• Western New England Bancorp, Inc. Reports Results for the Three Months and Year Ended December 31, 2022 and Announces 17% Increase in Quarterly Cash Dividend

    来源: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 24 1月 2023 16:05:50   America/New_York

    WESTFIELD, Mass., Jan. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “WNEB”) (NasdaqGS: WNEB), the holding company for Westfield Bank (the “Bank”), announced today the unaudited results of operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2022. For the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company reported net income of $9.0 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to net income of $6.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2021. On a linked quarter basis, net income was $9.0 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $6.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2022. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, net income was $25.9 million, or $1.18 per diluted share, compared to net income of $23.7 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.

    The Company also announced today that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share on its common stock, representing an increase of $0.01 per share, or 17%, as compared to the prior quarter. The dividend will be payable on or about February 22, 2023 to shareholders of record on February 8, 2023.

    James Hagan, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are very pleased to report that the Company delivered record earnings for the fourth quarter along with concrete earnings for 2022, with an increasing net interest margin, strong revenue and a lower efficiency ratio derived from solid loan growth across all loan segments. As a Company, we have continued to focus on expanding and attracting new loan and core deposit relationships in our existing and expanded markets, which resulted in loan growth coming in ahead of internal targets on a quarterly and annual basis. As a result of these continuing efforts, for the year-ended December 31, 2022, average non-interest bearing demand deposits represented 28.6% of total average deposits. With our strong balance sheet, combined with rising interest rates, and with the deployment of excess liquidity to fund our loan growth, we are pleased to report a higher net interest margin of 3.44% for the fourth quarter 2022 as compared to September 30, 2022. As the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) comes to an end, the Company generated year-over-year net interest income growth of 8.3%, overcoming a $6.0 million, or 89.2%, decrease in PPP interest and fee income, by increasing total loans, excluding PPP loans, by $149.7 million, or 8.1%, from December 31, 2021.”

    Hagan concluded, “We continue to see opportunities to add to our earnings and remain committed to continued growth while managing the risks associated with inflationary pressures and potential disruption in financial markets. We will continue to remain focused on increasing efficiencies, maintaining our strong asset quality, prudently growing our loan portfolio and managing funding costs in a competitive environment.

    This was a remarkable year for our Company as we once again continued to achieve solid annual earnings, net interest income expansion and increasing loan growth. We could not be more proud of our team who executed and delivered to achieve these excellent 2022 results. We remain optimistic about the Company’s future as we enter 2023.”

    Key Highlights:

    Loans and Deposits. At December 31, 2022, total loans of $2.0 billion increased $126.7 million, or 6.8%, from December 31, 2021. During the same period, excluding PPP loans, total loans increased $149.7 million, or 8.1%, from $1.9 billion at December 31, 2021. The increase in total loans was due to an increase in commercial real estate loans of $89.4 million, or 9.1%, an increase in commercial and industrial loans of $16.2 million, or 8.1%, and an increase in residential real estate loans, including home equity loans, of $43.0 million, or 6.6%.

    At December 31, 2022, total deposits were $2.2 billion, a decrease of $27.5 million, or 1.2%, from December 31, 2021. Core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, decreased $37.1 million, or 2.0%, from $1.9 billion, or 82.2% of total deposits, at December 31, 2021, to $1.8 billion, or 81.5% of total deposits at December 31, 2022. The loan to deposit ratio increased from 82.6% at December 31, 2021 to 89.3% at December 31, 2022.

    Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality. At December 31, 2022, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans and as a percentage of nonperforming loans was 1.00% and 350.0%, respectively. At December 31, 2022, nonperforming loans totaled $5.7 million, or 0.29% of total loans, compared to $5.0 million, or 0.27% of total loans, at December 31, 2021. Total delinquency increased $2.3 million, or 108.8%, from $2.1 million, or 0.11% of total loans, at December 31, 2021 to $4.5 million, or 0.22% of total loans, at December 31, 2022.

    Net Interest Margin. The net interest margin was 3.44% for the three months ended December 31, 2022 compared to 3.08% for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 3.35% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.47% for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to 3.10% for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 3.37% for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

    Repurchases. On October 13, 2022, the Company announced the completion of its previously authorized stock repurchase plan (the “2021 Plan”) pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to 2.4 million shares, or 10% of its outstanding common stock, as of the date the 2021 Plan was adopted. On July 26, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase plan (the “2022 Plan”), pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 1.1 million shares, which is approximately 5.0% of the Company’s outstanding common stock as of the date the 2022 Plan was adopted. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased 78,826 shares of common stock under the 2022 Plan and during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased 720,975 shares of common stock under both the 2021 and 2022 Plans. As of December 31, 2022, there were 1,056,344 shares of common stock available for repurchase under the 2022 Plan.

    The shares of common stock repurchased under the 2022 Plan will be purchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, depending upon market conditions. There is no guarantee as to the exact number, or value, of shares that will be repurchased by the Company, and the Company may discontinue repurchases at any time that management determines additional repurchases are not warranted. The timing and amount of additional share repurchases under the 2022 Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the Company’s stock price performance, ongoing capital planning considerations, general market conditions, and applicable legal requirements.

    Capital Management. The Company’s book value per share was $10.27 at December 31, 2022 compared to $9.87 at December 31, 2021, while tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $0.40, or 4.3%, from $9.21 at December 31, 2021 to $9.61 at December 31, 2022. Reflected in the book value and tangible book value changes during the year ended December 31, 2022 are the Federal Reserve’s 425 basis points interest rate increases, which resulted in significant changes in unrealized gains and losses on investment securities. Such unrealized gains and losses are generally due to changes in interest rates and represent the difference, net of applicable income tax effect, between the estimated fair value and amortized cost of investment securities classified as available-for-sale. The Company had no other-than-temporary impairment charges in its investment portfolio in 2022 or 2021. Tangible book value is a non-GAAP measure. See below for the related tangible book value calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

    Pension Plan. On October 31, 2022, the Board of Director’s previously approved termination of the Westfield Bank Defined Benefit Pension Plan (“DB Plan”) became effective, subject to regulatory approvals. Once the Company has received regulatory approval to terminate the DB Plan, which is expected in the first quarter of 2023, the Company will make an additional cash contribution during the second quarter of 2023, if necessary, in order to fully fund the DB Plan on a plan termination basis, followed by the purchase of annuity contracts to transfer its remaining liabilities under the DB Plan, for those participants who do not opt for a one-time lump sum payment. The actual amount of this cash contribution, if any, will depend upon the nature and timing of participant settlements, as well as prevailing market conditions. At December 31, 2022, the Company reversed $7.3 million in net unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income attributed to both the DB plan curtailment resulting from the termination of the DB Plan as well as changes in discount rates. In addition, the Company recorded a gain on curtailment of $2.8 million through non-interest income. The improvement in book value and tangible book value for the three months ended December 31, 2022 were primarily related to the termination of the DB Plan.

    Net Income for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022.

    The Company reported net income of $9.0 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to net income of $6.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Net interest income increased $566,000, or 2.8%, non-interest income increased $3.1 million, or 118.3%, and non-interest expense decreased $340,000, or 2.4%, while the provision for loan losses decreased $525,000, or 77.8%, during the same period. Return on average assets and return on average equity were 1.40% and 16.67%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to 0.93% and 10.90%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    On a sequential quarter basis, net interest income increased $566,000, or 2.8%, to $20.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, from $20.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in interest and dividend income of $1.8 million, or 8.4%, partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $1.3 million, or 86.3%. During the three months ended December 31, 2022 and the three months ended September 30, 2022, interest and dividend income included PPP interest and fee income (“PPP income”) of $18,000 and $19,000, respectively. During the three months ended December 31, 2022 and the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recognized prepayment penalties of $134,000 and $99,000, respectively. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company also recorded $87,000 in positive purchase accounting adjustments, compared to $16,000 in negative purchase accounting adjustments during the three months ended September 30, 2022.

    The net interest margin was 3.44% for the three months ended December 31, 2022 compared to 3.35% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.47% for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to 3.37% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 3.90% for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to 3.59% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The average loan yield was 4.23% for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to 3.93% for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

    During the three months ended December 31, 2022, average interest-earning assets increased $143,000 to $2.4 billion, primarily due to an increase in average loans of $21.3 million, or 1.1%, partially offset by a decrease in short-term investments of $6.3 million, or 45.3%, and a decrease in average securities of $15.5 million, or 3.8%.

    The average cost of total funds, including non-interest bearing accounts and borrowings, increased 22 basis points from 0.25% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 to 0.47% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The average cost of core deposits, including non-interest bearing demand deposits, increased 15 basis point to 0.34% for the three months ended December 31, 2022, from 0.19% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The average cost of time deposits increased 35 basis points from 0.30% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 to 0.65% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The rising interest rate environment has affected costs for both money market accounts and time deposits.

    The average cost of borrowings, including subordinated debt, increased 17 basis points from 4.12% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 to 4.29% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. Average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, increased $5.0 million, or 0.8%, from $658.9 million, or 29.0% of total average deposits, for the three months ended September 30, 2022, to $663.8 million, or 29.4% of total average deposits, for the three months ended December 31, 2022.

    Provision for Loan Losses

    During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the provision for loan losses decreased $525,000, or 77.8%, from the three months ended September 30, 2022. Management continues to assess the exposure of the Company’s loan portfolio to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic trends and their potential effect on asset quality. The adoption of the Current Expected Credit Loss allowance methodology became effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. Management will continue to closely monitor portfolio conditions and re-evaluate the adequacy of the allowance.

    The Company recorded net charge-offs of $426,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to net charge-offs of $27,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022. At December 31, 2022, nonperforming loans totaled $5.7 million, or 0.29% of total loans, and total delinquency as a percentage of total loans was 0.22%.         

    Non-Interest Income

    On a sequential quarter basis, non-interest income increased $3.1 million, or 118.3%, to $5.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, from $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Service charges and fees increased $106,000, or 4.8%, from the three months ended September 30, 2022 to $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. Income from bank-owned life insurance increased $37,000, or 9.5%, from the three months ended September 30, 2022 to $428,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2022.

    The termination of the DB Plan became effective October 31, 2022, subject to regulatory approvals, with final settlement occurring in the second quarter of 2023. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a curtailment gain related to the DB Plan termination of $2.8 million through non-interest income. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company reported unrealized gains on marketable equity securities of $19,000, compared to unrealized losses of $235,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company also reported a gain of $70,000 on non-marketable equity investments, compared to a gain of $211,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2022. Gains and losses from the investment portfolio vary from quarter to quarter based on market conditions, as well as the related yield curve and valuation changes.

    Non-Interest Expense

    For the three months ended December 31, 2022, non-interest expense decreased $340,000, or 2.4%, to $14.0 million from the three months ended September 30, 2022. Salaries and employee benefits increased $172,000, or 2.1%, to $8.2 million, primarily related to higher incentive compensation accruals, data processing expense increased $17,000, or 2.4%, and furniture and equipment expense increased $14,000, or 3.0%. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in advertising expense of $241,000, or 57.5%, a decrease in professional fees of $186,000, or 23.2%, a decrease in FDIC insurance expense of $18,000, or 6.6%, a decrease in occupancy expense of $8,000, or 0.7%, and a decrease in other non-interest expense of $90,000, or 3.7%. For the three months ended December 31, 2022, the efficiency ratio was 52.8%, compared to 62.7% for September 30, 2022. For the three months ended December 31, 2022, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 59.3%, compared to 62.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. See below for the related ratio calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

    Income Tax Provision

    Income tax expense for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was $3.3 million, or an effective tax rate of 26.9%, compared to $1.9 million, or an effective tax rate of 23.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

    Net Income for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021.

    The Company reported net income of $9.0 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to net income of $6.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2021. Return on average assets and return on average equity were 1.40% and 16.67%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to 0.97% and 11.22%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2021.

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income increased $2.3 million, or 12.2%, to $20.9 million, for the three months ended December 31, 2022, from $18.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The increase in net interest income was due to an increase in interest and dividend income of $3.7 million, or 18.4%, partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $1.4 million, or 103.2%. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.1 million, or 102.2%, and interest expense on borrowings increased $272,000. Net interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2022 includes PPP income of $18,000, compared to $973,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2021. During the same period, excluding PPP income, net interest income increased $3.2 million, or 18.3%. During the three months ended December 31, 2022 and the three months ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized prepayment penalties of $134,000 and $21,000, respectively. In addition, interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2022 includes $87,000 in positive purchase accounting adjustments, compared to $31,000 in negative accounting adjustments for the three months ended December 31, 2021.

    The net interest margin was 3.44% for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to 3.08%, for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.47% for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to 3.10% for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The increase in the net interest margin was due to an increase in average loans outstanding of $144.7 million, or 7.8%, a decrease in average securities of $13.3 million, or 3.3%, and a decrease in average short-term investments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, of $124.1 million, or 94.2%, from the three months ended December 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022.

    The average yield on interest-earning assets increased 60 basis points from 3.30% for the three months ended December 31, 2021 to 3.90% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the average cost of funds, including non-interest-bearing demand accounts and borrowings, increased 24 basis points, from 0.23% for the three months ended December 31, 2021 to 0.47% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The average cost of core deposits, which include non-interest-bearing demand accounts, increased 19 basis points, from 0.15% for the three months ended December 31, 2021 to 0.34% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The average cost of time deposits increased 26 basis points from 0.39% for the three months ended December 31, 2021 to 0.65% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The average cost of borrowings, including subordinated debt, decreased 15 basis points from 4.44% for the three months ended December 31, 2021 to 4.29% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. For the three months ended December 31, 2022, average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, increased $9.5 million, or 1.4%, to $663.8 million, or 29.4% of total average deposits, from $654.3 million, or 29.0% of total average deposits for the three months ended December 31, 2021.

    During the three months ended December 31, 2022, average interest-earning assets increased $7.3 million, or 0.3%, to $2.4 billion compared to the three months ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to an increase in average loans of $144.7 million, or 7.8%, offset by a decrease in average short-term investments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, of $124.1 million, or 94.2%, and a decrease in average securities of $13.3 million, or 3.3%. Excluding average PPP loans, average interest-earning assets increased $48.8 million, or 2.1%, and average loans increased $183.9 million, or 10.2%, from the three months ended December 31, 2021 to the three months ended December 31, 2022.

    Provision for Loan Losses

    The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $150,000 for three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to a provision for loan losses of $300,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in the provision for loan losses was primarily due to a reduction of qualitative adjustment factors that had previously been increased in the allowance for credit losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty in the economic environment. The Company recorded net charge-offs of $426,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to net charge-offs of $350,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2021. Management continues to assess the exposure of the Company’s loan portfolio to the COVID-19 pandemic related factors, economic trends and their potential effect on asset quality.

    Non-Interest Income

    Non-interest income increased $1.8 million, or 46.6%, to $5.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, from $3.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, non-interest income included the recognition of $555,000 in bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) death benefits. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, service charges and fees on deposits increased $59,000, or 2.6%, and income from BOLI decreased $58,000, or 11.9%, from $486,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2021 to $428,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2022. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, the Company reported $289,000 in mortgage banking income from the sale of fixed rate residential real estate loans. The Company did not sell any loans to the secondary market during the three months ended December 31, 2022.

    On October 31, 2022, the termination of the DB Plan became effective, subject to regulatory approvals, with final settlement occurring in the second quarter of 2023. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a curtailment gain related to the DB Plan termination of $2.8 million through non-interest income. Excluding the DB Plan termination curtailment gain and BOLI death benefits, non-interest income decreased $455,000, or 13.8%. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company reported a gain on non-marketable equity investments of $70,000, compared to a gain of $352,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2021. In addition, the Company reported an unrealized gain on marketable equity securities of $19,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to an unrealized loss on marketable equity securities of $96,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2021. Gains and losses from the investment portfolio vary from quarter to quarter based on market conditions, as well as the related yield curve and valuation changes.

    Non-Interest Expense

    For the three months ended December 31, 2022, non-interest expense increased $80,000, or 0.6%, to $14.0 million, from $13.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The increase in non-interest expense was due to an increase in salaries and benefits expense of $4,000, an increase in professional fees of $140,000, or 29.4%, an increase in occupancy expense of $74,000, or 6.5%, and an increase in FDIC insurance expense of $53,000, or 26.2%. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in advertising expense of $84,000, or 32.1%, a decrease in furniture and equipment expense of $69,000, or 12.6%, a decrease in data processing expense of $2,000, or 0.3%, and a decrease in other non-interest expense of $36,000, or 1.5%.

    For the three months ended December 31, 2022, the efficiency ratio was 52.8%, compared to 62.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2021. For the three months ended December 31, 2022, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 59.3%, compared to 64.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2021. See below for the related efficiency ratio calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

    Income Tax Provision

    Income tax expense for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was $3.3 million, representing an effective tax rate of 26.9%, compared to $2.0 million, representing an effective tax rate of 24.3%, for three months ended December 31, 2021.

    Net Income for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021

    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company reported net income of $25.9 million, or $1.18 per diluted share, compared to $23.7 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. Return on average assets and return on average equity were 1.02% and 11.85% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, respectively, compared to 0.96% and 10.64% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, respectively. Excluding PPP income and the gain on defined benefit curtailment as a result of the termination of the DB Plan, income before provision and taxes increased $7.8 million, or 32.5%, from $24.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 to $31.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, net interest income increased $6.0 million, or 8.3%, to $79.2 million, compared to $73.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. The increase in net interest income was due to an increase in interest and dividend income of $6.1 million, or 7.6%, partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $24,000, or 0.4%. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company generated net interest income growth of 8.3%, overcoming a $6.0 million, or 89.2%, decrease in PPP income as the PPP program comes to a close. Excluding PPP income of $728,000 and $6.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, respectively, net interest income increased $12.1 million, or 18.2% for the same period.

    The net interest margin for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 was 3.31%, compared to 3.14% during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.33% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, compared to 3.16% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. Excluding the PPP income, the net interest margin increased 29 basis points from 2.99% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 to 3.28% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.

    The average yield on interest-earning assets increased 15 basis point from 3.43% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 to 3.58% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the average cost of funds, including non-interest-bearing demand accounts and borrowings, decreased one basis point from 0.30% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 to 0.29% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the average cost of core deposits, including non-interest-bearing demand deposits, increased three basis points from 0.17% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 to 0.20% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. The average cost of time deposits decreased 12 basis points from 0.53% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 to 0.41% during the same period in 2022. The average cost of borrowings, which include FHLB advances and subordinated debt, increased 122 basis points from 3.04% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 to 4.26% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, due to the issuance of $20.0 million in subordinated debt in April 2021.

    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, increased $39.0 million, or 6.4%, from $609.0 million, or 28.0% of total average deposits, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, to $648.0 million, or 28.6% of total average deposits, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.

    During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, average interest-earning assets increased $67.1 million, or 2.9%, to $2.4 billion. The increase in average interest-earning assets was due to an increase in average loans of $65.6 million, or 3.5%, as well as an increase in average securities of $87.7 million, or 27.4%, partially offset by a decrease of $86.2 million, or 77.0%, in short-term investments, which consists of cash and cash equivalents. Excluding average PPP loans, average loans increased $170.5 million, or 9.6%, and average interest-earnings assets increased $172.0 million, or 7.7%.

    Provision for Loan Losses

    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the provision for loan losses was $700,000, compared to a credit for loan losses of $925,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. The Company recorded net charge-offs of $556,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to net charge-offs of $445,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.

    Non-Interest Income

    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, non-interest income increased $768,000, or 6.1%, from $12.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 to $13.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, non-interest income included the recognition of $555,000 in BOLI death benefits. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, service charges and fees increased $712,000, or 8.5%, and mortgage banking income decreased $1.4 million from the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 to the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. In 2021, the Company sold $59.7 million in fixed rate residential real estate loans to the secondary market, compared to $277,000 in sales during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. Other income from loan-level swap fees on commercial loans decreased $33,000, or 56.9%, and income from BOLI decreased $187,000, or 9.8%.

    On October 31, 2022, the termination of the DB Plan became effective, subject to regulatory approvals, with final settlement occurring in the second quarter of 2023. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a curtailment gain related to the DB Plan termination of $2.8 million through non-interest income. Excluding the defined benefit curtailment gain as a result of the termination of the DB Plan and BOLI death benefits, non-interest income decreased $1.5 million, or 12.5%. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company reported unrealized losses on marketable equity securities of $717,000, compared to unrealized losses of $168,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company also reported realized losses on the sale of securities of $4,000, compared to realized losses on the sale of securities of $72,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. In addition, the Company reported a gain of $422,000 on non-marketable equity investments during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $898,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. Gains and losses from the investment portfolio vary from quarter to quarter based on market conditions, as well as the related yield curve and valuation changes. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, the Company also recognized a loss on interest rate swap termination of $402,000 representing the unamortized portion of a $3.4 million loss associated with the previous termination of a $32.5 million interest rate swap on March 16, 2016.

    Non-Interest Expense

    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, non-interest expense increased $2.3 million, or 4.2%, to $57.2 million, compared to $54.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense of $511,000, or 1.6%, due to normal annual salary increases as well as higher incentive compensation costs. Other non-interest expense increased $878,000, or 10.2%, professional fees increased $531,000, or 24.3%, which is comprised of legal fees, audit and compliance fees, as well as other professional fees. Occupancy expense increased $328,000, or 7.0%, advertising expense increased $116,000, or 9.0%, and FDIC insurance expense increased $50,000, or 5.0%. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in furniture and equipment expense of $58,000, or 2.8%, and a decrease in data processing expense of $18,000, or 0.6%. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, the Company prepaid $32.5 million of FHLB borrowings resulting in a loss of $45,000. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the efficiency ratio was 61.8%, compared to 64.1% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 63.6%, compared to 64.6% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. See below for the related efficiency ratio calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

    Income Tax Provision

    Income tax expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 was $8.7 million, representing an effective tax rate of 25.2%, compared to $8.0 million, representing an effective tax rate of 25.3%, for twelve months ended December 31, 2021.

    Balance Sheet

    At December 31, 2022, total assets were $2.6 billion, an increase of $14.7 million, or 0.6%, from December 31, 2021. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents decreased $73.1 million, or 70.7%, to $30.3 million, investment securities decreased $45.1 million, or 10.5%, to $383.4 million and total loans increased $126.7 million, or 6.8%, to $2.0 billion.

    Investments

    At December 31, 2022, the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio decreased $47.4 million, or 24.4%, from $194.4 million at December 31, 2021 to $147.0 million at December 31, 2022. The held-to-maturity securities portfolio, recorded at amortized cost, increased $7.9 million, or 3.6%, from $222.3 million at December 31, 2021 to $230.2 million at December 31, 2022. The marketable equity securities portfolio decreased $5.7 million, or 47.6%, from $11.9 million at December 31, 2021 to $6.2 million at December 31, 2022. The decreases were due to principal pay downs and redemptions, as well as an increase in unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale. The primary objective of the investment portfolio is to provide liquidity and maximize income while preserving the safety of principal.

    Total Loans

    At December 31, 2022, total loans were $2.0 billion, an increase of $126.7 million, or 6.8%, from December 31, 2021. Excluding PPP loans, total loans increased $149.7 million, or 8.1%, driven by an increase in commercial real estate loans of $89.4 million, or 9.1%, an increase in total commercial and industrial loans of $16.2 million, or 8.1%, an increase in residential real estate loans, which include home equity loans, of $43.0 million, or 6.6%, and a decrease in PPP loans of $23.1 million, or 91.0%, from December 31, 2021.

    The following table is a summary of our outstanding loan balances for the periods indicated:

     December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
     (Dollars in thousands)
      
    Commercial real estate loans$1,069,323  $979,969 
        
    Residential real estate loans:   
    Residential 589,503   552,332 
    Home equity 105,557   99,759 
    Total residential real estate loans 695,060   652,091 
        
    Commercial and industrial loans:   
    PPP loans 2,274   25,329 
    Commercial and industrial loans 217,574   201,340 
    Total commercial and industrial loans 219,848   226,669 
        
    Consumer loans 5,045   4,250 
    Total gross loans 1,989,276   1,862,979 
    Unamortized PPP loan fees (109)  (781)
    Unamortized premiums and net deferred loans fees and costs 2,233   2,518 
    Total loans$1,991,400  $1,864,716 
        


    Credit Quality

    Management continues to remain attentive to any signs of deterioration in borrowers’ financial conditions and is proactive in taking the appropriate steps to mitigate risk. At December 31, 2022, nonperforming loans totaled $5.7 million, or 0.29% of total loans, compared to $5.0 million, or 0.27% of total loans, at December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2022, there were no loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest. Nonperforming assets to total assets, was 0.22% at December 31, 2022, compared to 0.20% at December 31, 2021. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.00% at December 31, 2022, compared to 1.06% at December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2022, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans was 350.0%, compared to 398.6%, at December 31, 2021.

    Deposits

    At December 31, 2022, total deposits were $2.2 billion, a decrease of $27.5 million, or 1.2%, from December 31, 2021, primarily due to a decrease in core deposits of $37.1 million, or 2.0%. Core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, decreased from $1.9 billion, or 82.2% of total deposits, at December 31, 2021, to $1.8 billion, or 81.5% of total deposits, at December 31, 2022. Non-interest-bearing deposits increased $4.2 million, or 0.7%, to $645.5 million, interest-bearing checking accounts increased $3.0 million, or 2.1%, to $148.7 million, savings accounts increased $4.8 million, or 2.2%, to $222.4 million, and money market accounts decreased $49.3 million, or 5.8%, to $801.1 million. Time deposits increased $9.7 million, or 2.4%, from $402.0 million at December 31, 2021 to $411.7 million at December 31, 2022.

    Borrowings and Subordinated Debt

    At December 31, 2022, total borrowings increased $39.9 million, or 178.9%, from $22.3 million at December 31, 2021, to $62.2 million. Short-term borrowings and long-term debt increased $39.9 million to $42.5 million and subordinated debt outstanding totaled $19.7 million at December 31, 2022 and $19.6 million at December 31, 2021.

    Capital

    At December 31, 2022, shareholders’ equity was $228.1 million, or 8.9% of total assets, compared to $223.7 million, or 8.8% of total assets, at December 31, 2021. The increase in shareholders’ equity reflects net income of $25.9 million, partially offset by $6.4 million for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock, the payment of regular cash dividends of $5.3 million and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $12.7 million. Total shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022 were 22,216,789.

    Capital Management

    The Company’s book value per share was $10.27 at December 31, 2022 compared to $9.87 at December 31, 2021, while tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $0.40, or 4.3%, from $9.21 at December 31, 2021 to $9.61 at December 31, 2022. Reflected in the book value and tangible book value changes during the year ended December 31, 2022 are the Federal Reserve’s 425 basis points interest rate increases, which resulted in significant changes in unrealized gains and losses on investment securities. Such unrealized gains and losses are generally due to changes in interest rates and represent the difference, net of applicable income tax effect, between the estimated fair value and amortized cost of investment securities classified as available-for-sale. The Company had no other-than-temporary impairment charges in its investment portfolio in 2022 or 2021. Tangible book value is a non-GAAP measure. See below for the related tangible book value calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

    The Company’s regulatory capital ratios remain in compliance with regulatory “well capitalized” requirements and internal target minimal levels. At December 31, 2022, the Company’s Tier 1 leverage, common equity tier 1 capital, and total risk-based capital ratios were 9.3%, 12.2%, and 14.2%, respectively, and the Bank’s Tier 1 leverage, common equity tier 1 capital, and total risk-based capital ratios were 9.5%, 12.5%, and 13.5%, respectively, compared with regulatory “well capitalized” minimums of 5.00%, 6.50%, and 10.00%, respectively.

    Dividends

    Although the Company has historically paid quarterly dividends on its common stock and currently intends to continue to pay such dividends, the Company’s ability to pay such dividends depends on a number of factors, including restrictions under federal laws and regulations on the Company’s ability to pay dividends, and as a result, there can be no assurance that dividends will continue to be paid in the future.

    About Western New England Bancorp, Inc.

    Western New England Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts-chartered stock holding company and the parent company of Westfield Bank, CSB Colts, Inc., Elm Street Securities Corporation, WFD Securities, Inc. and WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC. Western New England Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries are headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts and operate 25 banking offices throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. To learn more, visit our website at www.westfieldbank.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, future performance, business, measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the COVID-19 impact on the Company’s business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.”  Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates.  These factors include, but are not limited to:

    • the duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and the local, national and global impact of COVID-19;
    • the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and the response thereto;
    • changes in the interest rate environment that reduce margins;
    • the effect on our operations of governmental legislation and regulation, including changes in accounting regulation or standards, the nature and timing of the adoption and effectiveness of new requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, Basel guidelines, capital requirements and other applicable laws and regulations;
    • the highly competitive industry and market area in which we operate;
    • general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality;
    • changes in business conditions and inflation;
    • changes in credit market conditions;
    • the inability to realize expected cost savings or achieve other anticipated benefits in connection with business combinations and other acquisitions;
    • changes in the securities markets which affect investment management revenues;
    • increases in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance premiums and assessments;
    • changes in technology used in the banking business;
    • the soundness of other financial services institutions which may adversely affect our credit risk;
    • certain of our intangible assets may become impaired in the future;
    • our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented;
    • new lines of business or new products and services, which may subject us to additional risks;
    • changes in key management personnel which may adversely impact our operations;
    • severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events which could significantly impact our business; and
    • other factors detailed from time to time in our SEC filings.

    Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.


    WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Net Income and Other Data
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)

     Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
     December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,December 31,December 31,
      2022  2022  2022  2022  2021  2022  2021 
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:       
    Loans$21,274 $19,543 $18,500 $17,947 $18,089 $77,264 $74,200 
    Securities 2,174  2,104  2,068  1,950  1,763  8,296  5,394 
    Other investments 75  47  30  25  25  177  116 
    Short-term investments 62  60  48  21  49  191  139 
    Total interest and dividend income 23,585  21,754  20,646  19,943  19,926  85,928  79,849 
            
    INTEREST EXPENSE:       
    Deposits 2,206  1,164  990  992  1,091  5,352  5,508 
    Short-term borrowings 272  48  10  -  -  330  - 
    Long-term debt -  -  -  -  -  -  458 
    Subordinated debt 253  254  254  253  253  1,014  706 
    Total interest expense 2,731  1,466  1,254  1,245  1,344  6,696  6,672 
            
    Net interest and dividend income 20,854  20,288  19,392  18,698  18,582  79,232  73,177 
            
    PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR LOAN LOSSES 150  675  300  (425) 300  700  (925)
            
    Net interest and dividend income after provision (credit) for loan losses 20,704  19,613  19,092  19,123  18,282  78,532  74,102 
            
    NON-INTEREST INCOME:       
    Service charges and fees 2,329  2,223  2,346  2,174  2,270  9,072  8,360 
    Income from bank-owned life insurance 428  391  458  448  486  1,725  1,912 
    Bank-owned life insurance death benefits -  -  -  -  555  -  555 
    Loss on sales of securities, net -  -  -  (4) -  (4) (72)
    Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable equity securities 19  (235) (225) (276) (96) (717) (168)
    Gain on sale of mortgages -  -  -  2  289  2  1,423 
    Gain on non-marketable equity investments 70  211  141  -  352  422  898 
    Loss on interest rate swap terminations -  -  -  -  -  -  (402)
    Gain on defined benefit plan curtailment 2,807  -  -  -  -  2,807  - 
    Other income -  -  21  4  -  25  58 
    Total non-interest income 5,653  2,590  2,741  2,348  3,856  13,332  12,564 
            
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:       
    Salaries and employees benefits 8,197  8,025  8,236  8,239  8,193  32,697  32,186 
    Occupancy 1,218  1,226  1,177  1,363  1,144  4,984  4,656 
    Furniture and equipment 479  465  539  543  548  2,026  2,084 
    Data processing 724  707  731  723  726  2,885  2,903 
    Professional fees 617  803  719  577  477  2,716  2,185 
    FDIC insurance 255  273  234  286  202  1,048  998 
    Advertising 178  419  412  399  262  1,408  1,292 
    Loss on prepayment of borrowings -  -  -  -  -  -  45 
    Other 2,335  2,425  2,385  2,326  2,371  9,471  8,593 
    Total non-interest expense 14,003  14,343  14,433  14,456  13,923  57,235  54,942 
            
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 12,354  7,860  7,400  7,015  8,215  34,629  31,724 
            
    INCOME TAX PROVISION 3,320  1,861  1,865  1,696  1,995  8,742  8,025 
    NET INCOME$9,034 $5,999 $5,535 $5,319 $6,220 $25,887 $23,699 
            
    Basic earnings per share$0.42 $0.28 $0.25 $0.24 $0.28 $1.18 $1.02 
    Weighted average shares outstanding 21,676,892  21,757,027  21,991,383  22,100,076  22,097,968  21,879,657  23,223,633 
    Diluted earnings per share$0.42 $0.28 $0.25 $0.24 $0.28 $1.18 $1.02 
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 21,751,409  21,810,036  22,025,687  22,172,909  22,203,876  21,938,323  23,300,637 
            
    Other Data:       
    Return on average assets (1) 1.40% 0.93% 0.87% 0.85% 0.97% 1.02% 0.96%
    Return on average equity (1) 16.67% 10.90% 10.22% 9.65% 11.22% 11.85% 10.64%
    Efficiency ratio 52.83% 62.69% 65.21% 68.69% 62.05% 61.83% 64.08%
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (2) 59.31% 62.63% 64.96% 67.79% 64.38% 63.55% 64.64%
    Net interest margin 3.44% 3.35% 3.24% 3.18% 3.08% 3.31% 3.14%
    Net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis 3.47% 3.37% 3.26% 3.20% 3.10% 3.33% 3.16%
    (1) Annualized.     
    (2) The adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) represents the ratio of operating expenses, excluding loss on prepayment of borrowings, divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and non-interest income, excluding bank-owned life insurance death benefits, realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities, gain on non-marketable equity investments, loss on interest rate swap termination, and gain on defined benefit plan curtailment.


    WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Dollars in thousands)
    (Unaudited)

     December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31,
      2022   2022   2022   2022   2021 
    Cash and cash equivalents$30,342  $27,113  $47,513  $62,898  $103,456 
    Available-for-sale securities, at fair value 146,997   148,716   160,925   173,910   194,352 
    Held to maturity securities, at amortized cost 230,168   234,387   233,803   237,575   222,272 
    Marketable equity securities, at fair value 6,237   11,280   11,453   11,643   11,896 
    Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other restricted stock - at cost 3,352   2,234   1,882   2,594   2,594 
              
    Loans 1,991,400   2,007,672   1,975,700   1,926,285   1,864,716 
    Allowance for loan losses (19,931)  (20,208)  (19,560)  (19,308)  (19,787)
    Net loans 1,971,469   1,987,464   1,956,140   1,906,977   1,844,929 
              
    Bank-owned life insurance 74,620   74,192   73,801   73,343   72,895 
    Goodwill 12,487   12,487   12,487   12,487   12,487 
    Core deposit intangible 2,188   2,281   2,375   2,469   2,563 
    Other assets 75,290   78,671   76,978   71,542   70,981 
    TOTAL ASSETS$2,553,150  $2,578,825  $2,577,357  $2,555,438  $2,538,425 
              
    Total deposits$2,229,443  $2,287,754  $2,301,972  $2,278,164  $2,256,898 
    Short-term borrowings 41,350   21,500   4,790   -   - 
    Long-term debt 1,178   1,178   1,360   1,686   2,653 
    Subordinated debt 19,673   19,663   19,653   19,643   19,633 
    Securities pending settlement 133   9   -   146   - 
    Other liabilities 33,230   37,021   34,252   36,736   35,553 
    TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,325,007   2,367,125   2,362,027   2,336,375   2,314,737 
              
    TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 228,143   211,700   215,330   219,063   223,688 
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY$2,553,150  $2,578,825  $2,577,357  $2,555,438  $2,538,425 


    WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Other Data
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)

     Three Months Ended
      December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31,
     2022 2022 2022 2022 2021
    Shares outstanding at end of period22,216,789 22,246,545 22,465,991 22,742,189 22,656,515
              
    Operating results:         
    Net interest income$ 20,854 $ 20,288 $ 19,392 $ 18,698 $ 18,582
    Provision (credit) for loan losses150 675 300 (425) 300
    Non-interest income5,653 2,590 2,741 2,348 3,856
    Non-interest expense14,003 14,343 14,433 14,456 13,923
    Income before income provision for income taxes12,354 7,860 7,400 7,015 8,215
    Income tax provision3,320 1,861 1,865 1,696 1,995
    Net income9,034 5,999 5,535 5,319 6,220
              
    Performance Ratios:         
    Net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis3.47% 3.37% 3.26% 3.20% 3.10%
    Interest rate spread, on a fully tax-equivalent basis3.26% 3.26% 3.17% 3.10% 2.99%
    Return on average assets1.40% 0.93% 0.87% 0.85% 0.97%
    Return on average equity16.67% 10.90% 10.22% 9.65% 11.22%
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (1)59.31% 62.63% 64.96% 67.79% 64.38%
              
    Per Common Share Data:         
    Basic earnings per share$ 0.42 $ 0.28 $ 0.25 $ 0.24 $ 0.28
    Per diluted share0.42 0.28 0.25 0.24 0.28
    Cash dividend declared0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.05
    Book value per share10.27 9.52 9.58 9.63 9.87
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)9.61 8.85 8.92 8.97 9.21
              
    Asset Quality:         
    30-89 day delinquent loans$ 2,578 $ 2,630 $ 1,063 $ 1,407 $ 1,102
    90 days or more delinquent loans1,891 669 1,149 1,401 1,039
    Total delinquent loans4,469 3,299 2,212 2,808 2,141
    Total delinquent loans as a percentage of total loans0.22% 0.16% 0.11% 0.15% 0.11%
    Total delinquent loans as a percentage of total loans, excluding PPP0.22% 0.16% 0.11% 0.15% 0.12%
    Nonperforming loans$ 5,694 $ 4,432 $ 4,105 $ 3,988 $ 4,964
    Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans0.29% 0.22% 0.21% 0.21% 0.27%
    Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans, excluding PPP0.29% 0.22% 0.21% 0.21% 0.27%
    Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets0.22% 0.17% 0.16% 0.16% 0.20%
    Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets, excluding PPP0.22% 0.17% 0.16% 0.16% 0.20%
    Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans350.04% 455.96% 476.49% 484.15% 398.61%
    Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans1.00% 1.01% 0.99% 1.00% 1.06%
    Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans, excluding PPP1.00% 1.01% 0.99% 1.01% 1.08%
    Net loan charge-offs$ 426 $ 27 $ 48 $ 54 $ 350
    Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average loans0.02% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.02%

    ____________________________
    (1) The adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) represents the ratio of operating expenses, excluding loss on prepayment of borrowings, divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and non-interest income, excluding bank-owned life insurance death benefits, realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities, gain on non-marketable equity investments, loss on interest rate swap termination, and gain on defined benefit plan curtailment.


    The following tables set forth the information relating to our average balances and net interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2022, September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021 and reflect the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

     Three Months Ended
     December 31, 2022 September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
     Average    Average Yield/ Average    Average Yield/ Average    Average Yield/
     Balance Interest Cost(8) Balance Interest Cost(8) Balance Interest Cost(8)
     (Dollars in thousands)
    ASSETS:                    
    Interest-earning assets                    
    Loans(1)(2)$1,994,874 $21,403  4.26% $1,973,580 $19,665  3.95% $1,850,162 $18,197  3.90%
    Securities(2) 388,529  2,175  2.22   404,005  2,105  2.07   401,811  1,764  1.74 
    Other investments 10,638  75  2.80   10,037  47  1.86   10,654  25  0.93 
    Short-term investments(3) 7,635  62  3.22   13,911  60  1.71   131,770  49  0.15 
    Total interest-earning assets 2,401,676  23,715  3.92   2,401,533  21,877  3.61   2,394,397  20,035  3.32 
    Total non-interest-earning assets 159,042       154,955       149,151     
    Total assets$2,560,718      $2,556,488      $2,543,548     
                         
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:                    
    Interest-bearing liabilities                    
    Interest-bearing checking accounts$149,928  206  0.55% $139,678  123  0.35% $132,028  106  0.32%
    Savings accounts 221,964  39  0.07   224,112  38  0.07   214,961  36  0.07 
    Money market accounts 862,523  1,375  0.63   911,282  743  0.32   849,023  546  0.26 
    Time deposit accounts 359,555  586  0.65   339,614  260  0.30   410,149  403  0.39 
    Total interest-bearing deposits 1,593,970  2,206  0.55   1,614,686  1,164  0.29   1,606,161  1,091  0.27 
    Short-term borrowings and long-term debt 48,579  525  4.29   29,076  302  4.12   22,614  253  4.44 
    Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,642,549  2,731  0.66   1,643,762  1,466  0.35   1,628,775  1,344  0.33 
    Non-interest-bearing deposits 663,814       658,853       654,334     
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities 39,399       35,558       40,428     
    Total non-interest-bearing liabilities 703,213       694,411       694,762     
    Total liabilities 2,345,762       2,338,173       2,323,537     
    Total equity 214,956       218,315       220,011     
    Total liabilities and equity$2,560,718      $2,556,488      $2,543,548     
    Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)   (130)       (123)       (109)   
    Net interest and dividend income  $20,854       $20,288       $18,582    
    Net interest rate spread (4)    3.24%     3.24%     2.97%
    Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis (5)    3.26%     3.26%     2.99%
    Net interest margin (6)    3.44%     3.35%     3.08%
    Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis (7)    3.47%     3.37%     3.10%
    Ratio of average interest-earning                    
    assets to average interest-bearing liabilities    146.22%     146.10%     147.01%


    The following tables set forth the information relating to our average balances and net interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and reflect the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

     Twelve Months Ended December 31,
     2022
     2021
     Average
    Balance
     Interest Average Yield/
    Cost
     Average
    Balance
     Interest Average Yield/
    Cost
     
     (Dollars in thousands)
    ASSETS:             
    Interest-earning assets             
    Loans(1)(2)$1,953,527 $77,758  3.98% $1,887,926 $74,620  3.95%
    Securities(2) 407,444  8,299  2.04   319,778  5,398  1.69 
    Other investments 10,289  177  1.72   10,242  115  1.12 
    Short-term investments(3) 25,712  191  0.74   111,931  139  0.12 
    Total interest-earning assets 2,396,972  86,425  3.61   2,329,877  80,272  3.45 
    Total non-interest-earning assets 152,941       147,980     
    Total assets$2,549,913      $2,477,857     
                  
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:             
    Interest-bearing liabilities             
    Interest-bearing checking accounts$139,993  530  0.38% $109,648  399  0.36%
    Savings accounts 222,267  161  0.07   205,394  154  0.07 
    Money market accounts 890,763  3,187  0.36   776,725  2,412  0.31 
    Time deposit accounts 363,258  1,474  0.41   477,067  2,543  0.53 
    Total interest-bearing deposits 1,616,281  5,352  0.33   1,568,834  5,508  0.35 
    Short-term borrowings and long-term debt 31,556  1,344  4.26   38,294  1,164  3.04 
    Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,647,837  6,696  0.41   1,607,128  6,672  0.42 
    Non-interest-bearing deposits 647,971       608,936     
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities 35,615       39,108     
    Total non-interest-bearing liabilities 683,586       648,044     
                  
    Total liabilities 2,331,423       2,255,172     
    Total equity 218,490       222,685     
    Total liabilities and equity$2,549,913      $2,477,857     
    Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)   (497)       (423)   
    Net interest and dividend income  $79,232       $73,177    
    Net interest rate spread (4)    3.18%     3.01%
    Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis (5)    3.20%     3.03%
    Net interest margin (6)    3.31%     3.14%
    Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis (7)    3.33%     3.16%
    Ratio of average interest-earning             
    assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   145.46%     144.97%


    ____________________________________________________

     (1)Loans, including nonaccrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs and unadvanced funds.
     (2)Loan and securities income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21%. The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income to agree to the amount reported on the consolidated statements of net income.
     (3)Short-term investments include federal funds sold.
     (4)Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
     (5)Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents the difference between the tax-equivalent weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the tax-equivalent weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
     (6)Net interest margin represents net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
     (7)Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
     (8)Annualized.
       


    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures

    The Company believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide information to investors that is useful in understanding its financial condition.  Because not all companies use the same calculation, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures calculated by other companies. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures is provided below.

     For the quarter ended
     12/31/2022 9/30/2022 6/30/2022 3/31/2022 12/31/2021
         (In thousands)    
              
    Loans (no tax adjustment)$21,274  $19,543  $18,500  $17,947  $18,089 
    Tax-equivalent adjustment 129   122   124   120   108 
    Loans (tax-equivalent basis)$21,403  $19,665  $18,624  $18,067  $18,197 
              
    Securities (no tax adjustment)$2,174  $2,104  $2,068  $1,950  $1,763 
    Tax-equivalent adjustment 1   1   -   -   1 
    Securities (tax-equivalent basis)$2,175  $2,105  $2,068  $1,950  $1,764 
              
    Net interest income (no tax adjustment)$20,854  $20,288  $19,392  $18,698  $18,582 
    Tax equivalent adjustment 130   123   124   120   109 
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)$20,984  $20,411  $19,516  $18,818  $18,691 
              
    Net interest income (no tax adjustment)$20,854  $20,288  $19,392  $18,698  $18,582 
    Less:         
    Purchase accounting adjustments 87   (16)  64   39   (31)
    Prepayment penalties and fees 134   99   26   21   21 
    PPP fee income 18   19   129   562   973 
    Adjusted net interest income (non-GAAP)$20,615  $20,186  $19,173  $18,076  $17,619 
              
    Average interest-earning assets$2,401,676  $2,401,533  $2,398,526  $2,385,932  $2,394,397 
    Average interest-earning assets, excluding average PPP loans$2,399,297  $2,398,998  $2,395,463  $2,370,852  $2,352,858 
    Net interest margin (no tax adjustment) 3.44%   3.35%   3.24%   3.18%   3.08% 
    Net interest margin, tax-equivalent 3.47%   3.37%   3.26%   3.20%   3.10% 
    Adjusted net interest margin, excluding purchase accounting adjustments, PPP fee income and prepayment penalties (non-GAAP) 3.41%   3.34%   3.21%   3.10%   2.97% 



     For the quarter ended
     12/31/2022 9/30/2022 6/30/2022 3/31/2022 12/31/2021
         (In thousands)    
              
    Book Value per Share (GAAP)$10.27  $9.52  $9.58  $9.63  $9.87 
    Non-GAAP adjustments:         
    Goodwill (0.56)  (0.56)  (0.55)  (0.55)  (0.55)
    Core deposit intangible (0.10)  (0.11)  (0.11)  (0.11)  (0.11)
    Tangible Book Value per Share (non-GAAP)$9.61  $8.85  $8.92  $8.97  $9.21 
              
    Income Before Income Taxes (GAAP)$12,354  $7,860  $7,400  $7,015  $8,215 
    Provision (credit) for loan losses 150   675   300   (425)  300 
    PPP income (18)  (19)  (129)  (562)  (973)
    Gain on defined benefit plan curtailment (2,807)  -   -   -   - 
    Income Before Taxes, Provision, PPP Income and Defined Benefit Curtailment (non-GAAP)$9,679  $8,516  $7,571  $6,028  $7,542 
              
    Efficiency Ratio:          
    Non-interest Expense (GAAP)$14,003  $14,343  $14,433  $14,456  $13,923 
    Non-interest Expense for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio$14,003  $14,343  $14,433  $14,456  $13,923 
              
    Net Interest Income (GAAP)$20,854  $20,288  $19,392  $18,698  $18,582 
              
    Non-interest Income (GAAP)$5,653  $2,590  $2,741  $2,348  $3,856 
    Non-GAAP adjustments:         
    Bank-owned life insurance death benefit -   -   -   -   (555)
    Loss (gain) on securities, net -   -   -   4   - 
    Unrealized (gains) losses on marketable equity securities (19)  235   225   276   96 
    Gain on non-marketable equity investments (70)  (211)  (141)  -   (352)
    Gain on defined benefit plan curtailment (2,807)  -   -   -   - 
    Non-interest Income for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)$2,757  $2,614  $2,825  $2,628  $3,045 
    Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)$23,611  $22,902  $22,217  $21,326  $21,627 
              
    Efficiency Ratio (GAAP) 52.83%  62.69%  65.21%  68.69%  62.05%
              
    Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Non-interest Expense for Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)/Total Revenue for Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)) 59.31%  62.63%  64.96%  67.79%  64.38%



     For the twelve months ended
     12/31/2022 12/31/2021
     (In thousands)
        
    Loans (no tax adjustment)$77,264  $74,200 
    Tax-equivalent adjustment 494   420 
    Loans (tax-equivalent basis)$77,758  $74,620 
        
    Securities (no tax adjustment)$8,296  $5,394 
    Tax-equivalent adjustment 3   4 
    Securities (tax-equivalent basis)$8,299  $5,398 
        
    Net interest income (no tax adjustment)$79,232  $73,177 
    Tax equivalent adjustment 497   424 
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)$79,729  $73,601 
        
    Net interest income (no tax adjustment)$79,232  $73,177 
    Less:   
    Purchase accounting adjustments 175   (55)
    Prepayment penalties and fees 281   181 
    PPP fee income 728   6,769 
    Adjusted net interest income (non-GAAP)$78,048  $66,282 
        
    Average interest-earning assets$2,396,972  $2,329,877 
    Average interest-earnings asset, excluding average PPP loans$2,391,252  $2,219,286 
    Net interest margin (no tax adjustment) 3.31%   3.14% 
    Net interest margin, tax-equivalent 3.33%   3.16% 
    Adjusted net interest margin, excluding purchase accounting adjustments, PPP fee income and prepayment penalties (non-GAAP) 3.26%   2.99% 



     For the twelve months ended
     12/31/2022 12/31/2021
     (In thousands)
        
    Income Before Income Taxes (GAAP)$34,629  $31,724 
    Provision (credit) for loan losses 700   (925)
    PPP income (728)  (6,769)
    Gain on defined benefit plan curtailment (2,807)  - 
    Income Before Taxes, Provision, PPP Income and Defined Benefit Curtailment (non-GAAP)$31,794  $24,030 
        
    Adjusted Efficiency Ratio:    
    Non-interest Expense (GAAP)$57,235  $54,942 
    Non-GAAP adjustments:   
    Loss on prepayment of borrowings -   (45)
    Non-interest Expense for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)$57,235  $54,897 
        
    Net Interest Income (GAAP)$79,232  $73,177 
        
    Non-interest Income (GAAP)$13,332  $12,564 
    Non-GAAP adjustments:   
    Loss on securities, net 4   72 
    Unrealized losses on marketable equity securities 717   168 
    Loss on interest rate swap termination -   402 
    Gain on non-marketable equity investments (422)  (898)
    Gain on defined benefit plan curtailment (2,807)  - 
    Non-interest Income for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)$10,824  $12,308 
    Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)$90,056  $85,485 
        
    Efficiency Ratio (GAAP) 61.83%   64.08% 
        
    Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Non-interest Expense for Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)/Total Revenue for Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)) 63.55%   64.64% 


    For further information contact:
    James C. Hagan, President and CEO
    Guida R. Sajdak, Executive Vice President and CFO
    Meghan Hibner, Vice President and Investor Relations Officer
    413-568-1911


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