Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Banks - Regional / Unity Bancorp, Inc.

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

unty · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Ticker unty
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 227
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FY2019 Annual Report · Unity Bancorp, Inc.
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201 9 ANN UAL RE PORT

UNITY BANCORP, INC. (Nasdaq: UNTY) is the 
holding company for Unity Bank, a commercial bank 
insured by the FDIC, headquartered in Clinton, New 
Jersey. The Bank offers complete deposit and lending 
solutions to businesses and consumers. 

Small Business is BIG here is a mantra the 
Bank lives and breathes. Unity delivers a holistic 
approach to business clients leveraging seasoned 
Commercial and SBA lending expertise with deposit 
products and services with the latest technology 
advantages. The Bank’s brand promise of Growing 
with You is applied to all Unity stakeholders. The 
Bank is dedicated to the growth of our communities, 
customers, employees and shareholders.

THE  BAN K’S  BR AND  PROMI SE   O F 

growing with you! 

IS APPLIED TO ALL UNITY STAKEHOLDERS.

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FI NAN C IAL HIGHLIGHTS
Amounts in thousands, except per share data 
and performance ratios

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

Selected Results of Operations
Interest income

$

75,648

$

67,263

$

55,310

Interest expense

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Noninterest income

Noninterest expense

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Per Share Data

Net income per common share - Basic

Net income per common share - Diluted

Book value per common share

Market value per common share

Cash dividends declared on common shares

Selected Balance Sheet Data

Assets

Loans

Allowance for loan losses

Securities

Deposits

Borrowed funds and subordinated debentures

Shareholders’ equity

Common shares outstanding

Performance Ratios

Return on average assets

Return on average equity

Efficiency ratio

Net interest margin

18,055

57,593

2,100

9,539

34,717

6,662

13,516

53,747

2,050

9,031

33,421

5,388

9,453

45,857

1,650

8,270

30,044

9,540

23,653

$

21,919

$

12,893

$

2.18

2.14

14.77

22.57

0.31

$

2.04

2.01

12.85

20.76

0.27

1.22

1.20

11.13

19.75

0.23

$

$

$ 1,718,942

$

1,579,157

$ 1,455,496

1,425,558

1,304,566

1,170,674

(16,395)

66,564

(15,488)

63,732

(13,556)

69,800

1,250,114

1,207,687

1,043,137

293,310

160,709

10,881

220,310

138,488

10,780

285,310

118,105

10,615

1.54 %

1.53 %

1.02 %

15.86

52.00

3.95

17.10

53.07

3.97

11.47

55.57

3.83

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On behalf of the entire Unity Bancorp (“Unity”) 
team, I am pleased to report another year of 
record growth and profitability. Net Income grew 
to $24 million, an increase of 7.9% from last year.  
Our return on average assets and average equity 
were 1.54% and 15.86% respectively, and our net 
interest margin remained stable at 3.95%. Unity’s 
loan portfolio grew 9.3% to $1.4 billion and 
our deposit base ended the year at $1.3 billion. 
The bank’s capital base continued to grow as our 
strong earnings performance outpaced the growth 
in our balance sheet.

Not only was 2019 a year of great accomplish-
ment, Unity also received accolades from leading 
industry publications. Unity was recognized by 

WE A RE COMMI TTE D  TO  PR OV I DI N G 
COMPETITIV E  S E R VIC E S  TH AT  ME E T 
THE NEW WAYS CUSTOMERS  NEED 
AND WANT TO BANK.

American Banker magazine as the 13th highest 
performing publicly traded community bank in 
the nation for banks and thrifts less than $2 bil-
lion in assets. In addition, Unity Bank was named 
one of the best places to work in NJ for the third 
consecutive year by NJBiz.  

The primary objective at Unity is to ensure our 
customers sincerely believe they have a trusted 
advisor that is vested in their success. We take a 
comprehensive approach to understanding and 
knowing our customers to deliver the best service 
for their unique needs.  

Along with supporting our customer base, 
Unity remains committed to our brand promise 

 
 
of “growing with you” for the 
communities and businesses we serve. 
We believe it is our responsibility to 
support our communities through various 
volunteer programs with local organizations 
and contributing to non-profits and charitable 
groups. In 2019, Unity participated in over 
500 community events. Giving back to our 
communities is an integral part of our culture.

Unity’s business model focuses on supporting 
smaller loans at competitive yields with owner 
occupied businesses. Diversity of lending is 
the basis of our stability. Our portfolio is 
a well-rounded mix of Commercial, SBA, 
Mortgage, Consumer and Construction loans.  
Our residential mortgage department had 

T HE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE AT U N I T Y   I S  TO 
ENSURE OUR C USTOMER S  SI NC E R ELY 
BELIEVE THEY HAVE A  TRUSTED ADVISOR 
THAT IS VESTED IN THEIR SUCCESS.

another year of continued success, with over 
$250 million in loan production. In 2019 our 
mortgage department fulfilled the dreams of 
home ownership to over 400 customers. 
Our construction loan division continued to be 
a high performing line of business with above 
average market returns secured by properly 
leveraged assets. Our commercial loan division 
had continued success with over $180 
million in total volume for the year.

During 2019, we continued to grow 
our franchise with a disciplined 
approach of growing revenue 

and managing expenses which resulted in increased profitability. There will 
be continued challenges in the coming year with the flat yield curve, volatile 
stock market, trade wars and the current political environment. Our balance 
sheet is well positioned, and we expect to continue to outperform our peers. 
As always, we will continue to invest in our culture and attract and retain top 
talent to meet the challenges ahead.

Unity remains anchored in our commitment to exceptional customer service, 
personal attention, local decision-making and concern for the financial well-
being of our customers and shareholders. We are moving forward in 2020 
with a strong hold on our expenses, a commitment to improve our efficiency 
and the expectation that we will build on the positive momentum of 2019.  
The Board of Directors, management and staff thank our loyal customers 
and shareholders for their continued support.

David D. Dallas
Chairman of the Board

James A. Hughes
President & CEO

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

$1.00

$0.50

$0.00

$15.00

$12.00

$ 9.00

$ 6.00

$ 3.00

$ 0.00

$0.35

$0.30

$0.25

$0.20

$0.15

$0.10

$0.05

$0.00

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

BOOK VALUE

MARKET PRICE

$25.00

$20.00

$15.00

$10.00

$ 5.00

$ 0.00

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

with community bank service. Our portfolio 
performance remains strong, guided by people 
and policies which emphasize geographic and loan 
diversification.  

S We continue to support local neighborhoods 
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The commercial loan portfolio increased in 2019 
at a measurable pace. We continue to focus on our 
customers, core products and existing territories. 
Our residential mortgage program growth is infused 
by deep relationships with strategic referral partners.

OUR PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE 
REMAINS STRONG, GUIDED BY PEOPLE 
AND POLICIES WHICH EMPHASIZE 
GEOGRAPHIC AND LOAN TYPE 
DIVERSIFICATION.

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LENDING PORTFOLIO

54%

Commercial
Loans

SBA
Loans

Consumer
Loans

3%

10%

33%

Residential
Mortgage

35%

98.44%

Investment

65%

Owner

Occupied

Performing

30-59 Days 

Delinquent

.78%

Seriously Delinquent

.78%

 
5 YEAR LOAN GROWTH

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2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

0

$100

$200

$300

$400

$500

$600

$700

$800

in Millions

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE 
DISTRIBUTION

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE 
PERFORMANCE

Investment

35%

98.44%

65%

Owner
Occupied

Performing

30-59 Days 
Delinquent

.78%

Seriously Delinquent

.78%

54%

Commercial

Loans

SBA

Loans

Consumer

Loans

3%

10%

33%

Residential

Mortgage

 
 
caring personal service.  

E Secure convenient technology delivered with 
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The digital banking needs of customers are always 
evolving. Our mobile banking app continues to have 
a strong adoption rate and more customers are taking 
advantage of digital offerings than ever before. To 
help protect our customers, we introduced Card 
Control in 2019. This service offers fraud protection 
through real-time alerts and geographic controls.  
Customers have the convenience of turning debit 
cards on and off. Business customers can monitor 
spending and set limits for cards issued to their 
employees.  We continue to survey our customers and 
enhance digital offerings based on the challenges our 
customers face.

WE C ONTINUE  TO SU RV E Y  OUR 
CUSTOME RS  AND  ENH AN CE 
DIGI TAL  OFFE RI NGS  BASE D 
ON TH E  CH ALLE NGE S   OUR 
CU STOME RS  FAC E.

Small Business is big at Unity. In 2019, we saw the 
completion of a multi-year project to provide our 
top tier small business owners who have complex 
cash management detailed analysis of their activity.  
Customers were personally introduced and trained 
on a new statement system which provides better 
insight to their activity. The new system helps them 
understand their cash flow better and minimizes 
charges by taking advantage of earnings credits.

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In addition to customer digital 
offerings, we continue to invest in 
technology for operations. The Unity 
culture is customer-centric, and Senior 
Management is committed to providing tools 
for employees that ensure our customers have the 
best banking experience. In 2019, we replaced desktop 
computers and phones with equipment containing the 
latest capabilities. We enhanced our network infrastructure  
to streamline our internal IT support and provide faster, 
easier assistance to employees.

In 2019, we launched a new loan origination system. The 
new system ensures loans flow through the process as 
efficiently as possible. It allows for any missing information 
to be detected early avoiding delays and providing 
all operational areas a single, stream-lined platform.  
Customers have a digital portal to send and receive 
information with the latest security protection. The system 
compliments our ability to be a nimble, local lender and 
grow our local business communities.

We are committed to investing in technology and 
information security while always improving our 
customer’s experience.

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Unity Bank is committed to bettering the 
communities it serves. Unity participated in 
over 500 community events, sponsorships and 
volunteer opportunities in 2019. In addition 
to traditional donations, Unity Bank supports 
community programs that keep the Bank and its 
employees personally connected to the people in 
our markets.

THE BANK ENCOURAGES AND 
SUPPORTS ALL LEVELS OF STAFF 
TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR 
COMMUNITY. 

Non-profits are given assistance to help make 
their mission successful. Events and programs 
are promoted by the Bank; organizations also 
receive marketing and volunteer support. The 
Bank encourages and supports all levels of 
staff to make a difference in their community. 
Internal administrative support is provided 
for organized programs with America’s Grow-
a-Row, NORWESCAP and Center for Hope 
Hospice to ensure these efforts are well executed. 
America’s Grow-A-Row is an award-winning 
local farm whose mission is to provide fresh, 
healthy produce to those in need. In addition 
to sponsoring events, the Bank sends a team 

 
 
 
of employees every month to work on the 
farm. Unity has been recognized by this 
organization as an outstanding partner 
supplying consistent support year to year.

For over a decade, the Bank has coordinated 
a special holiday service project. Employees 
have the option to donate any amount 
through payroll deduction and the Bank 
matches the amount. At the end of the year 
these funds are donated to a local food 
pantry in the immediate community of each 
branch. 2019 was a record fundraising year 
for the Bank. The program donated a record 
$28,500 to nineteen food pantries in our 
footprint. Representatives from the branches 
deliver the donations and employees see the 
impact in their own neighborhood. 

Unity’s Start Smart Financial Education 
Program is a comprehensive financial 
literacy program designed for grades Pre-K 
through 12. The Bank has provided this 
program to schools and the community over 
the past nine years. The initiative is even 
more important today because New Jersey 
recently expanded the financial literacy 
educational requirements for middle school 
students. The program is offered to schools 
and community groups at no cost. In 2019, 
Unity partnered with Union Township and 
South Plainfield school districts to offer 
long-term programming. 

Unity Bank was honored at the Hunterdon 
Healthcare Foundation’s annual Crystal 
Ball with the 2019 Corporate Spirit of 
Hunterdon Award. This award highlights 
an organization that has driven economic 
growth in the region and significantly 
impacted the success of Hunterdon 
Healthcare’s efforts in our local community.

UNITY PARTICIPATED IN 500+
community events, sponsorships 
& volunteer opportunities in 2019

1 hand = 20 events

19 FOOD PANTRIES

received funds through employee deductions 
matched by Unity Bank

CORPORATE SPIRIT OF 
HUNTERDON AWARD 
RECIPIENT 
presented by the Hunterdon Healthcare 
Foundation

Executive & Senior Management

James Hughes
President
Chief Executive Officer

Michael Novak
Senior Vice President
Commercial Loan Officer

Janice Bolomey
Executive Vice President
Chief Administrative Officer/
Director of Sales

Christopher Bono
First Vice President
Retail Regional Sales Manager

John Kauchak
Executive Vice President
Chief Operating Officer

Vincent Geraci
First Senior Vice President
Mortgage Sales Manager

Stephen Rooney
First Senior Vice President
Chief Lending Officer

David Bove
Senior Vice President
Chief Technology Officer

Laureen Cook
Senior Vice President
Controller

Christopher Burke
First Vice President
Senior Credit Officer

Christopher Fenimore
First Vice President
Chief Compliance Officer

Michelle Kirmser
First Vice President
General Counsel

Rebecca Kugelman
First Vice President 
Deposit Operations Manager

Kenneth Plinio
First Vice President
Mortgage & Consumer 
Operations Manager

Rosemary Fellner
Senior Vice President
Chief Marketing Officer

Bridget Walsh
First Vice President
Human Resources Director

David Hensley
Senior Vice President
Commercial Loan Officer

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Board of Directors

David Dallas
Chairman of the Board
CEO, Dallas Group of America, Inc. 

Allen Tucker 
Vice Chairman of the Board 
Chairman, Tucker Enterprises

Dr. Mark Brody
Director 
Managing Member, Financial Planning 
Analysts, LLC

Wayne Courtright
Director
Retired, Former Banker 

James Hughes
Director
President/CEO, Unity Bank

Peter Maricondo
Director
Retired Financial Consultant

Raj Patel
Director
President/CEO, Raja Group

Donald Souders, Jr. 
Director
Attorney/Partner, Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt & 
Fader, LLC 

Robert Dallas, II 
Director
President, Dallas Group of America, Inc.

Aaron Tucker
Director
President, Tucker Enterprises

Dr. Mary Gross
Director
Founder, Human Edge Resources, LLC

Shareholder Information

Annual Meeting
Shareholders of Unity Bancorp, Inc. are cordially invited to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 
The meeting will be held at 9:00 am, April 23, 2020 at The Coach House of The Ryland Inn, 
Whitehouse Station, NJ.

Stock Listing
NASDAQ
Symbol: UNTY

Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare, Inc. 
PO Box 30170
College Station, Texas 77842-3170
800.368.5948
Computershare.com

Investor Inquiries
James Hughes
908.713.4306  |  James.Hughes@unitybank.com

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
RSM US LLP
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Legal Counsel
Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP
New Brunswick, New Jersey

 
LOCATI ONS

New Jersey
Bergen County: 
4 Emerson Plaza West  Emerson, NJ 07630
475 Franklin Turnpike  Ramsey, NJ 07446

Hunterdon County:
64 Old Highway 22  Clinton, NJ 08809 
157 Main St.  Flemington, NJ 08822
370 Route 22 W.  Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889

Middlesex County: 
1746 Oak Tree Rd.  Edison, NJ 08820
104 Raritan Ave.  Highland Park, NJ 08904
1230 Bound Brook Rd.  Middlesex, NJ 08846
2426 Plainfield Ave.  South Plainfield, NJ 07080

Somerset County:
450 Somerset St.  North Plainfield, NJ 07060

(pictured on back cover)

120 Cedar Grove Ln.  Somerset, NJ 08873
12 Mountain Ave.  Somerville, NJ 08876

Union County:
628 North Wood Ave.  Linden, NJ 07036
2222 South Ave.  Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
952 Stuyvesant Ave.  Union, NJ 07083

Warren County: 
1225 Route 22 W.  Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
5 E. Asbury Anderson Rd.  Washington, NJ 07882

Pennsylvania
Northampton County:
2850 Easton Ave.  Bethlehem, PA 18017

(pictured on front cover)

1700 Sullivan Trail  Forks, PA 18040

UN ITY  BAN COR P, INC
64 Old Highway 22  Clinton, NJ 08809
unitybank.com  800.618.2265