UNION, N.J., Jan. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Center Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNBC) (the "Corporation", or "Center"), parent company of Union Center National Bank ("UCNB" or the "Bank"), today reported operating results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012. Net income available to common stockholders amounted to $4.4 million, or $0.27 per fully diluted common share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, as compared with net income available to common stockholders of $3.2 million, or $0.20 per fully diluted common share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2011.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, net income available to common stockholders amounted to $17.2 million, or $1.05 per fully diluted common share, compared to $13.1 million, or $0.80 per fully diluted common share, for the same period in 2011.

"Our fourth quarter operating performance remained strong and was characterized by solid revenue growth, positive organic loan generation and a continuation of our stable and favorable asset quality profile. We continue to move forward with momentum in expanding our presence in key markets. With the opening of our Englewood office we are working to solidify and expand the service relationship with our new customers and remain excited by the potential to create incremental shareholder value from our strategic growth. We believe that this type of sequential earnings performance demonstrates the Corporation's commitment to achieving meaningful growth in earnings performance -- an essential component of providing consistent and favorable long-term returns to our shareholders," said Anthony C. Weagley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Center National Bank.

Highlights for the quarter include:

  • Strong balance sheet with improved credit trends compared to prior year.
  • At December 31, 2012, total loans amounted to $889.7 million, an increase of $134.7 million compared to total loans at December 31, 2011.
  • Noninterest expense decreased $29,000, or 0.47 percent, for the three months ended December 31, 2012 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2011
  • Reduction in non-performing assets, to 0.31 percent of total assets at December 31, 2012, compared to 0.34 percent at September 30, 2012 and 0.59 percent at December 31, 2011. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-performing loans was 278.9 percent at December 31, 2012 compared to 184.9 percent at September 30, 2012 and 121.5 percent at December 31, 2011.
  • The Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 9.02 percent at December 31, 2012, compared to 8.96 percent at September 30, 2012, and 9.29 percent at December 31, 2011, exceeding regulatory guidelines in all periods.
  • Tangible book value per common share rose to $8.11 at December 31, 2012, compared to $6.60 at December 31, 2011 and $7.90 at September 30, 2012.
  • The efficiency ratio for the fourth quarter of 2012 on an annualized basis was 46.9 percent as compared to 53.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 47.7 percent in the third quarter of 2012.
  • Deposits increased $185.5 million to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2012, from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2011 in part as a result of the Saddle River Valley Bank transaction.
Selected Financial Ratios
(unaudited; annualized where applicable)
As of or for the quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Return on average assets 1.11% 1.13% 1.16% 1.16% 1.03%
Return on average equity 11.17% 11.67% 11.96% 12.05% 10.72%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis) 3.32% 3.28% 3.29% 3.39% 3.50%
Loans / deposits ratio 68.07% 67.28% 68.70% 68.36% 67.32%
Stockholders' equity / total assets 9.86% 9.75% 9.86% 9.62% 9.49%
Efficiency ratio (1) 46.9% 47.7% 47.1% 49.3% 53.7%
Book value per common share  $ 9.14  $ 8.93  $ 8.36  $ 8.01  $ 7.63
Return on average tangible equity (1) 12.49% 13.12% 13.53% 13.70% 12.25%
Tangible common stockholders' equity / tangible assets (1) 8.22% 8.09% 8.08% 7.81% 7.61%
Tangible book value per common share (1) $ 8.11 $ 7.90 $ 7.33 $ 6.98 $ 6.60

(1) Information reconciling non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures is presented elsewhere in this press release.

Non-performing assets (NPAs) at the end of the fourth quarter totaled $5.0 million, or 0.31 percent of total assets, as compared with $8.5 million, or 0.59 percent, at December 31, 2011 and $5.5 million, or 0.34 percent, at September 30, 2012. "Asset quality remains a primary focus, and our actions with respect to asset quality have placed us near the top of all publicly traded banks and thrifts in the state of New Jersey," said Mr. Weagley. "At the same time, we continue to cautiously maintain our reserves for any potential loan losses."

Net Interest Income

For the three months ended December 31, 2012, total interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis increased $1.2 million or 8.6 percent, to $14.8 million, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011. Total interest expense decreased by $260,000, or 8.4 percent, to $2.8 million, for the three months ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period last year. Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis was $12.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012, increasing $1.5 million, or 13.7 percent, from $10.5 million for the comparable period in 2011. Compared to 2011, for the three months ended December 31, 2012, average interest earning assets increased $237.9 million while net interest spread and margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, decreased on an annualized basis by 21 basis points and 18 basis points, respectively. For the quarter ended December 31, 2012, the Corporation's net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent annualized basis decreased to 3.32 percent as compared to 3.50 percent for the same three month period in 2011.

The 8.4 percent decrease in interest expense reflects a favorable shift in the deposit mix and the impact of the sustained low levels in short-term interest rates, offsetting higher volumes of interest bearing deposits. The average cost of funds declined 21 basis points to 0.92 percent from 1.13 percent for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 and on a linked sequential quarter decreased 3 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2012. For the quarter ended December 31, 2012, the Corporation's annualized net interest spread decreased to 3.19 percent as compared to 3.40 percent for the same three month period in 2011.

Earnings Summary for the Period Ended December 31, 2012

The following tables present condensed consolidated statement of income data for the periods indicated. 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
For the quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Net interest income $ 11,422 $ 11,183 $ 10,546 $ 10,345 $ 10,162
Provision for loan losses 100 225 (107) 107 300
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 11,322 10,958 10,653 10,238 9,862
Other income 1,016 2,635 1,604 1,955 1,866
Other expense 6,193 7,507 5,690 5,807 6,222
Income before income tax expense 6,145 6,086 6,567 6,386 5,506
Income tax expense 1,676 1,632 2,214 2,155 1,884
Net income $ 4,469 $ 4,454 $ 4,353 $ 4,231 $ 3,622
Net income available to common stockholders $  4,441 $ 4,426 $ 4,269 $ 4,090 $ 3,238
Earnings per common share:
Basic $ 0.27 $ 0.27 $ 0.26 $ 0.25 $ 0.20
Diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.27 $ 0.26 $ 0.25 $ 0.20
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 16,347,564 16,347,088 16,333,653 16,332,327 16,311,193
Diluted 16,363,698 16,362,635 16,341,767 16,338,162 16,327,990

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis amounted to $45.4 million, compared to $40.6 million for the same period in 2011. For the twelve month period ended December 31, 2012, interest income increased by $4.4 million while interest expense decreased by $401,000 from the same period last year. Compared to the same period in 2011, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, average interest earning assets increased $216.7 million while net interest spread and margin decreased on a tax-equivalent basis by 20 basis points and 21 basis points, respectively.

Commenting on the Corporation's net interest margins, Mr. Weagley remarked: "Prior compression during quarterly periods of 2012, occurred primarily as result of a continued high liquidity pool carried during the periods, which has not been entirely offset by investing activity; however, during the fourth quarter prior action to improve margins started to abate further compression. We expect an improvement in margin, principally given the continued volume of asset deployment into loans from cash and elimination of temporary factors holding the margin down."  

Other Income

The following tables present the components of other income for the periods indicated.

(in thousands, unaudited)
For the quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Service charges on deposit accounts $ 324 $ 333 $ 287 $ 314 $ 344
Loan related fees 220 85 95 110 149
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale 170 88 100 126 99
Annuities and insurance commissions 67 45 48 44 29
Debit card and ATM fees 125 126 134 132 137
Bank-owned life insurance 282 239 246 251 258
Net investment securities gains (losses) (201) 763 513 937 817
Bargain gain on acquisition - 899 - - -
Other fees 29 57 181 41 33
Total other income $ 1,016 $ 2,635 $ 1,604 $ 1,955 $ 1,866

Other income decreased $850,000 for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Corporation recorded net investment securities losses of $201,000 compared to $817,000 in net investment securities gains for the same period last year. Excluding net securities losses, the Corporation recorded other income of $1.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012 compared to other income, excluding net securities gains, of $1.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 and $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The increase in other income in the fourth quarter of 2012 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 (excluding securities losses/gains) was primarily from an increase of $71,000 in loan related fees, an increase of $71,000 in gains on loans held for sale, an increase in bank owned life insurance income of $24,000 and an increase of $38,000 in annuities and insurance commissions, partially offset by a $20,000 decline in service charges on deposit accounts, a $12,000 decline in debit card and ATM fees, and a $4,000 decline in other income .

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, total other income decreased $268,000 compared to the same period in 2011, as a $899,000 bargain gain on acquisition, $311,000 in higher loan fees and higher net gains on sale of loans held for sale, a $150,000 gain from the sale of judgments and $94,000 in higher annuity commissions were offset by lower net securities gains of $1.6 million and decreases of $121,000 in fee income and $20,000 in BOLI revenue. Excluding net securities gains and losses and the 2012 bargain gain on acquisition, the Corporation recorded other income of $4.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 compared to other income, excluding net securities gains, of $3.8 million for the comparable period in 2011, an increase of $455,000 or 11.8 percent.

Total other expense for the fourth quarter of 2012 amounted to $6.2 million, which was approximately $1.3 million or 17.5 percent lower than other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012; excluding repurchase agreement prepayment and termination fee and acquisition costs incurred during the third quarter of 2012, total other expense increased by $160,000 or 2.7 percent. Employee salaries and benefits increased $12,000, occupancy and equipment expense increased $203,000, stationery and printing expense increased $31,000, bank regulatory related expense increased $5,000, postage and delivery increased $6,000, ATM related expense increased $8,000, and all other expense increased $32,000; these increases were partially offset by decreases in professional and consulting of $17,000, marketing and advertising of $29,000 and computer expense of $28,000.

Other Expense

The following tables present the components of other expense for the periods indicated. 

(in thousands, unaudited)
For the quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Salaries $ 2,495 $ 2,505 $ 2,347 $   2,344 $ 2,290
Employee benefits 710 688 708 774 619
Occupancy and equipment 942 739 606 700 701
Professional and consulting 260 277 294 246 351
Stationery and printing 100 69 96 84 95
FDIC Insurance 293 292 270 299 328
Marketing and advertising 35 64 56 31 15
Computer expense 338 366 362 353 323
Bank regulatory related expenses 82 77 75 78 108
Postage and delivery 61 55 71 79 42
ATM related expenses 72 64 69 62 58
Other real estate owned, net 1 65 22 62 399
Amortization of core deposit intangible 10 10 11 13 12
Repurchase agreement prepayment and termination fee - 1,012 - - -
Acquisition cost 10 472 - - -
All other expenses 784 752 703 682 881
Total other expense $ 6,193 $ 7,507 $ 5,690 $ 5,807 $ 6,222

The decrease in other expense for the three months ended December 31, 2012, when compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2011, was approximately $29,000. Decreases primarily included professional and consulting of $91,000, FDIC insurance of $35,000, bank regulatory related expense of $26,000, OREO expense of $398,000 and all other expenses of $97,000. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $296,000 in salaries and benefit expense, $241,000 in occupancy and equipment expense, which primarily reflect the increased costs of the Saddle River Valley Bank acquisition and the new Englewood office.  

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, total other expense increased $1.8 million, or 7.5 percent, compared to the same period in 2011. Excluding the repurchase agreement prepayment and termination fee and acquisition cost, the increase was $260,000, or 1.1 percent. Increases primarily included salaries and employee benefits of $1.0 million, $40,000 in occupancy and equipment, which primarily reflect the increased costs of the Saddle River Valley Bank acquisition and the new Englewood office , $55,000 in marketing and advertising and $107,000 in computer expense. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $558,000 in FDIC insurance expense, $79,000 in professional and consulting, $248,000 in OREO expense and $82,000 in all other expenses.

Statement of Condition Highlights at December 31, 2012

  • Total assets amounted to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2012.
  • Total loans were $889.7 million at December 31, 2012, increasing $134.7 million, or 17.8 percent, from December 31, 2011. Total real estate loans increased $86.9 million, or 16.1 percent, from December 31, 2011. Commercial loans increased $47.6 million, or 22.2 percent, year over year.
  • Investment securities totaled $554.9 million at December 31, 2012, reflecting an increase of $68.1 million or 14.0 percent from December 31, 2011.
  • Deposits totaled $1.3 billion at December 31, 2012, increasing $185.5 million, or 16.5 percent, since December 31, 2011. Total Demand, Savings, Money Market, and certificates of deposit less than $100,000 increased $212.7 million or 21.6 percent from December 31, 2011. Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more decreased by $27.2 million or 19.7 percent from December 31, 2011. The increases were attributable to continued core deposit growth in overall segments of the deposit base, as well as the Saddle River Valley Bank transaction.
  • Borrowings totaled $146.0 million at December 31, 2012, decreasing $15.0 million from December 31, 2011, primarily due to the termination of a $10.0 million repurchase agreement and the prepayment of a $5.0 million FHLB New York advance.

Condensed Statements of Condition

The following tables present condensed statements of condition as of the dates indicated. 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition (unaudited)
(in thousands)
At quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Cash and due from banks $ 104,134 $ 100,106 $ 73,668 $  78,207 $ 111,101
Interest bearing deposits with banks 2,004 2,002 12,000 - -
Investment securities:
Available for sale 496,815 509,605 467,190 454,994 414,507
Held to maturity 58,064 56,503 62,997 69,610 72,233
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value 1,491 1,055 501 2,060 1,018
Loans 889,672 869,998 806,953 788,562 754,992
Allowance for loan losses (10,237) (10,240) (10,221) (9,754) (9,602)
Restricted investment in bank stocks, at cost 8,964 8,964 9,139 9,233 9,233
Premises and equipment, net 13,563 13,564 12,218 12,266 12,327
Goodwill 16,804 16,804 16,804 16,804 16,804
Core deposit intangible 54 64 73 85 98
Bank-owned life insurance 34,961 29,679 29,440 29,194 28,943
Other real estate owned 1,300 - 453 558 591
Other assets 12,176 13,975 19,807 24,776 20,493
Total assets $ 1,629,765 $ 1,612,079 $ 1,501,022 $ 1,476,595 $ 1,432,738
Deposits $ 1,306,922 $ 1,293,013 $ 1,174,649 $ 1,153,473 $ 1,121,415
Borrowings 151,155 151,205 166,262 166,155 166,155
Other liabilities 10,997 10,676 12,128 14,886 9,252
Stockholders' equity 160,691 157,185 147,983 142,081 135,916
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,629,765 $ 1,612,079 $ 1,501,022 $  1,476,595 $ 1,432,738

The following tables reflect the composition of the Corporation's deposits as of the dates indicated. 

Deposits (unaudited)
(in thousands)
At quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Demand:
Non-interest bearing $ 215,071 $ 192,321 $ 181,282 $  172,342 $  167,164
Interest-bearing 217,922 222,660 199,064 197,648 215,523
Savings 216,274 218,732 207,151 209,436 200,930
Money market 493,836 488,189 432,507 411,626 351,237
Time 163,819 171,111 154,645 162,421 186,561
Total deposits $ 1,306,922 $ 1,293,013 $ 1,174,649 $ 1,153,473 $ 1,121,415

Loans

The following reflects the composition of the Corporation's loan portfolio as of the dates indicated. 

Loans (unaudited)
(in thousands)
At quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Real estate loans:
Residential $ 158,361 $ 162,070 $ 147,431 $ 147,607 $ 150,749
Commercial 428,673 424,574 381,348 371,855 358,245
Construction 40,272 40,867 33,521 34,093 31,378
Total real estate loans 627,306 627,511 562,300 553,555 540,372
Commercial loans 261,791 242,008 244,294 234,549 214,167
Consumer and other loans 452 324 196 399 436
Total loans before deferred fees and costs 889,549 869,843 806,790 788,503 754,975
Deferred costs, net 123 155 163 59 17
Total loans $ 889,672 $ 869,998 $ 806,953 $ 788,562 $ 754,992

The Corporation's net loans in the fourth quarter of 2012 increased $19.7 million, to $879.4 million at December 31, 2012, from $859.8 million at September 30, 2012. This includes allowance for loan losses of $10.2 million at both December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012. The loan growth during the period amounted to approximately $89.2 million in new loans and advances during the fourth quarter. This growth was offset in part by prepayments of $31.5 million coupled with scheduled payments, maturities and payoffs of $38.1 million. Average loans during the fourth quarter of 2012 totaled $864.9 million as compared to $726.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2011, representing a 19.1 percent increase.

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2012, the loan portfolio remained well diversified with commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, including owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, accounting for 30.4 percent of the loan portfolio, commercial real estate loans representing 45.0 percent of the loan portfolio, and personal and other loans representing 20.1 percent of the loan portfolio. Construction and development loans accounted for only 4.5 percent of the loan portfolio. The loan volume increase within the portfolio amounted to $70.4 million in commercial and commercial real estate loans, $8.9 million in construction loans, and $7.6 million in residential mortgage loans. At December 31, 2011, net loans totaled $745.4 million.

At December 31, 2012, the Corporation had $242.2 million in overall undisbursed loan commitments, which includes largely unused commercial lines of credit, home equity lines of credit and available usage from active construction facilities. Included in the overall undisbursed commitments are the Corporation's "Approved, Accepted but Unfunded" pipeline, which includes approximately $58.1 million in commercial and commercial real estate loans and $10.9 million in residential mortgages expected to fund over the next 90 days.

Asset Quality

Non-accrual loans decreased from $5.0 million at September 30, 2012 to $3.6 million at December 31, 2012. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing decreased from $570,000 at September 30, 2012 to $55,000 at December 31, 2012.  Other real estate owned at December 31, 2012 was $1.3 million, as compared to zero at September 30, 2012. Performing troubled debt restructured loans, which are performing loans, decreased from $6.9 million at September 30, 2012 to $6.8 million at December 31, 2012, reflecting the receipt of payments of $38,000 on loans in performing status.

"We continued to move forward with resolution of outstanding credit quality issues during the fourth quarter. As previously stated, our approach to credit management and diligence at monitoring and managing problem credits has aided in the continued reduction in the levels of nonaccrual loans and problem credits. Our underwriting and overall credit philosophies remain conservative and have provided the Bank with the high quality well-diversified loan portfolio that the Corporation has today," commented Mr. Weagley. 

The following tables present the components of non-performing assets and other asset quality data for the periods indicated.

 (dollars in thousands, unaudited)
As of or for the quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Non-accrual loans $ 3,616 $ 4,967 $ 3,943 $ 7,125 $   6,871
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing 55 570 1,026 1,062 1,029
Total non-performing loans 3,671 5,537 4,969 8,187 7,900
Other non-performing assets - - - - -
Other real estate owned 1,300 - 453 558 591
Total non-performing assets $ 4,971 $ 5,537 $ 5,422 $ 8,745 $ 8,491
Performing troubled debt restructured loans $ 6,813 $ 6,851 $ 8,736 $ 6,900 $ 7,459
Non-performing assets / total assets 0.31% 0.34% 0.36% 0.59% 0.59%
Non-performing loans / total loans 0.41% 0.64% 0.62% 1.04% 1.05%
Net charge-offs (recoveries) $ 103 $ 206 $ (574) $ (45) $   234
Net charge-offs (recoveries) / average loans (1) 0.05% 0.10% (0.29)% (0.02)% 0.13%
Allowance for loan losses / total loans 1.15% 1.18% 1.27% 1.24% 1.27%
Allowance for loan losses / non-performing loans 278.9% 184.9% 205.7% 119.1% 121.5%
Total assets $1,629,765 $1,612,079 $1,501,022 $1,476,595 $1,432,738
Total loans 889,672 869,998 806,953 788,562 754,981
Average loans 864,829 850,059 790,382 755,813 725,974
Allowance for loan losses 10,237 10,240 10,221 9,754 9,602

(1)     Annualized.

At December 31, 2012, non-performing assets totaled $5.0 million, or 0.31 percent of total assets, as compared with $8.5 million, or 0.59 percent, at December 31, 2011 and $5.5 million, or 0.34 percent, at September 30, 2012. The decrease from December 31, 2011 was achieved notwithstanding the addition of several new residential loans (totaling approximately $1.2 million) and construction and commercial loans (totaling approximately $1.0 million) into non-performing status. This was more than offset by decreases from payoffs and pay-downs of $1.7 million, total charge-offs or write downs of $175,000, the transfer to other real estate owned during the last twelve months of $1.3 million and the return to performing status of $3.9 million. 

The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2012 amounted to approximately $10.2 million, or 1.15 percent of total loans. Excluding loans acquired from Saddle River Valley Bank and carried at fair value, the coverage ratio was 1.22 percent, compared to 1.27 percent of total loans at December 31, 2011. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-performing loans was 278.9 percent at December 31, 2012 compared to 121.5 percent at December 31, 2011.

A discussion of the significant components of non-performing assets at December 31, 2012 is outlined below.

  • One non-accrual relationship totaling $2.1 million, secured by senior liens on two separate residential properties, located in Morris County, New Jersey, has been in foreclosure; no material loss to the Corporation is anticipated, although no assurance can be made with respect to the outcome at this time. One of the two loans secured by residential Morris County properties totaling $699,000 was modified, and is current with its modification plan. A deed in lieu was accepted in the amount of $1.3 million on the second property, which was subsequently transferred to OREO. The Corporation is marketing the property for sale.
  • Two loans acquired from Saddle River Valley Bank during the third quarter of 2012 were deemed impaired at the time of acquisition. 

The fair value at acquisition of the first loan had been calculated at $453,100, a steep discount to the borrower's true balance. The Corporation has negotiated a full settlement with the borrower in lieu of foreclosure on multiple residential properties in New York State, which is expected to result in proceeds at or about the loan's fair value. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2013.

The second loan when acquired had a calculated fair value of $310,585. Similarly, the value of this loan was a significant discount to the borrower's true balance. A sale of the loan, secured with a property in New York State, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2013 at a value in excess of the loan's fair value.

No assurance can be made with respect to the outcome of either transaction. 

Capital

At December 31, 2012, total stockholders' equity amounted to $160.7 million, or 9.86 percent of total assets. Tangible common stockholders' equity was $132.6 million, or 8.22 percent of tangible assets, compared to 7.61 percent at December 31, 2011. Book value per common share was $9.14 at December 31, 2012, compared to $7.63 at December 31, 2011. Tangible book value per common share was $8.11 at December 31, 2012 compared to $6.60 at December 31, 2011.

At December 31, 2012, the Corporation's Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 9.02 percent, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.39 percent and the total risk-based capital ratio was 12.22 percent. Tier 1 capital increased to approximately $143.8 million at December 31, 2012 from $129.4 million at December 31, 2011, reflecting an increase in retained earnings.

At December 31, 2012, the Corporation's capital ratios continued to exceed the minimum Federal requirements for a bank holding company, and Union Center National Bank's capital ratios continued to exceed each of the minimum levels required for classification as a "well capitalized institution" under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act ("FDICIA").

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reported amounts are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The Corporation's management believes that the supplemental non-GAAP information provided in this press release is utilized by market analysts and others to evaluate a company's financial condition and, therefore, that such information is useful to investors. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures presented by other companies.

"Return on average tangible stockholders' equity" is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as net income as a percentage of tangible stockholders' equity. Tangible stockholders' equity is defined as common stockholders' equity less goodwill and other intangible assets. The return on average tangible stockholders' equity measure may be important to investors that are interested in analyzing the Corporation's return on equity excluding the effect of changes in intangible assets on equity.

The following tables present a reconciliation of average tangible stockholders' equity and a reconciliation of return on average tangible stockholders' equity for the periods presented. 

(dollars in thousands)
For the quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Net income $ 4,469 $ 4,454 $ 4,353 $ 4,231 $ 3,622
Average stockholders' equity $ 160,006 $ 152,686 $ 145,607 $ 140,411 $ 135,142
Less:
Average goodwill and other intangible assets 		16,864 16,874 16,884 16,897 16,910
Average tangible stockholders' equity $ 143,142 $ 135,812 $ 128,723 $ 123,514 $ 118,232
Return on average stockholders' equity 11.17% 11.67% 11.96% 12.05% 10.72%
Add:
Average goodwill and other intangible assets 		1.32% 1.45% 1.57% 1.65% 1.53%
Return on average tangible stockholders' equity 12.49% 13.12% 13.53% 13.70% 12.25%

"Tangible book value per common share" is a non-GAAP financial measure and represents tangible stockholders' equity (or tangible book value) calculated on a per common share basis. The disclosure of tangible book value per common share may be helpful to those investors who seek to evaluate the Corporation's book value per common share without giving effect to goodwill and other intangible assets.

The following tables present a reconciliation of stockholders' equity to tangible common stockholders' equity and book value per common share to tangible book value per common share as of the dates presented. 

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
At quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Common shares outstanding 16,347,915 16,347,088 16,347,088 16,332,327 16,332,327
Stockholders' equity $ 160,691 $ 157,185 $ 147,983 $ 142,081 $ 135,916
Less: Preferred stock 11,250 11,250 11,250 11,250 11,250
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets 16,858 16,868 16,877 16,889 16,902
Tangible common stockholders' equity $ 132,583 $ 129,067 $ 119,856 $ 113,942 $ 107,764
Book value per common share $ 9.14 $  8.93 $ 8.36 $ 8.01 $ 7.63
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03
Tangible book value per common share $ 8.11 $ 7.90 $ 7.33 $ 6.98 $ 6.60

"Tangible common stockholders' equity/tangible assets" is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as tangible common stockholders' equity as a percentage of total assets minus goodwill and other intangible assets. This measure may be important to investors that are interested in analyzing the financial condition of the Corporation without consideration of intangible assets, inasmuch as tangible common stockholders' equity and tangible assets both exclude goodwill and other intangible assets.

The following tables present a reconciliation of total assets to tangible assets and a comparison of total stockholders' equity/total assets to tangible common stockholders' equity/tangible assets as of the dates presented. 

(dollars in thousands)
At quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Total assets $1,629,765 $1,612,079 $1,501,022 $1,476,595 $1,432,738
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets 16,858 16,868 16,877 16,889 16,902
Tangible assets $1,612,907 $1,595,211 $1,484,145 $1,459,706 $1,415,836
Total stockholders' equity / total assets 9.86% 9.75% 9.86% 9.62% 9.49%
Tangible common stockholders' equity / tangible assets 8.22% 8.09% 8.08% 7.81% 7.61%

Other income is presented in the table below including and excluding net gains. We believe that many investors desire to evaluate other income without regard for gains. 

(in thousands)
For the quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Other income $ 1,016 $ 2,635 $ 1,604 $ 1,955 $ 1,866
Less: Net investment securities gains (losses) (201) 763 513 937 817
Less: Bargain gain on acquisition - 899 - - -
Other income, excluding net investment securities gains ( losses)  and bargain gain on acquisition $ 1,217 $ 973 $ 1,091 $ 1,018 $ 1,049

"Efficiency ratio" is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as other expense as a percentage of net interest income on a tax equivalent basis plus other income, excluding net securities gains, calculated as follows: 

(dollars in thousands)
For the quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Other expense $ 6,193 $ 7,507 $ 5,690 $ 5,807 $ 6,222
Less: Repurchase agreement termination fee - 1,012 - - -
Less: Acquisition cost 10 472 - - -
Other expense, excluding extraordinary items $ 6,183 $ 6,023 $ 5,690 $ 5,807 $ 6,222
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis) $ 11,969 $ 11,663 $ 10,990 $ 10,761 $ 10,531
Other income, excluding net investment securities gains 1,217 973 1,091 1,018 1,049
Total $ 13,186 $ 12,636 $ 12,081 $ 11,779 $ 11,580
Efficiency ratio 46.9% 47.7% 47.1% 49.3% 53.7%

The following table sets forth the Corporation's consolidated average statements of condition for the periods presented. 

Condensed Consolidated Average Statements of Condition (unaudited)
(in thousands)
For the quarter ended: 12/31/12 9/30/12 6/30/12 3/31/12 12/31/11
Investment securities
Available for sale $ 517,179 $ 508,864 $ 473,963 $ 443,109 $ 409,480
Held to maturity 58,929  60,275  66,626  72,401  69,587 
Loans 864,829 850,059 790,382 755,813 725,974
Allowance for loan losses (10,188) (10,197) (9,813) (9,683) (9,506)
All other assets 181,306 172,032 177,100 199,631 214,984
Total assets $ 1,612,055 $ 1,581,033 $ 1,498,258 $  1,461,271 $ 1,410,519
Non-interest bearing deposits $ 205,278 $ 183,858 $ 173,248 $   167,921 $ 166,027
Interest-bearing deposits 1,079,351 1,066,849 1,002,230 976,958  934,774
Borrowings 151,364 164,294 166,299 166,375 166,155
Other liabilities 16,056 13,346 10,874 9,606 8,421
Stockholders' equity 160,006 152,686 145,607 140,411 135,142
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,612,055 $ 1,581,033 $ 1,498,258 $   1,461,271 $ 1,410,519

About Center Bancorp

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

The Bank, through its Private Banking and Wealth Management Division, which includes its wholly-owned subsidiary, Center Financial Group LLC, provides personalized wealth management and advisory services to high net worth individuals and families. Our services include banking, liquidity management, investment services, custody, tailored lending, wealth planning, trust and fiduciary services, insurance, family wealth advisory services and philanthropic advisory services. The Bank through a strategic partnership between the Bank's Private Banking Division and Alexander, Troy & Company ("AT&CO."), Family Office Services, of Katonah, New York, provides customized financial and administrative services to high-net worth individuals.

Center, through a strategic partnership with Compass Financial Management, LLC and ING, offers pension/401(k) planning services. Compass is an Investment Advisory Company with five decades of cumulative experience providing investment services in a personal, professional and attentive manner. They provide discretionary private investment management for individuals and corporate accounts as well as 401(k) advisory services.

The Bank currently operates 15 banking locations in Union, Morris and Bergen Counties in New Jersey. Banking centers are located in Union Township (5 locations), Berkeley Heights, Boonton/Mountain Lakes, Madison, Millburn/Vauxhall, Morristown, Oakland, Saddle River, Springfield, and Summit, New Jersey. The Bank's primary market area is comprised of Union, Morris and Bergen Counties, New Jersey. Also, the Corporation opened the new Englewood banking center, located in downtown Englewood, NJ, in December. 

For further information regarding Center Bancorp, Inc., please visit our web site at http://www.centerbancorp.com or call (800) 862-3683. For information regarding Union Center National Bank, please visit our web site at www.ucnb.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All non-historical statements in this press release (including statements regarding our expanding our presence in key markets, our potential to create incremental shareholder value from our strategic growth, growth in earnings performance, the amount of the Small Business Lending Fund dividend and margin improvement,  ) constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may use forward-looking terminology such as "expect," "look," "believe," "plan," "anticipate," "may," "will" or similar statements or variations of such terms or otherwise express views concerning trends and the future. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, the direction of interest rates, continued levels of loan quality and origination volume, Center Bancorp's ability to integrate Saddle River Valley Bank's branches into Center Bancorp's branch network, continued relationships with major customers including sources for loans, as well as the effects of international, national, regional and local economic conditions and legal and regulatory barriers and structure, including those relating to economic recovery and the deregulation of the financial services industry, and other risks cited in the Corporation's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Center Bancorp, Inc. assumes no obligation for updating any such forward-looking statement at any time.

CENTER BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Unaudited) (Audited)
(in thousands, except for share and per share data) December 31, 2012 December 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks $ 104,134 $ 111,101
Interest bearing deposits with banks 2,004 -
Total cash and cash equivalents 106,138 111,101
Investment securities:
Available for sale 496,815 414,507
Held to maturity (fair value of $62,431 at December 31, 2012 and $74,922 at December 31, 2011) 58,064 72,233
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value 1,491 1,018
Loans 889,672 754,992
Less: Allowance for loan losses 10,237 9,602
Net loans 879,435 745,390
Restricted investment in bank stocks, at cost 8,964 9,233
Premises and equipment, net 13,563 12,327
Accrued interest receivable 6,849 6,219
Bank-owned life insurance 34,961 28,943
Goodwill 16,804 16,804
Prepaid FDIC assessments 811 1,884
Other real estate owned 1,300 591
Other assets 4,570 12,488
Total assets $ 1,629,765 $ 1,432,738
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing $ 215,071 $ 167,164
Interest-bearing:
Time deposits $100 and over 110,835 137,998
Interest-bearing transaction, savings and time deposits less than $100 981,016 816,253
Total deposits 1,306,922 1,121,415
Long-term borrowings 146,000 161,000
Subordinated debentures 5,155 5,155
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 10,997 9,252
Total liabilities 1,469,074 1,296,822
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $1,000 liquidation value per share, authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued 11,250 shares Series B at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011  11,250  11,250
Common stock, no par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 18,477,412 shares at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011; outstanding 16,347,915 shares at December 31, 2012 and 16,332,327 shares at December 31, 2011  110,056 110,056
Additional paid in capital 4,801 4,715
Retained earnings 46,753 32,695
Treasury stock, at cost (2,129,497 common shares at December 31, 2012 and 2,145,085common shares December 31, 2011) (17,232) (17,354)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 5,063 (5,446)
Total stockholders' equity 160,691 135,916
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,629,765 $ 1,432,738
CENTER BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
(in thousands, except for share and per share data) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans $ 10,083 $ 9,197 $ 38,921 $ 36,320
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
Taxable 3,022 3,199 12,269 13,278
Tax-exempt 1,016 717 3,507 1,700
Dividends 141 150 567 629
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investment 1 - 8 -
Total interest income 14,263 13,263 55,272 51,927
Interest expense
Interest on certificates of deposit $100 or more 202 270 839 1,215
Interest on other deposits 1,163 1,172 4,569 4,305
Interest on borrowings 1,476 1,659 6,368 6,657
Total interest expense 2,841 3,101 11,776 12,177
Net interest income 11,422 10,162 43,496 39,750
Provision for loan losses 100 300 325 2,448
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 11,322 9,862 43,171 37,302
Other income
Service charges, commissions and fees 449 481 1,775 1,896
Annuities and insurance commissions 67 29 204 110
Bank-owned life insurance 282 258 1,018 1,038
Loan related fees 220 149 510 432
Net gains on sale of loans held for sale 170 99 484 251
Bargain gain on acquisition - - 899 -
Other 29 33 308 117
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investment securities (538) (39) (870) (342)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on investment securities (538) (39) (870) (342)
Net gains on sale of investment securities 337 856 2,882 3,976
Net investment securities gains (losses) (201) 817 2,012 3,634
Total other income 1,016 1,866 7,210 7,478
Other expense
Salaries and employee benefits 3,205 2,909 12,571 11,527
Occupancy and equipment 942 701 2,987 2,947
FDIC insurance 293 328 1,154 1,712
Professional and consulting 260 351 1,077 1,156
Stationery and printing 100 95 349 368
Marketing and advertising 35 15 186 131
Computer expense 338 323 1,419 1,312
Other real estate owned, net 1 399 150 398
Repurchase agreement prepayment and termination fee - - 1,012 -
Acquisition cost 10 - 482 -
Other 1,009 1,101 3,810 3,892
Total other expense 6,193 6,222 25,197 23,443
Income before income tax expense 6,145 5,506 25,184 21,337
Income tax expense 1,676 1,884 7,677 7,411
Net Income 4,469 3,622 17,507 13,926
Preferred stock dividends and accretion 28 384 281 820
Net income available to common stockholders $ 4,441 $ 3,238 $ 17,226 $ 13,106
Earnings per common share
Basic $ 0.27 $ 0.20 $ 1.05 $ 0.80
Diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.20 $ 1.05 $ 0.80
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
Basic 16,347,564 16,311,193 16,340,197 16,295,761
Diluted 16,363,698 16,327,990 16,351,046 16,314,899
CENTER BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL DATA
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
(in thousands, except for share and per share data) (annualized where applicable)  12/31/2012 9/30/2012 12/31/2011
Statements of Income Data
Interest income $ 14,263 $ 14,118 $ 13,263
Interest expense 2,841 2,935 3,101
Net interest income 11,422 11,183 10,162
Provision for loan losses 100 225 300
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 11,322 10,958 9,862
Other income 1,016 2,635 1,866
Other expense 6,193 7,507 6,222
Income before income tax expense 6,145 6,086 5,506
Income tax expense 1,676 1,632 1,884
Net income $ 4,469 $ 4,454  $  3,622
Net income available to common stockholders $ 4,441 $ 4,426 $ 3,238
Earnings per Common Share
Basic $ 0.27 $ 0.27 $ 0.20
Diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.27 $ 0.20
Statements of Condition Data (Period-End)
Investment securities:
Available for sale $ 496,815 $ 509,605 $ 414,507
Held for maturity( fair value $62,431, $60,946 and $74,922)  58,064   56,503 72,233
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value 1,491 1,055 1,018
Loans 889,672 869,998 754,992
Total assets 1,629,765 1,612,079 1,432,738
Deposits 1,306,922 1,293,013 1,121,415
Borrowings 151,155 151,205 166,155
Stockholders' equity 160,691 157,185 135,916
Common Shares Dividend Data
Cash dividends $ 899 $ 899 $ 489
Cash dividends per share $ 0.055 $ 0.055 $ 0.030
Dividend payout ratio 20.24% 20.31% 15.10%
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
Basic 16,347,564 16,347,088 16,311,193
Diluted 16,363,698 16,362,635 16,327,990
Operating Ratios
Return on average assets 1.11% 1.13% 1.03%
Return on average equity 11.17% 11.67% 10.72%
Return on average tangible equity 12.49% 13.12% 12.25%
Average equity / average assets 9.93% 9.66% 9.58%
Book value per common share (period-end) $ 9.14 $ 8.93 $ 7.63
Tangible book value per common share (period-end) $ 8.11 $ 7.90 $ 6.60
Non-Financial Information (Period-End)
Common stockholders of record 551 554  563
Full-time equivalent staff 178 174  163 

CONTACT: Investor Inquiries:
         Joseph D. Gangemi
         VP, Investor Relations
         (908) 206-2863

         France Delle Donne
         VP, Director of
         Communications & PR
         (908) 206-2668
Source: Center Bancorp, Inc.
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