First Commerce Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter and Year-to-Date 2026 Results and Declares a Cash Dividend

Higher lending income and wider margins accompanied increased borrowings and lower equity following the completed share repurchase.

Rhea-AI Summary

First Commerce Bancorp (CMRB) reported third-quarter 2026 net income of $4.9 million, more than double the year-earlier result. Basic earnings per share rose to $0.28 from $0.10; nine-month net income reached $12.1 million versus $5.1 million, with basic earnings of $0.68 versus $0.25. A completed repurchase of 3.0 million shares also reduced the 2026 weighted-average share count.

Third-quarter net interest income increased 46.5% to $15.9 million, while net interest margin widened to 3.34% from 2.61%. Loans rose 13.4% and deposits increased 12.5% from year-end 2025. Non-performing loans fell to 0.35% of total loans from 0.89% a year earlier. Equity declined 7.7% from year-end, primarily reflecting the repurchase, and borrowings increased 11.0%. The board declared a $0.05-per-share dividend, payable November 24, 2026, to shareholders of record November 10.

22 points · 1 major

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0 major · 9 points

Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works

Positive

• Major pointCompleted tender offer returned $21.0 million through repurchasing 3.0 million shares at $7.00 each. 14% of market cap
• Moderate pointThird-quarter net income rose to $4.9 million from $2.1 million a year earlier.
• Moderate pointThird-quarter net interest income increased 46.5% to $15.9 million year over year.
• Moderate pointThird-quarter net interest margin widened to 3.34% from 2.61% a year earlier.
• Moderate pointNine-month efficiency ratio improved to 61.32% from 75.58% a year earlier.
• Moderate pointTotal loans increased 13.4% to $1.61 billion from December 31, 2025.
• Moderate pointTotal deposits increased 12.5% to $1.46 billion from December 31, 2025.
• Moderate pointNon-performing loans improved to 0.35% of total loans, versus 0.89% at September 30, 2025.

14 minor points

• Minor pointNine-month net income increased to $12.1 million from $5.1 million a year earlier.
• Minor pointBasic EPS rose to $0.28 quarterly and $0.68 year-to-date, versus $0.10 and $0.25 in 2025.
• Minor pointNine-month net interest margin increased to 3.06% from 2.47% a year earlier.
• Minor pointThird-quarter average loan yield increased 58 basis points to 6.51% year over year.
• Minor pointThird-quarter average investment securities yield rose to 6.09% from 5.43% a year earlier.
• Minor pointThird-quarter average funding cost fell to 3.55% from 3.95% on interest-bearing liabilities year over year.
• Minor pointThird-quarter provision for credit losses decreased to $173,000 from $452,000 a year earlier.
• Minor pointThird-quarter non-interest income increased 89.4% to $1.6 million year over year.
• Minor pointAnnualized third-quarter return on average assets increased to 0.99% from 0.48% a year earlier.
• Minor pointAnnualized third-quarter return on average equity increased to 12.04% from 4.79% a year earlier.
• Minor pointTotal assets increased 10.3% to $1.98 billion from December 31, 2025.
• Minor pointInvestment securities increased 21.8% to $200.2 million from December 31, 2025.
• Minor pointBook value per common share increased to $9.53 from $8.63 at September 30, 2025.
• Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Core banking system upgrade completed; the company expects enhanced digital capabilities and increased efficiency.

Negative

• Moderate pointStockholders' equity declined 7.7% to $162.0 million from year-end 2025, primarily reflecting the share repurchase.
• Moderate pointTier 1 leverage ratio declined to 8.32% from 10.22% at December 31, 2025.
• Moderate pointBorrowings increased 11.0% to $280.3 million from December 31, 2025.
• Moderate pointThird-quarter interest expense increased 6.7% to $14.2 million year over year.
• Moderate pointThird-quarter non-interest expense increased 6.5% to $9.0 million year over year.
• Moderate pointAvailable-for-sale securities' mark-to-market loss increased $2.6 million during the first nine months of 2026. 1.7% of market cap

3 minor points

• Minor pointAverage subordinated notes added $39.0 million to third-quarter interest-bearing liabilities versus a year earlier.
• Minor pointLoan-loss allowance coverage declined to 0.99% from 1.13% of total loans at December 31, 2025.
• Minor pointThird-quarter interest income on deposits with other banks decreased 13.2% to $704,000 year over year.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / October 28, 2026 / First Commerce Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), (OTCID:CMRB), the holding company for First Commerce Bank (the "Bank"), today reported net income of $4.9 million and $12.1 million for the three- and nine-months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $2.1 million and $5.1 million for the three- and nine-months ending September 30, 2025, respectively. Basic earnings per common share for the three- and nine-months ending September 30, 2026, were $0.28 and $0.68, respectively, compared to $0.10 and $0.25 for the three- and nine-months ending September 30, 2025, respectively. The Board of Directors has unanimously declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per common share for shareholders of record on November 10, 2026, with a payable date of November 24, 2026. Per share results for the 2026 periods also reflect the effect of a reduced weighted-average share count following the Company's repurchase of 3.0 million shares of common stock in its 2026 tender offer.

President & CEO Donald Mindiak commented, "The continuing successful execution of the balance sheet growth strategy initiated last year, coupled with prudent underwriting, a selective investment strategy and persistent diligence in our collection efforts of several non-accrual loans have produced quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year improving operating results. Double-digit percentage growth in net interest income and non-interest income combined with prudent expense management practices has produced consistent incremental growth in core operating results, net income and improvements in their related profitability metrics. Efficient deployment of excess liquidity into higher yielding loans and investments continues to be a driver of operating results, while maintaining sufficient liquidity in line with regulatory parameters. Despite a fluid economic and geopolitical landscape, and an uncertain prospective rate environment, we are encouraged by the opportunities we continue to see in the markets we serve. We remain heartened by the improvement in our credit quality, and steadfast in our efforts to continue this momentum. With a strong balance sheet and a committed Board and Senior Management team, we remain focused on executing those initiatives that have the capacity to enhance franchise and shareholder value."

Continuing, he stated, "We recently updated our core banking system in an effort to improve your banking experience. This upgrade will provide a stronger foundation for enhanced digital banking capabilities, increased efficiency and a more fulfilling customer experience. We are honored to be your banking partner and look forward to serving all your banking needs."

Financial Highlights

• Total interest and dividend income increased by $5.9 million or 24.6% for the third quarter of 2026 compared to the third quarter of 2025 as a result of the growth in average interest-earning assets year over year, and an increase in the average yield of interest earning assets.
• Total interest expense increased by $884,000 or 6.7% for the third quarter of 2026 compared to the third quarter of 2025 as a result of the growth in borrowings (primarily Federal Home Loan Bank advances) used primarily for loan growth and the issuance of subordinated notes, partially offset by a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
• Total loans increased by $189.8 million or 13.4% to $1.61 billion at September 30, 2026, compared to $1.42 billion at December 31, 2025.
• Total deposits increased by $162.5 million or 12.5% to $1.46 billion at September 30, 2026, compared to $1.30 billion at December 31, 2025.
• Quarter-to-date (annualized) return on average total assets increased by fifty-one basis points to 0.99% at September 30, 2026, compared to 0.48% at September 30, 2025.
• Quarter-to-date (annualized) return on average shareholders' equity increased by 725 basis points to 12.04% at September 30, 2026, compared to 4.79% at September 30, 2025.
• Book value per common share increased by $0.90 to $9.53 at September 30, 2026, compared to $8.63 at September 30, 2025.
• Year-to-date net interest margin increased fifty-nine basis points to 3.06% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, from 2.47% for the nine months ending September 30, 2025.
• Year-to-date efficiency ratio improved to 61.32% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, from 75.58% for the nine months ending September 30, 2025.
• Non-performing loans to total loans improved to 0.35% at September 30, 2026, from 0.89% at September 30, 2025.
• Total stockholders' equity decreased 7.7% to $162.0 million and the Tier 1 leverage ratio declined to 8.32% at September 30, 2026, from 10.22% at December 31, 2025, primarily reflecting the $21.0 million repurchase of common stock.

Balance Sheet Review

Total assets increased by $184.2 million or 10.3% to $1.98 billion at September 30, 2026, from $1.79 billion at December 31, 2025. The increase in total assets was primarily related to increases in total loans receivable, total investment securities and bank-owned life insurance, partially offset by a decrease in total cash and cash equivalents during the nine months ending September 30, 2026.

Total cash and cash equivalents decreased by $63.4 million or 46.5% to $73.0 million at September 30, 2026, from $136.4 million at December 31, 2025. This decrease was primarily due to funding of loan growth and investment securities purchases.

Total investment securities increased by $35.9 million or 21.8% to $200.2 million at September 30, 2026, from $164.3 million at December 31, 2025. The increase in investment securities resulted primarily from $91.0 million in purchases of investment securities, partially offset by $19.4 million in redemptions and maturities, $33.2 million of amortization of mortgage-backed securities, and $2.6 million increase in mark-to-market loss on available-for-sale investment securities.

Total loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, increased by $189.9 million or 13.5% to $1.59 billion at September 30, 2026, from $1.40 billion at December 31, 2025. The increase in total loans resulted primarily from an increase of $19.9 million, or 11.7%, in 1-4 family and mixed-use mortgages, an increase of $20.5 million, or 21.1%, in multifamily mortgages, an increase of $99.2 million, or 9.6%, in commercial mortgages, and an increase of $53.3 million, or 70.6%, in construction loans. This was partially offset by a decrease of $970,000, or 16.9%, in home equity loans, and a decrease of $2.2 million, or 7.1%, in commercial loans. The allowance for credit losses decreased by $77,000 or 0.5% to $15.9 million or 0.99% of total loans at September 30, 2026, as compared to $16.0 million or 1.13% of total loans at December 31, 2025.

Total deposits increased $162.5 million or 12.5% to $1.46 billion at September 30, 2026, from $1.30 billion at December 31, 2025. The increase in total deposits resulted primarily from an increase of $3.4 million, or 2.0%, in non-interest-bearing checking deposits, an increase of $85.4 million, or 93.8%, in NOW deposits, an increase of $6.4 million, or 8.5%, in savings accounts, an increase of $19.7 million, or 7.1%, in money market accounts, and an increase of $81.8 million, or 55.8%, in brokered deposits. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $30.5 million, or 5.8%, in retail certificates of deposit, and a decrease of $3.6 million, or 39.4%, in CDARs.

Borrowings, which are primarily Federal Home Loan Bank advances, increased $27.8 million or 11.0% to $280.3 million at September 30, 2026, from $252.5 million at December 31, 2025, which assisted in the facilitation of the loan and investment securities growth discussed previously.

Stockholders' equity decreased by $13.4 million or 7.7% to $162.0 million at September 30, 2026, from $175.4 million at December 31, 2025. The decrease in stockholders' equity was primarily due to an increase in treasury stock of $21.3 million and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive losses of $1.9 million, partially offset by an increase of $9.5 million in retained earnings. During the nine months ending September 30, 2026, the Company completed a tender offer to repurchase 3.0 million shares of its outstanding common stock at $7.00 per common share for a total cost of $21.0 million which resulted in an increase in treasury stock.

Three Months of Operations

Net interest income increased by $5.0 million or 46.5% to $15.9 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, from $10.8 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in total interest and dividend income of $5.9 million as a result of an increase in the balance of average interest earning assets, partially offset by an increase in total interest expense of $884,000 as a result of an increase in the balance of average interest-bearing liabilities.

Total interest and dividend income increased by $5.9 million or 24.6% to $30.0 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, from $24.1 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025. Interest income on loans, including fees, increased $5.3 million or 25.4% to $26.0 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $20.7 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in interest income on loans, including fees, resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of loans receivable of $197.9 million or 14.3% to $1.58 billion for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $1.38 billion for the three months ending September 30, 2025. Average yield on loans receivable was 6.51% for the three months ending September 30, 2026, increasing fifty-eight basis points over the comparative period in 2025. Interest income on investment securities increased by $721,000 or 30.0% to $3.1 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $2.4 million for the same period in the prior year, as a result of growth in the investment securities portfolio and purchasing and replacing payoffs and paydowns of investment securities with higher yielding investment securities. The average balance of the investment security portfolio increased by $28.1 million or 15.9% to $205.1 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $177.0 million for the same period in the prior year. The average yield on investment securities increased by sixty-six basis points to 6.09% for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to 5.43% for the same period in the prior year. Interest income on interest-bearing deposits with other banks decreased by $107,000 or 13.2% to $704,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $811,000 for the same period in the prior year. This decrease resulted primarily from a decline in average yield of seventy-one basis points to 3.43% for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to 4.14% for the same period in the prior year. Dividend income on restricted stock increased by $46,000 or 22.4% to $251,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $205,000 for the same period in the prior year as a result of an increase in average balance of restricted stock of $3.9 million or 33.9% to $15.5 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $11.6 million for the same period in the prior year despite a decrease in average yield of sixty-one basis points to 6.48% for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to 7.09% for the same period in the prior year.

Total interest expense increased by $884,000 or 6.7% to $14.2 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, from $13.3 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in interest expense occurred primarily as a result of an increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $249.1 million or 18.7%, to $1.58 billion for the three months ending September 30, 2026, from $1.33 billion for the three months ending September 30, 2025. Despite the increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities, the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by forty basis points to 3.55% for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to 3.95% for the three months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities included a $121.7 million increase in average interest-bearing deposit liabilities, an $88.4 million increase in average wholesale borrowings, and a $39.0 million addition of subordinated notes for the three months ending September 30, 2026. The increase in interest-bearing liabilities was primarily used to facilitate asset growth and strategic initiatives as well as to maintain an increased level of liquidity consistent with regulatory guidance.

During the third quarter of 2026, the Company recorded a $173,000 provision for credit losses as compared to a $452,000 provision for credit losses for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2026 was primarily due to management's evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative factors that impact the CECL model calculations despite an increase of $47.2 million during the quarter in gross loans receivable. The Company recorded a $243,000 provision for credit losses on loans, a $54,000 reversal of provision for credit losses for unfunded commitments and a $16,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on corporate securities held-to-maturity. Management believes that the balance of the allowance for credit losses on loans and investment securities at September 30, 2026, and 2025 were appropriate.

Net interest margin increased by seventy-three basis points to 3.34% for the three months ending September 30, 2026, compared to 2.61% for the three months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in the net interest margin was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of total interest-earning assets of $233.6 million or 14.1% to $1.88 billion for the three months ending September 30, 2026, compared to $1.65 billion for the three months ending September 30, 2025, and an increase in average yield of interest-earning assets to 6.32% for the three months ending September 30, 2026 from 5.79% for the three months ending September 30, 2025, coupled with a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 3.55% for the three months ending September 30, 2026 from 3.95% for the three months ending September 30, 2025, partially offset by an increase in the total interest-bearing liabilities of $249.1 million or 18.7% to $1.58 billion for the three months ending September 30, 2026, from $1.33 billion for the three months ending September 30, 2025.

Non-interest income increased by $768,000 or 89.4% to $1.6 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, from $859,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in total non-interest income was primarily due to an increase of $769,000 in bank owned life insurance income and an increase of $67,000 in other income, partially offset by a decrease of $68,000 in service charges and fees. BOLI income increased as a result of the Company's purchasing of $13.4 million in new BOLI policies to insure additional employees as well as an enhanced rate of return on the policies.

Non-interest expense increased by $551,000 or 6.5% to $9.0 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, compared to $8.5 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $569,000 or 11.7% to $5.4 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $4.9 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due to a slight increase in headcount, annual merit increases, severance payments, and higher health insurance costs. Occupancy and equipment expense increased by $348,000 or 28.2% to $1.6 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $1.2 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to increases in lease expense, facilities maintenance contracts, and other real estate owned expenses. Advertising and marketing expense decreased by $58,000 or 51.8% to $54,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $112,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to the reduction in advertising campaigns. Professional fees increased by $96,000 or 16.9% to $663,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $567,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to increase in director fees and consulting services. Data processing expense increased by $78,000 or 23.4% to $411,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $333,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to the addition of certain ancillary services during the year. Other operating expenses decreased by $494,000 or 45.7% to $588,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $1.1 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to reversal of certain accrued expenses. Other operating expenses are primarily comprised of loan related expenses, dues and subscriptions, digital banking expenses, sponsorships, training and education, postage, meals and entertainment, software maintenance and depreciation, and miscellaneous expenses. Management's focus continues to remain on prudently managing its operating expenses, while executing on the organic growth initiative.

The income tax provision increased by $2.7 million or 395.5% to $3.4 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, from $687,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in income tax provision resulted primarily from an increase in the pre-tax income year over year of $5.5 million or 199.9% to $8.3 million for the three months ending September 30, 2026, from $2.8 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025. The Company also recorded $842,000 in tax expense related to the surrender of certain BOLI policies and $704,000 in state tax provision related to an ongoing tax matter involving a subsidiary of the Company. Discussions with the State of New Jersey regarding the Delaware investment company's tax status remain ongoing and there can be no assurance as to the outcome of this matter with final amounts attributable to the matter possibly differing from those currently recorded. The effective tax rate was 41.0% for the three months ending September 30, 2026, compared to 24.8% for the comparable 2025 period. Excluding the additional tax expense related to the BOLI policy surrenders and the subsidiary's tax matter, the effective tax rate for the 2026 period would have been 22.4%.

Nine Months of Operations

Net interest income increased by $12.4 million or 42.4% to $41.5 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, from $29.1 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in total interest and dividend income of $15.7 million as a result of an increase in the balance of average interest earning assets, partially offset by an increase in total interest expense of $3.4 million as a result of an increase in the balance of average interest-bearing liabilities.

Total interest and dividend income increased by $15.7 million or 23.7% to $82.1 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, from $66.3 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. Interest income on loans, including fees, increased $14.2 million or 25.2% to $70.7 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $56.5 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in interest income on loans, including fees, resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of loans receivable of $199.2 million or 15.2% to $1.51 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $1.31 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. Average yield on loans receivable was 6.27% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, increasing forty-nine basis points over the comparative period in 2025. Interest income on investment securities increased by $1.7 million or 25.9% to $8.3 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $6.6 million for the same period in the prior year, as a result of growth in the investment securities portfolio and purchasing and replacing payoffs and paydowns of investment securities with higher yielding investment securities. The average balance of the investment security portfolio increased by $28.1 million or 16.6% to $197.8 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $169.6 million for the same period in the prior year. The average yield on investment securities increased by forty-one basis points to 5.57% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to 5.16% for the same period in the prior year. Interest income on interest-bearing deposits with other banks decreased by $288,000 or 10.9% to $2.3 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $2.6 million for the same period in the prior year. This decrease resulted primarily from a decline in average yield of sixty-seven basis points to 3.47% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to 4.14% for the same period in the prior year. Dividend income on restricted stock increased by $114,000 or 18.7% to $725,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $611,000 for the same period in the prior year as a result of an increase in average balance of restricted stock of $3.8 million or 35.3% to $14.4 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $10.6 million for the same period in the prior year despite a decrease in average yield of ninety-four basis points to 6.72% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to 7.66% for the same period in the prior year.

Total interest expense increased by $3.4 million or 9.1% to $40.6 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, from $37.2 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in interest expense occurred primarily as a result of an increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $248.1 million or 19.6%, to $1.51 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, from $1.26 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. Despite the increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities, the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by thirty-five basis points to 3.59% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to 3.94% for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities included a $125.9 million increase in average interest-bearing deposit liabilities, an $83.3 million increase in average wholesale borrowings, and a $39.0 million addition of subordinated notes for the nine months ending September 30, 2026. The increase in interest-bearing liabilities was primarily used to facilitate asset growth and strategic initiatives as well as to maintain an increased level of liquidity consistent with regulatory guidance.

During the nine months ending September 30, 2026, the Company recorded a $378,000 reversal of provision for credit losses as compared to a $1.2 million provision for credit losses for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in provision for credit losses for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, was primarily due to management's evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative factors that impact the CECL model calculations despite an increase of $189.8 million in gross loans receivable. The Company recorded a $79,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on loans, a $251,000 reversal of provision for credit losses for unfunded commitments and a $48,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on corporate securities held-to-maturity. Management believes that the balance of the allowance for credit losses on loans and investment securities at September 30, 2026, and 2025 were appropriate.

Net interest margin increased by fifty-nine basis points to 3.06% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, compared to 2.47% for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in the net interest margin was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of total interest-earning assets of $236.5 million or 15.0% to $1.81 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, compared to $1.57 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, and an increase in average yield of interest-earning assets to 6.06% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026 from 5.64% for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, coupled with a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 3.59% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026 from 3.94% for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, partially offset by an increase in the total interest-bearing liabilities of $248.1 million or 19.6% to $1.51 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, from $1.26 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2025.

Non-interest income increased by $922,000 or 32.5% to $3.8 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, from $2.8 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in total non-interest income was primarily due to an increase of $1.4 million in bank owned life insurance income and an increase of $173,000 in service charges and fees, partially offset by a decrease of $629,000 in other income. BOLI income increased as a result of the Company's purchasing of $13.4 million in new BOLI policies to insure additional employees as well as an enhanced rate of return on the policies. Other income for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, was impacted by a $778,000 gain recorded on the sale of a Company owned property.

Non-interest expense increased by $3.6 million or 14.8% to $27.7 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, compared to $24.1 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $1.4 million or 9.9% to $15.7 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $14.3 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due to a slight increase in headcount as a result of the growth of the Bank, annual merit increases, severance payments, and higher health insurance costs. Occupancy and equipment expense increased by $925,000 or 26.6% to $4.4 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $3.5 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to increases in lease expense, facilities maintenance contracts, and other real estate owned expenses. Advertising and marketing expense decreased by $58,000 or 24.1% to $183,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $241,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to reduction in advertising campaigns. Professional fees increased by $407,000 or 27.1% to $1.9 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $1.5 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to increases in director fees and consulting services. Data processing expense increased by $118,000 or 11.7% to $1.1 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $1.0 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to annual cost increase and addition of ancillary services. FDIC insurance assessment increased by $94,000 or 12.2% to $865,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $771,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, as a result of the growth in total assets. Other operating expenses increased by $677,000 or 23.7% to $3.5 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, as compared to $2.9 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, primarily due to increases in various components of other operating expenses. Other operating expenses are primarily comprised of loan related expenses, dues and subscriptions, digital banking expenses, sponsorships, training and education, postage, meals and entertainment, software maintenance and depreciation, and miscellaneous expenses. Management's focus continues to remain on prudently managing its operating expenses, while executing on the organic growth initiative.

The income tax provision increased by $4.3 million, or 293.8%, to $5.8 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, from $1.5 million for the comparable 2025 period. The increase primarily reflected higher pre-tax income, which rose by $11.3 million, or 172.6%, to $17.9 million from $6.6 million. The Company also recorded $842,000 in tax expense related to the surrender of certain BOLI policies and $704,000 in state tax provision related to a tax matter involving a subsidiary of the Company. Discussions with the State of New Jersey regarding the Delaware investment company's tax status remain ongoing and there can be no assurance as to the outcome of this matter with final amounts attributable to the matter possibly differing from those currently recorded. The effective tax rate was 32.5% for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, compared to 22.5% for the comparable 2025 period. Excluding the additional tax expense related to the BOLI policy surrenders and the subsidiary's tax matter, the effective tax rate for the 2026 period would have been 23.9%.

Asset Quality

The allowance for credit losses decreased by $77,000 or 0.5% to $15.9 million or 0.99% of total loans at September 30, 2026, as compared to $16.0 million or 1.13% of total loans at December 31, 2025, and $15.9 million or 1.14% of total loans at September 30, 2025. During the nine months ending September 30, 2026, the Company reversed $378,000 in provision for credit losses and had no charge-offs and net recoveries of $2,000. Based on the results of the CECL model and management's evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative factors during the nine months ending September 30, 2026, changes in the allowance for credit losses were adjusted accordingly.

The Bank had non-accrual loans totaling $5.7 million or 0.35% of total loans at September 30, 2026, as compared to $10.5 million or 0.74% of total loans at December 31, 2025. Non-accrual loans decreased by $4.8 million from December 31, 2025, primarily due to payoff of two non-accrual loans during the third quarter of 2026. The allowance for credit losses was 279.4% of non-accrual loans at September 30, 2026, compared to 152.4%, at December 31, 2025.

Capital

Total stockholders' equity decreased by $13.4 million, or 7.7%, to $162.0 million at September 30, 2026, from $175.4 million at December 31, 2025, due primarily to the Company's completion of a tender offer to repurchase 3.0 million shares of its common stock at $7.00 per share for an aggregate cost of $21.0 million. Reflecting the repurchase and balance sheet growth, the Company's regulatory capital ratios declined from December 31, 2025, to September 30, 2026: total capital to risk-weighted assets decreased to 12.44% from 14.93%. Tier 1 capital and common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets decreased to 9.29% from 11.32%, and Tier 1 leverage ratio decreased to 8.32% from 10.22%. The Company and Bank continue to satisfy all applicable regulatory capital requirements to be considered well-capitalized at September 30, 2026.

About First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.

First Commerce Bancorp, Inc., is a financial services organization headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey. The Bank, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, provides businesses and individuals a wide range of loans, deposit products and retail and commercial banking services through its branch network located in Allentown, Bordentown, Closter, Englewood, Fairfield, Freehold, Jackson, Lakewood, Robbinsville and Teaneck, New Jersey. For more information, please go to www.firstcommercebk.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release, like many written and oral communications presented by First Commerce Bancorp Inc., and our authorized officers, may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding our prospective performance and strategies within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "seek," "strive," "try," or future or conditional verbs such as "could," "may," "should," "will," "would," or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

In addition to the factors previously disclosed in prior Bank communications and those identified elsewhere, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: the impact of changes in interest rates and in the credit quality and strength of underlying collateral and the effect of such changes on the market value of First Commerce Bank's investment securities portfolio; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; difficult market conditions and unfavorable economic trends in the United States generally, and particularly in the market areas in which First Commerce Bank operates and in which its loans are concentrated, including the effects of declines in housing market values; inflation; customer acceptance of the Bank's products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with certain corporate initiatives; economic conditions; and the impact, extent and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and actions of governmental agencies and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, including the ongoing tax matter under review by the State of New Jersey.

First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(Unaudited)

										Variance
(dollars in thousands, except percentages and share data)		September 30, 2026				December 31, 2025				Amount				%
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash on hand		$	2,280			$	2,573			$	(293	)			-11.4	%
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks			70,716				133,845				(63,129	)			-47.2	%
Total cash and cash equivalents			72,996				136,418				(63,422	)			-46.5	%
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale, at fair value			104,905				38,684				66,221				171.2	%
Held-to-maturity ("HTM"), at amortized cost			95,360				125,780				(30,420	)			-24.2	%
Less: Allowance for credit losses - HTM securities			(70	)			(119	)			49				-41.2	%
Held-to-maturity, net of allowance for credit losses			95,290				125,661				(30,371	)			-24.2	%
Total investment securities			200,195				164,345				35,850				21.8	%
Restricted stock			14,428				12,879				1,549				12.0	%
Loans receivable			1,608,537				1,418,701				189,836				13.4	%
Less: Allowance for credit losses			(15,942	)			(16,019	)			77				-0.5	%
Net loans receivable			1,592,595				1,402,682				189,913				13.5	%
Premises and equipment, net			12,025				10,966				1,059				9.7	%
Right-of-use asset			19,086				17,119				1,967				11.5	%
Accrued interest receivable			9,039				7,594				1,445				19.0	%
Bank owned life insurance			43,196				27,697				15,499				56.0	%
Other real estate owned			6,937				6,937				-				N/A
Deferred tax asset, net			4,039				3,496				543				15.5	%
Other assets			3,935				4,188				(253	)			-6.0	%
Total assets		$	1,978,471			$	1,794,321			$	184,150				10.3	%
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing		$	174,386			$	171,010			$	3,376				2.0	%
Interest-bearing			1,283,818				1,124,686				159,132				14.1	%
Total deposits			1,458,204				1,295,696				162,508				12.5	%
Borrowings			280,341				252,500				27,841				11.0	%
Subordinated notes			39,053				38,953				100				N/A
Accrued interest payable			2,636				1,965				671				34.1	%
Lease liability			20,718				18,612				2,106				11.3	%
Other liabilities			15,569				11,204				4,365				39.0	%
Total liabilities			1,816,521				1,618,930				197,591				12.2	%
Commitments and contingencies			-				-				-				-
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued			-				-				-				N/A
Common stock, par value of $0; 30,000,000 authorized			-				-				-				N/A
Additional paid-in capital			91,480				91,201				279				0.3	%
Retained earnings			122,735				113,221				9,514				8.4	%
Treasury stock			(50,200	)			(28,852	)			(21,348	)			74.0	%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2,065	)			(179	)			(1,886	)			1053.6	%
Total stockholders' equity			161,950				175,391				(13,441	)			-7.7	%
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	1,978,471			$	1,794,321			$	184,150				10.3	%
Shares issued			24,506,330				24,462,830
Shares outstanding			16,996,079				19,952,579
Treasury shares			7,510,251				4,510,251

First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

		Three Months Ended								Variance
(dollars in thousands, except percentages and share data)		September 30, 2026				September 30, 2025				Amount				%
Interest and Dividend Income
Loans, including fees		$	25,959			$	20,696			$	5,263				25.4	%
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale			1,291				414				877				211.5	%
Held-to-maturity			1,831				1,987				(156	)			-7.9	%
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks			704				811				(107	)			-13.2	%
Restricted stock dividends			251				205				46				22.4	%
Total interest and dividend income			30,036				24,113				5,923				24.6	%
Interest expense:
Deposits			10,254				10,512				(258	)			-2.5	%
Borrowings			3,065				2,754				311				11.3	%
Subordinated notes			831				-				831				N/A
Total interest expense			14,150				13,266				884				6.7	%
Net interest income			15,886				10,847				5,039				46.5	%
Provision for credit losses			243				645				(402	)			-62.3	%
Reversal of provision for credit losses - unfunded commitments			(54	)			(133	)			79				-59.4	%
Reversal of provision for credit losses - HTM securities			(16	)			(60	)			44				-73.3	%
Total provision for credit losses			173				452				(279	)			-61.7	%
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses			15,713				10,395				5,318				51.2	%
Non-interest Income:
Service charges and fees			512				580				(68	)			-11.7	%
Bank owned life insurance income			1,019				250				769				307.6	%
Other income			96				29				67				231.0	%
Total non-interest income			1,627				859				768				89.4	%
Non-Interest Expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits			5,441				4,872				569				11.7	%
Occupancy and equipment expense			1,584				1,236				348				28.2	%
Advertising and marketing			54				112				(58	)			-51.8	%
Professional fees			663				567				96				16.9	%
Data processing expense			411				333				78				23.4	%
FDIC insurance assessment			295				283				12				4.2	%
Other operating expenses			588				1,082				(494	)			-45.7	%
Total non-interest expenses			9,036				8,485				551				6.5	%
Income before income taxes			8,304				2,769				5,535				199.9	%
Income tax provision			3,404				687				2,717				395.5	%
Net income		$	4,900			$	2,082			$	2,818				135.4	%
Earnings per common share - Basic		$	0.28			$	0.10			$	0.18				170.5	%
Earnings per common share - Diluted			0.28				0.10				0.18				170.3	%
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic			16,985				20,077				(3,091	)			-15.4	%
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted			17,002				20,079				(3,077	)			-15.3	%

First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

		Nine Months Ended								Variance
(dollars in thousands, except percentages and share data)		September 30, 2026				September 30, 2025				Amount				%
Interest and Dividend Income
Loans, including fees		$	70,717			$	56,500			$	14,217				25.2	%
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale			3,110				1,011				2,099				207.6	%
Held-to-maturity			5,156				5,556				(400	)			-7.2	%
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks			2,344				2,632				(288	)			-10.9	%
Restricted stock dividends			725				611				114				18.7	%
Total interest and dividend income			82,052				66,310				15,742				23.7	%
Interest expense:
Deposits			29,566				30,085				(519	)			-1.7	%
Borrowings			8,546				7,117				1,429				20.1	%
Subordinated notes			2,482				-				2,482				N/A
Total interest expense			40,594				37,202				3,392				9.1	%
Net interest income			41,458				29,108				12,350				42.4	%
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses			(79	)			1,059				(1,138	)			-107.5	%
Provision for (reversal of) unfunded commitments for credit losses			(251	)			157				(408	)			-259.9	%
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses - HTM securities			(48	)			31				(79	)			-254.8	%
Total provision for credit losses			(378	)			1,247				(1,625	)			-130.3	%
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses			41,836				27,861				13,975				50.2	%
Non-interest Income:
Service charges and fees			1,335				1,162				173				14.9	%
Bank owned life insurance income			2,112				734				1,378				187.7	%
Other income			314				943				(629	)			-66.7	%
Total non-interest income			3,761				2,839				922				32.5	%
Non-Interest Expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits			15,713				14,293				1,420				9.9	%
Occupancy and equipment expense			4,402				3,477				925				26.6	%
Advertising and marketing			183				241				(58	)			-24.1	%
Professional fees			1,910				1,503				407				27.1	%
Data processing expense			1,126				1,008				118				11.7	%
FDIC insurance assessment			865				771				94				12.2	%
Other operating expenses			3,530				2,853				677				23.7	%
Total non-interest expenses			27,729				24,146				3,583				14.8	%
Income before income taxes			17,868				6,554				11,314				172.6	%
Income tax provision			5,809				1,475				4,334				293.8	%
Net income		$	12,059			$	5,079			$	6,980				137.4	%
Earnings per common share - Basic		$	0.68			$	0.25			$	0.43				171.5	%
Earnings per common share - Diluted			0.68				0.25				0.43				171.3	%
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic			17,652				20,187				(2,535	)			-12.6	%
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted			17,668				20,189				(2,521	)			-12.5	%

First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Net Interest Margin Analysis
(Unaudited)

		Three months ended September 30, 2026												Three months ended September 30, 2025
		Average								Average				Average								Average
(dollars in thousands)		Balance				Interest				Yield/Cost				Balance				Interest				Yield/Cost
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		$	81,430			$	704				3.43	%		$	77,814			$	811				4.14	%
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale			99,996				1,291				5.16	%			26,605				414				6.23	%
Held-to-maturity			105,105				1,831				6.97	%			150,352				1,987				5.29	%
Total investment securities			205,101				3,122				6.09	%			176,957				2,401				5.43	%
Restricted stock			15,505				251				6.48	%			11,582				205				7.09	%
Loans receivable:
Consumer loans			1,045				12				4.55	%			1,151				11				3.79	%
Home equity loans			1,171				26				8.81	%			1,711				51				11.82	%
Construction loans			85,718				1,710				7.81	%			100,274				2,032				7.93	%
Commercial loans			46,508				1,088				9.15	%			43,617				922				8.27	%
Commercial mortgage loans			1,409,400				22,526				6.25	%			1,207,759				17,191				5.57	%
Residential mortgage loans			23,669				320				5.36	%			8,891				81				3.61	%
SBA loans			15,274				277				7.10	%			21,474				408				7.44	%
Total loans receivable			1,582,785				25,959				6.51	%			1,384,877				20,696				5.93	%
Total interest-earning assets			1,884,821				30,036				6.32	%			1,651,230				24,113				5.79	%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for credit losses			(15,700	)											(15,210	)
Cash on hand			2,638												2,210
Other assets			94,789												69,180
Total non-interest-earning assets			81,727												56,180
Total assets		$	1,966,548											$	1,707,410
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts		$	140,269			$	967				2.74	%		$	88,212			$	533				2.40	%
NOW accounts			11,545				80				2.75	%			6,216				45				2.87	%
Money market accounts			300,027				2,146				2.84	%			265,600				2,212				3.30	%
Savings accounts			81,608				514				2.50	%			63,881				432				2.68	%
Certificates of deposit			501,980				4,613				3.65	%			520,558				5,379				4.10	%
Brokered CDs			196,045				1,934				3.91	%			165,333				1,911				4.59	%
Borrowings			312,125				3,065				3.90	%			223,696				2,754				4.88	%
Subordinated notes			39,022				831				8.33	%			-				-				N/A
Total interest-bearing liabilities			1,582,621			$	14,150				3.55	%			1,333,496			$	13,266				3.95	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits			184,228												167,464
Other liabilities			38,197												33,824
Total non-interest bearing liabilities			222,425												201,288
Stockholders' equity			161,502												172,626
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	1,966,548											$	1,707,410
Net interest spread											2.77	%											1.84	%
Net interest margin						$	15,886				3.34	%						$	10,847				2.61	%

First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Net Interest Margin Analysis
(Unaudited)

		Nine months ended September 30, 2026												Nine months ended September 30, 2025
		Average								Average				Average								Average
(dollars in thousands)		Balance				Interest				Yield/Cost				Balance				Interest				Yield/Cost
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		$	90,413			$	2,344				3.47	%		$	84,917			$	2,632				4.14	%
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale			84,022				3,110				4.94	%			21,722				1,011				6.20	%
Held-to-maturity			113,733				5,156				6.04	%			147,903				5,556				5.01	%
Total investment securities			197,755				8,266				5.57	%			169,625				6,567				5.16	%
Restricted stock			14,394				725				6.72	%			10,642				611				7.66	%
Loans receivable:
Consumer loans			996				36				4.83	%			1,005				22				2.90	%
Home equity loans			1,411				85				8.05	%			2,088				149				9.54	%
Construction loans			72,600				4,369				7.94	%			107,299				6,423				7.89	%
Commercial loans			42,907				2,915				8.96	%			44,119				2,681				8.01	%
Commercial mortgage loans			1,359,920				61,996				6.01	%			1,121,693				45,757				5.38	%
Residential mortgage loans			13,383				467				4.67	%			10,227				338				4.42	%
SBA loans			15,603				849				7.18	%			21,234				1,130				7.01	%
Total loans receivable			1,506,820				70,717				6.27	%			1,307,665				56,500				5.78	%
Total interest-earning assets			1,809,382				82,052				6.06	%			1,572,849				66,310				5.64	%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for credit losses			(15,751	)											(14,947	)
Cash on hand			2,792												2,061
Other assets			91,550												68,081
Total non-interest-earning assets			78,591												55,195
Total assets		$	1,887,973											$	1,628,044
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts		$	111,453			$	2,053				2.46	%		$	81,050			$	1,362				2.25	%
NOW accounts			6,928				134				2.59	%			6,909				151				2.92	%
Money market accounts			290,777				6,097				2.80	%			258,750				6,371				3.29	%
Savings accounts			79,885				1,461				2.45	%			52,064				943				2.42	%
Certificates of deposit			514,550				14,469				3.76	%			500,682				15,594				4.16	%
Brokered CDs			182,946				5,352				3.91	%			161,214				5,664				4.70	%
Borrowings			286,417				8,546				3.99	%			203,126				7,117				4.68	%
Subordinated notes			38,983				2,482				8.49	%			-				-				N/A
Total interest-bearing liabilities			1,511,939			$	40,594				3.59	%			1,263,795			$	37,202				3.94	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits			177,441												160,714
Other liabilities			35,133												31,332
Total non-interest bearing liabilities			212,574												192,046
Stockholders' equity			163,460												172,203
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	1,887,973											$	1,628,044
Net interest spread											2.47	%											1.70	%
Net interest margin						$	41,458				3.06	%						$	29,108				2.47	%

First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Selected Financial Data
(Unaudited)

		As of and for the quarters ended
(In thousands, except per share data)		9/30/2026				6/30/2026				3/31/2026				12/31/2025				9/30/2025
Summary earnings:
Interest income		$	30,036			$	27,089			$	24,926			$	25,321			$	24,113
Interest expense			14,150				13,600				12,844				12,667				13,266
Net interest income			15,886				13,489				12,082				12,654				10,847
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses			173				66				(617	)			348				452
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses			15,713				13,423				12,699				12,306				10,395
Non-interest income			1,627				1,145				990				732				859
Non-interest expense			9,036				9,601				9,092				8,851				8,485
Income before income tax expense			8,304				4,967				4,597				4,187				2,770
Income tax expense			3,404				1,263				1,142				1,010				687
Net income		$	4,900			$	3,704			$	3,455			$	3,177			$	2,082
Per share data:
Earnings per share - basic		$	0.28			$	0.22			$	0.18			$	0.16			$	0.10
Earnings per share - diluted			0.28				0.22				0.18				0.16				0.10
Cash dividend declared			0.05				0.05				-				-				-
Book value at period end			9.53				9.38				9.22				8.79				8.63
Shares outstanding at period end			16,996				16,972				16,965				19,953				20,010
Basic weighted average shares outstanding			16,985				15,972				19,021				19,994				20,077
Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding			17,002				15,983				19,030				20,011				20,079
Balance sheet data (at period end):
Total assets		$	1,978,471			$	1,964,972			$	1,820,418			$	1,794,321			$	1,709,669
Investment securities, available-for-sale			104,905				94,604				83,492				38,684				26,605
Investment securities, held-to-maturity			95,290				108,016				116,843				125,661				145,572
Total loans			1,608,537				1,561,358				1,467,440				1,418,701				1,395,847
Allowance for credit losses			(15,942	)			(15,697	)			(15,541	)			(16,019	)			(15,866	)
Total deposits			1,458,204				1,424,532				1,323,748				1,295,696				1,282,904
Stockholders' equity			161,951				159,230				156,406				175,391				172,610
Cash dividends			850				849				-				-				-
Selected performance ratios:
Return on average total assets			0.99	%			0.78	%			0.78	%			0.73	%			0.48	%
Return on average stockholders' equity			12.04	%			9.40	%			8.20	%			7.24	%			4.79	%
Dividend payout ratio			17.35	%			22.92	%			N/A				N/A				N/A
Average yield on earning assets			6.32	%			5.96	%			5.89	%			6.07	%			5.79	%
Average cost of funding liabilities			3.55	%			3.56	%			3.67	%			3.74	%			3.95	%
Net interest margin			3.34	%			2.97	%			2.85	%			3.03	%			2.61	%
Efficiency ratio			51.60	%			65.61	%			69.55	%			66.12	%			72.48	%
Non-interest income to average assets			0.33	%			0.24	%			0.22	%			0.17	%			0.20	%
Non-interest expenses to average assets			1.82	%			2.02	%			2.06	%			2.04	%			1.97	%
Asset quality ratios:
Non-performing loans to total loans			0.35	%			0.72	%			0.78	%			0.74	%			0.89	%
Non-performing assets to total assets			0.64	%			0.92	%			1.01	%			0.97	%			1.13	%
Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans			279.40	%			140.02	%			136.16	%			152.35	%			128.38	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans			0.99	%			1.01	%			1.06	%			1.13	%			1.14	%
Net recoveries (charge-offs) to average loans			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			-0.02	%			0.01	%
Liquidity and capital ratios:
Net loans to deposits			109.22	%			108.50	%			109.68	%			108.26	%			107.57	%
Average loans to average deposits			111.80	%			110.11	%			109.39	%			111.04	%			108.43	%
Total stockholders' equity to total assets			8.19	%			8.10	%			8.59	%			9.77	%			10.10	%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets			12.44	%			12.45	%			12.93	%			14.93	%			12.32	%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets			9.29	%			9.25	%			9.56	%			11.32	%			11.24	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio to risk-weighted assets			9.29	%			9.25	%			9.56	%			11.32	%			11.24	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio			8.32	%			8.40	%			8.76	%			10.22	%			10.12	%

Press Contact:
Donald Mindiak
First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 364-0032
dmindiak@firstcommercebk.com
http://firstcommercebk.com

SOURCE: First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What were First Commerce Bancorp's third-quarter 2026 earnings?

First Commerce Bancorp earned $4.9 million, or $0.28 per basic common share, in the third quarter of 2026. That compares with $2.1 million and $0.10 per basic common share a year earlier. The 2026 per-share results also reflect fewer weighted-average shares following the completed tender offer.

When will CMRB pay its declared cash dividend?

The $0.05-per-common-share dividend is payable November 24, 2026, to shareholders of record November 10, 2026.

What were the terms of First Commerce Bancorp's completed 2026 share repurchase?

First Commerce Bancorp repurchased 3.0 million common shares at $7.00 per share through a tender offer completed during the first nine months of 2026. The total cost was $21.0 million.

What drove First Commerce Bancorp's third-quarter 2026 non-interest income growth?

Non-interest income growth primarily reflected a $769,000 increase in bank-owned life insurance income. Other income increased $67,000, while service charges and fees declined $68,000. The insurance income increase reflected purchases of $13.4 million in new policies and an enhanced rate of return on the policies.