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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FY2023 Annual Report · Unity Bancorp, Inc.
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202 3  ANN UAL  REPORT

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

community

complete 

offers 

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 BANK’S BRAND PROMISE OF 

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

Selected Results of Operations

Interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Provision for credit losses and AFS impairment

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 credit 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

Year ended December 31,

2023

2022

$

143,494

$

100,739

48,497

94,997

3,168

8,142

46,976

13,288

39,707

$

$

3.89

3.84

25.98

29.59

0.48

$

$

10,631

90,108

4,274

8,045

42,458

12,964

38,457

3.66

3.59

22.60

27.33

0.43

$ 2,578,507

$ 2,444,948

2,172,063

2,106,559

(25,854)

135,689

(25,196)

140,946

1,924,140

1,787,528

366,748

261,430

10,063

393,310

239,227

10,584

1.63 %

1.80 %

16.05

45.55

4.06

17.28

42.69

4.37

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As we reflect on 2023, I am pleased to share with you 
an overview of our community bank’s performance and 
the larger economic landscape. Despite the challenges 
posed by external factors, our unwavering commitment 
to  our  mission  has  driven  positive  outcomes  for  our 
shareholders,  customers,  and  the  local  communities 
we serve.

Economic Context

In 2023, the United States economy defied expectation, 
showcasing  robust  growth  despite  initial  predictions 
of  a  recession.  To  start  2023,  the  consensus  projected 
negative 0.1% real economic growth; however, the latest 
data  indicated  a  strong  +2.5%  growth  rate.  Job  gains 
continued to grow at a robust pace unemployment rate 
ended 2023 at a healthy 3.7%.

Despite  these  positive  economic  indicators,  the  year 
was  also  marked  by  significant  events  that  impacted 
the  global  economy.  During  the  year  there  were  a 
series  of  bank  failures  that  sent  shockwaves  through 
the financial sector.  Silicon Valley Bank, an institution 
primarily  serving  technology  companies  and  wealthy 
individuals, faced a bank run after selling its Treasury 
bond  portfolio  at  a  substantial  loss.    Silvergate  Bank 
and  Signature  Bank  both  had  significant  exposure  to 
cryptocurrency.  First Republic Bank, which focused on 
private banking for affluent clients, experienced a rapid 
withdrawal of uninsured deposits, leading the FDIC to 
take it into receivership.  These failures have highlighted 
the  importance  of  risk  management  for  banks  of  all 
sizes.

Rest  assured,  Unity’s  business  is  much  different  than 
these  failed  institutions.  The  strength  of  our  balance 
sheet,  due  in  part  to  our  conservative  management 
approach, has allowed the Company to remain focused 
on serving our stakeholders.

Our Performance

I am thrilled to report that our Company has achieved its 
best financial performance in our history. During 2023, 
our  Company  generated  net  income  of  $39.7  million 
versus $38.5 million in 2023, representing an increase 
of 3.3%. Said differently, our Company generated $3.84 
of  earnings  per  diluted  share  versus  $3.59  in  2022, 
representing a 7.0% increase.  

 
 
is 

the 

largest 

income 

interest 

Net 
component of our Company’s earnings. It 
represents the difference between the interest 
generated  from  our  assets,  and  the  expense 
associated  with  paying  interest  in  our  liabilities. 
Despite  a  substantial  increase  in  the  cost  of  interest-
bearing liabilities, our net interest income (after provision 
for credit losses) grew to $91.8 million in 2023, versus $85.8 
million in 2022, representing a 7.0% increase.  

Our non-interest income, consisting of loan and deposit fees, 
and gains on the sale of SBA and mortgage loans totaled $8.1 
million in 2023, versus $8.0 million in 2022, representing a 
1.2% increase.

Regardless  efforts  to  minimize  the  effect  of  inflation,  our 
Company  was  not  immune  from  its  harmful  effects.  Our 
noninterest  expense,  which  is  mainly  compensation  and 
benefit costs, was $47.0 million in 2023, versus $42.5 million 
in 2022, representing an increase of 10.6%. This was done 
primarily to ensure that our customers continue to experience 
the personalized service that they have come to expect from 
our team. We will continue to invest in personnel, branches, 
and technology that deliver an extraordinarily high quality 
customer experience.

Despite a year of unprecedented challenges, our full-year Net 
Interest  Margin  (“NIM”)  was  4.06%,  Return  on  Average 
Assets  (“ROA”)  was  1.63%  and  our  Return  on  Average 
Equity  (“ROE”)  was  16.1%,  placing  our  Company  in  the 
upper tier of banks in the United States.  

Risk Management and Diversification

The recent failures of four larger regional banks underscore 
the  importance  of  prudent  liquidity  risk  management, 
diversification,  and  maintaining  a  strong  capital  position. 
We have a diverse deposit base spread across retail (46%), 
business  (26%),  municipal  (18%),  and  brokered  (10%) 
funding  sources.  In  addition,  we  maintain  a  relatively  low 
level  of  uninsured  or  uncollateralized  deposits  at  17.2%.  
The  Company  also  maintains  multiple  avenues  of  off 
balance  sheet  liquidity  via  the  Federal  Home  Loan 
Bank  and  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank.  We  further 
maintain  a  securities  portfolio  that  comprised 
5.3% of total assets, with unrealized losses on 
these securities representing minimal levels 
of risk-based capital. 

On the credit front, we have a well-diversified loan portfolio with 
limited non-performing loans and an appropriate allowance for credit 
losses. We recognize the need to maintain a measured approach across 
our  balance  sheet  and  business  model.  Our  commitment  to  prudent  risk 

practices ensures the safety and soundness of our institution.

Community Banking’s Vital Role

As  we  navigate  economic  shifts,  we  remain  steadfast  in  our  role  as  a  community 
bank. While global banks serve multinational corporations, we play a critical part in 
supporting small businesses, residential housing, and commercial real estate projects 
in smaller towns and rural communities. Our commitment extends from the George 
Washington  Bridge  in  Fort  Lee,  NJ  to  the  Lehigh  Valley  in  Forks  &  Bethlehem, 
PA,  serving  tens  of  thousands  of  consumers  and  businesses  with  our  customizable 
products and services.

Looking Ahead

Our  motto  remains  simple:  “Growing  with  You.”  By  focusing  on  what  we  know 
best and avoiding flashy trends, we maintain stability. Our longstanding commitment 
to sound risk management has enabled us to provide the financial services that our 
customers and communities rely upon. 

We remain confident that the strength of our balance sheet enables a solid foundation 
for continued growth and profitability moving forward. We will continue to uphold 
our mission, adapt to changing dynamics, and contribute to the economic well-being 
of our communities. 

Thank you for your support and trust in Unity Bancorp.

David D. Dallas
Chairman of the Board

James A. Hughes
President & CEO

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

BOOK VALUE

MARKET PRICE

$30

$25

$20

$15

$10

$5

$0

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

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At  Unity  Bank  we  take  pride  in  supporting  our 
friends and neighbors in the communities we serve.

Our  residential  and  commercial  lending  teams  live  and 
work  in  the  communities  in  which  we  operate.  We 
continue to grow our lending teams while simultaneously 
improving our systems and processes. This year, workflow 
enhancements were added to maintain excellent customer 
service and meet the needs of our customers.

WE CONTINUE TO GROW OUR LENDING 
TEAMS WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY 
IMPROVING OUR SYSTEMS AND 
PROCESSES.

Mortgage Lending Overview

2023  brought  a  perfect  storm  scenario  which  wreaked 
havoc on the mortgage industry. Interest rates at a 22 year 
high,  coupled  with  a  housing  inventory  shortage,  high 
inflation and tight liquidity, sent mortgage originations 
tumbling to lows that haven’t been seen since the 1980’s. 
Despite  all  the  negative  pressure,  our  commitment  to 
lend  strengthened  our  relationships  with  our  bank 
customers and realtor referrals partners. As a result, our 
origination  volume  outperformed  the  industry.  If  the 
more optimistic forecast for the housing market in 2024 
holds true, we are well positioned to leverage our strong 
realtor  referral  partner  relationships  and  continue  our 
growth expectations.

 
Commercial Lending Overview

With  rising  interest  rates  and  tight  liquidity,  2023  proved  to  be  a  slower  loan 
production  year.  We  remained  committed  to  our  community  bank  customers 
supporting  their  borrowing  needs  particularly  owner-occupied  businesses.  SBA 
loan customers were more acutely impacted with rising rates adjusting quarterly. 
We  proactively  communicated  with  our  SBA  customers  working  through  the 
higher rate environment. The outlook for 2024 is much the same with possibility 
of a few rate cuts.

5 YEAR LOAN  GROWTH

Commercial Loans

Residential Mortgages

$1,500,000

$1,200,000

$900,000

$600,000

$300,000

$0

$700,000

$600,000

$500,000

$400,000

$300,000

$200,000

$100,000

$0

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

in thousands

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Business Center 

Since  our  founding  in  1991,  we  have  made  it  our 
mission to provide the highest level of service to our 
customers. Equally important, is delivering the latest 
in  technology  which  is  constantly  being  upgraded 
across  all  areas  of  operation.  Unity  continues  to 
focus  on  security  by  implementing  best  practices, 
staying  up  to  date  with  the  cyber  threat  landscape, 
and working closely with regulators to ensure we hold 
our  customers’  information  to  the  highest  level  of 
protection.  We  continued  investing  in  hardware  and 
software to support our growth while simultaneously 
ensuring  these  investments  would  benefit  us  long-
term. 

leadership, 

Unity  Bank  understands  the  value  of  investing  in  its 
employees to provide an environment of growth and 
continued success. We employ extensive training with 
the help of our partners to provide customer service, 
and 
communication, 
project  management  skills.  Updating  and  modifying 
Unity Banks’ internal data center and infrastructure is 
critical for keeping up with a rapidly changing work 
environment. While other banks are closing branches, 
Unity has continued to take advantage by growing its 
footprint in 2023 opening two new locations in Lake 
Hiawatha and Fort Lee in New Jersey.

technological, 

Overall Technology Improvements 

Unity  Bank  focused  its  project  initiatives  in  2023 
on  strengthening  the  security  of  its  customer-facing 
technology,  technical  infrastructure,  and  internal 
applications. In the face of the current and expanding 
threats  in  the  cyber  world,  the  bank  strives  to  stay 
alert  and  responsive  to  security  incidents  of  all  sizes 
and  scopes,  both  nationally  and  globally.  The  bank 
prioritizes  the  protection  of  customer  data  and  the 
enhancement of fraud detection and prevention across 
all transaction channels. 

Along with the security enhancements we put a focus 
on  improving  customer  technology,  as  well  as  back-
end  internal  applications  that  will  help  streamline 
departmental processes and increase efficiency overall. 
This  mindset  will  carry-over  to  our  2024  project 
initiatives.

 
 
Technology Improvements for 
Consumer Customers 

improved  our  consumer 

In  2023,  we 
technology by introducing contactless payments 
for  credit  and  debit  cards,  and  enabling  our 
customers to add their cards to Google Pay, Apple Pay 
and  Samsung  Pay  for  a  smoother  payment  experience. 
We also launched a new Credit Card program in Q3 2023 
with  both  consumer  and  business  options.  Along  with  the 
card improvements, we upgraded our ATM’s in our branches 
to allow envelope-less deposits and contactless chip readers, 
which offer more security than the swipe or dip methods.

SINCE OUR FOUNDING IN 1991, WE 
HAVE MADE IT OUR MISSION TO 
PROVIDE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF 
SERVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS.

In  2024,  we  will  continue  to  enhance  our  customer-
facing  technology  with  a  new  Mobile  and  Online  Banking 
application,  a  better  Account-to-Account  (A2A)  transfer 
platform, and a focus on instant payments for our customers. 
We will also introduce a new range of Consumer Checking 
Products.

Technology Improvements for Business Customers

Customer-facing technology initiatives had the same impact 
on both consumers and businesses in 2023. In 2024, we will 
extend our focus on the business side with a better check & 
ACH positive pay offering, which will provide more effective 
and reliable positive pay and payee verification detection. 
This will give businesses more confidence and security 
when  they  process  ACH  transactions  for  payroll 
and other purposes.

Y Unity Bank is committed to bettering the communities 
T

it serves. At Unity Bank, community is more than just 
a word. The employees on our team live and work in 
our branch footprint, so giving back is second nature.

In 2023, Unity participated in over 600 community 
events,  sponsorships  and  volunteer  opportunities. 
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.

Unity  Bank  continued  their  title  sponsorship  of  the 
Tour  of  Somerville  Cycling  Series.  The  bank  has 
participated in the Tour of Somerville since 2017 with 
races in Somerville and the Twilight Criterium race in 
Easton,  Pennsylvania.  We  look  forward  to  watching 
these events grow each year as it brings people together 
and supports businesses within the community.

UNITY BANK RECOMMITTED TO
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

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Unity  Bank  continued  to  support  America’s  Grow-A-Row  both  financially  and 
physically  by  sending  a  group  of  employee  volunteers  from  each  month  to  pick 
produce  for  community  members  in  need.  Food  insecurity  has  expanded  due  to 
the food inflation costs, and this year Grow-A-Row was able to donate 3.2 million 
pounds of fresh produce, that’s 12.8 million servings! 

To further combat food insecurity in our community Unity’s annual service project 
raised $25,200 for local Food Banks. This is a very special project since it comes 
from  the  generosity  of  our  employees.  Each  year  employees  can  elect  to  donate 
through  payroll  deductions.  The  bank  matches  the  employee  donation  and  funds 
are distributed to 21 locations throughout our footprint, providing food for those 
in need. 

Unity  Bank hosted the 17th Annual  Charity Car Show benefiting Family Promise 
of Hunterdon and Warren counties. The show raises money and awareness for its 
benefactors. The show featured 106 classic cars competing in a variety of categories. 
For  the  last  17  years,  the  car  show  has  been  a  great  opportunity  to  support  the 
valuable  work  of  Family  Promise  and  its  vital  services  to  the  community.  The 
show has been very successful over the years thanks to the community, car owners, 
sponsors and Unity’s dedicated employee volunteers. We are enthusiastic about the 
opportunities to come and continue to commit to helping those in our community.

Executive & Senior Management

James Hughes
President
Chief Executive Officer

Rebecca Kugelman
Senior Vice President
Project Management Officer

George Boyan
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer

Ryan Peene
Senior Vice President
Chief Depository Officer

Vincent Geraci
First Senior Vice President
Director of Mortgage Lending

Daniel Sharabba
Senior Vice President 
Chief Retail Officer

David Bove
Senior Vice President
Chief Technology Officer

Luke de Araujo
First Vice President
BSA/AML/OFAC Officer

James Davies
Senior Vice President
Controller

James Donovan
Senior Vice President
Chief Lending Officer

Ashleigh Marin
First Vice President
In-House Counsel

Karen Klotz
First Vice President
Loan Closing Manager

Rosemary Fellner
Senior Vice President
Chief Experience Officer

Crystal Rose
First Vice President
Marketing Director

Christopher Fenimore
Senior Vice President
Chief Compliance Officer

Cynthia Burke
First Vice President
Human Resources Director

Minsu Kim
Senior Vice President
Chief Credit Officer

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Board of Directors

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

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

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

Donald Souders, Jr. 
Director
Attorney/Partner, Florio Perrucci Steinhardt 
Cappelli Tipton & Taylor

Dr. Mary Gross
Director
Human Edge Resources, LLC

Aaron Tucker
Vice Chairman of the Board
President, Tucker Enterprises

Shareholder Information

Annual Meeting
Shareholders of Unity Bancorp, Inc. are cordially invited to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 
The meeting will be held virtually at 8:30 am, April 25th, 2024 and will be available at: 
meetnow.global/M52SR5Z

Please use your shareholder credentials or guest login to access the meeting.

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
George Boyan
908-713-4565  |  George.Boyan@unitybank.com

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Wolf & Company, P.C.
Boston, Massachusetts

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

LOCATI ONS

New Jersey
Bergen County: 
4 Emerson Plaza W.  Emerson, NJ 07630
899 Palisade Ave.  Fort Lee, NJ 07024

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

Morris County: 
66 North Beverwyck Rd  Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 
(pictured on cover) 

Ocean County: 
1255 Route 70  Lakewood, NJ 08701

Somerset County:
450 Somerset St.  North Plainfield, NJ 07060
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
945 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
1700 Sullivan Trail  Forks, PA 18040

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