NorthEast Community Bancorp, Inc. Reports Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2023

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NorthEast Community Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: NECB) (the “Company”), the parent holding company of NorthEast Community Bank (the “Bank”), reported net income of $12.1 million and $46.3 million, or $0.82 and $3.32 per basic and diluted common share, for the fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to net income of $8.3 million and $24.8 million, or $0.54 and $1.61 per basic common share and $0.54 and $1.58 per diluted common share for the fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively.

Kenneth A. Martinek, NorthEast Community Bancorp’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased to report another quarter of strong earnings due to the strong performance of our loan portfolio. Despite the high interest rate environment during 2023, loan demand remained strong with originations and outstanding commitments remaining robust. As has been in the past, construction lending for affordable housing units in high demand-high absorption areas continues to be our focus.”

Highlights for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows:

· Net income increased by $3.8 million and $21.4 million, or 46.4% and 86.3%, respectively, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same periods in the prior year.
· Net interest income increased by $4.3 million and $33.3 million, or 20.3% and 52.2%, respectively, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same periods in 2022.
· Our commitments, loans-in-process, and standby letters of credit outstanding totaled $728.1 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $948.7 million at December 31, 2022.*Balance Sheet Summary*

Total assets increased by $339.2 million, or 23.8%, to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2023, from $1.4 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase in assets was primarily due to an increase in net loans of $369.6 million, partially offset by decreases in cash and cash equivalents of $26.6 million and securities held-to-maturity of $10.5 million.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $26.6 million, or 27.9%, to $68.7 million at December 31, 2023 from $95.3 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was a result of an increase of $369.6 million in net loans and stock repurchases of $28.7 million, partially offset by an increase in deposits of $278.1 million, an increase in borrowings of $43.0 million and a decrease in securities held-to-maturity of $10.5 million.

Equity securities increased by $61,000, or 0.3%, to $18.1 million at December 31, 2023 from $18.0 million at December 31, 2022. The increase in equity securities was attributable to market appreciation of $61,000 due to market interest rate volatility during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Securities held-to-maturity decreased by $10.5 million, or 39.9%, to $15.9 million at December 31, 2023 from $26.4 million at December 31, 2022 due to the maturity of $10.0 million in U.S. Treasury holdings, the establishment of $137,000 in an allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity securities, and to maturities and pay-downs of various investment securities.

The allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity securities totaling $137,000 was established pursuant to the adoption in 2023 of the current expected credit losses model (“CECL”) on held-to-maturity investment securities loss exposures. In this regard, we recognized a one-time credit of $132,000 due to the adoption of CECL at January 1, 2023 and a credit loss expense totaling $5,000 during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, increased by $369.6 million, or 30.5%, to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2023 from $1.2 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase in loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, was primarily due to loan originations of $815.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, consisting primarily of $703.4 million in construction loans with respect to which approximately 38.4% of the funds were disbursed at loan closings, with the remaining funds to be disbursed over the terms of the construction loans. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2023, we originated $70.7 million in multi-family loans, $26.6 million in commercial and industrial loans, $11.3 million in mixed-use loans, and $3.8 million in non-residential loans.

Loan originations during 2023 resulted in a net increase of $288.8 million in construction loans, $75.5 million in multi-family loans, $7.7 million in mixed-use loans, $1.0 million in commercial and industrial loans, and $694,000 in consumer loans. The increase in our loan portfolio was partially offset by decreases of $4.2 million in non-residential loans, and $215,000 in residential loans, coupled with normal pay-downs and principal reductions.

The allowance for credit losses related to loans decreased to $5.1 million as of December 31, 2023 from $5.5 million as of December 31, 2022. The decrease in the allowance for credit losses related to loans was due to a one-time decrease of $1.6 million due to the adoption of CECL at January 1, 2023 and charge-offs of $312,000, partially offset by provision for credit losses totaling $1.5 million.

Premises and equipment decreased by $611,000, or 2.3%, to $25.5 million at December 31, 2023 from $26.1 million at December 31, 2022 primarily due to the depreciation of fixed assets.

Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank stock decreased by $309,000, or 25.0%, to $929,000 at December 31, 2023 from $1.2 million at December 31, 2022 due primarily to the mandatory redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock in connection with the maturity of $7.0 million in advances in 2023.

Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) decreased by $814,000, or 3.1%, to $25.1 million at December 31, 2023 from $25.9 million at December 31, 2022 due to two death claims totaling $1.8 million on BOLI policies, partially offset by increases in the BOLI cash value.

Accrued interest receivable increased by $3.7 million, or 43.2%, to $12.3 million at December 31, 2023 from $8.6 million at December 31, 2022 due to an increase in the loan portfolio and interest rate increases in 2023 that resulted in an increase in the interest rates on loans in our construction loan portfolio.

The agreement to sell all of the Bank’s assets relating to Harbor West Wealth Management Group to a third party was executed in December 2023, with the transaction closing in January 2024. As a result, goodwill decreased to zero at December 31, 2023 from $200,000 at December 31, 2022.

Foreclosed real estate was $1.5 million at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Right of use assets — operating increased by $2.3 million, or 97.5%, to $4.6 million at December 31, 2023 from $2.3 million at December 31, 2022, primarily due to the leasing of additional space to support the current and anticipated future operations of the Company.

Other assets increased by $2.7 million, or 50.7%, to $8.0 million at December 31, 2023 from $5.3 million at December 31, 2022 due to an increase in tax assets of $2.2 million and an increase in suspense accounts of $484,000.

Total deposits increased by $278.1 million, or 24.8%, to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2023 from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase in deposits was due to the Bank offering competitive interest rates to attract deposits. This resulted in a shift in deposits whereby certificates of deposit increased by $378.1 million, or 98.5% and NOW/money market accounts increased by $57.4 million, or 65.1%, partially offset by decreases in savings account balances of $81.2 million, or 29.7%, and non-interest bearing demand deposits of $76.1 million, or 20.2%.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased by $7.0 million, or 33.3%, to $14.0 million at December 31, 2023 from $21.0 million at December 31, 2022 due to the maturity of borrowings in 2023. Federal Reserve Bank borrowings increased to $50.0 million at December 31, 2023 from no such borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2022.

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance decreased by $349,000, or 14.7%, to $2.0 million at December 31, 2023 from $2.4 million at December 31, 2022 due primarily to remittance of real estate tax payments for our borrowers.

Lease liability – operating increased by $2.3 million, or 95.7%, to $4.6 million at December 31, 2023 from $2.4 million at December 31, 2022, primarily due to the leasing of additional space to support the current and anticipated future operations of the Company.

Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased by $1.2 million, or 8.1%, to $13.6 million at December 31, 2023 from $14.8 million at December 31, 2022 due primarily to a decrease in suspense accounts for loan closings of $2.7 million and a decrease in accounts payable of $132,000, partially offset by increases in the allowance for credit losses for off-balance sheet commitments of $1.0 million, deferred compensation of $102,000, accrued interest expense of $102,000, and accrued expense of $89,000.

The allowance for credit losses for off-balance sheet commitments was $1.0 million at December 31, 2023 due to a one-time credit of $1.6 million resulting from the adoption of CECL at January 1, 2023, partially offset by a credit loss expense reduction totaling $548,000 during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Stockholders’ equity increased by $17.3 million, or 6.6% to $279.3 million at December 31, 2023, from $262.0 million at December 31, 2022. The increase in stockholders’ equity was due to net income of $46.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, $1.7 million in the amortization of restricted stock and stock options granted under the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, a reduction of $869,000 in unearned employee stock ownership plan shares coupled with an increase of $445,000 in earned employee stock ownership plan shares, and $161,000 in other comprehensive income, partially offset by stock repurchases totaling $28.7 million, dividends paid and declared of $3.3 million, and a one-time adjustment to retained earnings of $99,000 due to the adoption of CECL.

*Net Interest Income*

Net interest income totaled $25.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $20.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net interest income of $4.3 million, or 20.3%, was primarily due to an increase in interest income offset by an increase in interest expense.

The increase in interest income is attributable to increases in the average balances of loans and interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by decreases in the average balances of investment securities and FHLB stock. The increase in interest income is also attributable to a rising interest rate environment due to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate increases in the past year.

The increase in market interest rates in the past year also caused an increase in our interest expense. As a result, the increase in interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was due to an increase in the cost of funds on our deposits and borrowed money. The increase in interest expense was also due to an increase in the average balances on our certificates of deposits, our interest-bearing demand deposits, and our borrowed money, offset by a decrease in the average balances on our savings and club deposits.

Total interest and dividend income increased by $12.6 million, or 51.5%, to $37.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 from $24.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest and dividend income was due to an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $401.8 million, or 31.9%, to $1.7 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2023 from $1.3 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and an increase in the yield on interest earning assets by 116 basis points from 7.77% for the three months ended December 31, 2022 to 8.93% for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Interest expense increased by $8.4 million, or 234.9%, to $11.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 from $3.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the cost of interest bearing liabilities by 213 basis points from 2.01% for the three months ended December 31, 2022 to 4.14% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and an increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $443.8 million, or 62.8%, to $1.2 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2023 from $707.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022.

Net interest margin decreased by 58 basis points, or 8.7%, during the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 6.06% compared to 6.64% during the three months ended December 31, 2022.

Net interest income totaled $97.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to $63.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net interest income of $33.3 million, or 52.2%, was primarily due to an increase in interest income offset by an increase in interest expense.

The increase in interest income is attributable to increases in the average balances of loans, partially offset by decreases in the average balances of interest-earning deposits, investment securities, and FHLB stock. The increase in interest income is also attributable to a rising interest rate environment as a result of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate increases during 2023.

The increase in market interest rates in 2023 also caused an increase in our interest expense. As a result, the increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to an increase in the cost of funds on our deposits and our borrowed money. The increase in interest expense was also due to increases in the average balances on our certificates of deposits, our savings and club deposits, and our borrowed money, offset by a decrease in the average balances on our interest-bearing demand deposits.

Total interest and dividend income increased by $60.5 million, or 84.0%, to $132.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $72.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest and dividend income was due to an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $316.2 million, or 26.3%, to $1.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $1.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022 and an increase in the yield on interest earning assets by 273 basis points from 6.00% for the year ended December 31, 2022 to 8.73% for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Interest expense increased by $27.2 million, or 334.3%, to $35.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the cost of interest bearing liabilities by 232 basis points from 1.26% for the year ended December 31, 2022 to 3.58% for the year ended December 31, 2023, and an increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $341.2 million, or 52.9%, to $986.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $645.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Net interest margin increased by 109 basis points, or 20.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 6.41% compared to 5.32% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in the net interest margin was due to an increase in the net interest income of $33.3 million, or 52.2%, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $316.2 million, or 26.3%.

*Credit Loss Expense*

The Company recorded credit loss expenses totaling $205,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to credit loss expenses totaling $439,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The credit loss expense of $205,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was comprised of credit loss expense for loans of $352,000 and credit loss expense for held-to-maturity investment securities of $6,000, partially offset by credit loss expense reduction for off-balance sheet commitments of $153,000. The credit loss expense of $439,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was primarily attributed to the charge-off of $426,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2022.

We charged-off $27,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2023 as compared to charge-offs of $426,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2022. The charge-offs of $27,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2023 were against various unpaid overdrafts in our demand deposit accounts. The charge-offs of $426,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2022 comprised of a $328,000 charge-off against one construction project in connection with the sale of the project’s two non-performing loans to a third party precipitated by legal action between the two partners/borrowers in the project, an $86,000 charge-off against two mixed-use loans to a borrower in connection with the sale of the two performing troubled debt restructured loans to a third party, and $12,000 charge-offs against various unpaid overdrafts in our demand deposit accounts.

We recorded no recoveries from previously charged-off loans during the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The Company recorded credit loss expenses totaling $972,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to credit loss expense totaling $439,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The credit loss expense of $972,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 was comprised of credit loss expense for loans of $1.5 million and credit loss expense for held-to-maturity investment securities of $5,000, partially offset by a credit loss expense reduction for off-balance sheet commitments of $548,000. The credit loss expense of $493,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily attributable to the charge-offs totaling $414,000 against the sale of four loans and charge-offs of $34,000 against various unpaid overdrafts in our demand deposit accounts.

We charged-off $312,000 during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to charge-offs of $449,000 during the year ended December 31, 2022. The charge-offs of $312,000 during the year ended December 31, 2023 were comprised of a charge-off of $159,000 related to three performing construction loans on the same project whereby we sold the loans to a third-party at a loss of $159,000, as well as charge-offs of $153,000 against various unpaid overdrafts in our demand deposit accounts.

The charge-offs of $449,000 during the year ended December 31, 2022 were comprised of a $328,000 charge-off against one construction project in connection with the sale of the project’s two non-performing loans to a third party precipitated by legal action between the two partners/borrowers in the project, an $86,000 charge-off against two mixed-use loans to a borrower in connection with the sale of the two performing troubled debt restructured loans to a third party, and $35,000 charge-offs against various unpaid overdrafts in our demand deposit accounts.

We recorded no recoveries from previously charged-off loans during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to recoveries of $242,000 during the year ended December 31, 2022, which was comprised of $146,000 from a previously charged-off loan secured by a multi-family property, $53,000 from a previously charged-off loan secured by a non-residential property, and $43,000 regarding a previously charged-off loan secured by a mixed-use property.

*Non-Interest Income*

Non-interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was $1.4 million compared to non-interest income of $779,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The increase of $607,000, or 77.9%, in total non-interest income was primarily due to an increase of $558,000 in unrealized gain on equity securities, an increase of $42,000 in other loan fees and service charges, and an increase of $18,000 in other non-interest income, partially offset by a net loss of $18,000 on the sale/disposition of fixed assets.

The increase in unrealized gain on equity was due to an unrealized gain of $621,000 on equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to an unrealized gain of $63,000 on equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2022. The unrealized gain of $621,000 on equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2023 was due to market interest rate volatility during the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

The increase of $42,000 in other loan fees and service charges was due to an increase of $34,000 in other loan fees and loan servicing fees, an increase of $6,000 in ATM/debit card/ACH fees, and an increase of $2,000 in deposit account fees. The increase of $18,000 in other non-interest income was due to an increase in miscellaneous income from our branch operations.

Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $3.7 million compared to non-interest income of $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase of $2.1 million, or 122.4%, in total non-interest income was primarily due to an increase of $1.9 million in unrealized gain on equity securities, an increase of $409,000 in BOLI income, and an increase of $19,000 in other non-interest income. These were partially offset by a decrease of $116,000 in gain/loss on sale of fixed assets, a decrease of $103,000 in loan fees and service charges, and a decrease of $16,000 in investment advisory fees.

The increase of $1.9 million in unrealized gain on equity was due to an unrealized gain of $294,000 on equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to an unrealized loss of $1.6 million on equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2022. The unrealized gain of $294,000 on equity securities during 2023 was due to market interest rate volatility during the year ended December 31, 2023.

The increase of $409,000 in BOLI income was primarily due to two death claims totaling $1.8 million on BOLI policies that resulted in additional BOLI income of $404,000 during the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $19,000 in other non-interest income was due to an increase in miscellaneous income from our branch operations.

The decrease of $116,000 in gain/loss on sale of fixed assets was due to a loss of $18,000 on sale of fixed assets in 2023 compared to a gain of $98,000 on sale of fixed assets in 2022. The decrease of $103,000 in other loan fees and service charges was due to a decrease of $174,000 in other loan fees and loan servicing fees and a decrease of $10,000 in deposit account fees, partially offset by an increase of $81,000 in ATM/debit card/ACH fees.

*Non-Interest Expense*

Non-interest expense increased by $595,000, or 6.9%, to $9.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 from $8.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The increase resulted primarily from increases of $631,000 in salaries and employee benefits, $579,000 in other operating expense, $138,000 in loss on the disposition of the Bank’s assets relating to the Harbor West Wealth Management Group, $74,000 in outside data processing expense, and $40,000 in occupancy expense, partially offset by decreases of $451,000 in goodwill impairment charges, $330,000 in real estate owned expense, $71,000 in equipment expense, and $15,000 in advertising expense.

Non-interest expense increased by $4.5 million, or 14.8%, to $35.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $30.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase resulted primarily from increases of $3.3 million in salaries and employee benefits, $1.4 million in other operating expense, $324,000 in outside data processing expense, $222,000 in advertising expense, $167,000 in occupancy expense, and $138,000 in loss on the disposition of the Bank’s assets relating to the Harbor West Wealth Management Group, partially offset by decreases of $530,000 in real estate owned expense, $451,000 in goodwill impairment charges, and $52,000 in equipment expense.

*Income Taxes*

We recorded income tax expense of $5.1 million and $4.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, we had approximately $190,000 in tax exempt income, compared to approximately $186,000 in tax exempt income for the three months ended December 31, 2022. Our effective income tax rates were 29.5% and 34.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

We recorded income tax expense of $18.5 million and $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had approximately $1.1 million and $740,000, respectively, in tax exempt income. Our effective income tax rates were 28.5% and 27.8% for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

*Asset Quality*

Non-performing assets totaled $5.8 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $1.5 million at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, we had two non-performing construction loans totaling $4.4 million secured by the same project located in the Bronx, New York. We had no non-performing loans at December 31, 2022. The other non-performing assets consisted of one foreclosed property at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets remained low at 0.33% at December 31, 2023 as compared to 0.10% at December 31, 2022.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses related to loans totaled $5.1 million, or 0.32% of total loans as of December 31, 2023, compared to $5.5 million, or 0.45% of total loans as of December 31, 2022. Based on a review of the loans that were in the loan portfolio at December 31, 2023, management believes that the allowance for credit losses related to loans is maintained at a level that represents its best estimate of inherent losses in the loan portfolio that were both probable and reasonably estimable.

In addition, at December 31, 2023, the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to off-balance sheet commitments totaled $1.0 million and the allowance for credit losses related to held-to-maturity debt securities totaled $137,000.

*Capital*

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity to assets ratio was 15.83% as of December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, the Company had the ability to borrow $815.1 million from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, $29.7 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and $8.0 million from Atlantic Community Bankers Bank.

The Bank’s capital position remains strong relative to current regulatory requirements and the Bank is considered a well-capitalized institution under the Prompt Corrective Action framework. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank had a tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 14.44% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.43%.

The Company completed its first stock repurchase program on April 14, 2023 whereby the Company repurchased 1,637,794 shares, or 10%, of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. The cost of the stock repurchase program totaled $23.0 million, including commission cost and Federal excise taxes. Of the total shares repurchased under this program, 957,275 of such shares were repurchased during 2023 at a total cost of $13.7 million, including commission costs and Federal excise taxes.

The Company commenced its second stock repurchase program on May 30, 2023 whereby the Company will repurchase 1,509,218, or 10%, of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. The Company has repurchased 935,920 shares of common stock under its second repurchase program, at a cost of $14.7 million, including commission costs and Federal excise taxes, at December 31, 2023.

*About NorthEast Community Bancorp*

NorthEast Community Bancorp, headquartered at 325 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601, is the holding company for NorthEast Community Bank, which conducts business through its eleven branch offices located in Bronx, New York, Orange, Rockland, and Sullivan Counties in New York and Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties in Massachusetts and three loan production offices located in New City, New York, White Plains, New York, and Danvers, Massachusetts. For more information about NorthEast Community Bancorp and NorthEast Community Bank, please visit www.necb.com.

*Forward Looking Statement*

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding anticipated future events and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “intend” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include, but are not limited to, changes in market interest rates, regional and national economic conditions (including higher inflation and its impact on regional and national economic conditions), legislative and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government, including policies of the United States Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the quality and composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, decreases in deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and securities, competition, demand for financial services in NorthEast Community Bank’s market area, changes in the real estate market values in NorthEast Community Bank’s market area, the impact of failures or disruptions in or breaches of the Company’s operational or security systems, data or infrastructure, or those of third parties, including as a result of cyberattacks or campaigns, and changes in relevant accounting principles and guidelines. Additionally, other risks and uncertainties may be described in our annual and quarterly reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available through the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

CONTACT:   Kenneth A. Martinek   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    
PHONE:   (914) 684-2500
 
*NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.*
*CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION*
*(Unaudited)*               *December 31,*   *December 31,*   *2023*   *2022*   *(In thousands, except share*   *and per share amounts)*
*ASSETS*            
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions   $ 13,394     $ 13,210  
Interest-bearing deposits     55,277       82,098  
Total cash and cash equivalents     68,671       95,308  
Certificates of deposit     100       100  
Equity securities     18,102       18,041  
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value     -       1  
Securities held-to-maturity ( net of allowance for credit losses of $137 and $0 )     15,860       26,395  
Loans receivable     1,586,721       1,217,321  
Deferred loan costs, net     176       372  
Allowance for credit losses     (5,093 )     (5,474 )
Net loans     1,581,804       1,212,219  
Premises and equipment, net     25,452       26,063  
Investments in restricted stock, at cost     929       1,238  
Bank owned life insurance     25,082       25,896  
Accrued interest receivable     12,311       8,597  
Goodwill     -       200  
Real estate owned     1,456       1,456  
Property held for investment     1,407       1,444  
Right of Use Assets – Operating     4,566       2,312  
Right of Use Assets – Financing     351       355  
Other assets     8,044       5,338  
*Total assets*   $ 1,764,135     $ 1,424,963  
*LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY*            
Liabilities:            
Deposits:            
Non-interest bearing   $ 300,184     $ 376,302  
Interest bearing     1,099,852       745,653  
Total deposits     1,400,036       1,121,955  
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance     2,020       2,369  
Borrowings     64,000       21,000  
Lease Liability – Operating     4,625       2,363  
Lease Liability – Financing     571       533  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     13,558       14,754  
*Total liabilities*     1,484,810       1,162,974              
Stockholders’ equity:            
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding   $ —     $ —  
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 14,144,856 shares and 16,049,454 shares outstanding, respectively     142       161  
Additional paid-in capital     109,924       136,434  
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares     (6,563 )     (7,432 )
Retained earnings     175,505       132,670  
Accumulated other comprehensive gain     317       156  
*Total stockholders’ equity*     279,325       261,989  
*Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity*   $ 1,764,135     $ 1,424,963  

*NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.*
*CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME*
*(Unaudited)*   *Quarter Ended December 31,*   *Year Ended December 31,*   *2023*   *2022*   *2023*   *2022*   *(In thousands, except per share amounts)*
*INTEREST INCOME:*                        
Loans   $ 35,660     $ 23,748   $ 127,486     $ 69,992  
Interest-earning deposits     1,257       542     4,143       1,260  
Securities     209       216     859       750  
*Total Interest Income*     37,126       24,506     132,488       72,002  
*INTEREST EXPENSE:*                        
Deposits     11,131       3,421     34,181       7,544  
Borrowings     779       129     1,078       546  
Financing lease     10       9     38       37  
*Total Interest Expense*     11,920       3,559     35,297       8,127  
*Net Interest Income*     25,206       20,947     97,191       63,875  
*Credit loss expenses*     205       439     972       439  
*Net Interest Income after Credit Loss Expense*     25,001       20,508     96,219       63,436  
*NON-INTEREST INCOME:*                        
Other loan fees and service charges     474       432     1,891       1,994  
(Loss) Gain on disposition of equipment     (18 )     -     (18 )     98  
Earnings on bank owned life insurance     156       154     1,013       604  
Investment advisory fees     115       110     458       474  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities     621       63     294       (1,573 )
Other     38       20     105       86  
*Total Non-Interest Income*     1,386       779     3,743       1,683  
*NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:*                        
Salaries and employee benefits     4,760       4,129     18,839       15,549  
Occupancy expense     705       665     2,595       2,428  
Equipment     211       282     1,055       1,107  
Outside data processing     572       498     2,210       1,886  
Advertising     101       116     521       299  
Impairment loss on goodwill     -       451     -       451  
Loss on disposition of business     138       -     138       -  
Real estate owned expense     41       371     93       623  
Other     2,706       2,127     9,770       8,347  
*Total Non-Interest Expenses*     9,234       8,639     35,221       30,690  
*INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES*     17,153       12,648     64,741       34,429  
*PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES*     5,052       4,385     18,465       9,586  
*NET INCOME*   $ 12,101     $ 8,263   $ 46,276     $ 24,843  

*NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.*
*SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA*
*(Unaudited)*   *Quarter Ended December 31,*   *Year Ended December 31,*   *2023*   *2022*   *2023*   *2022*   *(In thousands, except per share amounts)*
*Per share data:*                        
Earnings per share - basic   $ 0.82     $ 0.54     $ 3.32     $ 1.61  
Earnings per share - diluted     0.82       0.54       3.32       1.58  
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic     14,720       15,187       13,930       15,433  
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted     14,778       15,330       13,936       15,726  
*Performance ratios/data:*                        
Return on average total assets     2.77 %     2.47 %     2.90 %     1.95 %
Return on average shareholders' equity     17.49 %     12.50 %     17.09 %     9.60 %
Net interest income   $ 25,206     $ 20,947     $ 97,191     $ 63,875  
Net interest margin     6.06 %     6.64 %     6.41 %     5.32 %
Efficiency ratio     34.72 %     39.76 %     34.90 %     46.81 %
Net charge-off (recovery) ratio     0.01 %     0.15 %     0.02 %     0.02 %                        
*Loan portfolio composition:*                 *December 31, 2023*     *December 31, 2022*
One-to-four family               $ 5,252     $ 5,467  
Multi-family                 198,927       123,385  
Mixed-use                 29,643       21,902  
Total residential real estate                 233,822       150,754  
Non-residential real estate                 21,130       25,324  
Construction                 1,219,413       930,628  
Commercial and industrial                 111,116       110,069  
Consumer                 1,240       546  
Gross loans                 1,586,721       1,217,321  
Deferred loan costs, net                 176       372  
Total loans               $ 1,586,897     $ 1,217,693  
*Asset quality data:*                        
Loans past due over 90 days and still accruing               $ -     $ -  
Non-accrual loans                 4,385       -  
OREO property                 1,456       1,456  
Total non-performing assets               $ 5,841     $ 1,456                          
Allowance for credit losses to total loans                 0.32 %     0.45 %
Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans                 116.15 %     NA  
Non-performing loans to total loans                 0.28 %     0.00 %
Non-performing assets to total assets                 0.33 %     0.10 %                        
*Bank's Regulatory Capital ratios:*                        
Total capital to risk-weighted assets                 13.43 %     13.66 %
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets                 13.10 %     13.33 %
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets                 13.10 %     13.33 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio                 14.44 %     16.50 %

*NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.*
*NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS*
*(Unaudited)*   *Quarter Ended December 31, 2023*   *Quarter Ended December 31, 2022*   *Average
Balance*   *Interest
and dividend*   *Average
Yield*   *Average
Balance*   *Interest
and dividend*   *Average
Yield*   *(In thousands, except yield/cost information)*
Loan receivable gross   $ 1,545,446     $ 35,660     9.23 %   $ 1,160,736     $ 23,748     8.18 %
Securities     33,124       188     2.27 %     44,825       196     1.75 %
Federal Home Loan Bank stock     929       21     9.04 %     1,238       20     6.46 %
Other interest-earning assets     83,436       1,257     6.03 %     54,339       542     3.99 %
*Total interest-earning assets*     1,662,935       37,126     8.93 %     1,261,138       24,506     7.77 %
Allowance for credit losses     (4,771 )                 (5,462 )            
Non-interest-earning assets     87,557                   83,687              
*Total assets*   $ 1,745,721                 $ 1,339,363                                                  
Interest-bearing demand deposit   $ 118,691     $ 1,026     3.46 %   $ 95,448     $ 317     1.33 %
Savings and club accounts     206,120       1,404     2.72 %     262,994       1,347     2.05 %
Certificates of deposit     758,928       8,701     4.59 %     327,551       1,757     2.15 %
*Total interest-bearing deposits*     1,083,739       11,131     4.11 %     685,993       3,421     1.99 %
Borrowed money     67,049       789     4.71 %     21,000       138     2.63 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,150,788       11,920     4.14 %     706,993       3,559     2.01 %
*Non-interest-bearing demand deposit*     298,739                   349,991              
*Other non-interest-bearing liabilities*     19,449                   18,034              
Total liabilities     1,468,976                   1,075,018              
*Equity*     276,745                   264,345              
Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,745,721                 $ 1,339,363                                                  
Net interest income / interest spread         $ 25,206     4.79 %         $ 20,947     5.76 %
Net interest rate margin                 6.06 %                 6.64 %
Net interest earning assets   $ 512,147                 $ 554,145              
Average interest-earning assets                                    
to interest-bearing liabilities     144.50 %                 178.38 %                                                

*NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.*
*NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS*
*(Unaudited)*   *Year Ended December 31, 2023*   *Year Ended December 31, 2022*   *Average
Balance*   *Interest
and dividend*   *Average
Yield*   *Average
Balance*   *Interest
and dividend*   *Average
Yield*   *(In thousands, except yield/cost information)*
Loan receivable gross   $ 1,401,492     $ 127,486     9.10 %   $ 1,054,577     $ 69,992     6.64 %
Securities     37,819       777     2.05 %     42,771       681     1.59 %
Federal Home Loan Bank stock     984       82     8.33 %     1,299       69     5.31 %
Other interest-earning assets     76,542       4,143     5.41 %     101,999       1,260     1.24 %
*Total interest-earning assets*     1,516,837       132,488     8.73 %     1,200,646       72,002     6.00 %
Allowance for credit losses     (4,676 )                 (5,387 )            
Non-interest-earning assets     84,287                   79,835              
*Total assets*   $ 1,596,448                 $ 1,275,094                                                  
Interest-bearing demand deposit   $ 93,426     $ 2,459     2.63 %   $ 108,077     $ 918     0.85 %
Savings and club accounts     248,755       6,777     2.72 %     228,811       2,688     1.17 %
Certificates of deposit     615,124       24,945     4.06 %     285,991       3,938     1.38 %
*Total interest-bearing deposits*     957,305       34,181     3.57 %     622,879       7,544     1.21 %
Borrowed money     29,007       1,116     3.85 %     22,247       583     2.62 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities     986,312       35,297     3.58 %     645,126       8,127     1.26 %
*Non-interest-bearing demand deposit*     322,185                   355,118              
*Other non-interest-bearing liabilities*     17,139                   16,137              
Total liabilities     1,325,636                   1,016,381              
*Equity*     270,812                   258,713              
Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,596,448                 $ 1,275,094                                                  
Net interest income / interest spread         $ 97,191     5.15 %         $ 63,875     4.74 %
Net interest rate margin                 6.41 %                 5.32 %
Net interest earning assets   $ 530,525                 $ 555,520              
Average interest-earning assets                                    
to interest-bearing liabilities     153.79 %                 186.11 %