Amalgamated Financial Corp. Commits Additional $85 Million to Finance R-PACE Assessments

Rhea-AI Summary

Amalgamated Financial Corp. announced an additional $85 million investment to fund Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (R-PACE) assessments through its partnership with Home Run Finance. As of March 31, 2024, the company has funded over 21,000 R-PACE assessments, with a total book value surpassing $1.1 billion for both commercial and residential PACE assessments. This initiative aims to address environmental sustainability and improve access to affordable home improvement financing in markets like California, Florida, and Missouri.

Positive

• Additional $85 million investment in R-PACE assessments.
• Over 21,000 R-PACE assessments funded to date.
• Total book value of PACE assessments exceeds $1.1 billion.
• Focus on environmental sustainability and affordable home improvement financing.
• Expanded partnership with Home Run Finance.

Negative

• High exposure to specific markets like California, Florida, and Missouri could pose regional risk.
• Heavy reliance on the success of PACE assessments for business growth.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The additional commitment of $85 million by Amalgamated Financial Corp. to finance Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (R-PACE) assessments indicates a significant strategic investment in the green financing sector. This move signals the company's long-term confidence in the sustainability and profitability of R-PACE as a financial product. The expansion of funding to over 21,000 assessments is notable, demonstrating Amalgamated's substantial footprint in this niche market.

From a financial perspective, the average assessment size of $23,000 and loan-to-value ratio of 9.1% suggest a well-controlled risk profile. The book value surpassing $1.1 billion exhibits robust portfolio growth. However, investors should monitor the geographic concentration in California, Florida and Missouri, as regional economic conditions and property market fluctuations could impact the performance of these assessments.

Short-term benefits include the potential for increased interest income and a strengthened reputation in sustainable finance. Long-term, the company could see enhanced portfolio diversification and resilience if the R-PACE market continues to grow. However, investors should be aware of regulatory risks and market acceptability, which could influence the future performance of R-PACE investments.

Market Research Analyst

The extension of Amalgamated Financial Corp.'s commitment to R-PACE assessments through Home Run Finance focuses on an emerging market for green financing. This move leverages growing consumer demand for energy-efficient home improvements and aligns with broader trends towards environmental sustainability. The R-PACE program's structure, allowing repayment through property taxes, provides an accessible and manageable finance option for homeowners, which could fuel further adoption.

Understanding the average assessment size and the loan-to-value ratio is important for assessing market penetration and customer demographics. With an average assessment size of $23,000 and a low loan-to-value ratio, the program appears to cater to middle-income homeowners seeking manageable financing for significant home improvements. This could position Amalgamated as a leader in a fast-growing sector with solid demand fundamentals.

This strategic expansion enhances Amalgamated's market position and brand as a socially responsible financier, potentially attracting ESG-conscious investors. However, broader industry trends and economic conditions in key states will be critical to observe. The sustainability of demand and regulatory supports will shape the long-term success of this initiative.

NEW YORK, May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amalgamated Financial Corp. (“Amalgamated” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AMAL) announced that the Company has extended its commitment to invest in Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (“R-PACE”) assessments through its ongoing partnership with Home Run Finance (“HRF”). Amalgamated’s commitment provides an additional $85 million of capital to fund R-PACE assessments originated by HRF.

Priscilla Sims Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to extend our commitment to invest in R-PACE financial solutions. As concerns about environmental sustainability and access to affordable home improvement financing continue to mount, we are proud to expand our partnership with Home Run Finance and lead by example within the R-PACE industry.”

PACE financing is a form of voluntary tax assessment that property owners can use to finance 100% of eligible energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resiliency improvements. PACE provides homeowners with long term, fixed-rate financing that is repaid along with the property’s real estate taxes. To date, Amalgamated has funded over 21,000 assessments originated by HRF, all of which are senior to the residential mortgages attached to the homes. The book value of all PACE assessments, including Commercial and Residential, surpassed $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2024, with Residential borrowers' homes spread across the California, Florida, and Missouri markets with an average assessment size of $23,000 and a loan to value of 9.1%.

About Amalgamated Financial Corp.

Amalgamated Financial Corp. is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amalgamated Bank. Amalgamated Bank is a New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of five branches across New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, and a commercial office in Boston. Amalgamated Bank was formed in 1923 as Amalgamated Bank of New York by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, one of the country’s oldest labor unions. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Amalgamated Bank is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and is a certified B Corporation^®. As of March 31, 2024, our total assets were $8.1 billion, total net loans were $4.4 billion, and total deposits were $7.3 billion. Additionally, as of March 31, 2024, our trust business held $35.0 billion in assets under custody and $13.9 billion in assets under management.

Investor Contact:
Jamie Lillis
Solebury Strategic Communications
shareholderrelations@amalgamatedbank.com
800-895-4172

Source: Amalgamated Financial Corp.

FAQ

What is the recent investment by Amalgamated Financial Corp. in R-PACE assessments?

Amalgamated Financial Corp. has committed an additional $85 million to fund R-PACE assessments.

How many R-PACE assessments has Amalgamated funded?

Amalgamated has funded over 21,000 R-PACE assessments.

What is the total book value of PACE assessments funded by Amalgamated?

The total book value of PACE assessments funded by Amalgamated exceeds $1.1 billion.

Which markets are targeted by Amalgamated's R-PACE assessments?

Amalgamated's R-PACE assessments target markets in California, Florida, and Missouri.

What is the average size of an R-PACE assessment funded by Amalgamated?

The average size of an R-PACE assessment funded by Amalgamated is $23,000.