GlobeNewswire Inc | Oct 22, 2021 09:15AM EDT

October 22, 2021

CRANBURY, N.J., Oct. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 1ST Constitution Bancorp (NASDAQ: FCCY), the holding company (the Company) for 1ST Constitution Bank (the Bank), today reported net income of $5.4 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.53 for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to net income of $4.9 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.48 for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

The Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share of common stock that will be payable on November 24, 2021 to shareholders of record on November 12, 2021.

On July 11, 2021, the Company and Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: LBAI), the holding company (Lakeland) for Lakeland Bank, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, pursuant to which the Company will merge with and into Lakeland, with Lakeland continuing as the surviving entity (the Merger), and the Bank will merge with and into Lakeland Bank. Expenses of $737,000 related to this pending transaction were incurred in the three-month period ended September 30, 2021.

Adjusted net income increased 24.5% to $6.1 million for the third quarter of 2021 compared to adjusted net income of $4.9 million for the third quarter of 2020. Adjusted net income per diluted share increased 22.9% to $0.59 for the third quarter of 2021 compared to adjusted net income per diluted share of $0.48 for the third quarter of 2020.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net income was $15.5 million, or $1.51 per diluted share, compared to net income of $12.0 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Net income and diluted earnings per share increased 29.0% and 29.1%, respectively, for the first nine months of 2021 compared to the first nine months of 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, adjusted net income was $16.5 million, or $1.61 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $12.1 million, or $1.18 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share, which are referred to above, and certain other adjusted results used in this press release, are non-GAAP financial measures and should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the Companys GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the GAAP financial results, along with an explanation of these measures and why they may be useful to investors, is attached to this press release.

Robert F. Mangano, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated, We are very pleased with our earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the quarter our residential mortgage banking and SBA loan operations generated substantial gain from sales of loans. Our performance metrics continue to be strong and we remain focused on prudent and disciplined lending, improving the net interest margin and controlling non-interest expense.

As I reported last quarter in respect to us partnering with Lakeland, the merger is proceeding as planned and expected to close in January 2022. The integration planning meetings are in progress and we expect a smooth transition. We are very excited about the combination and are looking forward to serving our customer base with a much broader array of products and services.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

-- Return on average total assets and return on average shareholders' equity were 1.16% and 10.94%, respectively. Adjusted return on average total assets and adjusted return on average shareholders' equity were 1.31% and 12.33%, respectively. Adjusted return on average total assets and adjusted return on average shareholders equity are non-GAAP measures. See the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures attached to this press release. -- Net interest income was $14.8 million and the net interest margin was 3.42% on a tax-equivalent basis. -- A provision for loan losses of $600,000 was recorded and net charge-offs were $365,000. -- Total loans were $1.2 billion at September 30, 2021 and decreased $37.0 million from June 30, 2021. During the third quarter of 2021, commercial business loans decreased $20.4 million to $139.7 million due primarily to the forgiveness and pay-off of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Mortgage warehouse lines decreased $5.9 million due to the lower volume of funding than in the second quarter of 2021. Residential real estate loans held in the portfolio decreased $5.3 million due to pay-offs of loans. All other components of the loan portfolio decreased a combined $5.4 million. -- Non-interest income was $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2021, as residential mortgage banking and SBA lending operations generated $1.5 million and $1.1 million gain on sales of loans, respectively. -- Non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased $45.1 million, savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts increased $62.4 million and certificates of deposit declined $15.0 million during the third quarter of 2021. -- Non-performing loans were $9.5 million, or 0.80% of total loans at September 30, 2021, representing a decrease of $2.5 million from June 30, 2021. Other real estate owned (OREO) was $48,000. One non-performing commercial real estate loan for $3.1 million was transferred to loans held for sale and was charged down $334,000 to its estimated fair value of $2.7 million.

COVID-19 Impact and Response

As the Company conducts its daily operations, the health and safety of our employees and customers remains our primary concern and we continue to maintain the same measures and protective procedures that we implemented in 2020.

During the first nine months of 2021, the Company continued working with customers impacted by the economic disruption resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. To support our loan and deposit customers and the communities we serve, we continue to provide access to additional credit and forbearance on loan interest and or principal payments for up to 90 days where management has determined that it is warranted.

-- All loans except for two that had previously received deferrals were no longer deferred at September 30, 2021. The two loans consisted of one hotel loan for $3.1 million that was placed on non-accrual in the third quarter of 2020 and one residential mortgage loan for $871,000 that was placed on non-accrual in the first quarter of 2021. -- As a long-standing SBA preferred lender, we actively participated in the SBAs PPP lending program established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act). In 2020, we funded 467 SBA PPP loans totaling $75.6 million, $75.2 million of which had been forgiven by the SBA and paid off through the end of the third quarter of 2021. -- The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Business, Not for Profits and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act) was enacted in December 2020 in further response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the Economic Aid Act provided relief to borrowers to access additional credit through a second round of the SBAs PPP. We actively participated in the second round PPP and funded loans totaling $35.3 million, $12.7 million of which had been forgiven by the SBA and paid off through the end of the third quarter of 2021.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Management reviewed the loan portfolio at September 30, 2021 in connection with the evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. As part of this review, management reviewed substantially all of the $132.1 million of commercial business and commercial real estate loans that had been modified to defer interest and or principal for up to 90 days either in 2020 or 2021. Loans with balances of less than $250,000 were generally excluded from managements review.

At September 30, 2021, the allowance for loan losses included $348,000 for loans that were rated Pass-Watch and had received a deferral. This reflects managements previously reported determination that Pass-Watch credit rated loans with modifications or deferrals suggest a weaker financial strength of the borrower than Pass credit rated loans, thereby warranting a higher allowance for loan losses than would ordinarily be reserved for Pass-Watch credit rated loans.

Within the loan portfolio, hotel and restaurant-food service industries have been adversely impacted by the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At September 30, 2021, loans to borrowers in the hotel and restaurant-food service industries were $62.2 million and $53.3 million, respectively. Management reviewed over 90% of the hotel loans and over 96% of the restaurant-food service loans. At September 30, 2021, management continued to maintain the additional allowance for loan losses of 75 basis points, or $357,000, attributable to restaurant-food service loans and 25 basis points, or $148,000, attributable to hotel loans due to the challenging operating environment for these businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All construction loans are closely monitored on a quarterly basis and are reviewed to assess the progress of construction relative to the plan and budget and lease-up or sales of units.

Management also reviewed loans to schools that are private educational institutions that are generally sponsored or affiliated with religious organizations. These loans totaled $24.4 million at September 30, 2021, and all of these loans were reviewed.

As a result of managements review of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2021, a provision for loan losses of $600,000 was recorded for the third quarter of 2021 and the allowance for loan losses was $17.2 million at September 30, 2021. The provision for loan losses reflected primarily the net charge-offs of $365,000 and changes in the size, mix and risk elements of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2021. The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2021 included $1.4 million of allowance that was attributable to management's qualitative factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic and specific reserves of $3.2 million for impaired loans. The increase in the allowance for loan losses year-over-year is due primarily to the $1.7 million increase in specific reserves for impaired loans, higher charge-offs in 2021 compared to 2020 and the concomitant increase in the historical loss factors, additional allowance due to changes in loan credit risk ratings in 2021, changes in the mix of loans in the loan portfolio and the risk factors related to the economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to adversely impact borrowers business operations and financial results.

Acquisition accounting for the merger with Shore Community Bank (Shore) in 2019 and the merger with New Jersey Community Bank (NJCB) in 2018 resulted in the Shore and NJCB loans being recorded at their fair value and no allowance for loan losses as of the effective time of the respective mergers. The unaccreted general credit fair value discounts related to the former Shore and NJCB loans were approximately $1.1 million and $317,000 at September 30, 2021, respectively. In addition, at September 30, 2021, there were $23.1 million of SBA PPP loans, which are 100% guaranteed by the SBA and, accordingly, no allowance was provided.

Discussion of Financial Results

Net income was $5.4 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2021 compared to net income of $4.9 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2020. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, net interest income decreased $544,000 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020, driven primarily by the decrease in total loans, which resulted in the decline in the yield of interest-earning assets. The provision for loan losses was $600,000 for the third quarter of 2021 compared to $2.3 million for the third quarter of 2020. The decrease in the provision year-over-year reflected the generally improved economic conditions, the decline in the size of the loan portfolio in 2021 and the stable credit quality of the loan portfolio. Gain on sales of loans for the third quarter of 2021 decreased $764,000 compared to the third quarter of 2020 due primarily to the lower volume of residential mortgage loan originations and sales of loans. Non-interest expenses were $10.8 million for the third quarter of 2021, which included $737,000 of merger-related expenses, and decreased $121,000 compared to $11.0 million for the third quarter of 2020.

Net interest income was $14.8 million for the third quarter of 2021 and decreased $544,000 compared to net interest income of $15.4 million for the third quarter of 2020. Total interest income was $16.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $17.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in total interest income was primarily due to a significant decline in the average balance of total loans that resulted in a lower yield on average interest-earning assets for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020. Average interest-earning assets were $1.7 billion, with a tax-equivalent yield of 3.71%, for the third quarter of 2021 compared to average interest-earning assets of $1.7 billion, with a tax-equivalent yield of 4.23%, for the third quarter of 2020. Total average loans were 69.8% of total average earning assets for the third quarter of 2021 compared to 85.3% for the third quarter of 2020. The Federal Reserve reduced the targeted federal funds rate 150 basis points in March 2020 in response to the economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the reductions in the targeted federal funds rate, the prime rate declined to 3.25% in March 2020 and was unchanged through the third quarter of 2021. The low interest rate environment continued through September 30, 2021. The Bank had approximately $421.3 million of loans with an interest rate tied to the prime rate and approximately $45.2 million of loans with an interest rate tied to either 1- or 3-month LIBOR at September 30, 2021. Unearned fees, net of deferred costs, related to the SBA PPP loans were $736,000 at September 30, 2021.

Interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities was $1.3 million, with an interest cost of 0.46%, for the third quarter of 2021, compared to $1.4 million, with an interest cost of 0.52%, for the second quarter of 2021 and $2.4 million, with an interest cost of 0.79%, for the third quarter of 2020. Interest expense declined $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020 due primarily to the decline in interest rates paid on deposits as a direct result of the low interest rate environment. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits was 0.44% for the third quarter of 2021, 0.50% for the second quarter of 2021 and 0.81% for the third quarter of 2020. The interest rates paid on deposits generally do not adjust quickly to rapid changes in market interest rates and decline over time in a falling interest rate environment. Management will continue to monitor and adjust the interest rates paid on deposits to reflect the then current interest rate environment and competitive factors.

The net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis was 3.42% for the third quarter of 2021 compared to 3.67% for the third quarter of 2020. The net interest margin for the third quarter of 2021 was negatively impacted by the $262.0 million increase in the average balance of federal funds sold/short-term investments, which was driven in part by a $223.9 million decrease in average total loans which had a significant impact on net interest income. The reinvestment of proceeds from maturing and called investment securities and the purchase of new investment securities at the current lower interest rates also contributed to the decline in net interest income. Interest income for the third quarter of 2021 included $451,000 of fee income related to PPP loans that were forgiven and paid off by the SBA. Excluding the effect of the higher average balance of federal funds sold/short-term investments due to the increase in average deposits, the net interest margin was approximately 3.62% for the third quarter of 2021.

The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $600,000 for the third quarter of 2021 compared to a provision for loan losses of $2.3 million for the third quarter of 2020 which included a specific reserve of $1.5 million for impaired loans. The provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2021 reflected the decline in the size of the loan portfolio, net charge-offs of $365,000 and changes in risk elements and mix of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2021. At September 30, 2021, total loans were $1.2 billion and the allowance for loan losses was $17.2 million, or 1.43% of total loans, compared to total loans of $1.5 billion and an allowance for loan losses of $14.5 million, or 0.99% of total loans, at September 30, 2020. The increase in the allowance for loan losses year- over-year is due primarily to the $1.7 million increase in specific reserves for impaired loans, higher charge-offs in 2021 compared to 2020 and the concomitant increase in the historical loss factors, additional allowance due to changes in loan credit risk ratings in 2021, changes in the mix of loans in the loan portfolio and risk factors related to the economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to adversely impact borrowers business operations and financial results. The allowance for loan losses, excluding the allocated reserve for mortgage warehouse lines, was $16.1 million, or 1.67% of total loans excluding mortgage warehouse lines at September 30, 2021. In addition, at September 30, 2021, there were $23.1 million of SBA PPP loans, which are 100% guaranteed by the SBA and, accordingly, no allowance was provided.

Non-interest income was $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2021 and decreased $833,000 compared to $4.7 million for the third quarter of 2020. The decrease in non-interest income was due primarily to a $764,000 decrease in gain on sales of loans. In the third quarter of 2021, $8.3 million of SBA loans were sold and gains of $1.1 million were recorded compared to $5.1 million of SBA loans sold and gains of $463,000 recorded for the third quarter of 2020. In the third quarter of 2021, residential mortgage banking operations originated $51.0 million of residential mortgages, sold $54.0 million of residential mortgages and recorded a $1.5 million gain on sales of loans compared to approximately $118.0 million of residential mortgages originated, $97.5 million of residential mortgage loans sold and a $2.9 million gain on sales of loans recorded for the third quarter of 2020. Income from bank-owned life insurance increased $191,000 for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020, due primarily to $200,000 of income from a death benefit. Other income decreased $173,000 for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020, which included an interest rate swap fee of $172,000.

Non-interest expenses were $10.8 million for the third quarter of 2021 and decreased $121,000 compared to $11.0 million for the third quarter of 2020. Adjusted non-interest expenses, which excludes the $737,000 of merger-related expenses incurred in the third quarter of 2021 in connection with the pending Merger, decreased $858,000 compared to the third quarter of 2020. Adjusted non-interest expenses is a non-GAAP measure that excludes merger-related expenses and should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the Companys GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the GAAP financial results is attached to this press release. Salaries and employee benefits expense decreased $483,000 for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020 due primarily to a $855,000 decrease in mortgage commissions and a $68,000 decrease in overtime expense, partially offset by a $62,000 increase in temporary staffing costs and a $336,000 increase in incentive compensation. FDIC insurance expense decreased $117,000 due to a decrease in the FDIC assessment rate for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the assessment rate for the third quarter of 2020. Other operating expenses decreased $212,000 for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020, resulting primarily from a decrease of $144,000 in legal and consulting fees and net decreases in various components of other operating expenses.

Income tax expense was $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2021, resulting in an effective tax rate of 25.3%, compared to income tax expense of $1.9 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 27.9% for the third quarter of 2020. The lower effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2021 reflected primarily the lower state tax rate due to tax planning initiatives that reduced the effective tax rate and the tax benefit from higher deductions for stock based compensation in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020.

Total assets were $1.91 billion at September 30, 2021 compared to $1.81 billion at December 31, 2020. Total cash and cash equivalents increased $252.0 million and total investment securities increased $111.4 million from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021, which amounts were partially offset by decreases of $235.3 million in total portfolio loans and $23.0 million in loans held for sale. Total portfolio loans at September 30, 2021 were $1.20 billion, compared to $1.43 billion at December 31, 2020. The $235.3 million decrease in portfolio loans was due primarily to a decrease of $152.5 million in mortgage warehouse lines as a result of lower funding volume in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the fourth quarter of 2020, a decrease of $49.1 million in commercial business loans as a result of the forgiveness and pay-offs of SBA PPP loans, a decrease of $25.0 million in residential real estate loans due to pay-offs and a $6.2 million decrease in commercial real estate loans. Loans held for sale decreased $23.0 million due to loan sales in excess of originations in the first nine months of 2021 and the lower level of residential mortgage loan originations in the third quarter of 2021. In response to the higher level of liquidity driven by the significant increase in deposits in the third quarter of 2021, purchases of investment securities were $115.1 million. The purchases were primarily bonds with maturities between one and three years. Total investment securities increased $114.4 million to $329.1 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $217.7 million at December 31, 2020. Investment securities available for sale increased $78.7 million and investment securities held to maturity increased $32.7 million at September 30, 2021 from December 31, 2020.

Total deposits were $1.64 billion at September 30, 2021, representing an increase of $75.7 million from December 31, 2020. There was a significant change in the composition of total deposits as non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased $109.2 million due in part to the funding of the second round of SBA PPP loans and additional financial assistance received by customers from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and Closed Venue Fund provided under the Economic Aid Act, while interest-bearing deposits decreased $33.5 million from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021. Of the total decrease in interest-bearing deposits, certificates of deposit decreased $202.0 million due primarily to the maturity of approximately $149.9 million of short-term internet listing service certificates of deposit. Funds from a portion of maturing certificates of deposit were also deposited by customers into non-maturity deposits. Due to the low interest rate environment, customers generally chose to deposit funds to non-maturity deposit accounts such as NOW and savings accounts, which resulted in a $117.1 million increase in savings deposits and a $51.4 million increase in interest-bearing demand deposits. There were no short-term borrowings at September 30, 2021 compared to $9.8 million in short-term borrowings at December 31, 2020.

Regulatory capital ratios for the Company and the Bank continue to reflect a strong capital position. Under applicable regulatory capital standards, the Companys estimated common equity Tier 1 to risk-based assets (CET1), total risk-based capital, Tier 1 capital, and leverage ratios were 11.79%, 14.34%, 13.09% and 9.95%, respectively, at September 30, 2021. The Banks estimated CET1, total risk-based capital, Tier 1 capital and leverage ratios were 13.08%, 14.32%, 13.08% and 9.94%, respectively, at September 30, 2021. The Company and the Bank are considered well capitalized under these capital standards.

Asset Quality

Non-accrual loans were $9.5 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $16.4 million at December 31, 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, $1.8 million of loans were placed on non-accrual status that consisted of a $90,000 home equity loan, an $871,000 residential mortgage loan, a $216,000 construction loan and a $625,000 commercial real estate loan. During the first nine months of 2021, $4.9 million of non-performing loans were resolved as a result of pay-downs and pay-offs, which included $883,000 of purchased credit impaired loans. A non-performing commercial real estate loan for $3.1 million was charged down $334,000 to its estimated fair value and transferred to loans held for sale. Other charge-offs totaled $747,000.

Non-performing loans represented 0.80% of total loans and non-performing assets represented 0.50% of total assets at September 30, 2021 compared to 1.20% and 0.96%, respectively, at December 31, 2020.

OREO decreased $44,000 to $48,000 at September 30, 2021 compared to $92,000 at December 31, 2020, due to the write-down of the asset. The asset consisted of one parcel of land.

About 1ST Constitution Bancorp

1ST Constitution Bancorp, through its primary subsidiary, 1ST Constitution Bank, operates 25 branch bankingoffices in Asbury Park, Cranbury (2), Fair Haven, Fort Lee, Freehold, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hillsborough, Hopewell, Jackson, Jamesburg, Lawrenceville, Little Silver, Long Branch, Manahawkin, Neptune City, Perth Amboy, Plainsboro, Princeton, Rocky Hill, Rumson, Shrewsbury and Toms River (2), New Jersey.

1ST Constitution Bancorp is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol FCCY and information about the Company can be accessed through the Internet at www.1STCONSTITUTION.com

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to, without limitation, our future economic performance, plans and objectives for future operations, projections of revenues and other financial items that are based on our beliefs, the Merger and the merger of the Bank into Lakeland Bank (the Bank Merger) and the timing of the consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. The words may, will, anticipate, should, would, believe, contemplate, could, project, predict, expect, estimate, continue, and intend, as well as other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based upon our opinions and estimates as of the date they are made and are not guarantees of future performance. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may be beyond our control, which could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from results, performance and achievements projected, expected, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Examples of factors or events that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, expressed or implied include, without limitation, changes in the overall economy and interest rate changes; inflation, market and monetary fluctuations; the ability of our customers to repay their obligations; the accuracy of our financial statement estimates and assumptions, including the adequacy of the estimates made in connection with determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses; increased competition and its effect on the availability and pricing of deposits and loans; significant changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices and requirements; changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values; the enactment of legislation or regulatory changes; changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government; changes to the method that LIBOR rates are determined and to the phasing out of LIBOR after 2021; changes in loan delinquency rates or in our levels of non-performing assets; our ability to declare and pay dividends; changes in the economic climate in the market areas in which we operate; the frequency and magnitude of foreclosure of our loans; changes in consumer spending and saving habits; the effects of the health and soundness of other financial institutions, including the need of the FDIC to increase the Deposit Insurance Fund assessments; technological changes; the effects of climate change and harsh weather conditions, including hurricanes and man-made disasters; the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, acts of war or threats thereof and the response of the United States to any such threats and attacks; failure to consummate the Merger or the Bank Merger for any reason, including the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company), failure to obtain shareholder approvals or failure to satisfy any of the other closing conditions in a timely basis or at all; the diversion of managements time from ongoing business operations due to issues relating to the Merger; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the Merger Agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Lakeland or the Company; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction; other risks described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC); and our ability to manage the risks involved in the foregoing. Further, the foregoing factors may be exacerbated by the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is unknown at this time.

In addition, statements about the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential effects and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Companys business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that actual results may differ, possibly materially, from what is reflected in such forward-looking statements due to factors and future developments that are uncertain, unpredictable and, in many cases, beyond our control, including the scope, duration and extent of the pandemic, actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic and the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic on our employees, customers, business and third-parties with which we conduct business.

Although management has taken certain steps to mitigate any negative effect of the aforementioned factors, significant unfavorable changes could severely impact the assumptions used and have an adverse effect on profitability. Any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the proposed Merger, Lakeland filed with the SEC a registration statement that includes a joint proxy statement of Lakeland and the Company that also constitutes a prospectus of Lakeland. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY FUTURE AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO SUCH MATERIALS, BECAUSE THESE MATERIALS CONTAIN (OR WILL CONTAIN) IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the registration statement (and any future amendments or supplements, when available) and other documents filed by Lakeland and the Company with the SEC at the SECs web site at www.sec.gov. These documents may be accessed and downloaded for free at Lakelands website at www.lakelandbank.com or by directing a request to Investor Relations, Lakeland Bancorp, Inc., 250 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, New Jersey 07438 (973-697-2000). The Companys documents may be accessed and downloaded for free at the Companys website at www.1STCONSTITUTION.com or by directing a request to Investor Relations,1ST Constitution Bancorp, 2650 Route 130, P.O. Box 634, Cranbury, New Jersey 08512 (609-655-4500).

Participants in the Solicitation

Lakeland, the Company and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Lakelands and the Companys shareholders in respect of the proposed Merger. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Lakeland may be found in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 9, 2021 and can be obtained free of charge from Lakelands website. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of the Company may be found in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 22, 2021 and can be obtained free of charge from the Companys website. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interest, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed or to be filed with the SEC, when available.

1ST Constitution BancorpSelected Consolidated Financial Data(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September September 30, 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020Per share data: Earnings per share $ 0.53 $ 0.48 $ 1.51 $ 1.18 - basicEarnings per share 0.53 0.48 1.51 1.17 - dilutedBook value pershare at end of 19.37 17.78 periodTangible book valueper common share at 15.91 14.22 end of period^(1) Weighted averageshares outstanding 10,289,434 10,230,488 10,274,787 10,213,601 - basicWeighted averageshares outstanding 10,319,637 10,268,951 10,299,029 10,260,477 - dilutedShares outstanding 10,318,907 10,237,520 at end of periodPerformance ratios/ data:Return on average 1.16 % 1.08 % 1.14 % 0.96 %total assetsReturn on averageshareholders? 10.94 % 10.92 % 10.76 % 9.17 %equityNet interest income(tax-equivalent $ 14,929 $ 15,486 $ 44,896 $ 42,519 basis)^(2)Net interest margin(tax-equivalent 3.42 % 3.67 % 3.52 % 3.66 %basis)^(3)Efficiency ratio(tax-equivalent 57.57 % 54.21 % 57.36 % 57.93 %basis)^(4) Loan portfolio September 30, December 31,composition: 2021 2020Commercial real $ 612,827 $ 618,978 estateMortgage warehouse 235,897 388,366 linesConstruction loans 129,636 129,245 Commercial business 139,654 188,728 Residential real 63,223 88,261 estateLoans to 17,945 21,269 individualsOther loans 93 113 Gross loans 1,199,275 1,434,960 Deferred fees, net (820 ) (1,254 )Total loans $ 1,198,455 $ 1,433,706 Asset quality data: Loans past due over90 days and still $ ? $ 871 accruingNon-accrual loans 9,537 16,361 OREO property 48 92 Totalnon-performing $ 9,585 $ 17,324 assets Net charge-offs $ (365 ) $ 5 $ (1,081 ) $ (328 )Allowance for loanlosses to total 1.43 % 1.09 %loansAllowance for loanlosses to totalloans excluding 1.67 % 1.32 %mortgagewarehouselines and relatedallowanceAllowance for loanlosses to 179.93 % 90.77 %non-performingloansNon-performingloans to total 0.80 % 1.20 %loansNon-performingassets to total 0.50 % 0.96 %assetsCapital ratios: 1^ST Constitution BancorpCommon equity tier1 capital to 11.79 % 9.92 %risk-weightedassetsTotal capital torisk-weighted 14.34 % 12.16 %assetsTier 1 capital torisk-weighted 13.09 % 11.12 %assetsTier 1 leverage 9.95 % 9.41 %ratio1^ST Constitution BankCommon equity tier1 capital to 13.08 % 11.11 %risk-weightedassetsTotal capital torisk-weighted 14.32 % 12.15 %assetsTier 1 capital torisk-weighted 13.08 % 11.11 %assetsTier 1 leverage 9.94 % 9.40 %ratio

(1) Tangible book value per common share is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated by subtracting goodwill and other intangible assets from shareholders equity and dividing it by common shares outstanding. See the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures attached to this press release.(2) The tax-equivalent adjustment was $121 and $134 for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and the tax-equivalent adjustment was $370 and $383 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.(3) Represents net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis as a percent of average interest-earning assets.(4) Represents non-interest expenses divided by the sum of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis and non-interest income.

1ST Constitution BancorpConsolidated Balance Sheets(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)

September 30, December 31, 2021 2020ASSETS Cash and due from banks $ 14,956 $ 3,661 Interest-earning deposits 258,990 18,334 Total cash and cash equivalents 273,946 21,995 Investment securities: Available for sale, at fair value 203,940 125,197 Held to maturity (fair value of $127,234 and$95,640 at September 30, 2021and December 31, 125,198 92,552 2020, respectively)Total investment securities 329,138 217,749 Loans held for sale 6,768 29,782 Loans 1,198,455 1,433,706 Less: allowance for loan losses (17,160 ) (15,641 )Net loans 1,181,295 1,418,065 Premises and equipment, net 13,835 14,345 Right-of-use assets 15,282 16,548 Accrued interest receivable 4,379 5,273 Bank-owned life insurance 37,398 37,316 Other real estate owned 48 92 Goodwill and intangible assets 35,765 36,003 Other assets 12,686 9,741 Total assets $ 1,910,540 $ 1,806,909 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS? EQUITY LIABILITIES Deposits Non-interest bearing $ 534,436 $ 425,210 Interest bearing 1,104,125 1,137,629 Total deposits 1,638,561 1,562,839 Short-term borrowings ? 9,825 Redeemable subordinated debentures 18,557 18,557 Accrued interest payable 425 851 Lease liability 16,216 17,387 Accrued expense and other liabilities 36,858 9,793 Total liabilities 1,710,617 1,619,252 SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY Preferred stock, no par value; 5,000,000 shares ? ? authorized; none issuedCommon stock, no par value; 30,000,000 sharesauthorized; 10,376,085 and 10,293,535sharesissued and 10,318,907 and 10,245,826 shares 112,138 111,135 outstanding as of September 30,2021 and December31, 2020, respectivelyRetained earnings 87,735 75,201 Treasury stock, 57,178 and 47,709 shares atSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, (771 ) (611 )2020,respectivelyAccumulated other comprehensive income 821 1,932 Total shareholders? equity 199,923 187,657 Total liabilities and shareholders? equity $ 1,910,540 $ 1,806,909

1ST Constitution Bancorp Consolidated Statements of Income(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020INTEREST INCOME Loans, including fees $ 14,995 $ 16,477 $ 45,765 $ 46,656 Securities: Taxable 545 725 1,569 2,633 Tax-exempt 456 504 1,392 1,438 Federal funds soldand short-term 108 2 203 95 investmentsTotal interest income 16,104 17,708 48,929 50,822 INTEREST EXPENSE Deposits 1,215 2,171 4,155 8,133 Borrowings ? 95 ? 205 Redeemablesubordinated 81 90 248 348 debenturesTotal interest 1,296 2,356 4,403 8,686 expenseNet interest income 14,808 15,352 44,526 42,136 PROVISION FOR LOAN 600 2,320 2,600 5,340 LOSSESNet interest incomeafter provision for 14,208 13,032 41,926 36,796 loan lossesNON-INTEREST INCOME Service charges on 116 126 340 471 deposit accountsGain on sales of 2,632 3,396 8,493 6,987 loans, netIncome on bank-owned 379 188 721 632 life insuranceGain on sales/calls 2 79 6 97 of securitiesOther income 774 947 2,156 2,105 Total non-interest 3,903 4,736 11,716 10,292 incomeNON-INTEREST EXPENSES Salaries and employee 6,623 7,106 20,034 19,276 benefitsOccupancy expense 1,221 1,222 3,693 3,597 Data processing 490 486 1,486 1,402 expensesFDIC insurance 108 225 533 484 expenseOther real estate (22 ) 27 33 58 owned expensesMerger-related 737 ? 1,184 64 expensesOther operating 1,684 1,896 5,510 5,711 expensesTotal non-interest 10,841 10,962 32,473 30,592 expensesIncome before income 7,270 6,806 21,169 16,496 taxesINCOME TAXES 1,840 1,896 5,658 4,475 Net income $ 5,430 $ 4,910 $ 15,511 $ 12,021 EARNINGS PER COMMON SHAREBasic $ 0.53 $ 0.48 $ 1.51 $ 1.18 Diluted 0.53 0.48 1.51 1.17 WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDINGBasic 10,289,434 10,230,488 10,274,787 10,213,601 Diluted 10,319,637 10,268,951 10,299,029 10,260,477

1ST Constitution Bancorp Net Interest Margin Analysis(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020(In thousands exceptyield/cost Average Average Average Averageinformation)Assets Balance Interest Yield/ Balance Interest Yield/ Cost CostInterest-earning assets:Federal funds sold/short term $ 270,231 $ 108 0.16 % $ 8,027 $ 2 0.10 %investmentsInvestment securities:Taxable 145,979 545 1.49 % 155,242 725 1.87 %Tax-exempt^ (1) 107,693 577 2.14 % 83,461 638 3.06 %Total investment 253,672 1,122 1.77 % 238,703 1,363 2.28 %securitiesLoans:^ (2) Commercial real 612,067 8,008 5.12 % 609,917 7,789 5.00 %estateMortgage warehouse 229,034 2,398 4.10 % 333,461 3,383 4.06 %linesConstruction 127,567 1,837 5.63 % 136,252 1,794 5.24 %Commercial business 122,796 1,228 3.97 % 138,073 1,445 4.16 %SBA PPP loans 28,734 566 7.81 % 75,484 470 2.48 %Residential real 65,587 730 4.45 % 89,755 1,137 4.96 %estateLoans to individuals 17,895 175 3.88 % 27,284 293 4.20 %Loans held for sale 5,927 47 3.17 % 23,914 155 2.59 %All other loans 486 6 4.83 % 643 11 6.69 %Deferred (fees) (1,034 ) ? ? % (1,736 ) ? ? %costs, netTotal loans 1,209,059 14,995 4.92 % 1,433,047 16,477 4.57 %Totalinterest-earning 1,732,962 $ 16,225 3.71 % 1,679,777 $ 17,842 4.23 %assetsNon-interest-earning assets:Allowance for loan (17,302 ) (12,348 ) lossesCash and due from 20,243 11,460 bankOther assets 118,370 125,309 Totalnon-interest-earning 121,311 124,421 assetsTotal assets $ 1,854,273 $ 1,804,198 Liabilities andshareholders? equity:Interest-bearing liabilities:Money market and NOW $ 494,073 $ 414 0.33 % $ 425,401 $ 542 0.51 %accountsSavings accounts 430,398 427 0.39 % 290,055 461 0.63 %Certificates of 165,267 374 0.90 % 350,654 1,168 1.33 %depositFederal Reserve Bank ? ? ? % 35,296 33 0.37 %PPPLF borrowingsShort-term ? ? ? % 63,175 62 0.39 %borrowingsRedeemablesubordinated 18,557 81 1.71 % 18,557 90 1.90 %debenturesTotalinterest-bearing 1,108,295 $ 1,296 0.46 % 1,183,138 $ 2,356 0.79 %liabilitiesNon-interest-bearing liabilities:Demand deposits 516,527 413,350 Other liabilities 32,613 28,764 Totalnon-interest-bearing 549,140 442,114 liabilitiesShareholders? equity 196,838 178,946 Total liabilitiesand shareholders? $ 1,854,273 $ 1,804,198 equityNet interest spread^ 3.25 % 3.44 %(3)Net interest income $ 14,929 3.42 % $ 15,486 3.67 %and margin^ (4)

(1) Tax-equivalent basis, using 21% federal tax rate in 2021 and 2020.(2) Loan origination fees and costs are considered an adjustment to interest income. For the purpose of calculating loan yields, average loan balances include non-accrual loans with no related interest income and the average balance of loans held for sale.(3) The net interest spread is the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.(4) The net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

1ST Constitution Bancorp Net Interest Margin Analysis(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020(In thousands exceptyield/cost Average Average Average Averageinformation)Assets: Balance Interest Yield/ Balance Interest Yield/ Cost CostInterest-earning assets:Federal funds sold/short term $ 210,127 $ 203 0.13 % $ 16,433 $ 95 0.77 %investmentsInvestment securities:Taxable 135,665 1,569 1.54 % 163,979 2,633 2.14 %Tax-exempt^ (1) 96,173 1,762 2.44 % 77,145 1,821 3.15 %Total investment 231,838 3,331 1.92 % 241,124 4,454 2.46 %securitiesLoans:^ (2) Commercial real 613,930 23,487 5.04 % 588,145 22,935 5.12 %estateMortgage warehouse 243,168 7,486 4.06 % 244,470 7,702 4.20 %linesConstruction 131,001 5,488 5.52 % 141,428 5,965 5.63 %Commercial business 126,508 3,726 3.94 % 142,010 4,815 4.53 %SBA PPP loans 48,062 2,292 6.38 % 43,374 818 2.52 %Residential real 72,525 2,412 4.43 % 89,333 3,085 4.54 %estateLoans to individuals 18,625 574 4.12 % 28,857 1,001 4.56 %Loans held for sale 11,750 282 3.20 % 14,160 304 2.86 %All other loans 632 18 3.76 % 872 31 4.67 %Deferred (fees) (1,252 ) ? ? % (345 ) ? ? %costs, netTotal loans 1,264,949 45,765 4.84 % 1,292,304 46,656 4.82 %Totalinterest-earning 1,706,914 $ 49,299 3.86 % 1,549,861 $ 51,205 4.41 %assetsNon-interest-earning assets:Allowance for loan (16,826 ) (10,684 ) lossesCash and due from 17,216 12,182 bankOther assets 118,931 123,841 Totalnon-interest-earning 119,321 125,339 assetsTotal assets $ 1,826,235 $ 1,675,200 Liabilities andshareholders? equity:Interest-bearing liabilities:Money market and NOW $ 475,929 $ 1,299 0.36 % $ 417,557 $ 1,913 0.61 %accountsSavings accounts 393,733 1,263 0.43 % 275,679 1,612 0.78 %Certificates of 234,331 1,593 0.91 % 354,551 4,608 1.74 %depositFederal Reserve Bank ? ? ? % 13,169 36 0.37 %PPPLF borrowingsShort-term 108 ? ? % 39,344 169 0.58 %borrowingsRedeemablesubordinated 18,557 248 1.76 % 18,557 348 2.46 %debenturesTotalinterest-bearing 1,122,658 $ 4,403 0.52 % 1,118,857 $ 8,686 1.04 %liabilitiesNon-interest-bearing liabilities:Demand deposits 479,204 351,291 Other liabilities 31,610 29,911 Totalnon-interest-bearing 510,814 381,202 liabilitiesShareholders' equity 192,763 175,141 Total liabilitiesand shareholders? $ 1,826,235 $ 1,675,200 equityNet interest spread 3.34 % 3.37 %^(3)Net interest income $ 44,896 3.52 % $ 42,519 3.66 %and margin^ (4)

(1) Tax-equivalent basis, using 21% federal tax rate in 2021 and 2020.(2) Loan origination fees and costs are considered an adjustment to interest income. For the purpose of calculating loan yields, average loan balances include non-accrual loans with no related interest income and the average balance of loans held for sale.(3) The net interest spread is the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.(4) The net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

1ST Constitution Bancorp Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (1)(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020Adjusted net income Net income $ 5,430 $ 4,910 $ 15,511 $ 12,021 Adjustments: Merger-related 737 ? 1,184 64 expensesIncome tax effect (52 ) ? (150 ) (19 )of adjustmentsAdjusted net income $ 6,115 $ 4,910 $ 16,545 $ 12,066 Adjusted net income per diluted shareAdjusted net income $ 6,115 $ 4,910 $ 16,545 $ 12,066 Diluted shares 10,319,637 10,268,951 10,299,029 10,260,477 outstandingAdjusted net income $ 0.59 $ 0.48 $ 1.61 $ 1.18 per diluted share Adjusted return onaverage total assetsAdjusted net income $ 6,115 $ 4,910 $ 16,545 $ 12,066 Average assets 1,854,273 1,804,198 1,826,235 1,675,200 Adjusted return onaverage total 1.31 % 1.08 % 1.21 % 0.96 %assets Adjusted return onaverage shareholders?equityAdjusted net income $ 6,115 $ 4,910 $ 16,545 $ 12,066 Average equity 196,838 178,946 192,763 175,141 Adjusted return onaverage 12.33 % 10.92 % 11.48 % 9.20 %shareholders?equity Adjusted efficiency ratioAdjustednon-interest $ 10,104 $ 10,962 $ 31,289 $ 30,528 expenses^(2)Total revenue - 18,832 20,222 56,612 52,811 tax-equivalentAdjusted efficiency 53.65 % 54.21 % 55.27 % 57.81 %ratio Book value andtangible book value per common shareShareholders? $ 199,923 $ 182,007 equityLess: goodwill and 35,765 36,471 intangible assetsTangibleshareholders? 164,158 145,536 equityShares outstanding 10,318,907 10,237,520 Book value per $ 19.37 $ 17.78 common shareTangible book value $ 15.91 $ 14.22 per common share

(1) We use the non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted net income, adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted return on average total assets, adjusted return on average shareholders equity, tangible book value per common share, adjusted non-interest expenses and adjusted efficiency ratio because management believes that it is helpful to readers in understanding the Companys financial performance and the effect of the expenses related to the pending Merger on its financial statements. These non-GAAP financial measures improve the comparability of the current period results with the results of the prior periods. The Company cautions that the non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the Companys GAAP financial results.

(2) Adjusted non-interest expenses is calculated by subtracting merger-related expenses from total non-interest expenses. Accordingly, adjusted non-interest expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 is calculated as total non-interest expenses of $10.8 million and $32.5 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 less $737,000 and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and adjusted non-interest expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 is calculated as total non-interest expenses of $11.0 million and $30.6 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, respectively, less merger-related expenses of $64,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Robert F. Mangano Stephen J. GilhoolyCONTACT: President & Chief Sr. Vice President & Chief Executive Officer Financial Officer (609) 655-4500 (609) 655-4500