UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ýAnnual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 20172019
OR
¨Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from             to             
Commission File No. 1-31566
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware42-1547151
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
No.)
239 Washington StreetJersey CityNew Jersey07302
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(City)(State)(Zip Code)
(732) 590-9200
(Registrant’s Telephone Number)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per shareTitle of each classTrading Symbol
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
CommonPFSNew York Stock Exchange
(Title of Class)(Name of Exchange on Which Registered)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES  ý    NO  ¨Yes      No  
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Act.    YES  ¨    NO  ýYes      No  
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  ý    NO  ¨Yes      No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  ý    NO  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ýYes     No  
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerAccelerated FilerýAccelerated Filer
¨




Non-Accelerated Filer
¨




Smaller Reporting Company
¨




Emerging Growth Company
¨


If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO  ýYes      No  
As of February 2, 2018,3, 2020, there were 83,209,293 issued and 66,842,53165,964,970 outstanding shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, including 286,453209,685 shares held by the First Savings Bank Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan not otherwise considered outstanding under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The aggregate value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price of the Common Stock as of June 30, 2017,2019, as quoted by the NYSE, was approximately $1.55$1.50 billion.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(1)Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Registrant (Part III).

1.Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Registrant (Part III).





PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-K
 
Item Number Page Number
PART I
1
1A.
1B.
2
3
4
PART II
5
6
7
7A.
8
9
9A.
9B.
PART III
10
11
12
13
14
PART IV
15
16
Item Number Page Number
PART I
1.
1A.
1B.
2.
3.
4.
 
PART II
5.
6.
7.
7A.
8.
9.
9A.
9B.
 
PART III
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
 
PART IV
15.
16.
 
   







Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods, or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” "project," "intend," “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar terms or variations on those terms, or the negative of those terms. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and those related to the economic environment, particularly in the market areas in which Provident Financial Services, Inc. (the "Company")the Company operates, competitive products and pricing, fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. Government, changes in accounting policies and practices that may be adopted by the regulatory agencies and the accounting standards setters, changes in government regulations affecting financial institutions, including regulatory fees and capital requirements, changes in prevailing interest rates, acquisitions and the integration of acquired businesses, credit risk management, asset-liability management, the financial and securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity.
The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date made. The Company also advises readers that the factors listed above could affect the Company’sCompany's financial performance and could cause the Company’sCompany's actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements. The Company does not have any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any subsequent events or circumstances after the date of this statement.




PART I
 
Item 1.Business
Item 1. Business
Provident Financial Services, Inc.
The Company is a Delaware corporation which became the holding company for Provident Bank (the “Bank”) on January 15, 2003, following the completion of the Bank's conversion of the Bank to a New Jersey-chartered capital stock savings bank. On January 15, 2003, the Company issued an aggregate of 59,618,300 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share in a subscription offering, and contributed $4.8 million in cash and 1,920,000 shares of its common stock to The Provident Bank Foundation, a charitable foundation established by the Bank. As a result of the conversion and related stock offering, the Company raised $567.2 million in net proceeds, of which $293.2 million was utilized to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of the Bank. The Company owns all of the outstanding common stock of the Bank, and as such, is a bank holding company subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board.
At December 31, 2017,2019, the Company had total assets of $9.85$9.81 billion, total loans of $7.33 billion, total deposits of $6.71$7.10 billion, and total stockholders’ equity of $1.30$1.41 billion. The Company’s mailing address is 239 Washington Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302, and the Company’s telephone number is (732) 590-9200.
Capital Management. The Company paid cash dividends totaling $60.0$72.8 million and repurchased 45,123916,326 shares of its common stock at a cost of $1.2$21.8 million in 2017.2019. At December 31, 2017, 3.12019, 1.6 million shares wereremain eligible for repurchase under the board approved stock repurchase program. The Company and the Bank were “well capitalized” at December 31, 20172019 under current regulatory standards.
Available Information. The Company is a public company, and files interim, quarterly and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These respective reports are on file and a matter of public record with the SEC and may be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, (http://www.sec.gov).including the Company. All SEC reports and amendments to these reports are available on the SEC's website and are made available as soon as practical after they have been filed or furnished to the SEC and are available on the Bank’s website, www.provident.bank, onat the “Investor Relations” page, without charge from the Company. Information on our website should not be considered a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Provident Bank
Established in 1839, the Bank is a New Jersey-chartered capital stock savings bank operating full-service branch offices in the New Jersey counties of Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren, as well as in Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania. As a community- and customer-oriented institution, the Bank emphasizes personal service and customer convenience in serving the financial needs of the


individuals, families and businesses residing in its primary market areas. The Bank attracts deposits from the general public
1


and businesses primarily in the areas surrounding its banking offices and uses those funds, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, to originate commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, residential mortgage loans, and consumer loans. The Bank also invests in mortgage-backed securities and other permissible investments.
The following are highlights of Provident Bank’s operations:
Diversified Loan Portfolio. To improve asset yields and reduce its exposure to interest rate risk, the Bank continues to diversify its loan portfolio and has emphasizedemphasize the origination of commercial real estate loans, multi-family loans and commercial business loans. These loans generally have adjustable rates or shorter fixed terms and interest rates that are higher than the rates applicable to one-to four-family residential mortgage loans. However, these loans generally have a higher risk of loss than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans.
Asset Quality.As of December 31, 2017,2019, non-performing assets were $41.8$42.9 million or 0.42%0.44% of total assets, compared to $50.4$27.3 million or 0.53%0.28% of total assets at December 31, 2016.2018. The Bank’s non-performing asset levels continued to declinerose from higherlower levels reported in the prior years as localyear largely due to credit deterioration in several commercial lending relationships, and national economic conditions have gradually improved.is not indicative of credit deterioration in the broader loan portfolio. The Bank continues to focus on conservative underwriting criteria and on active and timely collection efforts.
Emphasis on Relationship Banking and Core Deposits. The Bank emphasizes the acquisition and retention of core deposit accounts, consisting of savings and demand deposit accounts, and expanding customer relationships. Core deposit accounts totaled $6.08$6.37 billion at December 31, 2017,2019, representing 90.5%89.7% of total deposits, compared with $5.90$6.08 billion, or 90.1%89.0% of total deposits at December 31, 2016.2018. The Bank also focuses on increasing the number of households and businesses served and the number of banking products per customer.
Non-Interest Income. The Bank’s focus on transaction accounts and expanded products and services has enabled the Bank to generate increased non-interest income. Fees derived from core deposit accounts are a primary source of non-interest income. The Bank also offers investment, wealth and asset management services through its subsidiaries to generate non-interest income. Total non-interest income was $55.7$63.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared with $55.4$58.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, of which fee income was $27.2and wealth management income were $28.3 million and $22.5 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared with $26.0$28.1 million and $18.0 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.
Managing Interest Rate Risk. The Bank manages its exposure to interest rate risk through the origination and retention of adjustable rate and shorter-term loans, and its investments in securities. In addition, the Bank uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Bank making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. These interest rate swaps are used to hedge the variable cash outflows associated with Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") borrowings. At December 31, 2017, 64.6%2019, 62.4% of the Bank’s loan portfolio had a term to maturity of one year or less, or had adjustable interest rates. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank’s securities portfolio totaled $1.60$1.49 billion and had an expected average life of 4.343.41 years to manage its exposure to interest rate movements.
MARKET AREA
The Company and the Bank are headquartered in Jersey City, which is located in Hudson County, New Jersey. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank operated a network of 8483 full-service banking offices throughout thirteen counties in northern and central New Jersey, as well as in Bucks, Lehigh and Northamptonthree counties in Pennsylvania. The Bank maintains its administrative offices in Iselin, New Jersey and satellite loan production offices in Convent Station, Flemington, Paramus and Princeton,Manasquan, New Jersey, as well as in Bethlehem, Newtown and Wayne, Pennsylvania. The Bank’s lending activities, though concentrated in the communities surrounding its offices, extend predominantly throughout New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.
The Bank’s primary market area includes a mix of urban and suburban communities, and has a diversified mix of industries including pharmaceutical, manufacturing companies, network communications, insurance and financial services, healthcare, and retail. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent population data, the Bank’s New Jersey market area has a population of approximately 7.06.9 million, which was 77.7%78.0% of the state’s total population. The Bank’s Pennsylvania market area has a population of approximately 1.3 million, which was 10.4%10.2% of that state’s total population. Because of the diversity of industries within the Bank’s market area and, to a lesser extent, its proximity to the New York City financial markets, the area’s economy can be significantly affected by changes in national and international economies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in New Jersey was 5.0%3.5% at December 31, 2017, an increase2019, a decrease from 4.7%4.0% at December 31, 2016.2018. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 4.7%4.5% for December 31, 2017, a decrease2019, an increase from 5.6%4.2% at December 31, 2016.2018.
2


Within its primary market areas in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Bank had an approximate 2.18%2.16% and 0.78%0.67% share of bank deposits as of June 30, 2017,2019, respectively, the latest date for which statistics are available. On a statewide basis, the Bank


had an approximate 1.90%1.95% deposit share of the New Jersey market and an approximate 0.06% deposit share of the Pennsylvania market.
COMPETITION
The Bank faces intensesignificant competition in originating and retaining loans and attracting deposits. The northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania market areas have a high concentration of financial institutions, including large money center and regional banks, community banks, credit unions, investment brokerage firms and insurance companies. The Bank faces direct competition for loans from each of these institutions as well as from mortgage companies, on-line lenders and other loan origination firms operating in its market area. The Bank’s most direct competition for deposits comes from several commercial banks and savings banks in its market area. Certain of these banks have substantially greater financial resources than the Bank. In addition, theThe Bank also faces significant competition for deposits from the mutual fund and investment advisory industries and from investors’ direct purchases of short-term money market securities and other corporate and government securities.
The Bank competes in this environment by maintaining a diversified product line, including mutual funds, annuities and other investment services made available through its investment subsidiaries. Relationships with customers are built and maintained through the Bank’s branch network, its deployment of branch ATMs, and its mobile, telephone and web-based banking services.
LENDING ACTIVITIES
The Bank originates commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans collateralized by one- to four-family residential real estate and other consumer loans, for borrowers generally located within its primary market area.
Residential mortgage loans are primarily underwritten to standards that allow the sale of the loans to the secondary markets, primarily to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC” or “Freddie Mac”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA” or “Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY").FHLBNY. To manage interest rate risk, the Bank generally sells fixed-rate residential mortgages that it originates with terms greater than 15 years. The Bank commonly retains biweekly payment fixed-rate residential mortgage loans with a maturity of 30 years or less and a majority of the originated adjustable-rate mortgages for its portfolio.
The Bank originates commercial real estate loans that are secured by income-producing properties such as multi-family apartment buildings, office buildings, and retail and industrial properties. Generally, these loans have maturities of either 5 or 10 years. For loans greater than $5.0 million originated with maturities in excess of 7 years, the Bank generally requires loan-level interest rate swaps for qualified borrowers.

The Bank has historically provided construction loans for both single family and condominium projects intended for sale and commercial projects, including residential rental projects that will be retained as investments by the borrower. The Bank underwrites most construction loans for a term of three years or less. The majority of these loans are underwritten on a floating rate basis. The Bank recognizes that there is higher risk in construction lending than permanent lending. As such, the Bank takes certain precautions to mitigate this risk, including the retention of an outside engineering firm to perform plan and cost reviews, and to review all construction advances made against work in place, and a limitation on how and when loan proceeds are advanced. In most cases, for the single family and condominium projects, the Bank limits its exposure against houses or units that are not under contract. Similarly, commercial construction loans usually have commitments for significant pre-leasing, or funds are held back until the leases are finalized. Funding requirements and loan structure for residential rental projects vary depending on whether such projects are vertical or horizontal construction.
Commercial loans are made to businesses of varying size and type within the Bank’s market. The Bank lends to established businesses, and the loans are generally secured by business assets such as equipment, receivables, inventory, real estate or marketable securities. On a limited basis, the Bank makes unsecured commercial loans. Most commercial lines of credit are made on a floating interest rate basis and most term loans are made on a fixed interest rate basis, usually with terms of five years or less.
The Bank originates consumer loans that are secured, in most cases, by a borrower’s assets. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit that are secured by a first or second mortgage lien on the borrower’s residence comprise the largest category of the Bank’s consumer loan portfolio.

3



Loan Portfolio Composition. Set forth below is selected information concerning the composition of the loan portfolio by type, including Purchased Credit Impaired ("PCI") loans, (after deductions for deferred fees and costs, unearned discounts and premiums and allowances for losses) at the dates indicated.
 At December 31,
 20192018201720162015
 AmountPercentAmountPercentAmountPercentAmountPercentAmountPercent
 (Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans$1,078,227  14.82 %$1,100,009  15.29 %$1,142,914  15.73 %$1,212,255  17.46 %$1,255,159  19.38 %
Commercial mortgage loans2,578,477  35.43  2,299,417  31.96  2,171,174  29.88  1,978,700  28.50  1,716,117  26.50  
Multi-family mortgage loans1,225,675  16.84  1,339,800  18.62  1,404,005  19.32  1,402,169  20.20  1,234,066  19.06  
Construction loans429,812  5.91  388,999  5.41  392,580  5.40  264,814  3.81  331,649  5.12  
Total mortgage loans5,312,191  73.00  5,128,225  71.28  5,110,673  70.33  4,857,938  69.97  4,536,991  70.06  
Commercial loans1,634,759  22.46  1,695,148  23.56  1,745,301  24.02  1,630,887  23.49  1,434,291  22.15  
Consumer loans391,360  5.38  431,428  6.00  473,958  6.52  516,755  7.44  566,175  8.74  
Total gross loans7,338,310  100.84  7,254,801  100.84  7,329,932  100.87  7,005,580  100.90  6,537,457  100.95  
Premiums on purchased loans2,474  0.02  3,243  0.04  4,029  0.06  4,968  0.07  5,740  0.09  
Unearned discounts(26) —  (33) —  (36) —  (39) —  (41) —  
Net deferred fees(7,873) (0.12) (7,423) (0.11) (8,207) (0.10) (7,023) (0.08) (5,482) (0.09) 
Total loans7,332,885  100.74  7,250,588  100.77  7,325,718  100.83  7,003,486  100.89  6,537,674  100.95  
Allowance for loan losses(55,525) (0.76) (55,562) (0.77) (60,195) (0.83) (61,883) (0.89) (61,424) (.95) 
Total loans, net$7,277,360  99.98 %$7,195,026  100.00 %$7,265,523  100.00 %$6,941,603  100.00 %$6,476,250  100.00 %
 At December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent
 (Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans$1,142,914
 15.73 % $1,212,255
 17.46 % $1,255,159
 19.38 % $1,252,526
 20.79 % $1,174,043
 22.89 %
Commercial mortgage loans2,171,174
 29.88
 1,978,700
 28.50
 1,716,117
 26.50
 1,695,822
 28.15
 1,400,624
 27.30
Multi-family mortgage loans1,404,005
 19.32
 1,402,169
 20.20
 1,234,066
 19.06
 1,042,223
 17.30
 928,906
 18.11
Construction loans392,580
 5.40
 264,814
 3.81
 331,649
 5.12
 221,102
 3.67
 183,289
 3.57
Total mortgage loans5,110,673
 70.33
 4,857,938
 69.97
 4,536,991
 70.06
 4,211,673
 69.91
 3,686,862
 71.87
Commercial loans1,745,301
 124.93
 1,630,887
 23.49
 1,434,291
 22.15
 1,263,618
 20.98
 932,199
 18.17
Consumer loans473,958
 219.98
 516,755
 7.44
 566,175
 8.74
 611,596
 10.15
 577,602
 11.26
Total gross loans7,329,932
 420.64
 7,005,580
 100.90
 6,537,457
 100.95
 6,086,887
 101.04
 5,196,663
 101.30
Premiums on purchased loans4,029
 0.06
 4,968
 0.07
 5,740
 0.09
 5,307
 0.09
 4,202
 0.08
Unearned discounts(36) 
 (39) 
 (41) 
 (53) 
 (62) 
Net deferred fees(8,207) (0.09) (7,023) (0.08) (5,482) (0.09) (6,636) (0.11) (5,990) (0.12)
Total loans7,325,718
 420.60
 7,003,486
 100.89
 6,537,674
 100.95
 6,085,505
 101.02
 5,194,813
 101.26
Allowance for loan losses(60,195) (0.83) (61,883) (0.89) (61,424) (0.95) (61,734) (1.02) (64,664) (1.26)
Total loans, net$7,265,523
 419.77 % $6,941,603
 100.00 % $6,476,250
 100.00 % $6,023,771
 100.00 % $5,130,149
 100.00 %
Loan Maturity Schedule. The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2017,2019, regarding the maturities of loans in the loan portfolio, including PCI loans. Demand loans having no stated schedule of repayment and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported as due within one year.
Within
One Year
One
Through
Three
Years
Three
Through
Five Years
Five
Through
Ten Years
Ten
Through
Twenty
Years
Beyond
Twenty
Years
Total
 (In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans$462  $4,272  $13,832  $94,036  $425,984  $539,641  $1,078,227  
Commercial mortgage loans239,389  445,888  466,554  1,230,672  189,517  6,457  2,578,477  
Multi-family mortgage loans125,192  117,277  250,969  662,217  65,349  4,671  1,225,675  
Construction loans229,644  162,602  7,149  14,900  15,517  —  429,812  
Total mortgage loans594,687  730,039  738,504  2,001,825  696,367  550,769  5,312,191  
Commercial loans371,857  302,082  215,188  537,366  158,629  49,637  1,634,759  
Consumer loans14,260  6,325  16,543  88,579  211,115  54,538  391,360  
Total gross loans$980,804  $1,038,446  $970,235  $2,627,770  $1,066,111  $654,944  $7,338,310  
4


 
Within
One Year
 
One
Through
Three
Years
 
Three
Through
Five Years
 
Five
Through
Ten Years
 
Ten
Through
Twenty
Years
 
Beyond
Twenty
Years
 Total
 (Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans$2,836
 $5,148
 $10,679
 $89,706
 $490,887
 $543,658
 $1,142,914
Commercial mortgage loans197,530
 258,830
 439,897
 980,765
 284,062
 10,090
 2,171,174
Multi-family mortgage loans47,424
 154,387
 206,612
 885,281
 104,337
 5,964
 1,404,005
Construction loans172,611
 204,116
 11,161
 
 4,692
 
 392,580
Total mortgage loans420,401
 622,481
 668,349
 1,955,752
 883,978
 559,712
 5,110,673
Commercial loans344,523
 190,376
 489,064
 458,746
 210,808
 51,784
 1,745,301
Consumer loans15,192
 6,398
 17,305
 85,563
 262,431
 87,069
 473,958
Total gross loans$780,116
 $819,255
 $1,174,718
 $2,500,061
 $1,357,217
 $698,565
 $7,329,932


Fixed- and Adjustable-Rate Loan Schedule. The following table sets forth as of December 31, 20172019 the amount of all fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans due after December 31, 2018.2020.
 Due After December 31, 2020
 FixedAdjustableTotal
 ( In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans$805,206  $272,559  $1,077,765  
Commercial mortgage loans970,481  1,368,608  2,339,089  
Multi-family mortgage loans357,754  742,729  1,100,483  
Construction loans5,840  194,328  200,168  
Total mortgage loans2,139,281  2,578,224  4,717,505  
Commercial loans394,407  868,495  1,262,902  
Consumer loans261,189  115,910  377,099  
Total loans$2,794,877  $3,562,629  $6,357,506  
 Due After December 31, 2018
 Fixed Adjustable Total
 (Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans$765,654
 $374,424
 $1,140,078
Commercial mortgage loans702,412
 1,271,232
 1,973,644
Multi-family mortgage loans449,532
 907,049
 1,356,581
Construction loans1,355
 218,614
 219,969
Total mortgage loans1,918,953
 2,771,319
 4,690,272
Commercial loans436,931
 963,847
 1,400,778
Consumer loans280,855
 177,911
 458,766
Total loans$2,636,739
 $3,913,077
 $6,549,816


Residential Mortgage Loans. The Bank originates residential mortgage loans secured by first mortgages on one- to four-family residences, generally located in the State of New Jersey and the eastern part of Pennsylvania. The Bank originates residential mortgages primarily through commissioned mortgage representatives and via the Internet. The Bank originates both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. As of December 31, 2017, $1.142019, $1.08 billion or 15.7%14.8% of the total loan portfolio consisted of residential real estate loans. Of the one- to four-family loans at that date, 67.2%74.7% were fixed-rate and 32.8%25.3% were adjustable-rate loans.
The Bank originates fixed-rate fully amortizing residential mortgage loans with the principal and interest payments due each month, that typically have maturities ranging from 10 to 30 years. The Bank also originates fixed-rate residential mortgage loans with maturities of 10, 15, 20 and 30 years that require the payment of principal and interest on a biweekly basis. Fixed-rate jumbo residential mortgage loans (loans over the maximum that one of the government-sponsored agencies will purchase) are originated with maturities of up to 30 years. The Bank currently offers adjustable-rate mortgage loans with a fixed-rate period of 5, 7 or 10 years prior to the first annual interest rate adjustment. The standard adjustment formula is the one-year constant maturity Treasury rate plus 2.75%, adjusting annually after its first re-set period, with a 2% maximum annual adjustment and a 6% maximum adjustment over the life of the loan.
Residential mortgage loans are primarily underwritten to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae standards. The Bank’s standard maximum loan to value ratio is 80%. However, working through mortgage insurance companies, the Bank underwrites loans for sale to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae programs that will finance up to 95%97% of the value of the residence. Generally all fixed-rate loans with terms of 20 years or more are sold into the secondary market with servicing rights retained. Fixed-rate residential mortgage loans retained in the Bank’s portfolio generally include loans with a term of 15 years or less and biweekly payment residential mortgage loans with a term of 30 years or less. The Bank retains the majority of the originated adjustable-rate mortgages for its portfolio.
Loans are sold without recourse, generally with servicing rights retained by the Bank. The percentage of loans sold into the secondary market will vary depending upon interest rates and the Bank’s strategies for reducing exposure to interest rate risk. In 2017, $2.32019, $1.9 million or 1.9%1.2% of residential real estate loans originated were sold into the secondary market. All of the loans sold in 20172019 were long-term, fixed-rate mortgages.
The retention of adjustable-rate mortgages, as opposed to longer-term, fixed-rate residential mortgage loans, helps reduce the Bank’s exposure to interest rate risk. However, adjustable-rate mortgages generally pose credit risks different from the credit risks inherent in fixed-rate loans primarily because as interest rates rise, the underlying debt service payments of the borrowers rise, thereby increasing the potential for default. The Bank believes that these credit risks, which have not had a material adverse effect on the Bank to date, generally are less onerous than the interest rate risk associated with holding 20- and 30-year fixed-rate loans in its loan portfolio.
For many years, the Bank has offered discounted rates on residential mortgage loans to low- to moderate-income individuals. Loans originated in this category over the last five years have totaled $21.8$16.9 million. The Bank also offers a special rate program for first-time homebuyers under which originations have totaled over $9.2$41.2 million for the past five years. The Bank does not originate or purchase sub-prime or option ARM loans.
Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Bank originates loans secured by mortgages on various commercial income producing properties, including multi-family apartment buildings, office buildings and retail and industrial properties.
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Commercial real estate


loans were 29.9%35.4% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2017.2019. A substantial majority of the Bank’s commercial real estate loans are secured by properties located in the State of New Jersey.
The Bank originates commercial real estate loans with adjustable rates and with fixed interest rates for a period that is generally five to ten years or less, which may adjust after the initial period. Typically these loans are written for maturities of ten years or less and generally have an amortization schedule of 20 or 25 years. As a result, the typical amortization schedule will result in a substantial principal payment upon maturity. The Bank generally underwrites commercial real estate loans to a maximum 75% advance against either the appraised value of the property, or its purchase price (for loans to fund the acquisition of real estate), whichever is less. The Bank generally requires minimum debt service coverage of 1.20 times. There is a potential risk that the borrower may be unable to pay off or refinance the outstanding balance at the loan maturity date. The Bank typically lends to experienced owners or developers who have knowledge and expertise in the commercial real estate market.
Among the reasons for the Bank’s continued emphasis on commercial real estate lending is the desire to invest in assets bearing interest rates that are generally higher than interest rates on residential mortgage loans and more sensitive to changes in market interest rates. Commercial real estate loans, however, entail significant additional credit risk as compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, as they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In addition, the payment experience on commercial real estate loans secured by income-producing properties is typically dependent on the successful operation of the related real estate project, and thus may be more significantly impacted by adverse conditions in the real estate market or in the economy generally.
The Bank performs more extensive due diligence in underwriting commercial real estate loans than loans secured by owner-occupied one- to four-family residential properties due to the larger loan amounts and the riskier nature of such loans. The Bank assesses and mitigates the risk in several ways, including inspection of all such properties and the review of the overall financial condition of the borrower and guarantors, which may include, for example, the review of the rent rolls and the verification of income. If applicable, a tenant analysis and market analysis are part of the underwriting. Generally, for commercial real estate secured loans in excess of $1.0 million and for all other commercial real estate loans where it is deemed appropriate, the Bank requires environmental professionals to inspect the property and ascertain any potential environmental risks.
In accordance with regulatory guidelines, the Bank requires a full independent appraisal for commercial real estate properties. The appraiser must be selected from the Bank’s approved list, or otherwise approved by the Chief Credit Officer in instances such as an out-of-state or special use property. The Bank also employs an independent review appraiser to ensure that the appraisal meets the Bank’s standards. Financial statements are also required annually for review. The Bank’s policy also requires that a property inspection of commercial mortgages over $2.5 million be completed at least every 18 months, or more frequently when warranted.
The Bank’s largest commercial mortgage loan as of December 31, 20172019 was a $39.1$38.2 million loan secured by a first mortgage lien on eightfifteen mixed-use retail, residential and office buildings and five industrial/flex buildings located throughout Middlesex and Somerset counties in New Jersey.Hoboken, NJ. This was for an acquisition and refinance of fifteen Bank mortgaged properties by a refinance and consolidation of several loans to an existing customerlarge publicly traded, investment grade REIT with extensive experience and a successful track record. The loan has strong debt-service coverage and a low loan-to-value ratio of 55%. The loan has a risk rating of “2”“3” (loans rated 1-4 are deemed to be “acceptable quality”—see discussion of the Bank’s nine-point risk rating system for loans under “Allowance for Loan Losses” in the “Asset Quality” section) and was performing in accordance with its terms and conditions as of December 31, 2017.2019. (For the Bank’s largest group borrower exposure —see discussion on “Loans to One Borrower”)
Multi-family Loans. The Bank underwrites loans secured by apartment buildings that have five or more units. The Bank considers multi-family lending a component of the commercial real estate lending portfolio. The underwriting standards and procedures that are used to underwrite commercial real estate loans are used to underwrite multi-family loans, except the loan-to-value ratio shall not exceed 80% of the appraised value of the property, the debt-service coverage should be a minimum of 1.15 times and an amortization period of up to 30 years may be used.
The Bank’s largest multi-family loan as of December 31, 20172019 was a $41.0 million loan secured by a first leasehold mortgage lien on a newly renovated 129-unit, six story class A luxury rental apartment building with 12,000 square feet of office/retail space located in Morristown, New Jersey. The project sponsor is one of the largest privately-held real estate owner/developers in the United States, and has extensive experience and a successful track record in the development and management of multi-family projects. The loan has a risk rating of “3” (loans rated 1-4 are deemed to be “acceptable quality”—see discussion of the Bank’s nine-point risk rating system for loans under “Allowance for Loan Losses” in the “Asset Quality” section) and was performing in accordance with its terms and conditions as of December 31, 2017.2019. (For the Bank’s largest group borrower exposure —see discussion on “Loans to One Borrower”)
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Construction Loans. The Bank originates commercial construction loans. Commercial construction lending includes both new construction of residential and commercial real estate projects and the rehabilitation of existing structures.
The Bank’s commercial construction financing includes projects constructed for investment purposes (rental property), projects for sale (single family/condominiums) and to a lesser extent, owner-occupied business properties. To mitigate the speculative nature of construction loans, the Bank generally requires significant pre-leasing on rental properties; requires that a


percentage of the for-sale single-family residences or condominiums be under contract to support construction loan advances; and requires other covenants on residential for rental projects depending on whether the project is vertical or horizontal construction.
The Bank generally underwrites construction loans for a term of three years or less. The majority of the Bank’s construction loans are floating-rate loans with a maximum 75% loan-to-value ratio for the completed project. The Bank employs professional engineering firms to assist in the review of construction cost estimates and make site inspections to determine if the work has been completed prior to the advance of funds for the project.
Construction lending generally involves a greater degree of risk than commercial real estate or multi-family lending. Repayment of a construction loan is, to a great degree, dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the construction of the subject project and the successful marketing of the sale or lease of the project. Construction delays, slower than anticipated absorption or the financial impairment of the builder may negatively affect the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.
For all construction loans, the Bank requires an independent appraisal, which includes information on market rents and/or comparable sales for competing projects. The Bank also obtains personal guarantees and conducts environmental due diligence as appropriate.
The Bank also employs other means to mitigate the risk of the construction lending process. On commercial construction projects that the developer maintains for rental, the Bank typically holds back funds for tenant improvements until a lease is executed. For single family and condominium financing, the Bank generally requires payment for the release of a unit that exceeds the amount of the loan advance attributable to such unit.
The Bank’s largest construction loan at December 31, 20172019 was a $31.0$35.5 million commitment secured by a first mortgage lien on an existing 252,076property and improvements related to the construction of a 382,400 square foot industrial building under renovation with an additional 131,520 square foot industrial building under constructionon 29.7 acres located in Totowa, New Jersey.the Township of Monroe, NJ. The loan had an outstanding balance of $9.3$25.7 million at December 31, 2017, $7.0 million of which related to a refinance of an existing Provident Bank loan.2019. This loan closed in late 2017mid-2019 with renovation and construction completion expected by the end of 2018.2020. This project is 100% pre-leased. The project sponsor is an experienced and long standing real estate investment fund managerowner and developer with a successful track record in the development and management of commercial real estate. The loan ishas a risk rating of “4”“3” (loans rated “4”1-4 are deemed “acceptable quality” - see discussion of the Bank’s nine-point risk rating system for loans under “Allowance for Loan Losses” in the “Asset Quality” section) and was performing in accordance with its terms and conditions as of December 31, 2017.2019.
Commercial Loans. The Bank underwrites commercial loans to corporations, partnerships and other businesses. Commercial loans represented 124.9%22.5% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2017.2019. The majority of the Bank’s commercial loan customers are local businesses with revenues of less than $50.0 million. The Bank primarily offers commercial loans for equipment purchases, lines of credit for working capital purposes, letters of credit, asset-based lines of credit and real estate loans where the borrower is the primary occupant of the property. Most commercial loans are originated on a floating-rate basis and the majority of fixed-rate commercial term loans are fully amortized over a five-year period. Owner-occupied commercial real estate loans are generally underwritten to terms consistent with those utilized for commercial real estate; however, the maximum loan-to-value ratio for owner-occupied commercial real estate loans is 80%.
The Bank also underwrites Small Business Administration (“SBA”) guaranteed loans and guaranteed or assisted loans through various state, county and municipal programs. These governmental guarantees are typically used in cases where the borrower requires additional credit support. The Bank has “Preferred Lender” status with the SBA, allowing a more streamlined application and approval process.
The underwriting of a commercial loan is based upon a review of the financial statements of the prospective borrower and guarantors. In most cases the Bank obtains a general lien on accounts receivable and inventory, along with the specific collateral such as real estate or equipment, as appropriate.
Commercial loans generally bear higher interest rates than mortgage loans, but they also involve a higher risk of default since their repayment is generally dependent on the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and the general economic environment.
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The Bank’s largest commercial loan as of December 31, 20172019 was a $35.0$30.0 million revolvingworking capital and bonding line of credit to a large importer of aluminum withand long standing general contractor specializing in heavy bridge and highway construction. The loan, which is annually renewable at the Bank’s option, is unsecured and primarily used for working capital and bonding purposes. The loan has a risk rating of “4” (loans rated “4”1-4 are deemed “acceptable quality” - see discussion of the Bank’s nine-point risk rating system for loans under “Allowance for Loan Losses” in the “Asset Quality” section). The line is used primarily for working capital purposes and is well secured with advances governed by a formula against eligible accounts receivable. As ofAt December 31, 2017,2019, there was a $33.5 millionno outstanding balance under the line. (For the Bank’s largest group borrower exposure —see discussion on “Loans to One Borrower”)


Consumer Loans. The Bank offers a variety of consumer loans on a direct basis to individuals. Consumer loans represented 220.0%5.4% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2017.2019. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit constituted 95.0% of the consumer loan portfolio and indirect marine loans constituted 2.1%1.5% of the consumer loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017.2019. The remaining 2.9%3.5% of the consumer loan portfolio includes personal loans and unsecured lines of credit, direct auto loans and recreational vehicle loans. The Bank no longer purchases or originates indirect auto, marine or recreational vehicle loans.
Interest rates on home equity loans are fixed for a term not to exceed 20 years and the maximum loan amount is $650,000. A portion of the home equity loan portfolio includes “first lien“first-lien product loans,” under which the Bank has offered special rates to borrowers who refinance first mortgage loans on the home equity (first lien)(first-lien) basis. As ofAt December 31, 2017, there was $245.2 million of2019, first-lien home equity loans outstanding.outstanding totaled $228.5 million. The Bank’s home equity lines of credit are made at floating interest rates and the Bank provides lines of credit of up to $500,000. The approved home equity lines and utilization amounts as of December 31, 20172019 were $459.9$363.0 million and $178.7$116.7 million, respectively, representing utilization of 38.9%32.2%.
Consumer loans generally entail greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of home equity loans and lines of credit secured by second lien positions, consumer loans that are unsecured or that are secured by assets that tend to depreciate, such as automobiles, boats and recreational vehicles. Collateral repossessed by the Bank from a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance, and the remaining deficiency may warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent upon the borrower’s continued financial stability, and which is more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount the Bank can recover on such loans.
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Loan Originations, Purchases, and Repayments. The following table sets forth the Bank’s loan origination, purchase and repayment activities for the periods indicated.
 Year Ended December 31,
 201920182017
 (In thousands)
Originations:
Residential mortgage$155,211  $108,406  $121,901  
Commercial mortgage577,603  448,137  525,900  
Multi-family mortgage154,235  126,159  51,371  
Construction381,775  360,413  354,594  
Commercial1,445,345  1,992,972  2,525,921  
Consumer114,230  120,369  121,790  
Subtotal of loans originated2,828,399  3,156,456  3,701,477  
Loans purchased—  1,344  —  
Total loans originated and purchased2,828,399  3,157,800  3,701,477  
Loans sold16,212  36,043  24,938  
Repayments:
Residential mortgage176,112  149,326  188,103  
Commercial mortgage361,832  348,055  188,352  
Multi-family mortgage283,085  204,781  150,205  
Construction246,852  296,450  249,872  
Commercial1,492,822  2,006,342  2,403,945  
Consumer154,122  162,597  163,041  
Total repayments2,714,825  3,167,551  3,343,518  
Total reductions2,731,037  3,203,594  3,368,456  
Other items, net(1)
(15,065) (29,336) (10,789) 
Net increase (decrease)$82,297  $(75,130) $322,232  
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 (In thousands)
Originations:
     
Residential mortgage$121,901
 $145,684
 $117,397
Commercial mortgage525,900
 427,442
 332,940
Multi-family mortgage51,371
 238,386
 308,298
Construction354,594
 265,623
 304,733
Commercial2,525,921
 1,891,067
 1,437,749
Consumer121,790
 125,515
 154,781
Subtotal of loans originated3,701,477
 3,093,717
 2,655,898
Loans purchased
 28,590
 95,283
Total loans originated and purchased3,701,477
 3,122,307
 2,751,181
      
Loans sold24,938
 34,976
 11,918
      
Repayments:
     
Residential mortgage188,103
 197,701
 204,863
Commercial mortgage188,352
 273,469
 303,165
Multi-family mortgage150,205
 102,939
 176,312
Construction249,872
 129,918
 119,784
Commercial2,403,945
 1,735,420
 1,279,978
Consumer163,041
 175,658
 196,819
Total repayments3,343,518
 2,615,105
 2,280,921
Total reductions3,368,456
 2,650,081
 2,292,839
Other items, net(1)
(10,789) (6,414) (6,173)
Net increase$322,232
 $465,812
 $452,169


(1)(1) Other items, net include charge-offs, deferred fees and expenses, discounts and premiums.


Loan Approval Procedures and Authority.The Bank’s Board of Directors approves the Lending Policy on at least an annual basis as well asand on an interim basis as modifications are warranted. The Lending Policy sets the Bank’s lending authority for each type of loan. The Bank’s lending officers are assigned dollar authority limits based upon their experience and expertise. All commercial loan approvals require dual signature authority.
The largest individual lending authority is $10.0 million, which is only available to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Lending Officer and the Chief Credit Officer. The authority of the Chief Lending Officer and Chief Credit Officer may be increased to $15.0 million for permanent commercial real estate loans on a joint basis.acting jointly. Loans in excess of these limits, or which when combined with existing credits of the borrower or related borrowers exceed these limits, are presented to the management Credit Committee for approval. The Credit Committee currently consists of teneleven senior officers including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Lending Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Credit Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Credit Risk Manager and the Deputy Lending Officer, and requires a majority vote for credit approval.
While the Bank discourages loan policy exceptions, based upon reasonable business considerations exceptions to the policy may be warranted. The business reason and mitigants for the exception must be noted on the loan approval document. The policy exception requires the approval of the Chief Lending Officer, Deputy Lending Officer or the Department Manager of the lending department responsible for the underlying loan, if it is within his or her approval authority limit. All other policy exceptions must be approved by the Credit Committee. The Credit Administration Department reports the type and frequency of loan policy exceptions to the Credit Committee and the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if necessary.
The Bank has adopted a risk rating system as part of the credit risk assessment of its loan portfolio. The Bank’s commercial real estate and commercial lending officers are required to maintain an appropriate risk rating tofor each loan in their portfolio. When the lender learns of important financial developments, the risk rating is reviewed accordingly. Risk ratings are subject to review by the Credit Department during the underwriting and loan review processes. Loan review examinations are
9


performed by an independent third party which validates the risk ratings on a sample basis. In addition, a risk rating can be adjusted at the weekly Credit Committee meeting and quarterly at management’s Credit Risk Management Committee, where they meetwhich meets to review all loans rated a “watch”“Pass/Watch” ("5") or worse. The Bank requires an annual review be performed for commercial and commercial real estate loans above certain dollar thresholds, depending on loan type, to help determine the appropriate risk ratings. The risk ratings play an important role in the establishment of the loan loss provision and to confirm the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.
Loans to One Borrower. The regulatory limit on total loans to any borrower or attributed to any one borrower is 15% of the Bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus. As of December 31, 2017,2019, the regulatory lending limit was $132.8$147.4 million. The Bank’s current internal policy limit on total loans to a borrower or related borrowers that constitute a group exposure is up to $80.0$100.0 million for loans with a risk rating of "2" or better, up to $70.0$90.0 million for loans with a risk rating of "3", and up to $50.0$65.0 million for loans with a risk rating of "4". For a select group of the most credit-worthy and diversified borrowers, the maximum group exposure limit is up to $130.0 million. Maximum group exposure limits may be lower depending on the type of loans involved. The Bank reviews these group exposures on a quarterly basis. The Bank also sets additional limits on size of loans by loan type.
At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank’s largest group exposure with an individual borrower and its related entities was $107.0$125.8 million, consisting of eight commercial real estate loans totaling $98.2$98.5 million, secured by sevenfive retail properties and two office buildings located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, two construction loans totaling $11.9 million, secured by a retail and office buildingsbuilding project located in Pennsylvania, an $8.4 million land loan secured by 31 acres in New Jersey, a $6.0 million unsecured line of credit, a $2.7 million letter$600,000 under seven letters of credit and two$400,000 under eleven ACH lines of credit totaling $125,000.facilities. The loans have an average risk rating of “3”“4”. The borrower, headquartered in New Jersey, is an experienced real estate owner and developer in the statestates of New Jersey. Management has determined that this exception to the internal group exposure policy limit is manageableJersey and is mitigated by the borrower’s diverse revenue mix, as well as its reputation and proven successful track record. This lending relationship was approved as an exception to the internal policy limits by the management Credit Committee and reported to the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors, and conformed to the regulatory limit applicable to the Bank at the time the loan was originated.Pennsylvania. As of December 31, 2017,2019, all of the loans in this lending relationship were performing in accordance with their respective terms and conditions.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank had $2.1 billion in loans outstanding to its 50 largest borrowers and their related entities.
ASSET QUALITY
General.One of the Bank’s key objectives has been and continues to be to maintain a high level of asset quality. In addition to maintaining sound credit standards for new loan originations, the Bank employs proactive collection and workout processes in dealing with delinquent or problem loans. The Bank actively markets properties that it acquires through foreclosure or otherwise in the loan collection process.
Collection Procedures. In the case of residential mortgage and consumer loans, the collections personnel in the Bank’s Asset Recovery Department are responsible for collection activities frombegin on the sixteenth day of delinquency. Collection efforts include automated notices of delinquency, telephone calls, letters and other notices to delinquent borrowers. Foreclosure proceedings and other appropriate collection activities such as repossession of collateral are commenced within at least 90 to 120 days after a loan


is delinquent provided a plan of repayment to cure the delinquency or other loss mitigation arrangement cannot be reached with the borrower. Periodic inspections of real estate and other collateral are conducted throughout the collection process. The Bank’s collection procedures for Federal Housing Association (“FHA”) and Veteran’s Administration (“VA”) one- to four-family mortgage loans follow the collection and loss mitigation guidelines outlined by those agencies.
Real estate and other assets acquired through foreclosure or in connection with a loan workout are held as foreclosed assets. The Bank carries other real estate owned and other foreclosed assets at the lower of their cost or their fair value less estimated selling costs. The Bank attempts to sell the property at foreclosure sale or as soon as practical after the foreclosure sale through a proactive marketing effort.
The collection procedures for commercial real estate and commercial loans include sending periodic late notices and letters to a borrower once a loan is past due. The Bank attempts to make direct contact with a borrower once a loan is 16 days past due, usually by telephone. The Chief Lending Officer and Chief Credit Officer review all commercial real estate and commercial loan delinquencies on a weekly basis. Generally, delinquent commercial real estate and commercial loans are transferred to the Asset Recovery Department for further action if the delinquency is not cured within a reasonable period of time, typically 90 days. The Chief Lending Officer and Chief Credit Officer have the authority to transfer performing commercial real estate or commercial loans to the Asset Recovery Department if, in their opinion, a credit problem exists or is likely to occur.
Loans deemed uncollectible are proposed for charge-off on a monthly basis. Any charge-off recommendation of $500,000 or greater is submitted to executive management.
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Delinquent Loans and Non-performing Loans and Assets. The Bank’s policies requireBank policy requires that the Chief Credit Officer to continuously monitor the status of the loan portfolios and report to the Board of Directors on at least a quarterly basis. These reports include information on impaired loans, delinquent loans, criticized and classified assets, and foreclosed assets. An impaired loan is defined as a non-homogeneous loan greater than $1.0 million for which it is probable, based on current information, that the Bank will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans also include all loans modified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). A loan is deemed to be a TDR when a modification resulting in a concession is made by the Bank in an effort to mitigate potential loss arising from a borrower’s financial difficulty. Smaller balance homogeneous loans including residential mortgages and other consumer loans are evaluated collectively for impairment and are excluded from the definition of impaired loans, except for TDRs. Impaired loans are individually identified and reviewed to determine that each loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the fair value of the related collateral or the present value of the expected future cash flows. As of December 31, 2017,2019, there were 149158 impaired loans totaling $52.0$70.6 million, of which 141147 loans totaling $41.7$48.3 million were TDRs. Included in this total were 125133 TDRs related to 121128 borrowers totaling $31.7$42.7 million that were performing in accordance with their restructured terms and which continued to accrue interest at December 31, 2017.2019.
Interest income stops accruing on loans when interest or principal payments are 90 days in arrears or earlier when the timely collectability of such interest or principal is doubtful. When the accrual of interest on a loan is stopped, the loan is designated as a non-accrual loan and the outstanding unpaid interest previously credited is reversed. A non-accrual loan is returned to accrual status when factors indicating doubtful collection no longer exist, the loan has been brought current and the borrower demonstrates some period (generally six months) of timely contractual payments.
Federal and state regulations as well as the Bank’s policy require the Bank to utilize an internal risk rating system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem assets. Under this system, the Bank classifies problem and potential problem assets as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss” assets. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the Bank will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but possess potential weaknesses, are designated “special mention.”
Management estimates the amount of loan losses for groups of loans by applying quantitative loss factors to loan segments at the risk rating level, and applying qualitative adjustments to each loan segment at the portfolio level. Quantitative loss factors give consideration to historical loss experience by loan type based upon an appropriate look back period and adjusted for a loss emergence period. Qualitative adjustments give consideration to other qualitative or environmental factors such as trends and levels of delinquencies, impaired loans, charge-offs, recoveries and loan volumes, as well as national and local economic trends and conditions. Qualitative adjustments reflect risks in the loan portfolio not captured by the quantitative loss factors and, as such, are evaluated from a risk level perspective relative to the risk levels present over the look back period. The reserves resulting from


the application of both of these sets of loss factors are combined to arrive at the allowance for loan losses. When the Bank classifies one or more assets, or portions thereof, as “loss,” the Bank is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of the amount of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount.
The Bank’sManagement's determination as to the classification of assets and the amount of the valuation allowances is subject to review by the FDIC and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, each of which can require the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances. The FDIC, in conjunction with the other federal banking agencies, issued an interagency policy statement on the allowance for loan and lease losses. The policy statement provides guidance for financial institutions on both the responsibilities of the board of directors and management for the maintenance of adequate allowances, and guidance for banking agency examiners to use in determining the adequacy of general valuation allowances. Generally, the policy statement reaffirms that institutions should have effective loan review systems and controls to identify, monitor and address asset quality problems; that loans deemed uncollectible are promptly charged off; and that the institution’s process for determining an adequate level for its valuation allowance is based on a comprehensive, adequately documented, and consistently applied analysis of the institution’s loan and lease portfolio. While management believes that on the basis of information currently available to it, the allowance for loans losses is adequate as of December 31, 2017,2019, actual losses are dependent upon future events and, as such, further additions to the level of allowances for loan losses may become necessary.
Loans are classified in accordance with the risk rating system described previously. At December 31, 2017, $65.42019, $88.5 million of loans were classified as “substandard,” which consisted of $29.7$57.0 million in commercial loans, $25.1$13.5 million in commercial and multi-family mortgage loans, $8.1$10.2 million in residential loans and $2.5$1.7 million in consumer loans. At that same date,
11


there were $428,000$836,000 loans classified as “doubtful”.“doubtful.” Also, there were no loans classified as “loss” at December 31, 2017.2019. As of December 31, 2017, $44.72019, $128.7 million of loans were designated “special mention.”
The following table sets forth delinquencies in the loan portfolio as of the dates indicated.
 At December 31, 2019At December 31, 2018At December 31, 2017
 60-89 Days90 Days or More60-89 Days90 Days or More60-89 Days90 Days or More
 
Number
of
Loans
Principal
Balance
of Loans
Number
of
Loans
Principal
Balance
of Loans
Number
of
Loans
Principal
Balance
of Loans
Number
of
Loans
Principal
Balance
of Loans
Number
of
Loans
Principal
Balance
of Loans
Number
of
Loans
Principal
Balance
of Loans
 (Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans15  $2,579  36  $8,543  24  $5,557  31  $5,853  27  $4,325  49  $8,105  
Commercial mortgage loans—  —   5,270  —  —  12  3,180  —  —   5,887  
Multi-family mortgage loans—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Construction loans—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Total mortgage loans15  2,579  42  13,813  24  5,557  43  9,033  27  4,325  57  13,992  
Commercial loans 95  24  12,137   13,565  19  4,309   406  24  6,901  
Consumer loans12  337  18  1,148  15  610  21  1,266  12  487  41  2,491  
Total loans29  $3,011  84  $27,098  41  $19,732  83  $14,608  41  $5,218  122  $23,384  
 At December 31, 2017 At December 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015
 60-89 Days 90 Days or More 60-89 Days 90 Days or More 60-89 Days 90 Days or More
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Principal
Balance
of Loans
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Principal
Balance
of Loans
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Principal
Balance
of Loans
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Principal
Balance
of Loans
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Principal
Balance
of Loans
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Principal
Balance
of Loans
 (Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans27
 $4,325
 49
 $8,105
 33
 $6,563
 67
 $12,021
 29
 $5,434
 71
 $12,031
Commercial mortgage loans
 
 8
 5,887
 1
 80
 6
 5,192
 1
 543
 8
 1,263
Multi-family mortgage loans
 
 
 
 
 
 2
 553
 1
 506
 2
 741
Construction loans
 
 
 
 
 
 1
 2,517
 
 
 1
 2,351
Total mortgage loans27
 4,325
 57
 13,992
 34
 6,643
 76
 20,283
 31
 6,483
 82
 16,386
Commercial loans2
 406
 24
 6,901
 4
 357
 29
 11,857
 4
 801
 26
 5,812
Consumer loans12
 487
 41
 2,491
 19
 1,199
 43
 2,940
 19
 1,194
 50
 4,054
Total loans41
 $5,218
 122
 $23,384
 57
 $8,199
 148
 $35,080
 54
 $8,478
 158
 $26,252


Non-Accrual Loans and Non-Performing Assets. The following table sets forth information regarding non-accrual loans and other non-performing assets. At December 31, 2017,2019, there were 1614 TDRs totaling $10.0$5.6 million that were classified as non-accrual, compared to 2219 non-accrual TDRs which totaled $11.7$11.2 million at December 31, 2016.2018. Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when they become 90 days or more past due or if they have been identified as presenting uncertainty with respect to the collectability of interest or principal.
At December 31, At December 31,
2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 20192018201720162015
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
Non-accruing loans:         Non-accruing loans:
Residential mortgage loans$8,105
 $12,021
 $12,031
 $17,222
 $23,011
Residential mortgage loans$8,543  $5,853  $8,105  $12,021  $12,031  
Commercial mortgage loans7,090
 7,493
 1,263
 20,026
 18,662
Commercial mortgage loans5,270  3,180  7,090  7,493  1,263  
Multi-family mortgage loans
 553
 742
 322
 403
Multi-family mortgage loans—  —  —  553  742  
Construction loans
 2,517
 2,351
 
 8,448
Construction loans—  —  —  2,517  2,351  
Commercial loans17,243
 16,787
 23,875
 12,342
 22,228
Commercial loans25,160  15,391  17,243  16,787  23,875  
Consumer loans2,491
 3,030
 4,109
 3,944
 3,928
Consumer loans1,221  1,266  2,491  3,030  4,109  
Total non-accruing loans34,929
 42,401
 44,371
 53,856
 76,680
Total non-accruing loans40,194  25,690  34,929  42,401  44,371  
Accruing loans - 90 days or more delinquent
 
 165
 
 
Accruing loans - 90 days or more delinquent—  —  —  —  165  
Total non-performing loans34,929
 42,401
 44,536
 53,856
 76,680
Total non-performing loans40,194  25,690  34,929  42,401  44,536  
Foreclosed assets6,864
 7,991
 10,546
 5,098
 5,486
Foreclosed assets2,715  1,565  6,864  7,991  10,546  
Total non-performing assets$41,793
 $50,392
 $55,082
 $58,954
 $82,166
Total non-performing assets$42,909  $27,255  $41,793  $50,392  $55,082  
Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets0.42% 0.53% 0.62% 0.69% 1.10%Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets0.44 %0.28 %0.42 %0.53 %0.62 %
Total non-performing loans to total loans0.48% 0.61% 0.68% 0.88% 1.48%Total non-performing loans to total loans0.55 %0.35 %0.48 %0.61 %0.68 %
Non-performing commercial mortgage loans decreased $403,000increased $2.1 million to $7.1$5.3 million at December 31, 2017,2019, from $7.5$3.2 million at December 31, 2016. At2018. Non-performing commercial mortgage loans consisted of six loans at December 31, 2017, the Company held 10 non-performing commercial mortgage loans.2019. The largest non-performing commercial mortgage loan was a $2.9$3.8 million loan secured by a first mortgage on a retail property located in Washington Township,Hackettstown, New Jersey. The loan is presently in default.  There is no contractual commitment to advance additional funds to this borrower.
Non-performing commercial loans increased $456,000,$9.8 million, to $17.2$25.2 million at December 31, 2017,2019, from $16.8$15.4 million at December 31, 2016.2018. Non-performing commercial loans at December 31, 20172019 consisted of 3033 loans. The largest non-performing commercial loan relationship was a Shared National Credit ("SNC") relationship, which consisted of twothree loans to
12


a health and fitness clubrestaurant group with total outstanding balances of $8.4$11.6 million at December 31, 2017. Both2019. All of these loans are secured by liens on a commercial property.unsecured/non-real estate secured. These loans are currently paying in accordance with their restructured terms.
There were no non-performing constructionsconstruction loans at December 31, 2017. Non-performing constructions loans in the prior year amounted to $2.5 million.2019 or 2018.
At December 31, 2017,2019, the Company held $6.9$2.7 million of foreclosed assets, compared with $8.0$1.6 million at December 31, 2016.2018. Foreclosed assets at December 31, 20172019 are carried at fair value based on recent appraisals and valuation estimates, less estimated selling costs. During the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, there were 16eleven additions to foreclosed assets with aan aggregate carrying value of $3.8$2.3 million and 26six properties sold with aan aggregate carrying value of $4.3$1.0 million. Foreclosed assets at December 31, 2017,2019, consisted of $3.9 million of commercial real estate and $3.0$2.7 million of residential real estate.
Non-performing assets totaled $41.8$42.9 million, or 0.42%0.44% of total assets at December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $50.4$27.3 million, or 0.53%0.28% of total assets at December 31, 2016.2018. If the non-accrual loans had performed in accordance with their original terms, interest income would have increased by $1.9$1.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017.2019. The amount of cash basis interest income that was recognized on impaired loans during the year ended December 31, 20172019 was not material.
Allowance for Loan Losses.The allowance for loan losses is a valuation account that reflects an evaluation of the probable losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is maintained through provisions for loan losses that are charged to income. Charge-offs against the allowance for loan losses are taken on loans where it is determined the collection of loan principal is unlikely. Recoveries made on loans that have been charged-off are credited to the allowance for loan losses.


Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses includes thea review of all loans on which the collectability of principal may not be reasonably assured. For residential mortgage and consumer loans, this is determined primarily by delinquency and collateral values.status. For commercial real estatemortgage, multi-family, construction and commercial loans, an extensive review of financial performance, payment history and collateral values is conducted on a quarterly basis.
As part of theits evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, each quarter management prepares an analysis that categorizes the entire loan portfolio by certain risk characteristics such as loan type (residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, construction, commercial, etc.) and loan risk rating.
When assigning a risk rating to a loan, management utilizes the Bank’sa nine point internal nine-point risk rating system. Loans deemed to be “acceptable quality” are rated 1 through 4, with a rating of 1 established for loans with minimal risk. Loans that are deemed to be of “questionable quality” are rated 5 (watch) or 6 (special mention). Loans with adverse classifications (substandard, doubtful or loss) are rated 7, 8 or 9, respectively. Commercial mortgage, commercial, multi-family, construction and constructioncommercial loans are rated individually and each lending officer is responsible for risk rating loans in their portfolio. These risk ratings are then reviewed by the department manager and/or the Chief Lending Officer and by the Credit Department. The risk ratings for loans requiring Credit Committee approval are periodically reviewed by the Credit Committee in the credit approval or renewal process. The risk ratings are also confirmed through periodic loan review examinations, which are currently performed by an independent third party. Reportsparty, and periodically by the independent third party are presented directlyCredit Committee in the credit renewal or approval process. In addition, the Bank requires an annual review be performed for commercial and commercial real estate loans above certain dollar thresholds, depending on loan type, to help determine the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.appropriate risk rating.
Each quarter, the lending groups prepare individual Credit Risk Management Reports for the Credit Administration Department. These reports review all commercial loans and commercial mortgage loans that have been determined to involve above-average risk (risk rating of 5 or worse). The Credit Risk Management Reports contain the reason for the risk rating assigned to each loan, status of the loan and any current developments. These reports are submitted to a committee chaired by the Chief Credit Officer. Each loan officer reviews the loan and the corresponding Credit Risk Management Report with the committee and the risk rating is evaluated for appropriateness.
Management estimates the amount of loan losses for groups of loans by applying quantitative loss factors to loan segments at the risk rating level, and applying qualitative adjustments to each loan segment at the portfolio level. Quantitative loss factors give consideration to historical loss experience by loan type based upon an appropriate look-back period and adjusted for a loss emergence period; these factors are evaluated at least annually. The most recent periodic review and recalculation of quantitative loss factors was completed in the third quarter of 20172019 using historical loss data through June 30, 20172019 and was applied effective September 30, 2017.2019. Qualitative adjustments give consideration to other qualitative or environmental factors such as:
a.levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans;
b.levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries;
c.trends in volume and terms of loans;
d.effects of any changes in lending policies, procedures and practices;
13


e.changes in the quality or results of the Bank’s loan review system;
f.experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff;
g.national and local economic trends and conditions;
h.industry conditions;
i.effects of changes in credit concentration; and
j.changes in collateral values.
Qualitative adjustments reflect risks in the loan portfolio not captured by the quantitative loss factors and, as such, are evaluated from a risk level perspective relative to the risk levels present over the look-back period; qualitativeperiod. Qualitative adjustments are recalibrated at least annually and evaluated at least quarterly. The range of adjustments to historical loss rates applicable to qualitative factors were updated in the third quarter of 20172019 in conjunction with the review and recalculation of quantitative loss factors. The reserves resulting from the application of both of these sets of loss factors are combined to arrive at the general allowance for loan losses.
The reserve factors applied to each loan risk rating are inherently subjective in nature. Reserve factors are assigned to each of the risk rating categories. This methodology permits adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in the event that, in management’s judgment, significant conditions impacting the credit quality and collectability of the loan portfolio as of the evaluation date are not otherwise adequately reflected in the analysis.


In addition, the Company separately calculates an allowance for loan losses on impaired loans. The Company defines an impaired loan as a non-homogeneous loan greater than $1.0 million for which it is probable, based on current information, that the Bank will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company may recognize impairment of a loan based upon: (1) the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate; or (2) if a loan is collateral dependent, the fair value of collateral; or (3) the market price of the loan. The Company uses third-party appraisals to determine the fair value of the underlying collateral in its analysis of collateral dependent impaired loans. A third-party appraisal is generally ordered as soon as a loan is designated as a collateral dependent impaired loan and updated annually, or more frequently if required. A specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses is established for each impaired loan with a carrying balance greater than the collateral’s fair value, less estimated costs to sell.
The provision for loan losses is established after considering the allowance for loan loss analysis, the amount of the allowance for loan losses in relation to the total loan balance, loan portfolio growth, loan portfolio composition, loan delinquency and non-performing loan trends and peer group analysis.
Management believes the primary risks inherent in the portfolio are a decline in the economy, generally, a decline in real estate market values, rising unemployment or a protracted period of unemployment at elevated levels, increasing vacancy rates in commercial investment properties and possible increases in interest rates in the absence of economic improvement. Any one or a combination of these events may adversely affect borrowers’ ability to repay the loans, resulting in increased delinquencies, loan losses and future levels of provisions. Accordingly, the Company has provided for loan losses at the current level to address the current risk in its loan portfolio. Management considers it important to maintain the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans at an acceptable level given current economic conditions, interest rates and the composition of the portfolio. Management will continue to review the entire loan portfolio to determine the extent, if any, to which further additional loan loss provisions may be deemed necessary. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that represents management’s best estimate of probable losses related to specifically identified loans as well as probable losses inherent in the remaining loan portfolio. There can be no assurance that the allowance for loan losses will be adequate to cover all losses that may in fact be realized in the future or that additional provisions for loan losses will not be required.
14


Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth the analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.
 Years Ended December 31,
 20192018201720162015
 (Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$55,562  $60,195  $61,883  $61,424  $61,734  
Charge offs:
Residential mortgage loans44  277  421  1,033  1,296  
Commercial mortgage loans222  —  72  35  1,086  
Multi-family mortgage loans—  —   —  105  
Construction loans—  —   —  —  
Commercial loans14,023  28,986  7,187  4,862  2,863  
Consumer loans743  755  1,253  1,020  3,478  
Total15,032  30,018  8,941  6,950  8,828  
Recoveries:
Residential mortgage loans46  58   57  102  
Commercial mortgage loans376  431  59  504  86  
Multi-family mortgage loans—  —  —  67   
Construction loans—  —   —  57  
Commercial loans665  428  800  570  2,413  
Consumer loans808  768  787  811  1,508  
Total1,895  1,685  1,653  2,009  4,168  
Net charge-offs13,137  28,333  7,288  4,941  4,660  
Provision for loan losses13,100  23,700  5,600  5,400  4,350  
Balance at end of period$55,525  $55,562  $60,195  $61,883  $61,424  
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period0.18 %0.39 %0.10 %0.07 %0.07 %
Allowance for loan losses to total loans0.76 %0.77 %0.82 %0.88 %0.94 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans138.14 %216.28 %172.34 %145.95 %137.92 %
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$61,883
 $61,424
 $61,734
 $64,664
 $70,348
Charge offs:         
Residential mortgage loans421
 1,033
 1,296
 3,184
 3,900
Commercial mortgage loans72
 35
 1,086
 705
 2,882
Multi-family mortgage loans2
 
 105
 4
 
Construction loans6
 
 
 15
 234
Commercial loans7,187
 4,862
 2,863
 4,449
 3,686
Consumer loans1,253
 1,020
 3,478
 2,515
 3,704
Total8,941
 6,950
 8,828
 10,872
 14,406
Recoveries:         
Residential mortgage loans1
 57
 102
 73
 160
Commercial mortgage loans59
 504
 86
 131
 104
Multi-family mortgage loans
 67
 2
 1
 
Construction loans6
 
 57
 80
 869
Commercial loans800
 570
 2,413
 1,776
 1,075
Consumer loans787
 811
 1,508
 1,231
 1,014
Total1,653
 2,009
 4,168
 3,292
 3,222
Net charge-offs7,288
 4,941
 4,660
 7,580
 11,184
Provision for loan losses5,600
 5,400
 4,350
 4,650
 5,500
Balance at end of period$60,195
 $61,883
 $61,424
 $61,734
 $64,664
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period0.10% 0.07% 0.07% 0.13% 0.22%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans0.82% 0.88% 0.94% 1.01% 1.24%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans172.34% 145.95% 137.92% 114.63% 84.33%


Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category for the periods indicated. This allocation is based on management’s assessment, as of a given point in time, of the risk characteristics of each of the component parts of the total loan portfolio and is subject to changes as and when the risk factors of each such component part change. The allocation is neither indicative of the specific amounts or the loan categories in which future charge-offs may be taken, nor is it an indicator of future loss trends. The allocation of the allowance to each category does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any category.
 At December 31,
 20192018201720162015
 
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans  in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 (Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans$3,414  14.69 %$3,971  15.16 %$4,328  15.59 %$5,540  17.30 %$5,110  19.20 %
Commercial mortgage loans12,831  35.14  12,639  31.70  13,136  29.62  12,234  28.24  12,798  26.25  
Multi-family mortgage loans3,374  16.70  4,745  18.46  4,919  19.15  7,481  20.02  7,841  18.88  
Construction loans5,892  5.86  6,323  5.36  5,669  5.35  4,371  3.77  6,345  5.06  
Commercial loans28,263  22.28  25,693  23.37  29,814  23.81  29,143  23.28  25,829  21.94  
Consumer loans1,751  5.33  2,191  5.95  2,329  6.48  3,114  7.39  3,501  8.67  
Unallocated—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Total$55,525  100.00 %$55,562  100.00 %$60,195  100.00 %$61,883  100.00 %$61,424  100.00 %
15

 At December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
 
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
 
Percent of
Loans  in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
 
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
 
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
Amount of
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
 
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 (Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans$4,328
 15.59% $5,540
 17.30% $5,110
 19.20% $4,805
 20.58% $5,500
 22.60%
Commercial mortgage loans13,136
 29.62
 12,234
 28.24
 12,798
 26.25
 16,645
 27.86
 16,404
 26.96
Multi-family mortgage loans4,919
 19.15
 7,481
 20.02
 7,841
 18.88
 6,258
 17.12
 5,933
 17.87
Construction loans5,669
 5.35
 4,371
 3.77
 6,345
 5.06
 4,269
 3.62
 6,307
 3.52
Commercial loans29,814
 23.81
 29,143
 23.28
 25,829
 21.94
 24,381
 20.76
 24,107
 17.93
Consumer loans2,329
 6.48
 3,114
 7.39
 3,501
 8.67
 4,881
 10.06
 4,929
 11.12
Unallocated
 
 
 
 
 
 495
 
 1,484
 
Total$60,195
 100.00% $61,883
 100.00% $61,424
 100.00% $61,734
 100.00% $64,664
 100.00%

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
General. The Board of Directors annually approves the Investment Policy for the Bank and the Company. The Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer are authorized by the Board to implement the Investment Policy and establish investment strategies. Each of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer is authorized to make investment decisions consistent with the Investment Policy. Investment transactions for the Bank are reported to the Board of Directors of the Bank on a monthly basis.
The Investment Policy is designed to generate a favorable rate of return, consistent with established guidelines for liquidity, safety, duration and diversification, and to complement the lending activities of the Bank. Investment decisions are made in accordance with the policy and are based on credit quality, interest rate risk, balance sheet composition, market expectations, liquidity, income and collateral needs.
The Investment Policy does not currently permit the purchase of any securities that are below investment grade.
The investment strategy is to maximize the return on the investment portfolio consistent with the Investment Policy. The investment strategy considers the Bank’s and the Company’s interest rate risk position as well as liquidity, loan demand and other factors. Acceptable investment securities include U.S. Treasury and Agency obligations, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), corporate debt obligations, municipal bonds, mortgage-backed securities, commercial paper, mutual funds, bankers’ acceptances and Federal funds. Securities purchased for the investment portfolio require a minimum credit rating of “A” by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s at the time of purchase.
Securities in the investment portfolio are classified as held to maturity debt securities, available for sale debt securities, equity securities, or held for trading. Securities that are classified as held to maturity debt securities are securities that the Bank or the Company has the intent and ability to hold until their contractual maturity date and are reported at cost. Securities that are classified as available for sale debt securities are reported at fair value. Available for sale securities debt securities include U.S. Treasury and Agency obligations, U.S. Agency and privately-issued CMOs, corporate debt obligations and equities.obligations. Sales of securities may occur from time to time in response to changes in market rates and liquidity needs and to facilitate balance sheet reallocation to effectively manage interest rate risk. Equity securities are traded in active markets with readily accessible quoted market prices, carried at fair value. At the present time, there are no securities that are classified as held for trading.
Management conducts a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if any securities with a market value below book value were other-than-temporarily impaired. If such an impairment was deemed other-than-temporary, management would measure the total credit-related component of the unrealized loss, and the Company would recognize that portion of the loss as a charge to current period earnings. The remaining portion of the unrealized loss would be recognized as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of the securities portfolio is significantly affected by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed-rate securities decreases and as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed-rate securities increases.


CMOs are a type of debt security issued by a special-purpose entity that aggregates pools of mortgages and mortgage-related securities and creates different classes of CMO securities with varying maturities and amortization schedules as well as a residual interest with each class possessing different risk characteristics. In contrast to pass-through mortgage-backed securities from which cash flow is received (and prepayment risk is shared) pro rata by all securities holders, the cash flow from the mortgages or mortgage-related securities underlying CMOs is paid in accordance with predetermined priority to investors holding various tranches of such securities or obligations. A particular tranche of CMOs may therefore carry prepayment risk that differs from that of both the underlying collateral and other tranches. Accordingly, CMOs attempt to moderate risks associated with conventional mortgage-related securities resulting from unexpected prepayment activity. In declining interest rate environments, the Bank attempts to purchase CMOs with principal lock-out periods, reducing prepayment risk in the investment portfolio. During rising interest rate periods, the Bank’s strategy is to purchase CMOs that are receiving principal payments that can be reinvested at higher current yields. Investments in CMOs involve a risk that actual prepayments will differ from those estimated in pricing the security, which may result in adjustments to the net yield on such securities. Additionally, the fair value of such securities may be adversely affected by changes in the market interest rates. Management believes these securities may represent attractive alternatives relative to other investments due to the wide variety of maturity, repayment and interest rate options available.
At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank held $102,000$17,000 in privately-issued CMOs in the investment portfolio. The Bank and the Company do not invest in collateralized debt obligations, mortgage-related securities secured by sub-prime loans, or any preferred equity securities.
16


Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the amortized cost and fair values of the Company’s securities as of the dates indicated.
 At December 31,
 201920182017
 Amortized CostFair ValueAmortized CostFair ValueAmortized CostFair Value
 (Dollars in thousands)
Held to Maturity Debt Securities:
Mortgage-backed securities$118  $122  $187  $190  $382  $396  
FHLB obligations1,800  1,806  1,396  1,374  410  403  
FHLMC obligations1,900  1,897  2,195  2,162  1,600  1,564  
FNMA obligations900  898  899  869  1,799  1,763  
FFCB obligations1,999  2,000  499  491  499  491  
State and municipal obligations437,074  451,353  463,801  464,363  462,942  470,484  
Corporate obligations9,838  9,890  10,448  10,291  10,020  9,938  
Total held-to-maturity debt securities$453,629  $467,966  $479,425  $479,740  $477,652  $485,039  
Available for Sale Debt Securities:
U.S Treasury obligations$—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  
Mortgage-backed securities936,196  947,430  1,048,415  1,034,969  993,548  988,367  
FHLMC obligations—  —  —  —  —  —  
FHLB obligations—  —  —  —  19,014  19,005  
State and municipal obligations3,907  4,079  2,828  2,912  3,259  3,388  
Corporate obligations25,032  25,410  25,039  25,198  26,047  26,394  
Total available for sale debt securities$965,135  $976,919  $1,076,282  $1,063,079  $1,041,868  $1,037,154  
Equity securities$825  $825  $635  $635  $417  $658  
Average expected life of
securities(1)
3.41 years4.72 years4.34 years
 At December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
 (Dollars in thousands)
Held to Maturity: 
Mortgage-backed securities$382
 $396
 $893
 $924
 $1,597
 $1,658
FHLB obligations410
 403
 409
 407
 500
 498
FHLMC obligations1,600
 1,564
 1,600
 1,560
 500
 500
FNMA obligations1,799
 1,763
 1,798
 1,762
 3,096
 3,099
FFCB obligations499
 491
 499
 496
 
 
State and municipal obligations462,942
 470,484
 473,653
 474,852
 458,062
 472,661
Corporate obligations10,020
 9,938
 9,331
 9,286
 9,929
 9,915
Total held-to-maturity$477,652
 $485,039
 $488,183
 $489,287
 $473,684
 $488,331
Available for Sale:           
U.S Treasury obligations
 
 7,995
 8,008
 8,006
 8,004
Mortgage-backed securities993,548
 988,367
 952,992
 951,861
 857,430
 863,861
FHLMC obligations
 
 10,009
 10,014
 20,101
 20,059
FHLB obligations19,014
 19,005
 25,136
 25,164
 30,298
 30,273
FNMA obligations
 
 21,978
 22,010
 31,997
 31,998
State and municipal obligations3,259
 3,388
 3,727
 3,743
 4,193
 4,308
Corporate obligations26,047
 26,394
 19,013
 19,037
 5,516
 5,512
Equity securities417
 658
 397
 549
 397
 519
Total available for sale$1,042,285
 $1,037,812
 $1,041,247
 $1,040,386
 $957,938
 $964,534
Average expected life of
securities(1)
4.34 years
   4.24 years
   4.40 years
  
(1)(1) Average expected life is based on prepayment assumptions utilizing prevailing interest rates as of the reporting dates and excludes equity securities.


The aggregate carrying values and fair values of securities by issuer, where the aggregate book value of such securities exceeds ten percent of stockholders’ equity are as follows (in thousands):
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
At December 31, 2019:
FNMA$415,859  $420,592  
FHLMC438,869  444,161  
17

 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
At December 31, 2017:   
FNMA$476,768
 $473,608
FHLMC440,362
 437,855

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the carrying value, weighted average yields and contractual maturities of the Company’s debt securities portfolio as of December 31, 2017.2019. No tax equivalent adjustments were made to the weighted average yields. Amounts are shown at amortized cost for held to maturity debt securities and at fair value for available for sale debt securities.
At December 31, 2019
At December 31, 2017 One Year or Less
More Than One
Year to Five Years
More Than Five
Years to Ten Years
After Ten YearsTotal
One Year or Less 
More Than One
Year to Five Years
 
More Than Five
Years to Ten Years
 After Ten Years Total
Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average
Yield(1)
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield(1)
(Dollars in thousands)
(Dollars in thousands)
Held to Maturity: 
Held to Maturity Debt Securities:Held to Maturity Debt Securities:
Mortgage-backed securities$110
 3.49% $272
 5.37% $
 % $
 % $382
 4.83%Mortgage-backed securities$—  — %$118  5.31 %$—  — %$—  — %$118  5.31 %
Agency obligations600
 1.03
 3,708
 1.57
 
 
 
 
 4,308
 1.49
Agency obligations6,599  1.89  —  —  —  —  —  —  6,599  1.89  
Corporate obligations1,565
 1.55
 8,455
 2.50
 
 
 
 
 10,020
 2.35
Corporate obligations2,802  1.80  7,036  2.28  —  —  —  —  9,838  2.14  
State and municipal obligations4,958
 3.47
 55,189
 3.12
 260,937
 2.61
 141,858
 2.72
 462,942
 2.71
State and municipal obligations6,787  2.84  92,080  2.63  249,399  2.59  88,808  2.85  437,074  2.66  
Total held to maturity$7,233
 2.85% $67,624
 2.97% $260,937
 2.61% $141,858
 2.72% $477,652
 2.70%
Available for Sale:                   
Total held to maturity debt securitiesTotal held to maturity debt securities$16,188  2.27 %$99,234  2.61 %$249,399  2.59 %$88,808  2.85 %$453,629  2.63 %
Available for Sale Debt Securities:Available for Sale Debt Securities:
State and municipal obligations$396
 3.92% $
 % $2,992
 2.78% $
 % $3,388
 2.91%State and municipal obligations$—  — %$—  — %$4,079  2.90 %$—  — %$4,079  2.90 %
Mortgage-backed securities401
 3.68
 25,789
 1.70
 205,439
 2.50
 756,738
 2.61
 988,367
 2.56
Mortgage-backed securities7,743  1.81  26,435  2.31  194,451  2.48  718,801  2.75  947,430  2.67  
Agency obligations19,005
 1.15
 
 
 
 
 
 
 19,005
 1.15
Agency obligations—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Corporate obligations989
 2.60
 3,048
 2.99
 22,357
 4.99
 
 
 26,394
 4.67
Corporate obligations—  —  3,074  3.00  22,336  4.98  —  —  25,410  4.74  
Total available for sale(2)
$20,791
 1.32% $28,837
 1.84% $230,788
 2.74% $756,738
 2.61% $1,037,154
 2.59%
Total available for sale debt securities(2)
Total available for sale debt securities(2)
$7,743  1.81 %$29,509  2.38 %$220,866  2.74 %$718,801  2.75 %$976,919  2.73 %
 
(1)Yields are not tax equivalent.
(2)Totals exclude $658,000 of available for sale equity securities at fair value.
(1) Yields are not tax equivalent.
(2) Totals exclude $825,000 equity securities at fair value.
SOURCES OF FUNDS
General.Primary sources of funds consist of principal and interest cash flows received from loans and mortgage-backed securities, contractual maturities on investments, deposits, FHLBNY advances and proceeds from sales of loans and investments. These sources of funds are used for lending, investing and general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and common stock repurchases.
Deposits.The Bank offers a variety of deposits for retail and business accounts. Deposit products include savings accounts, checking accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificate of deposit accounts at varying interest rates and terms. The Bank also offers investment, insurance IRA and KEOGHIRA products. Business customers are offered several checking account and savings plans, cash management services, remote deposit capture services, payroll origination services, escrow account management and business credit cards. The Bank focuses on relationship banking for retail and business customers to enhance the customer experience. Deposit activity is influenced by state and local economic conditions, changes in interest rates, internal pricing decisions and competition. Deposits are primarily obtained from the areas surrounding the Bank’s branch locations. To attract and retain deposits, the Bank offers competitive rates, quality customer service and a wide variety of products and services that meet customers’ needs, including online and mobile banking.
Deposit pricing strategy is monitored monthly by the management Asset/Liability Committee and Pricing Committee. Deposit pricing is set weekly by the Bank’s Treasury Department. When setting deposit pricing, the Bank considers competitive


market rates, FHLBNY advance rates and rates on other sources of funds. Core deposits, defined as savings accounts, interest and non-interest bearing checking accounts and money market deposit accounts, represented 90.5%89.7% of total deposits at December 31, 20172019 and 90.1%89.0% of total deposits at December 31, 2016.2018. As of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, time deposits maturing in less than one year amounted to $424.4$606.9 million and $439.0$584.5 million, respectively.
18


The following table indicates the amount of certificates of deposit by time remaining until maturity as ofat December 31, 2017.2019.
 MaturityTotal
 
3 Months
or Less
Over 3 to
6 Months
Over 6 to
12 Months
Over 12
Months
 ( In thousands)
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more$173,815  $126,936  $91,007  $46,793  $438,551  
Certificates of deposit less than $100,00067,060  76,894  71,158  80,364  295,476  
Total certificates of deposit$240,875  $203,830  $162,165  $127,157  $734,027  
 Maturity Total
 
3 Months
or Less
 
Over 3 to
6 Months
 
Over 6 to
12 Months
 
Over 12
Months
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more$143,270
 $44,581
 $33,288
 $94,935
 $316,074
Certificates of deposit less than $100,00075,241
 62,882
 65,186
 115,426
 318,735
Total certificates of deposit$218,511
 $107,463
 $98,474
 $210,361
 $634,809


Certificates of Deposit Maturities. The following table sets forth certain information regarding certificates of deposit.
 Period to Maturity from December 31, 2019At December 31,
 
Less Than
One Year
One to
Two
Years
Two to
Three
Years
Three to
Four Years
Four to
Five Years
Five Years
or More
201920182017
  (In thousands)
Rate:
0.00 to 0.99%$78,695  $ $ $—  $—  $—  $78,699  $190,118  $283,569  
1.00 to 2.00%325,042  51,472  21,402  9,406  7,213  806  415,341  297,284  342,692  
2.01 to 3.00%202,887  4,398  4,707  11,405  16,219  121  239,737  263,090  8,544  
3.01 to 4.00%246   —  —  —  —  250  —   
Over 4.01%—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Total$606,870  $55,875  $26,112  $20,811  $23,432  $927  $734,027  $750,492  $634,809  
 Period to Maturity from December 31, 2017 At December 31,
 
Less Than
One Year
 
One to
Two
Years
 
Two to
Three
Years
 
Three to
Four Years
 
Four to
Five Years
 
Five Years
or More
 2017 2016 2015
 (Dollars in thousands)
Rate:                 
0.00 to 0.99%$249,087
 $30,103
 $4,115
 $
 $9
 $255
 $283,569
 $421,772
 $497,327
1.00 to 2.00%175,361
 65,190
 49,875
 24,992
 23,978
 3,296
 342,692
 228,111
 226,456
2.01 to 3.00%
 284
 713
 155
 7,392
 
 8,544
 950
 15,081
3.01 to 4.00%
 
 
 4
 
 
 4
 4
 23
4.01 to 5.00%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 104
 492
5.01 to 6.00%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 200
 302
6.01 to 7.00%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6
 6
Over 7.01%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 36
 34
Total$424,448
 $95,577
 $54,703
 $25,151
 $31,379
 $3,551
 $634,809
 $651,183
 $739,721


Borrowed Funds.At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank had $1.74$1.13 billion of borrowed funds. Borrowed funds consist primarily of FHLBNY advances and repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are contracts for the sale of securities owned or borrowed by the Bank, with an agreement to repurchase those securities at an agreed-upon price and date. The Bank uses wholesale repurchase agreements, as well as retail repurchase agreements as an investment vehicle for its commercial sweep checking product. Bank policies limit the use of repurchase agreements to collateral consisting of U.S. Treasury obligations, U.S. government agency obligations or mortgage-related securities.
As a member of the FHLBNY, the Bank is eligible to obtain advances upon the security of the FHLBNY common stock owned and certain residential mortgage loans, provided certain standards related to credit-worthiness have been met. FHLBNY advances are available pursuant to several credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities.

19



The following table sets forth the maximum month-end balance and average balance of FHLBNY advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase for the periods indicated.
Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015 201920182017
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
Maximum Balance:




Maximum Balance:
FHLBNY advances$1,288,448
 $1,343,095
 $1,363,122
FHLBNY advances$1,190,006  $1,256,525  $1,288,448  
FHLBNY line of credit472,000
 173,000
 160,000
FHLBNY line of credit451,000  487,000  472,000  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase210,702
 283,233
 346,361
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase96,914  153,715  210,702  
Average Balance:     Average Balance:
FHLBNY advances1,237,979
 1,315,278
 1,249,193
FHLBNY advances939,916  1,136,988  1,237,979  
FHLBNY line of credit179,003
 37,608
 80,847
FHLBNY line of credit325,481  259,197  179,003  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase164,982
 224,421
 273,934
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase71,234  139,729  164,982  
Weighted Average Interest Rate:     Weighted Average Interest Rate:
FHLBNY advances1.78% 1.76% 1.84%FHLBNY advances2.11 %1.90 %1.78 %
FHLBNY line of credit1.17
 0.61
 0.40
FHLBNY line of credit2.40  2.09  1.17  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase1.26
 1.42
 1.49
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase0.49  1.04  1.26  
The following table sets forth certain information as to borrowings at the dates indicated.
At December 31,
At December 31,201920182017

2017
2016
2015 (Dollars in thousands)
(Dollars in thousands)
FHLBNY advances1,127,335
 1,295,080
 1,350,282
FHLBNY advances$766,409  $1,037,960  $1,127,335  
FHLBNY line of credit472,000
 161,000
 96,000
FHLBNY line of credit298,000  283,000  472,000  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements143,179
 156,665
 261,350
Securities sold under repurchase agreements60,737  121,322  143,179  
Total borrowed funds$1,742,514
 $1,612,745
 $1,707,632
Total borrowed funds$1,125,146  $1,442,282  $1,742,514  
Weighted average interest rate of FHLBNY advances1.74% 1.77% 1.77%Weighted average interest rate of FHLBNY advances2.14 %2.08 %1.74 %
Weighted average interest rate of FHLBNY line of credit1.53% 0.79% 0.49%Weighted average interest rate of FHLBNY line of credit1.84 %2.60 %1.53 %
Weighted average interest rate of securities sold under agreements to repurchase1.00% 1.35% 1.47%Weighted average interest rate of securities sold under agreements to repurchase0.53 %0.85 %1.00 %
WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES
As part of the Company’s strategy to increase fee related income, the Company’sBank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company and its registered investment advisor subsidiary, Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc., (“Beacon”) isare engaged in providing wealth management and assetservices. Those services include investment management, services. In addition to its trust and estate administration, financial planning, tax compliance and planning, and private banking. These services Beacon is also a provider of asset management services which are oftenmay be introduced to existing clientscustomers through the Bank’s extensive branch network. Beacon offers a full range of asset management services to individuals, municipalities, non-profits, corporations and pension funds. These services include investment management, asset allocation, trust and fiduciary services, financial and tax planning, family office services, estate settlement services and custody.lending network.
Beacon focuses on delivering personalized investment strategiessolutions based on the needs and objectives for each client’s risk profile. These strategies are focused on maximizing clients’ investment returns, while minimizing expenses. Mostclient. The majority of the fee income generated by Beacon is based on assets under management.
On April 1, 2019, Beacon Trust Company ("Beacon") completed its acquisition of certain assets of Tirschwell & Loewy, Inc. ("T&L"), a New York City-based registered investment adviser. Beacon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Bank which, in turn, is wholly owned by the Company. This acquisition expanded the Company’s wealth management business by $822.4 million of assets under management at the time of acquisition.
SUBSIDIARY ACTIVITIES
PFS Insurance Services, Inc., formerly Provident Investment Services, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, and a New Jersey licensed insurance producer that sells insurance and investment products, including annuities to customers through a third-party networking arrangement.
Dudley Investment Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank which operates as a New Jersey Investment Company. Dudley Investment Corporation owns all of the outstanding common stock of Gregory Investment Corporation.

20



Gregory Investment Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dudley Investment Corporation. Gregory Investment Corporation operates as a Delaware Investment Company. Gregory Investment Corporation owns all of the outstanding common stock of PSB Funding Corporation.
PSB Funding Corporation is a majority owned subsidiary of Gregory Investment Corporation. It was established as a New Jersey corporation to engage in the business of a real estate investment trust for the purpose of acquiring mortgage loans and other real estate related assets from the Bank.
Bergen Avenue Realty, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank formed to manage and sell real estate acquired through foreclosure. At December 31, 2017, Bergen Avenue Realty, LLC had total assets of $4.1 million.
Bergen Avenue Realty PA, LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank formed to manage and sell real estate acquired through foreclosure in Pennsylvania. At December 31, 2017, Bergen Avenue Realty PA, LLC had total assets of $854,000.
Beacon Trust Company, a New Jersey limited purpose trust company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank.
Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beacon Trust Company, incorporated under Delaware law and is a registered investment advisor.
PERSONNEL
As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company had 957968 full-time and 9747 part-time employees. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a collective bargaining group. The Company believes its working relationship with its employees is good.
REGULATION and SUPERVISION
General
As a bank holding company controlling the Bank, the Company is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 as amended (“BHCA”), as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board under the BHCA.The Company is also subject to the provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948 (the “New Jersey Banking Act”) and the accompanying regulations of the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (“Commissioner”) under the New Jersey Banking Act applicable to bank holding companies.The Company and the Bank are required to file reports with, and otherwise comply with, the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board and the Commissioner.The Federal Reserve Board and the Commissioner conduct periodic examinations to assess the Company’s compliance with various regulatory requirements. TheAdditionally, the Company files certain reports with, and otherwise complies with, the rules and regulations of the SEC under the federal securities laws and the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.
The Bank is a New Jersey chartered savings bank, and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the Commissioner as the issuer of its charter and by the FDIC as its deposit insurer.The Bank files reports with the Commissioner and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition, and it must obtain regulatory approval prior to entering into certain transactions, such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other depository institutions and opening or acquiring branch offices.The Commissioner and the FDIC conduct periodic examinations to assess the Bank’s compliance with various regulatory requirements.This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which a savings bank can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the deposit insurance fund and depositors. The regulatory structureThis framework also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies,authority, including the ability to set policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes.
Any changeAs of December 31, 2019, the Bank had consolidated assets of $9.81 billion.The Company expects that it will exceed $10 billion in applicabletotal consolidated assets in 2020, which will result in increased supervision and regulation of the Company.In particular, the company will become subject to the direct supervision of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).Additionally, under existing federal laws and regulations, whether by the Commissioner, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or through legislation, could have a material adverse impact onwhen the Company andexceeds $10 billion in assets, the Bank and their operations.
TheCompany will (1) receive less debit card fee income; (2) be subject to more stringent compliance requirements under the “Volcker Rule,” (i.e., a provision of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank(“Dodd-Frank Act”) made extensive changeswhich prohibits banking entities from engaging in the regulation of depository institutionsproprietary trading or investing in or sponsoring hedge funds or private equity funds); and their holding companies. Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have impacted, and will continue to impact the Company and the Bank. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as an independent bureau of the Federal Reserve Board. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has assumed responsibility for the implementation of the federal financial consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations and has the authority to impose new requirements. However, institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, such as the Bank, continue to(3)
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generally be examined for compliance with consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations by, and are subject to the enforcement


authority of their principal regulator, although the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has back-up authority to examine and enforce consumer protection laws against all institutions, including those with less than $10 billion in assets.
As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had consolidated assets of $9.85 billion. The Dodd-Frank Act established several measures that apply to institutions and holding companies once they reach $10 billion in assets. In addition to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau compliance examinations, as discussed above, limits on debit card interchange fees apply, which will reduce the Bank’s fee income. higher FDIC assessment rates. Certain enhanced prudential standards will also become applicable such as additional risk management requirements, both from a framework and corporate governance perspective. Stress testing requirements and related filing requirements, which involve assessing the potential impact on the Bank and Company of various scenarios prescribed by the federal regulatory agencies, also become applicable. These and other supervisory and regulatory implications of crossing the $10 billion threshold wouldwill likely result in increased regulatory costs.costs, though the Company has incurred increased regulatory costs in connection with its preparations over the last several years for exceeding the $10 billion asset threshold.
On May 24, 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“Economic Growth Act”) was enacted, which repealed or modified several important provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that have impacted the Company. Key aspects of the Economic Growth Act that have the potential to affect the Company’s business and results of operations include:
Raising the total asset threshold from $10 billion to $250 billion at which bank holding companies are required to conduct annual company-run stress tests mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act; and
Raising the total asset threshold from $10 billion to $50 billion at which publicly traded bank holding companies are required to establish risk committees for the oversight of the enterprise-wide risk management practices of the institution.
When the Company exceeds $10 billion in assets, the Company will no longer qualify for certain regulatory relief provided under the Economic Growth Act, but the Company expects to benefit from the above amendments which raised the above asset thresholds for conducting annual company-run stress tests. However, notwithstanding this regulatory relief, the Company intends to continue to employ stress testing protocols commensurate with the risk of the institution as part of its enterprise risk management framework. The Company currently has, and will continue to maintain, a risk committee of its board of directors.
In addition, the Economic Growth Act also enacted several important changes in certain technical compliance areas for which the banking agencies have now issued corresponding guidance and/or proposed or final rules, including:
Prohibiting federal banking regulators from imposing higher capital standards on High Volatility Commercial Real Estate (“HVCRE”) exposures unless they are for acquisition, development or construction (“ADC”), and clarifying ADC status;
Requiring the federal banking agencies to amend the liquidity coverage ratio rule (“LCR”) such that all qualifying investment-grade, liquid and readily-marketable municipal securities are treated as level 2B liquid assets (i.e., assets with a lesser degree of liquidity and more volatility than level 2A assets, which include, for example, certain government securities, covered bonds and corporate debt securities), making them more attractive investment alternatives;
Exempting from appraisal requirements certain transactions involving real property in rural areas and valued at less than $400,000; and
Directing the CFPB to provide guidance on the applicability of the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”) Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”) Integrated Disclosure rule (the “TRID Rule”) to mortgage assumption transactions and construction-to-permanent home loans, as well the extent to which lenders can rely on model disclosures that do not reflect recent regulatory changes.
The material laws and regulations applicable to the Company and the Bank are summarized below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
New Jersey Banking Regulation
Activity Powers. The Bank derives its lending, investment and other activity powers primarily from the applicable provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act and its related regulations. Under these laws and regulations, savings banks, including the Bank, generally may, subject to certain limits, invest in:
(1)real estate mortgages;
(2)consumer and commercial loans;
(3)specific types of debt securities, including certain corporate debt securities and obligations of federal, state and local governments and agencies;
(4)certain types of corporate equity securities; and
(5)certain other assets.
(1) Real estate mortgages;
(2) Consumer and commercial loans;
(3) Specific types of debt securities, including certain corporate debt securities and obligations of federal, state and local governments and agencies;
(4) Certain types of corporate equity securities; and
(5) Certain other assets.
A savings bank may also invest pursuant to a “leeway” power that permits investments not otherwise permitted by the New Jersey Banking Act, subject to certain restrictions imposed by the FDIC. “Leeway” investments must comply with a number of limitations on the individual and aggregate amounts of such investments. A savings bank may also exercise trust
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powers upon the approval of the Commissioner. New Jersey savings banks may exercise those powers, rights, benefits or privileges authorized for national banks or out-of-state banks or for federal or out-of-state savings banks or savings associations, provided that before exercising any such power, right, benefit or privilege, prior approval by the Commissioner by regulation or by specific authorization is required. The exercise of these lending, investment and activity powers is limited by federal law and the related regulations. See “Federal Banking Regulation-Activity Restrictions on State-Chartered Bank”Regulation” below.
Loans-to-One-Borrower Limitations. With certain specified exceptions, a New Jersey chartered savings bank may not make loans or extend credit to a single borrower and to entities related to the borrower in an aggregate amount that would exceed 15% of the bank’s capital funds. A New Jersey chartered savings bank may lend an additional 10% of the bank’s capital funds if secured by collateral meeting the requirements of the New Jersey Banking Act. The Bank currently complies with applicable loans-to-one-borrower limitations.
Dividends. Under the New Jersey Banking Act, a stock savings bank may declare and pay a dividend on its capital stock only to the extent that the payment of the dividend would not impair the capital stock of the savings bank. In addition, a stock savings bank may not pay a dividend unless the savings bank would, after the payment of the dividend, have a surplus of not less than 50% of its capital stock, or the payment of the dividend would not reduce the surplus. Federal law may also limit the amount of dividends that may be paid by the Bank.
Minimum Capital Requirements. Regulations of the Commissioner impose on New Jersey chartered depository institutions, including the Bank, minimum capital requirements similar to those imposed by the FDIC on insured state banks. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank was considered “well capitalized” under FDIC guidelines.
Loans to a Bank’s Insiders. Provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act also impose conditions and limitations on the liabilities owed to a savings bank by its directors and executive officers and by corporations and partnerships controlled by such persons that are comparable in many respects to the conditions and limitations imposed on the loans and extensions of credit to insiders and their related interests under Regulation O, as discussed below. The New Jersey Banking Act also provides that a savings bank that is in compliance with Regulation O is deemed to be in compliance with such provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act.
Examination and Enforcement. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance may examine the Company and the Bank whenever it deems an examination advisable. The Department examines the Bank at least every two years. The Commissioner may order any savings bank to discontinue any violation of law or unsafe or unsound business practice and may direct any director, officer, attorney or employee of a savings bank engaged in an objectionable activity, after the Commissioner has ordered the activity to be terminated, to show cause at a hearing before the Commissioner why such person should not be removed.


Federal Banking Regulation
Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require federally insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8.0%, and a 4.0% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. These capital requirements are the result of a final rule implementing recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act, and were effective January 1, 2015.
In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations. In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the FDIC takes into consideration, not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions where deemed necessary.
In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, thefederal regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer”
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consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.
On July 15, 2019, the federal banking agencies adopted a final rule simplifying certain aspects of the capital rules, the key elements of which apply solely to banking organizations that are not subject to the advanced approaches capital rule (i.e., banks with $250 billion or more in total assets or $10 billion or more in total foreign exposures). Under the rule, non-advanced approaches banking organizations such as the Bank will apply a simpler regulatory capital treatment for mortgage servicing assets (“MSAs”); certain deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) arising from temporary differences; investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions other than those currently applied; and capital issued by a consolidated subsidiary of a banking organization and held by third parties (often referred to as minority interest) that is includable in regulatory capital. Specifically, the rule eliminates: (i) the capital rule’s 10 percent common equity tier 1 capital deduction threshold that applies individually to MSAs, temporary difference DTAs, and significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions in the form of common stock; (ii) the aggregate 15 percent common equity tier 1 capital deduction threshold that subsequently applies on a collective basis across such items; (iii) the 10 percent common equity tier 1 capital deduction threshold for non-significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions; and (iv) the deduction treatment for significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions not in the form of common stock. The capital conservation buffer requirement was effectiverule no longer has distinct treatments for significant and non-significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions, but instead require that non-advanced approaches banking organizations deduct from common equity tier 1 capital any amount of MSAs, temporary difference DTAs, and investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions that individually exceeds 25 percent of common equity tier 1 capital.
Additionally, in December 2019, the federal banking agencies issued a final rule on January 1, 2016 at 0.625%the capital treatment of risk-weighted assetsHVCRE exposures which brought the regulatory definition of HVCRE exposure in line with the statutory definition of HVCRE ADC in the Economic Growth Act. The final rule also clarifies the capital treatment for loans that finance the development of land under the revised HVCRE exposure definition and will increase each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. Theestablishes the requirements for certain exclusions from HVCRE exposure capital conservation buffer during the calendar year 2017 was 1.25% and increased to 1.875% on January 1, 2018.treatment.
The following table shows the Bank’s Tier 1 leverage ratio, common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and total risk-based capital ratio, at December 31, 2017:2019:
As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2019
Capital 
Percent  of
Assets
(1)
 
Capital
Requirements
(1)
 
Capital
Requirements with Capital Conservation Buffer (1)
Capital
Percent  of
Assets(1)
Capital
Requirements (1)
Capital
Requirements with Capital Conservation Buffer (1)
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
Tier 1 leverage capital$834,084
 9.07% 4.00% 4.00%Tier 1 leverage capital$923,471  9.81 %4.00 %4.00 %
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital834,084
 11.15
 4.50
 5.75
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital923,471  12.09  4.50  7.00  
Tier 1 risk-based capital834,084
 11.15
 6.00
 7.25
Tier 1 risk-based capital923,471  12.09  6.00  8.50  
Total risk-based capital894,430
 11.95
 8.00
 9.25
Total risk-based capital979,136  12.82  8.00  10.50  
(1) For purposes of calculating regulatory Tier 1 leverage capital, assets are based on adjusted total leverage assets. In calculating common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital, assets are based on total risk-weighted assets.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank was considered “well capitalized” under FDIC guidelines.
The Volcker Rule.A provision of the Dodd-Frank Act (known as the “Volcker Rule”) prohibits insured depository institutions and their holding companies from engaging in proprietary trading except in limited circumstances, and it prohibits them from owning equity interests in excess of three percent of Tier 1 Capital in private equity and hedge funds. On December 10, 2013, five U.S. financial regulators, including the Federal Reserve and the OCC, adopted regulations implementing the Volcker Rule. Those regulations prohibit banking entities from (1) engaging in short-term proprietary trading for their own accounts, and (2) having certain ownership interests in and relationships with hedge funds or private equity funds, which are referred to as “covered funds.” The regulations also require each regulated entity to establish an internal compliance program that is consistent with the extent to which it engages in activities covered by the Volcker Rule. Historically, this meant that reporting requirements were tied to a bank’s total assets, where banks with assets at or below $10 billion had less stringent reporting requirements and banks with more than $10 billion had increasingly more stringent requirements as the size of the bank increased.
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In November 2019, five federal banking agencies issued a final rule revising certain aspects of the Volcker Rule. The final rule simplifies and streamlines compliance requirements for firms that do not have significant trading activities and enhances requirements for firms that do. Under the new rule, compliance requirements will be based on the amount of assets and liabilities that a bank trades. Firms with significant trading activities (i.e., those with $20 billion or more in trading assets and liabilities, will have heightened compliance obligations). The new rule became effective on January 1, 2020, but banking entities will not be required to comply with the new rules until January 1, 2021.
On January 30, 2020, five federal financial regulators issued a notice of proposed rule making to modify the “covered funds” portion of the Volcker rule by streamlining the rule, addressing the treatment of certain foreign funds, and permitting banking entities to offer financial services and engage in other permissible activities that do not raise concerns that the Volcker rule was intended to address.
Although the Bank does not engage in proprietary trading, if the Company exceeds $10 billion in assets in 2020, as anticipated, the Bank will likely incur costs in developing and implementing revised controls as part of an internal compliance to conform with the covered funds portions of the Volcker rule.
Current Expect Credit Loss ("CECL") Treatment.In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaces the current “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model referred to as the CECL model. Under the CECL model, we will be required to present certain financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as loans and leases held for investment and held-to-maturity debt securities, at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is to be based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. On December 21, 2018, the federal banking agencies approved a final rule modifying their regulatory capital rules and providing an option to phase in over a period of three years the day-one regulatory capital effects of the CECL model. The final rule also revises the agencies’ other rules to reflect the update to the accounting standards. The final rule took effect April 1, 2019.
The new CECL standard will become effective for the Bank for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We expect to recognize a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment to our allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which we adopt the new standard, consistent with regulatory expectations set forth in interagency guidance issued at the end of 2016. We also expect to incur both transition costs and ongoing costs in developing and implementing the CECL methodology, and that the methodology will result in increased capital costs upon initial adoption as well as over time.
In October 2019, four federal banking agencies issued a request for comment on a proposed interagency policy statement on the new CECL methodology. The policy statement proposes to harmonize the agencies’ policies on allowances for credit losses with the FASB’s new accounting standards. Specifically, the statement (1) updates concepts and practices from prior policy statements issued in December 2006 and July 2001 and specifies which prior guidance documents are no longer relevant; (2) describes the appropriate CECL methodology, in light of Topic 326, for determining allowances for credit losses (“ACLs”) on financial assets measured at amortized cost, net investments in leases, and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures; and (3) describes how to estimate an ACL for an impaired available-for-sale debt security in line with Topic 326. The Company has taken the proposed policy statement into account in its implementation of the CECL methodology effective January 1, 2020.
Activity Restrictions on State-Chartered Banks. Federal law and FDIC regulations generally limit the activities and investments of state-chartered FDIC insured banks and their subsidiaries to those permissible for national banks and their subsidiaries, unless such activities and investments are specifically exempted by law or consented to by the FDIC.
Before making a new investment or engaging in a new activity that is not permissible for a national bank or otherwise permissible under federal law or FDIC regulations, an insured bank must seek approval from the FDIC to make such investment or engage in such activity. The FDIC will not approve the activity unless the bank meets its minimum capital requirements and


the FDIC determines that the activity does not present a significant risk to the FDIC insurance fund. Certain activities of subsidiaries that are engaged in activities permitted for national banks only through a “financial subsidiary” are subject to additional restrictions.
Federal law permits a state-chartered savings bank to engage, through financial subsidiaries, in any activity in which a national bank may engage through a financial subsidiary and on substantially the same terms and conditions. In general, the law permits a national bank that is well-capitalized and well-managed to conduct, through a financial subsidiary, any activity permitted for a financial holding company other than insurance underwriting, insurance investments, real estate investment or development or merchant banking. The total assets of all such financial subsidiaries may not exceed the lesser of 45% of the bank’s total assets or $50 billion. The bank must have policies and procedures to assess the financial subsidiary’s risk and protect the bank from such risk and potential liability, must not consolidate the financial subsidiary’s assets with the bank’s and
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must exclude from its own assets and equity all equity investments, including retained earnings, in the financial subsidiary. The Bank currently meets all conditions necessary to establish and engage in permitted activities through financial subsidiaries.
Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the FHLB system which consists of twelveeleven regional FHLBs, each subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”). The FHLB provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. As a member of the FHLB of New York, the Bank is required to purchase and hold shares of capital stock in that FHLB in an amount as required by that FHLB’s capital plan and minimum capital requirements. The Bank is in compliance with these requirements. The Bank has received dividends on its FHLBNY stock, although no assurance can be given that these dividends will continue to be paid. For the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, dividends paid by the FHLBNY to the Bank totaled $4.1$4.4 million.
Deposit Insurance.As a member institution of the FDIC, deposit accounts at the Bank are generally insured by the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) up to a maximum of $250,000 for each separately insured depositor.
Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions were originally assigned a risk category based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors. An institution’s assessment rate depended upon the category to which it was assigned, and certain adjustments specified by FDIC regulations. Institutions deemed less risky paid lower assessments. No institution may pay a dividend if it is in default of its federal deposit insurance assessment.
The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to revise its procedures to base its assessments upon each insured institution’s total assets less tangible equity instead of deposits. The FDIC finalized a rule, effective April 1, 2011, that set the assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) at 252.5 to 45 basis points of total assets less tangible equity. However, as described below, there were recenthave been changes to both the FDIC’s assessment range and its risk-based assessment procedures.
The FDIC has established a long range target size for the DIF of 2 percent2% of insured deposits. The FDIC’s regulations also provided for a lower assessment rate schedule when the DIF reached 1.15% of total insured deposits. The 1.15% ratio was achieved as of June 30, 2016. As a result, effective July 1, 2016, the assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) has beenwas lowered to 1.5 to 30 basis points for banks of less than $10 billion in consolidated assets. The Dodd-Frank Act requiresrequired banks ofwith greater than $10 billion ofin assets to pay to increase the DIF reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35%. Consequently, also effective July 1, 2016, banks of greater than $10 billion of assets now paypaid a surcharge of 4.5 basis points on assets above $10 billion. In November 2018, the FDIC indicated that the 1.35% ratio had been achieved, that surcharges on banks with more than $10 billion untilin assets would cease and that institutions below that size would receive credits for the earlierportion of their assessment that contributed to the reserve ratio reachingbetween 1.15% and 1.35% or December 31, 2018 (when a short fall assessment would be applied), effective when the ratio reaches 1.38%. At the same time,Also on July 1, 2016, the FDIC eliminated the risk categories.
Most institutions are now assessed based on financial ratios derived from statistical models that estimate the probability of a bank’s failure within three years. Banks of greater than $10 billion are assessed based on a rate derived from a scorecard which assesses certain factors such as examination ratings, financial measures related to the bank’s ability to withstand stress and measures of loss severity to the DIF if the bank should fail. When the Company exceeds $10 billion in assets for four consecutive calendar quarters, it will be classified as a large institution for deposit insurance assessment purposes. Generally, such a reclassification would result in a higher FDIC insurance premium.
On December 12, 2019, the FDIC issued a proposed rule on brokered deposits. The proposed rule aims to clarify and modernize the FDIC’s existing regulatory framework for brokered deposits. Notable aspects of the proposed rule include language (1) defining the operative prongs of the definition of a “deposit broker”; (2) creating three general tests to determine the applicability of the “primary purpose” exception; (3) establishing an application process for entities that wish to make use of the primary purpose exception; and (4) allowing wholly-owned subsidiaries of IDIs to make use of the “IDI” (or the “own bank”) exception. For insured entities that accept deposits classified as “brokered” under the FDIC’s current regulatory framework, a change in that regulatory framework could result in a change in those entities’ DIF assessment rate, depending on the size of the entities’ brokered deposit activity.
Enforcement. The FDIC has extensive enforcement authority over insured savings banks, including the Bank. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease and desist orders and to remove directors and officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations of law and to unsafe or unsound practices.
Transactions with Affiliates. Transactions between an insured bank, such as the Bank, and any of its affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and its implementing regulations. An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. A subsidiary of a bank that is not also a depository institution, financial subsidiary or other entity defined by the regulation generally is not treated as an affiliate of the bank for purposes of Sections 23A and 23B.

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Section 23A:
limitsLimits the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such bank’s capital stock and retained earnings, and limits all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and retained earnings; and
requiresRequires that all such transactions be on terms that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices.
The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of guarantees and other similar types of transactions. Further, most loans by a bank to any of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100 to 130 percent of the loan amounts. In addition, any covered transaction by a bank with an affiliate and any purchase of assets or services by a bank from an affiliate must be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the bank, as those that would be provided to a non-affiliate.
Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements. Banks are subject to statutory prohibitions on certain tying arrangements. A depository institution is prohibited, subject to certain exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or that the customer not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.
Privacy Standards.FDIC regulations require the Company and the Bank to disclose their privacy policies, including identifying with whom they share “non-public personal information” to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter.
The FDIC regulations also require the Company and the Bank to provide their customers with initial and annual notices that accurately reflect their privacy policies and practices. In addition, the Company and the Bank are required to provide their customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having the Company and the Bank share their non-public personal information with unaffiliated third parties before they can disclose such information, subject to certain exceptions.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws.All FDIC insured institutions have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their entire communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and borrowers (i.e. assessment(s)).  In connection with its examination of a state chartered savings bank, the FDIC is required to assess the institution’s record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act.Act ("CRA").  Among other things, the current Community Reinvestment ActCRA regulations rate an institution based upon its actual performance in meeting community needs.  In particular, the current examination and evaluation process focuses on three tests:
aA lending test, to evaluate the institution’s record of making home mortgage, small business, small farm, and consumer loans, if applicable, in its assessment area(s), with consideration given towards, amongst other factors, borrower characteristics and geographic distribution;
anAn investment test, to evaluate the institution’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of its assessment area(s) through qualified investments characterized as a lawful investment, deposit, membership share, or grant that has as its primary purpose community development; and
aA service test, to evaluate the institution’s systems for delivering retail banking services through its branches, ATMs and other offices and access facilities, including the distribution of its branches, ATMs and other offices/access facilities, and the institution’s record of opening and closing branches.
An institution’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment ActCRA could, at a minimum, result in regulatory restrictions on its activities, including, but not limited to, engaging in acquisitions and mergers.  The Bank received an “Outstanding” Community Reinvestment Acta “Satisfactory” CRA rating in its most recently completed federal examination, which was conducted by the FDIC as of July 2018.
On December 2014.12, 2019, the FDIC and the OCC issued a proposed rule to modernize their respective agencies’ regulations under the CRA. The proposed rule would (1) clarify which activities qualify for CRA credit and (2) require banks to identify an additional assessment area based on where they receive a significant portion of their domestic retail deposits, thus creating two assessment areas: a deposit-based assessment area and a facility-based assessment area.


In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of the borrower’s characteristics as specified in those statutes.  An institution’s failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and/or the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the FDIC, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice.
Safety and Soundness Standards. Each federal banking agency, including the FDIC, has adopted guidelines establishing general standards relating to internal controls, information and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit
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underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings, compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when


the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director, or principal stockholder.
In addition, FDIC regulations require a bank that is given notice by the FDIC that it is not satisfying any of such safety and soundness standards to submit a compliance plan to the FDIC. If, after being so notified, a bank fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan or fails in any material respect to implement an accepted compliance plan, the FDIC may issue an order directing corrective and other actions of the types to which a significantly undercapitalized institution is subject under the “prompt corrective action” provisions discussed below. If a bank fails to comply with such an order, the FDIC may seek to enforce such an order in judicial proceedings and to impose civil monetary penalties.
Prompt Corrective Action. Federal law requires the FDIC and the other federal banking regulators to promptly resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions. Federal law also establishes five categories, consisting of “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” The FDIC’s regulations define the five capital categories as follows:
An institution will be treated as “well capitalized” if:
itsIts ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is at least 10%;
itsIts ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets is at least 8%;
itsIts ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets is at least 6.5%; and
itsIts ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets is at least 5%, and it is not subject to any order or directive by the FDIC to meet a specific capital level.
An institution will be treated as “adequately capitalized” if:
itsIts ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is at least 8%; or
itsIts ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets is at least 6%;
itsIts ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets is at least 4.5%; and
itsIts ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets is at least 4% and it is not a well-capitalized institution.
An institution will be treated as “undercapitalized” if:
itsIts total risk-based capital is less than 8%; or
itsIts Tier 1 risk-based-capital is less than 6%;
itsIts ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets is less than 4.5%; or
itsIts leverage ratio is less than 4%
An institution will be treated as “significantly undercapitalized” if:
itsIts total risk-based capital is less than 6%;
itsIts Tier 1 capital is less than 4%;
itsIts ratio of common equity to risk-weighted assets is less than 3%; or
itsIts leverage ratio is less than 3%.
An institution that has a tangible capital to total assets ratio equal to or less than 2% would be deemed “critically undercapitalized.” The FDIC is required, with some exceptions, to appoint a receiver or conservator for an insured state bank if that bank is critically undercapitalized. The FDIC may also appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured state bank on the basis of the institution’s financial condition or upon the occurrence of certain events, including:
insolvency,Insolvency, or when the assets of the bank are less than its liabilities to depositors and others;
substantialSubstantial dissipation of assets or earnings through violations of law or unsafe or unsound practices;
existenceExistence of an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business;
likelihood
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Likelihood that the bank will be unable to meet the demands of its depositors or to pay its obligations in the normal course of business; and


insufficientInsufficient capital, or the incurring or likely incurring of losses that will substantially deplete all of the institution’s capital with no reasonable prospect of replenishment of capital without federal assistance.
Consumer Financial Protection.Bank regulatory agencies are increasingly focusing attention on consumer protection laws and regulations. To promote fairness and transparency for mortgages, credit cards, and other consumer financial products and services, the Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB. This agency is responsible for interpreting and enforcing federal consumer financial laws, as defined by the Dodd-Frank Act, that, among other things, govern the provision of deposit accounts along with mortgage origination and servicing. Some federal consumer financial laws enforced by the CFPB include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Truth in Lending Act ("TILA"), the Truth in Savings Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA"), the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The CFPB is also authorized to prevent any institution under its authority from engaging in an unfair, deceptive, or abusive act or practice in connection with consumer financial products and services. As a residential mortgage lender, the Company and its bank subsidiaries are subject to multiple federal consumer protection statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to, TILA, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, RESPA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Act and the Flood Disaster Protection Act. Failure to comply with these and similar statutes and regulations can result in the Corporation and its bank subsidiaries becoming subject to formal or informal enforcement actions, the imposition of civil money penalties and consumer litigation.
The previously discussed final ruleCFPB has exclusive examination and primary enforcement authority with respect to compliance with federal consumer financial protection laws and regulations by institutions under its supervision and is authorized, individually or jointly with the federal bank regulatory agencies (the Agencies), to conduct investigations to determine whether any person is, or has, engaged in conduct that violates such laws or regulations. The CFPB may bring an administrative enforcement proceeding or civil action in Federal district court. In addition, in accordance with a memorandum of understanding entered into between the CFPB and the Department of Justice (DOJ), the two agencies have agreed to coordinate efforts related to enforcing the fair lending laws, which includes information sharing and conducting joint investigations. As an independent bureau within the FRB, the CFPB may impose requirements that are more severe than those of the other bank regulatory agencies. When the Company exceeds $10 billion in assets in 2020, it will be subject to the supervisory and enforcement authority of the CFPB.
The Dodd-Frank Act also permits states to adopt stricter consumer protection laws and state attorneys general to enforce consumer protection rules issued by the CFPB. As a result of these aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act, going forward, the Bank will operate in a stringent consumer compliance environment and is incurring additional costs related to consumer protection compliance, including but not limited to potential costs associated with CFPB examinations, regulatory and enforcement actions and consumer-oriented litigation, which is likely to increase as a result of the consumer protection provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The CFPB, other financial regulatory agencies, including the OCC, as well as the Department of Justice have recently pursued a number of enforcement actions against depository institutions with respect to compliance with fair lending laws.
Anti-Money Laundering.The Bank must comply with the anti-money laundering (“AML”) provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act and implementing regulations issued by the FDIC and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The USA PATRIOT Act gives the federal government powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased capitalinformation sharing, and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. By way of amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act, Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act included measures intended to encourage information sharing among bank regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies. Further, certain provisions of Title III imposed affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, brokers, dealers, credit unions, money transfer agents and parties registered under the Commodity Exchange Act.
The bank regulatory agencies have increased the regulatory scrutiny of the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering programs maintained by financial institutions. Significant penalties and fines, as well as other supervisory orders may be imposed on a financial institution for non-compliance with these requirements. In addition, the federal bank regulatory agencies must consider the effectiveness of financial institutions engaging in a merger transaction in combating money laundering activities. The Bank has adopted policies and procedures which are in compliance with these requirements.
In December 2019, three federal banking agencies and FinCEN issued a joint statement clarifying the compliance procedures and reporting requirements effective January 1, 2015 adjustedthat banks must follow for customers engaged in the prompt action categories as reflected above.growth or cultivation of hemp, including a clear statement that banks need not file a Suspicious Activity Report (“SAR”) on customers engaged in the growth
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or cultivation of hemp in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This statement does not apply to cannabis-related business; therefore, the statement pertains only to customers who are unlawfully growing or cultivating hemp and are not otherwise engaged in unlawful or suspicious activity.
Loans to a Bank’s Insiders
Federal Regulation.Insiders. A bank’s loans to its executive officers, directors, any owner of 10% or more of its stock (each, an insider) and any of certain entities affiliated with any such person (an insider’s related interest) are subject to the conditions and limitations imposed by Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation O. Under these restrictions, the aggregate amount of the loans to any insider and the insider’s related interests may not exceed the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to national banks, which is comparable to the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to loans by the Bank. All loans by a bank to all insiders and insiders’ related interests in the aggregate may not exceed the bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. With certain exceptions, loans to an executive officer, other than loans for the education of the officer’s children and certain loans secured by the officer’s residence may not exceed at any one time the higher of 2.5% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus or $25,000, but in no event more than $100,000. Regulation O also requires that any proposed loan to an insider or a related interest of that insider be approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the bank, with any interested directors not participating in the voting, if such loan, when aggregated with any existing loans to that insider and the insider’s related interests, would exceed either (1) $500,000; or (2) the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus.
Generally, loans to insiders must be made on substantially the same terms as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing at the time for, comparable transactions with other persons, and not involve more than the normal risk of payment or present other unfavorable features. An exception may be made for extensions of credit made pursuant to a benefit or compensation plan of a bank that is widely available to employees of the bank and that does not give any preference to insiders of the bank over other employees of the bank.
In addition, federal law prohibits extensions of credit to a bank’s insiders and their related interests by any other institution that has a correspondent banking relationship with the bank, unless such extension of credit is on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and does not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.
The Bank does not, as a matter of policy, make loans to its directors or to their immediate family members and related interests.
New Jersey Regulation. Provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act impose conditions and limitations on the liabilities owed to a savings bank by its directors and executive officers and by corporations and partnerships controlled by such persons that are comparable in many respects to the conditions and limitations imposed on the loans and extensions of credit to insiders and their related interests under Regulation O, as discussed above. The New Jersey Banking Act also provides that a savings bank that is in compliance with Regulation O is deemed to be in compliance with such provisions of the New Jersey Banking Act.
Federal Reserve System
Under Federal Reserve Board regulations, the Bank is required to maintain non-interest earning reserves against its transaction accounts. For 2018,2020, the Federal Reserve Board regulations generally require that reserves of 3% must be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts over $16.0$16.9 million and up to $122.3$127.5 million, and 10% against that portion of total transaction accounts in excess of up to $122.3$127.5 million. The first $16.0$16.9 million of otherwise reservable balances are exempted from the reserve requirements. The Bank is in compliance with these requirements. These requirements are adjusted annually by the Federal Reserve Board. Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of either vault cash, a non-interest bearing account at a Federal Reserve Bank or a pass-through account as defined by the Federal Reserve Board, the effect of this reserve requirement is to reduce the Bank’s interest-earning assets. The Bank is authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank discount window.
Income on Interchange Fees
When the Company exceeds $10 billion in assets in 2020, the Company will become subject to the interchange fee cap mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act. As such, the fees the Company may receive for an electronic debit transaction will be capped at the statutory limit. Historically, the Company has been exempt from the interchange fee cap under the “small issuer” exemption, which applies to any debit card issuer with total worldwide assets (including those of its affiliates) of less than $10 billion as of the end of the previous calendar year. Pursuant to FRB regulations mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act, interchange fees on debit card transactions are limited to a maximum of $0.21 per transaction plus 5 basis points of the transaction amount. A debit card issuer may recover an additional one cent per transaction for fraud prevention purposes if the issuer complies with certain fraud-related requirements prescribed by the FRB.
Internet Banking
Technological developments continue to significantly alter the ways in which financial institutions and their customers conduct their business. The growth of the Internet has caused banks to adopt and refine alternative distribution and marketing systems. The federal bank regulatory agencies have targeted various aspects of internetInternet banking, including the security and
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systems. There can be no assurance that the bank regulatory agencies will not adopt new regulations that will not materially affect the Bank’s Internet operations or restrict any such further operations.


The USA PATRIOT Act
The USA PATRIOT Act gives the federal government powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing, and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. By way of amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act, Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act included measures intended to encourage information sharing among bank regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies. Further, certain provisions of Title III imposed affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, brokers, dealers, credit unions, money transfer agents and parties registered under the Commodity Exchange Act.
The bank regulatory agencies have increased the regulatory scrutiny of the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering programs maintained by financial institutions. Significant penalties and fines, as well as other supervisory orders may be imposed on a financial institution for non-compliance with these requirements. In addition, the federal bank regulatory agencies must consider the effectiveness of financial institutions engaging in a merger transaction in combating money laundering activities. The Bank has adopted policies and procedures which are in compliance with these requirements.
Holding Company Regulation
Federal Regulation. The Company is regulated as a bank holding company, and as such, is subject to examination, regulation and periodic reporting under the Bank Holding Company Act, as administered by the Federal Reserve Board.
The Federal Reserve Board has adopted capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies on a consolidated basis. The Dodd-Frank Act directed the Federal Reserve Board to issue consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are not less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves. The previously discussed final rule regarding regulatory capital requirements implemented the Dodd-Frank Act as to bank holding company capital standards. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the subsidiary banks applied to bank holding companies (with greater than $1 billion of assets) as of January 1, 2015. As isThe rule limits a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the case with institutions themselves,banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer,” of 2.5% in addition to the capital conservation buffer was effective on January 1, 2016, and will increase each year until fully implemented on January 1, 2019. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s regulatory capital ratios exceed theseamount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.
The following table shows the Company’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio, common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and the total risk-based capital ratio as of December 31, 2017.2019.
 As of December 31, 2019
 Capital
Percent  of
Assets(1)
Capital
Requirements (1)
Capital
Requirements with Capital Conservation Buffer (1)
 (Dollars in thousands)
Tier 1 leverage capital$973,214  10.34 %4.00 %4.00 %
Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital973,214  12.74  4.50  7.00  
Tier 1 risk-based capital973,214  12.74  6.00  8.50  
Total risk-based capital1,028,879  13.47  8.00  10.50  
 As of December 31, 2017
 Capital 
Percent  of
Assets(1)
 
Capital
Requirements (1)
 
Capital
Requirements with Capital Conservation Buffer (1)
 (Dollars in thousands)
Tier 1 leverage capital$887,924
 9.65% 4.00% 4.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital887,924
 11.87
 4.50
 5.75
Tier 1 risk-based capital887,924
 11.87
 6.00
 7.25
Total risk-based capital948,119
 12.67
 8.00
 9.25
(1) For purposes of calculating regulatory Tier 1 leverage capital, assets are based on adjusted total leverage assets. In calculating common equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital, assets are based on total risk-weighted assets.
(1)For purposes of calculating regulatory Tier 1 leverage capital, assets are based on adjusted total leverage assets. In calculating common equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital, assets are based on total risk-weighted assets.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company was “well capitalized” under Federal Reserve Board guidelines.
Regulations of the Federal Reserve Board provide that a bank holding company must serve as a source of strength to any of its subsidiary banks and must not conduct its activities in an unsafe or unsound manner. Federal Reserve Board policies generally provide that bank holding companies should pay dividends only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention in the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Federal Reserve Board guidance sets forth the supervisory expectation that bank holding companies will inform and consult with Federal Reserve Board staff in advance of issuing a dividend that exceeds earnings for the quarter and should inform the Federal Reserve Board and should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce dividends if: (i) net income available to stockholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (ii) prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the bank holding company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (iii) the bank holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum


regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Under the prompt corrective action provisions discussed above, a bank holding company parent of an undercapitalized subsidiary bank would be directed to guarantee, within limitations, the capital restoration plan that is required of such an undercapitalized bank. If the undercapitalized bank fails to file an acceptable capital restoration plan or fails to implement an accepted plan, the Federal Reserve Board may prohibit the bank holding company parent of the undercapitalized bank from paying any dividends or making any other form of capital distribution without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
As a bank holding company, the Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any bank or bank holding company. Prior Federal Reserve Board approval will be required for the Company to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after giving effect to such acquisition, it would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than 5% of any class of voting shares of such bank or bank holding company.
A
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Federal Reserve Board regulations require a bank holding company is required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months will be equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. SuchThe regulations provide that such notice and approval is not required for a bank holding company that would be treated as “well capitalized” under applicable regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, is well-managed, and that is not the subject of any unresolved supervisory issues. Notwithstanding the aforementioned regulations, Federal Reserve Board guidance indicates that bank holding companies should inform Federal Reserve staff of certain proposed repurchases of redemptions of common stock, sufficiently in advance to allow for supervisory review and possible objection.
In addition, a bank holding company which does not opt to become a financial holding company under applicable federal law is generally prohibited from engaging in, or acquiring direct or indirect control of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be permissible. Some of the principal activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation to be so closely related to banking as to be permissible are:
makingMaking or servicing loans;
performingPerforming certain data processing services;
providingProviding discount brokerage services, or acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor;
leasingLeasing personal or real property;
makingMaking investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and
acquiringAcquiring a savings and loan association.
Bank holding companies that qualify and opt to become a financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature or incident to activities which are financial in nature. Financial holding companies may engage in a broader array of activities including insurance and investment banking.
Bank holding companies may qualify to become a financial holding company if at the time of the election and on a continuing basis:
eachEach of its depository institution subsidiaries is “well capitalized”;
eachEach of its depository institution subsidiaries is “well managed”; and
eachEach of its depository institution subsidiaries has at least a “Satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating at its most recent examination.
The Company filed an election to qualify as a financial holding company under federal regulations on January 31, 2014 which was deemed effective by the Federal Reserve Board on March 5, 2015.
Under federal law, depository institutions are liable to the FDIC for losses suffered or anticipated by the FDIC in connection with the default of a commonly controlled depository institution or any assistance provided by the FDIC to such an institution in danger of default. This law would potentially be applicable to the Company if it ever acquired as a separate subsidiary, a depository institution in addition to the Bank.
New Jersey Regulation.Under the New Jersey Banking Act, a company owning or controlling a savings bank is regulated as a bank holding company. The New Jersey Banking Act defines the terms “company” and “bank holding company” as such terms are defined under the BHCA. Each bank holding company controlling a New Jersey chartered bank or savings bank must file certain reports with the Commissioner and is subject to examination by the Commissioner.


Acquisition of Control. Under federal law and under the New Jersey Banking Act, no person may acquire control of the Company or the Bank without first obtaining approval of such acquisition of control from the Federal Reserve Board and the Commissioner.
On January 30, 2020, the Federal Reserve finalized a rule to codify and simplify its interpretations and opinions regarding regulatory presumptions of control. The rule, which will be effective April 1, 2020, will likely have a meaningful impact on control determinations related to investments in banks and bank holding companies and investments by bank holding companies in nonbank companies.
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Federal Securities Laws. The Company’s common stock is registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Investment Adviser Regulation
Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. is an investment adviser registered with the SEC. As such, it is required to make certain filings with and is subject to periodic examination by, the SEC.
Delaware CorporationCorporate Law
The Company is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. As a result, the rights of its stockholders are governed by the Delaware General Corporate Law and the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
TAXATION
Federal Taxation
General. The Company is subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act") was enacted. Included as part of the law, was a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. Based upon the change in the tax rate, the Company revalued its net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2017 to reflect the reduced rate that will apply in future periods when theses deferred taxes are settled or realized. As a result of the enactment of the Tax Act, the Company recognized an additional tax expense of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, the Company currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its consolidated federal income tax returns.
Bad Debt Reserves. Prior to the Small Business Protection Act of 1996 (the “1996 Act”), the Bank was permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make annual additions to the reserve. These additions could, within specified formula limits, be deducted in arriving at taxable income. The Bank was required to use the direct charge-off method to compute its bad debt deduction beginning with its 1996 federal income tax return. Savings institutions were required to recapture any excess reserves over those established as of December 31, 1987 (base year reserve).
Taxable Distributions and Recapture. Prior to the 1996 Act, bad debt reserves created prior to January 1, 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income should the Bank fail to meet certain asset and definitional tests. Federal legislation has eliminated these recapture rules. Retained earnings at December 31, 20172019 included approximately $51.8 million for which no provisions for income tax had been made. This amount represents an allocation of income to bad debt deductions for tax purposes only. Events that would result in taxation of these reserves include failure to qualify as a bank for tax purposes, distributions in complete or partial liquidation, stock redemptions and excess distributions to shareholders. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank had an unrecognized tax liability of $13.7$13.4 million with respect to this reserve.
Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), imposesimposed an alternative minimum tax (AMT) at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences (alternative minimum taxable income or AMTI). The AMT iswas payable to the extent such AMTI iswas in excess of an exemption amount and the AMT exceedsexceeded the regular income tax. Net operating losses cancould offset no more than 90% of AMTI. Certain payments of alternative minimum tax maycould be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years. The Company haswas not been subject to the alternative minimum tax and has no such amounts available as credits for carryover. The recently enacted Tax Act repealsrepealed the corporate AMT effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017.
Net Operating Loss Carryovers. Under the general rule, for tax periods ending December 31, 2017 and prior a financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years. At December 31, 2017,2018, the Company had approximately $1.3$1.7 million of Federal Net Operating Losses ("NOLs"). These NOLs were generated by entities the Company acquired in previous years and are subject to an annual Code Section 382 limitation. The Tax Act limits limits the NOL deduction for a given year to 80% of taxable income, effective with respect to losses arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. It also repealsrepealed the


pre-enactment carryback provision for NOLs and provides for the indefinite carryforward of NOLs arrisingarising in tax years ending after December 31, 2017.
Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction. The Company may exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from the Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.
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State Taxation
New Jersey State Taxation. The Company and the Bank file New Jersey Corporation Business Tax returns. Generally, the income of financial institutions in New Jersey, which is calculated based on federal taxable income subject to certain adjustments, is subject to New Jersey tax. The Company and the Bank are currently subject to the corporation business tax at 9% of apportioned taxable income. As a result of legislation that New Jersey enacted on July 1, 2018, the Company and the Bank are subject to an additional temporary surtax effective for tax years 2018 through 2021, and are required to file combined tax returns beginning 2019.
Prior to the new legislation, New Jersey tax law doesdid not and has not allowed forallow a taxpayer to file a tax return on a combined or consolidated basis with another member of the affiliated group where there is common ownership. However, if the taxpayer cannot demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that theownership for tax filing discloses the true earnings of the taxpayer on its business carried on in the State of New Jersey, the Director of the New Jersey Division of Taxation may, at the director’s discretion, require the taxpayerperiods prior to file a consolidated return of the entire operations of the affiliated group or controlled group, including its own operations and income.December 31, 2018.
Pennsylvania State Taxation.The Bank is subject to Pennsylvania Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax. Mutual thrift institutions tax is imposed at the rate of 11.5% on net taxable income of mutual thrift institutions in Pennsylvania, including savings banks without capital stock, building and loan associations, savings and loan associations, and savings institutions having capital stock.
New York State Taxation.In 2014, New York State enacted significant and comprehensive reforms to its corporate tax system that went into effect January 1, 2015. The new legislation resulted in significant changes to the method of calculating income taxes for banks, including changes to future period tax rates, rules relating to the sourcing of income, and the elimination of the banking corporation tax so that banking corporations will now beare taxed under New York State’s corporate franchise tax. The corporate franchise tax is based on the combined entire net income of the Company and its affiliates allocable and apportionable to New York State and taxed at a rate of 6.5%. The amount of revenues that are sourced to New York State under the new legislation can be expected to fluctuate over time. In addition, the Company and its affiliates are subject to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) Surcharge allocable to business activities carried on in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District. The MTA surcharge for 20172018 was 28.3%28.6% of a recomputed New York State franchise tax, calculated using a 6.5% tax rate on allocated and apportioned entire net income. The Bank is currently under audit with respect to itsexamination of the Company's 2016 and 2015 New York State combined franchise tax return forreturns was completed in the first quarter of 2019, and did not have a material impact on the Company's effective income tax years 2015rate. The Company's 2017 and 2016.2018 New York State returns are currently under audit.
Item 1A.Risk Factors.
In the ordinary course of operating our business, we are exposed to a variety of risks inherent to the financial services industry. The following discusses the significant risk factors that could affect our business and operations. If any of the following conditions or events actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected, the market price of your investment in the Company’s common stock could decline, and you could lose all or a part of your investment in the Company’s common stock.
Changes into the underlying drivers of our net interest ratesincome could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our financial condition and results of operations are significantly affected by changes in market interest rates, and the degree to which these changes disparately impact short-term and long-term interest rates.rates and influence the behavior of our customer base. Our results of operations substantially depend on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earninginterest earning assets and the interest expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.
The Federal Reserve Board has maintained interest rates at historically low levels through its targeted federal funds rate and recently shifted its strategy to a measured approach of increasing the targeted federal funds rate. If the Federal Reserve Board’s recent policy action to increase short-term rates does not result in a commensurate increase in long-term rates, we may experience a A flattening or inverted yield curve, or one that inverts, could negatively impact our net interest margin and earnings.
Our interest-bearing liabilities may be subject to repricing or maturing more quickly than our interest-earning assets. If short-term rates increase rapidly, we may have to increase the rates we pay on our deposits and borrowed funds more quickly than we can increase the interest rates we earn on our loans and investments, resulting in a negative effect on interest spreads and net interest income. In addition, the effect of rising rates could be compounded if deposit customers move funds into higher yielding accounts.accounts or are lost to competitors offering higher rates on their deposit products. In the event of a 300 basis point increase in interest rates, whereby rates ramp up evenly over a twelve-month period, and assuming management took no actions to mitigate the effect of such change, we are projecting that our net interest income for such period would decrease 3.8%2.5% or $11.2$7.1 million. Conversely, should market interest rates fall below current levels, our net interest income could also be


negatively affected if competitive pressures keepprevented us from further reducing rates on our deposits, while the yields on our assets decrease through loan prepayments and interest rate adjustments.
Changes in interest rates also affect the value of our interest-earning assets and in particular our securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2017,2019, our available for sale debt securities portfolio totaled $1.04 billion.$976.9 million. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale are reported as
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a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Decreases in the fair value of securities available for sale resulting from increases in interest rates therefore could have a temporary adverse effect on stockholders’ equity.
If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.
We are also subject to other financial risks related to interest rate movements. Changes in interest rates can affectmake various assumptions and judgments about the average lives of loans and mortgage related securities. Increases in interest rates can result in extending the average livescollectability of our loansloan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and mortgage related securities, thereby reducingthe value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of cash flows availablethe allowance for loan losses, we rely on our loan monitoring program, our loan quality reviews, our credit risk rating process, loan portfolio trends, our experience and our evaluation of economic conditions, among other factors. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, or if delinquencies or non-accrual and non-performing loans increase, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our allowance. Material additions to the allowance would materially decrease our net income. In addition, bank regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs.
CECL may introduce added volatility.
In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board released an updated standard for determining credit losses, which fundamentally changes how financial institutions calculate their allowance reserves. The new standard, which is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, requires us to adopt a CECL model that measures projected credit losses over the estimated life of the asset and subject to quantitative and qualitative loss factors we derive using a macroeconomic forecast that we deem most likely to occur. This approach is a significant departure from the prior accounting standard, which estimated potential credit losses based on conditions existing as of the reporting date. This new standard may increase not only the amount of allowance for credit losses but also the volatility of our provisions for loan losses. These factors could materially affect our financial condition and future results of operations.
Commercial real estate, commercial & industrial and construction loans expose us to increased risk and earnings volatility.
We consider our commercial real estate loans, commercial & industrial loans and construction loans to be higher risk categories in our loan portfolio. These loans are particularly sensitive to economic conditions. At December 31, 2019, our portfolio of commercial real estate loans, including multi-family loans, totaled $3.80 billion, or 52.3% of total loans, our commercial & industrial loans totaled $1.63 billion, or 22.5% of portfolio loans, and our construction loans totaled $429.8 million, or 5.9% of total loans. We plan to continue to emphasize the origination of these types of loans.
Commercial real estate loans generally involve a higher degree of credit risk because they typically have larger balances and are more affected by adverse conditions in the economy. Payments on loans secured by commercial real estate also often depend on the successful operation and management of the businesses that occupy these properties. Furthermore, these loans may be affected by factors outside the borrower’s control, such as adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy or changes in government regulation. In the case of commercial & industrial loans, although we strive to maintain high credit standards and limit exposure to any one borrower, the collateral for these loans often consists of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. This type of collateral typically does not yield substantial recovery in the event we need to foreclose on it and may rapidly deteriorate, disappear, or be misdirected in advance of foreclosure. This adds to the potential that our charge-offs will be more volatile than we have experienced in the past, which could significantly negatively affect our earnings in any quarter. In addition, some of our construction loans pose higher risk levels than the levels expected at origination, as projects may stall or sell at prices lower than expected. In addition, many of our borrowers also have more than one commercial real estate or construction loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship may expose us to significantly greater risk of loss.
Our continuing concentration of business in a relatively confined region may increase our risk.
Our success is significantly affected by general economic conditions in northern and central New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania. Unlike some larger banks that are more geographically diversified, we provide banking, financial, and wealth management services to customers mostly located in our primary markets. Consequently, a downturn in economic conditions in our local markets would have a significant impact on our loan portfolios, the ability of borrowers to meet their loan payment obligations and the value of the collateral securing our loans. Adverse local economic conditions caused by inflation, recession, unemployment, state or local government action, or other factors beyond our control would impact these local economic conditions and could negatively affect the financial results of our business.
We have a significant amount of real estate loans. Depressed real estate values and real estate sales could have a negative effect on the ability of many of our borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings and overall financial condition. Changes in the federal tax laws enacted in 2017 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may have an adverse effect on the market for, and the valuation of, residential properties, and on the demand for such loans
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in the future, and could make it harder for borrowers to make their loan payments. These changes have a disproportionate effect on taxpayers in states with high residential home prices and high state and local taxes, like New Jersey. If home ownership becomes less attractive, demand for mortgage loans could decrease. The value of the properties securing loans in our loan portfolio may be adversely impacted as a result of the changing economics of home ownership, which could require an increase in our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, we target our business development and marketing strategy for loans to serve primarily the banking and financial services needs of small- to medium-sized businesses in northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities. If general economic conditions negatively impact these businesses, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Strong competition within our market area may limit our growth and profitability.
Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense and expanding with entrants into our market providing new and innovative technology-driven financial solutions. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our market area. We compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, credit unions, finance companies, investment advisers, wealth managers, mutual funds, insurance companies, online lenders, large non-bank participants, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating both locally and elsewhere.
In particular, over the past decade, our local markets have experienced the effects of substantial banking consolidation, and large out-of-state competitors have grown significantly. Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we do, and may offer certain deposit and loan pricing, services or credit criteria that we do not or cannot provide. There are also a number of strong locally-based competitors with large capital positions in our market who may deploy aggressive strategies to drive growth, take our customers and win market share.
Furthermore, key components of the financial services value chain have been replicated by digital innovation, commonly referred to as Fintech. As customer preferences and expectations continue to evolve, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for nonbanks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. In addition, some of the largest technology firms are engaging in joint ventures with the largest banks to provide and or expand financial service offerings with a technological sophistication and breadth of marketing that smaller institutions do not have. Many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can. The adoption of these Fintech solutions within our market area may cause greater and faster disruption to our business model if we are unable to keep pace with, or invest wisely in, these enabling technologies.
Failure to keep pace with technological changes could adversely affect our business.
The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in higher-yielding assets. Decreasestechnological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in interest rates can resultmarketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in the prepayment or refinancingturn, our financial condition and results of loans and loans underlying mortgage related securities, resulting in accelerated cash flows subject to reinvestment at reduced market interest rates and increased premium amortization.operations.
We are subject to liquidity risk.
Liquidity risk is the potential that we will be unable to meet our obligations as they become due, or capitalize on growth opportunities as they arise because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding on a timely basis at a reasonable cost.cost, or meet regulatory-imposed expectations for liquidity levels. Liquidity is required to fund various obligations, including loan originations and commitments, withdrawals by depositors, repayments of borrowings, operating expenses and capital expenditures. Liquidity is derived primarily from deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments, sales, maturities, and prepayments of loans and investment securities; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources.
Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors specific to us or the financial services industry in general. Factors detrimental to our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level
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of our business activity due to a market downturn, lack of competitiveness, or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry.
If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.
We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we rely on our loan quality reviews and credit risk ratings, loan portfolio trends, our experience and our evaluation of economic conditions, among other factors. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, or if delinquencies or non-accrual and non-performing loans increase, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our allowance. Material additions to the allowance would materially decrease our net income.
Bank regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board released an updated standard for determining credit losses, which fundamentally changes how financial institutions calculate their allowance reserves. The new standard, which will become effective for reporting periods effective January 1, 2020, will require us to adopt a “Current Expected Credit Loss” model that measures projected credit losses over the estimated life of the asset. This approach is a significant departure from the current accounting standard, which estimates potential credit losses based on losses considered to be probable and reasonably estimable. When adopted, this new standard may increase our allowance for credit losses, which could materially affect our financial condition and future results of operations. The extent of the increase, if any, will ultimately depend upon the nature and characteristics of our loan portfolio at the adoption date, as well as the macroeconomic assumptions and forecasts used at that date. Therefore, the potential financial impact is currently unknown.
Our commercial real estate, multi-family, and commercial loans expose us to increased lending risks.
A significant portion of our loan portfolio consists of commercial real estate, multi-family, commercial and, to a lesser extent, construction loans. These loans are generally regarded as having a higher risk of default and loss than single-family residential mortgage loans, because repayment of these loans often depends on the successful operation of a business or of the underlying property. In addition, our construction loans, multi-family loans, commercial mortgage loans and commercial loans have significantly larger average loan balances compared to our single-family residential mortgage loans. Also, many of our borrowers of these types of loans have more than one loan outstanding with us. Consequently, any adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to one single-family residential mortgage loan.


We may be adversely affected by recent changes in U.S. tax laws.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was enacted in December 2017, is likely to have both positive and negative effects on our financial performance. For example, the new legislation will result in a reduction in our federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018, which will have a favorable impact on our earnings and capital generation abilities. However, the new legislation also enacted limitations on certain deductions that will have an impact on the banking industry, borrowers and the market for single-family residential real estate. These limitations include (1) a lower limit on the deductibility of mortgage interest on single-family residential mortgage loans, (2) the elimination of interest deductions for certain home equity loans, (3) a limitation on the deductibility of business interest expense, and (4) a limitation on the deductibility of property taxes and state and local income taxes. As a result of the enactment of this legislation, the Company recognized an additional tax expense of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The recent changes in the tax laws may have an adverse effect on the market for, and the valuation of, residential properties, and on the demand for such loans in the future, and could make it harder for borrowers to make their loan payments. In addition, these recent changes may also have a disproportionate effect on taxpayers in states with high residential home prices and high state and local taxes, like New Jersey. If home ownership becomes less attractive, demand for mortgage loans could decrease. The value of the properties securing loans in our loan portfolio may be adversely impacted as a result of the changing economics of home ownership, which could require an increase in our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If bank regulators impose limitations on our commercial real estate lending activities, earnings could be adversely affected.
The FDIC, the OCC and the FRB (collectively, the “Agencies”) have issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance did not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure may receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate and construction and land loans (“CRE Loans”), represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital and the outstanding balance of the CRE Loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. While our level of CRE Loans equaled 453% of total risk-based capital at December 31, 2017, our CRE Loan portfolio has not increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months.
In December 2015, the Agencies released a new statement on prudent risk management for commercial real estate lending (the “2015 Statement”). In the 2015 Statement, the Agencies express concerns about easing commercial real estate underwriting standards, direct financial institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise risk management practices to identify, measure and monitor lending risks, and indicate that the Agencies will continue “to pay special attention” to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. If our regulators were to impose restrictions on the amount of commercial real estate loans we can hold in our loan portfolio, or require higher capital ratios as a result of the level of commercial real estate loans held, our earnings or our ability to engage in certain merger and acquisition activity could be adversely affected.
Our continuing concentration of loans in our primary market area may increase our risk.
Our success is significantly affected by general economic conditions in northern and central New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania. Unlike some larger banks that are more geographically diversified, we provide banking and financial services to customers mostly located in our primary markets. Consequently, a downturn in economic conditions in our local markets would have a significant impact on our loan portfolios, the ability of borrowers to meet their loan payment obligations and the value of the collateral securing our loans. Adverse local economic conditions caused by inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond our control would impact these local economic conditions and could negatively affect the financial results of our banking operations. Additionally, because we have a significant amount of real estate loans, depressed real estate values and real estate sales could also have a negative effect on the ability of many of our borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings and overall financial condition.
We target our business development and marketing strategy for loans to serve primarily the banking and financial services needs of small- to medium-sized businesses in northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities. If general economic conditions negatively impact these businesses, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Risks associated with cyber-security could negatively affect our earnings.
The financial services industry continues to experience increasing numbers of severe cyber-attacks aimed at gaining unauthorized access to systems and data, or obstructing access to bank systems as a way to misappropriate assets and sensitive information, corrupt and destroy data, or cause operational disruptions.
We have established policies, processes, and tools to limit the impact of cyber-attacks, but such events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. Although we rely on security safeguards to secure our data, these safeguards may not fully protect our systems from compromises or breaches.


We also rely on the integrity and security of a variety of third party processors, payment clearing and settlement systems, as well as the various participants involved in these systems, many of which have no direct relationship with us. Failure by these participants or their systems to protect our customers’ transaction data and maintain operational resiliency may put us at risk for possible losses due to fraud or operational disruption.
Our customers are also the target of cyber-attacks and identity theft. Large scale identity theft could result in customers' accounts being compromised and fraudulent activities being performed in their name. We have implemented safeguards against these types of activities but they may not fully protect us from fraudulent financial losses.
The occurrence of a breach of security involving our customers' information, regardless of its origin, could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business, and subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, and could expose us to litigation and possible financial liability. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.
We are subject to the extensive regulation, supervision and examination of various regulatory authorities, but primarily by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, our chartering authority, and by the FDIC, as insurer of our deposits. As a bank holding company, we are subject to regulation and oversight by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which a bank and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the requirement for additional capital, the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets, the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses, and our management of risks posed by our reliance on third party vendors. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, could have a material impact on our operations.
The potential exists for additional Federalfederal or state laws and regulations regarding capital requirements, lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies are expected to remain active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the potential issuance of formal enforcement orders. Actions taken to date, as well as potential actions, may not have the beneficial effects that are intended. In addition, new laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes could increase our costs of regulatory compliance and of doing business, and otherwise affect our operations. New laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes, may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the markets for and value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability.
We anticipate that our total consolidated assets will exceed $10 billion in 2020; if that occurs, we will be subject to heightened regulatory requirements when we exceed total assets of $10 billion.additional regulation and increased supervision, including by the CFPB.
Provident's total assets were $9.85$9.81 billion at December 31, 2017.2019. Banks with assets in excess of $10 billion are subject to requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations including the examination authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to assess our compliance with federal consumer financial laws, imposition of higher FDIC premiums, reduced debit card interchange fees, and enhanced risk management frameworks, and stress testing, all of which increase operating costs and reduce earnings.
As we approach $10 billion in assets, we are incurringcontinue to incur additional costs to prepare for the implementation of these imposed requirements. We may be required to invest more significant management attention and resources to evaluate and continue to make any changes necessary to comply with new statutory andenhanced regulatory requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act.expectations. Further, federal financial regulators may require us to accelerate our actions and investments to prepare for compliance before we exceed $10 billion in total consolidated assets, and may suspend or delay certain regulatory actions, such as approving a merger agreement, if they deem our preparations to be inadequate. Upon reaching this threshold, we face the risk that we may fail to meet these requirements, which may negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. While we cannot predict what effect any presently contemplated or future changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations would have on us, these changes could be materiallymaterial.
We face regulatory scrutiny based on our commercial real estate lending.
The FDIC, the OCC and the FRB (collectively, the “Agencies”) have issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance did not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure may receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate and construction and land loans (“CRE Loans”), represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital and the outstanding balance of the CRE Loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. While our level of CRE Loans equaled 425.6% of total risk-based capital at December 31, 2019, our CRE Loan portfolio has not increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months.
In December 2015, the Agencies released a new statement on prudent risk management for commercial real estate lending (the “2015 Statement”). In the 2015 Statement, the Agencies express concerns about easing commercial real estate underwriting standards, direct financial institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise risk management practices to identify, measure and monitor lending risks, and indicate that the Agencies will continue “to pay special attention” to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. If our regulators were to impose restrictions on the amount of commercial real estate loans we can hold in our loan portfolio, or require higher capital ratios as a result of the level
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of commercial real estate loans held, our earnings or our ability to engage in certain merger and acquisition activity could be adversely affected.
We may not be able to detect money laundering and other illegal or improper activities fully or on a timely basis, which could expose us to additional liability and could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are required to comply with anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism and other laws and regulations in the United States. These laws and regulations require us, among other things, to adopt and enforce “know-your-customer” policies and procedures and to report suspicious and large transactions to applicable regulatory authorities. These laws and regulations have become increasingly complex and detailed, require improved systems and sophisticated monitoring and compliance personnel and have become the subject of enhanced government supervision.
While we have adopted policies and procedures aimed at detecting and preventing the use of our banking network for money laundering and related activities, those policies and procedures may not completely eliminate instances in which we may be used by customers to engage in money laundering and other illegal or improper activities. To the extent we fail to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations, the FDIC, along with other banking agencies, has the authority to impose fines and other penalties and sanctions on us. In addition, our business and reputation could suffer if customers use our banking network for money laundering or illegal or improper purposes.
Acquisitions may be delayed, impeded, or prohibited due to regulatory issues.
Acquisitions by the Company, particularly those of financial institutions, are subject to approval by a variety of federal and state regulatory agencies (collectively, "regulatory approvals"). The process for obtaining these required regulatory approvals has become substantially more difficult in recent years. Regulatory approvals could be delayed, impeded, restrictively conditioned or denied due to existing or new regulatory issues the Company has, or may have, with regulatory agencies, including, without limitation, issues related to BSA compliance, CRA issues, fair lending laws, fair housing laws, consumer protection laws, unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices regulations, and other similar laws and regulations. We may fail to pursue, evaluate or complete strategic and competitively significant acquisition opportunities as a result of our inability, or perceived or anticipated inability, to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner, under reasonable conditions or at all. The regulatory approvals may contain conditions on the completion of the merger that adversely affect our business following the closing, or which are not anticipated or cannot be met. Difficulties associated with potential acquisitions that may result from these factors could have a material adverse impact on our business, and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.
A failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties, could disrupt our businesses, and adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, as well as cause reputational harm.
The Bank collects, processes and stores sensitive consumer data by utilizing computer systems and telecommunications networks operated by both the Bank and third-party service providers. Our operational and security systems, infrastructure, including our computer systems, data management, and internal processes, as well as those of third parties, are integral to our investors.business. We rely on our employees and third parties in our day-to-day and ongoing operations, who may, as a result of human error, misconduct or malfeasance, or failure or breach of third- party systems or infrastructure, expose us to risk. We have taken measures to implement backup systems and other safeguards to support our operations, but our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by any significant disruptions to us or to third parties with whom we interact. In addition, our ability to implement backup systems and other safeguards with respect to third-party systems is more limited than with our own systems.
A general economic slowdownWe handle a substantial volume of customer and other financial transactions every day. Our financial, accounting, data processing, check processing, electronic funds transfer, loan processing, online and mobile banking, automated teller machines, or uncertaintyATMs, backup or other operating or security systems and infrastructure may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that produces either reduced returnsare wholly or excessive market volatilitypartially beyond our control. This could adversely affect our ability to process these transactions or provide these services. There could be sudden increases in customer transaction volume, electrical, telecommunications or other major physical infrastructure outages, natural disasters, events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts, and cyber attacks. We continuously update these systems to support our operations and growth. This updating entails significant costs and creates risks associated with implementing new systems and integrating them with existing ones. Operational risk exposures could adversely impact our wealth management fee income.results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, and cause reputational harm.

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A general economic slowdowncyber-attack, data breach, or a technology failure of ours could affect the value of the assets under management in our wealth management business resulting in lower fee income. Furthermore, conditions that produce extended market volatility couldadversely affect our ability to provideconduct our clients withbusiness or manage our exposure to risk, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, increase our costs to maintain and update our operational and security systems and infrastructure, and adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, as well as cause reputational harm.
Our business is highly dependent on the security and efficacy of our infrastructure, computer and data management systems. Cyber security risks for financial institutions have significantly increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists and other external parties, including foreign state actors. Our operations rely on the secure processing, transmission, storage and retrieval of confidential, proprietary and other information in our computer and data management systems and networks. We rely on digital technologies, computer, database and email systems, software, and networks to conduct our operations.
Financial institutions have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, cyber-attacks, including computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, phishing attacks, denial of service or other security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information of the institution, its employees, customers or third parties, or otherwise materially disrupt network access or business operations. For example, denial of service attacks have been launched against a number of large financial institutions and several large retailers have disclosed substantial cyber security breaches affecting debit and credit card accounts of their customers. We have experienced cyber security incidents in the past, although not material, and we anticipate that, as a larger bank, we could experience further incidents. There can be no assurance that we will not suffer material losses or other material adverse consequences relating to technology failure, cyber-attacks or other information or security breaches.
In addition, there have been instances where financial institutions have been victims of fraudulent activity in which criminals pose as customers to initiate wire and automated clearinghouse transactions from customer accounts. Although the Bank has policies and procedures in place to verify the authenticity of its customers, the Bank cannot assure that such policies and procedures will prevent all fraudulent transfers. Such activity could result in financial liability and harm to our reputation.
Misconduct by our employees could also result in fraudulent, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of customers or improper use of confidential information. The Bank may not be able to prevent employee errors or misconduct, and the precautions the Bank takes to detect these types of activity might not be effective in all cases. Employee errors or misconduct could subject the Bank to civil claims for negligence or regulatory enforcement actions, including fines and restrictions on our business.
As cyber threats and other fraudulent activity continues to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify and enhance our protective measures, or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities or incidents. Any of these matters could result in our loss of customers and business opportunities, significant disruption to our operations and business, misappropriation or destruction of our confidential information and/or that of our customers, or damage to our customers’ computers or systems, and could result in a violation of applicable privacy laws and other laws, litigation exposure, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, loss of confidence in our security measures, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensatory costs, and additional compliance costs. In addition, any of the matters described above could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
We rely on third-party providers and other suppliers for a number of services that are important to our business. A breach, failure, interruption, cessation of an adequate return, thereby impactingimportant service by any third-party could have a material adverse effect on our business, as well as cause reputational harm.
We are dependent for the majority of our technology, including our core operating system, on third-party providers. The Bank collects, processes and stores sensitive consumer data by utilizing computer systems and telecommunications networks operated by third-party service providers, which are integral to our business. We handle a substantial volume of customer and other financial transactions every day. Our financial, accounting, data processing, check processing, electronic funds transfer, loan processing, online and mobile banking, automated teller machines, or ATMs, backup or other operating or security systems and infrastructure may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control.
We have taken measures to implement backup systems and other safeguards to support our operations, but our ability to attract new clients or causing existing clientsconduct business may be adversely affected by any significant disruptions to seek more stable investment opportunitiesthird parties with alternative wealth advisors.
Strong competition withinwhom we interact. In addition, our market area may limit our growth and profitability.
Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense and expanding with entrants into our market providing new and innovative technology-driven financial solutions. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete inimplement backup systems and other safeguards with respect to third-party systems is more limited than with our market area. We compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, credit unions, finance companies, investment advisers, wealth managers, mutual funds, insurance companies, online lenders, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating both locally and elsewhere.


In particular, over the past decade, our local markets have experienced the effects of substantial banking consolidation, and large out-of-state competitors have grown significantly. Many ofown systems. If these competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits thanthird parties were to discontinue providing services to us, we do, and may offer certain deposit and loan pricing, services or credit criteria that we do not or cannot provide. There are also a number of strong locally-based competitors with large capital positions in our market who may deploy aggressive strategies to drive growth, take our customers and win market share.
Furthermore, key components of the financial services value chain have been replicated by digital innovation, commonly referred to as Fintech. The adoption of these Fintech solutions within our market area may cause greater and fasterexperience significant disruption to our business model if we are unable to keep pace with, or invest wisely in,business. In addition, each of these enabling technologies.
Because the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, we face significant operational risks.
We operate in diverse market segments and rely on the ability of our employees, systems and third party providers, who are used extensively in support of our operations, to process a high number of transactions. Operational risk isparties faces the risk of cyber-attack, information breach or loss, or technology failure. If any of our third-party service providers experience such difficulties, or if there is any other disruption in our
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relationships with them, we may be required to find alternative sources of such services. We are dependent on these third-party providers securing their information systems, over which we have limited control, and a breach of their information systems could adversely affect our ability to process transactions, service our clients or manage our exposure to risk and could result in the disclosure of sensitive, personal customer information, which could have a material adverse impact on our business through damage to our reputation, loss of business, remedial costs, additional regulatory scrutiny or exposure to civil litigation and possible financial liability. Assurance cannot be provided that we could negotiate terms with alternative service sources that are as favorable or could obtain services with similar functionality as found in existing systems without the need to expend substantial resources, if at all, thereby resulting fromin a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
We continuously update these systems to support our operations including but not limited to, theand growth. This updating entails significant costs and creates risks associated with implementing new systems and integrating them with existing ones. Operational risk exposures could adversely impact our results of fraud by employees or persons outside our company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processingoperations, liquidity and technology, breaches of the internal control systemfinancial condition, and compliance requirements, the occurrence of systems failures and disruptions, and business continuation and disaster recovery.cause reputational harm. Insurance coverage may not be available for such losses, or where available, such losses may exceed insurance limits. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation, and customer attrition due to potential negative publicity. While we maintain a risk management program that is designed to minimize risk, we could suffer losses, face regulatory action, and suffer damage to our reputation as a result of our failure to properly anticipate and manage these risks.
A general economic slowdown or uncertainty that produces either reduced returns or excessive market volatility could adversely impact our overall profitability, including our wealth management fee income.
A general economic slowdown could affect our core banking business. Headwinds facing the U.S. economy strengthened during 2019, despite the continuation of the current U.S. economic expansion, noting in particular that manufacturing activity slowed more sharply than the rest of the economy. The consensus forecast indicates that the U.S. economy will continue to slow down towards its long-run potential rate of growth, but the risk of a recession is rising. Adverse changes in the economy could negatively affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans or force us to offer lower interest rates to encourage new borrowing activity.
Furthermore, uncertainty and market volatility regardless of overall market conditions could affect the value of the assets under management in our wealth management business resulting in lower fee income. Conditions that produce extended market volatility could affect our ability to provide our clients with an adequate return, thereby impacting our ability to attract new clients or causing existing clients to seek more stable investment opportunities with alternative wealth advisors.
Changes in U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations
There continues to be discussion and dialogue regarding potential changes to U.S. trade policies, legislation, treaties and tariffs with countries such as China and the European Union. Tariffs and retaliatory tariffs have been imposed, and additional tariffs and retaliatory tariffs have been proposed. Such tariffs, retaliatory tariffs or other trade restrictions on products and materials that our customers import or export could cause the prices of our customers’ products to increase, which could reduce demand for such products, or reduce our customers’ margins, and adversely impact their revenues, financial results and ability to service debt. This in turn, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, to the extent changes in the political environment have a negative impact on us or on the markets in which we operate our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted in the future. It remains unclear what the U.S. government or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to tariffs already imposed, additional tariffs that may be imposed, or international trade agreements and policies.
Acts of terrorism, severe weather, natural disasters, public health issues and other external events could impact our ability to conduct business.
Our business is subject to risk from external events. Financialevents that could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue, and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. For example, financial institutions have been, and continue to be, targets of terrorist threats aimed at compromising their operating and communication systems. The metropolitan New York and Philadelphia areas remain central targets for potential acts of terrorism, including cyber terrorism, which could affect not only our operations but those of our customers. Additionally, there could be sudden increases in customer transaction volume, electrical, telecommunications or other major physical infrastructure outages, natural disasters, events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts, and cyber attacks. The emergence of widespread health emergencies or pandemics, such as the potential spread of the coronavirus ("Covid-19") , could lead to regional quarantines, business shutdowns, labor shortages, disruptions to supply chains, and overall economic instability. Events such as these may
40


become more common in the future and could cause significant damage such as disrupt power and communication services, impact the stability of our facilities and result in additional expenses, impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, reduce the value of collateral securing the repayment of our loans, which could result in the loss of revenue. While we have established and regularly test disaster recovery procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.
We hold certain intangible assets that could be classified as impaired in the future. If these assets are considered to be either partially or fully impaired inUncertainty about the future of LIBOR may adversely affect our earnings could decline.business.
We record all assets acquiredThe London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) is a global financial benchmark and liabilities assumed by the Company in purchase acquisitions, including goodwill and other intangible assets, at fair value.reference rate that we use to set interest rates for a significant portion of our commercial loan portfolio. At December 31, 2017, goodwill totaling $411.6 million was2019, loans that tied to the LIBOR rate totaled $1.75 billion. The marketplace that sets the LIBOR rate has announced that it will no longer support LIBOR after 2021.
Provident has not amortized but remains subjectyet determined which alternative rate is most applicable, and there can be no assurances on which benchmark rate(s) may replace LIBOR or how LIBOR will be determined for purposes of financial instruments that are currently referencing LIBOR if and when it ceases to impairment tests at least annually, or more often if events or circumstances indicate itexist. If LIBOR is discontinued after 2021 as expected, there may be impaired. Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful livesuncertainty or differences in the calculation of the applicable interest rate or payment amount depending on the terms of the governing instruments, and are subject to impairment tests if events or circumstances indicate a potential inability to realize the carrying amount. The initial recording and subsequent impairment testing of goodwillsuch discontinuation may increase operational and other intangible assets requires subjective judgments aboutrisks to the estimates of the fair value of assets acquired.
It is possible that our future impairment testing could result in an impairment of the value of goodwill or other identified intangible assets, or both. If we determine impairment exists at a given point in time, our earningsCompany and the book valueindustry.
In addition, the implementation of the related intangible asset(s) will be reduced by the amount of the impairment. In any event, the results of impairment testing on goodwillLIBOR alternatives may increase compliance costs and other identified intangible assets have no impact on our tangible book value or regulatory capital levels.operational costs.
A State Bank in New Jersey could be disruptive to our overall strategies and potentially reduce the level of public funds held on deposit with us.
We maintain a large and relatively stable level of deposits from local government entities, primarily through relationships we have cultivated with New Jersey municipalities. These moneysdeposits are a relatively low-cost source used to fund our loans and investments. The State of New Jersey is considering creating a State Bank, whose purpose would be to promote small businesses, fair educational lending, housing, infrastructure improvements, community development, economic development, commerce and industry in the State. As currently proposed, it intends to permit State funds, including funds from State institutions and any State public source, to be held by the State Bank. There can be no assurance that legislation to create a State Bank will pass or whether it will pass as currently proposed.
Given the degree of our funding reliance on many New Jersey-based public entities and the potential scope of the proposed State Bank’s lending activities, we are uncertain of the impact this proposal may have on us. If we are unable to retain the current level of public funds on deposit, we may need to increase the costs associated with our funding needs, which could have a negative impact on our net income.


Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments
There are no unresolved comments from the staff of the SEC to report.


Item 2.Properties
Item 2. Properties
Property
At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank conducted business through 8483 full-service branch offices located in Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren counties in New Jersey, and in Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania. The Bank maintains satellite loan production offices in Convent Station, Flemington, Paramus, and Princeton,Manasquan, New Jersey, as well as in Bethlehem, Newtown and Wayne, Pennsylvania. The aggregate net book value of premises and equipment was $63.2$55.2 million at December 31, 2017.
On December 13, 2017, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of 12 of its New Jersey banking offices, which had a net book value of $14.5 million. Net proceeds from the sale totaled $20.7 million. The transaction did not have a significant immediate impact on the Company’s financial statements as the resultant net gain on sale will be recognized over the 10 year term of the leases as a reduction of rent expense.2019.
The Company’s executive offices are located in a leased facility at 239 Washington Street, Jersey City, New Jersey, which is also the Bank’s Main Office. The Bank’s administrative offices are located in a leased facility at 100 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, New Jersey.
Item 3.Legal Proceedings
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of its business. In the opinion of management, these legal actions and claims are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. 
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.




41


PART II
 
Item 5.Market For Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The Company’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “PFS.” Trading in the Company’s common stock commenced on January 16, 2003.
As of February 1, 2018,3, 2020, there were 83,209,293 shares of the Company’s common stock issued and 66,842,53165,964,970 shares outstanding, and approximately 4,935 stockholders 4,539 stockholders of record.
The table below shows the high and low closing prices reported on the NYSE for the Company’s common stock, as well as the cash dividends paid per common share during the periods indicated.
 2017 2016
 High Low Dividend High Low Dividend
First Quarter$28.64
 $24.99
 $0.19
 $20.23
 $17.93
 $0.17
Second Quarter26.65
 23.34
 0.19
 20.68
 18.66
 0.18
Third Quarter26.81
 23.50
 0.20
 21.66
 19.22
 0.18
Fourth Quarter28.75
 25.83
 0.35
 28.70
 20.86
 0.18
The $0.35 cash dividend paid per common share in the fourth quarter of 2017 included a $0.15 special cash dividend declared by the Board of Directors on November 16, 2017 and paid on December 22, 2017. On January 26, 2018,31, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20$0.23 per common share which was paid on February 28, 2018,2020, to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 15, 2018.14, 2020. The Company’s Board of Directors intends to review the payment of dividends quarterly and plans to continue to maintain a regular quarterly cash dividend in the future, subject to financial condition, results of operations, tax considerations, industry standards, economic conditions, regulatory restrictions that affect the payment of dividends by the Bank to the Company and other relevant factors.
The Company is subject to the requirements of Delaware law that generally limit dividends to an amount equal to the difference between the amount by which total assets exceed total liabilities and the amount equal to the aggregate par value of the outstanding shares of capital stock. If there is no difference between these amounts, dividends are limited to net income for the current and/or immediately preceding year. In addition, Federal Reserve Board guidance sets forth the supervisory expectation that bank holding companies will inform and consult with Federal Reserve Board staff in advance of issuing a dividend that exceeds earnings for the quarter and should inform the Federal Reserve Board and should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce dividends if: (i) net income available to stockholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (ii) prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the bank holding company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (iii) the bank holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

42



Stock Performance Graph
Set forth below is a stock performance graph comparing (a) the cumulative total return on the Company’s common stock for the period December 31, 20122014 through December 31, 2017,2019, (b) the cumulative total return on stocks included in the Russell 2000 Index over such period, and (c) the cumulative total return of the SNL Thrift Index over such period. The SNL Thrift Index, produced by SNL Financial LC, contains all thrift institutions traded on the NYSE and NASDAQ stock exchange. Cumulative return assumes the reinvestment of dividends and is expressed in dollars based on an assumed investment of $100 on December 31, 2012.2014.
pfs-20191231_g1.jpg
 Period Ending
Index12/31/201412/31/201512/31/201612/31/201712/31/201812/31/2019
Provident Financial Services, Inc.100.00  115.42  167.81  165.79  153.15  163.49  
Russell 2000100.00  95.59  115.95  132.94  118.30  148.49  
SNL Thrift100.00  112.45  137.74  136.74  115.17  141.80  
  Period Ending
Index 12/31/2012 12/31/2013 12/31/2014 12/31/2015 12/31/2016 12/31/2017
Provident Financial Services, Inc. 100.00
 133.92
 129.63
 149.62
 217.53
 214.91
Russell 2000 100.00
 138.82
 145.62
 139.19
 168.85
 193.58
SNL Thrift 100.00
 128.33
 138.02
 155.20
 190.11
 188.72





The following table reports information regarding purchases of the Company’s common stock during the fourth quarter of 20172019 under the stock repurchase plan approved by the Company’s Board of Directors:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period 
(a) Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
(b) Average
Price Paid per
Share
 
(c) Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs(1)
 
(d) Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs(1)(2)
October 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017 
 $
 
 3,148,526
November 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017 2,033
 25.92
 2,033
 3,146,493
December 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 
 
 
 3,146,493
Total 2,033
 $25.92
 2,033
  
(1)PeriodOn
(a) Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
(b) Average
Price Paid per
Share
(c) Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs(1)
(d) Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
October 24, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the purchase of up to 3,107,077 shares of its common stock under a seventh general repurchase program which commenced upon completion of the previous repurchase program. The repurchase program has no expiration date. All shares purchased during the fourth quarter of 2017 were repurchased pursuant to the seventh general repurchase program.1, 2019 through October 31, 2019— $— — 1,594,731 
November 1, 2019 through November 30, 2019— — — 1,594,731 
December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019— — — 1,594,731 
Total— $— — 
(2)
(1) On December 20, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the purchase of up to 3,017,770 shares of its common stock under an eighth general repurchase program which will commence upon completion of the seventh repurchase program. The repurchase program has no expiration date.

All common stock repurchases forunder an eighth general repurchase program which commenced upon completion of the three months endedseventh repurchase program. The repurchase program has no expiration date.
43


There were no purchases of the Company’s common stock during the fourth quarter of 2019 under the stock repurchase plan approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company repurchased 916,326 shares of its common stock at a cost of $21.8 million in 2019. At December 31, 20172019, 1.6 million shares were made in connection with employee income tax withholding on stock-based compensation.eligible for repurchase under the board approved stock repurchase program.



Item 6.Selected Financial Data

Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The summary information presented below at or for each of the periods presented is derived in part from and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company presented in Item 8.
 
 At December 31,
 20192018201720162015
 (In thousands)
Selected Financial Condition Data:
Total assets$9,808,578  $9,725,769  $9,845,274  $9,500,465  $8,911,657  
Loans, net(1)
7,277,360  7,195,026  7,265,523  6,941,603  6,476,250  
Held to maturity debt securities453,629  479,425  477,652  488,183  473,684  
Available for sale debt securities976,919  1,063,079  1,037,154  1,039,837  964,014  
Deposits7,102,609  6,830,122  6,714,166  6,553,629  5,923,987  
Borrowed funds1,125,146  1,442,282  1,742,514  1,612,745  1,707,632  
Stockholders’ equity1,413,840  1,358,980  1,298,661  1,251,781  1,196,065  
(1) Loans are shown net of allowance for loan losses, deferred fees and unearned discount.

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 20192018201720162015
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Selected Operations Data:
Interest income$371,470  $359,829  $323,846  $302,315  $291,781  
Interest expense73,497  59,153  45,644  43,748  41,901  
Net interest income297,973  300,676  278,202  258,567  249,880  
Provision for loan losses13,100  23,700  5,600  5,400  4,350  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses284,873  276,976  272,602  253,167  245,530  
Non-interest income63,794  58,676  55,697  55,393  55,222  
Non-interest expense201,579  191,735  187,822  183,778  180,589  
Income before income tax expense147,088  143,917  140,477  124,782  120,163  
Income tax expense34,455  25,530  46,528  36,980  36,441  
Net income$112,633  $118,387  $93,949  $87,802  $83,722  
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share$1.74  $1.82  $1.46  $1.38  $1.33  
Diluted earnings per share$1.74  $1.82  $1.45  $1.38  $1.33  


44


 At December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (Dollars in thousands)
Selected Financial Condition Data:         
Total assets$9,845,274
 $9,500,465
 $8,911,657
 $8,523,377
 $7,487,328
Loans, net(1)
7,265,523
 6,941,603
 6,476,250
 6,023,771
 5,130,149
Investment securities held to maturity477,652
 488,183
 473,684
 469,528
 357,500
Securities available for sale1,037,812
 1,040,386
 964,534
 1,074,395
 1,157,594
Deposits6,714,166
 6,553,629
 5,923,987
 5,792,523
 5,202,471
Borrowed funds1,742,514
 1,612,745
 1,707,632
 1,509,851
 1,203,879
Stockholders’ equity1,298,661
 1,251,781
 1,196,065
 1,144,099
 1,010,753


 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (Dollars in thousands)
Selected Operations Data:         
Interest income$323,846
 $302,315
 $291,781
 $279,361
 $252,777
Interest expense45,644
 43,748
 41,901
 40,472
 36,767
Net interest income278,202
 258,567
 249,880
 238,889
 216,010
Provision for loan losses5,600
 5,400
 4,350
 4,650
 5,500
Net interest income after provision for loan losses272,602
 253,167
 245,530
 234,239
 210,510
Non-interest income55,697
 55,393
 55,222
 41,168
 44,153
Non-interest expense187,822
 183,778
 180,589
 169,991
 148,763
Income before income tax expense140,477
 124,782
 120,163
 105,416
 105,900
Income tax expense46,528
 36,980
 36,441
 31,785
 35,366
Net income$93,949
 $87,802
 $83,722
 $73,631
 $70,534
Earnings per share:         
Basic earnings per share$1.46
 $1.38
 $1.33
 $1.22
 $1.23
Diluted earnings per share$1.45
 $1.38
 $1.33
 $1.22
 $1.23

(1)Loans are shown net of allowance for loan losses, deferred fees and unearned discount.

At or For the Years Ended December 31,At or For the Years Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 20192018201720162015
Selected Financial and Other Data(1)
         
Selected Financial and Other Data(1)
Performance Ratios:         Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets0.99% 0.95% 0.96% 0.92% 0.97%Return on average assets1.15 %1.22 %0.99 %0.95 %0.96 %
Return on average equity7.28
 7.12
 7.12
 6.75
 7.08
Return on average equity8.07  8.93  7.28  7.12  7.12  
Average net interest rate spread3.07
 2.98
 3.07
 3.18
 3.19
Average net interest rate spread3.10  3.20  3.07  2.98  3.07  
Net interest margin(2)
3.21
 3.11
 3.20
 3.30
 3.31
Net interest margin(2)
3.35  3.39  3.21  3.11  3.20  
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities1.27
 1.25
 1.24
 1.22
 1.22
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities1.31  1.29  1.27  1.25  1.24  
Non-interest income to average total assets0.58
 0.60
 0.64
 0.51
 0.61
Non-interest income to average total assets0.65  0.60  0.58  0.60  0.64  
Non-interest expenses to average total assets1.97
 1.99
 2.07
 2.11
 2.05
Non-interest expenses to average total assets2.05  1.97  1.97  1.99  2.07  
Efficiency ratio(3)
56.25
 58.54
 59.19
 60.70
 57.18
Efficiency ratio(3)
55.72  53.36  56.25  58.54  59.19  
Asset Quality Ratios:         Asset Quality Ratios:
Non-performing loans to total loans0.48% 0.61% 0.68% 0.88% 1.48%Non-performing loans to total loans0.55 %0.35 %0.48 %0.61 %0.68 %
Non-performing assets to total assets0.42
 0.53
 0.62
 0.69
 1.10
Non-performing assets to total assets0.44  0.28  0.42  0.53  0.62  
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans172.34
 145.95
 137.92
 114.63
 84.32
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans138.14  216.28  172.34  145.95  137.92  
Allowance for loan losses to total loans0.82
 0.88
 0.94
 1.01
 1.24
Allowance for loan losses to total loans0.76  0.77  0.82  0.88  0.94  
Capital Ratios:         Capital Ratios:
Leverage capital(4)
9.65% 9.25% 9.25% 9.21% 9.42%
Leverage capital(4)
10.34 %10.24 %9.65 %9.25 %9.25 %
Total risk based capital(4)
12.67
 12.50
 12.57
 13.06
 12.89
Total risk based capital(4)
13.47  13.27  12.67  12.50  12.57  
Average equity to average assets13.53
 13.38
 13.53
 13.57
 14.14
Average equity to average assets14.20  13.61  13.53  13.38  13.53  
Other Data:         Other Data:
Number of full-service offices84
 87
 87
 86
 77
Number of full-service offices83  84  84  87  87  
Full time equivalent employees1,006
 1,001
 1,008
 967
 886
Full time equivalent employees992  1,002  1,006  1,001  1,008  
 
(1)
(1) Averages presented are daily averages.
(2)Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
(3)Represents the ratio of non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.


(2) Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
(4)Leverage capital ratios are presented as a percentage of quarterly average tangible assets. Risk-based capital ratios are presented as a percentage of risk-weighted assets.
(3) Represents the ratio of non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
(4) Leverage capital ratios are presented as a percentage of quarterly average tangible assets. Risk-based capital ratios are presented as a percentage of risk-weighted assets.
At December 31,
Efficiency Ratio Calculation:20192018201720162015
(In thousands)
Net interest income$297,973  $300,676  $278,202  $258,567  $249,880  
Non-interest income63,794  58,676  55,697  55,393  55,222  
Total income$361,767  $359,352  $333,899  $313,960  $305,102  
Non-interest expense$201,579  $191,735  $187,822  $183,778  $180,589  
Expense/income55.72 %53.36 %56.25 %58.54 %59.19 %

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  At December 31,
Efficiency Ratio Calculation: 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Net interest income $278,202
 $258,567
 $249,880
 $238,889
 $216,010
Non-interest income 55,697
 55,393
 55,222
 41,168
 44,153
Total income $333,899
 $313,960
 $305,102
 $280,057
 $260,163
Non-interest expense $187,822
 $183,778
 $180,589
 $169,991
 $148,763
Expense/income 56.25% 58.54% 59.19% 60.70% 57.18%

Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
On January 15, 2003, the Company became the holding company for the Bank, following the completion of the conversion of the Bank to a New Jersey-chartered capital stock savings bank. The Company issued an aggregate of 59,618,300 shares of its common stock in a subscription offering to eligible depositors. Concurrent with the conversion, the Company contributed an additional 1,920,000 shares of its common stock and $4.8 million in cash to The Provident Bank Foundation, a charitable foundation established by the Bank.
45


The Company conducts business through its subsidiary, the Bank, a community- and customer-oriented bank currently operating full-service branches and loan production offices throughout northern and central New Jersey, as well as Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania.
Strategy
Established in 1839, the Bank is the oldest New Jersey-chartered bank in the state. The Bank offers a full range of retail and commercial loan and deposit products, and emphasizes personal service and convenience.
The Bank’s strategy is to grow profitably through a commitment to credit quality and expanding market share by acquiring, retaining and expanding customer relationships, while carefully managing interest rate risk.
In recent years, theThe Bank has focusedcontinues to maintain a diversified loan portfolio with an emphasis on commercial mortgage, multi-family, construction and commercial loans as part ofin its strategyefforts to diversify the loan portfolio and reduce interest rate risk. These types of loans generally have adjustable rates that initially are higher than residential mortgage loans and generally have a higher rate of risk. The Bank’s creditlending policy focuses on quality underwriting standards and close monitoring of the loan portfolio. At December 31, 2017,2019, these commercial loan types accounted for 77.9%80.0% of the loan portfolio and retail loans accounted for 22.1%20.0%. The Company intends to continue to focus on commercial mortgage, multi-family, construction and commercial lending relationships.
The Company’s relationship banking strategy focuses on increasing core accounts and expanding relationships through its branch network, mobile banking, online banking and telephone banking touch points. The Company continues to evaluate opportunities to increase market share by expanding within existing and contiguous markets. Core deposits, consisting of savings and demand deposit accounts, are generally a stable, relatively inexpensive source of funds. At December 31, 2017,2019, core deposits were 90.5%89.7% of total deposits.
The Company’s results of operations are primarily dependent upon net interest income, the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Changes in interest rates could have an adverse effect on net interest income to the extent the Company’s interest-bearing assets and interest-bearing liabilities reprice or mature at different times or relative interest rates. An increase in interest rates generally wouldmay result in a decrease in the Company’s average interest rate spread and net interest income, which could have a negative effect on profitability. The Company generates non-interest income such as income from retail and business account fees, loan servicing fees, loan origination fees, loan level swap fees, appreciation in the cash surrender value of Bank-owned life insurance, income from loan or securities sales, fees from wealth management services and investment product sales and other fees. The Company’s operating expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefits expense, occupancy and equipment expense, data processing expense, the amortization of intangible assets, marketing and advertising expense and other general and administrative expenses. The Company’s results of operations are also affected by general economic conditions, changes in market interest rates, changes in asset quality, changes in asset values, actions of regulatory agencies and government policies.

Acquisition

On April 1, 2019, Beacon Trust Company ("Beacon") completed its acquisition of certain assets of Tirschwell & Loewy, Inc. ("T&L"), a New York City-based independent registered investment adviser. Beacon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Bank which, in turn, is wholly owned by the Company. This acquisition expanded the Company’s wealth management business by $822.4 million of assets under management at the time of acquisition.
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company recorded goodwill of $8.2 million, a customer relationship intangible of $12.6 million and $800,000 of other identifiable intangibles related to the acquisition. In addition, the Company recorded a contingent consideration liability at its fair value of $6.6 million. The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay additional cash consideration to T&L's former stakeholders over a three-year period after the closing date of the acquisition if certain financial and business retention targets are met. The acquisition agreement limits the total additional payment to a maximum of $11.0 million, to be determined based on actual future results. Total cost of the acquisition was $21.6 million, which included cash consideration of $15.0 million and contingent consideration with a fair value of $6.6 million. Tangible assets acquired in the transaction were nominal. No liabilities were assumed in the acquisition. The goodwill recorded in the transaction is deductible for tax purposes. The calculation of goodwill is subject to change for up to one year after the closing date of the transaction as additional information relative to closing date estimates and uncertainties becomes available. As the Company finalizes its analysis of these assets, there may be adjustments to the recorded carrying values.
In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company increased the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability by $2.8 million. This was based upon recent favorable performance and improved projections for the remaining measurement period. The total contingent consideration liability at December 31, 2019 was $9.4 million.
46


Critical Accounting Policies
The Company considers certain accounting policies to be critically important to the fair presentation of its financial condition and results of operations. These policies require management to make complex judgments on matters which by their nature have elements of uncertainty. The sensitivity of the Company’s consolidated financial statements to these critical accounting policies, and the assumptions and estimates applied, could have a significant impact on its financial condition and results of operations. These assumptions, estimates and judgments made by management can be influenced by a number of factors, including the general economic environment. The Company has identified the following as critical accounting policies:
Adequacy of the allowance for loan losses
Valuation of securities available for sale and impairment analysis
Valuation of deferred tax assets
The calculation of the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting policy of the Company. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation account that reflects management’s evaluation of the probable losses in the loan portfolio. The Company maintains the allowance for loan losses through provisions for loan losses that are charged to income. Charge-offs against the allowance for loan losses are taken on loans where management determines that the collection of loan principal is unlikely. Recoveries made on loans that have been charged-off are credited to the allowance for loan losses.
Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The analysis of the allowance for loan losses has two elements: collectively evaluated for impairment and individually evaluated for impairment. Management's evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses includes a review of all loans on which the collectability of principal may not be reasonably assured. For residential mortgage and consumer loans, this is determined primarily by delinquency status. For commercial mortgage, multi-family, construction and commercial loans, an extensive review of financial performance, payment history and collateral values is conducted on a quarterly basis.
As part of theits evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, each quarter management prepares an analysis that categorizessegments the entire loan portfolio by certainbased on similar risk characteristics, such asprimarily loan type (residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, construction, commercial, etc.) and loan risk rating.rating level.
When assigning a risk rating to a loan, management utilizes a nine point internal risk rating system. Loans deemed to be “acceptable quality” are rated 1 through 4, with a rating of 1 established for loans with minimal risk. Loans deemed to be of “questionable quality” are rated 5 (watch) or 6 (special mention). Loans with adverse classifications (substandard, doubtful or loss) are rated 7, 8 or 9, respectively. Commercial mortgage, multi-family, construction and commercial loans are rated individually and each lending officer is responsible for risk rating loans in their portfolio. These risk ratings are then reviewed by the department manager and/or the Chief Lending Officer and the Credit Department. The risk ratings are also confirmed through periodic loan review examinations, which are currently performed by an independent third party, and periodically by the Credit Committee in the credit renewal or approval process. In addition, the Bank requires an annual review be performed for commercial and commercial real estate loans above certain dollar thresholds, depending on loan type, to help determine the appropriate risk rating.
The allowance for loan losses collectively evaluated for impairment consists of both quantitative and qualitative loss components. Management estimates the amount ofquantitative component by segmenting the loan losses for groups of loans byportfolio based on similar risk characteristics and applying quantitative loss factors to each loan segments at the risk rating level,segment and applying qualitative adjustments to each loan segment at the portfolio level. Quantitative loss factors give consideration to historical loss experience by loan typesegment based upon an appropriatea look-back period and adjusted for a loss emergence period. Quantitative loss factors are evaluated at least annually. Management completed its annual evaluation of the quantitative loss factors for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.2019. Qualitative adjustments give consideration to other qualitative or environmental factors such as trends and levels of delinquencies, impaired loans, charge-offs, recoveries and loan volumes, as well as national and local economic trends and conditions. Qualitative adjustments reflect risks in the loan portfolio not captured by the quantitative loss factors and, as such, are evaluated from a risk level perspective relative to the risk levels present over the look-back period. Qualitative adjustments are recalibrated at least annually and evaluated at least quarterly. The reserves resulting from the application of both of these sets of loss factors are combined to arrive at the allowance for loan losses.loans collectively evaluated for impairment.
Management believes the primary risks inherent in the portfolio are a general decline in the economy, a decline in real estate market values, rising unemployment or a protracted period of elevated unemployment, increasing vacancy rates in commercial investment properties and possible increases in interest rates in the absence of economic improvement. Any one or a combination of these events may adversely affect borrowers’ ability to repay the loans, resulting in increased delinquencies, loan losses and future levels of provisions. Accordingly, the Company has provided for loan losses at the current level to address the current risk in its loan portfolio. Management considers it important to maintain the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans at an acceptable level given current economic conditions, interest rates and the composition of the portfolio.
47


Although management believes that the Company has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at appropriate levels, additions may be necessary if future economic and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis giving consideration to historical


experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile securities markets, and declines in the housing and commercial real estate markets and the economy generally have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for loan losses as an integral part of their examination process. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance or additional write-downs based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Although management uses the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate that is subject to significant judgment and short-term change.
The Company’s available for sale securities portfolio is carried at estimated fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in Stockholders’ Equity. Estimated fair values are based on market quotations or matrix pricing as discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. Securities which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. Management conducts a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if any declines in the fair values of securities are other-than-temporary. In this evaluation, if such a decline were deemed other-than-temporary, management would measure the total credit-related component of the unrealized loss, and recognize that portion of the loss as a charge to current period earnings. The remaining portion of the unrealized loss would be recognized as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income. The fair value of the securities portfolio is significantly affected by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed-rate securities decreases and as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed-rate securities increases. The Company determines if it has the intent to sell these securities or if it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery. If either exists, the entire decline in value is considered other-than-temporary and would be recognized as an expense in the current period. In its evaluations, the Company did not recognize an other-than-temporary impairment charge on securities for the years ended 2017, 2016 and 2015.
The determination of whether deferred tax assets will be realizable is predicated on the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities and estimates of future taxable income. Such estimates are subject to management’s judgment. A valuation allowance is established when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that it will realize deferred tax assets based on the nature and timing of these items. The Company did not require a valuation allowance at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In April 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2019-04, "Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments" which clarifies and improves areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, recognition and measurement. The most significant provisions of the ASU relate to how companies will estimate expected credit losses under Topic 326 by incorporating (1) expected recoveries of financial assets, including recoveries of amounts expected to be written off and those previously written off, and (2) clarifying that contractual extensions or renewal options that are not unconditionally cancellable by the lender are considered when determining the contractual term over which expected credit losses are measured. ASU No. 2019-04 is effective for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326); Targeted Transition Relief.” This ASU allows entities to irrevocably elect, upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the fair value option on financial instruments that (1) were previously recorded at amortized cost and (2) are within the scope of ASC 326-20 if the instruments are eligible for the fair value option under ASC 825-10. The fair value option election does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. Entities are required to make this election on an instrument-by-instrument basis. ASU 2019-05 has the same effective date as ASU 2016-13 (i.e., the first quarter of 2020). The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU No. 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. Entities are also allowed to elect early adoption of the eliminated or modified disclosure requirements and delay adoption of the new disclosure requirements until their effective date. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The main objective of this ASU is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this ASU require financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses would represent a valuation account that would be deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The income statement would reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The measurement of expected credit losses would be based on relevant
48


information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. An entity will be required to use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. Furthermore, ASU 2016-13 will necessitate establishing an allowance for expected credit losses on held to maturity debt securities. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 are effective for fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of this ASU was permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 involves changing from an "incurred loss" model, which encompasses allowances for current known and inherent losses within the portfolio, to an "expected loss" model (“CECL”), which encompasses allowances for losses expected to be incurred over the life of the portfolio. As previously disclosed, the Company formed, in the first quarter of 2017, a cross-functional working group, under the direction of the Chief Credit Officer, Chief Financial Officer and 2016.Chief Risk Officer. The working group is comprised of individuals from various functional areas including credit, risk management, finance and information technology, among others. Management developed a detailed implementation plan which included an assessment of processes, portfolio segmentation, model development, model validation, system requirements, the identification of data and resource needs and the development of a governance and control structure, among other things. Management selected a system platform and has engaged with third-party vendors to assist with model development, data governance and financial and operational controls to support the adoption of this ASU. In addition, the Company identified and segmented the loan portfolio into several distinct portfolios for CECL modeling. The data sets for these portfolios have been identified, populated and validated. In the fourth quarter of 2019, Management ran the existing incurred loss model in parallel with the CECL model, along with model sensitivity analysis, determination of qualitative adjustments and the execution of the governance, data control, analytic and approval processes. Based on the fourth quarter parallel run, review of the portfolio, including the composition, characteristics and quality of the underlying loans, and the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date, the January 1, 2020 adoption of ASU 2016-13 will result in an increase of approximately 15-20% to the allowance for credit losses and will be recorded as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. With regard to regulatory capital, the Company will elect the option to phase in the adjustment over a period of three years.





















49


Analysis of Net Interest Income
Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends on the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the rates of interest earned on such assets and paid on such liabilities.
Average Balance Sheet. The following table sets forth certain information for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015.2017. For the periods indicated, the total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resultant yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities is expressed both in dollars and rates. No tax equivalent adjustments were made. Average balances are daily averages.
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 201920182017
 
Average
Outstanding
Balance
Interest
Earned/
Paid
Average
Yield/
Cost
Average
Outstanding
Balance
Interest
Earned/
Paid
Average
Yield/
Cost
Average
Outstanding
Balance
Interest
Earned/
Paid
Average
Yield/
Cost
 (Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Deposits$36,592  $854  2.32 %$13,867  $269  1.91 %$19,670  $199  1.00 %
Federal funds sold and short-term investments61,032  1,870  3.07  50,351  1,465  2.92  51,790  1,071  2.07  
Held to maturity debt securities467,711  12,424  2.66  472,690  12,606  2.67  487,616  13,027  2.67  
Available for sale debt securities1,072,106  27,455  2.56  1,046,701  26,074  2.49  1,044,116  22,384  2.14  
Equity Securities, At Fair Value724  —  —  683  —  —  587  —  —  
Federal Home Loan Bank NY Stock66,285  4,387  6.62  72,364  4,907  6.78  73,995  4,061  5.49  
Net loans(2)
7,190,113  324,480  4.51  7,208,420  314,508  4.36  6,971,512  283,104  4.06  
Total interest-earning assets8,894,563  371,470  4.18  8,865,076  359,829  4.06  8,649,286  323,846  3.74  
Non-interest earning assets926,269  871,373  885,499  
Total assets$9,820,832  $9,736,449  $9,534,785  
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings deposits$1,015,547  $1,681  1.17 %$1,070,868  $1,923  0.18 %$1,101,103  $2,092  0.19 %
Demand deposits3,625,989  29,542  0.81  3,575,306  20,450  0.57  3,477,413  12,205  0.35  
Time deposits801,374  14,271  1.78  671,671  8,320  1.24  649,195  5,144  0.79  
Borrowed funds1,336,631  28,003  2.10  1,535,906  28,460  1.85  1,581,964  26,203  1.66  
Total interest-bearing liabilities6,779,541  73,497  1.08  6,853,751  59,153  0.86  6,809,675  45,644  0.67  
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
Non-interest bearing deposits1,502,672  1,463,662  1,366,354  
Other Non-interest bearing liabilities143,760  93,825  68,783  
Total Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities1,646,432  1,557,487  1,435,137  
Total liabilities8,425,973  8,411,238  8,244,812  
Stockholders’ equity1,394,859  1,325,211  1,289,973  
Total liabilities and equity$9,820,832  $9,736,449  $9,534,785  
Net interest income$297,973  $300,676  $278,202  
Net interest rate spread3.10 %3.20 %3.07 %
Net interest earning assets$2,115,022  $2,011,325  $1,839,611  
Net interest margin(3)
3.35 %3.39 %3.21 %
Ratio of interest-earning assets to total interest-bearing liabilities1.31x1.29x1.27 x
(1) Average outstanding balance amounts are at amortized cost.
(2) Average outstanding balances are net of the allowance for loan losses, deferred loan fees and expenses, and loan premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
(3) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
50


 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 
Average
Outstanding
Balance
 
Interest
Earned/
Paid
 
Average
Yield/
Cost
 
Average
Outstanding
Balance
 
Interest
Earned/
Paid
 
Average
Yield/
Cost
 
Average
Outstanding
Balance
 
Interest
Earned/
Paid
 
Average
Yield/
Cost
 (Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:                 
Deposits$19,670
 $199
 1.00% $62,704
 $314
 0.50% $22,663
 $57
 0.25%
Federal funds sold and short-term investments51,790
 1,071
 2.07
 13,010
 184
 1.42
 1,431
 1
 0.04
Investment securities(1)
487,616
 13,027
 2.67
 478,901
 13,208
 2.76
 473,425
 13,494
 2.85
Securities available for sale1,044,703
 22,384
 2.14
 1,008,900
 19,377
 1.92
 1,029,249
 20,323
 1.97
Federal Home Loan Bank NY Stock73,995
 4,061
 5.49
 72,928
 3,513
 4.82
 73,162
 3,075
 4.20
Net loans(2)
6,971,512
 283,104
 4.06
 6,669,778
 265,719
 3.98
 6,215,347
 254,831
 4.10
Total interest-earning assets8,649,286
 323,846
 3.74
 8,306,221
 302,315
 3.64
 7,815,277
 291,781
 3.73
Non-interest earning assets885,499
     906,332
     876,723
    
Total assets$9,534,785
     $9,212,553
     $8,692,000
    
Interest-bearing liabilities:                 
Savings deposits$1,101,103
 12,205
 0.35% $1,047,061
 1,709
 0.16% $984,704
 1,039
 0.11%
Demand deposits3,477,413
 2,092
 0.19
 3,305,269
 10,106
 0.31
 2,955,133
 8,045
 0.27
Time deposits649,195
 5,144
 0.79
 725,802
 5,132
 0.71
 784,242
 5,437
 0.69
Borrowed funds1,581,964
 26,203
 1.66
 1,577,307
 26,801
 1.70
 1,603,974
 27,380
 1.71
Total interest-bearing liabilities6,809,675
 45,644
 0.67
 6,655,439
 43,748
 0.66
 6,328,053
 41,901
 0.66
Non-interest bearing liabilities:                 
Non-interest bearing deposits1,366,354
     1,243,224
     1,117,372
    
Other Non-interest bearing liabilities68,783
     81,044
     70,976
    
Total Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities1,435,137
     1,324,268
     1,188,348
    
Total liabilities8,244,812
     7,979,707
     7,516,401
    
Stockholders’ equity1,289,973
     1,232,846
     1,175,599
    
Total liabilities and equity$9,534,785
     $9,212,553
     $8,692,000
    
Net interest income  $278,202
     $258,567
     $249,880
  
Net interest rate spread    3.07%     2.98%     3.07%
Net interest earning assets$1,839,611
     $1,650,782
     $1,487,224
    
Net interest margin(3)
    3.21%     3.11%     3.20%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to total interest-bearing liabilities1.27x
     1.25x
     1.24x
    
(1)Average outstanding balance amounts are at amortized cost.
(2)Average outstanding balances are net of the allowance for loan losses, deferred loan fees and expenses, and loan premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
(3)Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.


Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table presents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to: (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and (iii) the net change. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 vs. 20182018 vs. 2017
 
Increase/(Decrease)
Due to
Total
Increase/
(Decrease)
Increase/(Decrease)
Due to
Total
Increase/
(Decrease)
 VolumeRateVolumeRate
 (In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Deposits, Federal funds sold and short-term investments$930  $59  $989  $(779) $1,243  $464  
Investment securities(133) (50) (183) (398) (23) (421) 
Securities available for sale641  739  1,380  58  3,632  3,690  
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock(404) (114) (518) (91) 937  846  
Loans(800) 10,773  9,973  9,844  21,560  31,404  
Total interest-earning assets234  11,407  11,641  8,634  27,349  35,983  
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings deposits(614) 371  (243) (9) (160) (169) 
Demand deposits174  8,919  9,093  330  7,915  8,245  
Time deposits126  5,825  5,951  20  3,156  3,176  
Borrowed funds(3,933) 3,476  (457) (781) 3,038  2,257  
Total interest-bearing liabilities(4,247) 18,591  14,344  (440) 13,949  13,509  
Net interest income$4,481  $(7,184) $(2,703) $9,074  $13,400  $22,474  
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
 
Increase/(Decrease)
Due to
 
Total
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Increase/(Decrease)
Due to
 
Total
Increase/
(Decrease)
 Volume Rate Volume Rate 
 (In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:           
Deposits, Federal funds sold and short-term investments$1
 $771
 $772
 $295
 $145
 $440
Investment securities238
 (419) (181) 155
 (441) (286)
Securities available for sale706
 2,301
 3,007
 (397) (549) (946)
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock52
 496
 548
 (10) 448
 438
Loans12,185
 5,200
 17,385
 18,252
 (7,364) 10,888
Total interest-earning assets13,182
 8,349
 21,531
 18,295
 (7,761) 10,534
Interest-bearing liabilities:           
Savings deposits92
 292
 384
 69
 601
 670
Demand deposits547
 1,551
 2,098
 1,011
 1,050
 2,061
Time deposits(572) 584
 12
 (411) 106
 (305)
Borrowed funds79
 (677) (598) (454) (125) (579)
Total interest-bearing liabilities146
 1,750
 1,896
 215
 1,632
 1,847
Net interest income$13,036
 $6,599
 $19,635
 $18,080
 $(9,393) $8,687
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018
Total assets increased $344.8 million, or 3.6%, to $9.85 billion at December 31, 2017,2019 were $9.81 billion, an $82.8 million increase from $9.50 billion at December 31, 2016.2018. The increase in total assets was primarily due to a $322.2an $82.3 million increase in total loans, and a $46.5$62.6 million increase in other assets, a $44.1 million increase in total cash and cash equivalents and an $18.8 million increase in intangible assets, partially offset by a $20.9 million decrease in premises and equipment and a $7.6$123.3 million decrease in total investments.
The increase in other assets was largely due to the Company's January 1, 2019 adoption of a new lease accounting standard. The Company recorded a right of use asset ("ROU") of $44.9 million, which was based on the present value of the expected remaining lease payments at January 1, 2019. At December 31, 2019, the ROU was $41.8 million.
Total loans increased $322.2$82.3 million or 4.6%, to $7.33 billion at December 31, 2017,2019, from $7.00$7.25 billion at December 31, 2016.2018. For the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, loan originations, including advances on lines of credit, totaling $3.70totaled $2.83 billion, was partially offset by repayments of $3.34compared with $3.16 billion and loan sales of $24.9 million.at December 31, 2018. The loan portfolio had net increases of $192.5$279.1 million in commercial mortgage loans $127.8and $40.8 million in construction loans, $114.4 million in commercial loans and $1.8 million in multi-family mortgage loans, partially offset by net decreases of $69.3$114.1 million in multi-family mortgage loans, $60.4 million in commercial loans and $21.8 million in residential mortgage loans and $42.8 million in consumer loans.
Commercial loans, consisting of commercial real estate, multi-family, construction and commercial loans, totaled $5.71$5.87 billion, accounting for 77.9%80.0% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $5.28$5.72 billion, or 75.3%78.9% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2016.2018. The Company intends to continue to focus on the origination of commercially-oriented loans. Retail loans, which consist of one- to four-family residential mortgage and consumer loans, such as fixed-rate home equity loans and lines of credit, totaled $1.62$1.47 billion and accounted for 22.1%20.0% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $1.73$1.53 billion, or 24.7%21.1%, of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2016.2018.
The Company does not originate or purchase sub-prime or option ARM loans. Prior to September 30, 2008, the Company originated “Alt-A” mortgages in the form of stated income loans with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 50% on a limited basis.
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The balance of these “Alt-A” loans at December 31, 2017 was $4.2 million. Of this total, there were no loans that were 90 days or more delinquent.
The Company participates in loans originated by other banks, including participations designated as Shared National Credits (“SNC”). The Company’s gross commitments and outstanding balances as a participant in SNCs were $342.5$213.2 million and $223.9$105.3 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017.2019. At December 31, 2017, no2019, one SNC relationships wererelationship was classified as substandard. The gross commitments and oustanding balances for this substandard SNC relationship totaled $13.7 million and $11.6 million, respectively.
The Company had outstanding junior lien mortgages totaling $205.1$143.4 million at December 31, 2017.2019. Of this total, 2411 loans totaling $1.3 million$661,000 were 90 days or more delinquent, and were allocated total loss reserves of $238,000.$115,000.
The allowance for loan losses decreased $1.7 million to $60.2was $55.5 million at December 31, 2017, as2019, compared to $55.6 million at December 31, 2018. During 2019, the Company recorded a result of$13.1 million provision for loan losses and incurred net charge-offs of $7.3 million during 2017, partially offset by provisions for loan losses of $5.6$13.1 million. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses was a function of the decline in non-performing loans, partially offset by the growth in the loan portfolio. Total non-performing loans at December 31, 20172019 were $34.9$40.2 million, or 0.48%0.55% of total loans, compared with $42.4$25.7 million, or 0.61%0.35% of total loans at December 31, 2016.2018. At December 31, 2017,2019, impaired loans totaled $52.0$70.6 million with related specific reserves of $2.7$5.1 million, compared with impaired loans totaling $52.0$50.7 million with related specific reserves of $2.3$1.2 million at December 31, 2016.2018. Within total impaired loans, there were $31.4$16.0 million of loans for which the present value of expected future cash flows or current collateral valuations exceeded the carrying amounts of the loans and for which no specific reserves were required in accordance with GAAP. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Company’s allowance for loan losses was 0.82%0.76% of total loans, compared with 0.88%0.77% of total loans at December 31, 2016. The decline in the loan coverage ratio from December 31, 2016, resulted from an overall improvement in asset quality.2018.
Non-performing commercial mortgage loans decreased $403,000increased $2.1 million to $7.1$5.3 million at December 31, 2017,2019, from $7.5$3.2 million at December 31, 2016.2018. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Company held 10six non-performing commercial mortgage loans. The largest non-performing commercial mortgage loan was a $2.9$3.8 million loan secured by a first mortgage on a retail property located in Washington Township,Hackettstown, New Jersey.  The loan is presently in default.  There is no contractual commitment to advance additional funds to this borrower.
Non-performing commercial loans increased $456,000$9.8 million to $17.2$25.2 million at December 31, 2017,2019, from $16.8$15.4 million at December 31, 2016.2018. Non-performing commercial loans at December 31, 20172019 consisted of 3033 loans. The largest non-performing commercial loan relationship was a SNC relationship, which consisted of twothree loans to a health and fitness clubrestaurant group with total outstanding balances of $8.4$11.6 million at December 31, 2017. Both2019. All of these loans are secured by liens on a commercial property.unsecured/non-real estate secured. These loans are currently paying in accordance with their restructured terms.
There were no non-performing constructions loans at either December 31, 2017. Non-performing constructions loans at2019 or the prior year-end were $2.5 million.year-end.
At December 31, 2017,2019, the Company held $6.9$2.7 million of foreclosed assets, compared with $8.0$1.6 million at December 31, 2016.2018. Foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of the outstanding loan balance at the time of foreclosure or fair value, based on recent appraisals and valuation estimates, less estimated selling costs.costs to sell. During the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, there were 1611 additions to foreclosed assets with aan aggregate carrying value of $3.8$2.3 million and 266 properties sold with aan aggregate carrying value of $4.3$1.0 million. Foreclosed assets at December 31, 20172019 consisted of $3.9 million of commercial real estate and $3.0$2.7 million of residential real estate.
Non-performing assets totaled $41.8$42.9 million, or 0.42%0.44% of total assets at December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $50.4$27.3 million, or 0.53%0.28% of total assets at December 31, 2016.2018. If the non-accrual loans had performed in accordance with their original terms, interest income would have increased by $1.9$1.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017.2019. The amount of cash basis interest income that was recognized on impaired loans during the year ended December 31, 20172019 was not material.
Total deposits increased $160.5$272.5 million or 2.4%, during the year ended December 31, 20172019 to $6.71$7.10 billion. Total core deposits, which consistconsisting of savings and demand deposit accounts, increased $176.9$289.0 million or 3.0%, to $6.08$6.37 billion at December 31, 2017,2019, while total time deposits decreased $16.4$16.5 million to $634.8$734.0 million at December 31, 2017.2019. The increase in core deposits for the year ended December 31, 20172019 was largely attributable to a $140.0$241.9 million increase in money market deposits, a $72.5 million increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits and a $42.8 million increase in interest bearing demand deposits, and a $103.6 million increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits, partially offset by a $50.7 million decrease in money market deposits and a $16.0$68.2 million decrease in savings deposits. At December 31, 2017,2019, core deposits represented 90.5%89.7% of total deposits compared to 90.1%89.0% at December 31, 2016.2018.
Borrowed funds increased $129.8decreased $317.1 million, or 8.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, to $1.74 billion, as$1.13 billion. The decrease in borrowings for the year was primarily the result of wholesale funds, combined withfunding being partially replaced by the net deposit inflows were used to fund the Company's asset growth.of deposits. Borrowed funds represented 17.7%11.5% of total assets at December 31, 2017, an increase2019, a decrease from 17.0%14.8% at December 31, 2016.


2018.
Total stockholders’ equity increased $46.9$54.9 million or 3.7%, to $1.30$1.41 billion at December 31, 2017,2019, from $1.25$1.36 billion at December 31, 2016.2018. This increase resulted from net income earned during the year of $93.9 million, the allocation of shares to stock-based compensation plans of $11.5 million, exercised stock options of $3.0$112.6 million and the reissuance of shares for the dividend reinvestment program of $2.1a $16.2 million increase in other comprehensive income, partially offset by cash dividends paid to stockholders of $60.0 million, a $2.7 million other comprehensive loss and common stock repurchases of $1.2$72.8 million. Common stock repurchases for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019 totaled 916,326 shares at an average cost of $23.81, of which 73,311 shares, at an average cost of $27.08, were made in connection with withholding to cover income taxes on stock-based compensation, totaled 45,123 shares at an average costthe vesting of $27.08 per share.stock-
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based compensation. At December 31, 2017,2019, approximately 3.11.6 million shares remained eligible for repurchase under the current authorizations.authorization.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018
General. Net income for the year ended December 31, 20172019 was $93.9$112.6 million, compared to $87.8$118.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $1.46 and $1.45both $1.74 for the year ended December 31, 2017, respectively,2019, compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.38$1.82 for 2016.2018.
AsFor the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company’s earnings were adversely impacted by a result$2.0 million, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share, net of tax expense, increase in the estimated fair value of the enactmentcontingent consideration related to the April 1, 2019 acquisition of T&L. The earn-out of this contingent consideration is based upon T&L achieving certain revenue growth and retention targets over a three-year period from the date of acquisition. Based upon recent performance and improved projections for the remaining measurement period, an increase to the fair value of the Tax Act oncontingent liability was warranted. At December 22, 2017,31, 2019, the Company recognized additionalcontingent liability was $9.4 million, with maximum potential future payments totaling $11.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, a non-recurring $1.9 million tax expensebenefit was recorded stemming from the Company's completion of $3.9 milliona cost segregation study that assigned shorter taxable lives to certain fixed assets. This benefit contributed $0.03 per basic and diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2017. Offsetting2018. In addition, the effectCompany realized a $1.6 million, or $0.02 per share, net of tax gain on the sale of Visa Class B common shares in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased $2.7 million to $298.0 million for 2019, from $300.7 million for 2018. The interest rate spread decreased 10 basis points to 3.10% for 2019, from 3.20% for 2018. The net interest margin decreased four basis points to 3.35% for 2019, compared to 3.39% for 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the decrease in net interest income was primarily due to compression in the net interest margin as the increase in the cost of the changeCompany’s average interest-bearing deposits and borrowings outpaced the improvement in tax law, earningsthe yield on average total loans. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2017 were favorably impacted2019 was aided by year-over-year growththe recognition of $2.2 million in average loans outstanding, growth in both average non-interest bearing and interest bearing core deposits and expansion of the net interest margin. The improvementincome, in the net interest margin was driven bysecond quarter of 2019, upon the upward repricingprepayment of adjustable rate assets and relatively stable cost of funds.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $19.6 million to $278.2 million for 2017, from $258.6 million for 2016. The average interest rate spread increased nine basis points to 3.07% for 2017, from 2.98% for 2016. The net interest margin increased ten basis points to 3.21% for 2017, compared to 3.11% for 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the increase in net interest income was largely due to growth in average loans outstanding, growth in average core deposits, and expansion in the net interest margin.which had previously been non-accruing.
Interest income increased $21.5$11.6 million or 7.1%, to $323.8$371.5 million for 2017,2019, compared to $302.3$359.8 million for 2016.2018. The increase in interest income was attributable to an increase in average earning asset balances and an increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets. Average interest-earning assets increased $343.1$29.4 million or 4.1%, to $8.65$8.89 billion for 2017,2019, compared to $8.31$8.87 billion for 2016.2018. The increase in average earning assets was largely attributable to a $47.8 million increase in the average balance of the total investment portfolio. This was partially offset by an $18.3 million decrease in average outstanding loan balances increased $301.7 million, or 4.5%, to $6.97$7.19 billion for 20172019 from $6.67$7.21 billion for 2016, the average balance of securities available for sale increased $35.8 million, or 3.5%, to $1.04 billion for 2017, compared to $1.01 billion for 2016, and the average balance of investment securities held to maturity increased $8.7 million, or 1.8%, to $487.6 million for 2017, compared to $478.9 million for 2016.2018. The yield on interest-earning assets increased ten12 basis points to 3.74%4.18% for 2017,2019, from 3.64%4.06% for 2016,2018, mainly due to increases in the weighted average yields on total loans FHLBNY stock and the securities available for sale portfolio.debt securities portfolio, partially offset by a decrease in FHLBNY stock yield. The weighted average yield on total loans increased 15 basis points to 4.51% for 2019 and the weighted average yield on available for sale debt securities increased seven basis points to 2.56% for 2019, from 2.49% for 2018. The weighted average yield on FHLBNY stock decreased to 6.62% for 2019, compared to 6.78% for 2018.
Interest expense increased $1.9$14.3 million or 4.3%, to $45.6$73.5 million for 2017,2019, from $43.7$59.2 million for 2016.2018. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to an increase in averagethe cost of interest-bearing deposits for the year, which combined withliabilities and an increase in non-interest bearingaverage interest-bearing deposits, largely funded the growth in average interest-earning assets. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by a shiftdecline in the funding composition to lower-costing core deposits from time deposits andaverage borrowings. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased one22 basis pointpoints to 0.67%1.08% for 2017,2019, compared to 2016.2018. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits increased four26 basis points to 0.37%0.84% for 2017,2019, from 0.33%0.58% for 2016.2018. The average rate paid on borrowings decreased fourincreased 25 basis points to 1.66%2.10% for 2017,2019, from 1.70%1.85% for 2016.2018. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $125.1 million to $5.44 billion for 2019, from $5.32 billion for 2018. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $154.2decreased $74.2 million to $6.81$6.78 billion for 2017,2019, compared to $6.66$6.85 billion for 2016. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $149.6 million, or 2.9%, to $5.23 billion for 2017, from $5.08 billion for 2016.2018. Within average interest-bearing deposits, average time deposits increased $129.7 million for 2019, compared with 2018, while average interest-bearing core deposits increased $226.2decreased $4.6 million or 5.2%to $4.64 billion for 2017,2019, compared with 2016, while average time deposits decreased $76.6 million, or 10.6% for 2017, compared with 2016.2018. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $123.1$39.0 million or 9.9%, to $1.37$1.50 billion for 2017,2019, from $1.24$1.46 billion for 2016.2018. Average outstanding borrowings decreased $4.7$199.3 million or 0.3%, to $1.58$1.34 billion for 2017,2019, compared to 2016.2018.
Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level management considers necessary to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. In determining the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and current loss experience, evaluations of real estate collateral, current economic conditions, volume and type of lending, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay the loan and the levels of non-performing and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates, and the ultimate losses may vary from such estimates as more information becomes available or later events change. Management assesses the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and makes provisions for loan losses, if necessary, in order to maintain the adequacy of the allowance. The Company’s emphasis on continued diversification of the loan portfolio through the origination of commercial
53


loans has been one of the more significant factors management has considered in evaluating


the allowance for loan losses and provision for loan losses for the past several years. As the Company looks to further increase the amount of such types of loans in the portfolio, management may determine that additional or increased provisions for loan losses are necessary, which could adversely affect earnings.
The provision for loan losses was $5.6$13.1 million in 2017,2019, compared to $5.4$23.7 million in 2016.2018. The increasedecrease in the provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to year-over-year growtha $14.9 million loss related to a commercial borrower that filed a Chapter 7 petition in the loan portfolio.bankruptcy on March 27, 2018 for a liquidation of assets. Net charge-offs for 20172019 were $7.3$13.1 million, compared to $4.9$28.3 million for 2016.2018. Total charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 20172019 were $8.9$15.0 million, compared to $7.0$30.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. Recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, were $1.7$1.9 million, compared to $2.0$1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 20172019 was $60.2$55.5 million, or 0.82%0.76% of total loans, compared to $61.9$55.6 million, or 0.88%0.77% of total loans, at December 31, 2016.2018. At December 31, 2017,2019, non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.48%0.55%, compared to 0.61%0.35% at December 31, 2016.2018. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets were 0.42%0.44% at December 31, 2017,2019, compared to 0.53%0.28% at December 31, 2016.2018. At December 31, 2017,2019, non-performing loans were $34.9$40.2 million, compared to $42.4$25.7 million at December 31, 2016,2018, and non-performing assets were $41.8$42.9 million at December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $50.4$27.3 million at December 31, 2016.2018.
Non-Interest Income. For the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, non-interest income totaled $55.7$63.8 million, an increase of $304,000,$5.1 million, compared to the same period in 2016. Income from Bank-owned life insurance2018. Wealth management income increased $1.2$4.5 million to $6.7$22.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $18.0 million for the same period in 2016,2018, primarily due to fees earned from assets under management acquired in the recognition of death benefit claims. FeeT&L transaction, partially offset by a decrease in managed mutual fund fees. Other income also increased $1.2$1.7 million to $27.2$6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, primarily due to a $2.6 million increase in net fees on loan-level interest rate swap transactions, partially offset by decreases of $659,000 and $353,000 in net gains on the sale of foreclosed real estate and net gains on the sale of loans, respectively. Income from BOLI increased $783,000 to $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2016,2018, due to an increase in benefit claims and greater equity valuations, while fee income increased $237,000 to $28.3 million, compared to the same period in 2018, largely due to a $657,000$1.0 million increase in prepayment fees on commercial loan prepayment fee income, a $397,000 increase in deposit related fee income and a $229,000 increase in merchant fee income,loans, partially offset by a $218,000$264,000 decrease in debit card revenue, a $144,000 decrease in income from non-deposit investment products and a $43,000$125,000 decrease in debit card revenue.deposit related fee income. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interestother income, other incomenet gains on securities transactions decreased $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016, mainly2019, due to a $910,000 decrease in net fees on loan-level interest rate swap transactions, a $583,000 decrease in net gains recognized on loan sales and a $335,000 non-recurring gain recognized on the sale of deposits resulting from a strategic branch divestitureVisa Class B common shares in the prior year.2018.
Non-InterestNon-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 20172019 was $187.8$201.6 million, an increase of $4.0$9.8 million from the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. Compensation and benefits expense increased $3.2$5.4 million to $109.4$116.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $106.1$111.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. This increase was primarily due to additional compensation expense arising from the T&L acquisition, increased salary expense related to annual merit increases an increaseand additions of risk management and compliance professionals, along with increases in the accrual for incentive compensation and an increase in stock-based compensation, partially offset by a decrease in retirement benefit costs.compensation. Other operating expenses increased $1.2 million to $28.8$2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $27.6 million for the same period in 2016, largely due to increases in consulting and debit card maintenance expenses, partially offset by a decrease in loan collection expense. Data processing costs increased $694,000 to $13.9$31.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016,2018. This increase was primarily due to increased software maintenance and telecommunication costs. Net occupancya $2.8 million increase in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration related to the T&L purchase transaction. Data processing costs increased $437,000,$2.2 million to $25.3$16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared with 2018, primarily due to increases in software subscription service expense and implementation costs. Additionally, net occupancy costs increased $839,000, to $25.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2016, resulting from2018, primarily due to an increase in snow removal costs, combinedrent expense, a portion of which was related to the T&L acquisition, while the amortization of intangibles increased $613,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with 2018, largely due to an increase in facilities maintenance costs.the customer relationship intangible amortization attributable to the acquisition of T&L. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interest expense, FDIC insurance expense decreased $1.0$2.2 million to $3.9$1.3 million for year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $4.9$3.5 million for the same period in 2016. This decrease was primarily2018, largely due to the FDIC's reductionreceipt of the small bank assessment ratescredit for depository institutionsthe second and third quarters of 2019 and the discontinuance of the FICO assessment.
Income Tax Expense. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company’s income tax expense was $34.5 million, compared with less than $10.0 billion$25.5 million, for the same period in assets, which became2018. The Company’s effective in the quarter ended September 30, 2016. Additionally, amortization of intangibles decreased $721,000tax rate was 23.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared with 17.7% for the same periodyear ended December 31, 2018. The increase in 2016, astax expense and the higher effective tax rates for the year ended December 31, 2019 were primarily attributable to the effects of a resulttechnical bulletin issued by the New Jersey Division of scheduled reductionsTaxation in amortization.
Income Tax Expense.the second quarter of 2019 that specified treatment of real estate investment trusts in connection with combined reporting for New Jersey corporate business tax purposes. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company’s income tax expense was $46.5 million, compared with $37.0 million, for the same period in 2016. The Company’s effective tax rate was 33.1% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared with 29.6% for the year ended December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the increases in income2018, tax expense and the effective tax rate were favorably impacted by a functionnon-recurring $1.9 million tax benefit related to the Company's completion of growth in pre-tax income and the enactment of the Tax Act, which resulted in additional tax expense of $3.9 million.a cost segregation study that assigned shorter taxable lives to select fixed assets.
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Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 20162018 and December 31, 20152017
General. Net income for the year ended December 31, 20162018 was $87.8$118.4 million, compared to $83.7$93.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.2017. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $1.38both $1.82 for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.33$1.46 and $1.45, respectively for 2015. Net income for2017.
For the year ended December 31, 2016 was favorably2018, the Company’s earnings were positively impacted by year-over-yearlower Federal income tax rates, period over period growth in average loans outstanding, growth in both average non-interest and interest bearing deposits and the continued expansion of the net interest margin. The improvement in the net interest margin was driven by an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets, growth in average non-interest bearing deposits and a less sensitive and lagging cost of funds. Included was a non-recurring $1.9 million tax benefit stemming from the Company's completion of a cost segregation study that assigned shorter taxable lives to certain fixed assets. This benefit contributed $0.03 per basic and diluted share for both the quarter and year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, the Company realized a $1.6 million, or $0.02 per share, net of tax gain on the sale of Visa Class B common shares in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $22.5 million to $300.7 million for 2018, from $278.2 million for 2017. The interest rate spread increased 13 basis points to 3.20% for 2018, from 3.07% for 2017. The net interest margin increased 18 basis points to 3.39% for 2018, compared to 3.21% for 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the increase in net interest income was primarily due to growth in average loans outstanding resulting from organic originations and increases in both average interest bearing core deposits and average non-interest bearing demand deposits, partially offset by compression incombined with period-over-period expansion of the net interest margin. The growth in average core deposits mitigated the Company's need to utilize higher-cost borrowings to fund loan growth.


Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $8.7 million to $258.6 million for 2016, from $249.9 million for 2015. The average interest rate spread decreased nine basis points to 2.98% for 2016, from 3.07% for 2015. The net interest margin decreased nine basis points to 3.11% for 2016, compared to 3.20% for 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2016, net interest income was favorably impacted by the growth in average loans outstanding and growth in average core deposits, mitigating the effects of compression in the net interest margin.
Interest income increased $10.5$36.0 million or 3.6%, to $302.3$359.8 million for 2016,2018, compared to $291.8$323.8 million for 2015.2017. The increase in interest income was attributable to an increase in average earning asset balances partially offset by a decreaseand an increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets. Average interest-earning assets increased $490.9$215.7 million or 6.3%, to $8.31$8.87 billion for 2016,2018, compared to $7.82$8.65 billion for 2015.2017. The increase in average earning assets was largely attributable to a $236.9 million increase in average outstanding loan balances increased $454.4 million, or 7.3%, to $6.67$7.21 billion for 20162018 from $6.22$6.97 billion for 2015,2017. This was partially offset by a $13.9 million decrease in the average balance of securities available for sale decreased $20.3 million, or 2.0%, to $1.01 billion for 2016, compared to $1.03 billion for 2015, and the average balance oftotal investment securities held to maturity increased $5.5 million, or 1.2%, to $478.9 million for 2016, compared to $473.4 million for 2015.portfolio. The yield on interest-earning assets decreased nineincreased 32 basis points to 3.64%4.06% for 2016,2018, from 3.73%3.74% for 2015,2017, mainly due to a reductionincreases in both the weighted average yields on total loans, FHLBNY stock and the available for sale debt securities portfolio. The weighted average yield on total loans and securities availableincreased 30 basis points to 4.36% for sale, partially offset by an increase in the2018. The weighted average yield on FHLBNY stock.stock increased to 6.78% for 2018, compared to 5.49% for 2017, and the weighted average yield of available for sale debt securities increased 35 basis points to 2.49% for 2018, from 2.14% for 2017.
Interest expense increased $1.8$13.5 million or 4.4%, to $43.7$59.2 million for 2016,2018, from $41.9$45.6 million for 2015.2017. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to an increase in average interest-bearing deposits for the year, which largely funded the growth in average interest-earning assets. Theand an increase in interest expense was partially offset by a shift in the funding composition to lower-costing core deposits from time deposits and borrowings.cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities remained unchanged at 0.66%increased 19 basis points to 0.86% for 2016,2018, compared to 2015.2017. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits increased two21 basis points to 0.33%0.58% for 2016,2018, from 0.31%0.37% for 2015.2017. The average rate paid on borrowings decreased oneincreased 19 basis pointpoints to 1.70%1.85% for 2016,2018, from 1.71%1.66% for 2015.2017. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $327.4$44.1 million to $6.66$6.85 billion for 2016,2018, compared to $6.33$6.81 billion for 2015.2017. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $354.1$90.1 million or 7.5%, to $5.08$5.32 billion for 2016,2018, from $4.72$5.23 billion for 2015.2017. Within average interest-bearing deposits, average interest-bearing core deposits increased $412.5$67.7 million or 10.5%,to $4.65 billion for 2016,2018, compared with 2015,2017, while average time deposits decreased $58.4increased $22.5 million or 7.5%, for 2016,2018, compared with 2015.2017. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $125.9$97.3 million, or 11.3%7.1%, to $1.24$1.46 billion for 2016,2018, from $1.12$1.37 billion for 2015.2017. Average outstanding borrowings decreased $26.7$46.1 million, or 1.7%2.9%, to $1.58$1.54 billion for 2016,2018, compared with $1.60 billion for 2015.to 2017.
Provision for Loan Losses.Losses.The provision for loan losses was $5.4$23.7 million in 2016,2018, compared to $4.4$5.6 million in 2015.2017. The increase in the provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to year-over-year growtha $14.9 million loss related to a commercial borrower that filed a Chapter 7 petition in the loan portfolio.bankruptcy on March 27, 2018 for a liquidation of assets. Net charge-offs for 20162018 were $4.9$28.3 million, compared to $4.7$7.3 million for 2015.2017. Total charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 20162018 were $7.0$30.0 million, compared to $8.8$8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.2017. Recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, were $2.0$1.7 million, compared to $4.2$1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.2017. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 20162018 was $61.9$55.6 million, or 0.88%0.77% of total loans, compared to $61.4$60.2 million, or 0.94%0.82% of total loans, at December 31, 2015.2017. At December 31, 2016,2018, non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.61%0.35%, compared to 0.68%0.48% at December 31, 2015.2017. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets were 0.53%0.28% at December 31, 2016,2018, compared to 0.62%0.42% at December 31, 2015.2017. At December 31, 2016,2018, non-performing loans were $42.4$25.7 million, compared to $44.5$34.9 million at December 31, 2015,2017, and non-performing assets were $50.4$27.3 million at December 31, 2016,2018, compared to $55.1$41.8 million at December 31, 2015.2017.
Non-Interest Income. For the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, non-interest income totaled $55.4$58.7 million, an increase of $171,000,$3.0 million, compared to the same period in 2015. Wealth management2017. Net gains on securities transactions increased $2.2 million for the year
55


ended December 31, 2018, due to the sale of Visa Class B common shares. Fee income increased $718,000$866,000 to $17.6$28.1 million, compared to the same period in 2017, largely due to a $287,000 increase in income from non-deposit investment products, a $248,000 increase in loan related fee income and a $238,000 increase in debit card revenue, partially offset by a $126,000 decrease in prepayment fees on commercial loans. Other income increased $775,000 to $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, largely due to fees from assets under management acquired in the MDE acquisition, which closed on April 1, 2015. This increase in wealth management income was offset in part by a reduction in income associated with the licensing of indices to exchange traded fund ("ETF") providers, along with a shift in the mix of assets under management which negatively impacted fees earned. Also contributing to the increase in non-interest income, other income increased $153,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015,2018, primarily due to a $1.2 million$764,000 increase in net gains recognized on loan sales and a $335,000 gain recognized on the sale of deposits resulting from a strategic branch divestiture, largely offset by a $1.4 million decrease in net fees on loan-level interest rate swap transactions. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interestAlso, wealth management income net gains on securities transactions and fee income decreased $590,000 and $235,000, respectively,increased $353,000 to $18.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, compared to $17.6 million for the same period in 2017, due to increased revenue from investment advisory fees, including revenue from two mutual funds that were established in October 2017. Partially offsetting these increases, income from BOLI decreased $1.2 million to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in fee income was largely2017, due to a $1.4 million decrease in prepayment fees on commercial loans, partially offset by increases of $708,000benefit claims and $529,000 in deposit fees and loan related fee income, respectively.lower equity valuations.
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 20162018 was $183.8$191.7 million, an increase of $3.2$3.9 million from the year ended December 31, 2015. Compensation and benefits expense2017. Other operating expenses increased $6.5$2.3 million to $106.1$31.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, compared to $99.7$28.8 million for the same period in 2017, largely due to increases in consulting, examination and debit card maintenance expenses, partially offset by decreases in loan collection expense and foreclosed real estate expense. Compensation and benefits expense increased $2.1 million to $111.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.2018, compared to $109.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to additional salary expense associated withrelated to annual merit increases, an increasecombined with increases in severance, stock-based compensation and employee medical expenses, partially offset by a decrease in the accrual for annual incentive compensation, increased salary expense associated with new employees from MDE, and an increase in employee medical and


retirement benefit costs.compensation. Data processing costs increased $530,000$742,000 to $13.2$14.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, compared with the same period in 2015, principally2017, due to increasedincreases in software maintenance, online and core processing costs.mobile banking expenses. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interest expense, net occupancy costsamortization of intangibles decreased $1.2 million, to $24.9 million$543,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, principally due to a decrease in seasonal expenses resulting from a milder winter, combined with decreases in facilities and equipment maintenance expenses. Other operating expenses decreased $1.2 million to $27.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $28.8 million for the same period in 2015, largely due to $413,000 of non-recurring professional services costs associated with the MDE transaction for the year ended December 31, 2015, combined with decreases in printing expense, business development costs and decreases in foreclosed real estate and non-performing asset-related expenses. The amortization of intangibles decreased $675,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, compared with the same period in 2015,2017, as a result of scheduled reductions in amortization. FDIC insurance expense decreased $405,000 to $3.5 million for year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $3.9 million for the same period in 2017, primarily due to a reduction in the insurance assessment rate. Additionally, advertising and promotion expensesnet occupancy costs decreased $541,000$234,000, to $3.7$25.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, compared to $4.22017, primarily due to a decrease in building depreciation.
Income Tax Expense. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company’s income tax expense was $25.5 million, compared with $46.5 million, for the same period in 2015, largely due to the Company's shift from higher-costing traditional print advertising to digital media.
Income Tax Expense. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s income tax expense was $37.0 million, compared with $36.4 million, for the same period in 2015.2017. The Company’s effective tax rate was 29.6%17.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, compared with 30.3%33.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015. For2017. The decrease in tax expense and the lower effective tax rates for year ended December 31, 2016,2018, were favorably impacted by the increases inTax Act, which, effective January 1, 2018, reduced the statutory federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%; and the recognition of a non-recurring $1.9 million tax benefit related to the Company's completion of a cost segregation study that assigned shorter taxable lives to select fixed assets. The tax rates for 2017 included an additional tax expense was a function of growth in pre-tax income. In$4.0 million related to the third quarterenactment of 2016, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU”) No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." The adoption of this ASU resulted in a $158,000 decrease in income tax expense.Tax Act.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity refers to the Company’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet financial obligations to its depositors, to fund loans and securities purchases, deposit outflows and operating expenses. Sources of funds include scheduled amortization of loans, loan prepayments, scheduled maturities of investments, cash flows from mortgage-backed securities and the ability to borrow funds from the FHLBNY and approved broker-dealers.
Cash flows from loan payments and maturing investment securities are fairly predictable sources of funds. Changes in interest rates, local economic conditions and the competitive marketplace can influence loan prepayments, prepayments on mortgage-backed securities and deposit flows. For each of the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, loan repayments totaled $3.34$2.71 billion and $2.62$3.17 billion, respectively.
Commercial real estate loans, multi-family loans, commercial loans, one- to four-family residential loans and consumer loans are the primary investments of the Company. Purchasing securities for the investment portfolio is a secondary use of funds and the investment portfolio is structured to complement and facilitate the Company’s lending activities and ensure adequate liquidity. Loan originations and purchases totaled $3.70$2.83 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $3.12$3.16 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. Purchases for the investment portfolio totaled $276.3$137.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $386.5$281.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank had outstanding loan commitments to borrowers of $1.98$1.47 billion, including undisbursed home equity lines and personal credit lines of $270.9$212.4 million.
Total deposits increased $160.5$272.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.2019. Deposit activity is affected by changes in interest rates, competitive pricing and product offerings in the marketplace, local economic conditions, customer confidence and other factors such as stock market volatility. Certificate of deposit accounts that are scheduled to mature within one year totaled $424.4$606.9 million at December 31, 2017.2019. Based on its current pricing strategy and customer retention experience, the Bank
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expects to retain a significant share of these accounts. The Bank manages liquidity on a daily basis and expects to have sufficient cash to meet all of its funding requirements.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank exceeded all minimum regulatory capital requirements. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank’s leverage (Tier 1) capital ratio was 9.07%9.81%. FDIC regulations require banks to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets of 4.00%. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 11.95%12.82%. Under current regulations, the minimum required ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is 9.25%10.50%. A bank is considered to be well-capitalized if it has a leverage (Tier 1) capital ratio of at least 5.00% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.00%.


Off-Balance Sheet and Contractual Obligations
Off-balance sheet and contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017,2019, are summarized below:
Payments Due by Period Payments Due by Period
(In thousands) (In thousands)
Total 
Less than
1 year
 1-3 years 3-5 years 
More than
5 years
Total
Less than
1 year
1-3 years3-5 years
More than
5 years
Off-Balance Sheet:         Off-Balance Sheet:
Long-term commitments$1,948,279
 $593,759
 $653,263
 $317,893
 $383,364
Long-term commitments$1,440,163  $563,077  $522,821  $112,772  $241,493  
Letters of credit27,953
 25,053
 2,583
 317
 
Letters of credit32,774  31,353  1,421  —  —  
Total Off-Balance Sheet1,976,232
 618,812
 655,846
 318,210
 383,364
Total off-balance sheetTotal off-balance sheet1,472,937  594,430  524,242  112,772  241,493  
Contractual Obligations:         Contractual Obligations:
Operating leases45,333
 8,032
 14,491
 8,232
 14,578
Certificate of deposits634,809
 424,448
 150,280
 56,530
 3,551
Certificate of deposits734,027  606,870  81,987  44,243  927  
Total Contractual Obligations680,142
 432,480
 164,771
 64,762
 18,129
Total contractual obligationsTotal contractual obligations734,027  606,870  81,987  44,243  927  
Total$2,656,374
 $1,051,292
 $820,617
 $382,972
 $401,493
Total$2,206,964  $1,201,300  $606,229  $157,015  $242,420  
Off-balance sheet commitments consist of unused commitments to borrowers for term loans, unused lines of credit and outstanding letters of credit. Total off-balance sheet obligations were $1.98$1.47 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase2019, a decrease of $145.1$20.0 million, or 7.9%1.3%, from $1.83$1.49 billion at December 31, 2016,2018, largely due to an increasea decrease in commercial lines of credit.
Contractual obligations consist of operating leases and certificate of deposit liabilities. There were no securities purchases in 2017 and 2016 which will be or were settled in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Total contractual obligationscertificate of deposits at December 31, 20172019 were $680.1$734.0 million, a decrease of $4.9$55.3 million, or 0.72%, compared to $685.1$789.3 million at December 31, 2016. Contractual obligations under operating leases increased $11.4 million, or 33.78%, to $45.3 million at December 31, 2017, from $33.9 million at December 31, 2016,2018. There were no security purchases in 2019 which settled in January 2020, while for 2018, there was one security purchase for $500,000 which settled in 2019.

Item 7A. Quantitative and certificate of deposit accounts decreased $16.4 million, or 2.5%, to $634.8 million at December 31, 2017, from $651.2 million at December 31, 2016.Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Qualitative Analysis. Interest rate risk is the exposure of a bank’s current and future earnings and capital arising from adverse movements in interest rates. The guidelines of the Company’s interest rate risk policy seek to limit the exposure to changes in interest rates that affect the underlying economic value of assets and liabilities, earnings and capital. To minimize interest rate risk, the Company generally sells all 20- and 30-year fixed-rate residential mortgage loans at origination. The Company retains residential fixed rate mortgages with terms of 15 years or less and biweekly payment residential mortgages with a term of 30 years or less. Commercial real estate loans generally have interest rates that reset in five years, and other commercial loans such as construction loans and commercial lines of credit reset with changes in the Prime rate, the Federal Funds rate or LIBOR. Investment securities purchases generally have maturities of five years or less, and mortgage-backed securities have weighted average lives between three and five years.
The Asset/Liability Committee meets on at least a monthly basis to review the impact of interest rate changes on net interest income, net interest margin, net income and the economic value of equity. The Asset/Liability Committee reviews a variety of strategies that project changes in asset or liability mix and the impact of those changes on projected net interest income and net income.
The Company’s strategy for liabilities has been to maintain a stable core-funding base by focusing on core deposit account acquisition and increasing products and services per household. Certificate of deposit accounts as a percentage of total deposits were 9.5%10.3% at December 31, 2017,2019, compared to 9.9%11.0% at December 31, 2016.2018. Certificate of deposit accounts are generally short-term. As of December 31, 2017, 66.9%2019, 82.7% of all certificates of deposit had maturities of one year or less compared to 67.4%77.9% at December 31, 2016.2018. The Company’s ability to retain maturing time deposit accounts is the result of its strategy to remain competitively priced within its marketplace. The Company’s pricing strategy may vary depending upon current funding
57


needs and the ability of the Company to fund operations through alternative sources, primarily by accessing short-term lines of credit with the FHLBNY during periods of pricing dislocation.
Quantitative Analysis.Current and future sensitivity to changes in interest rates are measured through the use of balance sheet and income simulation models. The analysis captures changes in net interest income using flat rates as a base, a most likely rate forecast and rising and declining interest rate forecasts. Changes in net interest income and net income for the forecast period, generally twelve to twenty-four months, are measured and compared to policy limits for acceptable change. The Company periodically reviews historical deposit re-pricing activity and makes modifications to certain assumptions used in its income


simulation model regarding the interest rate sensitivity of deposits without maturity dates. These modifications are made to more closely reflect the most likely results under the various interest rate change scenarios. Since it is inherently difficult to predict the sensitivity of interest bearing deposits to changes in interest rates, the changes in net interest income due to changes in interest rates cannot be precisely predicted. There are a variety of reasons that may cause actual results to vary considerably from the predictions presented below which include, but are not limited to, the timing, magnitude, and frequency of changes in interest rates, interest rate spreads, prepayments, and actions taken in response to such changes. Specific assumptions used in the simulation model include:
Parallel yield curve shifts for market rates;
Current asset and liability spreads to market interest rates are fixed;
Traditional savings and interest bearing demand accounts move at 10% of the rate ramp in either direction;
Retail Money Market and Business Money Market accounts move at 25% and 75% of the rate ramp in either direction, respectively; and
Higher-balance demand deposit tiers and promotional demand accounts move at 50% to 75% of the rate ramp in either direction.
The following table sets forth the results of the twelve month projected net interest income model as of December 31, 2017.2019.
Change in
Interest Rates in
Basis Points
(Rate Ramp)
Net Interest Income
Amount ($)Change ($)Change (%)
(Dollars in thousands)
-100287,862  (782) (0.3) 
Static288,644  —  —  
100286,864  (1,780) (0.6) 
200284,464  (4,180) (1.4) 
300281,513  (7,131) (2.5) 
Change in
Interest Rates in
Basis Points
(Rate Ramp)
 Net Interest Income
Amount ($) Change ($) Change (%)
(Dollars in thousands)
-100 293,501
 (1,733) (0.6)
Static 295,234
 
 
+100 292,527
 (2,707) (0.9)
+200 288,748
 (6,486) (2.2)
+300 284,077
 (11,157) (3.8)


The above table indicates that as of December 31, 2017,2019, in the event of a 300 basis point increase in interest rates, whereby rates ramp up evenly over a twelve-month period, the Company would experience a 3.8%2.5%, or $11.2$7.1 million decrease in net interest income. In the event of a 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, whereby rates ramp down evenly over a twelve-month period, the Company would experience a 0.6%0.3%, or $1.7 million$782,000 decrease in net interest income.
Another measure of interest rate sensitivity is to model changes in economic value of equity through the use of immediate and sustained interest rate shocks. The following table illustrates the economic value of equity model results as of December 31, 2017.2019.
Change in
Interest Rates
Present Value of Equity
Present Value of Equity
as Percent of Present
Value of Assets
Dollar
Amount
Dollar
Change
Percent
Change
Present Value
Ratio
Percent
Change
(Dollars in thousands)  
-1001,407,091  (29,195) (2.0) 14.0  (4.0) 
Flat1,436,286  —  —  14.6  —  
1001,408,762  (27,524) (1.9) 14.7  0.2  
2001,362,734  (73,552) (5.1) 14.5  (0.8) 
3001,317,021  (119,265) (8.3) 14.3  (1.9) 

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Change in
Interest Rates
 Present Value of Equity 
Present Value of Equity
as Percent of Present
Value of Assets
Dollar
Amount
 
Dollar
Change
 
Percent
Change
 
Present Value
Ratio
 
Percent
Change
(Basis Points) (Dollars in thousands)    
-100 1,430,118
 (27,259) (1.9) 14.3 (4.0)
Flat 1,457,377
 
 
 14.9 
+100 1,397,108
 (60,269) (4.1) 14.7 (1.7)
+200 1,328,875
 (128,502) (8.8) 14.3 (4.1)
+300 1,266,400
 (190,977) (13.1) 14.0 (6.4)


The preceding table indicates that as of December 31, 2017,2019, in the event of an immediate and sustained 300 basis point increase in interest rates, the Company would experience a 13.1%an 8.3%, or $191.0$119.3 million reduction in the present value of equity. If rates were to decrease 100 basis points, the Company would experience a 1.9%2.0%, or $27.3$29.2 million decrease in the present value of equity.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes in net interest income requires the use of certain assumptions regarding prepayment and deposit decay rates, which may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. While management believes such assumptions are reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates and decay rates will approximate actual


future loan prepayment and deposit withdrawal activity. Moreover, the net interest income table presented assumes that the composition of interest sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and also assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration to maturity or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the net interest income table provides an indication of the Company’s interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurement is not intended to and does not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on the Company’s net interest income and will differ from actual results.


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Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following are included in this item:
(A)Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(B)Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
(C)Consolidated Financial Statements:
(1)
A.Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
B.Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
C.Consolidated Financial Statements:
(1) Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2019 and 2018
(2) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(3) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(4) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(6) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
D.Provident Financial Services, Inc., Condensed Financial Statements:
(1) Condensed Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2019 and 2018
(2) Condensed Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(3) Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 and 2016
(2)
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(3)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(4)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(5)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(6)Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(D)Provident Financial Services, Inc., Condensed Financial Statements:
(1)
Condensed Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
(2)
Condensed Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(3)
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
The supplementary data required by this Item is provided in Note 1918 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Stockholders and Board of Directors
Provident Financial Services, Inc.:
Opinion on the ConsolidatedFinancial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Provident Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/    KPMG LLP
We have not been able to determine the specific year that we began serving as the Company’s auditor; however, we are aware that we have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1997.
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 1, 2018


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Stockholders and Board of Directors
Provident Financial Services, Inc.:
Opinion on the ConsolidatedFinancial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Provident Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 2, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgment. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Assessment of the allowance for loan losses related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment
As discussed in Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s allowance for loan losses related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment (ALL) was $50.5 million as of December 31, 2019. The ALL estimate consists of both quantitative and qualitative loss components. The quantitative component of the ALL is estimated by segmenting the loan portfolio based on similar risk characteristics, primarily loan type and risk rating level, and applying quantitative loss factors to each loan segment. Quantitative loss factors give consideration to historical loss experience by loan segment based upon a look-back period and adjusted for a loss emergence period. Qualitative adjustments to such loss factors are made to give consideration to other qualitative or environmental factors not captured by the quantitative loss factors.
We identified the assessment of the ALL as a critical audit matter because it involved significant measurement uncertainty requiring complex auditor judgment, and knowledge and experience in the industry. The assessment of the ALL encompassed the evaluation of the (1) methodology and data to derive the quantitative loss factors developed from the historical loss experience, (2) key assumptions, including the segmenting of the loan portfolio by similar risk characteristics, the look-
61


back period and the loss emergence periods, (3) risk ratings assigned to commercial mortgage, multi-family mortgage, construction and commercial loans, and (4) qualitative adjustments framework.
The primary procedures we performed to address the critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s ALL process, including controls related to the (1) development of the ALL methodology, (2) determination of the key assumptions used to estimate the quantitative loss factors, (3) periodic testing of the risk ratings for commercial mortgage, multi-family mortgage, construction and commercial loans, (4) determination of the qualitative adjustments, and (5) analysis of the ALL results, trends and ratios. We evaluated the segmenting of loans with similar risk characteristics by assessing the relevant characteristics of the loan portfolio, including loan type and risk rating level. We tested the relevance of sources of internal and external data and key assumptions, including the look-back period, by evaluating the (1) loss data in the look-back period was representative of the credit characteristics of the current loan segment, and (2) sufficiency of loss data within the look-back period. We assessed the appropriateness of the loss emergence period by considering the Company’s credit risk policies and testing the relevance and reliability of the sources of data and assumptions of the Company’s observable loss data. We evaluated the metrics, including the relevance and reliability of the sources of data and assumptions used to estimate the qualitative adjustments. We involved credit risk professionals with specialized industry knowledge and experience, who assisted in evaluating the:

Company’s ALL methodology for compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles,
look-back period assumptions to evaluate the length of that period,
methodology used to develop the loss emergence periods,
risk ratings for a selection of commercial mortgage, multi-family mortgage, construction and commercial loans
qualitative adjustments framework to determine if it identified the relevant incremental risks not captured by the quantitative component, and
effect of qualitative adjustments on the ALL compared with relevant credit risk factors and credit trends.
/s/    KPMG LLP
We have not been able to determine the specific year that we began serving as the Company’s auditor; however, we are aware that we have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1997.
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 2, 2020
62


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Stockholders and Board of Directors
Provident Financial Services, Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Provident Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiary'ssubsidiary’s (the “Company”)Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”)(PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial conditionCondition of the Company as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2019, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidatedconsolidated financial statements”)statements), and our report dated March 1, 20182, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’sManagement's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/    KPMG LLP
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 1, 2018

2, 2020


63


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
December 31, 20172019 and 20162018
(Dollars in Thousands, except share data)
December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks$131,555  $86,195  
Short-term investments55,193  56,466  
Total cash and cash equivalents186,748  142,661  
Available for sale debt securities, at fair value976,919  1,063,079  
Held to maturity debt securities (fair value of $467,966 and $479,740 at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively).453,629  479,425  
Equity securities, at fair value825  635  
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock57,298  68,813  
Loans7,332,885  7,250,588  
Less allowance for loan losses55,525  55,562  
Net loans7,277,360  7,195,026  
Foreclosed assets, net2,715  1,565  
Banking premises and equipment, net55,210  58,124  
Accrued interest receivable29,031  31,475  
Intangible assets437,019  418,178  
Bank-owned life insurance195,533  193,085  
Other assets136,291  73,703  
Total assets$9,808,578  $9,725,769  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand deposits$5,384,868  $5,027,708  
Savings deposits983,714  1,051,922  
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more438,551  414,848  
Other time deposits295,476  335,644  
Total deposits7,102,609  6,830,122  
Mortgage escrow deposits26,804  25,568  
Borrowed funds1,125,146  1,442,282  
Other liabilities140,179  68,817  
Total liabilities8,394,738  8,366,789  
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, NaN issued—  —  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 83,209,293 shares issued and 65,787,900 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019, and 83,209,293 shares issued and 66,325,458 shares outstanding at December 31, 2018, respectively.832  832  
Additional paid-in capital1,007,303  1,021,533  
Retained earnings695,273  651,099  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)3,821  (12,336) 
Treasury stock(268,504) (272,470) 
Unallocated common stock held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan(24,885) (29,678) 
Common stock acquired by the Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan(3,833) (4,504) 
Deferred compensation—Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan3,833  4,504  
Total stockholders’ equity1,413,840  1,358,980  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$9,808,578  $9,725,769  
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
ASSETS   
Cash and due from banks$139,557
 $92,508
Short-term investments51,277
 51,789
Total cash and cash equivalents190,834
 144,297
Securities available for sale, at fair value1,037,812
 1,040,386
Investment securities held to maturity (fair value of $485,039 and $489,287 at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)477,652
 488,183
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock81,184
 75,726
Loans7,325,718
 7,003,486
Less allowance for loan losses60,195
 61,883
Net loans7,265,523
 6,941,603
Foreclosed assets, net6,864
 7,991
Banking premises and equipment, net63,185
 84,092
Accrued interest receivable29,646
 27,082
Intangible assets420,290
 422,937
Bank-owned life insurance189,525
 188,527
Other assets82,759
 79,641
Total assets$9,845,274
 $9,500,465
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
Deposits:
  
Demand deposits$4,996,345
 $4,803,426
Savings deposits1,083,012
 1,099,020
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more316,074
 290,295
Other time deposits318,735
 360,888
Total deposits6,714,166
 6,553,629
Mortgage escrow deposits25,933
 24,452
Borrowed funds1,742,514
 1,612,745
Other liabilities64,000
 57,858
Total liabilities8,546,613
 8,248,684
Stockholders’ Equity:
  
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 83,209,293 shares issued and 66,535,017 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017, and 83,209,293 shares issued and 66,082,283 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016, respectively832
 832
Additional paid-in capital1,012,908
 1,005,777
Retained earnings586,132
 550,768
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7,465) (3,397)
Treasury stock(259,907) (264,221)
Unallocated common stock held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan(33,839) (37,978)
Common stock acquired by the Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan(5,175) (5,846)
Deferred compensation—Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan5,175
 5,846
Total stockholders’ equity1,298,661
 1,251,781
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$9,845,274
 $9,500,465


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


64


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017
(Dollars in Thousands, except share data)
 
Years ended December 31, Years ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 201920182017
Interest income:     Interest income:
Real estate secured loans$189,896
 $180,868
 $176,714
Real estate secured loans$223,361  $215,231  $189,896  
Commercial loans72,907
 63,022
 55,347
Commercial loans82,540  79,371  72,907  
Consumer loans20,301
 21,829
 22,770
Consumer loans18,579  19,906  20,301  
Securities available for sale and Federal Home Loan Bank stock26,445
 22,890
 23,398
Investment securities held to maturity13,027
 13,208
 13,494
Available for sale debt securities and Federal Home Loan Bank StockAvailable for sale debt securities and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock31,842  30,981  26,445  
Held to maturity debt securitiesHeld to maturity debt securities12,424  12,606  13,027  
Deposits, federal funds sold and other short-term investments1,270
 498
 58
Deposits, federal funds sold and other short-term investments2,724  1,734  1,270  
Total interest income323,846
 302,315
 291,781
Total interest income371,470  359,829  323,846  
Interest expense:     Interest expense:
Deposits19,441
 16,947
 14,521
Deposits45,494  30,693  19,441  
Borrowed funds26,203
 26,801
 27,380
Borrowed funds28,003  28,460  26,203  
Total interest expense45,644
 43,748
 41,901
Total interest expense73,497  59,153  45,644  
Net interest income278,202
 258,567
 249,880
Net interest income297,973  300,676  278,202  
Provision for loan losses5,600
 5,400
 4,350
Provision for loan losses13,100  23,700  5,600  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses272,602
 253,167
 245,530
Net interest income after provision for loan losses284,873  276,976  272,602  
Non-interest income:     Non-interest income:
Fees27,218
 26,047
 26,282
Fees28,321  28,084  27,218  
Wealth management income17,604
 17,556
 16,838
Wealth management income22,503  17,957  17,604  
Bank-owned life insurance6,693
 5,470
 5,345
Bank-owned life insurance6,297  5,514  6,693  
Net gain on securities transactions57
 64
 654
Net gain on securities transactions72  2,221  57  
Other income4,125
 6,256
 6,103
Other income6,601  4,900  4,125  
Total non-interest income55,697
 55,393
 55,222
Total non-interest income63,794  58,676  55,697  
Non-interest expense:     Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits109,353
 106,141
 99,689
Compensation and employee benefits116,849  111,496  109,353  
Net occupancy expense25,290
 24,853
 26,032
Net occupancy expense25,895  25,056  25,290  
Data processing expense13,922
 13,228
 12,698
Data processing expense16,836  14,664  13,922  
FDIC Insurance3,887
 4,887
 5,036
FDIC Insurance1,316  3,482  3,887  
Advertising and promotion expense3,904
 3,685
 4,226
Advertising and promotion expense4,115  3,836  3,904  
Amortization of intangibles2,670
 3,391
 4,066
Amortization of intangibles2,740  2,127  2,670  
Other operating expenses28,796
 27,593
 28,842
Other operating expenses33,828  31,074  28,796  
Total non-interest expenses187,822
 183,778
 180,589
Total non-interest expenses201,579  191,735  187,822  
Income before income tax expense140,477
 124,782
 120,163
Income before income tax expense147,088  143,917  140,477  
Income tax expense46,528
 36,980
 36,441
Income tax expense34,455  25,530  46,528  
Net income$93,949
 $87,802
 $83,722
Net income$112,633  $118,387  $93,949  
Basic earnings per share$1.46
 $1.38
 $1.33
Basic earnings per share$1.74  $1.82  $1.46  
Average basic shares outstanding64,384,851
 63,643,622
 62,945,669
Average basic shares outstanding64,604,224  64,942,886  64,384,851  
Diluted earnings per share$1.45
 $1.38
 $1.33
Diluted earnings per share$1.74  $1.82  $1.45  
Average diluted shares outstanding64,579,222
 63,851,986
 63,114,718
Average diluted shares outstanding64,734,591  65,103,097  64,579,222  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


65


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 Years ended December 31,
 201920182017
Net income$112,633  $118,387  $93,949  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period18,351  (6,129) (2,163) 
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income—  —  —  
Total18,351  (6,129) (2,163) 
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivatives(579) 221  379  
Amortization related to post-retirement obligations(1,615) 1,221  (889) 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)16,157  (4,687) (2,673) 
Total comprehensive income$128,790  $113,700  $91,276  
 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income$93,949
 $87,802
 $83,722
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:     
Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale:     
Net unrealized losses arising during the period(2,163) (4,431) (3,401)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
 (30) (391)
Total(2,163) (4,461) (3,792)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives379
 242
 (73)
Amortization related to post-retirement obligations(889) 3,368
 1,290
Total other comprehensive loss(2,673) (851) (2,575)
Total comprehensive income$91,276
 $86,951
 $81,147


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(Dollars in Thousands)

66

 
COMMON
STOCK
 
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL
 
RETAINED
EARNINGS
 
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
 (LOSS) INCOME
 
TREASURY
STOCK
 
UNALLOCATED
ESOP
SHARES
 
COMMON
STOCK
ACQUIRED
BY DDFP
 
DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
DDFP
 
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2014$832
 $995,053
 $465,276
 $29
 $(271,779) $(45,312) $(7,113) $7,113
 $1,144,099
Net income
 
 83,722
 
 
 
 
 
 83,722
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 (2,575) 
 
 
 
 $(2,575)
Cash dividends paid
 
 (41,285) 
 
 
 
 
 (41,285)
Distributions from DDFP
 85
 
 
 
 
 596
 (596) 85
Purchases of treasury stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding
 
 
 
 (1,988) 
 
 
 (1,988)
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan
 143
 
 
 1,304
 
 
 
 1,447
Option exercises
 (283) 
 
 3,449
 
 
 
 3,166
Allocation of ESOP shares
 467
 
 
 
 3,582
 
 
 4,049
Allocation of SAP shares
 5,073
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5,073
Allocation of stock options
 272
 
 
 
 
 
 
 272
Balance at December 31, 2015$832
 $1,000,810
 $507,713
 $(2,546) $(269,014) $(41,730) $(6,517) $6,517
 $1,196,065



PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015 (Continued)2017
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
COMMON
STOCK
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL
RETAINED
EARNINGS
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
 LOSS
TREASURY
STOCK
UNALLOCATED
ESOP
SHARES
COMMON
STOCK
ACQUIRED
BY DDFP
DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
DDFP
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2016$832  $1,005,777  $550,768  $(3,397) $(264,221) $(37,978) $(5,846) $5,846  $1,251,781  
Net income93,949  93,949  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax—  —  —  (2,673) —  —  —  —  (2,673) 
Cash dividends paid ($0.93 per share)—  —  (59,980) —  —  —  —  —  (59,980) 
Reclassification due to adopting Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-02—  —  1,395  (1,395) —  —  —  —  —  
Distributions from DDFP232  671  (671) 232  
Purchases of treasury stock—  —  —  —  (443) —  —  —  (443) 
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding—  —  —  —  (778) —  —  —  (778) 
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan—  712  —  —  1,402  —  —  —  2,114  
Option exercises—  (1,179) —  —  4,133  —  —  —  2,954  
Allocation of ESOP shares—  2,200  —  —  —  4,139  —  —  6,339  
Allocation of Stock Award Plan ("SAP") shares—  4,963  —  —  —  —  —  —  4,963  
Allocation of stock options—  203  —  —  —  —  —  —  203  
Balance at December 31, 2017$832  $1,012,908  $586,132  $(7,465) $(259,907) $(33,839) $(5,175) $5,175  $1,298,661  






















67


 
COMMON
STOCK
 
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL
 
RETAINED
EARNINGS
 
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
(LOSS) INCOME
 
TREASURY
STOCK
 
UNALLOCATED
ESOP
SHARES
 
COMMON
STOCK
ACQUIRED
BY DDFP
 
DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
DDFP
 
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2015$832
 $1,000,810
 $507,713
 $(2,546) $(269,014) $(41,730) $(6,517) $6,517
 $1,196,065
Net income

 

 87,802
 

 

 

 

 

 87,802
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 (851) 
 
 
 
 (851)
Cash dividends paid
 
 (45,369) 
 
 
 
 
 (45,369)
Effect of adopting Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09
 (622) 622
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from DDFP

 131
 

 

 

 

 671
 (671) 131
Purchases of treasury stock
 
 
 
 (1,557) 
 
 
 (1,557)
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding
 
 
 
 (1,225) 
 
 
 (1,225)
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan
 356
 
 
 1,296
 
 
 
 1,652
Option exercises
 (81) 
 
 6,279
 
 
 
 6,198
Allocation of ESOP shares
 1,199
 
 
 
 3,752
 
 
 4,951
Allocation of SAP shares
 3,812
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,812
Allocation of stock options
 172
 
 
 
 
 
 
 172
Balance at December 31, 2016$832
 $1,005,777
 $550,768
 $(3,397) $(264,221) $(37,978) $(5,846) $5,846
 $1,251,781




PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
COMMON
STOCK
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL
RETAINED
EARNINGS
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS
TREASURY
STOCK
UNALLOCATED
ESOP
SHARES
COMMON
STOCK
ACQUIRED
BY DDFP
DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
DDFP
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2017$832  $1,012,908  $586,132  $(7,465) $(259,907) $(33,839) $(5,175) $5,175  $1,298,661  
Net income118,387  118,387  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax—  —  —  (4,687) —  —  —  —  (4,687) 
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01—  —  184  (184) —  —  —  —  —  
Cash dividends paid ($0.82 per share)—  —  (53,604) —  —  —  —  —  (53,604) 
Distributions from DDFP156  671  (671) 156  
Purchases of treasury stock—  —  —  —  (13,172) —  —  —  (13,172) 
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding—  —  —  —  (1,896) —  —  —  (1,896) 
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan—  577  —  —  1,132  —  —  —  1,709  
Option exercises—  (366) —  —  1,373  —  —  —  1,007  
Allocation of ESOP shares—  2,022  —  —  —  4,161  —  —  6,183  
Allocation of SAP shares—  6,046  —  —  —  —  —  —  6,046  
Allocation of stock options—  190  —  —  —  —  —  —  190  
Balance at December 31, 2018$832  $1,021,533  $651,099  $(12,336) $(272,470) $(29,678) $(4,504) $4,504  $1,358,980  













68



PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 20152017 Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
COMMON
STOCK
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL
RETAINED
EARNINGS
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
(LOSS) INCOME
TREASURY
STOCK
UNALLOCATED
ESOP
SHARES
COMMON
STOCK
ACQUIRED
BY DDFP
DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
DDFP
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2018$832  $1,021,533  $651,099  $(12,336) $(272,470) $(29,678) $(4,504) $4,504  $1,358,980  
Net income112,633  112,633  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax—  —  —  16,157  —  —  —  —  16,157  
Cash dividends paid ($1.12 per share)—  —  (72,809) —  —  —  —  —  (72,809) 
Effect of adopting ASU No. 2016-02—  —  4,350  —  —  —  —  —  4,350  
Distributions from DDFP164  671  (671) 164  
Purchases of treasury stock—  —  —  —  (19,867) —  —  —  (19,867) 
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding—  —  —  —  (1,985) —  —  —  (1,985) 
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan—  671  —  —  1,559  —  —  —  2,230  
Reclass of stock award shares—  (24,024) —  —  24,024  —  —  —  —  
Option exercises—  (96) —  —  235  —  —  —  139  
Allocation of ESOP shares—  2,203  —  —  —  4,793  —  —  6,996  
Allocation of SAP shares—  6,671  —  —  —  —  —  —  6,671  
Allocation of stock options—  181  —  —  —  —  —  —  181  
Balance at December 31, 2019$832  $1,007,303  $695,273  $3,821  $(268,504) $(24,885) $(3,833) $3,833  $1,413,840  
 
COMMON
STOCK
 
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL
 
RETAINED
EARNINGS
 
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
 
TREASURY
STOCK
 
UNALLOCATED
ESOP
SHARES
 
COMMON
STOCK
ACQUIRED
BY DDFP
 
DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
DDFP
 
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2016$832
 $1,005,777
 $550,768
 $(3,397) $(264,221) $(37,978) $(5,846) $5,846
 $1,251,781
Net income

 

 93,949
 

 

 

 

 

 93,949
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 (2,673) 
 
 
 
 (2,673)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2018-02
 
 1,395
 (1,395) 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends paid
 
 (59,980) 
 
 
 
 
 (59,980)
Distributions from DDFP

 232
 

 

 

 

 671
 (671) 232
Purchases of treasury stock
 
 
 
 (443) 
 
 
 (443)
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding
 
 
 
 (778) 
 
 
 (778)
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan
 712
 
 
 1,402
 
 
 
 2,114
Option exercises
 (1,179) 
 
 4,133
 
 
 
 2,954
Allocation of ESOP shares
 2,200
 
 
 
 4,139
 
 
 6,339
Allocation of SAP shares
 4,963
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4,963
Allocation of stock options
 203
 
 
 
 
 
 
 203
Balance at December 31, 2017$832
 $1,012,908
 $586,132
 $(7,465) $(259,907) $(33,839) $(5,175) $5,175
 $1,298,661


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




69


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 Years Ended December 31,
 201920182017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$112,633  $118,387  $93,949  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles10,395  10,101  11,623  
Provision for loan losses13,100  23,700  5,600  
Deferred tax expense (benefit)1,674  (18,541) 40,634  
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets8,433  —  —  
Income on Bank-owned life insurance(6,297) (5,514) (6,693) 
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities7,789  8,540  9,948  
Accretion of net deferred loan fees(5,643) (5,773) (4,655) 
Amortization of premiums on purchased loans, net845  894  1,021  
Net increase in loans originated for sale(16,212) (36,043) (24,938) 
Proceeds from sales of loans originated for sale17,202  37,386  26,387  
Proceeds from sales and paydowns of foreclosed assets1,354  7,963  5,423  
ESOP expense4,533  4,516  4,600  
Allocation of stock award shares6,671  6,046  4,963  
Allocation of stock options181  190  203  
Net gain on sale of loans(990) (1,343) (1,449) 
Net gain on securities transactions(72) (2,221) (57) 
Net gain on sale of premises and equipment—  (25) (20) 
Net gain on sale of foreclosed assets(190) (798) (819) 
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable2,444  (1,829) (2,564) 
(Increase) decrease in other assets(46,237) 5,266  (52,078) 
Increase in other liabilities25,312  4,817  6,142  
Net cash provided by operating activities136,925  155,719  117,220  
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of held to maturity debt securities42,696  39,534  55,720  
Purchases of held to maturity debt securities(20,303) (43,887) (47,894) 
Proceeds from sales of available for sale debt securities—  2,212  —  
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of available for sale debt securities223,806  196,690  220,138  
Purchases of available for sale debt securities(117,022) (237,076) (228,363) 
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock172,293  145,191  130,125  
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock(160,778) (132,820) (135,583) 
BOLI claim benefits received1,891  1,954  4,428  
Net cash paid in acquisition(15,022) —  —  
Purchases of loans—  (1,344) —  
Net (increase) decrease in loans(79,812) 79,388  (322,443) 
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment—  25  20,766  
Purchases of premises and equipment(4,882) (3,162) (3,231) 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities42,867  46,705  (306,337) 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits272,487  115,956  160,537  
Increase (decrease) in mortgage escrow deposits1,236  (365) 1,481  
Purchase of treasury stock(19,867) (13,172) (443) 
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding(1,985) (1,896) (778) 
Cash dividends paid to stockholders(72,809) (53,604) (59,980) 
Shares issued to dividend reinvestment plan2,230  1,709  2,114  
Stock options exercised139  1,007  2,954  
Proceeds from long-term borrowings1,243,000  695,000  347,000  
Payments on long-term borrowings(1,549,551) (804,375) (539,745) 
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings(10,585) (190,857) 322,514  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(135,705) (250,597) 235,654  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents44,087  (48,173) 46,537  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period142,661  190,834  144,297  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$186,748  $142,661  $190,834  
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest on deposits and borrowings$73,664  $58,959  $46,391  
Income taxes$34,494  $15,259  $40,566  
Non cash investing activities:
Initial recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets$44,946  $—  $—  
Initial recognition of operating lease liabilities$46,050  —  —  
Transfer of loans receivable to foreclosed assets$2,314  1,965  3,845  
Acquisitions:
Non-cash assets acquired:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net$21,562  $—  $—  
Other assets71  —  —  
Total non-cash assets acquired$21,633  $—  $—  
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$93,949
 $87,802
 $83,722
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles11,623
 12,760
 13,714
Provision for loan losses5,600
 5,400
 4,350
Deferred tax expense40,634
 3,160
 326
Income on Bank-owned life insurance(6,693) (5,470) (5,345)
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities9,948
 10,831
 10,613
Accretion of net deferred loan fees(4,655) (3,408) (4,624)
Amortization of premiums on purchased loans, net1,021
 1,311
 1,100
Net increase in loans originated for sale(24,938) (34,976) (11,918)
Proceeds from sales of loans originated for sale26,387
 37,008
 12,799
Proceeds from sales and paydowns of foreclosed assets5,423
 6,109
 4,443
ESOP expense4,600
 3,706
 2,997
Allocation of stock award shares4,963
 3,812
 4,625
Allocation of stock options203
 172
 272
Net gain on sale of loans(1,449) (2,032) (881)
Net gain on securities transactions(57) (64) (654)
Net gain on sale of premises and equipment(20) (14) (4)
Net gain on sale of foreclosed assets(819) (585) (592)
Increase in accrued interest receivable(2,564) (1,316) (538)
(Increase) decrease in other assets(52,078) 5,873
 (4,912)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities6,142
 (2,770) 5,373
Net cash provided by operating activities117,220
 127,309
 114,866
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of investment securities held to maturity55,720
 62,975
 37,271
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity(47,894) (80,349) (44,254)
Proceeds from sales of securities
 3,401
 14,005
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of securities available for sale220,138
 211,440
 212,095
Purchases of securities available for sale(228,363) (306,151) (129,720)
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock130,125
 56,505
 87,510
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock(135,583) (54,050) (95,902)
Net cash and cash equivalents paid in acquisition
 
 (25,855)
Death benefit proceeds from bank-owned life insurance4,428
 
 776
Purchases of loans
 (28,590) (95,283)
Net increase in loans(322,443) (440,999) (363,436)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment20,766
 14
 19
Purchases of premises and equipment(3,231) (4,995) (5,909)
Net cash used in investing activities(306,337) (580,799) (408,683)
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Net increase in deposits160,537
 629,642
 131,464
Increase in mortgage escrow deposits1,481
 1,107
 1,696
Purchase of treasury stock(443) (1,557) 
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding(778) (1,225) (1,988)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders(59,980) (45,369) (41,285)
Shares issued to dividend reinvestment plan2,114
 1,652
 1,447
Stock options exercised2,954
 6,198
 3,166
Proceeds from long-term borrowings347,000
 355,000
 694,937
Payments on long-term borrowings(539,745) (485,202) (549,935)
Net increase in short-term borrowings322,514
 35,315
 52,779
Net cash provided by financing activities235,654
 495,561
 292,281
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents46,537
 42,071
 (1,536)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period144,297
 102,226
 103,762
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$190,834
 $144,297
 $102,226
Cash paid during the period for:     
Interest on deposits and borrowings$46,391
 $44,004
 $41,663
Income taxes$40,566
 $33,886
 $40,620
Non cash investing activities:     
Transfer of loans receivable to foreclosed assets$3,845
 $3,631
 $10,074
Acquisition:     
Non-cash assets acquired:     
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
 
 25,323
Other assets
 
 1,270
Total non-cash assets acquired$
 $
 $26,593
Liabilities assumed:     
Other Liabilities
 
 400
Total liabilities assumed$
 $
 $400
Common stock issued for acquisitions$
 $
 $


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
70

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015




(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”), Provident Bank (the “Bank”) and their wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made in the consolidated financial statements to conform with current year classifications.
Business
The Company, through the Bank, provides a full range of banking services to individual and business customers through branch offices in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. The Bank is subject to competition from other financial institutions and to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies, and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of the consolidated statements of financial condition, and revenues and expenses for the periods then ended. Such estimates are used in connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses, evaluation of goodwill for impairment, evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment on securities, evaluation of the need for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, and determination of liabilities related to retirement and other post-retirement benefits, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile securities markets, and declines in the housing market and the economy generally have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, Federal funds sold and commercial paper with original maturity dates less than 90 days.
Securities
Securities include investment securities held to maturity debt securities and securities available for sale.sale debt securities. The available for sale debt securities portfolio is carried at estimated fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in Stockholders’ Equity. Estimated fair values are based on market quotations or matrix pricing. Securities which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity debt securities and carried at amortized cost. Management conducts a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if any declines in the fair values of securities are other-than-temporary. In this evaluation, if such a decline were deemed other-than-temporary, management would measure the total credit-related component of the unrealized loss, and recognize that portion of the loss as a charge to current period earnings. The remaining portion of the unrealized loss would be recognized as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income.income (loss). The fair value of the securities portfolio is significantly affected by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed-rate securities decreases and as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed-rate securities increases. The Company determines if it has the intent to sell these securities or if it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery. If either exists, the entire decline in value is considered other-than-temporary and would be recognized as an expense in the current period.
Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted to income using a method that approximates the interest method over the remaining period to the earliest call date or contractual maturity, adjusted for anticipated prepayments. Discounts on securities are
72


accreted to income over the remaining period to the contractual maturity, adjusted for anticipated prepayments.. Dividend and interest income
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are recognized when securities are sold or called based on the specific identification method.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock
The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”), is required to hold shares of capital stock of the FHLBNY at cost based on a specified formula. The Bank carries this investment at cost, which approximates fair value.
Loans
Loans receivable are carried at unpaid principal balances plus unamortized premiums, purchase accounting mark-to-market adjustments, certain deferred direct loan origination costs and deferred loan origination fees and discounts, less the allowance for loan losses.
The Bank defers loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs and accretes or amortizes such amounts as an adjustment to the yield over the expected lives of the related loans using the interest method. Premiums and discounts on loans purchased are amortized or accreted as an adjustment of yield over the contractual lives of the related loans, adjusted for prepayments when applicable, using methodologies which approximate the interest method.
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when they are past due 90 days or more as to contractual obligations or when other circumstances indicate that collection is questionable. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any interest accrued but not received is reversed against interest income. Payments received on a non-accrual loan are either applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on an assessment of the ability to collect the loan. A non-accrual loan is restored to accrual status when principal and interest payments become less than 90 days past due and its future collectability is reasonably assured.
An impaired loan is defined as a loan for which it is probable, based on current information, that the lenderBank will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are individually assessed to determine that each loan’s carrying value is not in excess of the fair value of the related collateral or the present value of the expected future cash flows. Residential mortgage and consumer loans are deemed smaller balance homogeneous loans which are evaluated collectively for impairment and are therefore excluded from the population of impaired loans.
Purchased Credit-Impaired (“PCI”) loans, are loans acquired at a discount primarily due to deteriorated credit quality. PCI loans are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, with no allowance for loan losses. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the fair value of the PCI loans at acquisition represents the accretable yield and is recognized as interest income over the life of the loans. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition represent the non-accretable discount and are not recognized as a yield adjustment or a valuation allowance. Reclassifications of the non-accretable to accretable yield may occur subsequent to the loan acquisition dates due to an increase in expected cash flows of the loans and results in an increase in interest income on a prospective basis.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Losses on loans are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Additions to this allowance are made by recoveries of loans previously charged off and by a provision charged to expense. The determination of the balance of the allowance for loan losses is based on an analysis of the loan portfolio, economic conditions, historical loan loss experience and other factors that warrant recognition in providing for an adequate allowance.
While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions in the Bank’s market area. In addition, various regulatory
73


agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance or additional write-downs based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.
Foreclosed Assets
Assets acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure are carried at the lower of the outstanding loan balance at the time of foreclosure or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is generally based on recent appraisals. When an asset is acquired, the excess of the loan balance over fair value, less estimated costs to sell, is charged to the allowance for loan losses. A reserve for foreclosed assets may be established to provide for possible write-downs and selling costs that occur subsequent to foreclosure. Foreclosed assets are carried net of the related reserve. Operating results from real estate owned, including rental income, operating expenses, and gains and losses realized from the sales of real estate owned, are recorded as incurred.
Banking Premises and Equipment
Land is carried at cost. Banking premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation, computed using the straight-line method based on their estimated useful lives (generally 25 to 40 years for buildings, and 3 to 5 years for furniture and equipment).lives. Leasehold improvements, carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, are amortized over the terms of the leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever are shorter, using the straight-line method. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reported as a component of other assets on the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of financial condition.Financial Condition. The determination of whether deferred tax assets will be realizable is predicated on estimates of future taxable income. Such estimates are subject to management’s judgment. A valuation reserve is established when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that it will realize deferred tax assets based on the nature and timing of these items. The Company recognizes, when applicable, interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.
Trust Assets
Trust assets consisting of securities and other property (other than cash on deposit held by the Bank in fiduciary or agency capacities for customers of the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company)Beacon) are not included in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition because such properties are not assets of the Bank.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets of the Bank consist of goodwill, core deposit premiums, customer relationship premium and mortgage servicing rights. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired through purchase acquisitions. In accordance with GAAP, goodwill with an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment between annual measurement dates. Goodwill is analyzed for impairment each year at September 30th. As permitted by GAAP, the Company prepares a qualitative assessment in determining whether goodwill may be impaired. The factors considered in the assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions and overall financial performance of the Company, among others. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2017.2019. Based upon its qualitative assessment of goodwill, the Company concluded that goodwill was not impaired and no further quantitative analysis was warranted.
Core deposit premiums represent the intangible value of depositor relationships assumed in purchase acquisitions and are amortized on an accelerated basis over 8.8 years. Customer relationship premiums represent the intangible value of customer relationships assumed in the purchase acquisitionacquisitions of Beacon Trust Company ("Beacon"), The MDE Group, Inc. ("MDE") and MDE,Tirschwell & Loewy, Inc. ("T&L"), and are amortized on an accelerated basis over 12.0 years, and 10.4 years and 10.0 years,
74


respectively. Mortgage servicing rights are recorded when purchased or when originated mortgage loans are sold, with servicing rights retained. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized on an accelerated method based upon the estimated lives of the related loans, adjusted for prepayments. Mortgage servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


Bank-owned Life Insurance
Bank-owned life insurance is accounted for using the cash surrender value method and is recorded at its realizable value.
Employee Benefit Plans
The Bank maintains a pension plan which covers full-time employees hired prior to April 1, 2003, the date on which the pension plan was frozen. The Bank’s policy is to fund at least the minimum contribution required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. GAAP requires an employer to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation; (b) measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status at the end of the employer’s fiscal year (with limited exceptions); and (c) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period.
The Bank has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees of the Bank. The Bank may match a percentage of the first 6% contributed by participants. The Bank’s matching contribution, if any, is determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.
The Bank has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”). The funds borrowed by the ESOP from the Company to purchase the Company’s common stock are being repaid from the Bank’s contributions and dividends paid on unallocated ESOP shares over a period of up to 30 years. The Company’s common stock not allocated to participants is recorded as a reduction of stockholders’ equity at cost. Compensation expense for the ESOP is based on the average price of the Company’s stock during each quarter and the amount of shares allocated during the quarter.
The Bank has an Equity Plan designed to provide competitive compensation for demonstrated performance and to align the interests of participants directly to increases in shareholder value. The Equity Plan provides for performance-vesting grants as well as time-vesting grants. Time-vesting stock awards, stock options and performance vesting stock awards that are based on a performance condition, such as return on average assets are valued on the closing stock price on the date of grant. Performance vesting stock awards and options that are based on a market condition, such as Total Shareholder Return, would be valued using a generally accepted statistical technique to simulate future stock prices for Provident and the components of the Peer Group which Provident would be measured against.
Expense related to time vesting stock awards and stock options is based on the fair value of the common stock on the date of the grant and on the fair value of the stock options on the date of the grant, respectively, and is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the awards. Performance vesting stock awards and stock options are either dependent upon a market condition or a performance condition. A market condition performance metric is tied to a stock price, either on an absolute basis, or a relative basis against peers, while a performance-condition is based on internal operations, such as earnings per share. The expense related to a market condition performance-vesting stock award or stock option requires an initial Monte Carlo simulation to determine grant date fair value, which will be recognized as a compensation expense regardless of actual payout, assuming that the executive is still employed at the end of the requisite service period. If pre-vesting termination (forfeiture) occurs, then any expense recognized to date can be reversed. The grant date fair value is recognized ratably over the performance period. The expense related to a performance condition stock award or stock option is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, adjusted periodically based upon the number of awards or options expected to be earned, recognized over the performance period.
In connection with the First Sentinel acquisition in July 2004, the Company assumed the First Savings Bank Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan (the “DDFP”). The DDFP was frozen prior to the acquisition. The Company recorded a deferred compensation equity instrument and corresponding contra-equity account for the value of the shares held by the DDFP at the July 14, 2004 acquisition date. These accounts will be liquidated as shares are distributed from the DDFP in accordance with the plan document. At December 31, 2017,2019, there were 296,049219,281 shares held by the DDFP.
The Bank maintains a non-qualified plan that provides supplemental benefits to certain executives who are prevented from receiving the full benefits contemplated by the 401(k) Plan’s and the ESOP’s benefit formulas under tax law limits for tax-qualified plans.
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Post-retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
The Bank provides post-retirement health care and life insurance plans to certain of its employees. The life insurance coverage is noncontributory to the participant. Participants contribute to the cost of medical coverage based on the employee’s
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


length of service with the Bank. The costs of such benefits are accrued based on actuarial assumptions from the date of hire to the date the employee is fully eligible to receive the benefits. On December 31, 2002, the Bank eliminated postretirement healthcare benefits for employees with less than 10 years of service. GAAP requires an employer to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of a defined benefit post-retirement plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation; (b) measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year (with limited exceptions); and (c) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period.
Derivatives
The Company records all derivatives on the Consolidated Statementsstatements of Financial Conditionfinancial condition at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. TheseThe Company has interest rate derivatives resultresulting from a service provided to certain qualifyingqualified borrowers in a loan related transaction and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities. As such, all changes in the fair value of thesethe Company’s interest rate derivatives not used to manage interest rate risk are recognized directly in earnings.
The Company also uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges and which satisfy hedge accounting requirements, involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. These derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash outflows associated with Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. The effective portion of changesChanges in the fair value of these derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion ofThese derivatives were used to hedge the change in fair value of these derivatives are recognized directly in earnings.variable cash outflows associated with Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings.
The fair value of the Company's derivatives areis determined using discounted cash flow analysesanalysis using observable market-based inputs, which are considered Level 2 inputs.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is divided into net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items previously recorded directly to equity, such as unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale debt securities, unrealized gains and losses on derivatives and amortization related to post-retirement obligations. Comprehensive income is presented in a separate Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Segment Reporting
The Company’s operations are solely in the financial services industry and include providing traditional banking and other financial services to its customers. The Company operates primarily in the geographical regions of northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of the Bank’s consolidated financial results. Therefore, the Company has a single operating segment for financial reporting purposes.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock (such as stock options) were exercised or resulted in the issuance of common stock. These potentially dilutive shares would then be included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period using the treasury stock method. Shares issued and shares reacquired during the period are weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding.
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Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2019
In FebruaryOctober 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-02, "Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive IncomeASU No. 2018-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 220): Reclassification815) – Inclusion of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" to address a narrow-scope financial reporting issue that arosethe Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a consequenceBenchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.” This ASU permits the use of the changeOIS rate based upon SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815 in addition to the tax law. On December 22, 2017,UST, the U.S. federal government enacted a tax bill, H.R.1, An Act to Provide for
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and V ofLIBOR swap rate, the Concurrent ResolutionOIS rate based on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017). The ASU permits a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate. The amount of the reclassification would be the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate of 35 percentFed Funds Effective Rate, and the newly enacted 21 percent corporate income tax rate.SIFMA Municipal Swap Rate. The amendments in ASU 2018-02 is2018-16 are required to be adopted concurrently with ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging," which was effective for allpublic business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption, permitted, including adoption in anyan interim period, permitted. ASU 2018-16 should be adopted on a prospective basis for (i) public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and (ii) all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The changes are required to be applied retrospectively to each period (or periods) in whichqualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after the effectdate of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is recognized.adoption. The Company early adopted ASU 2018-02, which resulted inthis guidance effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings totaling $1.4 million, reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity.Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives"Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging." The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. ASU 2017-12 iswas effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted.2018. ASU 2017-12 requires a modified retrospective transition method in which the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity in the statement of financial position as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact that theadopted this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting”. This update provides guidance about changes to terms or conditions of a share-based payment award which would require modification accounting. In particular, an entity is required to account for the effects of a modification if the fair value, vesting condition or the equity/liability classification of the modified award is not the same immediately before and after a change to the terms and conditions of the award. ASU 2017-09 is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted.January 1, 2019. The Company's adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to have a materialhad no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.” This ASU shortens the amortization period for premiums on callable debt securities by requiring that premiums be amortized to the first (or earliest) call date instead of as an adjustment to the yield over the contractual life. This change more closely aligns the accounting with the economics of a callable debt security and the amortization period with expectations that already are included in market pricing on callable debt securities. This ASU does not change the accounting for discounts on callable debt securities, which will continue to be amortized to the maturity date. This guidance only includes only instruments that are held at a premium and have explicit call features. It does not include instruments that contain prepayment features, such as mortgage backed securities; nor does it include call options that are contingent upon future events or in which the timing or amount to be paid is not fixed. TheThis ASU was effective date for this ASU is fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within the reporting period, with early adoption permitted. Transition is on a modified retrospective basis with an adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. If early adopted in an interim period, adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is currently assessing the impactadopted this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-retirement Benefit Cost", which requires that companies disaggregate the service cost component from other components of net benefit cost. This update calls for companies that offer post-retirement benefits to present the service cost, which is the amount an employer has to set aside each quarter or fiscal year to cover the benefits, in the same line item with other current employee compensation costs. Other components of net benefit cost will be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.January 1, 2019. The Company's adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, or disclosures.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The main objective of this ASU is to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment by requiring that impairment charges be based upon the first step in the current two-step impairment test under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 350. Currently, if the fair value of a reporting unit is lower than its carrying amount (Step 1), an entity calculates any impairment charge by comparing the implied
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount (Step 2). The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated by deducting the fair value of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit from the reporting unit’s fair value as determined in Step 1. To determine the implied fair value of goodwill, entities estimate the fair value of any unrecognized intangible assets and any corporate-level assets or liabilities that were included in the determination of the carrying amount and fair value of the reporting unit in Step 1. Under ASU 2017-04, if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an entity will record an impairment charge based on that difference. The impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This standard eliminates the requirement to calculate a goodwill impairment charge using Step 2. ASU 2017-04 does not change the guidance on completing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity will still be able to perform the current optional qualitative goodwill impairment assessment before determining whether to proceed to Step 1. The standard will be applied prospectively and is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed in periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect ASU 2017-04 to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," a new standard which addresses diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies), distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company's adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to have a materialhad no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The main objective of this ASU is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this ASU require financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses would represent a valuation account that would be deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The income statement would reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The measurement of expected credit losses would be based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. An entity will be required to use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 are effective for fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of this ASU is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-13 on the consolidated financial statements. In that regard, the Company has formed a cross-functional working group, under the direction of the Chief Credit Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer. The working group is comprised of individuals from various functional areas including credit, risk management, finance and information technology, among others. The Company is currently developing an implementation plan to include assessment of processes, portfolio segmentation, model development, system requirements and the identification of data and resource needs, among other things. Also, the Company is currently evaluating third-party vendor solutions to assist us in the application of the ASU 2016-13. The adoption of the ASU 2016-13 may result in an increase in the allowance for loan losses as a result of changing from an "incurred loss" model, which encompasses allowances for current known and inherent losses within the portfolio, to an "expected loss" model, which encompasses allowances for losses expected to be incurred over the life of the portfolio. Furthermore, ASU 2016-13 will necessitate establishing an allowance for expected credit losses on debt securities. The Company is currently unable to reasonably estimate the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13, it is expected that the impact of adoption will be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of our loan and securities portfolios as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842).” This ASU requires all lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset, measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments, at the lease commencement date. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged under the new guidance. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. A
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


modified retrospective approach must be applied for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016,July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial InstrumentsNo. 2018-11, “Leases - Overall: Recognition and MeasurementTargeted Improvements” to provide entities with relief from the costs of Financial Assets and Liabilities." This ASU addressesimplementing certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This amendment supersedesASU No. 2016-02. Specifically, under the guidanceamendments in ASU 2018-11: (1) entities may elect not to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories, requires equity securities, except equity method investments, to be measured at fair value with changes inrecast the fair value recognized through net income, and simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The amendment requires public business entities that are required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet to measure that fair value using the exit price notion. The amendment requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit riskcomparative periods presented when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option. The amendment requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or in the accompanying notestransitioning to the financial statements.new leasing standard, and (2) lessors may elect not to separate lease and non-lease components when certain conditions are met. The amendment reduces diversity in current practice by clarifying that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities should apply the amendment by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with the exception of the amendment related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values, which should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. The Company's adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." The objective of this amendment is to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This update affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are in the scope of other standards. The ASU is effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Subsequently, the FASB issued the following standards related to ASU 2014-09: ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations;” ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing;” ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting;” and ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients.” These amendments are intended to improve and clarify the implementation guidance of ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as ASU 2016-02. In the original standard. The Company's revenue is comprisedfirst quarter of net interest income on interest earning assets and liabilities and non-interest income. The scope of guidance explicitly excludes net interest income as well as other revenues associated with financial assets and liabilities, including loans, leases, securities and derivatives. Accordingly,2018, the majority of the Company's revenues will not be affected. The Company formed a working group to guide the implementation efforts, including the identification and review of revenueall lease agreements within the scope of the guidance. The working group has identified the inventory of leases and actively accumulated the requisite lease data necessary to apply the guidance. Also, the working group purchased and implemented a software platform to properly record and track all leases, monitor right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and support all accounting and disclosure requirements of the guidance. The Company adopted both ASU No. 2016-02 and ASU No. 2018-11 effective January 1, 2019 and elected to apply the guidance as well asof the evaluationbeginning of revenue contractsthe period of adoption (January 1, 2019) and the respective performance obligations within those contracts.not restate comparative periods. The Company has completed its evaluationalso elected certain optional practical expedients, which allow the Company to forego a reassessment of this guidance(1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and concluded that there are no material changes related to(3) the timing or amount of revenue recognition.initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company will disaggregate significant categories of revenue within the scopeadoption of the guidance and provide the required disclosures startingnew
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standard resulted in the first quarterCompany recording a right-of-use and an additional lease liability on its consolidated statement of 2018. The Company will adopt this guidancefinancial condition of $44.9 million and $46.1 million, respectively, based on the present value of the expected remaining lease payments at January 1, 2019. It also resulted in the first quarter of 2018.additional footnote disclosures (see Note 22 - "Leases").

(2) Stockholders’ Equity and Acquisitions
On January 15, 2003, the Bank completed its plan of conversion, and the Bank became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company sold 59.6 million shares of common stock (par value $0.01$0.01 per share) at $10.00$10.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds in the amount of $567.2 million.$567.2 million.
In connection with the Bank’s commitment to its community, the plan of conversion provided for the establishment of a charitable foundation. Provident donated $4.8$4.8 million in cash and 1.92 million of authorized but unissued shares of common stock to the foundation, which amounted to $24.0$24.0 million in aggregate. The Company recognized an expense, net of income tax benefit, equal to the cash and fair value of the stock during 2003. Conversion costs were deferred and deducted from the proceeds of the shares sold in the offering.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


Upon completion of the plan of conversion, a “liquidation account” was established in an amount equal to the total equity of the Bank as of the latest practicable date prior to the conversion. The liquidation account was established to provide a limited priority claim to the assets of the Bank to “eligible account holders” and “supplemental eligible account holders” as defined in the Plan, who continue to maintain deposits in the Bank after the conversion. In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of the Bank, and only in such event, each eligible account holder and supplemental eligible account holder would receive a liquidation distribution, prior to any payment to the holder of the Bank’s common stock. This distribution would be based upon each eligible account holder’s and supplemental eligible account holder’s proportionate share of the then total remaining qualifying deposits. At December 31, 2017,2019, the liquidation account, which is an off-balance sheet memorandum account, amounted to $11.5$9.6 million.

Acquisitions
On April 1, 2019, Beacon completed its acquisition of certain assets of T&L, a New York City-based independent registered investment adviser. Beacon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Bank which, in turn, is wholly owned by the Company. This acquisition expanded the Company’s wealth management business by $822.4 million of assets under management at the time of acquisition.
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company recorded goodwill of $8.2 million, a customer relationship intangible of $12.6 million and $800,000 of other identifiable intangibles related to the acquisition. In addition, the Company recorded a contingent consideration liability at its fair value of $6.6 million The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay additional cash consideration to T&L's former stakeholders over a three year period after the closing date of the acquisition if certain financial and business retention targets are met. The acquisition agreement limits the total additional payment to a maximum of $11.0 million, to be determined based on actual future results. Total cost of the acquisition was $21.6 million, which included cash consideration of $15.0 million and contingent consideration with a fair value of $6.6 million. Tangible assets acquired in the transaction were nominal. No liabilities were assumed in the acquisition. The goodwill recorded in the transaction is deductible for tax purposes.
Based upon recent favorable performance and improved projections for the remaining measurement period, an increase to the fair value of the contingent liability was warranted. At December 31, 2019, the contingent liability was $9.4 million, with maximum potential future payments totaling $11.0 million.
The calculation of goodwill is subject to change for up to one year after the closing date of the transaction as additional information relative to closing date estimates and uncertainties becomes available. As the Company finalizes its analysis of these assets, there may be adjustments to the recorded carrying values.
(3) Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks
Included in cash on hand and due from banks at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 was $39.5$36.0 million and $36.7$35.0 million, respectively, representing reserves required by banking regulations.


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(4) Investment Securities Held to Maturity Debt Securities
Investment securities heldHeld to maturity debt securities at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
2017 2019
Amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
Amortized
cost
Gross
unrealized
gains
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair
value
Agency obligations$4,308
 
 (87) 4,221
Agency obligations$6,599  11  (9) 6,601  
Mortgage-backed securities382
 14
 
 396
Mortgage-backed securities118   —  122  
State and municipal obligations462,942
 9,280
 (1,738) 470,484
State and municipal obligations437,074  14,394  (115) 451,353  
Corporate obligations10,020
 1
 (83) 9,938
Corporate obligations9,838  58  (6) 9,890  
$477,652
 9,295
 (1,908) 485,039
$453,629  14,467  (130) 467,966  
 
 2018
 
Amortized
cost
Gross
unrealized
gains
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair
value
Agency obligations$4,989   (94) 4,896  
Mortgage-backed securities187   —  190  
State and municipal obligations463,801  4,329  (3,767) 464,363  
Corporate obligations10,448   (158) 10,291  
$479,425  4,334  (4,019) 479,740  
 2016
 
Amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
Agency obligations$4,306
 2
 (83) 4,225
Mortgage-backed securities893
 31
 
 924
State and municipal obligations473,653
 6,635
 (5,436) 474,852
Corporate obligations9,331
 7
 (52) 9,286
 $488,183
 6,675
 (5,571) 489,287


The Company generally purchases securities for long-term investment purposes, and differences between carrying and fair values may fluctuate during the investment period. Investment securities heldHeld to maturity debt securities having a carrying value of $409.7$428.0 million and $384.8$453.1 million at December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, were pledged to secure other borrowings, securities sold under repurchase agreements and governmentmunicipal deposits.
The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities held to maturity debt securities at December 31, 20172019 by contractual maturity are shown below (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to prepayment or early call privileges of the issuer.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


2017 2019
Amortized
cost
 
Fair
value
Amortized
cost
Fair
value
Due in one year or less$7,123
 7,147
Due in one year or less$9,589  9,605  
Due after one year through five years67,352
 67,915
Due after one year through five years105,715  107,873  
Due after five years through ten years260,937
 265,279
Due after five years through ten years249,399  257,856  
Due after ten years141,858
 144,302
Due after ten years88,808  92,510  
$477,270
 484,643
$453,511  467,844  
Mortgage-backed securities totaling $382,000$118,000 at amortized cost and $396,000$122,000 at fair value are excluded from the table above as their expected lives are expectedanticipated to be shorter than the contractual maturity date due to principal prepayments.
During 2017,2019, the Company recognized gains of $60,000$72,000 and 0 losses of $3,000 related to calls on securities in the held to maturity debt securities portfolio, with total proceeds from the calls totaling $33.9 million. There were no sales of securities from the held to maturity debt securities portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2019.
For 2018, the Company recognized gains of $10,000 and losses of $1,000 related to calls on securities in the held to maturity debt securities portfolio, with total proceeds from the calls totaling $32.0 million. There were no sales of securities from the held to maturity debt securities portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2018.
For the 2017 period, the Company recognized gains of $60,000 and $3,000 losses related to calls on certain securities in the held to maturity debt securities portfolio, with total proceeds from the calls totaling $32.9 million. There were no sales of securities from the held to maturity debt securities portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2017.
For the 2016 period, the Company recognized gains of $15,000 and losses of $1,000 related to calls on securities in the held to maturity portfolio, with total proceeds from the calls totaling $45.9 million. There were no sales of securities from the held to maturity portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2016.
79

For the 2015 period, the Company recognized gains of $8,000 and no losses related to calls on certain securities in the held to maturity portfolio, with total proceeds from the calls totaling $27.0 million. There were no sales of securities from the held to maturity portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The following table representstables represent the Company’s disclosure on investment securities held to maturity debt securities with temporary impairment (in thousands):
 December 31, 2019 Unrealized Losses
 Less than 12 months12 months or longerTotal
 Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Agency obligations$3,601  (9) —  —  3,601  (9) 
State and municipal obligations7,675  (42) 2,093  (73) 9,768  (115) 
Corporate obligations3,254  (6) —  —  3,254  (6) 
$14,530  (57) 2,093  (73) 16,623  (130) 
 December 31, 2017 Unrealized Losses
 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
Agency obligations$3,821
 (87) 
 
 3,821
 (87)
State and municipal obligations37,317
 (295) 49,488
 (1,443) 86,805
 (1,738)
Corporate obligations9,662
 (83) 
 

 9,662
 (83)
 $50,800
 (465) 49,488
 (1,443) 100,288
 (1,908)

December 31, 2016 Unrealized Losses December 31, 2018 Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total Less than 12 months12 months or longerTotal
Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Agency obligations$3,525
 (83) 
 
 3,525
 (83)Agency obligations$—  —  4,525  (94) 4,525  (94) 
State and municipal obligations172,152
 (5,132) 6,617
 (304) 178,769
 (5,436)State and municipal obligations96,412  (918) 81,663  (2,849) 178,075  (3,767) 
Corporate obligations4,697
 (52) 
 

 4,697
 (52)Corporate obligations—  —  9,004  (158) 9,004  (158) 
$180,374
 (5,267) 6,617
 (304) 186,991
 (5,571)$96,412  (918) 95,192  (3,101) 191,604  (4,019) 
The Company estimates the loss projections for each non-agency mortgage-backed security by stressing the individual loans collateralizing the security and applying a range of expected default rates, loss severities, and prepayment speeds in conjunction with the underlying credit enhancement for each security. Based on specific assumptions about collateral and vintage, a range of possible cash flows was identified to determine whether other-than-temporary impairment existed during the year ended December 31, 2017.2019. Based on its detailed review of the held to maturity debt securities available for sale portfolio, the Company believes that as of December 31, 2017,2019, securities with unrealized loss positions shown above do not represent impairments that are other-than-
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


temporary.other-than-temporary. The Company does not have the intent to sell securities in a temporary loss position at December 31, 2017,2019, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery.
The number of securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 20172019 totaled 184,35, compared with 332334 at December 31, 2016.2018. The decrease in the number of securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2019 was due to lower current market interest rates compared to rates at December 31, 2018. All temporarily impaired investment securities were investment grade at December 31, 2017.2019.


(5) Securities Available for Sale Debt Securities
Securities availableAvailable for sale debt securities at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 2019
 
Amortized
cost
Gross
unrealized
gains
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Mortgage-backed securities$936,196  12,367  (1,133) 947,430  
State and municipal obligations3,907  172  —  4,079  
Corporate obligations25,032  393  (15) 25,410  
$965,135  12,932  (1,148) 976,919  

80


2018
2017
Amortized
cost
Gross
unrealized
gains
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value
Agency obligations$19,014
 
 (9) 19,005
Mortgage-backed securities993,548
 4,914
 (10,095) 988,367
Mortgage-backed securities$1,048,415  2,704  (16,150) 1,034,969  
State and municipal obligations3,259
 129
 
 3,388
State and municipal obligations2,828  84  —  2,912  
Corporate obligations26,047
 359
 (12) 26,394
Corporate obligations25,039  268  (109) 25,198  
Equity securities417
 241
 
 658
$1,042,285
 5,643
 (10,116) 1,037,812
$1,076,282  3,056  (16,259) 1,063,079  
 2016
 
Amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value
U.S. Treasury obligations$7,995
 13
 
 8,008
Agency obligations57,123
 90
 (25) 57,188
Mortgage-backed securities952,992
 7,249
 (8,380) 951,861
State and municipal obligations3,727
 19
 (3) 3,743
Corporate obligations19,013
 35
 (11) 19,037
Equity securities397
 152
 
 549
 $1,041,247
 7,558
 (8,419) 1,040,386
Securities availableAvailable for sale debt securities having a carrying value of $939.4$536.4 million and $720.4$524.2 million at December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, are pledged to secure other borrowings and securities sold under repurchase agreements.agreements and municipal deposits.
The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale debt securities at December 31, 2017,2019, by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to prepayment or early call privileges of the issuer.
2019
2017
Amortized
cost
Fair
value
Amortized
cost
 
Fair
value
Due in one year or less$20,406
 20,390
Due after one year through five years3,009
 3,048
Due after one year through five years$3,003  3,074  
Due after five years through ten years24,905
 25,349
Due after five years through ten years25,936  26,415  
$48,320
 48,787
$28,939  29,489  
Mortgage-backed securities totaling $993.5$936.2 million at amortized cost and $988.4$947.4 million at fair value are excluded from the table above as their expected lives are expectedanticipated to be shorter than the contractual maturity date due to principal prepayments. Also excluded from the table above are equity securities of $417,000 at amortized cost and $658,000 at fair value.
During 2017,For 2019, there were no sales or calls of securities from the available for sale portfolio.debt securities. During 2018, the Company sold 15,046 VISA Class B common shares at a gross gain of approximately $2.2 million. For the 2016 period, proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale were $3.4 million resulting in gross gains of $95,000 and gross losses of $45,000;2017, there were no0 sales or calls of securities from the available for sale portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2016.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


debt securities portfolio.
For the years ended December 31, 20172019, 2018 and 2016,2017, the Company did not incur an other-than-temporary impairment charge on securities available for sale.sale debt securities.
The following table representstables represent the Company’s disclosure on securities available for sale debt securities with temporary impairment (in thousands):
 December 31, 2019 Unrealized Losses
 Less than 12 months12 months or longerTotal
 Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Mortgage-backed securities$136,270  (629) 46,819  (504) 183,089  (1,133) 
Corporate obligations2,013  (15) —  —  2,013  (15) 
$138,283  (644) 46,819  (504) 185,102  (1,148) 
 December 31, 2017 Unrealized Losses
 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
Agency obligations$12,006
 (8) 6,999
 (1) 19,005
 (9)
Mortgage-backed securities420,746
 (3,936) 235,056
 (6,159) 655,802
 (10,095)
Corporate obligations
 
 989
 (12) 989
 (12)
 $432,752
 (3,944) 243,044
 (6,172) 675,796
 (10,116)

December 31, 2018 Unrealized Losses
December 31, 2016 Unrealized Losses Less than 12 months12 months or longerTotal
Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 Fair value 
Gross
unrealized
losses
Agency obligations$14,000
 (25) 
 
 14,000
 (25)
Mortgage-backed securities553,629
 (8,377) 65
 (3) 553,694
 (8,380)Mortgage-backed securities$218,175  (2,173) 545,880  (13,977) 764,055  (16,150) 
State and municipal obligations661
 (3) 
 
 661
 (3)
Corporate obligations
 

 990
 (11) 990
 (11)Corporate obligations7,897  (109) —  —  7,897  (109) 
$568,290
 (8,405) 1,055
 (14) 569,345
 (8,419)$226,072  (2,282) 545,880  (13,977) 771,952  (16,259) 
The Company estimates the loss projections for each non-agency mortgage-backed security by stressing the individual loans collateralizing the security and applying a range of expected default rates, loss severities, and prepayment speeds in
81


conjunction with the underlying credit enhancement for each security. Based on specific assumptions about collateral and vintage, a range of possible cash flows was identified to determine whether other-than-temporary impairment existed during the year ended December 31, 2017.2019. Based on its detailed review of the securities available for sale debt securities portfolio, the Company believes that as of December 31, 2017,2019, securities with unrealized loss positions shown above dodid not represent impairments that are other-than-temporary. The Company does not have the intent to sell securities in a temporary loss position at December 31, 2017,2019, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery.
The number of securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 20172019 totaled 122,50, compared with 87175 at December 31, 2016. There were two private label mortgage-backed2018. The decrease in the number of securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017, with an amortized cost of $99,000 and unrealized losses totaling $2,000. Both private label mortgage-backed2019 was due to lower current market interest rates compared to rates at December 31, 2018. All temporarily impaired securities were investment grade at December 31, 2017.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended2019. There was 1 private-label mortgage-backed security in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017, 20162019, with an amortized cost of $17,000 and 2015unrealized loss of $1,000. This private-label mortgage-backed security was investment grade at December 31, 2019.



(6) Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans receivable at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
2017 201620192018
Mortgage loans:   Mortgage loans:
Residential$1,142,347
 1,211,672
Residential$1,077,689  1,099,464  
Commercial2,171,056
 1,978,569
Commercial2,578,393  2,299,313  
Multi-family1,403,885
 1,402,054
Multi-family1,225,551  1,339,677  
Construction392,580
 264,814
Construction429,812  388,999  
Total mortgage loans5,109,868
 4,857,109
Total mortgage loans5,311,445  5,127,453  
Commercial loans1,745,138
 1,630,444
Commercial loans1,634,759  1,695,021  
Consumer loans473,957
 516,755
Consumer loans391,360  431,428  
Total gross loans7,328,963
 7,004,308
Total gross loans7,337,564  7,253,902  
Purchased credit-impaired ("PCI") loans969
 1,272
Purchased credit-impaired ("PCI") loans746  899  
Premiums on purchased loans4,029
 4,968
Premiums on purchased loans2,474  3,243  
Unearned discounts(36) (39)Unearned discounts(26) (33) 
Net deferred fees(8,207) (7,023)Net deferred fees(7,873) (7,423) 
Total loans$7,325,718
 7,003,486
Total loans$7,332,885  7,250,588  
Premiums and discounts on purchased loans are amortized over the lives of the loans as an adjustment to yield. Required reductions due to loan prepayments are charged against interest income. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, 2016$845,000, $894,000 and 2015, $1.0 million, $1.3 million and $1.1 million decreased interest income, respectively, as a result of prepayments and normal amortization.
82


The following table summarizestables summarize the aging of loans receivable by portfolio segment and class of loans, excluding PCI loans (in thousands):
 At December 31, 2019
 30-59 Days60-89 DaysNon-accrual
90 days or more past due and
accruing
Total  Past DueCurrent
Total Loans
Receivable
Mortgage loans:
Residential$5,905  2,579  8,543  —  17,027  1,060,662  1,077,689  
Commercial—  —  5,270  —  5,270  2,573,123  2,578,393  
Multi-family—  —  —  —  —  1,225,551  1,225,551  
Construction—  —  —  —  —  429,812  429,812  
Total mortgage loans5,905  2,579  13,813  —  22,297  5,289,148  5,311,445  
Commercial loans2,383  95  25,160  —  27,638  1,607,121  1,634,759  
Consumer loans1,276  337  1,221  —  2,834  388,526  391,360  
Total gross loans$9,564  3,011  40,194  —  52,769  7,284,795  7,337,564  
 At December 31, 2017
 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Non-accrual 
90 days or more past due and
accruing
 Total  Past Due Current 
Total Loans
Receivable
Mortgage loans:            
Residential$7,809
 4,325
 8,105
 
 20,239
 1,122,108
 1,142,347
Commercial1,486
 
 7,090
 
 8,576
 2,162,480
 2,171,056
Multi-family
 
 
 
 
 1,403,885
 1,403,885
Construction
 
 
 
 
 392,580
 392,580
Total mortgage loans9,295
 4,325
 15,195
 
 28,815
 5,081,053
 5,109,868
Commercial loans551
 406
 17,243
 
 18,200
 1,726,938
 1,745,138
Consumer loans2,465
 487
 2,491
 
 5,443
 468,514
 473,957
Total gross loans$12,311
 5,218
 34,929
 
 52,458
 7,276,505
 7,328,963

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 At December 31, 2018
 30-59 Days60-89 DaysNon-accrual90 days or more past due and
accruing
Total  Past DueCurrent
Total Loans
Receivable
Mortgage loans:
Residential$4,188  5,557  5,853  —  15,598  1,083,866  1,099,464  
Commercial—  —  3,180  —  3,180  2,296,133  2,299,313  
Multi-family—  —  —  —  —  1,339,677  1,339,677  
Construction—  —  —  —  —  388,999  388,999  
Total mortgage loans4,188  5,557  9,033  —  18,778  5,108,675  5,127,453  
Commercial loans425  13565  15,391  —  29,381  1,665,640  1,695,021  
Consumer loans1,238  610  1,266  —  3,114  428,314  431,428  
Total gross loans$5,851  19,732  25,690  —  51,273  7,202,629  7,253,902  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


 At December 31, 2016
 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Non-accrual 90 days or more past due and
accruing
 Total  Past Due Current 
Total Loans
Receivable
Mortgage loans:             
Residential$5,891
 6,563
 12,021
 
 24,475
 1,187,197
 1,211,672
Commercial
 80
 7,493
 
 7,573
 1,970,996
 1,978,569
Multi-family
 
 553
 
 553
 1,401,501
 1,402,054
Construction
 
 2,517
 
 2,517
 262,297
 264,814
Total mortgage loans5,891
 6,643
 22,584
 
 35,118
 4,821,991
 4,857,109
Commercial loans1,656
 357
 16,787
 
 18,800
 1,611,644
 1,630,444
Consumer loans2,561
 1,199
 3,030
 
 6,790
 509,965
 516,755
Total gross loans$10,108
 8,199
 42,401
 
 60,708
 6,943,600
 7,004,308


Included in loans receivable are loans for which the accrual of interest income has been discontinued due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrowers. The principal amount of these nonaccrual loans was $34.9$40.2 million and $42.4$25.7 million at December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. There were no0 loans ninety days or greater past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.
If the non-accrual loans had performed in accordance with their original terms, interest income would have increased by $1.9$1.7 million, $2.2$1.4 million and $1.2$1.9 million, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, respectively. The amount of cash basis interest income that was recognized on impaired loans during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016 and 2015 was $1.8$2.1 million, $1.5$2.0 million and $1.9$1.8 million respectively.
The Company defines an impaired loan as a non-homogeneous loan greater than $1.0 million for which it is probable, based on current information, that the Bank will not collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans also include all loans modified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). A loan is deemed to be a TDR when a loan modification resulting in a concession is made by the Bank in an effort to mitigate potential loss arising from a borrower’s financial difficulty. Smaller balance homogeneous loans including residential mortgages and other consumer loans are evaluated collectively for impairment and are excluded from the definition of impaired loans, unless modified as TDRs. The Company separately calculates the reserve for loan loss on impaired loans. The Company may recognize impairment of a loan based upon: (1) the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate; or (2) if a loan is collateral dependent, the fair value of collateral; or (3) the market price of the loan. Additionally, if impaired loans have risk
83


characteristics in common, those loans may be aggregated and historical statistics may be used as a means of measuring those impaired loans.
The Company uses third-party appraisals to determine the fair value of the underlying collateral in its analysis of collateral dependent impaired loans. A third-party appraisal is generally ordered as soon as a loan is designated as a collateral dependent impaired loan and updated annually, or more frequently if required.
A specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses is established for each impaired loan with a carrying balance greater than the collateral’s fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Charge-offs are generally taken for the amount of the specific allocation when operations associated with the respective property cease and it is determined that collection of amounts due will be derived primarily from the disposition of the collateral. At each fiscal quarter end, if a loan is designated as a collateral dependent impaired loan and the third partythird-party appraisal has not yet been received, an evaluation of all available collateral is made using the best information available at the time, including rent rolls, borrower financial statements and tax returns, prior appraisals, management’s knowledge of the market and collateral, and internally prepared collateral valuations based upon market assumptions regarding vacancy and capitalization rates, each as and where applicable. Once the appraisal is received and reviewed, the specific reserves are adjusted to reflect the appraised value. The Company believes there have been no significant time lapses as a result of this process.
At December 31, 2017,2019, there were 149158 impaired loans totaling $52.0$70.6 million, of which 141147 loans totaling $41.7$48.3 million were TDRs. Included in this total were 125133 TDRs related to 121128 borrowers totaling $31.7$42.7 million that were performing in accordance with their restructured terms and which continued to accrue interest at December 31, 2017.2019. At December 31, 2016,2018, there were 141152 impaired loans totaling $52.0$50.7 million, of which 136148 loans totaling $41.6$46.8 million were TDRs. Included in this total were 114129 TDRs related to 110124 borrowers totaling $29.9$35.6 million that were performing in accordance with their restructured terms and which continued to accrue interest at December 31, 2016.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


2018.
Loans receivable summarized by portfolio segment and impairment method, excluding PCI loans are as follows (in thousands):
 At December 31, 2019
 
Mortgage
loans
Commercial
loans
Consumer
loans
Total
Portfolio
Segments
Individually evaluated for impairment$39,910  28,357  2,374  70,641  
Collectively evaluated for impairment5,271,535  1,606,402  388,986  7,266,923  
Total gross loans$5,311,445  1,634,759  391,360  7,337,564  
 At December 31, 2017
 
Mortgage
loans
 
Commercial
loans
 
Consumer
loans
 
Total
Portfolio
Segments
Individually evaluated for impairment$28,459
 21,223
 2,359
 52,041
Collectively evaluated for impairment5,081,409
 1,723,915
 471,598
 7,276,922
Total gross loans$5,109,868
 1,745,138
 473,957
 7,328,963

At December 31, 2016 At December 31, 2018
Mortgage
loans
 
Commercial
loans
 
Consumer
loans
 
Total
Portfolio
Segments
Mortgage
loans
Commercial
loans
Consumer
loans
Total
Portfolio
Segments
Individually evaluated for impairment$29,551
 20,255
 2,213
 52,019
Individually evaluated for impairment$24,680  23,747  2,257  50,684  
Collectively evaluated for impairment4,827,558
 1,610,189
 514,542
 6,952,289
Collectively evaluated for impairment5,102,773  1,671,274  429,171  7,203,218  
Total gross loans$4,857,109
 1,630,444
 516,755
 7,004,308
Total gross loans$5,127,453  1,695,021  431,428  7,253,902  
The allowance for loan losses is summarized by portfolio segment and impairment classification, excluding PCI loans as follows (in thousands):
 At December 31, 2019
 
Mortgage
loans
Commercial
loans
Consumer
loans
Total
Portfolio
Segments
Individually evaluated for impairment$1,580  3,462  25  5,067  
Collectively evaluated for impairment23,931  24,801  1,726  50,458  
Total allowance for loan losses$25,511  28,263  1,751  55,525  

84


 At December 31, 2017
 
Mortgage
loans
 
Commercial
loans
 
Consumer
loans
 
Total
Portfolio
Segments
 Unallocated Total
Individually evaluated for impairment$1,486
 1,134
 70
 2,690
 
 2,690
Collectively evaluated for impairment26,566
 28,680
 2,259
 57,505
 
 57,505
Total$28,052
 29,814
 2,329
 60,195
 
 60,195

At December 31, 2016 At December 31, 2018
Mortgage
loans
 
Commercial
loans
 
Consumer
loans
 
Total
Portfolio
Segments
 Unallocated Total
Mortgage
loans
Commercial
loans
Consumer
loans
Total
Portfolio
Segments
Individually evaluated for impairment$1,986
 268
 80
 2,334
 
 2,334
Individually evaluated for impairment$1,026  92  47  1,165  
Collectively evaluated for impairment27,640
 28,875
 3,034
 59,549
 
 59,549
Collectively evaluated for impairment26,652  25,601  2,144  54,397  
Total$29,626
 29,143
 3,114
 61,883
 
 61,883
Total allowance for loan lossesTotal allowance for loan losses$27,678  25,693  2,191  55,562  
Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties that are considered TDRs primarily involve lowering the monthly payments on such loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan without a corresponding adjustment to the risk premium reflected in the interest rate, or a combination of these two methods. These modifications generally do not result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, the Company attempts to obtain additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying such loans. If the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms and our underwriting process shows the borrower has the capacity to continue to perform under the restructured terms, the loan will continue to accrue interest. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


The following tables present the number of loans modified as TDRs during the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 and their balances immediately prior to the modification date and post-modification as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.
 Year Ended December 31, 2019
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Number of
Loans
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 ($ in thousands)
Mortgage loans:
Residential $1,617  1,584  
Commercial 14,010  14,010  
Total mortgage loans 15,627  15,594  
Commercial loans 1,996  1,888  
Consumer loans 421  402  
Total restructured loans14  $18,044  17,884  
  Year Ended December 31, 2017
Troubled Debt Restructurings 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  ($ in thousands)
Mortgage loans:      
Residential 5
 $2,468
 2,260
Total mortgage loans 5
 $2,468
 2,260
Commercial loans 1
 874
 874
Consumer loans 2
 262
 257
Total restructured loans 8
 $3,604
 3,391

 Year Ended December 31, 2018
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Number of
Loans
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  ($ in thousands) 
Mortgage loans:
Residential $981  945  
Total mortgage loans 981  945  
Commercial loans 9,192  7,888  
Consumer loans 336  332  
Total restructured loans15  $10,509  9,165  
  Year Ended December 31, 2016
Troubled Debt Restructurings 
Number of
Loans
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
    ($ in thousands)  
Commercial loans 1
 $1,300
 1,300
Total restructured loans 1
 $1,300
 1,300


All TDRs are impaired loans, which are individually evaluated for impairment, as previously discussed. Estimated collateral values of collateral dependent impaired loans modified during the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 exceeded the carrying amounts of such loans. During the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, there were $5.1$11.6 million of charge-offs recorded on collateral dependent impaired loans. There were no$8.3 million of charge-offs recorded on collateral dependent impaired loans for the same period last year.year ended December 31, 2018. The allowance for loan losses associated with the TDRs presented in the
85


preceding tables totaled $166,000$177,130 and $187,000$119,000 at December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, and were included in the allowance for loan losses for loans individually evaluated for impairment.
The TDRs presented in the preceding tables had a weighted average modified interest rate of approximately 4.18%3.83% and 5.25%5.41%, compared to a yield of 4.19%3.82% and 4.25%5.46% prior to modification for the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.
There were noThe following table presents loans modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months from both December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, and for which there was a payment default (90 days or more past due) at the quarter ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently DefaultedNumber of LoansOutstanding
Recorded  Investment
Number of LoansOutstanding Recorded  Investment
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Mortgage loans:
Residential $578  —  $—  
Total mortgage loans 578  —  —  
Commercial Loans—  —   1,344  
Total restructured loans $578   $1,344  
There was 1 loan to one borrower which had a payment default (90 days or more past due) duringfor loans modified as TDRs within the years ended12 month period ending December 31, 2017 and 2016.2019. There were 3 payment defaults (90 days or more past due) for loans modified as TDRs within the 12 month period ending December 31, 2018.
TDRs that subsequently default are considered collateral dependent impaired loans and are evaluated for impairment based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less expected selling costs.
PCI loans are loans acquired at a discount primarily due to deteriorated credit quality. These loans are accounted for at fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows, with no related allowance for loan losses. At December 31, 2017,2019, PCI loans totaled $1.0 million,$746,000, compared to $1.3 million$899,000 at December 31, 2016.2018. The $303,000$153,000 decrease from December 31, 20162018 was largely due to the full repayment and greater than projected cash flows on certain PCI loans.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


The following table summarizes the changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016
Beginning balance $200
 676
Acquisition 
 
Accretion (320) (1,417)
Reclassification from non-accretable difference 221
 941
Ending balance $101
 200
The activity in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 is as follows (in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 201920182017
Balance at beginning of period$55,562  60,195  61,883  
Provision charged to operations13,100  23,700  5,600  
Recoveries of loans previously charged off1,895  1,685  1,653  
Loans charged off(15,032) (30,018) (8,941) 
Balance at end of period$55,525  55,562  60,195  

86

 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Balance at beginning of period$61,883
 61,424
 61,734
Provision charged to operations5,600
 5,400
 4,350
Recoveries of loans previously charged off1,653
 2,009
 4,168
Loans charged off(8,941) (6,950) (8,828)
Balance at end of period$60,195
 61,883
 61,424


The activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are as follows (in thousands):
 For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
 
Mortgage
loans
Commercial
loans
Consumer
loans
Total
Portfolio
Segments
Balance at beginning of period$27,678  25,693  2,191  55,562  
Provision charged to operations(2,323) 15,928  (505) 13,100  
Recoveries of loans previously charged off422  665  808  1,895  
Loans charged off(266) (14,023) (743) (15,032) 
Balance at end of period$25,511  28,263  1,751  55,525  
 For the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Mortgage
loans
 
Commercial
loans
 
Consumer
loans
 
Total
Portfolio
Segments
 Unallocated Total
Balance at beginning of period$29,626
 29,143
 3,114
 61,883
 
 61,883
Provision charged to operations(1,139) 7,058
 (319) 5,600
 
 5,600
Recoveries of loans previously charged off66
 800
 787
 1,653
 
 1,653
Loans charged off(501) (7,187) (1,253) (8,941) 
 (8,941)
Balance at end of period$28,052
 29,814
 2,329
 60,195
 
 60,195

 For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
Mortgage
loans
Commercial
loans
Consumer
loans
Total
Portfolio
Segments
Balance at beginning of period$28,052  29,814  2,329  60,195  
Provision charged to operations(586) 24,437  (151) 23,700  
Recoveries of loans previously charged off489  428  768  1,685  
Loans charged off(277) (28,986) (755) (30,018) 
Balance at end of period$27,678  25,693  2,191  55,562  

87
 For the Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Mortgage
loans
 
Commercial
loans
 
Consumer
loans
 
Total
Portfolio
Segments
 Unallocated Total
Balance at beginning of period$32,094
 25,829
 3,501
 61,424
 
 61,424
Provision charged to operations(2,028) 7,606
 (178) 5,400
 
 5,400
Recoveries of loans previously charged off628
 570
 811
 2,009
 
 2,009
Loans charged off(1,068) (4,862) (1,020) (6,950) 
 (6,950)
Balance at end of period$29,626
 29,143
 3,114
 61,883
 
 61,883


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


Impaired loans receivable by class, excluding PCI loans are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 At December 31, 2019At December 31, 2018
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Loans with no related allowance
Mortgage loans:
Residential$13,478  10,739  —  10,910  533  $15,013  12,005  —  12,141  594  
Commercial—  —  —  —  —  1,550  1,546  —  1,546  —  
Multi-family—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Construction—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Total13,478  10,739  —  10,910  533  16,563  13,551  —  13,687  594  
Commercial loans3,927  3,696  —  4,015  17  21,746  16,254  —  17,083  328  
Consumer loans2,086  1,517  —  1,491  86  1,871  1,313  —  1,386  90  
Total loans$19,491  15,952  —  16,416  636  $40,180  31,118  —  32,156  1,012  
Loans with an allowance recorded
Mortgage loans:
Residential$10,860  10,326  829  10,454  428  $10,573  10,090  954  10,186  425  
Commercial18,845  18,845  751  18,862  569  1,039  1,039  72  1,052  53  
Multi-family—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Construction—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Total29,705  29,171  1,580  29,316  997  11,612  11,129  1,026  11,238  478  
Commercial loans27,762  24,661  3,462  27,527  444  7,493  7,493  92  9,512  435  
Consumer loans868  857  25  878  46  954  944  47  962  40  
Total loans$58,335  54,689  5,067  57,721  1487  $20,059  19,566  1,165  21,712  953  
Total
Mortgage loans:
Residential$24,338  21,065  829  21,364  961  $25,586  22,095  954  22,327  1,019  
Commercial18,845  18,845  751  18,862  569  2,589  2,585  72  2,598  53  
Multi-family—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Construction—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Total43,183  39,910  1,580  40,226  1,530  28,175  24,680  1,026  24,925  1,072  
Commercial loans31,689  28,357  3,462  31,542  461  29,239  23,747  92  26,595  763  
Consumer loans2,954  2,374  25  2,369  132  2,825  2,257  47  2,348  130  
Total loans$77,826  70,641  5,067  74,137  2,123  $60,239  50,684  1,165  53,868  1,965  
 At December 31, 2017 At December 31, 2016
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
Loans with no related allowance                   
Mortgage loans:                   
Residential$13,239
 10,477
 
 10,552
 479
 $10,691
 7,881
 
 8,027
 484
Commercial5,037
 4,908
 
 5,022
 12
 1,556
 1,556
 
 1,586
 40
Multi-family
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
 
 
 
 2,553
 2,517
 
 2,514
 
Total18,276
 15,385
 
 15,574
 491
 14,800
 11,954
 
 12,127
 524
Commercial loans19,196
 14,984
 
 15,428
 395
 21,830
 18,874
 
 13,818
 259
Consumer loans1,582
 1,041
 
 1,150
 69
 1,493
 981
 
 1,026
 59
Total loans$39,054
 31,410
 
 32,152
 955
 $38,123
 31,809
 
 26,971
 842
Loans with an allow-ance recorded                   
Mortgage loans:                   
Residential$13,052
 12,010
 1,351
 12,150
 475
 $14,169
 13,520
 1,716
 13,705
 519
Commercial1,064
 1,064
 135
 1,076
 54
 4,138
 4,077
 270
 4,111
 55
Multi-family
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total14,116
 13,074
 1,486
 13,226
 529
 18,307
 17,597
 1,986
 17,816
 574
Commercial loans7,097
 6,239
 1,134
 7,318
 208
 1,381
 1,381
 268
 5,956
 4
Consumer loans1,329
 1,318
 70
 1,349
 64
 1,242
 1,232
 80
 1,259
 66
Total loans$22,542
 20,631
 2,690
 21,893
 801
 $20,930
 20,210
 2,334
 25,031
 644
Total                   
Mortgage loans:                   
Residential$26,291
 22,487
 1,351
 22,702
 954
 $24,860
 21,401
 1,716
 21,732
 1,003
Commercial6,101
 5,972
 135
 6,098
 66
 5,694
 5,633
 270
 5,697
 95
Multi-family
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
 
 
 
 2,553
 2,517
 
 2,514
 
Total32,392
 28,459
 1,486
 28,800
 1,020
 33,107
 29,551
 1,986
 29,943
 1,098
Commercial loans26,293
 21,223
 1,134
 22,746
 603
 23,211
 20,255
 268
 19,774
 263
Consumer loans2,911
 2,359
 70
 2,499
 133
 2,735
 2,213
 80
 2,285
 125
Total loans$61,596
 52,041
 2,690
 54,045
 1,756
 $59,053
 52,019
 2,334
 52,002
 1,486


At December 31, 2017,2019, impaired loans consisted of 149158 residential, commercial and commercial mortgage loans totaling $52.0$70.6 million,, of which 2425 loans totaling $20.3$27.9 million were included in nonaccrual loans. At December 31, 2016,2018, impaired loans consisted of 141152 residential, commercial and commercial mortgage loans totaling $52.0$50.7 million, of which 2723 loans totaling $22.1$15.1 million were included in nonaccrual loans. Specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses attributable to impaired loans totaled $2.7$5.1 million and $2.3$1.2 million at December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. At December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, impaired loans for which there was no related allowance for loan losses totaled $31.4$16.0 million and $31.8$31.1 million, respectively. The average balances of impaired loans during the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 were $54.0$74.1 million and $52.0$53.9 million, respectively.
In the normal course of conducting its business, the Bank extends credit to meet the financing needs of its customers through commitments. Commitments and contingent liabilities, such as commitments to extend credit (including loan commitments of $1.71 billion and $1.55$1.26 billion, at both December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, and undisbursed home equity and personal credit lines of $270.9$212.4 million and $279.8$233.9 million, at December 31, 20172019 and 2016, respectively) exist, which2018, respectively, are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. These instruments involve elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Bank uses the same credit policies and collateral requirements in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet loans. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

88



The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.
The Bank grants residential real estate loans on single- and multi-family dwellings to borrowers primarily in New Jersey. Its borrowers’ abilities to repay their obligations are dependent upon various factors, including the borrowers’ income and net worth, cash flows generated by the underlying collateral, value of the underlying collateral, and priority of the Bank’s lien on the property. Such factors are dependent upon various economic conditions and individual circumstances beyond the Bank’s control; the Bank is therefore subject to risk of loss. The Bank believes that its lending policies and procedures adequately minimize the potential exposure to such risks and that adequate provisions for loan losses are provided for all known and inherent risks. Collateral and/or guarantees are required for virtually all loans.
The CompanyManagement utilizes an internal nine-point risk rating system to summarize its loan portfolio into categories with similar risk characteristics. Loans deemed to be “acceptable quality” are rated 1 through 4, with a rating of 1 established for loans with minimal risk. Loans that are deemed to be of “questionable quality” are rated 5 (watch) or 6 (special mention). Loans with adverse classifications (substandard, doubtful or loss) are rated 7, 8 or 9, respectively. Commercial mortgage, commercial, multi-family and construction loans are rated individually, and each lending officer is responsible for risk rating loans in their portfolio. These risk ratings are then reviewed by the department manager and/or the Chief Lending Officer and by the Credit Department. The risk ratings are also confirmed through periodic loan review examinations which are currently performed by an independent third-party. Reports by the independent third-party are presented directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Loans receivable by credit quality risk rating indicator, excluding PCI loans are as follows (in thousands):
 At December 31, 2019
 Residential
Commercial
mortgages
Multi-
family
Construction
Total
mortgages
Commercial
loans
Consumer
loans
Total loans
Special mention$2,402  46,758  —  —  49,160  79,248  286  128,694  
Substandard10,204  13,458  —  6,181  29,843  57,015  1,668  88,526  
Doubtful—  —  —  —  —  836  —  836  
Loss—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Total classified and criticized12,606  60,216  —  6,181  79,003  137,099  1,954  218,056  
Acceptable/watch1,065,083  2,518,177  1,225,551  423,631  5,232,442  1,497,660  389,406  7,119,508  
Total outstanding loans$1,077,689  2,578,393  1,225,551  429,812  5,311,445  1,634,759  391,360  7,337,564  
 At December 31, 2017
 Residential 
Commercial
mortgages
 
Multi-
family
 Construction 
Total
mortgages
 
Commercial
loans
 
Consumer
loans
 Total loans
Special mention$4,325
 19,172
 15
 
 23,512
 20,738
 486
 44,736
Substandard8,105
 25,069
 
 
 33,174
 29,734
 2,491
 65,399
Doubtful
 
 
 
 
 428
 
 428
Loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total classified and criticized12,430
 44,241
 15
 
 56,686
 50,900
 2,977
 110,563
Acceptable/watch1,129,917
 2,126,815
 1,403,870
 392,580
 5,053,182
 1,694,238
 470,980
 7,218,400
Total outstanding loans$1,142,347
 2,171,056
 1,403,885
 392,580
 5,109,868
 1,745,138
 473,957
 7,328,963

 At December 31, 2018
 Residential
Commercial
mortgages
Multi-
family
Construction
Total
mortgages
Commercial
loans
Consumer
loans
Total loans
Special mention$5,071  14,496  228  —  19,795  67,396  610  87,801  
Substandard7,878  13,292  —  6,181  27,351  45,180  1,711  74,242  
Doubtful—  —  —  —  —  923  —  923  
Loss—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Total classified and criticized12,949  27,788  228  6,181  47,146  113,499  2,321  162,966  
Acceptable/watch1,086,515  2,271,525  1,339,449  382,818  5,080,307  1,581,522  429,107  7,090,936  
Total outstanding loans$1,099,464  2,299,313  1,339,677  388,999  5,127,453  1,695,021  431,428  7,253,902  

89
 At December 31, 2016
 Residential 
Commercial
mortgages
 
Multi-
family
 Construction 
Total
mortgages
 
Commercial
loans
 
Consumer
loans
 Total loans
Special mention$6,563
 25,329
 563
 
 32,455
 14,840
 1,242
 48,537
Substandard12,021
 23,011
 553
 2,517
 38,102
 47,255
 2,940
 88,297
Doubtful
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total classified and criticized18,584
 48,340
 1,116
 2,517
 70,557
 62,095
 4,182
 136,834
Acceptable/watch1,193,088
 1,930,229
 1,400,938
 262,297
 4,786,552
 1,568,349
 512,573
 6,867,474
Total outstanding loans$1,211,672
 1,978,569
 1,402,054
 264,814
 4,857,109
 1,630,444
 516,755
 7,004,308


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


(7) Banking Premises and Equipment
A summary of banking premises and equipment at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 is as follows (in thousands):
 2017 2016
Land$12,440
 17,594
Banking premises58,523
 81,067
Furniture, fixtures and equipment45,184
 43,860
Leasehold improvements35,240
 35,455
Construction in progress1,036
 1,103
 152,423
 179,079
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization89,238
 94,987
Total banking premises and equipment$63,185
 84,092
On December 13, 2017, the Company, completed the sale and leaseback of 12 of its New Jersey banking offices, which had a net book value of $14.5 million. Net proceeds from the sale totaled $20.7 million. The net gain on sale of $6.2 million will be recognized over the 10 year term of the leases as a reduction of rent expense.
20192018
Land$12,440  12,440  
Banking premises59,708  58,351  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment45,660  44,602  
Leasehold improvements35,749  35,106  
Construction in progress3,270  1,563  
156,827  152,062  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization101,617  93,938  
Total banking premises and equipment$55,210  58,124  
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 amounted to $9.0$7.7 million, $9.4$8.0 million and $9.6$9.0 million, respectively.


(8) Intangible Assets
Intangible assets at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
2017 201620192018
Goodwill$411,600
 411,600
Goodwill$420,562  411,600  
Core deposit premiums3,470
 4,546
Core deposit premiums1,753  2,539  
Customer relationship and other intangibles4,483
 5,957
Customer relationship and other intangibles14,142  3,410  
Mortgage servicing rights737
 834
Mortgage servicing rights562  629  
Total intangible assets$420,290
 422,937
Total intangible assets$437,019  418,178  
Amortization expense of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 is as follows (in thousands):
201920182017
Core deposit premiums$786  931  1,076  
Customer relationship and other intangibles1,869  1,073  1,474  
Mortgage servicing rights85  123  120  
Total amortization expense of intangible assets$2,740  2,127  2,670  
 2017 2016 2015
Core deposit premiums$1,076
 1,300
 1,757
Customer relationship and other intangibles1,474
 1,909
 2,136
Mortgage servicing rights120
 182
 173
Total amortization expense of intangible assets$2,670
 3,391
 4,066

Scheduled amortization of core deposit premiums and customer relationship and other intangibles for each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands):
Year ended December 31,Scheduled Amortization
2020$2,675  
20212,380  
20222,085  
20231,793  
20241,517  

90
Year ended December 31, Scheduled Amortization
2018 $2,004
2019 1,709
2020 1,415
2021 1,120
2022 825



PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


(9) Deposits
Deposits at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
2019
Weighted
average
interest rate
2018
Weighted
average
interest rate
Savings deposits$983,714  0.14 %$1,051,922  0.16 %
Money market accounts1,738,202  0.79  1,496,310  0.63  
NOW accounts2,092,413  0.79  2,049,645  0.73  
Non-interest bearing deposits1,554,253  —  1,481,753  —  
Certificates of deposit734,027  1.72  750,492  1.58  
Total deposits$7,102,609  $6,830,122  
 2017 
Weighted
average
interest rate
 2016 
Weighted
average
interest rate
Savings deposits$1,083,012
 0.17% $1,099,020
 0.17%
Money market accounts1,532,024
 0.36
 1,582,750
 0.31
NOW accounts2,011,334
 0.46
 1,871,298
 0.33
Non-interest bearing deposits1,452,987
 
 1,349,378
 
Certificates of deposit634,809
 0.94
 651,183
 0.72
Total deposits$6,714,166
   $6,553,629
  
Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit accounts at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are as follows (in thousands):
2017 201620192018
Within one year$424,448
 439,035
Within one year$606,870  584,478  
One to three years150,280
 134,941
One to three years81,987  119,655  
Three to five years56,529
 75,751
Three to five years44,243  45,518  
Five years and thereafter3,552
 1,456
Five years and thereafter927  841  
$634,809
 651,183
$734,027  750,492  
Interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 Years ended December 31,
 201920182017
Savings deposits$1,681  1,923  2,092  
NOW and money market accounts29,542  20,450  12,205  
Certificates of deposits14,271  8,320  5,144  
$45,494  30,693  19,441  
 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Savings deposits$2,092
 1,709
 1,039
NOW and money market accounts12,205
 10,106
 8,046
Certificates of deposits5,144
 5,132
 5,436
 $19,441
 16,947
 14,521


(10) Borrowed Funds
Borrowed funds at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
2017 201620192018
Securities sold under repurchase agreements$143,179
 156,665
Securities sold under repurchase agreements$60,737  121,322  
FHLB line of credit472,000
 161,000
FHLB line of credit298,000  283,000  
FHLB advances1,127,335
 1,295,080
FHLB advances766,409  1,037,960  
Total borrowed funds$1,742,514
 1,612,745
Total borrowed funds$1,125,146  1,442,282  
At December 31, 2017,2019, FHLB advances were at fixed rates and mature between January 20182020 and AprilMay 2022, and at December 31, 2016,2018, FHLB advances were at fixed rates and mature between January 20172019 and April 2022. These advances are secured by loans receivable and investment securities under a blanket collateral agreement.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

91



Scheduled maturities of FHLB advances at December 31, 20172019 are as follows (in thousands):
 2017
Due in one year or less$389,375
Due after one year through two years436,551
Due after two years through three years249,169
Due after three years through four years42,240
Due after four years through five years10,000
Thereafter
Total FHLB advances$1,127,335
2019
Due in one year or less$489,169 
Due after one year through two years146,240 
Due after two years through three years131,000 
Due after three years through four years— 
Thereafter— 
Total FHLB advances$766,409 
Scheduled maturities of securities sold under repurchase agreements at December 31, 20172019 are as follows (in thousands):
 2017
Due in one year or less$108,179
Due after one year through two years35,000
Due after two years through three years
Thereafter
Total securities sold under repurchase agreements$143,179
2019
Due in one year or less$60,737 
Thereafter— 
Total securities sold under repurchase agreements$60,737 
The following tables set forth certain information as to borrowed funds for the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 (in thousands):
Maximum
balance
Average
balance
Weighted average
interest rate
Maximum
balance
 
Average
balance
 
Weighted average
interest rate
2017:     
20192019
Securities sold under repurchase agreements$210,702
 164,982
 1.26%Securities sold under repurchase agreements$96,914  71,234  0.49 %
FHLB line of credit472,000
 179,003
 1.17
FHLB line of credit451,000  325,481  2.40  
FHLB advances1,288,448
 1,237,979
 1.78
FHLB advances1,190,006  939,916  2.11  
2016:     
20182018
Securities sold under repurchase agreements$283,233
 224,421
 1.42%Securities sold under repurchase agreements$153,715  139,729  1.04 %
FHLB line of credit173,000
 37,608
 0.61
FHLB line of credit487,000  259,189  2.09  
FHLB advances1,343,095
 1,315,278
 1.76
FHLB advances1,256,525  1,136,988  1.90  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements include wholesale borrowing arrangements, as well as arrangements with deposit customers of the Bank to sweep funds into short-term borrowings. The Bank uses securities available for sale debt securities to pledge as collateral for the repurchase agreements.

Interest expense on borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $28.0 million, $28.5 million and $26.2 million, respectively.


(11) Benefit Plans
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits
The Bank has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering its full-time employees who had attained age 21 with at least one year of service as of April 1, 2003. The pension plan was frozen on April 1, 2003. All participants in the pension plan are 100% vested. The pension plan’s assets are invested in investment funds and group annuity contracts currently managed by the Principal Financial Group and Allmerica Financial. Based on the measurement date of December 31, 2017, no2019, 0 contributions will be made to the pension plan in 2018.2020.
In addition to pension benefits, certain health care and life insurance benefits are currently made available to certain of the Bank’s retired employees. The costs of such benefits are accrued based on actuarial assumptions from the date of hire to the date the employee is fully eligible to receive the benefits. Effective January 1, 2003, eligibility for retiree health care benefits was frozen as to new entrants and benefits were eliminated for employees with less than ten years of service as of December 31, 2002. Effective January 1, 2007, eligibility for retiree life insurance benefits was frozen as to new entrants and retiree life insurance benefits were eliminated for employees with less than ten years of service as of December 31, 2006.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

92



The following table sets forth information regarding the pension plan and post-retirement healthcare and life insurance plans (in thousands):
Pension Post-retirement PensionPost-retirement
2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 201920182017201920182017
Change in benefit obligation:           Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$29,533
 28,274
 28,921
 20,805
 25,694
 28,333
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$28,878  31,970  29,533  20,028  22,757  20,805  
Service cost
 
 
 105
 150
 168
Service cost—  —  —  80  115  105  
Interest cost1,227
 1,247
 1,137
 871
 1,138
 1,122
Interest cost1,198  1,094  1,227  837  786  871  
Actuarial loss
 70
 78
 
 
 122
Actuarial loss63  —  —  —  18  —  
Benefits paid(1,590) (1,247) (1,179) (560) (682) (644)Benefits paid(1,493) (1,401) (1,590) (600) (590) (560) 
Change in actuarial assumptions2,800
 1,189
 (683) 1,536
 (5,495) (3,407)Change in actuarial assumptions4,412  (2,785) 2,800  2,978  (3,058) 1,536  
Benefit obligation at end of year$31,970
 29,533
 28,274
 22,757
 20,805
 25,694
Benefit obligation at end of year$33,058  28,878  31,970  23,323  20,028  22,757  
Change in plan assets:           Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$43,153
 41,448
 42,744
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$43,449  46,870  43,153  —  —  —  
Actual return on plan assets5,307
 2,952
 (117) 
 
 
Actual return on plan assets7,976  (2,020) 5,307  —  —  —  
Employer contributions
 
 
 560
 682
 644
Employer contributions—  —  —  600  590  560  
Benefits paid(1,590) (1,247) (1,179) (560) (682) (644)Benefits paid(1,493) (1,401) (1,590) (600) (590) (560) 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year$46,870
 43,153
 41,448
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year49,932  43,449  46,870  —  —  —  
Funded status at end of year$14,900
 13,620
 13,174
 (22,757) (20,805) (25,694)Funded status at end of year$16,874  14,571  14,900  (23,323) (20,028) (22,757) 
For the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Company, in the measurement of its pension plan and post-retirement obligations updated its mortality assumptions to the RP 2014 mortality table with the fully generational projection scale MP 20172019 and MP 20162018 issued by The Society of Actuaries ("SOA") in October 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. The prepaid pension benefits of $14.9$16.9 million and the unfunded post-retirement healthcare and life insurance benefits of $22.8$23.3 million at December 31, 20172019 are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated statementConsolidated Statements of financial condition.Financial Condition.
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain) related to the pension plan and other post-retirement benefits, on a pre-tax basis, at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
 PensionPost-retirement
 2019201820192018
Unrecognized prior service cost$—  —  —  —  
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)10,346  12,300  (3,621) (7,425) 
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain)$10,346  12,300  (3,621) (7,425) 
 Pension Post-retirement
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Unrecognized prior service cost$
 
 
 
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)11,091
 11,968
 (4,781) (6,993)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain)$11,091
 11,968
 (4,781) (6,993)


Net periodic benefit (increase) cost for the years ending December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, included the following components (in thousands):
Pension Post-retirement PensionPost-retirement
2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 201920182017201920182017
Service cost$
 
 
 105
 150
 168
Service cost$—  —  —  80  115  105  
Interest cost1,227
 1,247
 1,137
 871
 1,138
 1,122
Interest cost1,198  1,094  1,227  837  786  871  
Return on plan assets(2,550) (2,449) (2,530) 
 
 
Return on plan assets(2,562) (2,769) (2,550) —  —  —  
Amortization of:           Amortization of:
Net gain (loss)920
 943
 774
 (677) 
 1
Net loss (gain)Net loss (gain)1,015  795  920  (825) (396) (677) 
Unrecognized prior service cost
 
 
 
 
 (1)Unrecognized prior service cost—  —  —  —  —  —  
Net periodic benefit (increase) cost$(403) (259) (619) 299
 1,288
 1,290
Net periodic benefit (increase) cost$(349) (880) (403) 92  505  299  
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

93



The weighted average actuarial assumptions used in the plan determinations at December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 were as follows:
Pension Post-retirement PensionPost-retirement
2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 201920182017201920182017
Discount rate3.50% 4.25% 4.50% 3.50% 4.25% 4.50%Discount rate3.10 %4.25 %3.50 %3.10 %4.25 %3.50 %
Rate of compensation increase
 
 
 
 
 
Rate of compensation increase—  —  —  —  —  —  
Expected return on plan assets6.00
 6.00
 6.00
 
 
 
Expected return on plan assets6.00  6.00  6.00  —  —  —  
Medical and life insurance benefits cost rate of increase
 
 
 6.00
 6.00
 6.00
Medical and life insurance benefits cost rate of increase—  —  —  6.00  6.00  6.00  
The Company provides its actuary with certain rate assumptions used in measuring the benefit obligation. The most significant of these is the discount rate used to calculate the period-end present value of the benefit obligations, and the expense to be included in the following year’s financial statements. A lower discount rate will result in a higher benefit obligation and expense, while a higher discount rate will result in a lower benefit obligation and expense. The discount rate assumption was determined based on a cash flow-yield curve model specific to the Company’s pension and post-retirement plans. The Company compares this rate to certain market indices, such as long-term treasury bonds, or the Citigroup pension liability indices, for reasonableness. A discount rate of 3.50%3.10% was selected for the December 31, 20172019 measurement date.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. A 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have had the following effects on post-retirement benefits at December 31, 20172019 (in thousands):
1% increase 1% decrease1% increase1% decrease
Effect on total service cost and interest cost$170
 140
Effect on total service cost and interest cost$140  110  
Effect on post-retirement benefits obligation$4,000
 3,170
Effect on post-retirement benefits obligation$3,900  3,100  
Estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate for the next five years, are as follows (in thousands):
PensionPost-retirement
2020$1,615  749  
20211,670  804  
20221,695  817  
20231,743  864  
20241,805  877  
 Pension Post-retirement
2018$1,443
 $645
20191,496
 684
20201,538
 705
20211,593
 771
20221,635
 828


The weighted-average asset allocation of pension plan assets at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 were as follows:
Asset Category 2017 2016Asset Category20192018
Domestic equities 38% 37%Domestic equities37 %34 %
Foreign equities 11% 11%Foreign equities11 %11 %
Fixed income 49% 50%Fixed income50 %53 %
Real estate 2% 2%Real estate%%
Cash 0% 0%Cash— %— %
Total 100% 100%Total100 %100 %
The Company’s expected return on pension plan assets assumption is based on historical investment return experience and evaluation of input from the Plan's Investment Consultant and the Company's Benefits Committee which manages the pension plan’s assets. The expected return on pension plan assets is also impacted by the target allocation of assets, which is based on the Company’s goal of earning the highest rate of return while maintaining risk at acceptable levels.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


Management strives to have pension plan assets sufficiently diversified so that adverse or unexpected results from one security class will not have a significant detrimental impact on the entire portfolio. The target allocation of assets and acceptable ranges around the targets are as follows:
94


Asset Category Target Allowable RangeAsset CategoryTargetAllowable Range
Domestic equities 37% 30-41%
Domestic equities37 %30-41%
Foreign equities 11% 5-13%
Foreign equities11 %5-13%
Fixed income 50% 40-65%
Fixed income50 %40-65%
Real estate 2% 0-4%
Real estate%0-4%
Cash 0% 0%Cash%0%
Total 100%  Total100 %
The Company anticipates that the long-term asset allocation on average will approximate the targeted allocation. Actual asset allocations are the result of investment decisions by a third-party investment manager.
The following tables present the assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy as reported on the statements of net assets available for Plan benefits at December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 Fair value measurements at December 31, 2019
(in thousands)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Group annuity contracts$81  —  81  —  
Mutual funds:
Fixed income16,609  16,609  —  —  
International equity5,535  5,535  —  —  
Large U.S. equity1,496  1,496  —  —  
Small/Mid U.S. equity996  996  —  —  
Total mutual funds24,636  24,636  —  —  
Pooled separate accounts25,215  —  25,215  —  
Total Plan assets$49,932  24,636  25,296  —  
 Fair value measurements at December 31, 2017
(in thousands)Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
Group annuity contracts$120
 
 120
 
Mutual funds:       
Fixed income13,725
 13,725
 
 
International equity5,110
 5,110
 
 
Large U.S. equity1,431
 1,431
 
 
Small/Mid U.S. equity950
 950
 
 
Total mutual funds21,216
 21,216
 
 
Pooled separate accounts25,534
 
 25,534
 
Total investments$46,870
 21,216
 25,654
 


Fair value measurements at December 31, 2016 Fair value measurements at December 31, 2018
(in thousands)Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)(in thousands)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Group annuity contracts$127
 
 127
 
Group annuity contracts$100  —  100  —  
Mutual funds:       Mutual funds:
Fixed income12,740
 12,740
 
 
Fixed income15,252  15,252  —  —  
International equity4,659
 4,659
 
 
International equity4,649  4,649  —  —  
Large U.S. equity1,296
 1,296
 
 
Large U.S. equity1,224  1,224  —  —  
Small/Mid U.S. equity840
 840
 
 
Small/Mid U.S. equity772  772  —  —  
Total mutual funds19,535
 19,535
 
 
Total mutual funds21,897  21,897  —  —  
Pooled separate accounts23,491
 
 23,491
 
Pooled separate accounts21,452  —  21,452  —  
Total investments$43,153
 19,535
 23,618
 
Total Plan assetsTotal Plan assets$43,449  21,897  21,552  —  
401(k) Plan
The Bank has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees of the Bank. For 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, the Bank matched 25% of the first 6% contributed by the participants. The contribution percentage is determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion. The Bank’s aggregate contributions to the 401(k) Plan for 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016were $981,000, $973,000 and 2015 were $890,000, $850,000 and $770,000,$890,000, respectively.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
The Bank maintains a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan for certain senior officers of the Bank. This unfunded plan, which was frozen as of April 1, 2003. The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which is unfunded,2003 provides benefits in excess of the benefits permitted to be paid by the pension plan
95


under provisions of the tax law. Amounts expensed under this supplemental retirement plan amounted to $91,000, $96,000$85,000, $82,000 and $93,000$91,000 for the years 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, respectively. At December 31, 20172019 and 2016, $2.02018, $1.9 million and $2.1$2.0 million, respectively, were recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of financial conditionFinancial Condition for this supplemental retirement plan. DecreasesIn connection with this supplemental retirement plan, an increase of $120,000, $30,000,$187,000, a decrease of $119,000, and $82,000,a decrease of $120,000, net of tax, were recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) for 2019, 2018 and 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in connection with this supplemental retirement plan.respectively.
Retirement Plan for the Board of Directors of Provident Bank
The Bank maintains a Retirement Plan for the Board of Directors of the Bank, a non-qualified plan that provides cash payments for up to 10 years to eligible retired board members based on age and length of service requirements. The maximum payment under this plan to a board member, who terminates service on or after the age of 72 with at least ten years of service on the board, is forty40 quarterly payments of $1,250. The Bank may suspend payments under this plan if it does not meet Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance minimum capital requirements. The Bank may terminate this plan at any time although such termination may not reduce or eliminate any benefit previously accrued to a board member without his or her consent. The plan was amended in December 2005 to terminate benefits under this plan for any directors who had less than ten years of service on the board of directors of the Bank as of December 31, 2006.
The plan further provides that, in the event of a change in control (as defined in the plan), the undistributed balance of a director’s accrued benefit will be distributed to him or her within 60 days of the change in control. The Bank paid $13,000, $17,500,$15,000, $10,000, and $20,000$12,500 to former board members under this plan for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, respectively. At December 31, 20172019 and 2016, $142,0002018, $130,000 and $148,000,$139,000, respectively, were recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of financial conditionFinancial Condition for this retirement plan. AAn increase of $730, an increase of $3,000, and a decrease of $1,000, a decrease of $3,000, and an increase of $1,800, net of tax, were recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) for 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, respectively, in connection with this plan.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
The ESOP is a tax-qualified plan designed to invest primarily in the Company’s common stock that provides employees with the opportunity to receive a funded retirement benefit from the Bank, based primarily on the value of the Company’s common stock. The ESOP purchased 4,769,464 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price of $17.09$17.09 per share with the proceeds of a loan from the Company to the ESOP. The outstanding loan principal at December 31, 2017,2019, was $41.4 million.$31.1 million. Shares of the Company’s common stock pledged as collateral for the loan are released from the pledge for allocation to participants as loan payments are made.
For the years ending December 31, 20172019 and 2016, 242,2542018, 280,522 shares and 219,623243,527 shares from the ESOP were released, respectively. Unallocated ESOP shares held in suspense totaled 1,980,5361,456,487 at December 31, 2017,2019, and had a fair value of $53.4 million.$35.9 million. ESOP compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016 and 2015 was $4.6$4.5 million,, $3.7 $4.5 million and $3.0$4.6 million, respectively.
Non-Qualified Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan (“the Supplemental Employee Stock Ownership Plan”)
Effective January 1, 2004, the Bank established a deferred compensation plan for executive management and key employees of the Bank, known as Provident Bank Non-Qualified Supplemental Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “Supplemental ESOP”). The Supplemental ESOP was amended and restated as the Non-Qualified Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan (the “Supplemental DC Plan”), effective January 1, 2010. The Supplemental DC Plan is a non-qualified plan that provides additional benefits to certain executives whose benefits under the 401(k) Plan and ESOP are limited by tax law limitations applicable to tax-qualified plans. The Supplemental DC Plan requires a contribution by the Bank for each participant who also participates in the 401(k) Plan and ESOP equal to the amount that would have been contributed under the terms of the 401(k) Plan and ESOP but for the tax law limitations, less the amount actually contributed under the 401(k) Plan and ESOP.
The Supplemental DC Plan provides for a phantom stock allocation for qualified contributions that may not be accrued in the qualified ESOP and for matching contributions that may not be accrued in the qualified 401(k) Plan due to tax law limitations. Under the Supplemental 401(k) provision, the estimated expense for the yearyears ending December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016was $22,000, $18,000 and 2015 was $17,500, $14,500 and $11,500,$17,500, respectively, and included the matching contributions plus interest credited at an annual rate equal
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


to the ten-year bond-equivalent yield on U.S. Treasury securities. Under the Supplemental ESOP provision, the estimated expense for the yearyears ending December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016was $140,000, $121,000 and 2015 was $105,000, $93,000 and $54,000, $105,000,
96


respectively. The phantom equity is treated as equity awards (expensed at the time of allocation) and not liability awards which would require periodic adjustment to market, as participants do not have an option to take their distribution in cash.
The Amended and Restated2019 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan
Upon stockholders’ approval of the Amended and Restated2019 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan on April 4, 2014,25, 2019, shares available for stock awards and stock options under the 2008Amended and Restated Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan were reserved for issuance under the new Amended and Restated2019 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. No additional grants of stock awards and stock options will be made under the 2008Amended and Restated Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. The new plan authorized the issuance of up to 3,686,5101,350,000 shares of Company common stock with no more than 2,100,000 shares permitted to be issued as stock awards. Shares previously awarded under the 2008prior equity incentive plans that are subsequently forfeited or expire may also be issued under thethis new plan.
Stock Awards
As a general rule, restricted stock grants are held in escrow for the benefit of the award recipient until vested. Awards outstanding generally vest in three annual installments, commencing one year from the date of the award. Additionally, certain awards are three-yearthree-year performance vesting awards, which may or may not vest depending upon the attainment of certain corporate financial targets. Expense attributable to stock awards amounted to $5.0$6.7 million,, $3.8 $6.0 million and $4.6$5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
A summary status of the granted but unvested stock awards as of December 31, and changes during the year, is presented below:
Restricted Stock Awards Restricted Stock Awards
2017 2016 2015 201920182017
Outstanding at beginning of year547,698
 591,746
 846,462
Outstanding at beginning of year651,099  660,783  547,698  
Granted288,519
 351,836
 339,936
Granted291,034  296,411  288,519  
Forfeited(62,677) (178,632) (240,191)Forfeited(46,914) (56,296) (62,677) 
Vested(112,757) (217,252) (354,461)Vested(226,393) (249,799) (112,757) 
Outstanding at the end of year660,783
 547,698
 591,746
Outstanding at the end of year668,826  651,099  660,783  
As of December 31, 2017,2019, unrecognized compensation cost relating to unvested restricted stock totaled $5.7$6.4 million. This amount will be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 1.91.7 years.
Stock Options
Each stock option granted entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price not less than the fair value of a share of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. Options generally vest over a five-yearfive-year period from the date of grant and expire no later than 10 years following the grant date. Additionally, certain options are three-yearthree-year performance vesting options, which may or may not vest depending upon the attainment of certain corporate financial targets.
A summary of the status of the granted but unexercised stock options as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and changes during the year is presented below:
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 201920182017
 
Number
of
stock
options
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Number
of
stock
options
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Number
of
stock
options
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Outstanding at beginning of year470,979  $18.36  507,656  $16.84  703,669  $14.70  
Granted41,685  27.25  43,124  25.58  42,857  26.31  
Exercised(13,463) 10.35  (79,801) 12.61  (238,370) 12.22  
Forfeited—  —  —  —  —  —  
Expired—  —  —  —  (500) 17.94  
Outstanding at the end of year499,201  $19.32  470,979  $18.36  507,656  $16.84  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
97




 2017 2016 2015
 
Number
of
stock
options
 
Weighted
average
exercise
price
 
Number
of
stock
options
 
Weighted
average
exercise
price
 
Number
of
stock
options
 
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Outstanding at beginning of year703,669
 $14.70
 1,084,686
 $15.32
 1,284,321
 $15.32
Granted42,857
 26.31
 76,327
 18.70
 65,972
 16.38
Exercised(238,370) 12.22
 (368,838) 16.92
 (201,320) 15.72
Forfeited
 
 (82,006) 16.42
 (62,287) 14.93
Expired(500) 17.94
 (6,500) 18.55
 (2,000) 17.94
Outstanding at the end of year507,656
 $16.84
 703,669
 $14.70
 1,084,686
 $15.32

The total fair value of options vesting during 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016was $193,000, $189,000 and 2015 was $168,000, $247,000 and $274,000,$168,000, respectively.
Compensation expense of approximately $138,000, $70,582$135,000, $74,000 and $10,000$11,000 is projected for 2018, 20192020, 2021 and 2020,2022, respectively, on stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017.2019.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017:2019:
 Options OutstandingOptions Exercisable
Range of exercise prices
Number
of
options
outstanding
Average
remaining
contractual
life
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Number
of
options
exercisable
Weighted
average
exercise
price
$14.50-15.23148,474  2.2$14.88  148,474  $14.88  
$16.38-27.25350,726  6.2$20.89  204,905  $18.28  
 Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
Range of exercise prices
Number
of
options
outstanding
 
Average
remaining
contractual
life
 
Weighted
average
exercise
price
 
Number
of
options
exercisable
 
Weighted
average
exercise
price
$10.34-15.23241,740
 3.4 years $14.00
 234,738
 $13.84
$16.38-26.31265,916
 7.4 years $19.13
 136,183
 $17.45


The stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable at December 31, 20172019 have an aggregate intrinsic value of $5,249,000$3.0 million and $4,380,000,$2.8 million, respectively.
The expense related to stock options is based on the fair value of the options at the date of the grant and is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the options.
Compensation expense related to the Company’s stock option plan totaled $203,000, $172,000$181,000, $190,000 and $272,000$203,000 for 2019, 2018 and 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The estimated fair values were determined on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes Option pricing model. The fair value of the Company’ stock option awards are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the stock option. The risk-free rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury bond with a term approximating the expected term of the option. The expected volatility computation is based on historical volatility over a period approximating the expected term of the option. The dividend yield is based on the annual dividend payment per share, divided by the grant date stock price. The expected option term is a function of the option life and the vesting period.
The fair value of the option grants was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
For the year ended December 31, For the year ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 201920182017
Expected dividend yield2.89% 3.64% 3.49%Expected dividend yield3.38 %3.13 %2.89 %
Expected volatility20.34% 20.71% 21.29%Expected volatility22.01 %20.65 %20.34 %
Risk-free interest rate2.05% 1.21% 1.58%Risk-free interest rate2.53 %2.65 %2.05 %
Expected option life8 years
 8 years
 8 years
Expected option life8 years8 years8 years
The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016was $4.57, $4.29 and 2015 was $4.20 $2.26 and $2.52 per option, respectively.

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


(12) Income Taxes
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act") was signed into law on December 22, 2017. Included as part of the law, was a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. Based upon the change in the tax rate, the Company revalued its net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2017. As a result of the enactment of the Tax Act, the Company recognized an additional tax expense of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
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The current and deferred amounts of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 are as follows (in thousands):
 Years ended December 31,
 201920182017
Current:
Federal$22,427  41,578  4,163  
State10,354  2,493  1,731  
Total current32,781  44,071  5,894  
Deferred:
Federal1,650  (17,302) 39,003  
State24  (1,239) 1,631  
Total deferred1,674  (18,541) 40,634  
$34,455  25,530  46,528  
 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Current:     
Federal$4,163
 32,506
 33,778
State1,731
 1,314
 2,337
Total current5,894
 33,820
 36,115
Deferred:     
Federal39,003
 2,606
 (525)
State1,631
 554
 851
Total deferred40,634
 3,160
 326
 $46,528
 36,980
 36,441


The Company recorded a deferred tax expense (benefit) of $6.6 million, ($2.4) million and ($1.4) million ($3.0) millionduring 2019, 2018 and ($2.5) million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to the unrealized (loss) gaingains (losses) on securities available for sale debt securities, which is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Additionally, the Company recorded a deferred tax (benefit) expense of ($586,000)463,000), $2.3 million$379,000 and $866,000($315,000) in 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, respectively, related to the amortization of post-retirement benefit obligations, which is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.
A reconciliation between the amount of reported total income tax expense and the amount computed by multiplying the applicable statutory income tax rate is as follows (in thousands):
 Years ended December 31,
 201920182017
Tax expense at statutory rates (1)
$30,889  30,223  49,167  
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State tax, net of federal income tax benefit8,197  1,002  2,185  
Tax-exempt interest income(3,082) (2,839) (5,097) 
Bank-owned life insurance(1,322) (1,158) (2,343) 
Enactment of Tax Act—  —  3,912  
Other, net(227) (1,698) (1,296) 
$34,455  25,530  46,528  
(1) The statutory tax rate for both 2019 and 2018 was 21%. For 2017, the statutory tax rate was 35%.
99

 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Tax expense at statutory rate of 35%$49,167
 43,674
 42,057
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:     
State tax, net of federal income tax benefit2,185
 1,215
 2,072
Tax-exempt interest income(5,097) (5,286) (5,520)
Bank-owned life insurance(2,343) (1,915) (1,871)
Enactment of Tax Act3,912
 
 
Other, net(1,296) (708) (297)
 $46,528
 36,980
 36,441

The net deferred tax asset is included in other assets in the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of financial condition.Financial Condition. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are as follows (in thousands):
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


2017 201620192018
Deferred tax assets:   Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses$14,884
 23,852
Allowance for loan losses$14,313  13,968  
Post-retirement benefit7,265
 11,150
Post-retirement benefit6,946  7,481  
Deferred compensation1,382
 2,447
Deferred compensation1,175  1,371  
Purchase accounting adjustments1,242
 1,979
Purchase accounting adjustments1,629  1,562  
Depreciation2,284
 4,025
Depreciation750  215  
SERP651
 966
SERP688  694  
ESOP2,000
 3,203
ESOP1,606  1,929  
Stock-based compensation4,066
 5,259
Stock-based compensation4,747  4,464  
Non-accrual interest839
 3,738
Non-accrual interest417  867  
Unrealized loss on securities1,180
 350
State NOL18
 81
Federal NOL270
 742
Unrealized loss on available for sale debt securitiesUnrealized loss on available for sale debt securities—  3,599  
Federal Net Operating Loss ("NOL")Federal Net Operating Loss ("NOL")321  363  
Pension liability adjustments1,495
 2,051
Pension liability adjustments1,821  1,358  
Other2,561
 1,817
Other1,223  2,164  
Total gross deferred tax assets40,137
 61,660
Total gross deferred tax assets35,636  40,035  
Deferred tax liabilities:   Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred REIT dividend22,264
 
Pension expense6,857
 10,255
Pension expense7,017  7,322  
Deferred loan costs4,043
 5,477
Deferred loan costs5,064  4,872  
Investment securities, principally due to accretion of discounts79
 167
Investment securities, principally due to accretion of discounts70  93  
Intangibles775
 548
Intangibles1,393  1,159  
Originated mortgage servicing rights184
 313
Originated mortgage servicing rights140  165  
Unrealized gain on available for sale debt securitiesUnrealized gain on available for sale debt securities3,038  —  
Net unrealized gain on hedging activitiesNet unrealized gain on hedging activities114  —  
Total gross deferred tax liabilities34,202
 16,760
Total gross deferred tax liabilities16,836  13,611  
Net deferred tax asset$5,935
 44,900
Net deferred tax asset$18,800  26,424  
Retained earnings at December 31, 20172019 includes approximately $51.8 million for which no provision for income tax has been made. This amount represents an allocation of income to bad debt deductions for tax purposes only. Events that would result in taxation of these reserves include the failure to qualify as a bank for tax purposes, distributions in complete or partial liquidation, stock redemptions and excess distributions to stockholders. At December 31, 2017,2019, the Company had an unrecognized tax liability of $13.7$13.4 million with respect to this reserve.
As a result of the Beacon Trust acquisition in 2011, the Company acquired federal net operating loss carryforwards. There are approximately $1.3$1.5 million of NOL carryforwards available to offset future taxable income as of December 31, 2017.2019. If not utilized, these carryforwards will expire in 2031. Also,Pursuant to the Company's New Jersey NOL carryforwards are approximately $240,000 which are scheduledTax Act, NOLs created after December 31, 2017 may be carried forward indefinitely and utilization is subject to expire in 2031.80% of taxable income. The federal NOLs are subject to a combined annual Code Section 382 limitation in the amount of approximately $840,000.$197,000. Management has determined that it is more likely than not that it will realize the net deferred tax asset based upon the nature and timing of the items listed above. In order to fully realize the net deferred tax asset, the Company will need to generate future taxable income. Management has projected that the Company will generate sufficient taxable income to utilize the net deferred tax asset; however, there can be no assurance that such levels of taxable income will be generated.
The Company’s policy is to report interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company did not have any liabilities for uncertain tax positions or any known unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.
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The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return, separatereturn. For tax periods prior to December 31, 2018, New Jersey Statetax law does not and has not allowed for a taxpayer to file a tax return on a combined or consolidated basis with another member of the affiliated group where there is common ownership. As a result of the newly enacted legislation that New Jersey effectuated on July 1, 2018, beginning in 2019, the Company and its subsidiaries will be required to file a combined New Jersey state income tax returns,return on apportioned and allocated income. Also, the Company and its subsidiaries file a combined New York State income tax return on apportioned and allocated income. The Company, through its bank subsidiary, files a Pennsylvania Mutual Thrift Institution Tax return.
The Company's Federal and New York State income tax returns are open for examination from 2015,2017, the New Jersey State income tax returns are open for examination from 2014, and
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015


the Pennsylvania Mutual Thrift Institutions return is open from 2015.2016. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the Company's 2014 federalFederal tax return. The completion of the examination did not have ana material impact on the Company's effective income tax rate. The examination of the Company's 2016 and 2015 New York State tax returns was completed in the first quarter of 2019, and did not have a material impact on the Company's effective income tax rate. The Company's 20162017 and 20152018 New York State returns are currently under audit.
(13) Lease Commitments
The approximate future minimum rental commitments, exclusive of taxes and other related charges, for all significant non-cancellable operating leases at December 31, 2017, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Year ending December 31, 
2018$8,032
20197,511
20206,980
20214,854
20223,378
Thereafter14,578
 $45,333
Rental expense was $8.8 million, $8.7 million and $8.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(14) Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations of Credit Risk
In the normal course of business, various commitments and contingent liabilities are outstanding which are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial position of the Company will not be materially affected by the outcome of such commitments or contingent liabilities.
The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of its business. In the opinion of management, these legal actions and claims are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition andor results of operations.
A substantial portion of the Bank’s loans are secured by real estate located in New Jersey. Accordingly, the collectability of a substantial portion of the Bank’s loan portfolio and the recovery of a substantial portion of the carrying amount of other real estate owned are susceptible to changes in local real estate market conditions.conditions and general business environment.


(15)(14) Regulatory Capital Requirements
FDIC regulations require banks to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. Under the regulations in effect at December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank is required to maintain: (1) a Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio of 4.0%; (2) a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%; (3) a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%; and (4) a total capital to risk-based assets ratio of 8.0%. In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement was effective on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. The capital conservation buffer during the calendar year 2017 was 1.25% and increased to 1.875% on January 1, 2018.
Under its prompt corrective action regulations, the FDIC is required to take certain supervisory actions (and may take additional discretionary actions) with respect to an undercapitalized institution. Such actions could have a direct material effect on an institution’s financial statements. The regulations establish a framework for the classification of savings institutions into five categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Generally, an institution is considered well capitalized if it has: a leverage (Tier 1) capital ratio of at least 5.00%; a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.50%; a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.00%; and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.00%.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


The foregoing capital ratios are based in part on specific quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the FDIC about capital components, risk weightings and other factors.
As of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Bank exceeded all minimum capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. Further, the most recent FDIC notification categorized the Bank as a well-capitalized institution under the prompt corrective action regulations. There have been no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s capital classification.
101


The Company is regulated as a bank holding company, and as such, is subject to examination, regulation and periodic reporting under the Bank Holding Company Act, as administered by the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”). The FRB has adopted capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies on a consolidated basis substantially similar to those of the FDIC for the Bank. As of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Company was “well capitalized” under FRB guidelines. Regulations of the FRB provide that a bank holding company must serve as a source of strength to any of its subsidiary banks and must not conduct its activities in an unsafe or unsound manner. Under the prompt corrective action provisions discussed above, a bank holding company parent of an undercapitalized subsidiary bank would be directed to guarantee, within limitations, the capital restoration plan that is required of such an undercapitalized bank. If the undercapitalized bank fails to file an acceptable capital restoration plan or fails to implement an accepted plan, the FRB may prohibit the bank holding company parent of the undercapitalized bank from paying any dividend or making any other form of capital distribution without the prior approval of the FRB.
The following table shows the Company’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, compared to the FRB minimum capital adequacy requirements and the FRB requirements for classification as a well-capitalized institution (dollars in thousands).
 Actual capitalFRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements
FRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements with capital conservation buffer
To be well-capitalized
under prompt corrective
action provisions
 AmountRatioAmountRatioAmount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio    
As of December 31, 2019
Tier 1 leverage capital$973,214  10.34 %$376,484  4.00 %$376,484  4.00 %$470,605  5.00 %
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital973,214  12.74  343,756  4.50  534,732  7.00  496,537  6.50  
Tier 1 risk-based capital973,214  12.74  458,342  6.00  649,317  8.50  611,122  8.00  
Total risk-based capital1,028,879  13.47  611,122  8.00  802,098  10.50  763,903  10.00  
 Actual capital FRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements
 
FRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements with capital conservation buffer
 
To be well-capitalized
under prompt corrective
action provisions
 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio    
As of December 31, 2017               
Tier 1 leverage capital$887,924
 9.65% $367,999
 4.00% $367,999
 4.00% $459,999
 5.00%
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital887,924
 11.87
 336,736
 4.50% 430,260
 5.75
 486,381
 6.50
Tier 1 risk-based capital887,924
 11.87
 448,981
 6.00% 542,502
 7.25
 598,623
 8.00
Total risk-based capital948,119
 12.67
 598,642
 8.00% 692,157
 9.25
 748,278
 10.00

 Actual capital
FRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements
FRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements with capital conservation buffer
To be well-capitalized
under prompt corrective
action provisions
 AmountRatioAmount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio    
As of December 31, 2018
Tier 1 leverage capital$953,768  10.24 %$372,458  4.00 %$372,458  4.00 %$465,573  5.00 %
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital953,768  12.54  342,277  4.50  484,893  6.38  494,400  6.50  
Tier 1 risk-based capital953,768  12.54  456,370  6.00  598,985  7.88  608,493  8.00  
Total risk-based capital1,009,475  13.27  608,493  8.00  751,108  9.88  760,616  10.00  

102
 Actual capital 
FRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements
 FRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements with capital conservation buffer
 
To be well-capitalized
under prompt corrective
action provisions
 Amount Ratio Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio    
As of December 31, 2016               
Tier 1 leverage capital$835,282
 9.25% $361,183
 4.00% $361,183
 4.00% $451,479
 5.00%
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital835,282
 11.64
 323,048
 4.50
 367,916
 5.13% 466,625
 6.50
Tier 1 risk-based capital835,282
 11.64
 430,731
 6.00
 475,599
 6.63% 574,308
 8.00
Total risk-based capital897,165
 12.50
 574,308
 8.00
 619,176
 8.63% 717,885
 10.00


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


The following table shows the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, compared to the FDIC minimum capital adequacy requirements and the FDIC requirements for classification as a well-capitalized institution (dollars in thousands).
Actual capitalFDIC minimum capital
adequacy requirements
FDIC minimum capital
adequacy requirements with capital conservation buffer
To be well-capitalized
under prompt corrective
action provisions
Actual capital FDIC minimum capital
adequacy requirements
 
FDIC minimum capital
adequacy requirements with Capital Conservation buffer
 
To be well-capitalized
under prompt corrective
action provisions
AmountRatioAmount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio    
Amount Ratio Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio    
As of December 31, 2017               
As of December 31, 2019As of December 31, 2019
Tier 1 leverage capital$834,084
 9.07% $367,986
 4.00% $367,986
 4.00% $459,983
 5.00%Tier 1 leverage capital$923,471  9.81 %$376,449  4.00 %$376,449  4.00 %$470,562  5.00 %
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital834,084
 11.15
 336,721
 4.50% 430,254
 5.75
 486,374
 6.50
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital923,471  12.09  343,716  4.50  534,670  7.00  496,479  6.50  
Tier 1 risk-based capital834,084
 11.15
 448,961
 6.00% 542,494
 7.25
 598,615
 8.00
Tier 1 risk-based capital923,471  12.09  458,288  6.00  649,242  8.50  611,051  8.00  
Total risk-based capital894,430
 11.95
 598,615
 8.00% 692,148
 9.25
 748,268
 10.00
Total risk-based capital979,136  12.82  611,051  8.00  802,004  10.50  763,814  10.00  
 
 Actual capital
FDIC minimum capital
adequacy requirements
FRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements with capital conservation buffer
To be well-capitalized
under prompt corrective
action provisions
 AmountRatioAmount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio    
As of December 31, 2018
Tier 1 leverage capital$917,659  9.86 %$372,443  4.00 %$372,443  4.00 %$465,553  5.00 %
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital917,659  12.06  342,279  4.50  484,895  6.38  494,403  6.50  
Tier 1 risk-based capital917,659  12.06  456,372  6.00  598,988  7.88  608,496  8.00  
Total risk-based capital973,366  12.80  608,496  8.00  751,113  9.88  760,620  10.00  

 Actual capital 
FDIC minimum capital
adequacy requirements
 FRB minimum capital
adequacy requirements with capital conservation buffer
 
To be well-capitalized
under prompt corrective
action provisions
 Amount Ratio Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio    
As of December 31, 2016               
Tier 1 leverage capital$760,708
 8.42% $361,172
 4.00% $361,172
 4.00% $451,465
 5.00%
Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital760,708
 10.60
 323,040
 4.50
 367,907
 5.13% 466,613
 6.50
Tier 1 risk-based capital760,708
 10.60
 430,720
 6.00
 475,587
 6.63% 574,293
 8.00
Total risk-based capital822,743
 11.46
 574,293
 8.00
 619,160
 8.63% 717,867
 10.00

(16)(15) Fair Value Measurements
The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The determination of fair values of financial instruments often requires the use of estimates. Where quoted market values in an active market are not readily available, the Company utilizes various valuation techniques to estimate fair value.
Fair value is an estimate of the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. However, in many instances fair value estimates may not be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and may not be realized in an immediate sale of the financial instrument.
GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1:Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2:Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level 3:Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

103



The valuation techniques are based upon the unpaid principal balance only, and exclude any accrued interest or dividends at the measurement date. Interest income and expense and dividend income are recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument using the effective interest method based on acquired discount or premium.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The valuation techniques described below were used to measure fair value of financial instruments in the table below on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 2016.2018.
Securities Available for Sale Debt Securities
For securities available for sale debt securities, fair value was estimated using a market approach. The majority of the Company’s securities are fixed income instruments that are not quoted on an exchange, but are traded in active markets. Prices for these instruments are obtained through third-party data service providers or dealer market participants with which the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of securities. Prices obtained from these sources include market quotations and matrix pricing. Matrix pricing, a Level 2 input, is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities to benchmark or to comparable securities. The Company evaluates the quality of Level 2 matrix pricing through comparison to similar assets with greater liquidity and evaluation of projected cash flows. As the Company is responsible for the determination of fair value, it performs a quarterly analysis ofanalyses on the prices received from the pricing service to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. Specifically, the Company compares the prices received from the pricing service to a secondary pricing source. Additionally, the Company compares changes in the reported market values and returns to relevant market indices to test the reasonableness of the reported prices. The Company’s internal price verification procedures and review of fair value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services has not historically resulted in an adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service.
Equity Securities, at Fair Value
The Company also may holdholds equity securities and debt instruments issued by the U.S. government and U.S. government-sponsored agencies that are traded in active markets with readily accessible quoted market prices that are considered Level 1 inputs.
Derivatives
The Company records all derivatives on the statements of financial condition at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. The Company has interest rate derivatives resulting from a service provided to certain qualified borrowers in a loan related transaction and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities. As such, all changes in fair value of the Company’s derivatives are recognized directly in earnings.
The Company also uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, and which satisfy hedge accounting requirements, involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. These derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash outflows associated with FHLBNY borrowings. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of these derivatives are recognized directly in earnings.
The fair value of the Company's derivatives are determined using discounted cash flow analysis using observable market-based inputs, which are considered Level 2 inputs.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The valuation techniques described below were used to estimate fair value of financial instruments measured on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.
Collateral Dependent Impaired Loans
For loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, fair value was estimated using a market approach. The Company measures the fair value of collateral underlying impaired loans primarily through obtaining
104


independent appraisals that rely upon quoted market prices for similar assets in active markets. These appraisals include adjustments, on an individual case-by-case basis, to comparable assets based on the appraisers’ market knowledge and experience, as well as
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


adjustments for estimated costs to sell between 5% and 10%. The Company classifies these loans as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Foreclosed Assets
Assets acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure are carried at fair value, less estimated costs, which range between 5% and 10%. Fair value is generally based on independent appraisals that rely upon quoted market prices for similar assets in active markets. These appraisals include adjustments, on an individual case basis, to comparable assets based on the appraisers’ market knowledge and experience, and are classified as Level 3. When an asset is acquired, the excess of the loan balance over fair value less estimated selling costs is charged to the allowance for loan losses. A reserve for foreclosed assets may be established to provide for possible write-downs and selling costs that occur subsequent to foreclosure. Foreclosed assets are carried net of the related reserve. Operating results from real estate owned, including rental income, operating expenses, and gains and losses realized from the sales of real estate owned, are recorded as incurred.
There were no changes to the valuation techniques for fair value measurements during the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.
The following tables present the assets and liabilities reported on the consolidated statements of financial condition at their fair value as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands).
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
 December 31, 2019
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Measured on a recurring basis:
Available for sale debt securities:
Mortgage-backed securities$947,430  —  947,430  —  
State and municipal obligations4,079  —  4,079  —  
Corporate obligations25,410  —  25,410  —  
Total available for sale debt securities$976,919  —  976,919  —  
Equity Securities825  825  —  —  
Derivative assets39,305  —  39,305  
$1,017,049  825  1,016,224  —  
Derivative liabilities$39,356  —  39,356  —  
Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral$20,403  —  —  20,403  
Foreclosed assets2,715  —  —  2,715  
$23,118  —  —  23,118  

105


   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
 December 31, 2017 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Measured on a recurring basis:       
Securities available for sale:       
Agency obligations$19,005
 19,005
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities988,367
 
 988,367
 
State and municipal obligations3,388
 
 3,388
 
Corporate obligations26,394
 
 26,394
 
Equities658
 658
 
 
Total securities available for sale$1,037,812
 19,663
 1,018,149
 
Derivative assets7,219
 
 7,219
  
 $1,045,031
 19,663
 1,025,368
 
        
Derivative liabilities$6,315
 
 6,315
 
        
Measured on a non-recurring basis:       
Loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral$6,971
 
 
 6,971
Foreclosed assets6,864
 
 
 6,864
 $13,835
 
 
 13,835
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
December 31, 2016 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31, 2018
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Measured on a recurring basis:       Measured on a recurring basis:
Securities available for sale:       
U.S. Treasury obligations$8,008
 8,008
 
 
Agency obligations57,188
 57,188
 
 
Available for sale debt securities:Available for sale debt securities:
Mortgage-backed securities951,861
 
 951,861
 
Mortgage-backed securities$1,034,969  —  1,034,969  —  
State and municipal obligations3,743
 
 3,743
 
State and municipal obligations2,912  —  2,912  —  
Corporate obligations19,037
 
 19,037
 
Corporate obligations25,198  —  25,198  —  
Equities549
 549
 
 
Total securities available for sale$1,040,386
 65,745
 974,641
 
Total available for sale debt securitiesTotal available for sale debt securities$1,063,079  —  1,063,079  —  
Equity SecuritiesEquity Securities635  635  —  —  
Derivative assets7,441
 
 7,441
 
Derivative assets15,634  —  15,634  —  
$1,047,827
 65,745
 982,082
 
$1,079,348  635  1,078,713  —  
       
Derivative liabilities$6,750
 
 6,750
 
Derivative liabilities$14,766  —  14,766  —  
       
Measured on a non-recurring basis:       Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral$11,001
 
 
 11,001
Loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral$4,285  —  —  4,285  
Foreclosed assets7,991
 
 
 7,991
Foreclosed assets1,565  —  —  1,565  
$18,992
 
 
 18,992
$4,285  —  —  4,285  
There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.
Other Fair Value Disclosures
The Company is required to disclose estimated fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities on and off the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for those assets and liabilities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and short-term investments, the carrying amount approximates fair value.
Investment Securities Held to Maturity Debt Securities
For investment securities held to maturity debt securities, fair value was estimated using a market approach. The majority of the Company’s securities are fixed income instruments that are not quoted on an exchange, but are traded in active markets. Prices for these instruments are obtained through third party data service providers or dealer market participants with which the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of securities. Prices obtained from these sources include market quotations and matrix pricing. Matrix pricing, a Level 2 input, is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities to benchmark or comparable securities. The Company evaluates the quality of Level 2 matrix pricing through comparison to similar assets with greater liquidity and evaluation of projected cash flows. As the Company is responsible for the determination of fair value, it performs quarterly analysis of the prices received from the pricing service to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. Specifically, the Company compares the prices received from the pricing service to a secondary pricing source. Additionally, the Company compares changes in the reported market values and returns to relevant market indices to test the reasonableness of the reported prices. The Company’s internal price verification procedures and review of fair value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services has not historically resulted in adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company also holds debt instruments issued by the U.S. government and U.S. government agencies that are traded in active markets with readily accessible quoted market prices that are considered Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


FHLBNY Stock
The carrying value of FHLBNY stock was its cost. The fair value of FHLBNY stock is based on redemption at par value. The Company classifies the estimated fair value as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
106


Loans
Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial mortgage, residential mortgage, commercial, construction and consumer. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and into performing and non-performing categories. The fair value of performing loans was estimated using a combination of techniques, including a discounted cash flow model that utilizes a discount rate that reflects the Company’s current pricing for loans with similar characteristics and remaining maturity, adjusted by an amount for estimated credit losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date. The rates take into account the expected yield curve, as well as an adjustment for prepayment risk, when applicable. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its loan portfolio as Level 3.
The fair value for significant non-performing loans was based on recent external appraisals of collateral securing such loans, adjusted for the timing of anticipated cash flows. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its non-performing loan portfolio as Level 3.
Deposits
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest bearing demand deposits and savings deposits, was equal to the amount payable on demand and classified as Level 1. The estimated fair value of certificates of deposit was based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate was estimated using the Company’s current rates offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its certificates of deposit portfolio as Level 2.
Borrowed Funds
The fair value of borrowed funds was estimated by discounting future cash flows using rates available for debt with similar terms and maturities and is classified by the Company as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Commitments to Extend Credit and Letters of Credit
The fair value of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit was estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value estimates of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit are deemed immaterial.
Limitations
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.
Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include goodwill and other intangibles, deferred tax assets and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

107



The following tables present the Company’s financial instruments at their carrying and fair values as of December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 2016.2018. Fair values are presented by level within the fair value hierarchy.
  Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Using:
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying
value
Fair
value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$186,748  186,748  186,748  —  —  
Available for sale debt securities:
Mortgage-backed securities947,430  947,430  —  947,430  —  
State and municipal obligations4,079  4,079  —  4,079  —  
Corporate obligations25,410  25,410  —  25,410  —  
Total available for sale debt securities$976,919  976,919  —  976,919  —  
Held to maturity debt securities:
Agency obligations$6,599  6,601  6,601  —  —  
Mortgage-backed securities118  122  —  122  —  
State and municipal obligations437,074  451,353  —  451,353  —  
Corporate obligations9,838  9,890  —  9,890  —  
Total held to maturity debt securities$453,629  467,966  6,601  461,365  —  
FHLBNY stock57,298  57,298  57,298  —  —  
Equity Securities825  825  825  —  —  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses7,277,360  7,296,744  —  —  7,296,744  
Derivative assets39,305  39,305  —  39,305  —  
Financial liabilities:
Deposits other than certificates of deposits$6,368,582  6,368,582  6,368,582  —  —  
Certificates of deposit734,027  734,047  —  734,047  —  
Total deposits$7,102,609  7,102,629  6,368,582  734,047  —  
Borrowings1,125,146  1,127,569  —  1,127,569  —  
Derivative liabilities39,356  39,356  —  39,356  —  

108


  Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using:  Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018 Using:
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying
value
Fair
value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial assets:         Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$190,834
 190,834
 190,834
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents$142,661  142,661  142,661  —  —  
Securities available for sale:         
Available for sale debt securities:Available for sale debt securities:
Agency obligations19,005
 19,005
 19,005
 
 
Agency obligations—  —  —  —  —  
Mortgage-backed securities988,367
 988,367
 
 988,367
 
Mortgage-backed securities1,034,969  1,034,969  —  1,034,969  —  
State and municipal obligations3,388
 3,388
 
 3,388
 
State and municipal obligations2,912  2,912  —  2,912  —  
Corporate obligations26,394
 26,394
 
 26,394
 
Corporate obligations25,198  25,198  —  25,198  —  
Equity securities658
 658
 658
 
 
Total securities available for sale$1,037,812
 1,037,812
 19,663
 1,018,149
 
Investment securities held to maturity:         
Total available for sale debt securitiesTotal available for sale debt securities$1,063,079  1,063,079  —  1,063,079  —  
Held to maturity debt securities:Held to maturity debt securities:
Agency obligations$4,308
 4,221
 4,221
 
 
Agency obligations$4,989  4,896  4,896  —  —  
Mortgage-backed securities382
 396
 
 396
 
Mortgage-backed securities187  190  —  190  —  
State and municipal obligations462,942
 470,484
 
 470,484
 
State and municipal obligations463,801  464,363  —  464,363  —  
Corporate obligations10,020
 9,938
 
 9,938
 
Corporate obligations10,448  10,291  —  10,291  —  
Total securities held to maturity$477,652
 485,039
 4,221
 480,818
 
Total held to maturity debt securitiesTotal held to maturity debt securities$479,425  479,740  4,896  474,844  —  
FHLBNY stock81,184
 81,184
 81,184
 
 
FHLBNY stock68,813  68,813  68,813  —  —  
Equity SecuritiesEquity Securities635  635  635  —  —  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses7,265,523
 7,217,705
 
 
 7,217,705
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses7,195,026  7,104,380  —  —  7,104,380  
Derivative assets7,219
 7,219
 
 7,219
 
Derivative assets15,634  15,634  —  15,634  —  
         
Financial liabilities:         Financial liabilities:
Deposits other than certificates of deposits$6,079,357
 6,079,357
 6,079,357
 
 
Deposits other than certificates of deposits$6,079,630  6,079,630  6,079,630  —  —  
Certificates of deposit634,809
 632,744
 
 632,744
 
Certificates of deposit750,492  746,753  —  746,753  —  
Total deposits$6,714,166
 6,712,101
 6,079,357
 632,744
 
Total deposits$6,830,122  6,826,383  6,079,630  746,753  —  
Borrowings1,742,514
 1,739,102
 
 1,739,102
 
Borrowings1,442,282  1,431,001  —  1,431,001  —  
Derivative liabilities6,315
 6,315
 
 6,315
 
Derivative liabilities14,766  14,766  —  14,766  —  


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
109

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015



   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using:
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$144,297
 144,297
 144,297
 
 
Securities available for sale:         
U.S. Treasury obligations8,008
 8,008
 8,008
 
 
Agency obligations57,188
 57,188
 57,188
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities951,861
 951,861
 
 951,861
 
State and municipal obligations3,743
 3,743
 
 3,743
 
Corporate obligations19,037
 19,037
 
 19,037
 
Equity securities549
 549
 549
 
 
Total securities available for sale$1,040,386
 1,040,386
 65,745
 974,641
 
Investment securities held to maturity:         
Agency obligations$4,306
 4,225
 4,225
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities893
 924
 
 924
 
State and municipal obligations473,653
 474,852
 
 474,852
 
Corporate obligations9,331
 9,286
 
 9,286
 
Total securities held to maturity$488,183
 489,287
 4,225
 485,062
 
FHLBNY stock75,726
 75,726
 75,726
 
 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses6,941,603
 6,924,440
 
 
 6,924,440
Derivative assets7,441
 7,441
 

 7,441
 
          
Financial liabilities:         
Deposits other than certificates of deposits$5,902,446
 5,902,446
 5,902,446
 
 
Certificates of deposit651,183
 653,772
 
 653,772
 
Total deposits$6,553,629
 6,556,218
 5,902,446
 653,772
 
Borrowings1,612,745
 1,617,023
 
 1,617,023
 
Derivative liabilities6,750
 6,750
 

 6,750
 


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


(17)(16) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following tables are a summary of certain quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.
 2019 Quarters Ended
 March 31June 30September 30December 31
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Interest income$92,411  95,648  93,026  90,385  
Interest expense17,404  19,093  19,498  17,502  
Net interest income75,007  76,555  73,528  72,883  
Provision for loan losses200  9,500  500  2,900  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses74,807  67,055  73,028  69,983  
Non-interest income12,188  15,834  18,047  17,725  
Non-interest expense48,416  49,694  49,738  53,731  
Income before income tax expense38,579  33,195  41,337  33,977  
Income tax expense7,689  8,802  9,938  8,026  
Net income$30,890  24,393  31,399  25,951  
Basic earnings per share$0.48  0.38  0.49  0.40  
Diluted earnings per share0.48  0.38  0.49  0.40  

 2018 Quarters Ended
 March 31June 30September 30December 31
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Interest income$86,331  88,315  91,261  93,922  
Interest expense13,054  14,035  15,475  16,589  
Net interest income73,277  74,280  75,786  77,333  
Provision for loan losses5,400  15,500  1,000  1,800  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses67,877  58,780  74,786  75,533  
Non-interest income13,307  13,837  15,916  15,616  
Non-interest expense46,910  48,806  46,659  49,360  
Income before income tax expense34,274  23,811  44,043  41,789  
Income tax expense6,361  4,568  8,575  6,026  
Net income$27,913  19,243  35,468  35,763  
Basic earnings per share$0.43  0.30  0.55  0.55  
Diluted earnings per share0.43  0.30  0.54  0.55  

110


 2017 Quarters Ended
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Interest income$77,913
 80,443
 81,894
 83,596
Interest expense10,878
 11,388
 11,682
 11,696
Net interest income67,035
 69,055
 70,212
 71,900
Provision for loan losses1,500
 1,700
 500
 1,900
Net interest income after provision for loan losses65,535
 67,355
 69,712
 70,000
Non-interest income12,465
 14,819
 15,112
 13,301
Non-interest expense46,124
 47,340
 46,280
 48,078
Income before income tax expense31,876
 34,834
 38,544
 35,223
Income tax expense8,368
 10,451
 11,969
 15,740
Net income$23,508
 24,383
 26,575
 19,483
Basic earnings per share$0.37
 0.38
 0.41
 0.30
Diluted earnings per share$0.37
 0.38
 0.41
 0.30

 2016 Quarters Ended
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Interest income$73,974
 74,805
 76,045
 77,491
Interest expense10,905
 10,895
 11,074
 10,874
Net interest income63,069
 63,910
 64,971
 66,617
Provision for loan losses1,500
 1,700
 1,000
 1,200
Net interest income after provision for loan losses61,569
 62,210
 63,971
 65,417
Non-interest income13,018
 13,824
 14,066
 14,485
Non-interest expense44,878
 45,897
 45,850
 47,153
Income before income tax expense29,709
 30,137
 32,187
 32,749
Income tax expense8,736
 8,781
 9,281
 10,182
Net income$20,973
 21,356
 22,906
 22,567
Basic earnings per share$0.33
 0.34
 0.36
 0.35
Diluted earnings per share$0.33
 0.34
 0.36
 0.35

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


(18)(17) Earnings Per Share
The following is a reconciliation of the outstanding shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)For the Year Ended December 31,(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)For the Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 201920182017
Net income$93,949
 87,802
 83,722
Net income$112,633  118,387  93,949  
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding64,384,851
 63,643,622
 62,945,669
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding64,604,224  64,942,886  64,384,851  
Plus:     Plus:
Dilutive shares194,371
 208,364
 169,049
Dilutive shares130,367  160,211  194,371  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding64,579,222
 63,851,986
 63,114,718
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding64,734,591  65,103,097  64,579,222  
Earnings per share:     Earnings per share:
Basic$1.46
 1.38
 1.33
Basic$1.74  1.82  1.46  
Diluted$1.45
 1.38
 1.33
Diluted$1.74  1.82  1.45  
Anti-dilutive stock options and awards totaling 369,772646,457 shares, 432,895443,748 shares and 469,018369,772 shares at December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, respectively, were excluded from the earnings per share calculations.


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
111

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015



(19)(18) Parent-only Financial Information
The condensed financial statements of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (parent company only) are presented below:
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
Assets   Assets
Cash and due from banks$16,921
 31,851
Cash and due from banks$29,723  7,569  
Securities available for sale, at fair value658
 549
Available for sale debt securities, at fair valueAvailable for sale debt securities, at fair value825  635  
Investment in subsidiary1,244,670
 1,177,110
Investment in subsidiary1,364,097  1,322,871  
Due from subsidiary—SAP(4,419) (3,004)
ESOP loan41,419
 45,971
ESOP loan31,113  36,756  
Other assets(37) (31)Other assets37  92  
Total assets$1,299,212
 1,252,446
Total assets$1,425,795  1,367,923  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Due to subsidiary—SAPDue to subsidiary—SAP$11,741  7,996  
Other liabilities551
 665
Other liabilities214  947  
Total stockholders’ equity1,298,661
 1,251,781
Total stockholders’ equity1,413,840  1,358,980  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,299,212
 1,252,446
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,425,795  1,367,923  
Condensed Statements of Operations
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Years Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 201920182017
Dividends from subsidiary$59,980
 45,369
 41,285
Dividends from subsidiary$72,809  53,604  59,980  
Interest income1,839
 1,995
 2,153
Interest income1,470  1,657  1,839  
Investment gain17
 15
 12
Investment gain162  2,294  17  
Total income61,836
 47,379
 43,450
Total income74,441  57,555  61,836  
Non-interest expense1,021
 902
 812
Non-interest expense1,192  1,049  1,021  
Total expense1,021
 902
 812
Total expense1,192  1,049  1,021  
Income before income tax expense60,815
 46,477
 42,638
Income before income tax expense73,249  56,506  60,815  
Income tax expense312
 414
 505
Income tax expense127  692  312  
Income before undistributed net income of subsidiary60,503
 46,063
 42,133
Income before undistributed net income of subsidiary73,122  55,814  60,503  
Earnings in excess of dividends (equity in undistributed net income) of subsidiary33,446
 41,739
 41,589
Earnings in excess of dividends (equity in undistributed net income) of subsidiary39,511  62,573  33,446  
Net income$93,949
 87,802
 83,722
Net income$112,633  118,387  93,949  
 


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

112



Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in Thousands)
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 201920182017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$112,633  118,387  93,949  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Earnings in excess of dividends (equity in undistributed net income) of subsidiary(39,511) (62,573) (33,446) 
ESOP allocation4,533  4,516  4,600  
SAP allocation6,671  6,046  4,963  
Stock option allocation181  190  203  
Increase in due to subsidiary—SAP3,745  3,577  1,415  
Decrease (increase) in other assets21,285  (18,598) (34,919) 
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities(734) 396  (114) 
Net cash provided by operating activities108,803  51,941  36,651  
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net decrease in ESOP loan5,643  4,663  4,552  
Net cash provided by investing activities5,643  4,663  4,552  
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock(19,867) (13,172) (443) 
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding(1,985) (1,896) (778) 
Cash dividends paid(72,809) (53,604) (59,980) 
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan2,230  1,709  2,114  
Stock options exercised139  1,007  2,954  
Net cash used in financing activities(92,292) (65,956) (56,133) 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents22,154  (9,352) (14,930) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period7,569  16,921  31,851  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$29,723  7,569  16,921  

113


 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$93,949
 87,802
 83,722
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities     
Earnings in excess of dividends (equity in undistributed net income) of subsidiary(33,446) (41,739) (41,589)
ESOP allocation4,600
 3,706
 2,997
SAP allocation4,963
 3,812
 4,625
Stock option allocation203
 172
 272
Decrease in due from subsidiary—SAP1,415
 465
 5,333
Increase in other assets(34,919) (8,177) (8,406)
Decrease in other liabilities(114) (70) (55)
Net cash provided by operating activities36,651
 45,971
 46,899
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Net decrease in ESOP loan4,552
 3,901
 3,566
Net cash provided by investing activities4,552
 3,901
 3,566
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Purchases of treasury stock(443) (1,557) 
Purchase of employee restricted shares to fund statutory tax withholding(778) (1,225) (1,988)
Cash dividends paid(59,980) (45,369) (41,285)
Shares issued dividend reinvestment plan2,114
 1,652
 1,447
Stock options exercised2,954
 6,198
 3,166
Net cash used in financing activities(56,133) (40,301) (38,660)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(14,930) 9,571
 11,805
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period31,851
 22,280
 10,475
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$16,921
 31,851
 22,280

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


(20)(19) Other Comprehensive (Loss) IncomeLoss
The following table presents the components of other comprehensive (loss) incomeloss both gross and net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 (in thousands):
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 201920182017
 
Before
Tax
Tax
Effect
After
Tax
Before
Tax
Tax
Effect
After
Tax
Before
Tax
Tax
Effect
After
Tax
Components of Other Comprehensive Loss:
Unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period$24,987  (6,636) 18,351  (8,425) 2,296  (6,129) (3,612) 1,449  (2,163) 
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Total24,987  (6,636) 18,351  (8,425) 2,296  (6,129) (3,612) 1,449  (2,163) 
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivatives (cash flow hedges)(780) 201  (579) 304  (83) 221  633  (254) 379  
Amortization related to post-retirement obligations(2,176) 561  (1,615) 1,678  (457) 1,221  (1,475) 586  (889) 
Total other comprehensive loss$22,031  (5,874) 16,157  (6,443) 1,756  (4,687) (4,454) 1,781  (2,673) 
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 
Before
Tax
 
Tax
Effect
 
After
Tax
 
Before
Tax
 
Tax
Effect
 
After
Tax
 
Before
Tax
 
Tax
Effect
 
After
Tax
Components of Other Comprehensive (Loss)Income:                 
Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale:                 
Net (losses) gains arising during the period$(3,612) 1,449
 (2,163) (7,405) 2,974
 (4,431) (5,683) 2,282
 (3,401)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
 
 
 (50) 20
 (30) (654) 263
 (391)
Total(3,612) 1,449
 (2,163) (7,455) 2,994
 (4,461) (6,337) 2,545
 (3,792)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives (cash flow hedges)633
 (254) 379
 404
 (162) 242
 (122) 49
 (73)
Amortization related to post retirement obligations(1,475) 586
 (889) 5,628
 (2,260) 3,368
 2,156
 (866) 1,290
Total other comprehensive (loss) income$(4,454) 1,781
 (2,673) (1,423) 572
 (851) (4,303) 1,728
 (2,575)
The Company, in accordance with ASU No. 2018-02, has elected to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Act from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to retained earning for the year ended December 31, 2017
The following table presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income,loss, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, including the reclassification of income tax effectsunrealized gains on equity securities due to the adoption of ASU No. 2018-022016-01 for the year ended December 31, 20172018 (in thousands):
 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income by Component, net of tax
For the Years Ended December 31,
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component, net of tax
For the Years Ended December 31,
 2017 201620192018
 
Unrealized
Gains on Securities
Available for 
Sale
 Post-Retirement
Obligations
 Unrealized gains (losses) on Derivatives (cash flow hedges) Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Unrealized
Gains on Securities
Available for 
Sale
 Post-Retirement
Obligations
 Unrealized gains (losses) on Derivatives (cash flow hedges) Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
Unrealized
Gains (Losses) on
Available for Sale Debt Securities
Post-Retirement
Obligations
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives (cash flow hedges)Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Gain (Loss)
Unrealized
Losses on
Available for Sale Debt Securities
Post-Retirement
Obligations
Unrealized Gains on Derivatives (cash flow hedges)Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Balance at the beginning of the period $(510) (3,056) 169
 (3,397) 3,951
 (6,424) (73) (2,546)Balance at the beginning of the period$(9,605) (3,625) 894  (12,336) (3,292) (4,846) 673  (7,465) 
Current period change in other comprehensive income (loss) (2,163) (889) 379
 (2,673) (4,461) 3,368
 242
 (851)Current period change in other comprehensive income (loss)18,351  (1,615) (579) 16,157  (6,129) 1,221  221  (4,687) 
Reclassification of tax effects due to the adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 (619) (901) 125
 (1,395) 
 
 
 
Reclassification of unrealized gains on equity securities due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01Reclassification of unrealized gains on equity securities due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01—  —  —  —  (184) —  —  (184) 
Balance at the end of the period $(3,292) (4,846) 673
 (7,465) (510) (3,056) 169
 (3,397)Balance at the end of the period$8,746  (5,240) 315  3,821  (9,605) (3,625) 894  (12,336) 
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

114



The following table summarizes the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 (in thousands):
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Amount reclassified from AOCI for the years ended December 31,Affected line item in the Consolidated
Statement of Income
201920182017
Details of AOCI:Details of AOCI:
Available for sale debt securities:Available for sale debt securities:
Realized net gains on the sale of securities available for saleRealized net gains on the sale of securities available for sale$—  —  —  Net gain on securities transactions
—  —  —  Income tax expense
—  —  —  Net of tax
 Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Amount reclassified from AOCI for the years ended December 31, Affected line item in the Consolidated
Statement of Income
 2017 2016 2015  
Details of AOCI:        
Securities available for sale:        
Realized net gains on the sale of securities available for sale $
 50
 654
 Net gain on securities transactions
 
 (20) (263) Income tax expense
 
 30
 391
 Net of tax
        
Post-retirement obligations:        Post-retirement obligations:
Amortization of actuarial losses 243
 943
 774
 
Compensation and employee benefits (1)
Amortization of actuarial losses189  399  243  
Compensation and employee benefits (1)
 (64) (379) (311) Income tax expense(49) (109) (64) Income tax expense
 179
 564
 463
 Net of tax140  290  179  Net of tax
        
Total reclassifications $179
 594
 854
 Net of taxTotal reclassifications$140  290  179  Net of tax
       
(1) This item is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 11. Benefit Plans


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
115

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015



Note 21.(20) Derivative and Hedging Activities
The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities.
Non-designated Hedges. Derivatives not designated in qualifying hedging relationships are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain qualified commercial borrowers in loan related transactions and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities. The Company executes interest rate swaps with qualified commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Company executes with a third party,third-party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. The interest rate swap agreement which the Company executes with the commercial borrower is collateralized by the borrower's commercial real estate financed by the Company. The collateral exceeds the maximum potential amount of future payments under the credit derivative. As the Company has not elected to apply hedge accounting and these interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings. For the years endedAt December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, the Company had 5092 and 3662 interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $734.3$1.61 billion and $1.01 billion, respectively.
The Company periodically enters into risk participation agreements ("RPAs") with the Company functioning as either the lead institution, or as a participant when another company is the lead institution on a commercial loan. These RPA's are entered into to manage the credit exposure on interest rate contracts associated with these loan participation agreements. Under the RPA's, the Company will either receive or make a payment if a borrower defaults on the related interest rate contract. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had 13 and 7 credit derivatives, respectively, with aggregate notional amounts of $106.0 million and $582.2$66.8 million, respectively, related to this program. The Company has credit derivatives resulting from participations in interest rate swaps provided to external lenders as part of these loan participation arrangements; therefore, they are not used to manage interest rate risk inarrangements. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company's assets or liabilities.fair value of these credit derivatives were $47,323 and $251,000, respectively.
Cash flowFlow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk. The Company’s objective in using interest rate derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. 
The effective portion of changesChanges in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During the years ended December 31, 20172019, 2018 and 2016,2017, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash outflows associated with Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. The Company implemented this program during the quarter ended September 30, 2015. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s did not record any hedge ineffectiveness.
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s debt.borrowings. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $127,492$193,000 will be reclassified as a decrease to interest expense. As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company had two5 outstanding interest rate derivatives with aan aggregate notional amount of $60.0$130.0 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk.
116


The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 (in thousands):
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
At December 31, 2019
Asset DerivativesLiability Derivatives
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
Fair
Value
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
Fair
Value
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate productsOther assets$38,830  Other liabilities$39,356  
Credit contractsOther assets47  Other liabilities—  
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$38,877  $39,356  
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate productsOther assets$428  Other liabilities$—  
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$428  $—  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


  As of December 31, 2017
  Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
  Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 
Fair
Value
 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 
Fair
Value
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instruments:        
Interest rate products Other assets $6,303
 Other liabilities $6,315
Credit contracts Other assets 1
   
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments   $6,304
   $6,315
         
Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument:        
Interest rate products Other assets $915
 Other liabilities $
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments   $915
   $
At December 31, 2018
 As of December 31, 2016Asset DerivativesLiability Derivatives
 Asset Derivatives Liability DerivativesConsolidated Statements of Financial Condition
Fair
Value
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
Fair
Value
 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 
Fair
Value
 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 
Fair
Value
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instruments:    
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate products Other assets $7,156
 Other liabilities $6,750
Interest rate productsOther assets$14,154  Other liabilities$14,766  
Credit contracts Other assets 3
 
Credit contractsOther assets251  Other liabilities—  
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $7,159
 $6,750
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$14,405  $14,766  
    
Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument:    
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate products Other assets $282
 Other liabilities $
Interest rate productsOther assets$1,229  Other liabilities$—  
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $282
 $
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$1,229  $—  
The tablestable below presentpresents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 (in thousands).
117


    Gain (loss) recognized in Income on derivatives
    For the Year Ended December 31,
  Consolidated Statements of Income 2017 2016 2015
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instruments:        
Interest rate products Other income $(422) $186
 $238
Credit contracts Other income 2
 120
 (1)
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments   $(420) $306
 $237
         
Derivatives designated as a hedging instruments:        
Interest rate products Interest expense (205) (394) (122)
Total derivatives designated as a hedging instruments   $(205) $(394) $(122)
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015


Gain (loss) recognized in Income on derivatives
For the Year Ended December 31,
Consolidated Statements of Income201920182017
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instruments:
Interest rate productsOther income$(64) (414) (422) 
Credit contractsOther income(53) 63   
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$(117) (351) (420) 
Derivatives designated as a hedging instruments:
Interest rate productsInterest expense$158  312  (205) 
Total derivatives designated as a hedging instruments$158  312  (205) 
The Company has agreements with certain of its derivativedealer counterparties that contain a provision that if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.
In addition, the Company has agreements with certain of its derivativedealer counterparties that contain a provision that if the Company fails to maintain its status as a well/well or adequately capitalized institution, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Company would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company had 4 dealer counterparties. The Company had a net liability position with respect to all 4 of the counterparties. The termination value of derivatives in afor this net liability position, which includes accrued interest, was $352,000.$37.2 million at December 31, 2019. The Company has minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties, and has posted collateral of $250,000$41.0 million against its obligations under these agreements. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at December 31, 2017,2019, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value.




118


(21) Revenue Recognition
The Company generates revenue from several business channels. The guidance in ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including interest income on loans and investments, which comprise the majority of the Company's revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 the out-of-scope revenue related to financial instruments were 85%, 86% and 85% of the Company's total revenue, respectively. Revenue-generating activities that are within the scope of Topic 606, are components of non-interest income. These revenue streams can generally be classified into wealth management revenue and banking service charges and other fees.
The following table presents non-interest income, segregated by revenue streams in-scope and out-of-scope of Topic 606, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:
 December 31,
(in-thousands)201920182017
Non-interest income
In-scope of Topic 606:
Wealth management fees$22,503  17,957  17,604  
Banking service charges and other fees:
Service charges on deposit accounts13,117  13,330  13,120  
Debit card and ATM fees5,734  5,997  5,757  
Total banking service charges and other fees18,851  19,327  18,877  
Total in-scope non-interest income41,354  37,284  36,481  
Total out-of-scope non-interest income22,440  21,392  19,216  
Total non-interest income$63,794  58,676  55,697  
Wealth management fee income represents fees earned from customers as consideration for asset management, investment advisory and trust services. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied monthly and the resulting fees are recognized monthly. The fee is generally based upon the average market value of the assets under management ("AUM") for the month and the applicable fee rate. For customers acquired in the recently completed T&L transaction, the fee is based upon AUM at the end of the preceding quarter and the applicable fee rate. The monthly accrual of wealth management fees is recorded in other assets on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Fees are received from the customer either on a quarterly or monthly basis. The Company does not earn performance-based incentives. To a lesser extent, optional services such as tax return preparation and estate settlement are also available to existing customers. The Company’s performance obligation for these transaction-based services are generally satisfied, and related revenue recognized, at either a point in time when the service is completed, or in the case of estate settlement, over a relatively short period of time, as each service component is completed.
Service charges on deposit accounts include overdraft service fees, account analysis fees and other deposit related fees. These fees are generally transaction-based, or time-based services. The Company's performance obligation for these services are generally satisfied, and revenue recognized, at the time the transaction is completed, or the service rendered. Fees for these services are generally received from the customer either at the time of transaction, or monthly. Debit card and ATM fees are generally transaction-based. Debit card revenue is primarily comprised of interchange fees earned when a customer's Company card is processed through a card payment network. ATM fees are largely generated when a Company cardholder uses a non-Company ATM, or a non-Company cardholder uses a Company ATM. The Company's performance obligation for these services is satisfied when the service is rendered. Payment is generally received at time of transaction or monthly.
Out-of-scope non-interest income primarily consists of Bank-owned life insurance and net fees on loan level interest rate swaps, along with gains and losses on the sale of loans and foreclosed real estate, loan prepayment fees and loan servicing fees. None of these revenue streams are subject to the requirements of Topic 606.
119


(22) Leases
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, "Leases" (Topic 842) and all subsequent ASU's that modified Topic 842. For the Company, Topic 842 primarily affected the accounting treatment for operating lease agreements in which the Company is the lessee. The Company elected the modified retrospective transition option effective with the period of adoption, elected not to recast comparative periods presented when transitioning to the new leasing standard and adjustments, if required, are made at the beginning of the period through a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings. The Company also elected practical expedients, which allowed the Company to forego a reassessment of (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) the initial direct costs for any existing leases. The adoption of the new standard resulted in the Company recording a right-of-use asset and an operating lease liability of $44.9 million and $46.1 million, respectively, based on the present value of the expected remaining lease payments at January 1, 2019.
Also, on January 1, 2019, the Company had $5.9 million of net deferred gains associated with several sale and leaseback transactions executed prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02. In accordance with the guidance, these net deferred gains were adjusted, net of tax, as a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings.
All of the leases in which the Company is the lessee are classified as operating leases and are primarily comprised of real estate property for branches and administrative offices with terms extending through 2040.
The following table represents the consolidated statements of financial condition classification of the Company’s right-of use-assets and lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial DisclosureClassificationDecember 31, 2019
None.
Lease Right-of-Use Assets:
Item 9A.Operating lease right-of-use assetsControls and ProceduresOther assets$41,754 
Lease Liabilities:
Operating lease liabilitiesOther liabilities$42,815 
The calculated amount of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the table above are impacted by the length of the lease term and the discount rate used to present value the minimum lease payments. The Company’s lease agreements often include one or more options to renew at the Company’s discretion. If at lease inception the Company considers the exercising of a renewal option to be reasonably certain, the Company will include the extended term in the calculation of the right-of-use asset and lease liability. Generally, the Company considers the first renewal option to be reasonably certain and includes it in the calculation of the right-of use asset and lease liability. Regarding the discount rate, Topic 842 requires the use of the rate implicit in the lease whenever this rate is readily determinable. As this rate is rarely determinable, the Company utilizes its incremental borrowing rate at lease inception based upon the term of the lease. For operating leases existing prior to January 1, 2019, the rate for the remaining lease term as of January 1, 2019 was applied.
At December 31, 2019, the weighted-average remaining lease term and the weighted-average discount rate for the Company's operating leases were 9.5 years and 3.47%, respectively.
The following table represents lease costs and other lease information for the Company's operating leases. The variable lease cost primarily represents variable payments such as common area maintenance and utilities (in thousands):

Year ended December 31, 2019
Lease Costs
Operating lease cost$8,433 
Variable lease cost2,765 
Total Lease Cost$11,198 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases8,304 

120


For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company entered into one new lease obligation related to the T&L acquisition. The Company recorded a $1.9 million right-of-use asset for this lease obligation.
Future minimum payments for operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more as of December 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):
Operating Leases
Years ended:
2020$8,316  
20216,064  
20225,263  
20234,752  
20244,346  
Thereafter22,195  
Total future minimum lease payments50,936  
Amounts representing interest8,121  
Present value of net future minimum lease payments$42,815  
At December 31, 2018, operating lease commitments under lessee arrangements were $8.0 million, $7.6 million, $5.4 million, $3.8 million and $3.4 million for 2019 through 2023, respectively, and $10.7 million in aggregate for all years thereafter.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Christopher Martin, the Company’s Principal Executive Officer, and Thomas M. Lyons, the Company’s Principal Accounting Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2017.2019. Based upon their evaluation, they each found that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.2019. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).
121


Based on the assessment management believes that, as of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.2019. This report appears on page 55page 63 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal ControlControl Over Financial Reporting
During the last quarter of the year under report, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Item 9B.Other Information
Item 9B. Other Information
None.




122


PART III


Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information required by this item regarding directors, executive officers and corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 26, 2018.23, 2020.


Item 11.Executive Compensation
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 26, 2018.23, 2020.
 
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 26, 2018.23, 2020.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Set forth below is information as of December 31, 20172019 regarding equity compensation plans categorized by those plans that have been approved by the Company's stockholders. There are no plans that have not been approved by the Company's stockholders.
Plan
Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options and
Rights(1)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price(2)
 
Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available For
Issuance Under
Plan (3)
Plan
Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options and
Rights(1)
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price(2)
Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available For
Issuance Under
Plan (3)
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders507,656
 $16.84
 1,820,026
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders499,201  $19.32  2,525,955  
Total507,656
 $16.84
 1,820,026
Total499,201  $19.32  2,525,955  
________________________
(1)Consists of outstanding stock options to purchase 507,656 shares of common stock granted under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.
(2)The weighted average exercise price reflects an exercise price of $12.54 for 14,000 stock options granted in 2008; an exercise price of $10.40 for 33,336 stock options granted in 2009; an exercise price of $10.34 for 12,114 stock options granted in 2010; an exercise price of $14.50 for 64,622 stock options granted in 2011; an exercise price of $14.88 for 47,542 stock options and an exercise price of $14.68 for 10,000 stock options granted in 2012; an exercise price of $15.23 for 60,126 stock options granted in 2013; an exercise price of $16.38 for 80,760 stock options granted in 2014; and an exercise price of $18.34 for 65,972 stock options granted in 2015; an exercise price of $18.70 for 76,327 stock options granted in 2016; an exercise price of $26.31 for 42,857 stock options granted in 2017 under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.
(3)Represents the number of available shares that may be granted as stock options and other stock awards under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.

2.Consists of outstanding stock options to purchase 499,201 shares of common stock granted under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.
3.The weighted average exercise price reflects an exercise price of $14.50 for 44,052 stock options granted in 2011; an exercise price of $14.88 for 42,542 stock options and an exercise price of $14.68 for 10,000 stock options granted in 2012; an exercise price of $15.23 for 51,881 stock options granted in 2013; an exercise price of $16.38 for 80,760 stock options granted in 2014; an exercise price of $18.34 for 65,972 stock options granted in 2015; an exercise price of $18.70 for 76,327 stock options granted in 2016; an exercise price of $26.31 for 42,857 stock options granted in 2017; and an exercise price of $25.58 for 43,123 stock options granted in 2018; an exercise price of $27.25 for 41,685 stock options granted in 2019 under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
4.Represents the number of available shares that may be granted as stock options and other stock awards under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 26, 2018.23, 2020.
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 26, 2018.23, 2020.


















123


PART IV


Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
The exhibits and financial statement schedules filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are as follows:
(a)(1) Financial Statements


Page Number
 
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
No financial statement schedules are filed because the required information is not applicable or is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
(a)(3) Exhibits


3.1
3.2
4.1
10.14.6 
10.1 
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5


124


10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.1010.1
10.11
Provident Financial Services, Inc. Amended and Restated the Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. (Filed as an appendix to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2014/File No. 001-31566.)
10.12
10.13
Provident Financial Services, Inc. Executive Annual Incentive Plan (Filed as an appendix to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015/File No. 001-31566.)
10.14 
21
23
31.1
31.2
32
101The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, formatted in XBRL (ExtensibleiXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.INS 101.SCH XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


Item 16.104Form 10-K SummaryCover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in iXBRL and contained in exhibit 101).


Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
Not applicable.



125









126




SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Date:March 2, 2020PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
By:
Date:March 1, 2018By:
/s/    CHRISTOPHER MARTIN
Christopher Martin
Christopher Martin
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By:
/s/    CHRISTOPHER MARTIN
Christopher Martin
By:
/s/    THOMASThomas M. LYONS
Lyons
Christopher Martin,
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Thomas M. Lyons,
Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date:March 1, 20182, 2020Date:March 1, 20182, 2020
By:
/s/    FRANKFrank S. MUZIO
Muzio
Frank S. Muzio,
SeniorExecutive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
Date:March 1, 20182, 2020
By:
/s/    ROBERT ADAMO
Robert Adamo
By:
/s/    THOMASThomas W. BERRY
Berry
Robert Adamo,
Director
Thomas W. Berry,
Director
Date:March 1, 20182, 2020Date:March 1, 20182, 2020
By:
/s/    LAURALaura L. BROOKS
Brooks
By:
/s/    FRANK L. FEKETE
James P. Dunigan
Laura L. Brooks,
Director
James P. Dunigan,
Director
Date:March 2, 2020Date:March 2, 2020
By:/s/    Frank L. FeketeBy:/s/    Ursuline Foley
Frank L. Fekete,
Director
Date:March 1, 2018Date:March 1, 2018
By:
/s/    TERENCE GALLAGHERUrsuline Foley,
By:
/s/    MATTHEW K. HARDINGDirector
Date:March 2, 2020Date:March 2, 2020
By:/s/    Terence GallagherBy:/s/    Matthew K. Harding
Terence Gallagher,
Director
Matthew K. Harding,
Director
Date:March 1, 20182, 2020Date:March 1, 20182, 2020
By:/s/    CARLOS HERNANDEZCarlos HernandezBy:/s/    John Pugliese
Carlos Hernandez,

Director
Edward O’Donnell,
John Pugliese,
Director
Date:March 1, 20182, 2020Date:March 1, 20182, 2020
By:/s/    JOHN PUGLIESE
John Pugliese,
Director
Date:March 1, 2018


115
127