NorthEast Community Bancorp, Inc./MD/

Previous wording

In recent years, we have shifted our loan originations to focus primarily on construction loans, while continuing to originate a limited number of commercial and industrial loans, multifamily, mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans. We expect this focus to continue given the needs of the communities we serve in the New York Metropolitan Area. Our construction loan portfolio has increased to $1.2 billion, net of loans-in-process of $486.3 million, or 76.9% of total loans, at December 31, 2023 from $251.0 million, net of loans-in-process of $145.8 million, or 39.8% of total loans, at December 31, 2016. As a result, our credit risk profile may be higher than traditional community banks that have higher concentrations of one- to four-family residential loans and other real estate-based loans.

Current wording

In recent years, we have shifted our loan originations to focus primarily on construction loans, while continuing to originate a limited number of commercial and industrial loans, multifamily, mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans. We expect this focus to continue given the needs of the communities we serve in the New York Metropolitan Area. Our construction loan portfolio has increased to $1.4 billion, net of loans-in-process of $398.4 million, or 78.6% of total loans, at December 31, 2024 from $251.0 million, net of loans-in-process of $145.8 million, or 39.8% of total loans, at December 31, 2016. As a result, our credit risk profile may be higher than traditional community banks that have higher concentrations of one- to four-family residential loans and other real estate-based loans.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, $249.7 million, or 15.8%, of our loan portfolio consisted of multifamily, mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans. As a result, our credit risk profile is generally higher than traditional thrift institutions that have higher concentrations of one- to four-family residential loans.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, $262.6 million, or 14.5%, of our loan portfolio consisted of multifamily, mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans. As a result, our credit risk profile is generally higher than traditional thrift institutions that have higher concentrations of one- to four-family residential loans.

Previous wording

specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure could receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate, and construction and land loans, represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital, and the outstanding balance of the commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. Construction loans represented 478% of the Bank’s total risk-based capital at December 31, 2023, and our multifamily, mixed-use and nonresidential real estate loan portfolio represented 98% of the Bank’s total risk-based capital on that same date.

Current wording

In 2006, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (collectively, the “Agencies”) issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance did not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure could receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate, and construction and land loans, represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital, and the outstanding balance of the commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. Construction loans represented 485% of the Bank’s total risk-based capital at December 31, 2024, and our multifamily, mixed-use and nonresidential real estate loan portfolio represented 90% of the Bank’s total risk-based capital on that same date.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, $111.1 million, or 7.0%, of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial and industrial loans. Commercial and industrial loans generally expose a lender to a greater risk of loss than one- to four-family residential loans. Repayment of commercial and industrial loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the business to cover operating expenses and debt service. In addition, to the extent that borrowers have more than one commercial loan outstanding, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship could expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential real estate loan.

Current wording

residential loans. Repayment of commercial and industrial loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the business to cover operating expenses and debt service. In addition, to the extent that borrowers have more than one commercial loan outstanding, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship could expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential real estate loan.

Previous wording

In addition, our banking regulators periodically review our allowance for credit losses – loans and could require us to increase our provision for credit losses. Any increase in our allowance for credit losses or credit charge-offs

Current wording

In addition, our banking regulators periodically review our allowance for credit losses – loans and could require us to increase our provision for credit losses. Any increase in our allowance for credit losses or credit charge-offs resulting from these regulatory reviews may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, $1.1 billion, or 92.4% of our construction loan portfolio and 76.7% of our loan portfolio, represented loans made in high absorption areas of these four counties of New York. This may make us vulnerable to a downturn in the local economy and real estate markets and to a decrease in new construction in these counties. Adverse conditions in the local economy such as unemployment, recession, a catastrophic event or other factors beyond our control could impact the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, which could impact our net interest income. Decreases in local real estate values caused by economic conditions, changes in tax laws or other events could adversely affect the value of the property used as collateral for our loans, which could cause us to realize a loss in the event of a foreclosure. Further, deterioration in local economic conditions could necessitate an increase in our provision for credit losses and a resulting reduction to our earnings and capital.

Current wording

catastrophic event or other factors beyond our control could impact the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, which could impact our net interest income. Decreases in local real estate values caused by economic conditions, changes in tax laws or other events could adversely affect the value of the property used as collateral for our loans, which could cause us to realize a loss in the event of a foreclosure. Further, deterioration in local economic conditions could necessitate an increase in our provision for credit losses and a resulting reduction to our earnings and capital.

Previous wording

We also originate non-construction loans, including multi-family, commercial and industrial loans, throughout our primary lending markets in New York and Massachusetts. Competition for non-construction loans comes from the numerous national, regional and local community financial institutions operating in our market area, including a number of independent banks and credit unions, in addition to other financial service companies, such as brokerage firms and other similar entities. In addition, we also face competition for investors’ funds from money market funds and other corporate and government securities. Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources, higher lending limits and offer services that we do not or cannot provide. This competition could make it difficult for us to originate new loans and attract new deposits. While we believe that our long-standing presence in our market areas in New York and Massachusetts, and our personal service philosophy enhance our ability to compete favorably in attracting and retaining individual and business customers, price competition for loans may result in originating fewer loans, or earning

Current wording

We also originate non-construction loans, including multi-family, commercial and industrial loans, throughout our primary lending markets in New York and Massachusetts. Competition for non-construction loans comes from the numerous national, regional and local community financial institutions operating in our market area, including a number of independent banks and credit unions, in addition to other financial service companies, such as brokerage firms and other similar entities. In addition, we also face competition for investors’ funds from money market funds and other corporate and government securities. Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources, higher lending limits and offer services that we do not or cannot provide. This competition could make it difficult for us to originate new loans and attract new deposits. While we believe that our long-standing presence in our market areas in New York and Massachusetts, and our personal service philosophy enhance our ability to compete favorably in attracting and retaining individual and business customers, price competition for loans may result in originating fewer loans, or earning less on our loans and price competition for deposits may result in a reduction of our deposit base of paying more on deposits.

Previous wording

Among other sources of funds, we rely on brokered deposits as well as military deposits and deposits obtained from listing services to provide funds with which to make loans and provide other liquidity needed. At December 31, 2023, brokered deposits, military deposits and deposits obtained through listing services totaled $361.4 million, or 25.8% of total deposits, of which brokered deposits represents $311.2 million or 22.2% of total deposits.

Current wording

Among other sources of funds, we rely on brokered deposits as well as military deposits and deposits obtained from listing services to provide funds with which to make loans and provide other liquidity needed. At December 31, 2024, brokered deposits, military deposits and deposits obtained through listing services totaled $489.3 million, or 29.3% of total deposits, of which brokered deposits represents $436.0 million or 26.1% of total deposits.

Previous wording

being placed in FDIC receivership. In the aftermath of these events, there has been substantial market disruption and concerns that diminished depositor confidence could spread across the banking industry, leading to deposit outflows that could destabilize other institutions. To strengthen public confidence in the banking system, the FDIC took action to protect funds held in uninsured deposit accounts at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank following the placement of those institutions into receivership. However, the FDIC has not committed to protecting uninsured deposits in other institutions that experience outsized withdrawal demands. To further bolster the banking system, the Federal Reserve Board created a new Bank Term Funding Program to provide an additional source of liquidity. At December 31, 2023, we had uninsured deposits totaling $344.8 million and $102.7 million in available liquidity, including $68.7 million in cash, as well as $865.1 million in borrowing capacity at the FRBNY which was sufficient to cover our uninsured deposits. Notwithstanding our significant liquidity, large deposit outflows could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and could result in the closure of the Bank. Furthermore, the recent bank failures may result in strengthening of capital and liquidity rules which, if the revised rules apply to us, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

institutions that experience outsized withdrawal demands. At December 31, 2024, we had uninsured deposits totaling $346.9 million and $115.0 million in available liquidity, including $78.3 million in cash, as well as $834.7 million in borrowing capacity at the FRBNY which was sufficient to cover our uninsured deposits as of December 31, 2024. Notwithstanding our significant liquidity, large deposit outflows could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and could result in the closure of the Bank. Furthermore, the recent bank failures may result in strengthening of capital and liquidity rules which, if the revised rules apply to us, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and caring about our customers and communities. If our reputation is negatively affected by the actions of our employees, by our inability to conduct our operations in a manner that is appealing to current or prospective customers or otherwise, our business and operating results may be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

We are a community bank and our reputation is one of the most valuable assets of our business. A key component of our business strategy is to rely on our reputation for customer service and knowledge of local markets to expand our presence by capturing new business opportunities from existing and prospective customers in our market area and contiguous areas. As such, we strive to conduct our business in an honorable manner that enhances our reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and caring about our customers and communities. If our reputation is negatively affected by the actions of our employees, by our inability to conduct our operations in a manner that is appealing to current or prospective customers or otherwise, our business and operating results may be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

Financial products and services have become increasingly technology-driven. Our ability to meet the needs of our customers competitively, and in a cost-efficient manner, is dependent on the ability to keep pace with technological advances and to invest in new technology as it becomes available, as well as related essential personnel. In addition, technology has lowered barriers to entry into the financial services market and made it possible for financial technology companies and other non-bank entities to offer financial products and services traditionally provided by banks. The

Current wording

Financial products and services have become increasingly technology-driven. Our ability to meet the needs of our customers competitively, and in a cost-efficient manner, is dependent on the ability to keep pace with technological advances and to invest in new technology as it becomes available, as well as related essential personnel. In addition, technology has lowered barriers to entry into the financial services market and made it possible for financial technology companies and other non-bank entities to offer financial products and services traditionally provided by banks. The ability to keep pace with technological change is important, and the failure to do so, due to cost, proficiency or otherwise, could have a material adverse impact on our business and therefore on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the FDIC and the New York State Department of Financial Services. In addition, the Company is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve Board and the New York State Department of Financial Services. Such regulation, supervision and examination govern the activities in which we may engage, and are intended primarily for the protection of the deposit insurance fund and the Bank’s depositors and not for the protection of our stockholders. Federal and state regulatory agencies have the ability to take supervisory actions against financial institutions that have experienced increased loan losses and exhibit underwriting or other compliance weaknesses. These actions include the entering into of formal or informal written agreements and cease and desist orders that may place certain limitations on their operations. If we were to become subject to a regulatory action, such action could negatively impact our ability to execute our business plan, and result in operational restrictions, as well as our ability to grow, pay dividends, repurchase stock or engage in mergers and acquisitions. See “Item 1: Business — Regulation and Supervision — Bank Regulation — Capital Requirements” for a discussion of regulatory capital requirements.

Current wording

The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the FDIC and the New York State Department of Financial Services. In addition, the Company is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulation, supervision and examination govern the activities in which we may engage, and are intended primarily for the protection of the deposit insurance fund and the Bank’s depositors and not for the protection of our stockholders. Federal and state regulatory agencies have the ability to take supervisory actions against financial institutions that have experienced increased loan losses and exhibit underwriting or other compliance weaknesses. These actions include the entering into of formal or informal written agreements and cease and desist orders that may place certain limitations on their operations. If we were to become subject to a regulatory action, such action could negatively impact our ability to execute our business plan, and result in operational restrictions, as well as our ability to grow, pay dividends, repurchase stock or engage in mergers and acquisitions. See “Item 1: Business — Regulation and Supervision — Bank Regulation — Capital Requirements” for a discussion of regulatory capital requirements.