| ● | Shareholders’ equity was $295.6 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $261.4 million as of December 31, 2023. The $34.2 million increase was primarily driven by 2024 earnings, partially offset by share repurchases and dividend payments. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, Unity Bancorp repurchased 229,102 shares for approximately $6.2 million, or a weighted average price of $27.05 per share. Unity Bancorp did not repurchase any shares during the three months ended December 31, 2024. |
| ● | Book value per common share was $29.48 as of December 31, 2024, compared to $25.98 as of December 31, 2023. This increase primarily reflects earnings partially offset by dividend payouts and share repurchases. |
| ● | Below is a summary of Unity Bancorp’s regulatory capital ratios: |
| o | The Leverage Ratio increased 108 basis points to 12.22% at December 31, 2024, compared to 11.14% at December 31, 2023. |
| o | The Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio increased 120 basis points to 13.90% at December 31, 2024, compared to 12.70% at December 31, 2023. |
| o | The Tier 1 Capital Ratio increased 119 basis points to 14.37% at December 31, 2024, compared to 13.18% at December 31, 2023. |
| o | The Total Capital Ratio increased 119 basis points, to 15.62% at December 31, 2024, compared to 14.43% at December 31, 2023. |
| ● | At December 31, 2024, the Company held $180.4 million of cash and cash equivalents. The Company also maintained approximately $558.0 million of funding available from various funding sources, including the FHLB, FRB Discount Window and other lines of credit. Additionally, the Company has the ability to pledge additional securities to further increase borrowing capacity. Total available funding plus cash on hand represented 182.5% of uninsured or uncollateralized deposits. |
| ● | As of December 31, 2024, non-accrual assets were $15.0 million, compared to $19.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and $15.9 million as of September 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, non-accrual assets included $2.0 million related to AFS debt securities. The ratio of non-accrual loans to total loans was 0.58% as of December 31, 2024. The ratio of non-accrual assets to total assets was 0.57% as of December 31, 2024. |
Other Highlights
| ❖ | In 2024, Unity Bank and its employees fundraised over $25 thousand for local food pantries across New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley. This contribution is part of Unity’s annual holiday community service project, a tradition the Company has upheld for over a decade. |
| ❖ | In the fourth quarter, Unity Bank installed electric vehicle charging stations at its corporate headquarters. These chargers provide fast charging capabilities and represent an investment for Unity’s employees, customers, community members, and a commitment to a more sustainable future. |
| ❖ | In November 2024, Unity Bank proudly announced that Amanda Roche, Vice President & Finance Department Supervisor, was recognized as a 2024 New Leader in Banking by the New Jersey Bankers Association. This esteemed award honors outstanding young professionals who are making a significant contribution to the New Jersey banking sector. |
Unity Bancorp, Inc. is a financial services organization headquartered in Clinton, New Jersey, with approximately $2.7 billion in assets and $2.1 billion in deposits. Unity Bank, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, provides financial services to retail, corporate and small business customers through its robust branch network located in Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Union, and Warren Counties in New Jersey and Northampton County in Pennsylvania. For additional information about Unity, visit our website at www.unitybank.com , or call 800-618-BANK.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, either expressed or implied, which are provided to assist the reader in understanding anticipated future financial performance. These statements may be identified by use of the words “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project” or similar expressions. These statements involve certain risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions made by management, which are subject to factors beyond the Company’s control that could impede its ability to achieve these goals. These factors include those items included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Item IA-Risk Factors” as amended or supplemented by our subsequent filings with the SEC, as well as general economic conditions, trends in interest rates, the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, our ability to manage and reduce the level of our nonperforming assets, results of regulatory exams, and the impact of any health crisis or national disasters on the Bank, its employees and customers, among other factors.