequential linked basis and $871,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Corporation recognized $136,000 in tax-free proceeds in excess of contract value on the Corporation’s bank owned life insurance (BOLI) due to the death of one insured participant.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, total other income increased $1.3 million compared to the same period in 2008, primarily as a result of net securities transactions. Excluding net securities gains (losses), the Corporation recorded other income of $3.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 compared to $3.8 million for the comparable period in 2008, a decrease of $335,000 or 8.9%. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower service charges, other income and BOLI income.

Quarterly Consolidated Non-Interest Income (unaudited)
                               
                                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
For the quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 371     $ 350     $ 324     $ 343     $ 376     $ 360  
Commissions from mortgage broker activities
    1       4       -       2       7       6  
Loan related fees (LOC)
    25       35       45       30       53       46  
Commissions from sale of mutual funds and annuities
    24       17       45       40       22       35  
Debit card and ATM fees
    111       114       116       106       113       124  
Bank owned life insurance
    408       273       257       218       247       507  
Net investment securities gains (losses)
    (1,308 )     (511 )     1,710       600       (256 )     (1,075 )
Other service charges and fees
    28       29       54       45       53       44  
Total other income (charges)
  $ (340 )   $ 311     $ 2,551     $ 1,384     $ 615     $ 47  
 

 
Other Expense
 
Other expense for the fourth quarter of 2009 totaled $5.2 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 10.2%, from the comparable period in 2008. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, other expense totaled $23.1 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 18.4%. In May 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule on the special assessment that assessed the industry 5 basis points on total assets less Tier 1 capital. The Corporation was required to accrue the charge during the second quarter of 2009, which amounted to approximately $630,000, even though the FDIC collected the fee at the end of the third quarter when the regular quarterly assessments for the second quarter were collected. Additionally, in December 2008, the FDIC adopted a final rule increasing risk-based assessment rates beginning in the first quarter of 2009. As a result of these changes coupled with one-time assessment credits recognized in 2008, FDIC insurance expense increased $281,000 and $1.8 million for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2009, respectively, over the comparable periods in 2008. OREO expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 increased by $1.4 million  compared to the twelve month period last year,  due primarily to the recognition of a $926,000 write-down coupled with the build out costs relating to the residential real estate condominium project in Union County, New Jersey. The building was sold during the third quarter of 2009 for a gain of $19,000.

The efficiency ratio for the fourth quarter of 2009 was 57.6% as compared to 59.7% in the fourth quarter of 2008. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the efficiency ratio was 71.2% as compared to 63.1% in the same period of 2008. This increase in the twelve month period was due primarily to the increase in FDIC insurance expense and OREO expense.

Quarterly Consolidated Non-Interest Expense (unaudited)
                   
                                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
For the quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Employee salaries and wages
  $ 1,934     $ 1,981     $ 1,946     $ 1,861     $ 1,777     $ 1,752  
Employee stock option expense
    13       17       25       22       23       23  
Health insurance and other employee benefits
    379       361       362       309       (246 )     (32 )
Payroll taxes
    152       159       166       194       139       167  
Other employee related expenses
    8       11       8       7       17       9  
Total salaries and employee benefits
  $ 2,486     $ 2,529     $ 2,507     $ 2,393     $ 1,710     $ 1,919  
                                                 
Occupancy, net
    617       539       583       797       983       803  
Premises and equipment
    300       323       319       321       362       352  
Professional and consulting
    173       190       236       212       152       189  
Stationery and printing
    86       81       102       70       97       87  
FDIC Insurance
    430       320       940       365       149       28  
Marketing and advertising
    20       75       141       130       144       145  
Computer expense
    302       220       228       214       229       238  
Bank regulatory related expenses
    68       63       60       60       55       54  
Postage and delivery
    76       72       64       46       69       67  
ATM related expenses
    63       63       61       61       59       61  
OREO expense (benefit)
    -       30       1,375       33       11       (44 )
Amortization of core deposit intangible
    19       19       22       22       23       23  
Other expenses
    598       662       676       595       711       656  
Total other expense
  $ 5,238     $ 5,186     $ 7,314     $ 5,319     $ 4,754     $ 4, 578  

Key Balance Sheet Changes at December 31, 2009

 
§
The Corporation had total loans of $715.5 million at December 31, 2009, a $39.3 million, or 5.8%, increase from December 31, 2008.

 
§
Loan originations continued during the quarter in the Corporation’s commercial related segment of the portfolio, even though the portfolio at December 31, 2009 was unchanged  from September 30, 2009. Total gross loans booked for the quarter included $33.5 million  of new loans and $21.5 million in advances principally offset by payoffs and principal payments of $55.5 million.

 
§
At December 31, 2009, the Corporation had $8.2 million in overall undispersed loan commitments, which are expected to fund over the next 90 days.

 
§
Loan originations and pipelines for the quarter increased in the commercial sectors of the portfolio inclusive of commercial and commercial real estate loans.



Loan Mix:
                                   
(unaudited)
                                   
                                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
At quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Real estate loans
                                   
       Residential
  $ 190,138     $ 200,533     $ 218,340     $ 229,903     $ 240,316     $ 249,258  
       Commercial
    304,662       291,133       262,676       256,885       256,527       246,089  
       Construction
    46,946       57,898       54,105       41,242       42,075       47,722  
Total real estate loans
    541,746       549,564       535,121       528,030       538,918       543,069  
Commercial loans
    172,226       165,173       157,621       148,444       135,232       116,891  
Consumer and other loans
    954       952       921       928       1,481       672  
Total loans before unearned fees and costs
    714,926       715,689       693,663       677,402       675,631       660,632  
Unearned costs, net
    527       411       551       615       572       525  
Total loans
  $ 715,453     $ 716,100     $ 694,214     $ 678,017     $ 676,203     $ 661,157  

 
§
Investment securities increased by $55.4 million at December 31, 2009 compared to December 31, 2008.

 
§
Deposits totaled $813.7 million at December 31, 2009, an increase of $154.2 million from December 31, 2008.

 
§
Total deposit funding sources, including overnight repurchase agreements (which agreements are part of the demand deposit base), amounted to $859.8 million at December 31, 2009, an increase of $155.1 million from December 31, 2008, which reflected inflows in core savings deposits and CDARS Reciprocal deposits, as customers’ need for safety and more liquidity became paramount in light of the financial crisis.

 
§
Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over increased $44.3 million as compared to December 31, 2008 due primarily to an increase in CDARS Reciprocal deposits, which has become an attractive product for customers who are sensitive to obtaining full FDIC insurance for their time deposits.

 
§
The Corporation expects its core deposit gathering efforts to remain strong, supported in part by the recent actions by the FDIC in temporarily raising the deposit insurance limits. The Corporation is a participant in the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program. Under this program, all non-interest bearing deposit transaction accounts are fully guaranteed by the FDIC, regardless of dollar amount, through June 30, 2010, with increased fees.

 
§
Borrowings totaled $223.1 million at December 31, 2009, relatively unchanged from December 31, 2008.

The following table reflects the Corporation’s deposits for the periods specified.

Deposit Mix
(unaudited)
                                   
                                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
At quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Checking accounts
                                   
        Non interest bearing
  $ 130,518     $ 126,205     $ 130,115     $ 114,607     $ 113,319     $ 114,631  
        Interest bearing
    156,738       136,070       137,578       132,682       139,349       129,070  
Savings deposits
    192,996       215,275       185,074       137,197       66,359       61,623  
Money market accounts
    116,450       132,395       129,756       114,363       111,308       140,533  
Time deposits
    217,003       351,212       372,619       269,530       229,202       231,287  
Total Deposits
  $ 813,705     $ 961,157     $ 955,142     $ 768,379     $ 659,537     $ 677,144  

On September 30, 2009, the FDIC proposed and subsequently adopted a rule that required insured institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly assessments through December 31, 2012 to strengthen the cash position of the Deposit Insurance Fund. The rule required the cash prepayment on December 30, 2009, which amounted to approximately $5.7 million and has been classified in other assets. This cash payment did not have a significant impact on our future cash position or operations.



Additional Information for the Fourth Quarter 2009 -

 
§
Total assets amounted to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2009, which positions the Corporation as one of the largest New Jersey headquartered financial institutions.

 
§
Average loans increased by $39.4 million while average investment securities, including federal fund sold, increased by $85.0 million.

Quarterly Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
                                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
At quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Cash and due from banks
  $ 89,168     $ 172,401     $ 176,784     $ 90,634     $ 15,031     $ 15,952  
Fed funds and money market funds
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Investments
    298,124       376,097       378,895       266,032       242,714       284,349  
Loans
    715,453       716,100       694,214       678,017       676,203       661,157  
Allowance for loan losses
    (8,275 )     (7,142 )     (6,917 )     (6,769 )     (6,254 )     (6,080 )
Restricted investment in bank stocks, at cost
    10,672       10,673       10,675       10,228       10,230       10,277  
Premises and equipment, net
    17,860       18,155       18,430       18,313       18,488       18,545  
Goodwill
    16,804       16,804       16,804       16,804       16,804       16,804  
Core deposit intangible
    224       243       262       283       306       328  
Bank owned life insurance
    26,304       26,162       25,888       23,156       22,938       22,690  
Other real estate owned
    -       -       3,500       4,426       3,949       -  
Other assets
    30,490       20,023       23,068       19,889       22,884       18,756  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,196,824     $ 1,349,516     $ 1,341,603     $ 1,121,013     $ 1,023,293     $ 1,042,778  
Deposits
  $ 813,705     $ 961,157     $ 955,142     $ 768,379     $ 659,537     $ 677,144  
Borrowings
    274,408       280,509       252,498       255,365       273,595       281,046  
Other liabilities
    6,160       15,623       44,505       7,840       8,448       3,964  
Stockholders' equity
    102,551       92,227       89,458       89,429       81,713       80,624  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
                                               
  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 1,196,824     $ 1,349,516     $ 1,341,603     $ 1,121,013     $ 1,023,293     $ 1,042,778  

Condensed Consolidated Average Balance Sheets (unaudited)
                         
                                     
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
For the quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Investments, Fed funds, and other
  $ 357,471     $ 385,270     $ 304,482     $ 253,445     $ 272,507     $ 273,337  
Loans
    709,612       693,670       686,675       679,953       670,212       651,766  
Allowance for loan losses
    (7,401 )     (6,978 )     (6,891 )     (6,384 )     (6,235 )     (5,840 )
All other assets
    233,343       274,103       211,495       131,861       95,514       93,535  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,293,025     $ 1,346,065     $ 1,195,761     $ 1,058,875     $ 1,031,998     $ 1,012,798  
Deposits-interest bearing
  $ 764,469     $ 845,504     $ 716,243     $ 588,599     $ 554,652     $ 521,459  
Deposits-non interest bearing
    134,325       129,592       121,482       115,541       112,936       118,623  
Borrowings
    279,344       266,825       253,310       255,269       278,524       288,002  
Other liabilities
    11,018       13,411       14,921       8,567       4,798       4,321  
Stockholders’ equity
    103,869       90,733       89,805       90,899       81,088       80,393  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
                                               
  STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 1,293,025     $ 1,346,065     $ 1,195,761     $ 1,058,875     $ 1,031,998     $ 1,012,798  

About Center Bancorp
 
Center Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company which operates Union Center National Bank, its main subsidiary. Chartered in 1923, Union Center National Bank is one of the oldest national banks headquartered in the state of New Jersey and currently the largest commercial bank headquartered in Union County. Its primary market niche is its commercial banking business. The Bank focuses its lending activities on commercial lending to small and medium sized businesses, real estate developers and high net worth individuals.
 


The Bank, through its Private Wealth Management Division which includes its wholly owned subsidiary, Center Financial Group LLC, provides financial services, including brokerage services, insurance and annuities, mutual funds, financial planning, estate and tax planning, trust, elder care and benefit plan administration.

The Bank currently operates 13 banking locations in Union and Morris counties in New Jersey. Banking centers are located in Union Township (6 locations), Berkeley Heights, Boonton/Mountain Lakes, Madison, Millburn/Vauxhall, Morristown, Springfield, and Summit, New Jersey. The Bank also operates remote ATM locations in the Chatham and Madison New Jersey Transit train stations, and the Boys and Girls Club of Union.

While the Bank’s primary market area is comprised of Morris and Union Counties, New Jersey, the Corporation has expanded to northern and central New Jersey. At December 31, 2009, the Corporation had total assets of $1.2 billion, total deposit funding sources, which includes overnight repurchase agreements, of $859.8 million and stockholders’ equity of $102.6 million. For further information regarding Center Bancorp, Inc., call 1-(800)-862-3683. For information regarding Union Center National Bank, visit our web site at http://www.centerbancorp.com
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
“Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity” is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as net income as a percentage of tangible stockholders’ equity. This measure may be important to investors that are interested in analyzing our return on equity exclusive of the effect of changes in intangible assets on equity. The following table presents a reconciliation of return on average stockholders’ equity and return on average tangible stockholders’ equity for the periods presented:

(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
For the quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Net income
  $ 1,038     $ 1,535     $ 1,201     $ 799     $ 1,699     $ 1,518  
Average stockholders’ equity
  $ 103,869     $ 90,733     $ 89,805     $ 90,899     $ 81,088     $ 80,393  
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets
    17,039       17,058       17,078       17,101       17,123       17,145  
Average tangible stockholders’ equity
  $ 86,830     $ 73,675     $ 72,727     $ 73,798     $ 63,965     $ 63,248  
Return on average stockholders’ equity
    4.00 %     6.77 %     5.35 %     3.52 %     8.38 %     7.55 %
Add: Average goodwill and other intangible assets
    0.78       1.56       1.26       0.81       2.24       2.05  
Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity
    4.78 %     8.33 %     6.61 %     4.33 %     10.62 %     9.60 %
 
“Tangible book value per common share” is also a non-GAAP financial measure and represents tangible stockholders’ equity (or tangible book value) calculated on a per common share basis. The Corporation believes that a disclosure of tangible book value per common share may be helpful for those investors who seek to evaluate the Corporation’s book value per common share without giving effect to goodwill and other intangible assets. The following table presents a reconciliation of total book value per common share to tangible book value per common share as of the dates presented:

(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
At quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Common shares outstanding
    14,572,029       13,000,601       13,000,601       12,991,312       12,991,312       12,988,284  
Stockholders’ equity
  $ 102,551     $ 92,227     $ 89,458     $ 89,429     $ 81,713     $ 80,624  
Less: Preferred stock
    9,619       9,599       9,578       9,557       -       -  
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets
    17,028       17,047       17,066       17,087       17,110       17,132  
Tangible common stockholders’ equity
  $ 75,904     $ 65,581     $ 62,814     $ 62,785     $ 64,603     $ 63,492  
Book value per common share
  $ 6.38     $ 6.36     $ 6.14     $ 6.15     $ 6.29     $ 6.21  
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets
    1.17       1.32       1.31       1.32       1.32       1.32  
Tangible book value per common share
  $ 5.21     $ 5.04     $ 4.83     $ 4.83     $ 4.97     $ 4.89  

"Tangible common stockholders' equity/tangible assets" is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as tangible common stockholders' equity as a percentage of total assets minus goodwill and other intangible assets. This measure may be important to investors that are interested in analyzing the financial condition of the Corporation without consideration for intangible assets, inasmuch as tangible common stockholders' equity and tangible assets both back out goodwill and other intangible assets. The following table presents a reconciliation of total assets to tangible assets and then presents a reconciliation of total stockholders' equity/total assets to tangible common stockholders' equity/tangible assets as of the dates presented:



(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
At quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Total assets
  $ 1,196,824     $ 1,349,516     $ 1,341,603     $ 1,121,013     $ 1,023,293     $ 1,042,778  
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets
    17,028       17,047       17,066       17,087       17,110       17,132  
Tangible assets
  $ 1,179,796     $ 1,332,469     $ 1,324,537     $ 1,103,926     $ 1,006,183     $ 1,025,646  
Total stockholders' equity/total assets
    8.57 %     6.83 %     6.67 %     7.98 %     7.99 %     7.73 %
Tangible common stockholders' equity/tangible assets
    6.43 %     4.92 %     4.74 %     5.69 %     6.42 %     6.19 %

Total non-interest income is presented both including and excluding net securities gains (losses). We believe that many investors desire to evaluate non-interest income without regard for securities transactions. The following table presents a reconciliation of total non-interest (or other) income with total non-interest (or other) income excluding the impact of securities transactions.

(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
For the quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Total other income
  $ (340 )   $ 311     $ 2,551     $ 1,384     $ 615     $ 47  
Net securities gains (losses)
    (1,308 )     (511 )     1,710       600       (256 )     (1,075 )
Total other income, excluding net securities gains (losses)
  $ 968     $ 822     $ 841     $ 784     $ 871     $ 1,122  

“Efficiency ratio” is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as non-interest expense as a percentage of net interest income on a tax equivalent basis plus non-interest income, excluding net securities gains (losses), as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
For the quarter ended:
 
12/31/09
   
9/30/09
   
6/30/09
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
9/30/08
 
Other expense
  $ 5,238     $ 5,186     $ 7,314     $ 5,319     $ 4,754     $ 4,578  
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)
  $ 8,129     $ 7,536     $ 6,753     $ 6,556     $ 7,086     $ 7,148  
Other income, excluding net securities gains (losses)
    968       822       841       784       871       1,122  
    $ 9,097     $ 8,358     $ 7,594     $ 7,340     $ 7,957     $ 8,270  
Efficiency ratio
    57.6 %     62.0 %     96.3 %     72.5 %     59.7 %     55.4 %

Forward-Looking Statements

All non-historical statements in this press release (including statements regarding the Corporation’s outlook, credit and market trends, future growth, future core deposit gathering efforts and the timing of funding of undisbursed commitments) constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may use such forward-looking terminology such as "expect," "look," "believe," "plan," "anticipate," "may," "will" or similar statements or variations of such terms or otherwise express views concerning trends and the future. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, the direction of interest rates, continued levels of loan quality and origination volume, continued relationships with major customers including sources for loans, as well as the effects of international, national, regional and local economic conditions and legal and regulatory barriers and structure, including those relating to the current global financial crisis and the deregulation of the financial services industry, and other risks cited in the Corporation’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Center Bancorp, Inc. assumes no obligation for updating any such forward-looking statement at any time.

Investor Inquiries:
Anthony C. Weagley
President & Chief Executive Officer
 (908) 206-2886

Joseph Gangemi
Investor Relations
 (908) 206-2886


 
CENTER BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
December 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
             
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 89,168     $ 15,031  
Investment securities available-for sale
    298,124       242,714  
Loans
    715,453       676,203  
Less — Allowance for loan losses
    8,275       6,254  
Net loans
    707,178       669,949  
Restricted investment in bank stocks, at cost
    10,672       10,230  
Premises and equipment, net
    17,860       18,488  
Accrued interest receivable
    4,033       4,154  
Bank owned life insurance
    26,304       22,938  
Other real estate owned
          3,949  
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    17,028       17,110  
Other assets
    26,457       18,730  
Total assets
  $ 1,196,824     $ 1,023,293  
LIABILITIES
               
Deposits:
               
Non-interest bearing
  $ 130,518     $ 113,319  
Interest-bearing
               
Time deposits $100 and over
    144,802       100,493  
Interest-bearing transactions, savings and time deposits $100 and less
    538,385       445,725  
Total deposits
    813,705       659,537  
Short-term borrowings
    46,109       45,143  
Long-term borrowings
    223,144       223,297  
Subordinated debentures
    5,155       5,155  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    6,160       8,448  
Total liabilities
    1,094,273       941,580  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, $1,000 liquidation value per share:
               
Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued 10,000 shares in 2009 and none in 2008
    9,619        
Common stock, no par value:
               
Authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued 16,762,412 shares in 2009 and 15,190,984 in 2008, outstanding 14,572,029 in 2009 and 12,991,312 shares in 2008
    97,908       86,908  
Additional paid in capital
    5,650       5,204  
Retained earnings
    17,870       16,309  
Treasury stock, at cost (2,190,383 in 2009 and 2,199,672 shares in 2008)
    (17,720 )     (17,796 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (10,776 )     (8,912 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    102,551       81,713  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,196,824     $ 1,023,293  



CENTER BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
((Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest income:
                 
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 9,183     $ 9,535     $ 36,751     $ 36,110  
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
                               
Taxable interest income
    3,394       2,439       12,727       10,353  
Non-taxable interest income
    216       511       989       2,547  
Dividends
    178       126       643       771  
Interest on Federal funds sold and securities
purchased under agreement to resell
          4             113  
Total interest income
    12,971       12,615       51,110       49,894  
Interest expense:
                               
Interest on certificates of deposit $100 or more
    707       551       3,551       2,351  
Interest on other deposits
    1,566       2,604       8,757       10,936  
Interest on borrowings
    2,680       2,637       10,337       10,808  
Total interest expense
    4,953       5,792       22,645       24,095  
Net interest income
    8,018       6,823       28,465       25,799  
Provision for loan losses
    1,404       425       3,261       1,561  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    6,614       6,398       25,204       24,238  
Other income:
                               
Service charges, commissions and fees
    482       489       1,835       2,015  
Annuity and insurance
    24       22       126       112  
Bank owned life insurance
    408       247       1,156       1,203  
Other
    54       113       298       420  
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (6,458 )     (370 )     (8,476 )     (1,761 )
Less: Portion of loss recognized in other
comprehensive income (before taxes)
    4,350             4,828        
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (2,698 )     (370 )     (4,238 )     (1,761 )
Net gains on sale of investment securities
    1,390       114       4,729       655  
Net investment securities gains (losses)
    (1,308 )     (256 )     491       (1,106 )
Total other income (charges)
    (340 )     615       3,906       2,644  
Other expense:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    2,486       1,710       9,915       8,505  
Occupancy, net
    617       983       2,536       3,279  
Premises and equipment
    300       362       1,263       1,436  
FDIC insurance
    430       149       2,055       217  
Professional and consulting
    173       152       811       703  
Stationery and printing
    86       97       339       397  
Marketing and advertising
    20       144       366       637  
Computer expense
    302       229       964       834  
OREO expense, net
          11       1,438       31  
Other
    824       917       3,370       3,434  
Total other expense
    5,238       4,754       23,057       19,473  
Income before income tax expense (benefit)
    1,036       2,259       6,053       7,409  
Income tax expense (benefit )
    (2 )     560       1,480       1,567  
Net income
    1,038       1,699       4,573       5,842  
Preferred stock dividends and accretion
    142             567        
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 896     $ 1,699     $ 4,006     $ 5,842  
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.06     $ 0.13     $ 0.30     $ 0.45  
Diluted
  $ 0.06     $ 0.13     $ 0.30     $ 0.45  
Weighted average common shares     outstanding:
                               
Basic
    14,531,387       12,989,304       13,382,614       13,048,518  
Diluted
    14,534,255       12,995,134       13,385,416       13,061,410  



SUMMARY SELECTED QUARTERLY STATISTICAL INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL DATA

(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Share Data)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
12/31/2009
   
9/30/2009
   
12/31/2008
 
Statements of Income Data:
                 
Interest income
  $ 12,971     $ 13,491     $ 12,615  
Interest expense
    4,953       6,050       5,792  
Net interest income
    8,018       7,441       6,823  
Provision for loan losses
    1,404       280       425  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    6,614       7,161       6,398  
Other income (charges)
    (340 )     311       615  
Other expense
    5,238       5,186       4,754  
Income before income tax expense
    1,036       2,286       2,259  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (2 )     751       560  
Net income
    1,038       1,535       1,699  
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 896     $ 1,387     $ 1,699  
Earnings per common share:
                       
Basic
  $ 0.06     $ 0.11     $ 0.13  
Diluted
  $ 0.06     $ 0.11     $ 0.13  
Statements of Condition Data (Period End):
                       
Investments
    298,124       376,097     $ 242,714  
Total loans
    715,453       716,100       676,203  
Goodwill and other intangibles
    17,028       17,047       17,110  
Total assets
    1,196,824       1,349,516       1,023,293  
Deposits
    813,705       961,157       659,537  
Borrowings
    274,408       280,509       273,595  
Stockholders' equity
  $ 102,551     $ 92,227     $ 81,713  
Dividend Data on Common Shares:
                       
Cash dividends
  $ 437     $ 390     $ 1,169  
Dividend payout ratio
    48.77 %     28.12 %     68.81 %
Cash dividends per share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.03     $ 0.09  
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
                       
Basic
    14,531,387       13,000,601       12,989,304  
Diluted
    14,534,255       13,005,101       12,995,134  
Operating Ratios:
                       
Return on average assets
    0.32 %     0.46 %     0.66 %
Average stockholders' equity to average assets
    8.03 %     6.74 %     7.86 %
Return on average equity
    4.00 %     6.77 %     8.38 %
Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity
    4.78 %     8.33 %     10.62 %
Book value per common share
  $ 6.38     $ 6.36     $ 6.29  
Tangible book value per common share
  $ 5.21     $ 5.04     $ 4.97  
Non-Financial Information (Period End):
                       
Common stockholders of record
    605       617       640  
Staff-full time equivalent
    160       165       160