PEAPACK GLADSTONE FINANCIAL CORP 8-K

What Happened

• Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp. filed an 8-K on April 30, 2026 reporting results of its Annual Meeting held April 29, 2026. Holders of 17,570,625 shares were entitled to vote.
• All 13 director nominees were elected to one‑year terms (expiring 2027). "For" votes for directors ranged from 12,950,059 to 13,209,389; broker non‑votes totaled 1,779,667.
• Shareholders held an advisory (non‑binding) "say‑on‑pay" vote approving the compensation of named executive officers: 9,461,722 For, 4,005,485 Against, 80,412 Abstain (1,779,667 broker non‑votes).
• Crowe LLP was ratified as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2026 by a large majority: 15,150,537 For, 168,987 Against, 7,762 Abstain.
• The company furnished slides used at the Annual Meeting as Exhibit 99.1 and stated it is not undertaking to update that presentation.

Key Details

• Record date/eligible voters: 17,570,625 shares.
• Director elections: 13 directors elected; individual "For" votes between ~12.95M and ~13.21M; broker non‑votes = 1,779,667.
• Advisory say‑on‑pay: 9,461,722 For; 4,005,485 Against (≈30% of votes cast were against); 80,412 Abstain.
• Auditor ratification: Crowe LLP approved with ~15.15M For, ~169K Against.

Why It Matters

• Board continuity: Re‑electing all 13 nominees maintains the current board and governance direction through 2027.
• Investor feedback on pay: The advisory say‑on‑pay passed, but substantial opposition (~30% of votes cast) is a clear shareholder signal about executive compensation that the company and board can observe; the vote is non‑binding and does not itself change pay arrangements.
• Auditor stability: Ratification of Crowe LLP secures the company's independent auditor for fiscal 2026, which matters for financial reporting and audit continuity.
• No earnings, executive departures, mergers, or financial results were disclosed in this filing; the 8‑K focuses on governance and meeting materials (slides furnished as Exhibit 99.1).