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Amalgamated Bank (AMAL)
NASDAQ:AMAL
Risk Overview Q2, 2025
Risk Distribution
40% Finance & Corporate
18% Legal & Regulatory
12% Tech & Innovation
10% Production
10% Ability to Sell
10% Macro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
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Risks changed
Amalgamated Bank Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q2, 2025
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 20 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 20 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
50
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
50
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Jun 2025
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Jun 2025
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 1
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 1
See the risk highlights of Amalgamated Bank in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 50
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 20/50 (40%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights5 | 10.0%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Shares of our common stock are subject to dilution.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Transfers of our common stock owned by the Workers United Related Parties could adversely impact your rights as a stockholder and the market price of our common stock.The Workers United Related Parties may transfer all or part of the shares of our common stock that they own, without allowing you to participate or realize a premium for any investment in our common stock, or distribute shares of our common stock that it owns to their members. Sales or distributions by the Workers United Related Parties of such common stock could adversely impact prevailing market prices for our common stock.
Additionally, a sale of common stock by the Workers United Related Parties to a third party could adversely impact the market price of our common stock and our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, a change in control caused by the sale of our shares by the Workers United Related Parties may result in a change of management decisions and business policy.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
We have several significant investors whose individual interests may differ from yours.A significant percentage of our common stock is currently held by investment funds affiliated with an amalgamation of Workers United and numerous joint boards, locals or similar organizations authorized under the constitution of Workers United (the "Workers United Related Parties"). Workers United Related Parties own approximately 37% of our common stock. Significant stockholders will have a greater ability than our other stockholders to influence the election of directors and the potential outcome of other matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including mergers and acquisition transactions, amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and other extraordinary corporate matters. The interests of these investors could conflict with the interests of our other stockholders, and any future transfer by these investors of their shares of common stock to other investors who have different business objectives could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, prospects or the market value of our common stock.
Workers United Related Parties have also entered into agreements with us that contain certain provisions, including, among others, provisions relating to our governance, information rights, tag-along rights, board designation rights, and certain board and stockholder approval rights. Additionally, Workers United Related Parties have entered into agreements with us that provide certain registration rights under existing registration rights agreements, and in the case of the Workers United Related Parties, the establishment of an advisory board.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Shares of our common stock could face volatility due to banking sector uncertainty.Bank holding company stock prices are sensitive to generalized concerns about the health of the banking industry as a whole, regardless of the health of a particular institution. Ongoing stress in the banking sector could adversely impact the market price of our common stock and our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive as a result of these market stresses. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
The fair value of our investment securities could fluctuate because of factors outside of our control, which could have a material adverse effect on us.As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of our investment securities portfolio was approximately $3.18 billion. Factors beyond our control could significantly affect the fair value of these securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in market conditions including changes in interest rates or spreads, changes in the credit profile of individual securities, changes in prepayment behavior of individual securities, rating agency actions in respect of the securities, or adverse regulatory action. Any of these factors, among others, could cause other-than-temporary impairments, or OTTI, and realized and/or unrealized losses in future periods and declines in earnings and/or other comprehensive income (loss), which could materially and adversely affect our assets, business, cash flow, condition (financial or otherwise), liquidity, results of operations and prospects. The process for determining whether impairment of a security is OTTI usually requires complex, subjective judgments about the future financial performance and liquidity of the issuer, any collateral underlying the security as well as our intent and ability to hold the security for a sufficient period of time to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security. Our failure to assess any impairments or losses with respect to our securities could have a material adverse effect on our assets, business, cash flow, condition (financial or otherwise), liquidity, results of operations and prospects.
Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 6.0%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Our accounting estimates and risk management processes and controls rely on analytical and forecasting techniques and models and assumptions, which may not accurately predict future events.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Changes in our accounting policies or in accounting standards could materially affect how we report our financial results and condition.Changes in our accounting policies or in accounting standards could materially affect how we report our financial results and condition. From time to time, the FASB changes the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. As a result of such changes, whether promulgated or required by the FASB or other regulators, we could be required to change certain of the assumptions or estimates we have previously used in preparing our financial statements, which could negatively affect how we record and report our results of operations and financial condition generally.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
We could be adversely affected by a failure to establish and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting.A failure in our internal controls could have a significant negative impact not only on our earnings, but also on the perception that customers, regulators and investors may have of us. Any failure to maintain internal controls over financial reporting, or any difficulties that we may encounter in such maintenance, could result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, result in material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements and cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, each of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations or an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. We continue to devote a significant amount of effort, time and resources to our controls and ensuring compliance with complex accounting standards and regulations. These efforts also include the management of controls to mitigate operational risks for programs and processes across the Company.
Debt & Financing11 | 22.0%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
The investment management contracts we have with our clients are terminable without cause and on relatively short notice by our clients, which makes us vulnerable to short term declines in the performance of the securities under our management.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
We are exposed to risks related to our PACE financings.Property Assessed Clean Energy ("PACE") financing is a means of financing energy-efficient upgrades or the installation of renewable energy sources for commercial, industrial and residential properties that are repaid over a selected term through property tax assessments, which are secured by the property itself and paid as an addition to the owners' property tax bills. The unique characteristic of PACE assessments is that the assessment is attached to the property rather than the individual borrower. Active programs for residential PACE financing exist in California, Florida and Missouri. As of December 31, 2024, we had a portfolio of $268.4 million in commercial PACE assessments and $927.5 million in residential PACE assessments. These assessments are pari passu with tax liens and generally have priority over first mortgage liens.
Because PACE financing programs are typically enabled through state legislation and authorized at the local government level, variations between each state's programs may expose us to increased compliance costs and risks. On December 17, 2024, the CFPB issued its final rule implementing Section 307 of the 2018 Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (the "EGRRCPA") and amending Regulation Z to address how TILA applies to residential PACE transactions. The final rule amends Regulation Z's definition of credit to include residential PACE financings, prescribes ability-to-repay requirements, and implements other amendments and exemptions to clarify how other rules in Regulation Z apply. The final rule becomes effective on March 1, 2026. If we fail to comply with the final rules adopted by the CFPB, we may face reputational and litigation risks with respect to our PACE assessments.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Our estimated allowance for credit losses and fair value adjustments with respect to loans acquired in our acquisitions may prove to be insufficient to absorb actual losses in our loan portfolio, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.We maintain an allowance for credit losses ("ACL") that represents management's judgment of current expected credit losses and risks inherent in our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2024, our ACL totaled $60.1 million, which represents approximately 1.29% of our total loans, net. The level of the allowance reflects management's continuing evaluation of loan levels and portfolio composition, observable trends in nonperforming loans, historical loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, underwriting practices, adequacy of collateral, credit risk grading assessments, forecasted economic conditions, and other factors. The determination of the appropriate level of the ACL is inherently highly subjective and requires us to make significant estimates of and assumptions regarding current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. If, as a result of general economic conditions, there is a decrease in asset quality or growth in the loan portfolio, our management determines that additional increases in ACL are necessary, we may incur additional expenses which will reduce our net income, and our business, results of operations or financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, inaccurate management assumptions, deterioration of economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification or deterioration of additional problem loans, acquisition of problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require us to increase our ACL.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
Our consumer solar loans expose us to higher credit risk.A borrower's ability to repay their solar loans can be negatively impacted by increases in their payment obligations to other lenders under mortgage, credit card and other loans resulting from increases in base lending rates or structured increases in payment obligations. If a client defaults on solar loan, we may be unsuccessful in our efforts to collect the amount of the loan. We are limited in our ability to collect on these loans if a client is unwilling or unable to repay them. Although solar loans are secured with security filings, we may be limited in our ability to recover any collateral supporting such loans due to the nature of the solar energy system becoming a fixture to the real property. Additionally, these short-term loans are subject to risks of defaults, bankruptcies, fraud, losses and special hazard losses that are not covered by standard hazard insurance. An increase in defaults precipitated by the risks and uncertainties associated with the above operations and activities could have a detrimental effect on our business.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
We are exposed to higher credit risk related to our multifamily real estate lending in New York City.In 2019, the New York State legislature passed the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, impacting about one million rent regulated apartment units. Among other things, the legislation: (i) curtails rent increases from material capital improvements and individual apartment improvements; (ii) all but eliminates the ability for apartments to exit rent regulation; (iii) does away with vacancy decontrol and high-income deregulation; and (iv) repealed the 20% vacancy bonus. The act generally limits a landlord's ability to increase rents on rent-regulated apartments and makes it more difficult to convert rent-regulated apartments to market-rate apartments. As a result, the value of the collateral located in New York State securing our multi-family loans or the future net operating income of such properties could potentially become impaired. At December 31, 2024, our total multifamily loan exposure in New York State is approximately $951.4 million, of which approximately $697.3 million, or 73%, represents our portfolio's composition of rent stabilized and rent controlled apartments in the New York multifamily market.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.The Federal Reserve requires a bank holding company to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. Under the "source of strength" doctrine, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank and may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to such a subsidiary bank. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act directs the federal bank regulators to require that all companies that directly or indirectly control an insured depository institution serve as a source of strength for the institution. Under these requirements, in the future, we could be required to provide financial assistance to the Bank if the Bank experiences financial distress.
A capital injection may be required at times when we do not have the resources to provide it, and therefore we may be required to borrow the funds. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the holding company's general unsecured creditors, including the holders of its note obligations. Thus, any borrowing that must be done by the holding company in order to make the required capital injection becomes more difficult and expensive and will adversely impact the holding company's cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Debt & Financing - Risk 7
We may be subject to more stringent capital requirements in the future.We are subject to regulatory requirements specifying minimum amounts and types of capital that we must maintain. From time to time, the regulators change these regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. If we fail to meet these minimum capital guidelines and other regulatory requirements, we may be restricted in the types of activities we may conduct and we may be prohibited from taking certain capital actions, such as paying dividends and repurchasing or redeeming capital securities.
In particular, the capital requirements applicable to us under the Basel III rules, which became fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 required us to satisfy additional, more stringent, capital adequacy standards. A failure to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have an adverse material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, these requirements could have a negative impact on our ability to lend, grow deposit balances, make acquisitions or make capital distributions in the form of dividends or share repurchases. Higher capital levels could also lower our return on equity.
Debt & Financing - Risk 8
Our business needs and future growth may require us to raise capital, but that capital may not be available or may be dilutive.Our ability to raise capital will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets, which are outside of our control, and our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that such capital will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. Any occurrence that limits our access to capital, may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, in turn, our liquidity. Further, if we need to raise capital in the future, we may have to do so when many other financial institutions are also seeking to raise capital and would then have to compete with those institutions for investors. Any inability to raise capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and could be dilutive to both tangible book value and our share price.
In addition, an inability to raise capital when needed may subject us to increased regulatory supervision and the imposition of restrictions on our growth and business. These restrictions could negatively affect our ability to operate or further expand our operations through loan growth, acquisitions or the establishment of additional branches. These restrictions may also result in increases in operating expenses and reductions in revenues that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and our share price.
Debt & Financing - Risk 9
We are subject to liquidity risk.Liquidity is required to fund the needs of our depositors, repay borrowings, fund loan commitments and investments, pay expenditures and other obligations as they arise. Our access to funding, in adequate amounts and acceptable terms, could be impaired by a wide range of factors that affect us specifically, the financial services industry or the general economy. These factors include an economic downturn affecting our loan portfolio, adverse financial market conditions, adverse regulatory or judicial actions against labor unions, political organizations or not-for profits, or adverse regulatory actions against us.
Our access to deposits may also be affected by the liquidity needs of our depositors, particularly in an adverse interest rate or economic environment where they may be compelled to withdraw deposits. As a part of our liquidity management, we must ensure we can respond effectively to potential volatility in our customers' deposit balances. Our total on-balance sheet deposits totaled $7.18 billion as of December 31, 2024. For instance, our on-balance sheet deposits from political campaigns, PACs, and state and national party committee clients totaled $969.6 million, or 14% of total on-balance sheet deposits as of December 31, 2024 and decreased their deposit balances significantly after the last election campaign, resulting in short-term volatility in their deposit balances held with us through election cycles. Additionally, our on-balance sheet deposits from labor unions totaled $1.99 billion, or 28% of total on-balance sheet deposits as of December 31, 2024. While historically we have been able to replace deposit outflows and borrowings as necessary, we might not be able to replace such funds in the future, especially if a large number of our depositors or those depositors with a high concentration of deposits sought to withdraw their accounts. We could encounter difficulty meeting a significant deposit outflow which could negatively impact our profitability or reputation. Any long-term decline in deposit funding would adversely affect our liquidity, but we believe our funding sources are adequate to meet any significant unanticipated deposit withdrawal. A failure to maintain adequate liquidity could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Debt & Financing - Risk 10
If we fail to effectively manage credit risk, our business and financial condition will suffer.We must effectively manage credit risk. As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that our borrowers will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms, and that the collateral securing repayment of their loans, if any, may not be sufficient to ensure repayment. In addition, there are risks inherent in making any loan, including risks relating to proper loan underwriting, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions and risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers, including the risk that a borrower may not provide information to us about its business in a timely manner, and/or may present inaccurate or incomplete information to us, and risks relating to the value of collateral. In order to manage credit risk successfully, we must, among other things, maintain disciplined and prudent underwriting standards and ensure that our lenders follow those standards. The weakening of these standards for any reason, such as an attempt to attract higher yielding loans, a lack of discipline or diligence by our employees in underwriting and monitoring loans, the inability of our employees to adequately adapt policies and procedures to changes in economic or any other conditions affecting borrowers and the quality of our loan portfolio, may result in loan defaults, foreclosures and additional charge-offs and may necessitate that we significantly increase our allowance, each of which could adversely affect our net income.
Debt & Financing - Risk 11
Our business is subject to interest rate risk and fluctuations in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings, capital levels and overall results.The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature and, as a result, we are subject to significant risk from changes in interest rates, which may affect our net interest income as well as the valuation of our assets and liabilities. Our earnings depend significantly on our net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We expect to periodically experience "gaps" in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates move contrary to our position, this "gap" may work against us, and our earnings may be adversely affected.
When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly, or to a greater degree than interest-earning assets in a period, an increase in interest rates could reduce net interest income. Similarly, when interest-earning assets mature or reprice more quickly, or to a greater degree than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could reduce net interest income. Additionally, an increase in the general level of interest rates may also, among other things, adversely affect the demand for loans and our ability to originate loans and decrease loan prepayment rates or adversely affect our results of operations by reducing the ability of borrowers to make payments under their current adjustable-rate loan obligations. Conversely, a decrease in the general level of interest rates, among other things, may lead to prepayments on our loan and mortgage-backed securities portfolios and increased competition for deposits, potentially reducing our deposit base. Accordingly, changes in the general level of market interest rates may adversely affect our net yield on interest-earning assets, loan origination volume and our overall results.
Although our asset-liability management strategy is designed to control and mitigate exposure to the risks related to changes in the general level of market interest rates, those rates are affected by many factors outside of our control, including inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, international disorder, instability in domestic and foreign financial markets and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, particularly the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") of the Federal Reserve. Adverse changes in the U.S. monetary policy or in economic conditions could materially and adversely affect us. On January 31, 2025 the FOMC issued a statement that it decided to maintain short-term interest rates at a range of 4.25% to 4.50%, and it now projects just two interest rate cuts in 2025, compared to earlier projections for four rate cuts. We could experience net interest margin compression if our rates on our interest earning assets fail to increase in tandem with rates on our interest-bearing liabilities. We could experience net interest margin compression if our rates on our interest bearing liabilities fail to decrease in tandem with rates on our interest earning assets. See Impact of Inflation and Changing Interest Rates under Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Similarly, if short-term interest rates increase and long-term interest rates do not increase, or increase but at a slower rate, we could experience net interest margin compression as our rates on interest earning assets decline measured relative to rates on our interest-bearing liabilities. Any such occurrence could have a material adverse effect on our net interest income and on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to accurately predict the likelihood, nature and magnitude of changes in market interest rates or how and to what extent they may affect our business. We also may not be able to adequately prepare for or compensate for the consequences of such changes. Any failure to predict and prepare for changes in interest rates or adjust for the consequences of these changes may adversely affect our earnings and capital levels and overall results.
Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 2.0%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We may not be able to implement our growth strategy or manage costs effectively, resulting in lower earnings or profitability.Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 9/50 (18%)Below Sector Average
Regulation6 | 12.0%
Regulation - Risk 1
Our trust and investment management businesses are highly regulated.Regulation - Risk 2
The banking industry is heavily regulated and that regulation, together with any future legislation or regulatory changes, could limit or restrict our activities and adversely affect our operations or financial results.We operate in an extensively regulated industry and we are subject to examination, supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various federal and state agencies. The Company is subject to Federal Reserve regulations, and the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the FDIC and the NYDFS. Further, potential implementation by the current administration of a regulatory reform agenda may be significantly different from that of the prior administration, impacting the rule making, supervision, examination and enforcement of the banking regulation agencies and our ability to respond to those changes. Our compliance with banking regulations is costly and restricts some of our activities, including payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates and locations of offices. We are also subject to capitalization guidelines established by our regulators, which require us to maintain adequate capital to support our business. If, as a result of an exam, a banking agency were to determine that the financial condition, capital adequacy, asset quality, asset concentration, earnings prospects, management, liquidity sensitivity to market risk or other aspects of any of our operations has become unsatisfactory, or that we or our management are in violation of any law or regulation, the banking agency could take a number of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate.
Furthermore, our regulators also have the ability to compel us to take certain actions, or restrict us from taking certain actions entirely, such as actions that our regulators deem to constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice. Our failure to comply with any applicable laws or regulations, or regulatory policies and interpretations of such laws and regulations, could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies (such as a memorandum of understanding, a written supervisory agreement or a cease and desist order), civil money penalties or damage to our reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 3
Difficulties in obtaining regulatory approval for acquisitions and in combining the operations of acquired entities with the Company's own operations may prevent us from achieving the expected benefits from our acquisitions.The Company has expanded its business through a past acquisition and may do so again in the future. Our ability to complete acquisitions is in many instances subject to regulatory approval, and we cannot be certain when or if, or on what terms and conditions, any required regulatory approvals would be granted. In addition, inherent uncertainties exist when integrating the operations of an acquired entity, including in ability to fully achieve the Company's strategic objectives and planned operating efficiencies in an acquisition, disruption of the Company's business and diversion of management's time and attention and exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of acquired entities.
Regulation - Risk 4
Our ability to pay dividends is subject to regulatory limitations and the Bank's ability to pay dividends to us is also subject to regulatory limitations.The Company is a bank holding company that conducts substantially all of its operations through the Bank. As a result, our ability to make dividend payments on our common stock depends primarily on certain federal regulatory considerations and the receipt of dividends and other distributions from the Bank. As is the case with all financial institutions, the profitability of the Bank is subject to the fluctuating cost and availability of money, changes in interest rates, and in economic conditions in general.
Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such cash dividends as our Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we currently expect to continue to pay quarterly dividends, any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made by our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors. Any actual determination relating to our dividend policy and the declaration of future dividends will be made, subject to applicable law and regulatory approvals, by our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including: (i) our historical and projected financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, (ii) our capital levels and needs, (iii) tax considerations, (iv) any acquisitions or potential acquisitions that we may examine, (v) statutory and regulatory prohibitions and other limitations, (vi) the terms of any credit agreements or other borrowing arrangements that restrict our ability to pay cash dividends, (vii) general economic conditions and (viii) other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may determine not to pay any cash dividends at any time. There can be no assurance that we will pay any dividends to holders of our common stock, or as to the amount of any such dividends. For more information, see "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities-Dividend Policy."
Regulation - Risk 5
We are subject to the Community Reinvestment Act and federal and state fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.The Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA"), the ECOA and the FHA impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The FDIC, the NYDFS, the Department of Justice, and other federal and state agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. In October 2023, the FDIC, the FRB and the OCC jointly adopted final regulations for modernizing and implementing the CRA, which became effective on April 1, 2024, with a multi-year phase-in. These regulations create a complex regulatory scheme that will impact how the Bank's compliance with the CRA is evaluated and that will increase its compliance obligations, unless the regulations are successfully challenged in court. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution's performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. A successful challenge to our performance under the fair lending laws and regulations could adversely impact our rating under the CRA and result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on merger and acquisitions and expansion activity, which could negatively impact our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 6
We face a risk of noncompliance with the BSA and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations and corresponding enforcement proceedings.The BSA, the PATRIOT Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain effective anti-money laundering programs, and to file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. FinCEN, established by the U.S. Treasury Department to administer the BSA, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS. There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Federal and state bank regulators also focus on compliance with BSA and anti-money laundering regulations. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient or the policies, procedures and systems of the financial institutions that we may acquire are deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines, and regulatory actions such as restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and engage in acquisitions, which would negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. In recent years, sanctions that the regulators have imposed on banks that have not complied with all requirements have been especially severe. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities3 | 6.0%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
From time to time we are, or may become, involved in suits, legal proceedings, information-gatherings, investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies that may lead to adverse consequences.Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
Our financial condition may be affected negatively by the costs of litigation.In difficult market conditions, the volume of claims and amount of damages sought in litigation and investigations against financial institutions have historically increased. We may be involved from time to time in a variety of litigation, investigations or similar matters arising out of our business. In many cases, we may seek reimbursement from our insurance carriers to cover such costs and expenses. Our insurance may not cover all claims that may be asserted against us, and any claims asserted against us, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, may harm our reputation. Should the ultimate judgments or settlements in any litigation or investigation significantly exceed our insurance coverage, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to obtain appropriate types or levels of insurance in the future, nor may we be able to obtain adequate replacement policies with acceptable terms, if at all.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3
We are exposed to litigation and compliance risks related to our Socially Responsible Banking business model.We may become the target of public criticism, litigation and enforcement actions because of our ESG products and our social responsibility mission. For example, boycott regulations target financial institutions that will not lend or have made statements about not lending to certain industries. They prohibit a state from doing business with such institutions and/or from investing the state's assets, including pension-plan assets, through such institutions. Boycott regulations affect financial institutions with investment policies that exclude or reduce exposure to fossil-fuel-producing energy companies or with restrictions in place for sensitive industries such as mining, timber production, or firearms manufacturing - particularly if these industries are economically important to the state.
There has been a significant rise in climate-related probes and litigation, including greenwashing claims, against banks. "Greenwashing" involves a business making misleading sustainability-related claims to investors or consumers, usually to boost its reputation and bottom line. Furthermore, ESG products in the banking and financial services sectors have become subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny for potentially misleading claims and poor controls. Allegations that our ESG products contain claims that have misled investors or consumers, or that the claims are subject to poor controls, even if ultimately unfounded, may fundamentally damage our reputation and our financial performance.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 6/50 (12%)Above Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 2.0%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
New lines of business, products, product enhancements or services may subject us to additional risks.Cyber Security1 | 2.0%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
A breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors and other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks, could disrupt our businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs and cause losses.Technology4 | 8.0%
Technology - Risk 1
We must respond to rapid technological changes, and these changes may be more difficult or expensive than anticipated.Technology - Risk 2
We depend on information technology and telecommunications systems of third-party servicers, and systems failures, interruptions or breaches of security involving these systems could have an adverse effect on our operations, financial condition and results of operations.Our business is highly dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems, third-party servicers' accounting systems and mobile and online banking platforms. We outsource many of our major systems, such as data processing, loan servicing, item/payment processing systems, and online banking platforms. The failure of these systems, or the termination of a third-party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations. Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions. If sustained or repeated, a system failure or service denial could result in a deterioration of our ability to process new and renewal loans or to gather deposits and provide customer service and it could compromise our ability to operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of business and subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, failure of third parties to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or fraud, misconduct, or material errors on the part of our employees or employees of any of these third parties could disrupt our operations or adversely affect our reputation.
It may be difficult for us to replace some of our third-party vendors, particularly vendors providing our core banking, debit card services and information services, in a timely manner if they are unwilling or unable to provide us with these services in the future for any reason and even if we are able to replace them, it may be at higher cost or result in the loss of customers. Any such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In November 2021, federal bank regulators issued a joint final rule to establish computer-security incident notification requirements for banking organizations and their bank service providers. The rule requires FDIC-supervised banks to report certain incidents to their case manager and also requires covered bank service providers to promptly notify their FDIC-supervised bank customer when the service provider determines that it has experienced a notification incident.
As a result of financial entities and technology systems becoming more interdependent and complex, a cyber incident, information breach or loss, or technology failure that compromises the systems or data of one or more financial entities could have a material impact on counterparties or other market participants, including ourselves. Although we review business continuity and backup plans for our vendors and take other safeguards to support our operations, such plans or safeguards may be inadequate. As a result of the foregoing, our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by any significant disruptions to us or to third parties with whom we interact.
Technology - Risk 3
Our information technology systems may be subject to failure or interruption.Our operational risks include the risk of errors relating to transaction processing and technology, systems failures or interruptions, and failures of business continuation and disaster recovery plans. While we have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of system failures and interruptions, there can be no assurance that such events will not occur or will be adequately addressed if they do.
In the event of a breakdown in our internal control systems, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions , including if confidential or proprietary information were to be mishandled, misused or lost, we could suffer financial loss, loss of customers and damage to our reputation, and face regulatory action or civil litigation. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Insurance coverage may not be available for such losses, or where available, such losses may exceed insurance limits.
Technology - Risk 4
We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties.In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions, and in evaluating and monitoring our loan and lease portfolio on an ongoing basis, we may rely on information furnished by or on behalf of customers and counterparties, including financial statements, credit reports and other financial information. We may also rely on representations of those customers or counterparties or of other third parties, such as independent auditors, as to the accuracy and completeness of that information. Reliance on inaccurate, incomplete, fraudulent or misleading financial statements, credit reports or other financial or business information, or the failure to receive such information on a timely basis, could result in credit losses, reputational damage or other effects that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Production
Total Risks: 5/50 (10%)Above Sector Average
Employment / Personnel4 | 8.0%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Our social responsibility positions may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
Our business could suffer if we experience employee work stoppages, union campaigns or other labor difficulties, and efforts by labor unions could divert management attention and adversely affect operating results.As of December 31, 2024, we had 429 employees, of which approximately 21% are represented by collective bargaining agreements or an employee union. Although we believe that our relationship with our employees is good, and we have not experienced any material work stoppages, work stoppages may occur in the future. Union activities also may significantly increase our labor costs, disrupt our operations and limit our operational flexibility. From time to time, we are subject to unfair labor practice charges, complaints and other legal, administrative and arbitration proceedings initiated against us by unions, the National Labor Relations Board or our employees, which could negatively impact our operating results. In addition, negotiating collective bargaining agreements could divert management attention, which could also adversely affect operating results. On November 29, 2024, we entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with OPEIU, which (i) extended the term of the agreement to June 30, 2026, (ii) provided for a 3.5% wage increase per annum for the term of the agreement, and (iii) made certain modifications to reflect improved terms, inclusive of a healthcare reimbursement account.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 3
We depend on our executive officers and other key employees, and our ability to attract additional key personnel, to continue the implementation of our long-term business strategy, and we could be harmed by the unexpected loss of their services.We believe that our continued growth and future success will depend in large part on the skills of our executive officers and other key employees and our ability to motivate and retain these individuals, as well as our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified senior and middle management and other skilled employees. Competition for employees is intense, and the process of locating key personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to execute our business strategy may be lengthy. If the services of any of our of key personnel should become unavailable for any reason, we may not be able to identify and hire qualified persons on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and future prospects. We may not be successful in retaining our key personnel, and the unexpected loss of services of one or more of our key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business because of their skill, customer relationships, knowledge of our markets, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel. Leadership transitions can be inherently difficult to manage, and inadequate transitions may cause disruptions to our business due to, among other things, diverting management's attention or causing a deterioration in morale.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 4
We participate in a multi-employer non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for both our unionized and non-unionized employees, which could subject us to substantial cash funding requirements in the future.We are required to make contributions to the Consolidated Retirement Fund, a multi-employer pension plan that covers both our unionized and non-unionized employees. Our multi-employer pension plan expense totaled $7.6 million in 2024. Our obligations may be impacted by the funding status of the plan, the plan's investment performance, changes in the participant demographics, financial stability of contributing employers and changes in actuarial assumptions. In addition, if a participating employer becomes insolvent and ceases to contribute to a multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligation of the plan will be borne by the remaining participating employers. Under current law, an employer that withdraws or partially withdraws from a multi-employer pension plan may incur withdrawal liability to the plan. If, in the future, we choose to withdraw from this multi-employer pension plan, we will likely need to record significant withdrawal liabilities, which could negatively impact our financial performance in the applicable periods.
Supply Chain1 | 2.0%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
Our third party relationships could expose us to operational and regulatory risks.Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 5/50 (10%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 2.0%
Competition - Risk 1
We face strong competition from other banks and financial institutions and other wealth and investment management firms that could hurt our business.Demand2 | 4.0%
Demand - Risk 1
Our operations and clients are concentrated in large metropolitan areas.Demand - Risk 2
We are subject to risk arising from conditions in the commercial real estate market.As of December 31, 2024, commercial real estate mortgage loans comprised approximately 8.8% of our loan portfolio. Commercial real estate mortgage loans generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than residential real estate mortgage loans because they typically have larger balances and are more affected by adverse conditions in the economy. Because payments on loans secured by commercial real estate often depend upon the successful operation and management of the properties and the businesses which operate from within them, repayment of such loans may be affected by factors outside the borrower's control, such as adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy, including interest rate fluctuations, or changes in government regulations. In recent years, commercial real estate markets have been impacted by entrenched work-from-home expectations which could affect the long-term performance of some types of office properties within our commercial real estate portfolio. Accordingly, the federal banking regulatory agencies have expressed concerns about weaknesses in the current commercial real estate market. Failures in our risk management policies, procedures and controls could adversely affect our ability to manage this portfolio going forward and could result in an increased rate of delinquencies in, and increased losses from, this portfolio, which, accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Sales & Marketing1 | 2.0%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
We are at risk of increased losses from fraud.Brand / Reputation1 | 2.0%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
Our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business, including our ability to attract and retain customers, and failure to do so may materially adversely affect our performance.Macro & Political
Total Risks: 5/50 (10%)Above Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment4 | 8.0%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Our business may be adversely affected by economic conditions.Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Fiscal challenges facing the U.S. government could negatively impact the value of investments in GSEs and the financial markets, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.Fiscal challenges facing the U.S. government, such as the downgrade of the sovereign credit ratings of the U.S. by Fitch Ratings, could have an adverse impact on value of investments in GSEs and on the financial markets, interest rates and economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide. Federal budget deficit concerns and the potential for political conflict over legislation to fund U.S. government operations and raise the U.S. government's debt limit may increase the possibility of a default by the U.S. government on its debt obligations, additional related credit-rating downgrades, or an economic recession in the U.S. A significant portion of our securities portfolio is invested in GSE securities. As a result of uncertain domestic political conditions, including potential future federal government shutdowns or the possibility of the federal government defaulting on its obligations for a period of time, investments in financial instruments issued or guaranteed by the federal government pose liquidity and credit risks.
A debt default or further downgrades to the U.S. government's sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could also adversely affect the ability of the U.S. government to support the financial stability of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the FHLBNY, with which we do business and in whose securities we invest.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
Changes in U.S. trade policies and other global political factors beyond our control, including the imposition of tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, or other sanctions, may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.There have been, and may be in the future, changes with respect to U.S. and international trade policies, legislation, treaties and tariffs, embargoes, sanctions and other trade restrictions. Tariffs, retaliatory tariffs or other trade restrictions on products and materials that customers import or export, or a trade war or other related governmental actions related to tariffs, international trade agreements or policies or other trade restrictions have the potential to negatively impact our customers' costs, demand for their products, or the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. The U.S. recently has threatened or imposed tariffs on imports including aluminum, steel, and energy products from major trading partners including China, Mexico and Canada. In response, these trading partners have threatened or imposed retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. imports and announced investigations into U.S.-based companies. Disputes over trade, flows of undocumented immigrants, fentanyl, Taiwanese independence and China's expanding military presence may result in additional tariffs, sanctions and trade restrictions. As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has imposed material financial and economic sanctions and export controls against certain Russian organizations and/or individuals, with similar actions either implemented or planned by the European Union ("EU") and the U.K. and other jurisdictions. Additionally, an armed conflict involving Hamas and Israel, as well as further escalation of tensions between Israel and various countries in the Middle East and North Africa, may cause additional detrimental effects on the global economy, including capital markets. To the extent changes in the global political environment have a negative impact on us or on the markets in which we operate, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 4
Our trust and investment management business may be negatively impacted by changes in economic and market conditions and clients may seek legal remedies for investment performance.Our trust and investment management business may be negatively impacted by changes in general economic and market conditions because the performance of this business is directly affected by conditions in the financial and securities markets. The financial markets and businesses operating in the securities industry are highly volatile (meaning that performance results can vary greatly within short periods of time) and are directly affected by, among other factors, domestic and foreign economic conditions and general trends in business and finance, and by the threat, as well as the occurrence of global conflicts, all of which are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that broad market performance will be favorable in the future. Declines in the financial markets or a lack of sustained growth may result in a decline in the performance of our investment management business and may adversely affect the market value and performance of the investment securities that we manage, which could lead to reductions in our investment management fees, because they are based primarily on the market value of the securities we manage, and could lead some of our clients to reduce their assets under our management or seek legal remedies for investment performance. If any of these events occur, the financial performance of our trust and investment management business could be materially and adversely affected.
Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 2.0%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Climate related disasters may have an effect on the performance of our business operations and asset quality which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.